JAN. 2008 - The Rainbow Times

RainbowTimesTheYour LGBT News in Western MA, the Capital District of NY, Northern CT, & Southern VTNY Lesbian Notions: Movingbeyond 2007’s top storiesp. 22Year 1, Vol. 19 • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008www.therainbowtimesnews.comFREE!Smooth Movers: OurFeatured Biz out of MA!p. 7COLTON FORD:OUR EXCLUSIVEinterviewp. 62008 PRESIDENTAL CANDIDATES’POSITIONS on the ISSUESp. 12BEST and WORST LGBTNEWS 2007p. 3TALKING ABOUT GLBTISSUES IN SCHOOLSp. 11NEW ENGLANDTRANS PRIDE MARCHand PLANNINGp. 17Photo by: Joe OppedisanoNOHO PRIDE SEEKSLOCAL ENTERTAINMENTp. 8

THE BEST1.) The New York Times Spotlights theStruggle Against Anti-LGBT Hostility inNewark.In the New York region, media coverage ofthe LGBT community often focuses onManhattan and other affluent areas wheremany gay people can seek out acceptingcommunities. In a much-needed wake-upcall, New York Times reporter AndrewJacobs opened readers' eyes to the intensehomophobia that continues to pervadeNewark, New Jersey. In his Dec. 2 article "Ina Progressive State, a City Where Gay LifeHangs By a Thread," Jacobs detailed thephysical violence, the lack of communityresources and the police hostility that LGBTpeople must face on a daily basis in Newark.More importantly, Jacobs took time to sensitivelyshowcase the efforts of LGBT Newarkresidents to live openly in the face of violenceand harassment. Jacobs made it clearthat much more education and activism isneeded before LGBT people in Newark canlive openly without fear. This sobering realitywas underscored by the article's conclusion,which featured a quote from WillieHarden, a homeless gay man. Hardenexplained, "It sounds crazy, but one day I'dlike to walk down the street holding myboyfriend's hand with nobody saying onebad word."Read the story:http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/02/nyregion/02newark.html?ref=todayspaperTake action:GLAAD encourages you to contactAndrew Jacobs and The New York Times tothank them for addressing the continuingproblem of anti-LGBT violence and harassmentin American cities.Contact: letters@nytimes.com2. The Denver Post Shares the Rich Storiesof LGBT EldersToo often, journalists overlook the storiesof the thousands of LGBT seniors who continueto seek acceptance and community.Luckily, Denver Post reporter Lisa Kennedyfound an occasion to address this topic bypenning an exceptionally rich and engagingstory about the residents of RainbowVisionSanta Fe, one of the first planned enclavesfor aging LGBT people. Weaving a remarkablyin-depth discussion of gay history into atour of the facilities and inhabitants ofRainbowVision, Kennedy's Nov. 25 story"Living Out The Golden Years" revealed thatmany LGBT elders are still hesitant to comeout to their heterosexual peers because theygrew up in an era when LGBT people lackedpositive representations in education and inthe media. Kennedy concluded that LGBTinclusiveretirement communities have finallyprovided gay seniors with an environmentwhere they can be open and where they canshare their histories with others. "Peoplewho have been isolated for years are cominghere," said RainbowVision Vice PresidentJoyce Bogosian. "We have people who arejust coming out."Read the story:http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_7550872Take action:GLAAD encourages you to contact LisaKennedy and thank her for thoughtfullyspotlighting the lives of LGBT elders.Contact: lkennedy@denverpost.com3. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram EducatesReaders About LGBT Lives Affected byWorkplace DiscriminationWhen the House of Representatives passedthe Employment Non-Discrimination Act(ENDA) in a historic vote in November,many media outlets covered the story byquoting lawmakers and non-profit spokespeople.The Fort Worth Star-Telegram wentfurther by telling the stories of LGBT peopleaffected by workplace discrimination andrevealing the importance of ENDA to theirlivelihoods. In the Dec. 4 article "WorkplaceMeasure Faces Tough Road," Star-Telegramreporter Anna M. Tinsley told the story ofFort Worth resident Lynn Johnson, who hadbeen fired for being openly gay and whonow works for a company with a non-discriminationpolicy. "There are some peoplewhose occupations don't have that comfort,"Johnson explained. "Someone could walk inwww.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • 3today to them and say, 'You're gay...and wedon't want you here anymore,' and there's nota leg to stand on for it." Additionally, Tinsleyexplored the consequences of the removal ofgender identity protections from ENDA byinterviewing Rochelle Evans, a young transgenderwoman facing workplace discrimination.By giving a human face to the debatessurrounding ENDA, Tinsley educated readersabout the significance of this legislationto thousands of lives.Read the story:http://origin.dfw.com/mld/dfw/18077467.htmTake action:GLAAD encourages you to contact AnnaM. Tinsley and thank her for sharing the storiesof LGBT people impacted by workplacediscrimination.Contact: atinsley@star-telegram.comTHE WORSTFox News's Hannity & Colmes LackBalance in Boy Scouts StoryTelevision debate programs can serve asperfect forums for people on both sides of anissue to argue their case. Fox News' Hannity& Colmes failed to provide this kind of balanceon a Nov. 20 segment about the City ofPhiladelphia's demand that its chapter of theBoy Scouts end its policy of anti-gay discriminationor else lose its city-subsidizedMore Opinions & NewsGLAAD’s best and worst of national news 2007TRTRemember,you saw ithere first!Biz Feature Story? Showcaseyour business in TRT (p. 7).To feature your business, simplycall our newsline in MA &CT: 413-204-8959In NY, please call:518-391-2617building. In addressing this story, co-hostSean Hannity quickly took sides by assertingthat the Boy Scouts “talk about God, faith,family, and country. And that’s their views,and they’re keeping kids out of trouble. Whywould people just get involved to try and justdestroy the organization?” While the programfeatured two Boy Scouts representativesto defend their organization, it failed toinclude a guest who could illustrate the harmcaused by the Scouts' policy of barring orremoving gay scouts who want to be openand proud about who they are. Though cohostAlan Colmes briefly argued against thecity's financial support of the Boy Scouts,this unbalanced program lacked any discussionabout the message that this nationalorganization's policy of anti-gay discriminationsends to young people across the country.Read the transcript:http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,312425,00.htmlTake action:GLAAD encourages you to contactHannity & Colmes with your views abouttheir unbalanced coverage of the Boy Scoutsissue.Contact:E-mail hannity@foxnews.com or e-mailcolmes@foxnews.com

4 • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comIn ‘The Name of God’Church leaders at odds over gay marriage, unite against gamblingBy Jay Lindsay/AP WriterBOSTON (AP)—Religious leaders whotook opposing sides in the state’s turbulentgay marriage debate have found something tobring them together again: Casino gambling.Gov. Deval Patrick’s proposal to bring threecasinos to Massachusetts has united religiousgroups who were once entrenched foes. It wasjust six months ago that one of the toughestgay marriage battles—over a ballot questionthat would have banned the marriages—ended when lawmakers killed the question.“You would like nothing better than to holdgrudges. But in government you can’t dothat,” said Kris Mineau of the MassachusettsFamily Institute, a leading anti-gay marriagelobbying group whose mission statement saysits committed to affirming the Judeo-Christian values.“They’ve extended the right hand of fellowshipto me, and likewise, and we’re movingon,” Mineau said.Mineau already has worked closely withpastors who disagreed with him on gay marriage,speaking at two Massachusetts Councilof Churches forums this month to educateclergy on how to fight expanded gambling.The council’s recent newsletter also broughttogether two leaders who disagreed on gaymarriage in jointly written column againstcasino gambling.The Rev. Aida Fernandez leads the MetroBoston Hope District of the United MethodistChurch and believes allowing gay marriage isa “matter of justice and compassion.” AndBishop Gilbert Thompson, senior pastor atJubilee Christian Church in Boston , opposesgay marriage and has said, “to say there issuch a thing as a gay Christian is sayingthere’s an honest thief.”They found common ground in fighting tokeep casinos out of state. Fernandez said theirdifferences on gay marriage are irrelevant.“He is entitled to his opinion,” she said.“That’s the way he thinks and I leave him toGod.”Patrick’s proposal would bring one casinoeach to the western, southeastern, and Bostonregions of the state. He says the casinos wouldTRT from page 2We added the daring page "In the Name ofGod" to showcase the lengths into which peoplego to "do" things to others "in the name ofGod." Also, our Featured Business Page, featuresLGBT-owned businesses and what theyso "proudly" offer to our community, our familiesand allies.From a business standpoint, TRT wasNorthampton's Pride 2007 Main Sponsor andthe maker of the Northampton Pride Guide.TRT was also one of the main media sponsorsof Hartford Pride '07 and the maker ofHartford Pride's 2007 Guide. This year wealso sponsored The Rays of Hope, to join inthe fight against Breast Cancer.The original bi-weekly newspaper became amonthly by the Fall of 2007 (due to increaseddemand for more news and content). We alsoincreased TRT's number of pages to 24 andgenerate 20,000 jobs and $400 million inannual revenue.But clergy say the price is too high. Theirstand isn’t based on moral objections to gamblingwhich aren’t shared by all faiths, includinga Catholic church that reaps significantprofits from bingo games.Instead, clergy say a huge expansion ofgambling will lead to a spike in addictionwhich will hit the poor hardest becausethey’re most likely to gamble to escape financialstrain. They predict statewide increases innumerous social ills, including personal bankruptcy,spousal abuse, divorce, desertion andcrime.The shared opposition to casino gamblinghas something in common with the sharp differencesover gay marriage because it’s allrooted in what clergy think is best for families,said Rev. William Bradbury, pastor ofGrace Episcopal Church in New Bedford.“There’s a common thread there,” saidBradbury, who supports gay marriage. “Wejust both look at the gay marriage issue fromdifferent perspectives.”Bradbury was among several Episcopalianclergy from southeastern Massachusetts —where a casino is proposed in Middleborough—who sponsored an anti-casino resolutionthat passed the Convention of the Diocese ofMassachusetts last month. The convention,made up of lay people and clergy, declared its“opposition to any further expansion of gamblingin the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”The Episcopal Diocese is part of theMassachusetts Council of Churches, an ecumenicalgroup which has taken a lead inorganizing the anti-casinos push.Executive Director Rev. Jack Johnson saidmore pastors forums are planned. Meanwhile,its Web site offers sample sermons, bulletininserts and tips on writing state legislators aspart of a coming push to engage local congregationsin grassroots opposition.The Catholic Church, by far the state’slargest church, has so far said little in oppositionto Patrick’s plan, which House speakerSal DiMasi said lawmakers won’t formallyconsider until sometime next year. EdwardSaunders of the Massachusetts CatholicConference said to expect the church to stepup efforts once that date gets closer.“Timing is all part of this,” he said.Johnson said religious groups and secularcasino opponents will be far outspent by casinoadvocates. But he said a united religiouscommunity can be a formidable force in thecoming debate.“I mean, we have thousands of churches,”he said.Such unity is rare on a volatile social issues,and can be short-lived.“There will be another day for the marriageagenda,” Mineau of the Massachusetts FamilyInstitute promised. “That’s not over yet.”expanded its coverage to the Capital Districtof NY (Albany, Schenectady & Troy), thusmaking it a 4-state (MA, CT & VT) LGBTQInewspaper printed out of WesternMassachusetts. TRT is also now proudlyworking with Albany Pride to sponsor thiswonderful week-long Pride celebration in '08.From Albany too we also proudly support,and continually showcase Libby Post'sthought-provoking column Lesbian Notions.Most importantly, our commitment toalways remain vigilant to disseminate theLGBTQI news that matters to you is a continuouspromise that we will continue to renewin this upcoming year. We have publishedLGBT news throughout the year, and we willcontinue to do so in the years to come.We cannot thank you enough for your support!We could not keep doing it without yourfaith in us, and without your loyalty. HappyHolidays and enjoy your New Year!

www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • 5

6 • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comQueer Cover NewsColton Ford: Feel the differenceBy: Michael A. Knipp*orn is a hard act to follow. Literally. ButPformer skin-flick actor Colton Ford,whose foray into filmed fornication gainedhim underground notoriety in 2002, is tryingto put his penis-bearing past behind him.Two years ago he allowed cameras to followhis transition from porn star to pop star inthe documentary film "Naked Fame." Andnext year, the fruit of that years-long laborwill come to fruition as Ford prepares to drophis debut album, Tug of War, a glistening, gutter-richrelease that gives his chops a shot atprofessional redemption.The question is, will anyone accept his shiftfrom tight-abed top to talented troubadour?Or will the cocksure crooner forever be thewell-hung hunk who played "Head Games"?In a recent interview, Ford attempts tountangle that tawdry web—in anticipation ofTug of War's February release—by detailinghow he became an adult-film A-lister, the reasonhe has no regrets, why his new careermakes perfect sense, and why he thinks youshould bank on him.Because, if all goes well, there truly won'tbe a check his a%% can't cash.Michael A. Knipp: There's no point in beatingaround the bush, so let's get right to it.Before you embarked on your new career as arecording artist you were a porn star. How didyou fall into that career?JUSTICE OF THE PEACE SERVING LGBTQ COUPLESColton Ford: First, let me clarify something.I've been a recording artist for about 25 years,and I've been performing and making musicall of my life. I did porn for 10 months. WhatI'm doing now with my music is a continuationof a long journey for me. The opportunityto do porn came to me six years agothrough my partner at the time, Blake Harper.MK: How old were you when you startedmaking adult films? What were you doingbefore you turned to porn? Why did youdecide to go that route?CF: I was 39 when I did porn. Before that, Iwas in a jazz quartet, had two major labeldeals, was signed to Denise Rich, paired upwith Frankie Knuckles, basically just doingmy musical thing. In between my deals, I hada corporate job. The corporate experience wasalways a means to an end, and it had to end.An opportunity to do porn came to methrough my partner at the time, and afterthinking about it I decided to go for it. Itenabled me to get out of corporate America,experience a fantasy with my partner and createColton Ford, which I've used to drawattention to my other endeavors.MK: What was it like filming sex and gettingpaid for it? Did it demean your intimateencounters in any way?CF: It was work. Sure, there were momentsof pleasure, but the priority was to get theshots needed for the scene. Very mechanical.THE HONORABLEJ. MARY SORRELLA MEMBER OF OUR TRIBEJM the JPHave you met theLOVE of YOUR LIFE?All couples, odd and beautiful, deserveto be recognized.My commitment is to serve each andevery couple to meet your unique needs,from simple to large weddings (and everythingin between).Secular, spiritual, inter-faith, and couples I have not yet imagined shouldcall me! Peace, JMAlso serving heterosexual couples. “Some of my best friends ...”413.427.4153 • email: jm@jmthejp.com]Colton FordAs for getting paid for it, I wouldn't have doneit otherwise. It in no way demeaned anythingin my mind, but it does require that you diligentlyseparate the whole porn thing fromyour every day experience.MK: Did you ever feel morally bankrupt?How did your family take it when the firstfilm came out?CF: For me, the whole preoccupation withthe porn experience is kind of funny. I mean itis what it is, and [it] has the weight that yougive it. I would feel morally bankrupt if I wassomewhere shooting at people, you knowwhat I mean? This is just consensual sex.Everyone does it, and some people share itwith others. It's that simple. My family hasbeen cool. They know who I am and recognizethat the experience didn't change me.MK: Any regrets?CF: No regrets. It was a very unique experienceand adventure.MK: With that behind you, now you're breakingout as a pop artist. You've been performingmusic on and off for 25 years, but whynow did you want to leave the adult industryand pursue a music career?CF: My musical endeavors have been a constantin my life. I got everything out of myporn experience that I was going to get, sowhen it was time for me to move on, it wastime for me to move on. It just so happenedthat things started opening up again with mymusic right around the time I was getting outof the adult industry.MK: How is it going for you so far?CF: It's going great! Things are really startingto move now that we are getting closer to therelease of the album. The business of musicis, by its nature, unstable and out of control. Ijust try to stay focused on the things that I cancontrol and enjoy all that is happening now.MK: Are you dealing with any resistancewithin the music industry because of yourprevious profession?CF: As you would probably expect, there aresome people that are having difficulty viewingmy project as a credible one but that's OK.They'll come around. I'm getting a tremendousamount of support outside of that smallgroup.MK: I've heard some of your songs andthey're not bad. But, it's probably gonna takea lot more than a good song for people to takeyou seriously. How do you plan to combat thehaters?CF: Well, I would encourage any "hater" tolisten to the whole album before they formtheir opinion. There's a lot in there musicallythat I think speaks to a wide audience.Beyond that, I try not to personalize shit.Love the "Four Agreements!" I keep my eyeon the prize, push forward, and continue torepresent my intentions through my work.MK: How do you think mainstream Americawill accept your music, or are you specificallytargeting the GLBT demographic?CF: Mainstream America is Gay America,Black America, Hispanic American, AsianAmerica, etc. I'm targeting anyone who isopen to what I think is great music. I'm lookingto reach people of all types, ages andbackgrounds. Now, I am fully aware thatmusic is a subjective thing. What one personfeels is hot, another person may not necessarilylike. I just try and please myself musicallyand get my work out there for people to hear.See Colton on Page 15

www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • 7Featured BusinessMake your move more than SmoothBy: Nicole C. Lashomb/TRT Editor-in-ChiefMost of us can relate to a bad movingexperience and often moving goes anythingbut smooth. In this exclusive businessfeature, TRT brings this specialreport about a local moving companywho has all of “your moving needs handled”smoother than ever.Smooth Movers was found by veteranlocal business owner Melinda Shaw, formerowner of Kidsports, Hadley, Mass.,and Shane O’Brien in August, 2007.According to Shaw, she and O’Brienmake the perfect partnership in their newventure.“My business partner, Shane O'Brien,moved my family in 2006 and we werevery impressed with him then,” saidMelinda Shaw, owner, Smooth Movers,Florence, Mass. “Over the last year, andbefore I closed Kidsports, we talkedmany times about collaborating on a venture,and since he has the expertise inmoving, and I know business and marketing,it seemed a good fit.”Currently, Smooth Movers is ready toaccommodate residential or commercialmoving needs of the community itserves.“We move locally, mostly, although wecan also do Interstate moves,” said Shaw.“We can move commercial and residentialproperties, which include everythingthat one to five strong people can pick up.Our specialty is piano moving, mostlybecause Shane has moved so many ofthem and done it well each time, but allkinds of heavy furnaces, hot tubs, boilersand odd size objects would also fall intothat category. Pianos are usually veryvaluable, and most owners want to havethe best people handling their prized possessions.That would be us!”Embarking on a new business venture,there have been some challenges alongthe way. Although in this case, the challengesappear to be advantageous,according to Shaw.“I think that dealing with the state andfederal regulations have been the hardestpart, as well as launching the business atthe END of the moving cycle, but it's alsogiving us time to get the kinks out beforewe start our busy season,” said Shaw.A lifelong entrepreneur, Shaw has theskills and experience for running a successfulbusiness.“My first business was in 6th grade,when I took a picture of my teacher, whowas retiring, and printed up copies to sellto my classmates at 25 cents each,” saidShaw. “I think that the paper cost morethan that, but I was a budding entrepreneur,so I wasn't looking at the bottomline much! Since then, I have owned arestaurant in Ithaca, NY, a massage practice,a custom stained-glass and jewelrybusiness, as well as my last enterprise,Kidsports, which I closed this past Juneafter owning it for 13 years.”Moving rates are$ 95.00/hour whichincludes 2 crew members, a truck, andthe equipment to pack and move, includingdifferent dollies for specific purposes,according to Shaw.“What sets us apart from other moversis that we are new, and being new we'reeager to show people that we are a greatcompany who will treat them and theirproperty with the utmost respect,” saidShaw. “Our crew is very professional, wework hard, we don't slack at all, and weare dependable, so please give us a try!”For more information or to scheduleyour next move, contact Smooth Moversat 413-587-0786 or e-mail info@smoothmoversnoho.com413-569-0000

8 • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comQueerJusticeThe next legal steps to your LGBT divorceOBy: Jennifer Dexter*/TRT Law ColumnistK, so you have filed your complaintfor divorce, now what? As I statedlast month the court will send yousomething in the mail letting you know whatto do next and when you need to be in court.If your complaint was filed under 1A, yournext court date will be an uncontested hearingdate. On that date both parties must appear.When the Court Officers call your case, youwill go into the Court room and stand beforethe Judge. After a hearing on the separationagreement, the court, within thirty days of thehearing, will make a finding as to whether ornot an irretrievable breakdown of the marriageexists and whether or not the agreementhas made proper provisions for custody, forsupport and maintenance, for alimony and forWASHINGTON—The Human RightsCampaign and SHOWTIME are teaming upto host more than 43 premiere parties to celebratethe new season of THE L WORD incommunities across the country, primarily onSunday, Jan. 6, 2008. Three large-scale premiereevents will be hosted in Los Angeles,CA, and New York, NY on Sunday, Jan. 6,2008, at 9:00 PM (ET/PT), and in Atlanta, GAon Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008 at 7:00 PM(ET/PT). THE L WORD, a groundbreakingseries about the lives, careers and relationshipsof a group of women in Los Angeles, isthe disposition of maritalproperty.Thirty days after thecourt has made thedetermination of irretrievablebreakdown, itwill enter what iscalled a “judgment ofdivorce nisi.” This is apreliminary judgmentthat the Judge entersafter trial or hearing.Atty. Jennifer DexterIn some instances the judge will enter thejudgment immediately. A Judgment ofDivorce Absolute is the final judgment thatenters automatically 90 days after entry of thejudgment of divorce nisi. Until the final judgmentis issued, you are not legally free toremarry.If you filed under section 1B your first courtdate will be what is called a case managementconference. You will determine what timeframe is needed to complete the discoveryprocess. During a divorce you are entitled to“discovery”. Discovery is the term used todescribe the disclosure of information orphysical evidence that can be used at trial.Once the case management conference iscompleted the court will schedule a pre-trialconference. When you appear on that day youwill discuss with the Judge what issues youboth agree on and what issues you don’t agreeon. The Judge may discuss with you the possibilityof going to mediation before you go totrial. The purpose of mediation is to get youand your spouse to talk about the divorce andin its fifth season. It airs on SHOWTIME onSundays at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT), a new time slotfor the show.“For four seasons, THE L WORD hasbrought loving, honest portrayals of GLBTlives into millions of homes. This visibility iscrucial to opening hearts and minds,” saidHRC President Joe Solmonese. “We’re proudto work with SHOWTIME to toast the beginningof the fifth installment of the series. Notonly is this a chance for communities to cometogether around great entertainment, but italso provides an opportunity to raise awarenessof the fight for equality.”“The show’s goal is to entertain and we aregratified if, at its best, it also challenges viewersto examine people’s differences as well aswhat makes us alike,” said Ilene Chaiken, creatorand executive producer of THE L WORD.“In the interest of achieving equality for allAmericans, I am honored to partner withHRC to get that message to millions of people.”Special guests at the Los Angeles premiereinclude HRC President Joe Solmonese, THEL WORD series regulars Jennifer Beals, Oscarto see if you can come to an agreement.If mediation fails, you will have to go totrial. At trial both of you will present evidenceto the Judge. The final decisions liewith the Judge. After the Judge makes his/herfindings and enters a judgment, the same principlesapply as stated above.*Attorney Jennifer L. Dexter earned a B.A. inPsychology from The University of CentralFlorida. She moved to Massachusetts to attendlaw school at The Western New England Collegeof Law in Springfield, Mass. She is a member ofthe Massachusetts Bar and has a Solo GeneralPractice in the Pioneer Valley Area.The information contained herein is intended foreducational purposes only and does not representlegal advice. Should you need legal advice,please contact an attorney.HRC & Showtime co-host ‘The L Word’ premiere eventsnominee Marlee Matlin, Katherine Moennig,Laurel Holloman, Mia Kirshner, LeishaHailey, Rose Rollins, Pam Grier, RachelShelley and creator and executive producer,Ilene Chaiken. Actress Jane Lynch will emceethe event, and music acts Lisa Dewey & TheLotus Life and The Start will perform. TheNew York party will feature MTV reality starDani Campbell of “A Shot at Love with TilaTequila” and musician Bitch. All event attendeeswill receive an advanced copy of the secondepisode on DVD along with other giveawaysand prizes. FMI: www.hrc.org

By: Lindsay Wilson/TRT ReporterHow would you feel if your mother, a gendertherapist, could not accept that you weretransgendered? That was the issue posed to anaudience crowded into a classroom in Smith’sMcConnell Hall on recently during a readingof “Standards of Care,” a play by Tobias K.Davis.Davis, 26, a Smith graduate and currentemployee, presented the play which followsthe life of Nancy, a gender therapist, who doesnot want to believe that her daughter “Jessica”would prefer much rather to be called“Jason.” The play interweaves the interactionsbetween Nancy and Jason, and Nancyand her patient “David,” a 34-year-old Femaleto Male (F2M) who is in therapy seeking arecommendation for “bottom” surgery.Davis said he wanted to explore what itmight be like for a gender therapist with atransgendered child and to “raise the stakesand make it even more dramatic.” The play’sconflict was loosely based on a similar situationhad by a trans person that Davis metthrough a trans circle.The play’s title is derived from “TheStandards of Care for Gender IdentityDisorders” by theHarry BenjaminInternationalG e n d e rDysphoriaAssociation, ahandbook usedby mental healthprofessionals tohelp diagnose thecharacteristicsand treatment oftransgendered patients.The play progresses as Jason goes to thelocal LGBT youth center where he coincidentallymeets David, who volunteers at the centertalking with teens about his trans experience.A few scenes later, Nancy and Davidbegin a relationship that crosses the doctorpatientline. Eventually, the play comes to adramatic end as the connections between thethree are realized and Nancy is forced to lookat the hypocrisy within her relationships withDavid and Jason.According to Davis, he tries to write playsthat are accessible to those who do not haveany experience with transgendered people butwww.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • 9that are also true to life and enjoyable for peoplewho are transgendered.“There’s not a lot of theatre about trans people,there aren’t a lot of stories being told andI think that our community has a lot of reallygood stories,” Davis said.Davis has written plays such as Crossing, aone act play which poses the question, What ifJesus were F2M? and The Naked I:Monologues from Beyond the Binary, a transgenderedversion of the Vagina Monologues.(In September of 2003, The Naked I wasselected to be a part of the first everTransgender Theatre Festival in New YorkCity.)“I think there is this sense that there is adesire for a community,” said Davis. “Usuallywhen a bunch of trans people get together it’sthe Day of Remembrance, or Pride, or it’s aconference. ... There is a community aroundQueer Local & Health NewsStandards of Care: A witty view of a trans-formationTOBIAS K. DAVISSurgeon performs first colorectal procedure inWestern Ma. using new robotic technologyNORTHAMPTON, MA—CooleyDickinson Hospital-affiliated general surgeonHolly K. Michaelson, MD, has performed thefirst robot-assisted partial colectomy inWestern Massachusetts.Michaelson performed the procedure on alocal woman in mid-December at the newKittredge Surgery Center using the da Vinci®S Surgical System, a surgical robot that combinesthe most up-to-date advancements inrobotics, computer technology, and the skillHolly K. MichaelsonMDof the surgeon. The advantage of the roboticsystem includes less pain, faster recovery,smaller incisions, minimal scarring, and lessgery and robotics program atCooley Dickinson Hospitalloss of blood.“This is an example of Cooley Dickinsonvisitdickinson.org.www.cooley-having the best technology available in acommunity hospital setting, performed at aCooley Dickinson Hospital, amember of the Dartmouthbrandnew state-of-the-art facility,” Hitchcock Alliance, is an acutecareMichaelson says.hospital located in westernThe da Vinci system accurately interpreted Massachusetts. Cooleythe surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movementson instrument controls into correspondingmovements of the surgical instrumentspositioned inside the patient through smallDickinson Hospital seeks tobecome a model for health caredelivered at our nation’s communityhospitals.puncture incisions.In November, Cooley“Robotic assistance allows for greater technicalDickinson Hospital was award-accuracy and maneuverability,” ed the 2007 Betsy LehmanMichaelson adds.Patient Safety Award at theA colectomy is the partial removal of thefourth annual Betsy Lehmancolon. The procedure using the da Vinci lastedabout two hours. The patient was able toPatient Safety Conference inBoston. The only westernMassachusetts hospital to takeeat a meal the same night and return hometop honors, Cooley Dickinsontwo days following the procedure. Accordingwas praised for implementingto Michaelson, if the procedure had been performedusing invasive methods, the post-improvement initiatives that,over time, have eliminated hospital-associatedinfections suchoperative hospital stay would have been aboutone week.as central line blood streamCooley Dickinson Hospital surgeons beganinfections and ventilator-associatedusing the da Vinci S Surgical System in July. pneumonia.Since then, the daVinci S has been usedto perform 34 surgeries;most of those surgerieshave been radicalprostatectomies(surgical removal ofthe prostate.)For more informationabout the minimallyinvasivesur-By:Beverly Wang/AP WriterBETHLEHEM, N.H. (AP)—If the rainbow-painteddeck chairs, fluttering rainbowflag and purple shutters don't make it clear,the Highlands Inn's toll-free number, 877-LES-B-INN, leaves no doubt as to whom thisWhite Mountains resort caters to.Innkeeper Grace Newman began hostingcommitment ceremonies at this self-proclaimed"lesbian paradise'' in the 1980s.Newman says she has lost track of the numberof commitment ceremonies that have happenedthere; she estimates about 300 coupleshave honeymooned at the inn after gettingcivil unions in Vermont or marriages inQuebec, Canada, both short drives away.In 2008, the inn's 25th anniversary coincideswith another milestone: legal recognitionof civil unions by New Hampshire beginningJan. 1. Newman, veteran host and overseerof many a union, isn't wasting any time.here, but I feel that there are not a lot of reasons[to get together] that are not political orintellectual.”According to Davis, he has always beendrawn to theatre.“I think there’s something that sets it apartfrom other media because you and the actorsare breathing in the same room,” he said. “Ithink that in terms of gender theory, the wholeconcept of gender as a social construct and assomething that you sort of put on and performlends transgender material very well to thestage.”The play was sponsored by the SmithCollege Staff Council Diversity Communityforum and is open to the public. The play willbe fully produced by the 20% TheatreCompany Twin Cities in Minneapolis thisJune.NH civil unions: Boom for businesses, tourismTwo New Hampshire couples have agreed toget civil unions during the inn's annual NewYear's Eve dance after the clock strikes 12.From the North Country to the Statehousesteps, other gay couples are making similarplans.Beginning in 2008, five of six New Englandstates will provide some form of legal recognitionto same-sex couples: marriage inMassachusetts; civil unions in Vermont, NewHampshire and Connecticut; domestic partnershipsin Maine. Rhode Island does notallow same-sex marriages, but does notexplicitly ban them, making the state one ofonly a few whose gay residents can legallymarry in Massachusetts.As ceremonies for gay couples go mainstreamin New Hampshire, some innkeepers,hotel managers and tourism marketers areworking to get some of the expected upswingin business.

10 • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comInglañol Latin BeatEpoca de Fiestas, lo que podemos hacer, y agradecimiento a nuestros líderesPor: Wilfred Labiosa*l pasado año ha sido uno de muchasEoportunidades para nuestras comunidadeslatinas y GLBT. Algunas de estasoportunidades las hemos usado hasta el máximopero otras han sido olvidadas o no les hasido dada la importancia que ameritan. Estasoportunidades que se nos presentaron o se nosestán presentando no tienen precedentes.Aprovechemos estas oportunidades para asícrecer unidos en el 2008. Es importante celebrarque tengamos a un hombre de color comogobernador en Massachussets, que tengamoslegisladores que nos apoyan. Sin embargo, alcelebrar también pensar en maneras de poderunirnos aun más para ser una comunidad conideales, sueños de fraternidad y libertad deexpresión.De las oportunidades políticas que se nospresentaron, algunas las usamos, y otras ni leThe past year has been one of manyopportunities for our Latino andGLBT communities. Some of theseopportunities have been utilized well, but othershave gone unnoticed or no importance hasbeen given to them. All of these opportunitiesdo not have any precedence; we must takeadvantage of these opportunities by unitingourselves more in the 2008. It is importantthat we celebrate that we have a man of coloras a governor in Massachusetts; that we havelegislators that supports us; but while we celebrate,it is important that we think of ways toget more opportunities to be together in orderto become a stronger force with ideals,dreams, and fraternity and to celebrate ourliberties.We have utilized well some of the politicalopportunities in 2007 yet others we haven’t.In the last constitutional convention, we werepresent and the legislators realized it andvoted against a constitutional amendment thatdimos importancia. En la última convenciónconstitucional estuvimos presentes y los legisladoresse dieron cuenta y votaron en contrade una enmienda constitucional que hubieraretrocedido el movimiento para derechosGLBT como lo es la legalización de matrimonios“gay”. En la política, lo/as transgénerosrecibieron el apoyo de legisladores y comenzaronun importante movimiento político paraque se incluyan los derechos de todo/as sinimportar nuestra expresión de genero.En el 2007 no usamos nuestro voto, como lopudimos haber usado. Perdimos a unos denuestros más importantes aliados en el concejalmunicipal de Boston, Felix Arroyo.Mucho/as no fueron a votar y fue el año conmenos votos en todas las elecciones. Esincreíble, pero hemos perdido a una de lasúnicas voces latinas en la política de la ciudadde Boston. Ahora hay que esperar hasta laspróximas elecciones. Espero que aprendamoswould have diminished the legalization of gaymarriages and our movement. In other politics,the transgender community received supportfrom legislators to put forward an importantlegislation towards the trans-movementthat would provide rights based on genderexpression and trans-rights.Also in 2007 we did not use our right tovote. We lost one of our most important alliesin the Boston City Council, Felix Arroyo.Many did not go to vote; this past year wasthe year with less Latino votes in all localelections. It is astonishing that in 2007 welost one of our important political Latinovoices in our city. Now we have to wait untilthe next elections. I hope that we learned fromthese elections and that next time we do notmake excuses and instead go to vote. Theright to vote is a right that we must use. In2008, is going to be an important year for politicswere we must vote in the primaries andgeneral elections. We cannot think that othersare going to vote and that there will be sufficientvotes for the one that we want to win.de estaselecciones yla próximavez nopongamosexcusas yvotemos. Elvoto es underecho que From left to right: Wilfred Labiosa,tenemos que Council Felix Arroyo, and Diegousar y que Sanchez. Picture by Eric Hess.puede traercambios. En el 2008, va a hacer un año quetenemos que votar en las primarias y en laselecciones. No podemos pensar que otro/asvan a votar y que van a haber suficientesvotos para el candidato que uno quiere quegane. En vez, haz tiempo de tu diario vivir yve a votar.Algunas veces pensamos que no sabemospor quién vamos a votar. En vez de decir esto,edúcate. Sigue trabajando para educarte sobretemas importantes en la política estatal ylocal. Es importante que nos eduquemosleyendo información en el portal de Oíste, enlos periódicos o en las organizaciones como laCoalición de Somos Latin@s LGBT deMassachussets. Vota en el 2008 ya que estarásvotando por temas como la emigración, laguerra, la economía y por nuestro futuro. Tuvoto cuenta, así que úsalo.Este año transcurrido ha sido uno muyimportante para la comunidad GLBT Latinaya que la organización nacional para nuestracomunidad llamada Unid@s se esta fortaleciendo.También localmente ya celebramoscuatro años de la celebración de OrgulloLatino. En el 2008 estaremos celebrando nuestroquinto aniversario así que prepárensepara celebrar y para aprender.(To read the rest of this article, please visitwww.therainbowtimesnews.com)Time for celebration, what we can do as an ethnic group, and gratitude to our leadersBy: Wilfred Labiosa*Queer Cinema You Can’t Miss!Bob and Jack's 52-Year Adventure (GAY)Genre: Documentary; Rating: Not ratedDistribution: Limited ReleaseDirector: Stu Maddux; Release Date: 00/00/00Synopsis: A documentary about the 52-year relationshipbetween two men who met in the Army,fell in love, left their wives, and moved to thePacific Northwest to spend the rest of their livestogether.Cruel and Unusual (TRANS)Genre: Documentary; Rating: Not yet ratedDirector: Janet Baus, Dan Hunt, Reid WilliamsRelease Date: 00/00/00; Notes: Premiered at2006 South by Southwest Film FestivalSynopsis: This documentary looks at transgenderprisoners who are jailed according to the sex theywere born, not the sex with which they identify.Gypo (Lesbian)Genre: Drama; Rating: Not yet ratedDistribution: Limited Release; Director: Jan DunnDistributor: Lions Gate FilmsStarring: Pauline McLynn, Chloe Sirene, PaulMcGann, Rula Lenska; Release Date: 00/00/00Synopsis: Helen (McLynn) and Paul (McGann)have been married for 25 years. Helen is lookingfor change, but Paul is stuck in his ways. Whenthey take in Tasha, a Romany Czech refugee(Sirene), new life is breathed into their house anda relationship develops between the two women.The Believers (TRANS)Genre: Documentary; Rating: Not yet ratedDistribution: Limited ReleaseDirector: Todd Holland; Release Date: TBANotes: Recipient of the Frameline 30 AudienceAward for Best DocumentarySynopsis: This feature documentary tells the personalstories behind the Transcendence GospelChoir, the world's first transgender gospel choir..Boys Life (Gay)Genre: Comedy, Drama; Rating: Not ratedDistribution: Limited ReleaseDirector: Various; Starring: VariousDistributor: Strand Releasing; Notes: The five differentcompilations were released in 1995, 1997,2000, 2003, and 2006. Synopsis: The "Boys Life"films are a series of compilations of gay-themedshort films. Among the more notable shorts theseries has included are Lane Janger's "Just OneTime," Eytan Fox's "After" (aka Time Out) andPeggy Rajski's academy award winning "Trevor."Instead we must make a commitment to takea moment of our lives and vote.Sometimes we think that we lack theknowledge to vote for the right reasons butinstead we must recognize this and educateourselves on the topics and candidates. Oístecontinues working on educating us on theimportant subjects and policies in local cityand state politics. It is important that we areeducated reading information in the websiteof Oíste, in newspapers or from organizationsas Somos Latin@s LGBT Coalition. The electionsin 2008 are of importance as we will bevoting for immigration rights, for the war, theeconomy and our future. Your vote counts souse it!This past year has been one very importantfor our Latino GLBT community as thenational organization called Unid@s fortifiesitself. Also locally, we have celebrated for thefourth year Latino Pride. In 2008, we will becelebrating our fifth year anniversary so prepareyourself to celebrate while educatingyourself on important topics. This is a pioneerevent as it is the incubator for new and positiveideas for our community. Let us celebrateas well that this column just completed twoyears of publication and that our (your) organization,Somos Latin@s LGBT, has been recognizedlocally and nationally as the onlyorganization for and by our community andthat it organizes activities for our communityon a monthly basis.Also in 2007, we continued celebrating pageantswith our transgender Latino beauties inthe states of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, andConnecticut. Also we participated in twonational contests giving recognition to ourlocal talents nationally. In 2008, many morepositive things will be forthcoming for ourdrag queens and our transgender movement,so educate yourself on these matters and helpyour trans-brothers and sisters.It is necessary to celebrate in the three stateswith greater number of Latino GLBT inhabitantsthat there are leaders who have a commondenominator: to work by our culture andour rights as a Latino GLBT community.These leaders and members of the communityspeak, are united in the ideals of and forequality, and advocate/work for us. Thanks toJarett Barrios, Osvaldo Mondejar, OfficerJavier Pagan, Diego Sanchez, Luis Urizandi,Marco Torres, Gricel M. Ocasio, Charito,Vanessa Love, Orlando Colon, Manuel Sorto,Local Lamothe, Tisha, you, me and all of uswho have continued to work for the advancementof the Latino GLBT community in 2007.In advance, thanks for the work that is comingahead and that will be completed in 2008.* Wilfred Labiosa is a local and nationalactivist. Edited by Carmen Oquendo. To contactthem: latinopride08@gmail.comFinding You the RIGHT One, Not Just Anyone• Personal, Discreet,Respectful• People are who they say theyare ...• We welcome Singles of allLifestyles• An affordable serviceLanie & Bud, Company Founders“We met through a dating service.”We understand ...• It’s hard to meet the rightperson.• You are busy and wantmatches chosen just for you.• You might not want to meetsomeone in a bar or at work.• You don’t want your personalinfo for all to see on theInternet.(413) 665-3218 • massmatch.com • massmatch@comcast.net

WBy: Debra Chasnoff/TRT Specialhen we released our film, It'sElementary—Talking About GayIssues inSchools, a decade ago, the teachers featuredin the documentary were breaking newground by finding ways to talk to their elementaryand middle school students about lesbian,gay, bisexual and transgender people.The educators we found were rarities. Mostteachers had never considered having suchconversations, and those that did lacked thenecessary support and skills. Today, educatorsacross the country are increasingly aware thatsuch omissions are professionally irresponsible.That's progress. But for this progress tocontinue, it will take the support and advocacyof not only LGBT parents who have childrenwho are directly affected by what happensin the classroom, but the entire LGBTcommunity and all of our allies.During the 1990's, schools typically limiteddiscussions of homosexuality to health classlessons and focused on preventing the spreadof HIV or suicide. Today, as more and moreelementary schoolteachers include LGBTpeople within their curricula, the context ofsuch discussions is changing from disease anddepression to culture and history. Youth arenow receiving information about LGBT peoplethrough discussions about families, mediapersonalities and historical leaders, ratherthan onlythrough frighteningstatisticsabout diseaseand death.This evolutionis directly relatedto a positiveshift in attitudestoward LGBTpeople, the rapidgrowth of familiesheaded bysame-sex parents,and theexpansion of astronger andvibrant highDEBRA CHASNOFFschool age LGBTpopulation and their friends. In many states,legislative and school board policies nowmandate teaching about diversity and addressingbullying, with a specific focus on preventinganti-LGBT harassment. Curriculumguides now exist to help teachers of all gradelevels have conversations about LGBT peopleand issues in age-appropriate ways.Nevertheless, motivated educators need theencouragement and backing of local citizenssupportive of LGBT-inclusive education inorder to be able act on their commitment.Because, despite the steady growth of the safewww.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • 11schools movement, small but highly vocalminorities of homophobic activists continueto pressure educators in numerous areasacross the country to backtrack on theirprogress and to abandon their LGBT-inclusivecurricula.In April, for example, a journalism teacherin Indiana was fired after allowing one of herstudents to write an article asking her peers tostop anti-LGBT harassment. In August, membersof a conservative church in New Jerseyhijacked school-board meetings and successfullypressured a local school district intoremoving its LGBT-inclusive family diversitylessons. That same month the PhiladelphiaSchool District was forced to omit'gay and lesbian history month' from thisyear's school calendar, following outragefrom conservative parents.In all of these situations, the vocal minorityof the religious right flooded school officeswith letters and phone calls. As importantly,their relentless attacks went largely unansweredby local LGBT community membersand allies. Lacking necessary visible supportfrom constituents in their own school districts,school administrators' good intentionswere dwarfed by the pressure to cave intohomophobic activists. These incidents reflectmore than coincidence. They are part of aconcerted effort on the part of the religiousright to turn back the crucial progress we haveQEducationIt's still elementary: Talking about gay issues in schoolsmade. Today, as we re-issue It's Elementaryfor a new generation of educators, we callupon the LGBT community to help us realizeour vision of schools as caring communitiesfor all youth and families, regardless of sexualorientation or gender identity.In the face of increased right-wing resistance,LGBT people, parents, and allies mustbe vocal about their support for LGBT-inclusivecurricula. LGBT parents can write theirschool boards, attend PTA meetings, andinfluence their school district by advocatingfor their own children's best interests. Thewider LGBT community and its leaders mustalso recognize the efforts of LGBT-headedfamilies in the school system, and be vigilantin providing support for the resistance theyface. Whether or not you have children, youcan lobby for inclusive curricula and supportschool districts that proactively address anti-LGBT bias. Because reaching youth withanti-bias education that includes our communitiesis not optional for cultural change.It's elementary.* Debra Chasnoff is the director of It'sElementary-Talking about Gay Issues inSchool, which will be re-released on DVD inDecember along with the companion documentary,It's STILL Elementary. She is theexecutive director of GroundSpark,www.groundspark.org.

12 • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comQPolitics2008 Dem. and Rep. presidential candidates’ positionsBy: Calvin Woodward/AP WriterWASHINGTON (AP)—The stands of these2008 presidential candidates on a selection ofissues:Democrats: New York Sen. Hillary RodhamClinton, former North Carolina Sen. JohnEdwards, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama andNew Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.Republicans: Former New York MayorRudy Giuliani, former Arkansas Gov. MikeHuckabee, Arizona Sen. John McCain, formerMassachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, and formerTennessee Sen. Fred Thompson.GAY MARRIAGE: Support same-sexmarriage?DEMOCRATS support recognition of samesexcivil unions short of marriage:_Clinton: Would let states decide whether torecognize same-sex marriage. Opposes constitutionalamendment against it._Edwards: No. Opposes constitutionalamendment against it._Obama: Would let states decide. Opposesconstitutional amendment against it._Richardson: No, but has supported recognitionof same-sex civil unions.___REPUBLICANS:_Giuliani: No, but says he sees no need toamend Constitution to ban it. Has supporteddomestic partnership benefits for gay couples_Huckabee: No. Amend Constitution to banit._McCain: Would let states regulate it.www.seriosmarket.comOpposes constitutional amendment to ban it._Romney: No. Amend Constitution to ban it.Also opposes same-sex civil unions._Thompson: No, but stops short of supportinga constitutional amendment that would outlawit. Favors federal action to protect statesthat prohibit gay marriage from having tohonor same-sex marriage allowed in anotherstate.HEALTH INSURANCE:DEMOCRATS:_Clinton: Mandatory universal coverage infirst term. Tax credits for working families tomake insurance more affordable—ensuringpremiums do not exceed a percentage ofincome. Business would be required to offerinsurance to employees or pay into a pool forpeople without it. Expand Medicare and federalemployees’ health insurance plan to coverthose without adequate workplace insurance.Raise taxes on wealthier families to help payestimated cost of $110 billion a year. Also,raise taxes on a portion of “very generous”plans covering people making more than$250,000._Edwards: Mandatory universal coverage infirst term by expanding system of federalhealth insurance and family tax credits, andby imposing requirements on employers,insurance companies and individuals.Increase taxes on wealthier families to pay forprogram’s cost of up to $120 billion a year._Obama: Mandatory coverage for children.Aim for universal coverage by requiring“Where customers are friends & friends are customers.”Family Owned & Operated since 1950!WE DELIVERGroceries • Deli • FreshFruits & VegetablesDAILY SPECIALS TO GOQuality MeatsOld Fashioned Servicesince 1950!STORE HOURS:Mon. - Fri.: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.Sat.: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.Sun.: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.65 State Street • Northampton, MAPhone: 413-584-2633 • Fax: 413-585-9756employers to share costs of insuring workersand by offering coverage similar to that inplan for federal employees. Says packagewould cost up to $65 billion a year afterunspecified savings from making systemmore efficient. Raise taxes on wealthier familiesto pay the cost._Richardson: Tax breaks for businesses andfor people who pay for their own coverage.Lower the eligibility age for Medicare to 55and expand programs for poor and children.Package could cost up to $110 billion a year.Claims savings from expanded spending onpreventive care would help achieve mandatoryuniversal coverage without tax increases.___REPUBLICANS:_Giuliani: Income tax deduction of $7,500per taxpayer to defray insurance costs. Taxcredit for poorer workers to supplementMedicaid and employer contributions as partof “market-driven” expansion of affordablecoverage. Expanded use of health savingsaccounts. No mandate for universal coverage._Huckabee: Favors market solutions, stateinnovation. “We don’t need universal healthcare mandated by federal edict or fundingthrough ever-higher taxes.” Spend more onprevention and research._McCain: $2,500 refundable tax credit forindividuals, $5,000 for families, to makehealth insurance more affordable. No mandatefor universal coverage. In gaining the taxcredit, workers could not deduct the portionof their workplace health insurance paid bytheir employers._Romney: Incentives for states to expandaffordable coverage. As governor, he signedhealth care law aimed at ensuring universalcoverage through a mix of subsidies, slidingscale premiums and penalties for those whodo not get insurance._Thompson: “Market-driven” expansion ofaffordable coverage, but no mandate.TAXES:DEMOCRATS would let some of Bush’s taxcuts expire in 2010 as scheduled, in effectraising taxes on wealthier people to help payfor programs. Additionally:_Clinton: Tax proposals focused on universalhealth care plan, including tax credits to makeinsurance more affordable. Also, would tax aportion of health insurance benefits providedto workers making more than $250,000.Maintain estate tax on the richest tier.Increased tax breaks for college. $1 billionpaid family leave program to be financed byeliminating some tax shelters._Edwards: For middle and low-income people,set up tax-free savings accounts and havegovernment match the first $500 in savings,expand earned-income and child and dependentcare tax credits, and exempt the first $250of investment income from capital gainstaxes. Tax cuts to cost $25 billion a year.Raise rate on capital gains tax to 28 percentfrom 15 percent for those making over$250,000._Obama: About $80 billion in tax breaksmainly for low-income workers and the elderly,including tax credit worth up to $500 a personto offset payroll taxes and elimination ofSee Campaign on Page 20Federal Domestic PartnershipBenefits and Obligations ActWASHINGTON—The Human RightsCampaign lauds Senators Joseph Liebermanand Gordon Smith and RepresentativesTammy Baldwin, Henry Waxman, TomDavis, and Chris Shays, along with 19 additionalSenate cosponsorsand 35 additionalHouse cosponsors,for their support ofthe DomesticPartnership Benefitsand Obligations Act,which was introducedtoday. This bill would provide benefitsfor same-sex domestic partners of federalcivilian employees on the same basis asspousal benefits. These benefits wouldinclude participation in applicable retirementprograms, life and health insurance benefits,and family and medical leave.“This legislation would allow the federalgovernment to keep pace with other topemployers,” said Human Rights Campaignpresident Joe Solmonese. “It is not only amatter of equal pay for equal work, but alsothe best way to insure that the government hasaccess to the top talent on the same basis asthe nation’s leading corporations,” he added.The majority of Fortune 500 companiesprovide domestic partner benefits to theiremployees. Many of America’s leading companies,including the “Big Three,” automakers,defense giant Raytheon, IBM, Microsoft,Shell Oil, Walt Disney, Fannie Mae,Citigroup, Xerox,This legislation would allow thefederal government to keep pacewith other top employers.—HRC President Joe Solmonese.Time Warner andUnited and AmericanAirlines offer thesebenefits. In addition,13 states and 201local governmentsoffer their publicemployees domestic partnership benefits.Recently Michael Guest, former ambassadorto Romania, cited the lack of family benefitsas his reason for retiring from the ForeignService. “The federal government’s failure toprovide these benefits impairs its ability tocompete for the best and the brightest,” saidSolmonese.The Human Rights Campaign is America’slargest civil rights organization working toachieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgenderequality. By inspiring and engaging allAmericans, HRC strives to end discriminationagainst GLBT citizens and realize anation that achieves fundamental fairnessand equality for all.

In 2001 Angie Stone was coined “MissSoul”, which is an understatement forthe R&B diva with the powerful voiceand thought-provoking lyrics. Now, Angiereturns with her fourth studio album, appropriatelytitled The Art of Love and War.Angie’s daring attitude and raw talent garnereda huge following in the gay community,especially with the infectious dance remixesof Wish I Didn’t Miss You. Many of us wereshocked by the controversial 2002 rumorsclaiming Angie made a homophobic commentduring a concert in Newark, NJ. Word spreadthat the soul diva asked only “real strongblack brothas” to put their hands in the air,versus “homos”.Although Angie has denied making thecomment, she opens up in this interview—expressing her hurt, shock and surprise thatthe gay community nearly turned on her.Angie also dishes on homophobia in R&B,the new album and more.Q: Tell me about the new album The Art ofLove and War.A: The songs are very strong, lyrically andmelodically. I won’t say your typical AngieStone album, but I covered a vast variety ofsubject matters. One being My People, whichis reminiscent of Brotha—I went back to thatvibe and another anthem. Also, Make It Last,which is about a woman who broke a man'sheart for the second time and now it's obviousthat it's over.Q: When did you know you had a gay following?A: I’ve always known that. In every album,I’ve always had gay songwriters. Wish IDidn’t Miss You was written by a gay person,one of my biggest records to date. My assistantis gay, my travel assistant is gay and mybest friend is gay. So, I’ve always known thatI’ve had the support. I find a loyalty in theircommitment to me as a person and my message.They don’t judge me, they actually giveme a lot of support and I’m eternally grateful.I’ve never had friends like I’ve had in the gaycommunity, just as loyal as they are. They'rethe best.Q: Why do you think gay audiences, especiallygay men, are so attracted to R&B, femalesoul singers?A: They're human beings, at the end of theday we're all human beings. I’ve had so manygay people come up to me and say, "Oh girl,you were talking about me! I'm goingthrough that same thing." If you are real anddeal with the real issues then the realness isgoing to touch you, no matter whether you arestraight or gay. That's what I think the drawis. It's almost like they have a synergy to pickup the realness in people.Q: Do you think an artist could be openlygay in R&B and be successful?I would love to answer that question yes,but I’m going to say no because so much ofsociety is dictated in judgmental views.Along with gay people, along with sometimesblack, sometimes unattractive—there's thisthing that people just can’t get with. They arejust programmed to think otherwise. I thinkthis whole world is programmed to be judgmental.I’ll give you an example—RahsaanPatterson. The minute they found out that hewas gay, it was almost like the whole communityturned on him. I just didn’t appreciate it.They're forgetting the art form because theyare judging him as a person and they are notlooking at the gift. I’ve got a problem withthat.Q: How do you feel about some people in thegay community who feel those who are closetedin R&B or hip-hop should be outed?A: Well, I’m going to be honest with you.Because gay people are so loyal, so committedto what they believe—I’m going to saythis and hope it doesn’t cause a repercussion,but if you're going to be that way, you can’t bejudgmental yourself. The reason why I’m sayingthat is if a person is not ready to come outof the closet because they have their ownfears then allow them that. It's a strugglewithin him/herself for that individual already,dealing with the fact that they are either goingto be accepted or rejected.CAROL WILLIFORDBOOKKEEPING PLUSACCOUNTING andTAX SERVICES4 Stanley StreetEasthampton, MA 01027Phone/Fax: (413) 529-0889 • E-mail: candm884@aol.comwww.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • 13Q: There were those rumors a few years agoabout homophobic comments you supposedlymade at a concert in New Jersey, which youcleared up in The Advocate saying it wascompletely false. What was your initial, personalreaction when you heard Angie Stonedoesn’t think gay men are real men?A: I took it personally because the song thatwas out, a gay person had written, which wasWish I Didn’t Miss You. You have to understandmy gay friends that heard that were furious.They were like, “They don’t even knowher, and “How can they be so judgmental?I’m with her everyday; she is not against gaypeople.” It kind of hurt my feelings because Ifelt like for the moment, the entire gay communitywas turning on me and here I was thebiggest advocate of integrity saying, "Look, Idon’t care what people think, you're writing asong for me and that's all it is." [On] everyalbum I’ve had a gay person [who] hasworked on my project with me because I’mnot judgmental. I’m not doing it for kudos,but because I strongly believe in looking outfor my friends. I had a slew of friends thatkept me sane during that time. Was I pissed?I was totally pissed! When I heard they wereburning CDs—I'm like, give me a breakalready! You're going to tell me you're goingto take something like this and run with itwhen you know me as a person? If you don’tknow anything else about me, just take a fewmoments and ask around. It wouldn’t be hardQEntertainmentThe Return of Miss Soul: Angie Stone on homophobic issuesAngie Stone "The Art of Love & War"(Stax/Concord Music Group).www.angiestoneonline.netto find out who I am. That did it for mebecause it was like in the twinkle of an eyethey were ready to abandon, jump ship andcreate all this drama over something, in myopinion, they had no real idea of howengrossed I was into that community.Q: In closing, anything you would you like tosay to your gay fans?A: Stay focused, stay encouraged—I wouldencourage you all to listen to my song, HappyBeing Me. That is a dedication to my gaycommunity because you are in control as anindividual of your own life. Don’t allow thenext man to judge you when God has to judgeus all. I love you all. I got your back and let'sgo all the way to the finish line!For more information about AngieStone,visit her website at www.angiestoneonline.net.The Art of Love and War (Stax) is in storesnow.Women’sBowlingLeagueAny women who might like bowling, orwant to have a "league of their own" thenplease join our women's bowling league,FMI, please contact: melbiker@aol.com

14 • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comGay TravelingOut of Town: Cape Town, South AfricaTPhoto by Andrew CollinsBy: Andrew Collins*he undisputed gaycapital of theAfrican continent,Cape Town has somethingof the progressive vibe,stunning coastal scenery,and sunny disposition ofsimilarly appealing seaside cities, such asSydney, San Francisco, and Vancouver. Partof a peninsular region that juts into theAtlantic Ocean along South Africa's southwesterncoast, Cape Town has becomeincreasingly popular with visitors from NorthAmerica, offering travelers a small but vibrantgay business district and wonderful opportunitiesfor day-tripping along the coast andinland to the lush vineyards and swank countryinns of the Winelands regions.There are some logistical issues to considerwhen planning a trip to this city, which isabout 6,000 miles from London, 8,000 milesfrom New York City, and 10,000 miles fromLos Angeles. It takes up to two days to gethere and again to return home, and airfares arequite steep, generally $1,000 to $1,500 fromNorth America. The good news is that NorthAmerican and European currency are relativelystrong against South African currency, theRand, meaning that you'll generally encountergood values in hotels, restaurants, and shopsonce you're here.Another thing to keep in mind when travelingsuch a long distance is that it's prudent toplan a trip of at least 10 days, and ideally 15days. South Africa is famous not just for CapeTown and the surrounding area, but also forthe safari lodges that proliferate in thewildlife-rich Kruger National Park, in thenortheast part of the country. Many visitorsplan a trip that includes a week or so ingreater Cape Town, and another week inKruger or at a safari camp in a nearby country,such as Botswana, Namibia, orZimbabwe.If you're going this route, your best strategyis to book your vacation through a reliabletour operator. Consider the highly regardedand very gay-friendly Premier Tours, which isbased in Philadelphia and run by South Africanative Julian Harrison. Premier offers a widerange of preplanned itineraries to SouthAfrica and several other African nations, butthey can also design a custom itinerary foryou. Sales Associate Steve Gleba is PremierTours' LGBT travel specialist and can helpdesign a trip that's geared especially towardstaying in gay-friendly or gay-owned accom-Spectacular views from the bluffs at Cape of Good Hope Nature Preserve, an easy day trip from Cape Town.modations. Other gay-oriented or gay-friendlytour companies offering trips to SouthAfrica include New York-based Gay 2Afrikaand Vermont-based Hermes Tours.No matter how you organize your trip, planto spend at least half your time in and aroundCape Town. Right in the city, there are severalattractions of note, including Iziko SouthAfrican Museum, Iziko South AfricanNational Gallery, and Table Mountain, thelooming geographical feature that defines thecity skyline—you can take an aerial cablewayto the top of this 3,500-foot behemoth. It'salso worth spending an afternoon strollingaround the V&A Waterfront, with its shopsand restaurants, Two Oceans Aquarium (anexcellent facility with more than 8,000 seacreatures), and the South African MaritimeMuseum. You can also take the ferry fromhere to Robben Island, where NelsonMandela was jailed for 18 years. It's now aUN World Heritage Site and museum (withtours led by former prisoners).Allow at least one day to make the drivesouth of the city along the coast, past suchritzy residential neighborhoods as Camps Bay(with its views of the ocean on one side, andthe Twelve Apostle mountains on the other)and Clifton, with its lavish seaside and clifftophomes. Stop in the bustling, if somewhatGlencairn (on the road between Cape Townand Cape of Good Hope preserve). These fascinatingtours led by experienced guides takeyou right into a habitat of relatively tame andapproachable baboons.Back in the city of Cape Town, you'll findthat much of the gay scene revolves aroundDe Waterkant, a compact district of cobblestonestreets on the northeastern edge ofdowntown, not far from the V&A Waterfront.In this little quadrant you'll find several excellentrestaurants and cafes, including atmosphericAnatoli for excellent Turkish cuisine,Andiamo Deli and Restaurant for contemporaryItalian fare with attractive patio seating,and Cafe Manhattan, which has live musicsome nights and is as much a gay bar as a gayrestaurant. A more upscale choice on the edgeof De Waterkant is the Showroom, a slick,white-on-white space known for some of themost creative modern South African cuisinein the city, plus great people-watching. Stopby Origin for some of the best coffeearound—a bohemian atmosphere prevails atthis lively cafe.Cape Town excels when it comes to dining,with other notable options including Fork, asexy tapas restaurant and lounge, and Jardine,which turns out such dazzlingly innovativefare as confit of roasted guinea fowl withtouristy, fishing village of Hout Bay (where orange-braised endive. In the V&Ayou can take excursion boats out to the massiveseal colony on Duiker Island, or to viewWaterfront, try gay-friendly Belthazar, asprawling steakhouse and seafood eatery.whales), and continue south through For nightlife, De Waterkrant is again yourSimonstown to see Boulders National Park,home to 3,000 jackass penguins (named forthe braying, donkey-like noises they make). Aboardwalk down along the beach affords upcloseencounters with these fascinating animals.Farther south, a spectaculardrive leads to the Cape ofGood Hope Nature Preserve,which has good hiking, loftypeaks, spectacular beaches,best bet. Head to the Bronx, a cruisy guy'sbar; Bar Code, the city's top venue for men inleather and uniform; and the Loft Lounge, ahip spot for hobnobbing and cocktails. Forlesbians, there's Lush, a roving Saturday nightparty that was, as of this writing, taking placeat the Junction Cafe—the Lush website hasdetails. Also in de Waterkant you'll find CapeTown's popular gay sauna, the Hothouse, anattractive and rather upscale spot with arestaurant, bars, and spotless cabins and commonand interesting wildlife.facilities. Of particular note is a sundeckBeware of the baboons here,who sometimes behave aggressivelytoward people. If you'recurious about these clever animals,take a walking tour withBaboon Matters, an animalaffording superb views of the city.Greater Cape Town abounds with gayfriendlyinns and B&Bs - there are plenty ofworthwhile options in a variety of priceranges. The Metropole is a modern boutiquehotel in the heart of downtown, close to theadvocacy organization in many restaurants and shops along the mainthoroughfare, Long Street. Rooms are comfyand spacious, and some have small balconiesoverlooking the street. There's an excellentrestaurant, Veranda, on the second floor.Among the city's best guest houses, consider4 on Varneys, a luxurious six-room inn witha lushly landscaped courtyard and sleek, modernrooms; or the Charles, an intimate newproperty in the heart of De Waterkant. The 12rooms and four cottages are done with swankfurniture and have deep tubs and separateshowers. A top choice for lesbians is Colette'sB&B, an affordable and tastefully done tworoominn for women in a suburb just outsideof the city center (close to good hiking andwine-tasting).The Winelands wine country makes for anenjoyable day trip, but if you have time, try tospend a night or two out this way. This verdant,sunny region east of Cape Town is dottedwith engaging towns, the most scenic andsophisticated being Franschhoek,Stellenbosch, and Paarl. The area is known fora distinctive red wine called Pinotage, but italso produces excellent Shiraz, Chardonnay,and many other vintages. One winery worthchecking out is Fairview, noted not just for itsstellar wine but also for its fantastic gourmetcheeses and garden-side restaurant. For amore intimate experience, drop by MuratieWinery, an small vineyard producing first-ratePinot Noir and Shiraz.As is often the case in wine regions, theWinelands has plenty of urbane restaurantsand gourmet food and cheese shops. Of particularnote is Le Quartier Francais, a foodiemecca for its restaurant, which has mademore than a few "best in the world" lists; thisRelais & Chateaux country inn also boastsstunning rooms with giant soaking tubs andplenty of cushy amenities. Also inFranschhoek, Mont Rochelle Hotel &Mountain Vineyards offers plush accommodationsand excellent food, and nearbyCabriere ranks among the town's top wineries.If you're on a bit of a budget, tryFranschhoek's gay-owned Maison Chablis, awarmly furnished seven-room country housewith a pool and serene, landscaped grounds.Stellenbosch, a historic university townwith numerous 18th-century buildings donein the region's enchanting "Cape Dutch" style,also has a number of excellent restaurants,plus great shopping. Consider staying at thecharming D'Ouwe Werf 1802, South Africa'soldest inn - it also has a fine restaurant.Another good choice is gay-friendly VillaExner, a bit south of Stellenbosch along theregion's scenic "Garden Route." This poshcountry estate has spacious rooms with flatscreenTVs and DVD players, a large outdoorpool, and a restaurant serving acclaimedcountry fare. At this property, you're close tothe three elements that make this part of theworld so special: prolific vineyards, turquoiseseas, and emerald mountains. (To see theComplete Black book, see TRT’s website).* Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor's GayGuide to the USA and eight additional travelguides. He can be reached care of this publicationor at OutofTown@qsyndicate.com.

Straight people for LGBT equality and rightsIn the New Year, make a resolution thatcounts with PFLAG’s work on GLBT rightstraight for Equality is an outreachand education project that empow-straight people in supporting Sersand advocating for gay, lesbian, bisexual,and transgender (GLBT) people. Straightfor Equality reaches out to straight allieswho may not have realized how their owncontribution can make a significant difference.It also seeks allies who understandthe importance of this goal but may be hesitantto get involved. This project willboost these allies’ confidence by providingthem with the tools, knowledge, skills andopportunities to take the next step. Thereare many ways to be a straight ally andeveryone’s contributions, whether large orsmall, private or public, can help achievethis goal.The project will accomplish its objectivesby:• Creating a forum for fair-mindedstraight people to discuss and resolve theconcerns and barriers they face in becomingor growing as effective allies of theGLBT community;• Providing specific recommendations tohelp transform people’s attitudes and perceptionsof GLBT individuals and theGLBT community;• Assisting other GLBT allies in encouragingfriends, family members, coworkers,and community members to embrace thisgoal and effect real and lasting change.Straight for Equality is the next logicalstep for Parents, Families and Friends ofLesbians and Gays (PFLAG)as we expandour work for GLBT equality. As part ofPFLAG’s mission of support, educationand advocacy, this new project willembrace an increasing number of straightpeople who are ready to lend their invaluablevoices and perspectives to bring thestraight and GLBT communities together,straight for equality.THE STRAIGHT FOR EQUALITY PLEDGEAs a straight ally committed to supportingand advocating for gay, lesbian, bisexualand transgender (GLBT) people, I will:Come out.I will acknowledge and work on anyuncertainties I may have in “coming out”as a straight ally, and, as I grow in confidence,I’ll increasingly let my family,friends, and colleagues know that I supportequality for GLBT people.Speak up.Whenever I have an opportunity, I’ll saysomething supportive of GLBT people,whether I’m responding to a homophobicjoke or remark, commenting positivelyabout a current event, or making the casefor equality in a discussion.Join in.I will review the many recommendedactions provided through Straight forEquality that will help me create change inbig and small ways and incorporate thosewith which I am comfortable into mygrowth as a straight ally to help moveequality forward.To sign the petition visit: www.straightforequality.org/www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • 15Queer Organization NewsThe Night OwlThe best LGBTQ Clubs in ourTEN THINGS TO DO AS AN ALLYThere are literally hundreds of ways thatyou can show support as a straight ally—from the way that you respond in conversationsto what companies you support towhich legislators you elect.Be sure to come back on October 11 tolearn more with the first official publicationfrom Straight for Equality!• Become informed about the realities,challenges and issues affecting the lives ofgay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender(GLBT) people’s lives through websites,books, documentaries, and educationalmaterials.• Be open about having GLBT friends,family or acquaintances that you value,respect, and are grateful to have in yourlife. When you talk about them, don’t omitthe fact that they are GLBT.• Speak up when you hear derogatoryslurs or jokes and don’t use them yourself.• Ask if you are unsure how a GLBTfriend, family member or acquaintancewould like their significant other to bereferred to or introduced, rather than avoidingacknowledgment of the relationship.• Help your kids learn about and appreciateall different kinds of families. Be mindfulof the day-to-day messages that they arereceiving about GLBT people and issues inschool, from friends, and on TV and talkabout what they encounter with them.• Quit or don’t join organizations thatovertly discriminate. Let them know whyyou are leaving or not joining in the firstplace.• Support GLBT-owned and GLBTfriendlybusinesses.• Encourage and support company policiesand programs that promote a positivework environment for GLBT employees atyour workplace. If your company has aGLBT network group, join and encouragethem to include straight allies so more peoplecan be openly supportive of their work.• Write letters to the editor of your newspaperto comment as a straight ally on whyyou support respectful and equal treatmentfor GLBT people.• Call, write, e-mail, or visit public policymakers and let them know that as astraight person who votes, you supportlaws that extend equal rights and protectionsto GLBT people.Colton from PageMK: What do you hope to accomplish withyour debut disc?CF: I hope to reach as many people as I canwith my music, and put myself on the map ina way that affords me the luxury of livingcomfortably off of my art. Anything beyondthat would be icing on the cake.MK: I'm not trying to jinx you in any waybecause I certainly admire your determinationand the hurdles you'll metaphoricallyhave to jump as you try to make a name foryourself in the music industry, but what willyou do if this project doesn't work out as wellas you hope? Will you try again? Will youreturn to adult films?CF: Quite honestly, I'm trying diligently notGayborhoods! Check ‘em out!168 York StreetCentral & Western, MANew Haven, CTBar254 Crown StreetNew Haven, CTGotham Citi CafeChurch & Crown StreetsNew Haven, CTPartners Cafe365 Crown StreetNew Haven, CTBlu105 Water StreetWorcester, MAClub Car64 Water StreetWorcester, MADIVA'S492 Pleasant St.Northampton, MAHob Knob234 Chestnut StreetSpringfield, MAThe Pub382 Dwight StreetSpringfield, MAMB40 Grafton StreetWorcester, MASin City350 Worthington StreetSpringfield, MAConnecticutTriangles66 Sugar Hollow RoadDanbury, ConnecticutChez Est458 Wethersfield Ave.Hartford, CTPolo Club678 Maple AvenueHartford, CT168 York Street CafeNew York ClubsWater Works Pub76 Central Ave.Albany, NYClub Phoenix348 Central Ave.,Albany, NY 12206Joey's Bar664 2nd Ave., Troy, NY518-237-4846Oh Bar304 Lark Street,Albany, NY(518) 463-9004Fuze Box Bar12 Central Avenue,Albany, NY(518) 432-4472Clinton St. Pub159 Clinton St.,Schenectady, NY 12305518-377-8555to get ahead of myself here. Now that's not tosay that I haven't thought about the futureand the possibilities. I have, of course. I justdon't want to get stuck there and distracted.My being present now and attentive to thebusiness that I currently have on my platewill put me in a much better place with mycareer on down the line. If I was consumedwith and caught up in my fears about thefuture, I would be missing out on all thegood things that are happening now.MK: What's the one thing that you want peopleto know about that they don't?CF: I'm actually straight. I just did the gaything for my career. [laughs]* Michael A. Knipp is a freelance writer andfounder of Line/Byline Communications. Hecan be reached at michael.knipp@gmail.com.www.glma.org/GLMA’s mission is to ensure equality in healthcare for lesbian, gay,bisexual and transgender individuals and healthcare providers.GLMA and the Human Rights Campaign have launched a new nationwide survey of thehealthcare industry that will provide a quality indicator for healthcare related to LGBTpeople and will identify existing policies that may be used as models for other healthcareorganizations. The first report provides aggregate statistics from the survey to create thebaseline for future progress. For more information, www.glma.org.

16 • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.comLGBT AnnouncementsTRT PRIDE Calendar from MA, NY, , CT & VT!(MA) UNITY is a Transgender support groupwhich meets at 7 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday ofeach month at Baystate Hospital, 3300 MainStreet in Springfield, Ma.; and on the 4thThursday at the Blue Moon Coffee Roaster locatedat 715 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA. FMI:Deja 860-604-6343 or Keri 413-364-1749.(MA) SOCIAL GROUP FOR LESBIANS; Wealways meet on the first and third Friday's of themonth. For information call 413-687-2065(MA) EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (EC) isNOW available without a prescription at allTapestry Health Services sites. (413) 586-2539.(MA) MATURE LESBIAN SUPPORT GROUP;Group for women 55+ meets monthly at theNorthampton Council on Aging at 240 Main St., at6 p.m.; second Monday of each month.(MA) DISCUSSION GROUP FOR LESBIANS40+ meets every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8p.m. at the Stonewall Center at UMass. Topicschosen by group consensus the previous week.This is a warm and welcoming group of intelligentwomen. Information email to:JBGreenize@aol.com(MA) OLDER LESBIAN DISCUSSION GROUPS;Amherst/NoHo Area. New members accepted onspace-available basis. If enough interest, newgroups may form. FMI: 413-247-3257 or 413-253-3049.(VT) MEN'S SUPPORT GROUP; Any male 18 orolder; an opportunity for men to share their experiences,thoughts, and feelings about life's journey.Support group not a therapy group. Free.Every Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Brattleboro, VT.FMI: 802-258-3914.(MA) JOIN EMAIL GROUP FOR LGBT PAR-ENTS in the Pioneer Valley area athttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/lgbt_parents_pioneer_valley/for exchanging information, chattingabout our families, and organizing get-togethersand play-dates.(MA, NY, CT & VT) DISCRIMINATIONBECAUSE YOU ARE QUEER? Call TheRainbow Times, 413-204-8959; 518-391-2617.(NY) Bisexual Brunch; First and third Sundaysof the month, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the RainbowCafe, 332 Hudson Ave., Albany. FMI: Viktoria518-438-6315.(NY) Bagel Bunch; Tuesdays; 10:30 a.m.; Oldergay men’s social and discussion group.Bruegger’s, Hannaford Plaza, Central Ave.,Albany.(NY) Capital Pride Singers; Mondays @ 7 p.m.;LGBT/LGBTaffirming; mixed chorus; St.Andrew’s, Episcopal Church, 10 No. Main St.,Albany, 12203; FMI: 435-4636.(NY) Capital District Prime Timers; Providessocial, cultural, and recreational opportunities formature gay and bisexual men. Open to men age21+. FMI: jallison2@nycap.rr.com or CDPT 595New Loudon Rd #202 Latham NY 12110(NY) Gay, Bisexual and Transgender MenSupport Group; Mondays; 7 p.m.; Support groupfor GBT men to talk about coming out, sex, religion,dating, relationships, and other issuesaffecting men in the GBT Community; CDGLCC@ 332 Hudson Avenue in Albany. FMI: QDiamond at (518) 462-6138 orqdiamond@cdglcc.org.(NY) Lesbian and Bisexual Women's SupportGroup; every other Tuesday; 7 p.m.; Designedfor multi-cultural lesbian and bisexual womenwho are questioning their sexuality, recoveringfrom newly ended relationships, struggling withdepression or just women needing the support oftheir peers. Meet at CDGLCC at 332 HudsonAvenue in Albany. FMI: Q Diamond at (518) 462-6138.(NY) Youth Group; Friday nights; 7 p.m.; 332Hudson Ave. in Albany; Group offers peer supportto LGBT& questioning individuals ages 13-19. Asupportive environment for LGBTQ youth andtheir straight allies to discuss issues of comingout, family, school, work, and relationships amongtheir peers. Another group meets in SaratogaSprings at 624 Broadway every otherWednesday, a group in Hudson at 742 Warren St.every other Wednesday, and a group inSchoharie County that meets twice per month.FMI: Q Diamond (518) 462-6138.(NY) Confidential HIV Testing; first Wednesdayof each month; 6-8:30 p.m.; Provided by ProjectH.O.P.E., a program of the AIDS Council ofNortheastern New York. Testing offered at theCDGLCC, 332 Hudson Ave., Albany. FMI: 518-462-6138.LGBTQ TEA DANCE AT DANCE NORTHAMPTON.Second Sunday of every month; 3-6 PM;$8 (includes lesson at 3:00)FMI: www.dancenorthampton.com .(NY) Out Dancing (for the LGBTQ community);every Wednesday evening; 7 to 8 p.m.; SaratogaSAVOY, 7 Wells St, Saratoga Springs, NY. FMIcall: 518-587-5132. http://saratogasavoy.homestead.com/files/outdancing.html(CT) Every Sunday; ALL LGBT YOUTH to theRainbow Room; at the Hartford Gay & LesbianHealth Collective; from 3-6 p.m.; 1841 BroadStreet, Hartford, CT; for LGBT youth and allies.The Rainbow Room is a drop-in space for LGBTyouth up to 21 years old … Come hang out atRainbow Room.(MA) TransForming Families – TransgenderSupport Group; Parents, partners, children andtheir transgender loved ones.Topic/discussion/support group meets twice amonth; Wednesdays, 7:30 – 9 p.m. in Hadley.FMI: www.transformingfamilies.org or 413-522-0522(MA) Free Breast Cancer Services; CooleyDickinson; Women can select therapy servicessuch as acupuncture, aromatherapy, therapeutictouch, healing music, healing touch, Reiki, Reiki,Peggy Huddleston’s Prepare for Surgery, HealFaster, self-hypnosis/guided imagery and therapeuticmassage by CD employees that hold certificationsin these therapy techniques. FMI” 413-582-2424.(MA) EAST COAST FEMALE-TO-MALEGROUP (ECFTMG); 2nd Sunday of everymonth from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. All meetings areheld at Bet's house: FMI: 413.584.7616 or email:betpower@yahoo. com; FTMs or SOFFAs whohave never come to one of the meetings shouldcall and introduce themselves to Bet beforeattending. Meetings are open to ALL masculineidentified,female-born personsour significantothers, family, and allies.(VT) Third Sunday of Every Month; in Brattleboro,Open to anyone whose identity or expressiondoesn't fit neatly into the gender binary,including transpeople of all genders and sexualorientations. FMI: Benjamin Robin: robin@benjaminrobin.net(NY) Ask-A-Lawyer Legal Clinic: Serving theLGBT community Geri Pomerantz, Esq. and AnneReynolds Copps, Esq.; 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.; FREElegal consultations to the LGBT community ondomestic disputes, orders of protection, namechanges, wills, family law, discrimination, andmore. will be held by appointment only. FMI:518.432.4188.(VT) GAYME NIGHT: January 5 , 7pm, Menspace,50 Elliot St., Brattleboro VT. Gayme night is at theMenspace this month. Come join us for snacksand socializing, and lots of laughs.(MA) 19TH ANNUAL FRIENDS OF THE FINEARTS CENTER BENEFIT AUCTION ONLINE;January 7th through Midnight, February 2nd;Auction online in advance of the gala. The auctiongoes live at 8 a.m. January 7th and closes at midnightFebruary 2nd, the night of the gala. Toaccess the online auction: www.umassfineartscenter.cmarket.com.Price for the Gala event is$100 p/p and includes a $25 tax-deductible contribution.FMI: 413.545.3671. For tickets:413.545.2511 or online at fineartscenter.com.(VT) BOWLING: January 7; 7 p.m, atBrattleboro Bowl, Brattleboro VT. Join bowlers atBrattleboro Bowl on Putney Road. You’ll rent yourown shoes, and we split the lane costs betweenall attendees.(VT) BEAR NIGHT: January 9, Doors open at 5p.m., the Ceilidh House, Westmoreland NH. TheCeilidh House holds BEAR NIGHT every secondWednesday. The Pub is not normally open onWednesdays, so this is a private gay night. Doorsopen at 5 p.m., DJ music begins at 7:30 p.m., andthe pub will be open until midnight. www.ceilidhhouse.netNot a Men’s Program event.(VT) CORE GROUP: January 10, 6pm Potluck,6:30 p.m. Group Discussion, at the Menspace, 50Elliot Street, Brattleboro VT. Help guide the Men’sProgram. Join us for a great potluck and thenconversation about the program. Actively seekingnew members.(VT) BOOK GROUP: January 10, 7 p.m., at theMenspace, 50 Elliot Street, Brattleboro VT. Thebook for January is HOTEL DE DREAM, EdmundWhite’s new book. FMI: Curtis, 802-254-2400.(Yes, there are two events on Thursday, January10, at the Menspace. We have two rooms.)(NY) MOVIE NIGHT: January 11, “TheWatermelon Woman;” CDGLCC, 332 HudsonAve., Albany, NY, 7:00 PM, FREE!(VT) BEAR POTLUCK: January 12, 6:30pm, atthe Menspace, 50 Elliot Street, Brattleboro VT.The bears have decided to get together again.Bring a dish to share, whether you’re a fancier ora bear.(MA) TRANSCEND: A SUPPORT GROUP FORTHE TRANS COMMUNITY; January 13, 7-8:30p.m.; South Congregational Church, 110 SouthStreet, Pittsfield, MA; Transcend is an informalplace for trans people to come together and sharetheir experience. BSCC will provide facilitatorsand light refreshments. Confidential, free andopen to any trans person who wishes to come.FMI: BSCC Infoline: 413-822-7268(MA) COMING OUT TRANS TO PEOPLECLOSE TO US; January 13; 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.How has coming out as transgender, transsexual,or gender queer or starting your transitionprocess (however you define that) affected peopleclose to you?Come share your experiencesand resources or tools that may have helpedyou in coming out trans. FMI: 413.584.7616 oremail: betpower@yahoo. com(NY) PRIDE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING:January 15, CDGLCC, 332 Hudson Ave., Albany,NY 6:00 p.m. FMI: capitalpride@cdglcc.org or justcome to the next meeting if you are interested inhelping to make Capital Pride 2008 bigger andbetter than ever!(VT) SPIRITUALITY: January 18, 7pm, theMenspace, 50 Elliot Street, Brattleboro VT. Opendiscussion of men’s spirituality/practice. Thismonth we’ll read and discuss a chapter of EAT,PRAY, LOVE.(NY) PROGRESSIONS CONCERT SERIES:January 19, CDGLCC, 332 Hudson Ave., Albany,NY, 8:00 p.m. Doors 7:30 p.m., $10/$8 students -All ages! FMI: Carrie at 518.462.6138, x.11.(VT) WINTER PARTY POTLUCK: January 19, 2p.m. outdoor fun; 5 p.m. dinner. Thom Chiofalo’sin Rowe, MA. Bring a dish to share and join thewinter fun, with plenty of lovely land to snowshoeand x-country ski, and a roaring fire in the fireplace. (Bring your own snowshoes, skis andpoles) Not a Men’s Program sponsored event.FMI: eflash@sover.net for directions.(VT) TRANSGENDER SUPPORT: January 20,5:30-8:30 p.m. Meeting in Brattleboro the thirdSunday of every month. Open to anyone whoseidentity or expression doesn't fit neatly into thegender binary, including transpeople of all sexualorientations/ identities. Not a Men’s Programevent. FMI: Benjamin Robin: robin@benjaminrobin.net(VT) CONNECTIONS MAILING FUN: January22, 6 p.m. at the APSV office, 67 Main Street, 4thFloor, Brattleboro. Fold, stuff, seal, stamp, laugh.Pizza provided! Directions at the top of the nextcolumn.(VT) COMEDY IMPROV: January 25, 7 p.m.,Michael Gigante’s, 31 Frog Hill, Brattleboro, VT.Back by popular demand! Improv is easier thanyou think… it’s all in the prompts. Everyone cando it. With your hosts Michael Gigante andBrandon Peterson, come join in the silliness.Both hosts are skilled, trained improv instigatorsconductors, and make this event comfortable andhilarious for all.(NY) MELISSA FERRICK WITH SPECIALGUEST CHRIS PUREKA THE LINDA: January26, WAMC's Performing Arts Studio, 339 CentralAve, Albany, NY. $23. Call 518.465.5233 to ordertickets. This Event is supported by: The New YorkState Music Fund, established by the New YorkState Attorney General at RockefellerPhilanthropy Advisors; and by the Capital DistrictGay and Lesbian Community Council.(VT) LEATHER GUY POTLUCK: January 26,6:30pm, Menspace, 50 Elliot Street, Brattleboro,VT. If you’re into or interested in Leather/BDSM,come meet with guys who share that interest.Bring a dish to share and come with ideas abouthow and where this group might continue to gettogether.(VT) LET’S TALK “HEALTH & WELLBEING”:January 30, 7-8:30 p.m.; Menspace, 50 ElliotStreet, Brattleboro VT.(NY) MOVIE NIGHT: February 8, “Get On theBus,” CDGLCC, 332 Hudson Ave., Albany, NY.7:00 p.m., FREE!(MA) BENEFIT EVENT FEATURING THEILLUSTRIOUS KATE BORNSTEIN; Feb. 8 2008;7 p.m.; Weinstein Auditorium at Smith College;Tickets: $3/Smith College students, $5/ students,$10/general public. Benefit for Bet Power,founder and facilitator of the East Coast Femaleto Male Group. FMI: alexcielo@comcast.net(NY) GAY BINGO: Feb 9, 7:30 p.m.; HartfordMarriott Rocky Hill, 100 Capital Boulevard; RockyHill, CT; $20; Over $500 in cash and prizes; 6:30-7:30 p.m. Cocktail Hour; Cash Bar/Concessions.(MA) GLBT INSPIRATIONAL SEMINARS:February 16, Inspirational seminars honoring ourcommunity. Join us on February 16th for our oneday 'reclaiming your connection' seminar inSherborn, MA. FMI: Sue Call 978-257-8003 or e-mailsaeshagene@gmail.comMORE CALENDAR OF EVENTS ON PAGE 17Submit your non-profit calendar event/s* to calendar@therainbowtimesmass.com or calendar@therainbowtimesnews.com*Certain restrictions apply. Small for-profit events/groups, 35 words or less, are considered for a small fee. Large/for-profit events are not considered. All submissions appear online.

Planning underway for New England’sfirst Transgender Pride March & RallyNORTHAMPTON, MA—Transgender peopleand their allies from Massachusetts,Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire,Rhode Island, Maine, and eastern New Yorkstate have announced plans to hold the firstNew England Transgender Pride March andRally. The event will take place on Saturday,June 7, 2008, in Northampton, Massachusetts.The rally will assemble at 11:00 a.m. at theBridge Street School. Marchers will step offat noon and proceed down Main Street for arally at 1:00 p.m. at Veterans Field.“We feel a march and rally are necessarybecause transgender people are often misunderstoodand denied basic civil rights in muchof society,” states Bet Power, a member of theTransgender Pride steering committee. Powernoted that Massachusetts and Connecticut donot have laws that prohibit discrimination inemployment, housing, and public accommodationsbased on an individual’s gender identityor expression. In part, the rally will callattention to gender rights bills making theirway through the two state legislatures.“We hope that the march and rally will helpeducate others about the lives and experiencesof transgender people and the need for protectivelegislation,” added Robyn Laferriere,another steering committee member.According to the mission statement, theorganizers “seek to educate and build awarenessof the movement against gender-baseddiscrimination” and “promote self-acceptanceand acceptance of our whole identities andlives.” It states, “We gather to celebrate andaffirm our individuality, diversity, andstrength.”Hundreds of transgender people and supportersfrom throughout New England andbeyond are expected to attend the event. Oneof the rally speakers will be Leslie Feinberg, apioneering transgender activist and the authorof a number of influential books, includingStone Butch Blues, Transgender Warriors, andDrag King Dreams. Other speakers and entertainerswill be announced in the next fewmonths.More Jan. & Feb. Calendar of Events from page 16(MA) January 2; BSCC POTLUCK DINNER;7:00 p.m.; Unitarian-Universalist Church;175Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. Open to theGLBTQI community and friends. Bring a maindish, salad, veggie or dessert to share.Beverages provided. PLEASE NOTE: We nowhave a sign-up sheet for volunteers to help setup, host (welcome newcomers), serve and cleanup after the potluck.(MA) January 13; "TRANSCEND" MEETING;7:00 - 8:30 p.m.; South Congregational Church,Pittsfield, MA. Monthly support/social groupmeeting for the Trans community. Sponsored byBSCC. FMI call the Infoline: 413-822-7268 (newnumber!).(MA) January 19; HIKE/CROSS-COUNTRYSKIING, SNOWSHOE TREK; Meet at noon atthe Allendale Parking Lot, Pittsfield, MA for carpoolingto the Dorothy Wright Sanctuary in Peru.All are welcome.(MA) February 5;BSCC POTLUCK DINNER;7:00 p.m.; Unitarian-Universalist Church,175Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. Open to theGLBTQI community and friends. Bring a maindish, salad, veggie or dessert to share.Beverages provided. Again, volunteers areneeded to set up, host, serve and clean up. SeeJan. 2 for details.(MA) February 10; "TRANSCEND" MEETING;7:00 - 8:30 p.m.; South Congregational Church,Pittsfield, MA. Monthly support/social groupmeeting for the Trans community. Sponsored byBSCC. FMI call the Infoline: 413-822-7268 (newnumber!).(MA) February 23. HIKE. Noon; Meet at back ofPrice Chopper parking lot in Lee and car pool tohike in Monterey. Dress for the weather and conditions.All are welcome.www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • 17Connecticut ConnectionHELP WANTED IN HARTFORD, CONNECTICUTLooking for LOVE? Turn to the PERSONALS on page 23CT Neighborhood OrganizationsAIDS Testing: www.guardinhealth.orgGay Father’s Group: (203) 938-2881HartfordCommunity Center: (860) 724-5542CT Freedom to MarryCoalition: (203) 791-9553Love Makes a Family: www.lmfct.org(860) 525-7777Married Lesbian Support Group:trucolur@aol.com (203) 430-9227Married Men’s Bisexual Support Group of Hartford:(860)264-5605Metropolitan Community Church of NewHaven: (203) 397-2312New Haven Gay & LesbianCenter: www.nhglcc.org; (203) 387-2252PFLAG Danburry: www.pflag.org; (203) 797-4743Connecticut ’s Kids: (203) 256-8414Senior Lesbians Happily at Play (SLAPHAPS): Kathy(203) 929-8113True Colors CT: www.ourtruecolors.org; (888) 565-5551NationalRunaway Switchboard: (773) 880-9860ConnecticutWomen's Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF): 135Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06105 - 860.247.6090 Info. andReferral program: (800) 479-2949 or Greater Hartford524-0601 - Statewide women's rights organization workingto end discrimination and hate crimes; provides free legalinformation and referral to the LGBT community.XX Club (Twenty Club): Rev. Cannon Jones - 45 ChurchStreet Hartford , CT 06141-0387 - (860)646-8651 - Povidesknowledgeable info., and ongoing peer support to transsexuals.2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, 2 -5 p.m.connecticuT View (cTView): A Transgender social andsupport club, for the TV, TG, TS, CD, both male andfemale. Monthly meeting in New Haven as well as e-membership,and more. A no dues club, with all the frills;www.transgender.org/ctv/Meet new friends in CT, have a great time, see page 24If you’ve ever considered being a Foster Parent…NOW is the time to do it.Connecticut’s children need you more than ever.The Professional Parenting Programprovides comprehensive supports to foster families.Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children withspecial needs.Connecticut residents only.Please call us today (888) 968-4489 x1341764 Litchfield Turnpike • Woodbridge, CT 06525 • www.ippi.org

18 • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comQReviewsStruggles continue: From the closet to the courtsBy: Marcia M. Gallo, Ph.D*./TRT SpecialActivist, educator, writer, public relationsprofessional—formerDaughters of Bilitis leader RuthSimpson has packed a lot of living into thelast four decades, and she gives us the benefitof her experiences and insights in From theCloset to the Courts, 30th AnniversaryEdition (Take RootMedia 2007).First published in 1977 by The VikingPress, Simpson's updated first-person accountof "The Lesbian Transition" from the late1960s through the 1970s is bracketed andembraced by commentary showing its continuingrelevance. Heralded both by past pathbreakinglesbian and feminist leaders Ti-Grace Atkinson, Bella Abzug and KateMillett, as wellGay Best Sellers*1. A Very Serious Person2. East Side Story3. Boy Crush4. Naked Boys Singing!5. Surveillance 24/76. Bam Bam & Celeste7. Rock Haven8. Outing Riley9. The Bubble10. Boys Loveas current people'sjournalistAmy Goodmanand gay advocateCherylJacques,Simpson chartsa course forlesbian liberationthat situatesour struggleswithin thebroader contextof progressiveinternational* By wolfevideo.comhuman rights,and she is unsparing in her criticism of anyperson or institution whom she believes holdsany of us "minorities" – sexual nonconformists,women, people of color, immigrants,civil rights and peace activists—back."How do we fight the battles we must wageagainst the burgeoning tide of right-wing nuttery,the apathy and seeming disinterest ofpolitical moderates, and the un-invigoratedcomplacency of way too many 'others?'" sheasks. Her response, in part, is central to ourLGBT movement, now as in the past: "...what works best is never accepting others'negative image of you and rather, with prideand minority smarts, show people what agood person you are." But that's not all.Simpson has never been one to rely solely onindividual personal responses to institutionaland political issues.As leader of the New York Daughters ofBilitis (DOB), she helped mobilize thehomophile-era women's social and educationalnetwork during the fiery days of lesbianand gay militancy in the early 1970s.Although DOB always saw its mission asinclusive of social change, its tactics andstrategies changed over time from its inceptionas a small secret club in San Francisco in1955 to its growth as a national lesbian rightsorganization with more than a dozen chaptersthroughout the U.S. by the late 1960s. DOBNew York, founded by legendary gay rightsactivist Barbara Gittings along with MarionGlass in 1958, usually was one of the mostaction-oriented of DOB's local groups duringAs a homosexual I am obligated to my own people; as awoman I am responsible to feminist principles; as a humanbeing I am dedicated to the basic right of human dignity.—Ruth Simpson, Author, From the Closet to the Courtsits two decades of lesbian organizing; underSimpson's leadership, however, DOB NewYork became part of the upsurge of streetactions, protests, and media confrontationsthat followed the queer Stonewall Inn antipoliceriots in Greenwich Village in June,1969.Her book—a primer on lesbianism, emphasizingthe many myths masquerading ashomophobic "facts" that surround femalesame-sex love – came at a time when womenwho loved other women—or thought theymight—had very few reliable, reaffirmingsources of information available to them.Lesbian activists' first-person accounts wererarer still; founding Daughters Del Martin andPhyllis Lyon had written Lesbian/Woman in1972, and New York DOB leader Kay (Tobin)Lahusen edited The Gay Crusaders withRandy Wicker the same year. Both of theseworks wove personal "coming-out" storiesand tales of early gay movement organizinginto a narrative of lesbian and gay— and, forMartin and Lyon, feminist liberation.Five years later, despite the huge increaseby 1977 in lesbian publications, books likeFrom the Closet to the Courts were stillunique. In addition to telling her own story,Simpson was courageous in publishing ascathing critique of societal bigotry againstgay people and women that extended to racialand ethnic minorities. She also did not hesitateto expose governmentinterference—from name-and-badge-numberaccounts of harassment on the part of the NewYork Police Department to disruptive techniquesthat were traced to the highest levels ofthe F.B.I. and other federal agencies. Herpolitical sensibility is that of a lifelong activistwith a worldview expanded by decades ofstruggles with the powers-that-be: "(W)henDOB began to transform from a social gatheringplace into a politically active organization,it became the target of intensified harassment,especially when it organized activity in conjunctionwith other groups," she observes; shethen applies this essential lesson to progressivepolitical activism in general.“As a homosexual I am obligated to myown people; as a woman I am responsible tofeminist principles; as a human being I amdedicated to the basic right of human dignity,"she began her book in 1977. In 2007, she concludes,"(A)s was true more than thirty yearsago, achieving dignity and justice is still up tous, So let's do it." I can only hope that, fordecades more, Ruth Simpson will be fightingthe good fight—on as many fronts as necessary—andspurring us all onward.* Marcia M. Gallo, Ph.D. is the author ofDifferent Daughters: A History of theDaughters of Bilitis and the Rise of theLesbian Rights Movement (Carroll and Graf,2006) , and an Assistant Professor of History,Lehman College, Bronx NY.First openly gay president of Black Journalists group diesNEW YORK (AP)—Thomas Morgan III,the first openly gay president of the NationalAssociation of Black Journalists and a longtimenewsman at The New York Times, hasdied. He was 56.The Brooklyn resident died early Mondaymorning, possibly of a heart attack, while visitingthe family of his partner, Thomas Ciano,in Southampton, Mass., Ciano saidWednesday.“He was a man of many different qualitiesand talents,'' Ciano said. ``He cared a lot abouteducating young journalists and the preventionof AIDS. Working to house and care forhomeless people. Pottery. Gardening. Politics.Those were his passions.''Morgan was NABJ's president from 1989 to1991. Even though he won the election handily,it was somewhat heated, according to a2004 profile of Morgan on the NABJ's Website.“It was painful,” Morgan recalled. ``I struggledwith how to represent NABJ withoutembarrassing the organization but while alsobeing true to myself. I was elected as a blackjournalist, not a gay one.''After graduating from the University ofMissouri and completing his service with theU.S. Air Force in 1975, Morgan worked atThe Miami Herald and The Washington Post.He then joined the Times, where he rose toassistant metro editor and also received aNieman Fellowship at Harvard University in1989.He retired from the newspaper in 1994,“largely to concentrate on his personal fightagainst AIDS,'' according to the profile.“Tom was a man of passion and compassion,''NABJ President Barbara Ciara said onher organization's Web site. ``He had the abilityto walk into a room divided and help thosewho held opposing viewpoints find commonground. His loss is not only a personal one forme, but a great loss for NABJ.''

www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • 19Holiday Open House Highlights

20 • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comQueerWoodDeep Inside Hollywood: New projects under wayBy: Romeo San Vicente*Sarah Jessica ParkerThinks SmartAnyone unfamiliarwith the modern phenomenonthat is gaymale worship of SarahJessica Parker needonly check out the queer blogs' frenzied chatterabout the impending Sex and the Citymovie or the squealing, tear-filled receptionthe actor received when she popped in unexpectedlyas guest judge on Bravo's ProjectRunway. It's safe to say that her comings andgoings are must-see media events for lots ofgay guys. And her fans will have more reasonsto squeal when she stars in anotherupcoming feature, Smart People. Due to premiereat January's Sundance Film Festival,the film stars Dennis Quaid as a widowed professorwho finds new love with Parker andreunites with an adopted brother, played byThomas Haden Church (Sideways). EllenPage (Juno) co-stars as Quaid's daughter.Smart Parker fans won't have long to wait forthe 2008 release.Butler Moves to Chronic TownDan Butler was always a welcome sight onepisodes of Frasier. The gay actor came outSARAH JESSICA PARKERprofessionally back in the 1990’s when it wasstill an iffy career move. That he played itsuper-straight as "Bulldog" on that show wasan even cooler move. Since Frasier, theactor's been seen in guest spots on othershows (House, Monk), but will renegotiate hisimage in the dark indie comedy ChronicTown. Reported to be a character study (witha title appropriated from an R.E.M. album)about a lonely cab driver in Fairbanks,Alaska, the film features Butler in a supportingrole as a character named Blow Job. Whatthis all means, exactly, is anyone's guess, butit certainly can't make a guy's life easy to havethat name on his driver's license. The filmdebuts at Sundance in January with a theatricalrelease to follow.La Bruce Sees Dead PeopleLook up “iconoclast” in the dictionary andyou might just find a photo of bad-boyCanadian director Bruce La Bruce. Comingalong at the time of the rise of the so-called"New Queer Cinema" in the early 1990’s, LaBruce was considered an outsider even fromthat movement. His hilarious and deliberatelyraw, profane films (Super 8 ½, Hustler White,Raspberry Reich) guaranteed him notorietyand gave film geeks plenty to discuss, but alsoplaced him squarely outside the mainstream.That's a place he seems to revel in as hemoves back and forth between art films andgay pornography, often overlapping the twogenres. The evidence? His latest project, Otto:Up With Dead People, is about a gay zombieroaming the land of the living in search oflove. No word on how explicitly sexual thisone will be, but “very” seems a likely possibility.Shades of Rex LeeAs Lloyd, Jeremy Piven's assistant onEntourage, gay actor Rex Lee has carved outa hilarious niche for himself. His characterstuck around and gained a higher profilethanks to Lee's wicked comic timing and popularitywith fans. Soon, though, he'll jumpfrom the small to the big screen, appearing inthe independent feature Shades of Ray. A seriocomicromance, Shades stars Chuck mainman Zachary Levi as Ray, a mixed-race,American-born son of a Pakistani father andCaucasian mother. As his parents separate andhis father moves in with him, Ray must dealwith his own romantic and racial issues.Sounds heartfelt and sincere, but Romeo'sguessing that Lee's job will be to pop up fromtime to time with just the right punchline foran awkward moment. As HBO audiencesknow, he's an expert at that.* Romeo San Vicente's own entourage is hotterthan anything on TV. He can be reachedcare of this publication or atDeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com.www.therainbowtimesnews.com Campaign from Page 12 Happy New Year from ourtax-filing requirement for older workers makingunder $50,000. A mortgage-interest creditcould be used by lower-income homeownerswho do not take the mortgage interest deductionbecause they do not itemize their taxes.Raise corporate taxes and the top rate on capitalgains and dividends to pay for the cuts._Richardson: Has supported cuts in incomeand capital gains taxes as governor.___REPUBLICANS would generally extendBush’s tax cuts, which could cost $2.3 trillionto keep inplace until2 0 1 7 .Additionally:_Giuliani: Cutcorporate taxrate to 25 percentfrom 35percent, eliminateLesbian Best Sellers* estatetax. Hold theline on marginal1. The Gymnasttax rates2. When Night is Falling or reduce3. She Likes Girls 2 them, and4. Loving Annabelle establish a5. The L Word: Season 46. Mango Kiss7. Personal Best8. Desert Hearts 2-Disc9. For The Bible Tells Mepermanentchild tax credit.Index thealternativeminimum taxSoto inflation.10. SonjaIncome taxdeduction of* By wolfevideo.com$7,500 per taxpayer to defray health insurancecosts. Seek spending caps of 5 percent ormore on civilian agencies; slash bureaucracyby rehiring only half the number of employeeswho retire._McCain: Opposed some of Bush’s tax cutsbecause they were not wedded to spendingcuts, but now says the tax cuts should be madepermanent. Eliminate alternative minimumtax._Huckabee: Replace system of taxing incomeand investment with 23 percent national salestax on goods and services, cushioned forlower-income people and with rebates foressential purchases._Romney: Tax breaks to those earning lessthan $200,000, including eliminating capitalgains, interest and dividend taxes for most.Estimated cost of $32 billion a year to be paidin part by cutting growth of federal spending.Eliminate estate tax._Thompson: Let people choose between currentsystem or one with flat rate of 10 percenton first $50,000 of individual income or$100,000 of joint income, and 25 percent onincome above those amounts. Exempt familyof four from tax on first $39,000 of income,and more than double standard deduction. Thesimplified option would contain no other taxcredits or deductions, and would retain 15percent tax rate on capital gains. Also, end theestate tax and cut the top corporate tax rate tono more than 27 percent from 35 percent.TRT family to yours!

East Coast FTM Group FAQsIn a recent interview with Bet Power,founder of the East Coast FTM Group,he speaks out about what it means to beFTM, the legacy of support groups for thetransgender poplulation and the need thatsuch a group fulfills.Q. What is ECFTMG?A. ECFTMG is a free, peer support groupsince 1992 for the full spectrum of masculineidentified,female-born persons: female-tomaletransgender, transsexuals, crossdressers,gender-queers, dual gendered, genderblended, questioning, and our significantothers. We are all-inclusive, safe, confidential,and nonjudgmental. We respect the rightof each of us to decide our individual path,whatever that may be. We don’t believe thatthere is any one “right way” to move forwardand live happily; rather, our diverse situationscan be joined together in united community. Itis this community that we build and for thiscommunity that we exist.Q. Why did you start ECFTMG?A. Prior to 1983, I had lived for a decade asa stone butch in the lesbian community, all thewhile knowing I felt like a man inside. In1983, I received from Louis Graydon Sullivanin the mail his groundbreaking booklet,Information for the Female-to-MaleCrossdresser and Transsexual. Lou had sent itto the Sexual Minorities Archives with a notesaying that perhaps some visitors to theArchives would like to read the information. Iread the booklet in a few hours, then calledLou, and soon flew out to San Francisco tomeet him. Lou Sullivan was the first femaleto-maletranssexual I had ever met. Meetinghim told me that I wasn’t the only one on theplanet. Lou also was the father of the FTMcommunity in the U.S. and eventually internationally,with his formation of his FTM supportgroup in SF in the early 1980s.Lou and I had a friendship through correspondenceand phone calls after that, from1984 until his death from AIDS in 1991.Before he died, Lou asked me if I would continuehis FTM group, something I couldn’t dosince I had a career in the Boston area and arelationship there, too. Leadership of Lou’sFTM group was taken on by Jamison Greenand continues to grow to this day as FTMInternational. But upon Lou’s death, I feltalone again, not knowing any other FTMs inmy local area. I needed a place where I couldregularly meet and talk with guys just like me.So, in early 1992, I started ECFTMG, andwe originally alternated the meeting betweenWatertown, MA (Boston area) andNorthampton, MA. Eventually, meetings continuedto be held only in my home (which alsohouses the SexualMinorities Archives) inNorthampton, MA.ECFTMG was the veryfirst support group solelyfor female-to-male transgender[people] on theeast coast.In the past 15 years,ECFTMG has inspiredBET POWERthe formation of manyother support groups and organizations forFTMs throughout MA, VT, NH, NY, and CT.Q. Is ECFTMG therapy and is there a fee toparticipate?A. No, it is a confidential peer supportgroup focused around a topic discussion andthere is no charge.Q. Is ECFTMG open to SOFFAs (significantothers, family, friends, and allies ofFTMs)?A. Yes, most meetings – except when specifiedfor FTMs only – are open to SOFFAs.And male to females (MTF’s) are welcome tomeetings except those for FTM’s only.Q. Are FTM’s under 18 permitted to attendmeetings?A. Yes, if they have a signed permission letterfrom a parent or legal guardian and shouldbe accompanied by an adult.Q. Besides the monthly ECFTMG meetings,is the organization involved in the trans communityin other ways?A. Yes, ECFTMG frequently sponsors orco-sponsors activism and events in the transcommunity, including the annual TransgenderDay of Remembrance and the upcoming NewEngland Transgender Pride March & Rally.Also, after the support group meets, peoplewho want to continue to talk and networkwith each other, or form friendships, go out todinner or make plans to connect.I also spend a good deal of time sending outnews, announcements, and information aboutevents of interest to the trans communitythrough the ECFTMG email listserv. In addition,I frequently answer questions that cometo me by email and phone about local areapractitioners and resources for transgenders.We are currently working on building awebsite for ECFTMG, which will be locatedat www.ecftm.org (it is under constructionand not yet live). The website will provideinformation about the monthly ECFTMGmeetings, regional events and announcementsof interest to the trans community, links toresources, and a New England transgenderSee East Coast on p. 22Support the advertisers whosupport our communities!Are YOU paying attention?TRT now also in NY!www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • 21Trans Talk & MoreQ Puzzle: “The Golden Rule”Across1 Spartacus and others6 Checks for STDs11 Wine region of Michelangelo's land15 Porn director Chi Chi16 Veronica's Closet star17 Ian McKellen and Elton John18 Like an ACT UP protester19 They have tricky tongues20 Sphincter opening?21 With 31-Across, Jane Rule novel24 Gardner of Show Boat25 One-time Arthur Ashe rival Nastase26 Expected to come soon27 Moth tail?29 Where they say "Ooh! Long!"31 See 21-Across34 Gaydar, e.g.35 Direction in a James Beard cookbook36 Barrie's Wendy, e.g.37 With 51—Across, Jane Rule novel41 They're good for tricks45 Tin Woodman's concern46 Become husband and husband on the fly51 See 37—Across53 Novelist Peter55 King in Jesus Christ Superstar56 Some sex-toy batteries57 Lie alongside58 Non-Judy garland59 Jane Rule novel64 Eater of forbidden fruit, and others66 Your place or mine67 Language that may be vulgar68 New Age composer John69 Bert's longtime companion70 One who often screws actors71 Ziegfeld Follies costume designer72 Gay rodeo target73 Come togetherSolution of Puzzle on Page 22Down1 What a pair of drawers does2 One who has come out3 Tongue of Tehran4 Circumcision performers, e.g.5 One who looks into crystal balls6 Powder for bottoms7 Top8 Side at Hamburger Mary's9 Hatcher of Desperate Housewives10 Part of DOS (abbr.)11 Nutty ___ fruitcake12 Singing Nancy13 Commits a foul a la Sue Wicks14 Word after Virgin22 Much ___ About Nothing23 Cut28 ISP invested in PlanetOut Partners30 Ref. for Lytton Strachey31 Legal matter32 Single, to Glenn Burke33 "Can't Get It Out of My Head" rock gp.35 Rupert Everett's The Next ___ Thing38 Bill written by Alice Paul39 Kerouac's Big ___40 Butch's mate41 Button or Bean42 The Wapshot Chronicle author43 Most like a Kevin Williamson movie44 The L Word network47 Greenery48 Uranus, to the sun49 Come down hard50 Threesome of England, France, and Russia52 Childcare writer LeShan53 One of Ours novelist Willa54 It hangs from your butt56 Clarinet-blower Shaw60 Some escorts want them up front61 Pastry with fruit, perhaps62 Sea eagle63 Cowboy actor Jack65 Cho's Pink as the Day ___ Was Born

22 • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comQueer Voices from NYLesbian Notions: Moving Beyond 2007’s Top StoriesABy: Libby Post*s a member ofthe NationalLesbian andGay Journalists'Association, I got tovote on the top LGBTstories for 2007.The guys over at CBSNews on LOGO asked us our opinions, compiledthe info, and then released their findingson December 8 during their "2007 Year inReview" special report.From a purely news point of view - what gotthe most play on broadcast, the most columninches in print, the most pixels on blogs - thetop 10 stories weren't that surprising. A quickrun-down reads like this:10. Gay Pride violence9. Susan Stanton fired from her job as citymanager of Largo, Fla., after transitioningfrom a male to a female8. Elizabeth Edwards breaks with husbandJohn and supports same-sex marriage7. Jerry Sanders, San Diego's Republicanmayor, tearfully comes out in favor of ourmarriage rights - seems his daughter is a dykeCouch from Page 2man tows the party line against gays and lesbians.It’s frightening to think he could bedoing this well, and may go on to clench thenomination.While running for US Senate in 1992,Huckabee wrote in an Associated Press questionnaire:“I feel homosexuality is an aberrant,unnatural, and sinful lifestyle, and wenow know it can pose a dangerous publichealth risk.”Just being gay poses a public health threat?Oh no, Mr. Huckabee was referring to hismore personal feelings about people withAIDS. He said: “If the federal government istruly serious about doing something with theAIDS virus, we need to take steps that wouldisolate the carriers of this plague.”And, just in case you didn’t get the full sentimentexpressed in the abovementionedquotes, he goes on to complain about themoney being spent on AIDS research as comparedto other diseases, like cancer and heartdisease. He said, “In light of the extraordinaryfunds already being given for AIDSresearch, it does not seem that additional federalspending can be justified. An alternativewould be to request that multimillionairecelebrities, such as Elizabeth Taylor,Madonna and others who are pushing formore AIDS funding be encouraged to giveout of their own personal treasuries increasedamounts for AIDS research.”Yeah, Liz Taylor and Madonna. Let thegays find their own money. Because it’s notlike the GLBT community is made up offirst-tier Americans, right?It’s this kind of extreme prejudice thatshould make people like Mike Huckabee, andthe party that accepts him, frightening anddangerous. Perhaps we should quarantinepeople who think like this. Just kidding.And what I find most disturbing is this6. The _Grey's Anatomy_ drama-rama5. Gays are nonexistent in Iran, according tothe country's president, MahmoudAhmadinejad4. We're declared immoral by Joint Chiefs ofStaff chairman General Peter Pace (he's nowthe former Joint Chief - although he didn'tstep down because of furor around hisremarks)3. The LOGO presidential forum2. ENDA drama-rama-rama-rama1. Larry Craig's toe-tappingLooking at this list, most are stories thatimpacted us negatively, not stories that reallytell what we as a community are doing tomove ahead.The ENDA catastrophe showed just howfractured our activist community really is.The Human Rights Campaign was painted asa big, bad liar, while 350 or so other LGBTgroups banded together to kill legislation thatdidn't include the transgender community.Various polls have shown we're all over themap on this one - some of us want to waituntil the political climate is right for transinclusion, some say to pass the legislationnow.split in the psyche of America. As a country,we have become more and more fragmented,forgetting the very essence of what Americais and has always supposedly been. Libertyand justice for all. All men created equal.Give us your poor, your huddled masses.Freedom from tyranny. A refuge for all thosein need.We are all one people. Immigrants, andthose who have descended from immigrants;that would be practically all of us.We have a responsibility to become politicallyactive, to achieve the goals the Framersof the Constitution set up for us.If you’re interested in a politician whocares about the Constitution, check outRonPaul.com. Yeah he’s a republican. Andhe’s not a supporter of gay marriage. But hestands firm on matters that protect us all fromfanaticism and fascism.And ultimately, if we don’t have theConstitution, this most precious document, toprotect us, we won’t be able to discuss anysocial issues we care about in the future. Gayconcerns or not. ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’?Won’t matter. Gay marriage? Won’t matter.ENDA? Won’t matter.So, if you haven’t bothered to study thepositions of the people running for Presidentof the United States yet, I say shame on you.We’re at war, people – not overseas, not overoil or weapons of mass destruction. Americais struggling for its identity and the futuredepends on us. Every single one of us.Get involved. Get educated. And then, getout and vote.* Suzan Ambrose can be heard on her radioprogram, The Naked Truth, every Mondayevening at 8 pm on 103.3 FM, or streaming onthe web at www.valleyfreeradio.org. For moreof Suz’s thoughts, check out her website at:www.nakedtruthshow.comWhat all this really said to me was thatthose 350 groups now need to step up to theplate and educate, educate, educate the publicand the politicians on trans issues. Now, ifthat really happened next year, it would be atop story for 2008.The LOGO presidential forum gave us justa taste of what is to come. For me, the bigstory is how early the race started and howfatigued voters may be when we actually getto November 4, 2008. There's no clear radicalChristian right candidate. The GOP seems tobe in disarray. If we, as a community, keepour priorities straight (no pun intended) andwork for whomever the Democratic nomineeis, we're bound to elect the next president ofthe United States.We did it in 1992 when Bill Clinton cameinto office. We can do it again in 2008. Now,I'm no Pollyanna. I know the Dems aren't perfect.The failure of the Matthew Shepard Actis indicative of how fragile their majority inboth houses really is. So, one of our top storiesin 2008 should be the work we did as acommunity to widen that majority.Just imagine the stories that will be writtenwhen a Democratic president comes intooffice and our legislation is passed and signedinto law.Larry Craig's toe-tapping has once againpainted the community as just a bunch of sexfocusedguys who would do it anywhere justto get off. Not the kind of picture I want forour community, and not the kind of picturethat reflects the diversity of who we are - andthat many of us just want a comfortable lifewith the person we love.The Williams Institute at UCLA, the thinktank that is helping to write the real storyabout the LGBT community, has taken a goodlook at U.S. Census data and found that theQ Puzzle Solution from P. 21Jennifer L. DexterAttorney at Law & Notary PublicSpecializing in: Real Estate, FamilyLaw, Wills, Education Law &Criminal Law95 State St., Suite 724Springfield, MA 01103attydexter@comcast.net413-214-7626777,000 same-sex couples living together inthe United States are really no different fromthe country's millions of married, straightcouples. We're demographically and geographicallydiverse, just like they are. Othersimilarities? Both types of couples are activelyinvolved in the economy, have similar economicresources, and are raising children.When the media start focusing on the realityof our lives rather than focusing on howwe're different, the story of who we are willfinally be written. But the big story will comewhen there's no story at all - when we will beconsidered equal to heterosexuals in all facetsof our lives, and when being lesbian or gay isa nonstory.I don't know about you, but that's the storyI'm waiting to read.* Libby Post is the founding chair of theEmpire State Pride Agenda and a politicalcommentator on public radio, on the Web,and in print media. She can be reached careof this publication or atLesbianNotions@qsyndicate.com.East Coast from p. 21calendar of events and organizational meetings.All of this volunteer work helps to build thetransgender community and a transgenderrights movement that will hopefully becomea strong force for positive change in the nearfuture.Q. How can someone contact ECFTMG tolearn more, come to a meeting, or getinvolved?A. They may email me atbetpower@yahoo.com or call me at 413-584-7616.* Bet Power is the Director and Curator ofthe Sexual Minorities Archives, a nationalcollection of LGBTI literature, history, andart since 1974, located in Northampton, MA.He is also the founder of the East CoastFTM Group, monthly peer support for thefull spectrum of masculine persons in thetransgender community. Bet moved to thePioneer Valley from Chicago, IL in 1979after earning a Master of Arts degree inSocio-Cultural Processes. A publishedwriter, Bet has given presentations abouttransgender issues to groups of faculty, staff,and students at Hampshire College,University of Massachusetts/Amherst, SmithCollege, Mt. Holyoke College, and theUniversity of Connecticut/Storrs, and hasspoken about local LGBTIhistory at the HistoricNorthampton Museum. Bet isa female-to-male transsexualwho has chosen not to medicallytransition.Single in NY?NY Local Listings!Check out p. 15

TBy: Dan Woog*his fall, MacChisaboonfielded ananguished e-mailsent to the Gay &Lesbian AthleticsFoundation(www.glaf.org). Asfounder of the organization,which promotesthe visibilityand acceptance of GLBT athletes at the professional,amateur, and recreational levels, hewas used to queries from closeted players.But this was different.It came from the father of a gay rower. His17-year-old son was applying to college, andthe man wanted to know how he could help.He was very supportive of his son; he recognizedthat whether the young man was out tohis teammates or not was a personal decision.But he wanted to make sure that wherever hisson went, the environment would be safe andhe could be himself.Chisaboon—a rower himself—forwardedthe email to GLAF’s advisory board. Thateclectic group included activists, professors,triathletes, an HIV-positive gymnast, GayGames organizers, a wrestler, swimmers, anequestrian, tennis players, football players,administrators, extreme sports competitors,skiers, business executives, and even a formerMajor League umpire. (Full disclosure: It alsoincludes me.)Advisory board members leaped to respond.A Brown University graduate contacted a formerfraternity brother about his alma mater'sprogram. He told the rower's father thatBrown was "almost assuredly" welcoming; asfar back as the early 1970s, there were gayrowers, even a gay assistant coach. Someoneelse offered to call college coaches directly.Other respondents passed along names of gayrowers and coaches for the father and son tocontact themselves.To Chisaboon, the quick, insightful replieswere "a good example of how we can leveragethe great talent, the years of personalwww.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • 23Queer Sports & Q ClassifiedsGLBT Athletics: GLAF supports acceptance for allMAC CHISABOONexperience, that gay athletes have, in order tohelp others."That help was on display when formerNational Basketball Association player TimHardaway spoke derisively of John Amaechi'scoming-out. GLAF fired back with a pressrelease. NBA commissioner David Stein'sdecision to bar Hardaway from participationin All-Star Weekend activities was, GLAFsaid, "an appropriate 'first step' toward riddingthe league of such inexcusable ignorancewithin its ranks." However, GLAF advised,"the NBA and others should actively speak upagainst such overt homophobia at everyopportunity, whether it occurs in an interview,in the locker room, or on the court."GLAF continued: "We often look to sportsstars as heroes and role models, particularlywhen they have overcome substantial barriersto their success. GLAF hopes that today'syouth can see beyond Hardaway's hatefulrhetoric and instead make sport a better meritocracywhere we all can play according toone's ability, regardless of other factors. This,after all, is the very thing we love aboutsport."Chisaboon notes that "sports has huge ramificationson how people - including youths -see the world. If GLAF can utilize our knowledgebase, we can help become a mechanismof social change."It's taken eight years for Chisaboon todevelop that mechanism. In 1999, as an MBAcandidate at the Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology, he joined students from Harvardand Boston Universities to form the BostonBay Blades, a gay and lesbian rowing group.As the Blades met GLBT squash players, tennisplayers, flag football players, and bowlers,they formed PrideSports Boston, an umbrellagroup.Around that time, a panel discussion atHarvard on the topic of gay sports drew apacked house. Chisaboon and others decidedto build on the energy created by organizing aNew England-wide group. Their board soonmushroomed beyond the region. By 2003,when they hosted their first conference atMIT, GLAF had become a national organization.A second event was held a year later. Inthe summer of 2006, GLAF sponsored panelsat the Outgames in Montreal and at Chicago'sGay Games.GLAF also ran a train-the-trainer session atWomen 4 womenLooking to meet women in theSpringfield/Northampton MA area for friendshipand fun! Diva's, Oz, dinner/coffee/drinks in NoHoor Springfield. Movies, the beach, you name it let'sget together and do it! Contact Kris at dolphinstarnight@yahoo.comLooking for other women for outdoor activities;biking, hiking, and cross country skiing. I like tocook, especially coming up with healthy tastyrecipes. Walks in the woods, sitting by a cozy fire,enjoying all life has to offer. Contact:Treesyster@aol.comHey. just checking it out - I am new to boston andlooking to meet some friends who like to have fun!!This could have been you ad,only for $25. Act now!413-204-8959 or 518-391-2617.TRTPERSONALSHELP WANTEDa conference on counseling athletes, atSpringfield College.That's a lot of work for a group run entirelyby volunteers. GLAF has no directors, nostaff, and no fund-raising. "We're strictly aneducational organization," Chisaboon says."It's all about giving athletes an opportunity tonetwork and connect with each other."Recently, a basketball player e-mailedChisaboon. She wanted a job in the gay sportsworld. He told her that no such position isavailable yet - but one might be in the future,and it could be with GLAF. "She has themindset and experience to help take us to thenext level," Chisaboon says.A real estate developer and broker and formerconsultant to the Young Presidents'Organization, Chisaboon knows his wayaround a company boardroom. "Corporationsare open to sponsorship," he insists. "Theyknow the importance of aligning themselveswith something like this." Something, that is,that reaches not only GLBT athletes, but folkslike the father of a 17-year-old rower whowants to be sure that, in college, his gay soncan be himself.* Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, soccercoach, gay activist, and author of the "Jocks"series of books on gay male athletes. Visit hiswebsite at www.danwoog.com. He can bereached care of this publication or atOutField@qsyndicate.com.Maybe more. Contact: Ashley atnatwonder@gmail.comMen 4 MenGWM, 37, seeks companionship in theNorthampton area. Contact: Martin at 413-527-1533.Hey, 18 yo looking for a man in Western MA, forromantic relationship... under 20 ONLY. Thanks.Contact: Josh at PrynceShybo@gmail.comBiCuriousSWBiF looking for friendship and possibly more inSpringfield/Noho area. Very new to scene and testingthe waters. Great sense of humor and kindheart. College educated and intelligent. ContactAshley at honour_huston@hotmail.com or callSales People NeededFMI: 413-204-8959 • 518-391-2617TRTDid you know that … According to Lambda Legal, the New York StateDepartment of Civil Service (DCS) will respect out-of-state marriages ofsame-sex couples for the purposes of extending spousal insurance benefitsto current and retired state and local government employees. All New YorkState Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) Participating Agencies andEmployers, including local government agencies and public authoritiesaround the state, must provide benefits to same-sex spouses of employeeswho were validly married in places like Canada or MassachusettsFMI: www.lambdalegal.org/our-work/states/new-york.html

24 • Jan. 3 - February 6, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com