march 2008 - The Rainbow Times

RainbowTimesTheYour LGBT News in Western MA, the Capital District of NY, Northern CT, & Southern VTBob Mould hits the road aftertwo-year hiatusp. 12Year 2, Vol. 20 • March 6 - April 2, 2008www.therainbowtimesnews.comF R E E !NY lesbian couple candivorcep. 17Janet J.exclusive!P. . 13WGBY: GAY SCREENING atACADEMY of MUSICP. 3CIVIL UNIONS MAKE SECOND-CLASS STATUSP. 810 NEIGHBORHOODSwith a GAY VIBEP. 14TRUE COLORS CELEBRATES 15TH ANNIVERSARYP. 17Photo by: Chuando & FreyTRANSCAMPUS SERIES UNDERWAY AT LOCALCOMMUNITY COLLEGEP. 6

2 • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comOpinionsThanks to all, especially to my fatherABy: Nicole C. Lashomb/TRT Editor-in-Chiefs we have become better known inthe Capital District of NY, we havemade some great friends and allies.Not only has the NY expansion been a greatone, but we are also receiving more requestsfor The Rainbow Times at more places inWestern Massachusetts, more venues inSouthern Vermont (like Manchester andBennington, we are already in Brattleboro).We want to thank Justin Adkins for his interestin The Rainbow Times and for wanting tobe a part of it.We continue to receive photos and videos,for the Anniversary Contest and will be namingsome winners in the upcoming editions ofTRT. However, you still have time to submitmore photos and videos. We will review them,and print them, if they are chosen by our panelistof judges.I don’t want to go any further withoutthanking you, our loyal readers. You havemade a difference, for you have cared. Youhave told us that we were needed, as we wereWBy: JM Sorrell*/TRT Columnisthen I traveled to Ireland in mid-February, it was inexpensive andoff-season—or so I thought.First, Valentine’s Day was a 4-day event inIreland; it must be the Irish warm-up to St.Patrick’s Day. The usually modest, tastefullyprivate people embrace the love day. It mayhelp that a saint is attached to it. The packagedeal was wonderful but the euro now costs$1.40.The Irish Times gave prime coverage to theissue of same-sex marriage, as a love-in wasscheduled at the capital in Dublin onValentine’s Day. The government is poised toput into effect civil partnership rights at theend of March, but LGBT activists are workinghard for full rights nothing short of same-sexmarriage.Activists point to Spain as an example ofhow a primarily Catholic-practicing countrycan achieve this, and they follow Americanstates on this and give much credit toMassachusetts.There are both young radical groups andmore conventional organizations working collaborativelyto move this issue forward. Thefront page article in the Times featured a lesbiancouple with two children, who had metwith their Teachta Dala (similar to US Rep) toask for support. They were received for ameeting but left with little clarity for the TD’sposition. It seems the “M” word is a stickingpoint there, too.Meanwhile, the gay men’s community centerin Cork, which I visited, is working mostlyto educate men who have sex with men (notin the core of the gay community) about safesex. AIDS/HIV is a problem for that demographicjust as it is here, and then, by extension,for those heterosexual wives and partnerswho are unaware of the partner’s unsafejust taking baby steps. You have given us yourinput and have helped us grow. Without you,The Rainbow Times would not be where it istoday. We are eternally grateful to you, andwe always want you to know that!There are also family members (outside ofmy wonderful wife) who have been crucial inour success—in my success. In this case, I amreferring to my father: Mr. Joe Lashomb (andhis dear and loving wife Kathy, whose lovefor him is palpable to even a stranger).Through the years I have learned that pride,love, acceptance and care emanate in manydifferent forms—in ways that we expect andin ways that are unpredictable. This month, Iwant to especially thank my dad for his loveand support and for always sticking by myside, for sacrificing so much when I was girl,and for giving me the courage and strength tobe the best that I could be. Regardless of theroad I’ve traveled or the miles between us, Ialways hear my father’s wise words echoingin my mind—“You can do anything if you setyour mind to it.” Thanks Dad.Read TRT’s Own Trans Column on Page 4Love, Rights … and the Luck and Love of theIrish: A Special March EditionJ.M. the JPpractices.LINC (Lesbians in Cork,Ltd.) has its own center andactivities focused on issuesfor lesbian and bisexualwomen—health care, literacy,coming out, aging, etc.Every day in the IrishTimes and Independent (ala NY Times andNY Post) contained much commentary andcoverage of the US national election. Howmany of us here know who the president ofIreland is? Answer: Mary McAleese.Most notably, column after column pointedto the seriousness of the outcome on a globallevel. A Times editorial called it, “TheirElection, Our World.” Many journalists decryObama as an inexperienced sort with emptyrhetoric and they hugely admire HillaryClinton.They do not understand gender politicssince they are used to female leaders—boththeir own and throughout Europe. They seeClinton as the consummate world politician,they see McCain as more of the same that wehave now, and yet, they also wonder howmuch any new president can truly change ourtrail of ill will. They are frightened by ourinfluence and hopeful we will cease doingharm.The Irish still give more philanthropicallythan any other citizens of Europe. They aregenerous of spirit, engaged as citizens, andincredibly educated in a myriad of ways. I amgrateful if my Irish half has inherited just awee bit of these traits. I do love the craic.Yet the government still caves to theCatholic old guard, which is out of touch withthe wishes and norms of most of its citizens.Women have to lie about why they are goingto England (to get abortions). It is criminal toSee Irish on Page 10The Controversial CouchLie back and listen. Then get up and do somethingBy: Suzan Ambrose*/TRT Columnist’ve been watching the televisionshow, The Biggest Loser,Iand I’ve found myself saying what I’vebeen thinking for years—“Do I have to seethose man boobs?!”Indeed. If you were to block the face of thecontestant weighing in, you’d be hard-pressedto know if they were male, if breast size wereyour only guide. The men on this show do notknow shame; otherwise, many would feelobligated to keep their shirts on.Shame has become us, societaly, especiallyif you’re a woman.Here’s the thing: I’m a complete advocateof a woman’s right to remove her shirt—essentially, top freedom. So someone remindme—why is it illegal for a woman to take herLetters to the EditorDear Editor,What an amazing cover story and it won theAcademy Award too! Thank you for the workthat you do and keep it on!Joey T. , Amherst, MADear Editor,I think that the lesbian story on FreeHeld,although touching, it was quite depressing. Ithink that The Rainbow Times should focus onmore happy stories.Becca T., Hadley, MADear Editor,Are you endorsing any candidates? I see thatyou often have Hillary Clinton videos on yourwebsite. Does that mean you endorse her?Brian N., Hartford, CTDear Brian,TRT has not officially endorsed any candidateat this time, but we do like Hillary Clinton!—The EditorDear Editor,A Trans Pride? I don’t think this is needed, ornecessary. Why is there always divisiveness inour struggles? Why do you support it? Shouldwe leave the “T” out then?Candy C., Northampton, MADear Candy,We support our trans community and we supportthe Trans Pride March & Rally. TransPride is not meant to isolate or separate theLGBT community, but rather cause awarenessof struggles that our trans friends face thatwould otherwise go unmentioned and/or misunderstood.We strive to educate and we workto include all of our community’s struggles.—The EditorDear Editor,Nice to know that you change your cover toreflect the community that surrounds you. Welove The Rainbow Times here!Paul M., Albany, NYshirt off in public in America?For years women have been fightingfor equality. But when it comes tofeeling secure in the right to bare ourbreasts, we’ve got a long way to go, baby!Let’s be clear – I’m not advocating forwomen to be naked—upper-torso—barewhen they’re at church (oh Jesus!) or shopping,(applesanyone?) or work—just like youwouldn’t expect a man to be either. Respectfor others perspectives instead of just brazenboldness should be expected in our brave newworld of the future.But mowing your lawn or sunbathing inyour backyard or even taking your shirt offwhen it’s 100 degrees out, shouldn’t be acrime. In fact, it should be as natural as, well,And it seems perfectly OK for men to show their nipples out in public—what’s that all about? So, explain to me, is it nipples that can’t be shown, or freefallingbreasts that we have a problem with? And it can’t be only about the sizeof the breast, because, as we are aware in our increasingly obesity-risen times,some men have larger breasts than some women!taking off your shirt when you’re hot. Just likeour brothers, fathers and sons do.After all, in America, we’re guaranteedequality under the law regardless of sex (thatwould be the M or F kind, not the position onetakes!) And yet we fall short on that one,especially when it comes to top freedom.Ask someone why women can’t take theirshirts of in public and you’re likely to hearcomments like: “Men can’t control themselves.See Couch on Page 21The Rainbow Times351 Pleasant St., #322Northampton, MA 01060www.therainbowtimesnews.comeditor@therainbowtimesnews.comsales@therainbowtimesnews.comPhone: 413-204-8959 • Fax: 866-310-8512PublisherGricel M. OcasioEditor-In-ChiefNicole LashombDistributionBen PetersonSales Associates:SJ SeymourNY: 518-391-2617Columnists:Dr. Renee LangJennifer DexterSuzan AmbroseWriters:Lindsay WilsonJ.M. SorrellWebmaster:Jarred JohnsonThe Rainbow Times is published by The Rainbow Times,LLC. The articles written by the writers, columnists, andcorrespondents express their opinion, and do not representthe endorsement or opinion of The Rainbow Times,LLC or its owners. To write letters to the editor, pleasesend your letters, with your name, address and phonenumber to: The Rainbow Times (address shown above),or e-mail any comment/s to the editor at:editor@therainbowtimesnews.com. All submissionswill be edited according to space constraints. TheRainbow Times, LLC reserves the right not to print anyor all content, or advertisements for any reason at all.TRT is not responsible for advertising content. Toreceive The Rainbow Times at your home via regularmail, or through electronic delivery, please visit ourwebsite. The content and graphics (photos, etc.) are thesole property of The Rainbow Times and it cannot bereproduced at all without TRT’s consent.

“I enjoy being a girl!” That’s what the“illustrious” Kate Bornstein announced to agroup of around 375 people while shimmyingaround the stage of Smith College’s WeinsteinAuditorium on Friday, February 8th.Bornstein, an internationally known author,playwright and performance artist readexcerpts from her books as part of a benefit inhonor of Bet Power. Besides being an activistin the trans community, Power is the host ofthe East Coast Female to Male Group andmaintains the Pioneer Valley’s SexualMinority Archives out of his home. He is alsoone of the founders of the steering committeefor the first ever New England TransgenderPride March and Rally to be held on June 7.Both activists, Power and Bornstein, havebeen friends since the 90s when they met inBoston, and have continued to stay in touchover the years.Wearing a bustier, fishnets and riding boots,along with a top hat and tails Bornsteindescribed what it was like to grow up on theJersey shore in an Orthodox Jewish familyand reflected on her experience with theChurch of Scientology— something shedescribed as being “a lot more embarrassingthan saying I’m a f*$%#@* tranny.”Bornstein delighted the audience with storiesinvolving her eight grade English teacher’suse of pronouns and of her job as a phone sexoperator named Stormy (and what it was liketo run into aclient in reallife.)Friends andfans from allover NewEngland came tosupport Power’scause. Betweenreadings,Power’s friendswalked up to themicrophone tothank him for his work. “Bet has been a beaconof light for our community, and I know hewill continue to do so for a long time.” saidJackie Kelly, who co-founded the Trans Pridesteering committee.Power said he hoped that the audiencewould come away with a new understandingand awareness of people who are gender different.“I hope that [the audience] feel positiveabout trans people and people who are out ofthe gender norm and that they can see thatKate is a great writer and she’s a successfulpublished author and that she inspires peopleto feel proud of themselves so I hope that theygo away with a sense of pride and happinessabout who they are,” he said.“It’s really wonderful to know that not onlymy work is being supported, but that we aremaking this event happen for trans culture, tobring trans culture to Smith College and tothis area and to have people see it and experienceit is really a very positive thing,” saidPower.Proceeds from the event will go towardsPower’s rent on the house that houses thearchives (Power was recently in an accidentafter saving an animal on the bike trail), theTransgender Pride March and Rally, materialsfor the sexual minority archives, and the EastCoast F2M group.Power describes the East Coast F2M groupas his “community.” “I really do it for myselfwww.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • 3and it goes from there,” he said. “I do it tohave friends. I do it to have people in theroom that look like me.”Power said the event has empowered him todo even more for the community.“It really fills my heart and my soul. It’sgetting serious out there and I’m at the pointwhere I’m convinced that we need to have atransgender rights’ movement in this country,”he said. “I can’t do anything but todevote my whole life to trans … and I’mlearning that if I don’t speak for me, who’sgoing to? And I’m really excited because forMore Opinions & NewsAnyone and Everyone: The parents of gay childrenAnyone and Everyone, the poignant andoften heartbreaking story revealing a family’sstruggle and desire to accept their child’s sexualorientation, will be the subject of a specialadvanced screening by WGBY in conjunctionwith the Academy of Music in NorthamptonThursday, March 6 at 7 p.m. The event is freeand open to the public.A panel discussion will follow the screeningwith the documentary’s producer Agnes Chuof New York City, and Ann and Ed Bonetti ofWarwick, RI, one of the families portrayed inthe film who discuss their journey to acceptanceof their gay son.The film which as been called by those whohave seen it “A rare opportunity to witnessBy: Lindsay Wilson/TRT ReporterKATE BORNSTEINthe courage and grace of everyday families,”and “Eye opening, riveting, wrenching andinspiring,” was a direct result of the director’sown personal journey."It took two years to make the film Anyoneand Everyone but the path to making it startedover ten years ago,” said Susan PolisSchutz, the film’s director. “Right after graduatingfrom Princeton, my son Jared, told myhusband Steve and me that he was gay. Steveand I had always respected gay people, butwhen it came to be in our immediate family,we were totally shocked."The event will also introduce the newlyformed LGBT Society an affinity group ofWGBY’s Murrow Society, according toKate Bornstein performs to benefit long-time activist Bet PowerBET POWERTRTRemember,you saw ithere first!Laurie Leichthammer, WGBY director ofmajor and planned giving.“The LGBT Society is a group of peoplewho believe that WGBY plays a vital role inour community through its superior televisionprogramming,” said Leichthammer. “Theyseek to sustain and expand this role by providingpersonal financial support to WGBY andby garnering the support of others in the gay,lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)community.”The documentary will have its broadcastpremiere on WGBY Monday, March 10 at 8p.m., and will be rebroadcast Friday, March14 at 9 p.m.For more information about the documentary,see page 11, and visit www.therainbowtimesnews.comto view a short clip of the documentary.WGBY (www.wgby.org), a community supportedpublic broadcasting organization, connectsthe people of western New England toevents, ideas and each other through nationalPBS programming and locally producedseries and specials. With an additional fourdigital television channels, video on demand,podcasting and streaming video, WGBY isone of the region’s most accessible communityinstitutions, providing lifelong learningopportunities for all.the first time I’m not working on the lesbiancause … now I’m working on my movementand my community and your support is goingto help with that—for me.”For Bornstein, the best part of the night waswatching Bet accept the love that is so evidentfor him [from the community].” “It’s sogood,” she said. “So often us ‘freaks’ don’taccept the love that is given to us.”*Kate Bornstein will perform on stage atthe Transgender Pride March on June 7.TRANS PRIDEMARCH & RALLYDATE: JUNE 7, 2008TIME: 11 A.M. TO ASSEMBLE12 P.M. STEP OFFWHERE: LAMPRON PARK/BRIDGESTREET SCHOOLDon’t miss this historic New England March and Rally!

4 • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comIn ‘The Name of God’Anti-gay church pickets service for Reno victim of serial rapistDBy: Deja Nicole Greenlaw/TRT Columnistid you ever wonder what it wouldbe like to change genders? To actuallystop living as one gender andchange to the other gender? It would be out ofthe question for most folks. To even thinkabout it would be hard for others. Well, whenyou are Transgender these thoughts and scenariosare very real. It's not easy to deal withthis, the confusion, the shame, the guilt, etc.But then some of us reach a point in our liveswhere we just can't take it anymore and wehave to change genders in order to exist. It'shard to describe this incredible, tremendouslydriving force that makes us transition to theBy: Martin Griffith/AP WriterRENO, Nev. (AP)—A small group from aKansas-based church that protests at thefunerals of U.S. soldiers faced off recentlyagainst more than 150 counter-demonstratorsoutside a memorial service for a Reno womankilled by a serial rapist.The tense confrontation during a fiercesnowstorm ended peacefully when threefemale anti-gay protesters associated with theWestboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan.,were escorted away from the Reno-SparksConvention Center in a police van, Renopolice Sgt. Chris Lange said.“There were a couple of eggs thrown atthem and that's about it,” Lange said.Counter-demonstrators surrounded thethree church members after the latter wavedplacards reading “Pray for More Dead Kids,”“Don't Worship the Dead” and “God Sent theKiller.”Counter-demonstrators responded by chanting,“Go Back to Kansas” and waving placardsreading “Let Friends Mourn in Peace.”Inside, more than 3,000 people attended theservice for Brianna Denison, 19, who policesaid was abducted Jan. 20 and killed by a serialrapist linked to two earlier attacks on theedge of the University of Nevada, Reno. Herbody was found in a Reno field on Feb. 15.Members of the church picket militaryfunerals out of a belief that the war in Iraq isa punishment for the nation's tolerance ofhomosexuality.Last month, the church announced it wouldprotest the service for Denison because theythink God hates Reno, as well as gay peopleand America's tolerance of them.Church officials said they targeted Renobecause local law enforcement officers failedto protect three church members who picketeda Jan. 26 memorial service in Reno forstaff Sgt. Sean Gaul, who was killed in Iraq onJan. 9.other gender but if some of us don't transitionat this point, well, I'll just say then at thatpoint we simply cannot live.I, like so many of my Trans brothers andsisters, have dealt with the struggles and thedarkness. I held it in for decades but then9/11/2001 hit. It was right then that I knewthat I had to move on my issues withTransgenderism. Remember that ominousfeeling of those days? That anytime, anywheresome religious fanatic could take youout of the picture forever? You just might goto your grave with unresolved issues. It quicklygot me thinking that I'd better get to work!Talk about being scared straight to self actualization!So I went to atherapist. Hereally new nothingof Transissues. I knewmore about methan he did. Sothen I went tothe localTransgendersupport groupsto meet folksOn Saturday night, more than a dozen uniformedofficers strived to keep an estimated150 to 200 counter-demonstrators separatedfrom the three anti-gay protesters, Lange said.Police barred a reporter from approachingthe church members, citing safety concerns.A call to the church resulted in a recordingthat said no one was available.Counter-demonstrators said they stronglydisapprove of the church's message and tacticof picketing outside memorial services.“You call yourself a church. You're a hategroup,” yelled Sarah Dutton of Reno. “Moveout of America if you hate it so much.”Greg Bailor Jr. of Reno agreed: “For themto come out and target tragedies like this, Idon't think it's right. There's enough emotionsas it is.”Counter-demonstrators included localchurch members as well as members of thePatriot Guard, a group of motorcycle enthusiastswho support fallen soldiers.like myself. Slowly Ibegan to realize thatI was not alone in theworld.Then I startedgoing to LGBT functionsand nightclubsand I started to reallyget to know Gaysand Lesbians. Thiswhole "invisible"DEJA NICOLE GREENLAWculture that I used tohear about suddenly was my new culture. Imade friends and started feeling better aboutmyself. I started understanding about myself.I started accepting myself. Finally last year Istarted taking steps to transition from male tofemale.I've been taking hormones for a year now tohelp change my body from male to femaleand I went "full time" as in living as a femalelast Thanksgiving. I admit that sometimes Istill haven't digested it all. It's been so crazythe past 12 months that it all seems like adream sometimes, but then again, it is truly adream that actually did come true!Yes, I did it! I crossed the gender line andI'm still existing! I am living every day as aGREENInside, Denison was eulogized as a loving,caring woman with many friends and a winningpersonality.Denison was a student at Santa BarbaraCity College in California. She was visitingher hometown over winter break and was lastseen sleeping on a couch at a friend's rentalhouse just off the Reno campus.“She constantly amazed me how she couldembrace all kinds of people,” said her closefriend, Danielle DeTomaso. “She knew peoplefrom all walks of life. She was the gluethat held all of us together.”Denison's cousin, Spencer Terry, said herspirit would continue to live in the hearts offriends and family.“Could anybody have asked for a prettierface and a more beautiful soul? I don't thinkso,” Terry said.Denison’s aunt, Lauren Denison, remindedthe crowd that “we still have a job to do: bringBrianna's killer to justice.”Struggles & Darkness: Educating about trans issues from my experiencefemale. Oh, people still occasionally refer tome as "Mark" and I do get the icky pronounsnow and then....but still I am presenting as afemale, not a male, every single second of mylife!It is so nice to wake up every morning andactually like myself. Yes, every morning Ihave a smile on my face as I get ready forwork. Even Mondays aren't that bad! I suddenlyfeel very confident lately and I almostfeel like I could take on the whole world! Istill have a long way to go and there is somuch to learn in my "new" life. And I have somany people to teach about what aTransgender is.One of the biggest things in dealing withtransitioning from one gender to another isbeing able to deal with any response you getfrom anybody at any time. You just neverquite know what someone is going to saywhen they realize that you are Transgenderand you have to be able to deal with it.People at work actually have to be civil tome. There are rules and codes of conduct thatare followed in the workplace. My coworkersare pretty good with me. Most of the womenare very supportive. It's so nice to see themsmile!STREET CAFÉSee Trans on Page 1064 Green SreetNorthampton, Massachusetts 01060413-586-5650Hours of ServiceWine & Cheese Bar: Every night from 5 p.m.Lunch: Monday-Friday, 12-2 p.m.Dinner: Every night from 5 p.m.Sunday Brunch: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.Private dining rooms available for parties of 8 to 50 guests.

Thriving as an LGBT hotspot since 1992,Northampton’s Pride & Joy, an LGBT giftshop and book store, continues to serve as aWestern Massachusetts community resourcecenter, according to its current co-owner.“We understand and embrace our role as the"de-facto" community center, and have dedicatedover 250 square feet of space for freenewspapers, brochures, and a community bulletinboard for non-profit new and events,”said Mark Carmien, Co-owner,Northampton’s Pride & Joy, Northampton,Mass. “We also maintain a business card bookfor local LGBT-friendly businesses, and ahousing book for those looking for housing orfor a roommate.”Carmien said that he always wanted to helporganize and energize the local LGBT community.“We've brought in more ‘peace and justice’items, and more gift items in general,” saidCarmien. “Our t-shirt selection has gone from15 styles to over 50 styles, and we've expandedthe adult toys selection as well.”Although offering a wide selection of merchandisesuch as books, CDs, DVDs for saleand rent, jewelry, t-shirts, gifts, cards, buttons/stickers/magnets,magazines, and sextoys, Carmien said that there is a specificchallenge related to his retail business.“The retail trends for the various parts ofwww.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • 5our community vary greatly,” said Carmien.“With limited floor space, it’s a challenge toFeatured BusinessNorthampton’s Pride & Joy: Niche store in a niche townBy: Nicole C. Lashomb/TRT Editor-in-ChiefMark Carmien, owner, and Martha Nelson, founder, cut the brithday cake at Pride & Joy'sSweet 16 celebration on Feb 16, 2008.Photo courtesy of Pride & Joyfind the right mix [of merchandise] thatappeals to women, men, trans folks, younger[customers], older [customers] and everyonein between!”In 2003, Carmien and husband, SteveLucas, purchased the store from Pride & Joy’spioneer, Martha Nelson, who previouslyowned the operation since 1992. Pride & Joycelebrated its 16th Anniversary this February.Carmien reflected on what Pride & Joy hasbrought to him personally and professionally.“I've made a lot of new friends through thestore, and met some amazing people,” he said.“I've also gotten to know a lot of other downtownbusiness owners and have learned agreat deal about running a small business. Iam starting up my real estate business, andI'm always meeting people in the store whoneed an agent!”Carmien said that Northampton’s Pride &Joy will be going strong into the future, witha prominent website presence and a widerselection of items around the general theme ofpeace and social justice.“We're one of only three LGBT book andgift stores left in New England!” saidCarmien. “But, we're a niche store in a nichetown, which is a good business plan.”For more information or to shop online atPride & Joy, visit www.nohoprideandjoy.com.

6 • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comQueer News ImpactTransCampus Series underway at local community collegeBy: Nicole Lashomb/TRT Editor-in-ChiefTransCampus, a poignant transgender educationalseries is underway at HolyokeCommunity College in an attempt to create asafe, inclusive campus climate, regardless ofgender identity or expression, according tothe TransCampus founder at HCC.“TransCampus began at HCC with a discussionon whether or not, as a campus, we weremeeting the needs of trans staff and students,”said T-Petti, Founder, TransCampus Seriesand Community Resource Liaison for theMassachusetts Campus CompactAmeriCorps*VISTA program., HolyokeCommunity College, Holyoke, Mass. . “Wequickly realized that there was a gap in ourknowledge about Trans identity and communityissues, campus policies that affect Transpeople, and the presence of Trans staff andstudents at HCC. What started as a casualconversation between colleagues quicklybrought key players to the table for moremeaningful and in depth discussions of transgenderissues. From those discussions, aTransCampus committee was formed and webegan to put the outline I proposed for aThe Women’s Fund: Winter Gala success & grants for manyBy: Nicole C. Lashomb/TRT Editor-in-ChiefLast month, the The Women’s Fund ofWestern Massachusetts, a public foundationdedicated to the betterment of women andgirls, held it’s annual For the Love of WomenWinter Gala, 10 years after its first grant commencementin 1998, according to theExecutive Director of The Women’s Fund.“We have given over $1 million in grants,”said Carla Oleska, Executive Director, TheWomen’s Fund of Western Massachusetts. “It[The Women’s Fund] started in 1997, and westarted giving away grants in 1998. [We] didn’twait for the money to build an endowment.JUSTICE OF THE PEACE SERVING LGBTQ COUPLES[We] started giving it to women and girls assoon as we could.”According to Oleska, The Women’s Fund iscommitted to three primary concepts in theirgrant program; education, access, and success;economic justice; and freedom from violence.“This [the Gala] started as a smaller eventjusta nice event for lesbians and women tocome together around Valentine’s Day. Nowthat we have gotten older [and] made moremoney, we can support this [larger] type ofevent. We’d like this to be the number onefundraiser for the Women’s Fund as the yearsTHE HONORABLEJ. MARY SORRELLA MEMBER OF OUR TRIBEJM the JPAre you LUCKY in Love?Do you want more than ...... a furry pug creature?If the Irish still use the term “lucky,”anyone can!Propose. Call me. Get married.If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life—Oscar WildeDon’t wait forever. My commitment is to serve each couple’s needsand preferences.—Peace and Blessings, JM413.427.4153 • email: jm@jmthejp.comHIGHLIGHTS from TRANS 101One of the most important messages of Trans101 is to recognize each individual’s right to selfidentify and recognize the distinction betweensexual orientation on gender identity.• A Transsexual woman (MTF), for example,may present and identify very strongly asfemale but may or may not choose or desire tomedically transition through hormone replacementtherapy or SRS (sex reassignment surgery).• A genderqueer youth may identify as neithermale or female, both, or somewhere in between.They may choose to present exclusively as onegender, vary their presentation, or presentandrogynously. May identify as FTX for example—bornfemale, and now identifies as neitheror both genders• Because sexual orientation and gender identityare distinct transgender people, like anyoneelse, may identify as straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual,pansexual, or asexual.]• A transgender man (FTM) may engage in relationshipswith other transgender or even biologicalmen and identify as a gay male.• Another transgender or transsexual man mayrefuse the FTM label, reasoning that eventhough he may have been born with a vagina,he has always been male and therefore identifiesas MTM.• Other terms that fall under the trans umbrellaare two-spirit—a native American term forsomeone who embodies the masculine and thefeminine or adopts the gender roles of the oppositebiological sex , gender variant, crossdressers, drag kings/queens, and persons whoare intersex—born with genitalia or reproductiveorgans that are not considered medically “standard”.It is important to note that people in someof these categories may NOT choose to identifyas trans, but could fall under the trans umbrellaIF they choose to do so.*Information provided by T-Petti, HCCgo by, by being able to raise more awarenessof our contingency within the women’s community,”said Kristen Breder, For the Love ofWomen Committee Member, The Women’sFund of Western Massachusetts.This year’s Winter Gala was held at TheClarion Hotel, Northampton, Mass.“Our venue was different this year, we reallywanted [a separate] ambiance/quiet talkingroom and I think we’ve succeeded this year,”said Dawn Reesman, Chair of the SteeringCommittee, The Women’s Fund of WesternMassachusettsIn addition to gourmet food and dessertsand tunes spun by local DJ Thonsey, raffletickets and prizes were also offered to theattendees. Prizes included services and merchandiseprovided by Avanti Skin Center ofSpringfield, Studio SMC/photography bySandra Costello, Amherst Cinema ArtsTransCampus series into action.”According to T-Petti, transgender issues aresimilar and dissimilar to the needs of thewidespread LGBT community. In a recentarticle written by Petti submitted to TheRepublican, published on February 13,TransCampus will provide an introduction totransgender terminology and models of genderidentity, explore the effects ofTransphobia, and highlight the ways in whichvarious facets of identity, such as race, class,and gender, intersect to form our opinions andshape society.“When Trans identity is not representedwithin our social, cultural, and institutionalsystems, it creates barriers to personal, economic,and academic success,” said Petti. “Itlimits access to healthcare, education, socialservices and community resources meaningthat until Trans identity becomes fully recognizedand visible; Trans people will continueto be marginalized within our society.”Since TransCampus’ commencement, supporthas been displayed by the student communityand the general population at large.See TransCampus on p. 7Center, Elements Hot Tub Spa, Food forThought Books, Chez Albert, Zanna, TheHighlands Inn, and Olivia Cruise lines.Sponsors of this year’s Winter Gala includedNorthwestern Mutual Financial Network,Olivia, The Women’s Times, Fran Johnson’sGolf & Tennis, TalentFusion, Bank of WesternMassachusetts, Integrity Development &Construction Inc., MicroTek, Inc.,C h a n g i n g C o u r s e . c o m ,ImposterSyndrome.com, Hart & PattersonFinancial Services, Kraus-Fitch Architects,Inc., Warm Welcome Birth Services, Oh My!“This is an amazing achievement in thisgeographic area, in these four counties ofWestern Massachusetts,” said Oleska.For more information about The Women’sFund or to find out how you can get involved,visit www.womensfund.net or call 413-529-0087.www.therainbowtimesnews.com

AIDS Care Volunteer training plannedCourt Cline, Volunteer Coordinator forAIDS CARE/ Hampshire County, will hold avolunteer training on Saturday, March 8th atthe AIDS CARE offices, 10 Main St. inFlorence. Volunteers are especially neededfor the “Bridge” program that helps peopleliving with HIV/AIDS with transportation tomedical appointments. It only takes 2-4 hoursa week to make a real difference in the life ofsomeone living with HIV.Despite much of the good news about AIDStreatment these days, people living with HIVdisease continue to need compassion & supportin facing this stigmatized & misunderstoodillness. Although the treatment optionshave widened as they have for cancer, the isolation,emotional ups and downs, and anFrom TransCampus on p. 6“The largest audience at a campus wideevent was approximately 55—about 40 ofwhich were students,” said Petti.To Kathleen Keough, Senior AcademicCounselor and TransCampus CommitteeMember, HCC, TransCampus has made a significantimpact.“My awareness of transgender issues hasincreased as well as learning Trans terminology,strategies for how to be an ally, transgenderEtiquette and ways in which our campuscan become more trans-inclusive,” saidKeough. “Most importantly, the transgenderedstudents I have met and becomeuncertain future all leave many with ongoingneeds for support. You can help by drivingsomeone to a doctor’s appointment, helpingout in our organic garden, or listening tosomeone talk about the frustrations of livingwith this chronic illness.In addition to the personal satisfaction youget from helping someone in your community,studies have shown that volunteering isactually good for you by helping to reducestress. Anyone interested in being an AIDSCARE volunteer should contact Court Clineat 586-8288, x2 as soon as possible to beginthe application process. Pre-screening isrequired.AIDS CARE/Hampshire County is a programof Cooley Dickinson Hospital.acquainted with have taught me so muchabout what I often take for granted aroundgender normative privilege. My assumptions,myths and stereotypes have been stretchedand continue to be stretched.”Participants in TransCampus seminars havetaken away a broader sense of understandingof the issues that affect the Trans communityat large.“I learned that the trans experience is verydiverse, that the trans community is findingits voice, that language is flexible, that mostof the trans information we get in the generalworld is flawed, and that oppression isoppression, however it's manifest,” saidVivian Ostrowski, Student Activitieswww.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • 7Coordinator and attendee of TransCampus,Holyoke Community College, Holyoke Mass.”Too often people are marginalized due toidentity, because people fear what they don'tknow. Honest communication, good informationand willing spirits can shape a moreinclusive world.”According to Petti, work exists far beyondeducating others in order to create a trulyinclusive society.“Education lies dormant without the actionto follow,” said Petti. “Therefore, whileincreased awareness and education on transgenderissues are necessary, we must also recognizethe need to move beyond a mere intellectualunderstanding. As individuals andQueer News ImpactGrey’s Anatomy Star joins GLAAD programLos Angeles, CA—The Gay & LesbianAlliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)released today a public service announcement(PSA) featuring Grey's Anatomy starSara Ramirez as part of its "Be an Ally & aFriend" campaign. The 30-second Spanishlanguagespot is premiering on Terra.com(http://www.terra.com), the largest Internetaccess provider in Spain and LatinAmerica.In the PSA, the Tony Award-winning,Mazatlan-born actress encourages viewersto treat others with dignity and respectregardless of sexual orientation and genderidentity or expression. The new PSA can beviewed at www.glaad.org."Sara’s beloved by millions of Grey’sAnatomy fans, which makes her a terrificperson to share this message of support.The fact that she delivers this positive messagein Spanish will help many peopleunderstand how words can hurt the gay andtransgender people around them," saysGLAAD's Director of Spanish LanguageMedia, Monica Trasandes.GLAAD's "Be an Ally & a Friend" PSAcampaign features 22 public figures fromtelevision, film and sports. The spotsencourage people to be allies to lesbian,gay, bisexual and transgender people,directing viewers to resources at glaad.org.GLAAD is releasing a new 20- or 30-secondversion of the PSA approximatelyevery two weeks to be aired through broadcastSee GLAAD on p. 12communities, it is crucial that we advocateways in which our social circles and defininginstitutions can become more safe and inclusivefor all people, regardless of sexual orientation,gender identity or gender expression.This requires an assessment of our personalviews, cultural values, and institutional policiesand procedures that affect transgenderpeople.”For more information about TransCampus,to attend their next session, to schedule anLGBTQ training for your organization, or toattend or participate at the upcoming JusticeSlam on April 16th, please contact T- Petti, at413-552-2511 or tpetti@hcc.mass.edu.

8 • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comQueer NewsGay Marriage: Report says civil unions make ‘second-class status’By Geoff Mulvihill/Associated Press WriterMOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (AP)—A commissionestablished to study same-sex civilunions in New Jersey has found in its firstreport that civil unions create a “second-classstatus” for gay couples rather than givingthem equality.The report stops short of recommendingthat the state allow gay marriage. But it doesfind that gay couples in Massachusetts, theonly state that now allows gay marriage, donot experience some of the legal complicationsthat those in New Jersey do.The Associated Press has obtained a copy ofthe initial report, which was scheduled to bemade public on Tuesday, the one-yearanniversary of the state’s first civil unions.State lawmakers made New Jersey the thirdstate to offer civil unions with a law adoptedin 2006 in reaction to a state Supreme Courtruling that year that found gay couples wereentitled to the same legal protections as marriedcouples.The civil union law sought to give gay couplesthose benefits—but not the title of marriage.As a part of the same law, the reviewcommission was created to look into whetherit was working.Gay rights advocates say the civil unions donot deliver and have pledged to push lawmakersto vote to allow gay marriage. Gov. Jon S.Corzine has said he would be willing to signsuch a bill into law—but doesn’t want theissue to be taken up before the presidentialelection.The activists say that civil unions, in practice,do not offer the legal protections thatmarriage does. The commission largelyagreed with them.The commission held three public hearingslast year where the majority of the testimonycame from people who were in civil unionsand said they were still not being treated theway married couples are by government agencies,employers and others.For instance, the commission finds thatmany companies in the state that are selfinsured,and therefore are regulated by federalrather than state law, refuse to providehealth insurance to the partners of theiremployees.While employers in Massachusetts couldlegally do the same thing, most do not,according to the report.The commission also finds that many peoplein the state do not understand civil unions.“Civil union status is not clear to the generalpublic,” the report says, “which creates a second-classstatus.”The commission’s report says the misunderstandingof civil unions makes it more difficultfor a child to grow up in New Jersey withgay parents, or to be gay themselves.Through Jan. 19, 2,329 couples hadreceived civil union licenses, according to thestate Health and Senior Services Department.Some social conservatives have said thatthe commission is slanted in favor of allowinggay marriage. The commission’s 12 membersincluded four appointed by the governor andtwo each appointed by the president of thestate Senate and the speaker of the stateAssembly. Among those public members aresome of New Jersey’s more prominent gayrights advocates.The other six members represent state governmentdepartments, such as the Office ofthe Attorney General and the Department ofBanking and Insurance.Opponents of gay marriage have been pushingback in New Jersey. Roman Catholicchurches around the state have been planningspecial prayers on marriage for Sunday. Amajor aim is to promote marriage as beingbetween only a man and a woman.A conservative Princeton-based group, theNational Organization for Marriage, has airedradio commercials that say allowing gay marriagewould undermine some religious teachingsthat homosexuality is wrong.Christian protesters fined for disruptingNew York gay pride eventELMIRA, N.Y. (AP)—Four Christian protesterswho disrupted a gay pride festival inElmira have been convicted of disorderlyconduct.Julian Raven, Maurice Kienenberger,Gloria Raven and Walter Quick testified theywent to share their religious views at theSouthern Tier Gay Pride Festival in a citypark on June 23.Wearing red T-shirts with the slogans``Liberated from Sin'' and ``By the Blood ofJesus,'' they were arrested for lying down infront of the stage after police ordered them tostay in a corner of the park.A defense lawyer argued the arrests violatedfree speech rights, but a judge agreed withprosecutors that their actions threatened publicorder.The Elmira residents were sentencedFriday to pay $100 fines and $95 in costs.An appeal is planned.This information comes from the Star-Gazette and can be found online at the site:www.stargazette.com.

www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • 9

10 • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comQueer Health News & MoreSafe Sex: A way to avoid unwanted consequencesPBy: Dr. Renee Lang*/TRT Health Columnistracticing safe sex applies to anyone ofany age.Recent statisticsindicate thatrates of sexuallytransmitted infections(STIs)increased in youthover the last 20years. Genital herpesoccurs fivetimes more frequentlynow in adolescentsthan twodecades ago.Chlamydia infectionmainly affects thoseaged 15-24years oldand the highest ratesof gonorrhea occurin 15-19 year oldwomen and 2-24year old men. Ratesof Chlamydia, gonorrhea,and syphilisincreased for gayand bisexual menover the last year.Clearly theseincreasing numbers indicate that unsafe sex isTrans from page 4Oh, I would get smiles before when I wasa man but not like these smiles that I now getfrom women. It's a wonderful, heartfelt smileof sharing and accepting, not just a cursory"Good morning, yadda yadda" greeting.Some men have some trouble in dealingwith me. Oh, they are nice and respectful butI just don't get the warm, accepting smilesthat I get from the women. The vibes justaren't there. Other men are cool with me andthey really no problem with dealing with me.happening a lot in the youth population. Ifyou’re having sex you’re at risk for an STI.Maybe you’ve gotten away without an infectionthus far, butHow to practice Safe Sex:1. Always use a latex condom or dental dam with vaginal,oral, or anal sex. Make sure it’s not expired.2. Use lubricant to decrease condom breakage. Alwaysuse a water-based lubricant (KY Jelly, Astroglide, AquaLube, Wet, Foreplay, or Probe) because oil can breakdownthe latex.3. Only use a condom once and then throw it away.4. When pulling out, hold on the condom so that it doesn’tfall off and expose your partner to semen.5. Change the condom before inserting a toy or penis,into a different person or from anus to vagina.6. Use a condom in oral sex because small cuts in themouth or throat may provide allow an STI (HIV, Hep Besp.) access to the bloodstream.7. Limit the number of sexual partners.8. Get tested- both of you.9. Talk to your partner about sex and STIs.10.Avoid the use of drugs or alcohol in conjunction withsex.11. No means “No” and being passed out doesn’t mean“Yes”.12. Pay attention to symptoms and get treated quickly.13. Set your limits ahead of time and then stick to them.14. Remember that you deserve to be healthy and tostay healthy.statistically speaking,you’ll get anSTI at some pointif you continue topractice unsafesex. Maybe youdon’t know thatyou’re alreadyinfected. Someinfections presentwithout symptoms.You need toget tested to knowfor sure.Couples in longtermmonogamousrelationships mayalso benefit fromregular testing;yearly or everytwo years.Unfortunately,sometimes oneAnd then there are the "Whatever!" points ofview. It really is a trip just dealing with allthese varied points of view.But, in the family is a different story! MyMom is finally cool with me, but she still hasa hard time saying "Deja." That will take time,I know.One of my sons is having a hard time withme, the other is getting used to me, and mydaughter is cool with me. You never usuallyget 100% support from your family. That's theway it is when you are Trans.Queer Cinema You Can’t Miss!Marriage Makes a Word of Difference(Lesbian & Gay)Genre: Documentary; Rating: Not yet ratedDistribution: Limited ReleaseDirector: Fran RzeznikStatus: currently only scheduled for screenings inConnecticutRelease Date: 02/08/08Synopsis: Emmy award-winning Fran Rzeznik isbehind this film that portrays the personal strugglesand political challenges of Connecticut’ssame-sex couples (and their families) who arefighting for the freedom to marry.Savage Grace (Gay)Genre: DramaRating: Not yet rated; Distribution: Wide ReleaseDistributor: IFC FilmsStarring: Julianne Moore, Eddie Redmayne,Stephen DillaneRelease Date: 05/00/08Notes: Premiered at 2008 Sundance FilmFestivalSynopsis: Based on true events, this film tells thestory of unabashed social climber Barbara Daly,who, after watching her marriage to a wealthyman crumble, later attempts to "cure" her son'shomosexuality with tragic results. Savage Gracemarks director Tom Kalin's return to Sundance 16years after his first feature, Swoon, helped define"New Queer Cinema.Almost Myself (TRANS)Genre: Documentary; Rating: Not yet ratedDistribution: Limited ReleaseDirector: Tom MurrayRelease Date: 00/00/00Notes: Premiered at 2006 NewfestSynopsis: Director Tom Murry explores the livesof a group of diverse MTFs in this documentary.Beyond Conception: Men Having Babies(Lesbian & Gay)Genre: Documentary; Rating: Not yet ratedDistribution: Limited ReleaseDirector: Johnny SymonsRelease Date: 00/00/00Synopsis: Director Johnny Symons follows severalgay and lesbian couples who wish to havechildren with the help of technology.DR. RENEE LANGpartner engages insex with someoneoutside the relationshipand doesn’t inform their partner.Safe sex practices, at any stage of a relationship,provide protectionuntil both partners testnegative for STIs.Additionally, if eitherpartner experiences anoutbreak of Herpes,genital warts, or otherinfection, resume safesex practices until theinfection clears.If you feel old enoughto have sex, you’re old enough to talk about it.Before swapping fluids with another person,talk to them about their previous sexual partnersand experiences. If you feel uncomfortablediscussing sex and STI risks practicehaving the conversation with a friend or safefamily member.If your current partner doesn’t want to talkabout their past, ask them to get tested. Ifthey resist getting tested, it’s time to rethinkyour decision about getting sexually involvedwith someone who doesn’t respect yourhealth choices. Sometimes a person usesanger, fear or other manipulative tactics toencourage another person to have sex withthem. If you feel pressured to have sex orunsafe sex by another person you may beexperiencing sexual abuse.Talk to your doctor, counselor, friend orsafe family member about what’s going on.They may be able to provide an objectiveAnyway, I am happy with where I've gonein the past year and where I am now. I considermyself a successful transition and I feelgood about it. Where I will go this year is aquestion and a mystery and there will be somesurprises, I'm sure.Irish from page 2advise an abortion, and there are family planningcenters where brave women do whatthey can to support women with unwantedpregnancies. If you talk to your doctor inIreland about considering an abortion, s/hehas to turn in this information to the government.Let’s celebrate Women’s History Month andSt. Patrick’s Day by supporting the women ofIreland, the lovers in Ireland, the LGBTactivists, and the country that continues tosave civilization while remaining unique,inconsistent as hell, and willing to help thoseopinion about the situation. You may also tryimaging what you would say to your friend ifthey told you the same story. What advicewould you give that person? Then thinkabout listening to your own advice.Symptoms of STIs vary but include thepresence of warts or painful sores on the lipsand genitals, foul smelling discharge from thevagina or penis, itchiness and/or burning ofthe genitals, burning with urination (men),vaginal bleeding (not menstrual), painfulintercourse, and pelvic pain. Hepatitis Bsymptoms include fatigue, dark urine, lightstools, abdominal pain, and nausea and vomiting.HIV symptoms include vaginal yeastinfections, unexplained weight loss, nightsweats or fevers, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea,fatigue, headaches, and mental disorders.HPV symptoms may present as an abnormalpap smear so get one every year especially ifyou have multiple partners.If you experience any of the above symptomsespecially after beginning a new relationship,GO GET TESTED! Go to your regulardoctor, to the local free clinic, or the localPlanned Parenthood but GET TESTED. Ifleft untreated, some of the STIs cause longtermeffects including liver damage, infertility,neurological problems, cancer (HPV), andin the case of HIV, death.I hope that I showed you a glimpse of myinterpretation of what it's like to beTransgender. As one of my philosophicalheroes, Kermit the Frog, says "It aint' easybeing green!" But, it's not a boring life!Finding 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.”in need—with good humor and the constitutionto carry on.Jennifer MaryCould be from KerryShe could be from CorkOr just from the StorkSuch is the life of a fairyJ.M. Sorrell is her known nameMcLaughlin by birth is of no fameShe isn’t from LimerickNor is Sydney her SidekickThe Pug knows these rhymes are so lame.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

www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • 11

12 • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comQ-lebritiesWalking the ‘Line’: Veteran virtuoso Bob Mould hits the road after two-year hiatusBy: Michael A. Knipp/TRT SpecialLike a phoenix that rises from its own fragileashes, seminal artist Bob Mould has consistentlyresurrected himself over the past 20years.In the late 1980s, Mould emerged from theshadow of his hardcore band Hüsker Dü’sdrug-induced downfall to form Sugar, theacclaimed mid-90s alternative outfit responsiblefor the dense, hypnotic Copper Blue,which Spin magazine ranked in 1992 as oneits top 20 albums of the year. But after Sugardissolved toward the middle of that decade,Mould began to branch out and busy himselfwith a number of eclectic projects. Relying onhis own genius, the renaissance rocker – whoarguably paved the way for the likes ofNirvana and Pearl Jam—set out on his own,creating LoudBomb, a solo effort formedfrom an anagram of his name; jump starting agay dance event known as Blowoff; and serving,however briefly, as scriptwriter withWorld Championship Wrestling.Despite two decades of well-publicized professionaland personal turmoil, and myriadmanifestations of his talent, though, Mouldreturns this year to his primary passion: pushingthe boundaries of modern music.As the launch of his first North Americantour in two years looms, the heavyweight—whose latest album, District Line, is availablenow— reflects on his frequent collaborationswith that other out acumen, Richard Morel;expanding his underground party presence;www.seriosmarket.comhow he’s spent his time since he last took tothe road; and why he’ll never reignite oldflames.Which, as Mould alludes, has something todo with getting burned.MICHAEL A. KNIPP: A lot of peopleknow you from your days with Hüsker Düand Sugar, but what they might not know isthat a few years ago you took a break frommusic and joined World ChampionshipWrestling as a scriptwriter. Why such a drasticdeparture?BOB MOULD: I have been a long-timepro wrestling fan, starting in my childhood. Ihad friends who worked in the business, andfor years they casually asked me for ideas. In1999 I was offered the chance to join on aspart of the creative team. It was a once in alifetime opportunity, and the hardest work Ihave ever done in my life.MK: After creative differences with thecompany, you returned to music. After somany years, and so many diverse projects,what keeps interested?BM: It’s what I enjoy best. It is my life'swork.MK: When I think of you, it’s hard not tothink of Richard Morel, a frequent collaboratorof yours. What makes your relationshipwork?BM: Rich brings a wealth of experiencefrom the electronic-music world, and I bringthe rock.MK: You and Richard host something“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.BOB MOULDcalled Blowoff. For people far from the D.C.area, what’s Blowoff all about?BM: It’s a monthly dance party held at the9:30 Club, which is a live concert venue. Weplay lo-fi, indie rock, house, progressivehouse, and electro. Our crowd is mainly 30- to50-year-old gay men, some of whom identifyas bears or muscle bears. But, all music fansare welcome!MK: You and Richard started hostingBlowoff in 2003, and it recently celebrated itsfifth anniversary. How has this gay danceparty evolved, and are there plans for permanentresidency in New York, where you’rethrowing the parties sporadically?BM: We have grown from spinning musicfor 30 friends in a basement to 1,000 people ina large concert hall. We will be at HighlineBallroom in NYC every two months in 2008,and we hope to expand to San Francisco in thefall of 2008.MK: If anything, you’re an experimentalartist—from genres to instruments tomonikers, you’re constantly reinventing yourself—butwhat do you consider your bestwork?BM: My proudest moments to date are ZenArcade (Hüsker Dü); Workbook (solo);Copper Blue (Sugar); Circle of Friends (liveDVD, 2005 band); and the new solo album,District Line.MK: Your new album, District Line, isbeing heralded as a return to form of sorts.How do you take that? Do you think you’veever strayed from your form?BM: I think it is a simplistic way for therecord company to attract people’s attention. Ihope my "form" has expanded over the years.Guitar-based composition is the core componentof my entire body of work, and the newalbum is heavy on the core work, so maybethat is what the company bio is trying to highlight.MK: You describe the album as emotionaland mature, while Billboard magazine saysit’s filled with “pop songs.” Is the mag accuratein its description?BM: I think so!MK: You begin touring in support ofDistrict Line this month, but it’s been nearlytwo years since you last toured, when yourlive DVD, Circle of Friends, was released.For those who caught that tour, how will thisshow stand alone?BM: The upcoming band tour will be a continuationof what was documented on Circleof Friends. Guitar, bass, keyboards, drums.No-frills presentation. Songs from all periodsof my career.MK: Finally, reunions are inevitably – especiallyif you’re still relevant and have a bankablefollowing. And that’s not to mention thateveryone from Led Zep to the Spice Girlshave reunited lately, and it’s the thing to thesedays. So… are there plans to appease yourdie-hard Hüsker Dü or Sugar fans? Will theybe treated to blast from the past in the nearfuture?BM: I have no plans, nor any interest, inreforming old bands. Those were great timesat the time, but as time goes on I like to lookforward as much as possible. The songs Icomposed and performed with those bandsare now part of my current band repertoire.That's the best I can offer, and I think mostpeople understand.* Michael A. Knipp is a 26-year-old Baltimorebasedfreelance writer and the founder ofLine/Byline Communications. He can bereached at michael.knipp@gmail.com.GLAAD from page 7collaborations with Access Hollywood,national cable networks such as Fox Reality,GSN, IFC, Lifetime, The N, Sci Fi Channeland Sundance Channel; local cable systemsand network affiliates; online at LiveVideo,YouTube, AOL Video and MySpace.(GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting andensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representationof people and events in the media as ameans of eliminating homophobia and discriminationbased on gender identity and sexual orientation.65 State Street • Northampton, MAPhone: 413-584-2633 • Fax: 413-585-9756

Disciplined Diva: Janet Jackson and her gay fans are together again!By: C. CaneBecoming a pop icon takes undeniable talent,ferocious discipline and, of course, asolid gay fan base. The legendary JanetJackson has all three, and she’s proving it yetagain with her tenth studio album, appropriatelytitled Discipline.Miss Janet returns to her pop roots withinfectious tracks like “Luv,” “Tonight” andthe hit lead single “Feedback,” all sure to beclub hits. However, this isn’t your standarddance record; for those late-night rendezvous,there are freak session songs like the titletrack, in which Janet coos, “Daddy take yourtime… I want you to punish me… I needsome discipline tonight.” Wow, what’s next—a Janet Jackson booth at the Folsom StreetFair?In a relaxed one-on-one chat, a jovialJackson dished on her gay friend “Keisha,”celebrity girl-crush and hip-hop world homophobiabefore giving the greatest advice ofall: how to battle a “Madonna” drag queen.Q: What can Janet's gay fans expect from thenew album, Discipline?A: What's in it for the children? The kids![Laughs] I know they love to dance—that'swhat it is. There's "Rock With You," a housesong, which everyone's seemed to have fallenin love with—even the kids in Europe.Q: At what point in your career did you knowyou had a gay following?A: I think it showed its face more to me, ormaybe I realized it more, when I did"Together Again"…what album was that?Q: That was 1997’s The Velvet Rope!A: Thank you very much for knowing myown work! [Laughs] I don’t ever reallyremembering saying, “I’ve got a pretty nicegay following,” or “The children are reallyinto me.” I never thought about it.Q: Do you have many gay people in yourinner circle?A: Yeah, I do.Q: Who is the closest gay person to you?A: His name is Gil, and we've been bestfriends for about 11 years. He's a creativedirector and one of the choreographers that Iwork with as well.Q: How does your man, Jermaine Dupri, reactto the gay boys around you?A: He doesn't. We're all friends. As a matter offact, it's so cute because we all call Gil“Keisha.” It's a pet name. Jermaine calls him“Keisha,” too, and it startled Gil because hehad never done it before. It’s just cute to see.It's just another friend with Jermaine. Heloves Gil just as much as I do. I've heard peopletalk a little bit about that, but that doesn’tapply when it comes to Jermaine. He's verycomfortable with all my friends, and they'vebecome his friends as well.Q: You have a strong fan base in hiphop,which does have a reputation ofhomophobia. How do you balancethat with your ownpersonal acceptance ofthe gay community?A: I’ve never reallythought about it. Ijust do what I do.There have beenmoments where Iknow people havespoken out aboutcertain things thatI’ve done, whichskewed moretoward topics thatdealt with the gaycommunity, andthey disliked it—but I’m not goingto stop. Forinstance, I think itwas the VelvetRope album,and a coupleof peoplehad a littlebit to sayabout it.Whether itwas “Free Xone” or “Tonight's the Night”because I didn’t change the lyrics, so I wassinging to another girl… the song is just beautiful,I don’t want to change the lyrics, andthere’s nothing wrong with that. I don’t havean issue with that, so if they want to get allwound up in a knot, that's really their issue.I’m not going to stop being who I am and creatingthe music that I create.Q: If you could be a man for a day, what's thefirst thing you would do?A: [Laughs] The very first thing I'd do? I can'tsay that—it sounds silly!Q: You can say it, Janet—let it out!A: It's simple: I'm real curious to see what itfeels like to pee.Q: It's very convenient!A: I'm sure it is! You don't even have to takeyour pants completely down! Put it throughthe zipper, right? You guys got it easy!Q: What are your thoughts on gay marriage?A: I’m all for it. Why not? It's two people thatare in love with one another. What's the issue?Q: Who would be your celebrity girl-crush?A: You know who I think is flawless? AliciaKeys. I think she's absolutely beautiful, such asweetheart, down to earth. So maybe AliciaKeys.Q: I'm not sure if you’re aware of this, butPhoto by: Chuando & Freywww.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • 13there’s an Internet war between Janetand Madonna fans. I know youand Madonna had some beef inthe ’90s, but do you think theheat between Madonna and Janetfans has any validity?A: No—I didn’t know this wasgoing on. [Laughs]Q: They argue, make videos and, ofcourse, it’s mostly the gay fans.People are curious: What are yourthoughts on Madonna now?A: I think she's done wonderfulthings. She's done great things in hercareer, in her life, and more powerto her. I think fans will always bethat way—always. They're justincredibly loyal and they loveyou so much that if anyone saysanything remotely negative,they're there to just immediatelyjump on them. It'llalways be that way—veryloyal.Q: If a “Janet” drag queen had tobattle a “Madonna” drag queen,what advice would you give theJanet drag queen?A: Kick the bitch's ass!For more information about JanetJackson’s Discipline (Island), whichcame our on February 26, pleasevisit: www.janetjackson.com.QEntertainment & AutoAutomotive Q & ALadies &Gentlemen,I want to thankJonathan of Hatfieldfor his question.Q: I've been thinkingabout buyingSubaru but reallydon't know muchStephen M. LewisPresident, Steve Lewis about them. I'vealways gone withToyota, but I'veheard that Subaru can be just as good. Whatmodel would you recommend for a family ofthree?A: Wow! That's a pretty loaded question,but here goes!Subaru makes four specific lines. They areImpreza, Forester, Legacy (includesOutback), and Tribeca. All of these are FiveStar (the best) rated in crash worthiness.Virtually all are on the "recommend" listby Consumer Reports.All have the same 2.5i engine that has beenaround since the late 90's, albeit they aremuch improved in fuel economy, horsepower,and emissions.Subaru is the most "green" all wheel drivevehicle in this country. By the way, Subaru'sassembly plant is the most green in the worldwith "0" toxins being emitted.Don't get me wrong, Toyotas car, as well asHonda are magnificent vehicles. They arejust different than Subaru's.All wheel drive is a given on ice and snowbut is also amazing in the rain.See Auto on p. 18

14 • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comGay TravelingOut of Town: 10 Distinctive Neighborhoods with a Gay VibeOBy: Andrew Collinsver the years, anumber of urbanneighborhoodsaround the world havedeveloped decidedly gayfollowings. GLBT visitorsto San Francisco have longmade a beeline for theCastro. Areas like Chelsea in New York City,Lakeview in Chicago, and Hillcrest in SanDiego are also famous for having substantialconcentrations of gay-popular businesses.But so-called "gay ghettos" have graduallybegun to diversify in recent years, as mainstreampopulations embrace these neighborhoods,and gays and lesbians feel increasinglycomfortable shopping, dining, socializing,and living in other parts of town. A result ofthis trend has been the way in which manyprogressive, artsy neighborhoods have developeda slightly gay following, without necessarilypossessing a core of gay businesses.Stroll some of these areas, such as Bay Viewin Milwaukee and Roosevelt Row in Phoenix,and you might not see dozens of rainbowflags, or an especially high number of samesexcouples milling around. Yet, it's easy todiscern a certain queer sensibility.If you're something of an urban adventurer,or you're simply longing to branch out in yourtravels and explore hip, distinctive urban districtswith great energy, a liberal vibe, and agay-welcoming attitude, check out some ofthese 10 particularly inviting neighborhoods.Alberta Arts District (Portland, OregonThe media have been showering plenty ofattention on Portland lately for its vauntedindie-music scene, rapidly rising culinary reputation,and overall cool factor. A handful offunky neighborhoods around the city havehelped propel its bohemian image, with theAlberta Arts District one of the most intriguing.Extending along Alberta Street fromabout Martin Luther King Boulevard east to33rd Avenue, there's a slew of art galleries,independently owned boutiques, and affordablerestaurants. This highly diverse neighborhoodstages numerous arts events, includinga gallery hop the last Thursday of eachmonth and an annual street fair in September.Among the many restaurants, Zaytoon's has aparticularly queer following and servessuperb Middle Eastern fare, but you'll findplenty of worthy spots along here to eat anddrink.Bay View (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)About 2 miles southeast of Walker's Point,the main gay-bar hub of Milwaukee, you'llfind Bay View, a gracious neighborhood nearLake Michigan containing a bounty of beautifullyrestored Victorian and early 20th-centuryhomes. Lesbians and gays have beensteadily moving into the neighborhood inrecent years, and a number of "family-friendly"businesses have opened along the mainthoroughfare, Kinnickinnic Avenue, includingfestive Cafe Lulu and Broad Vocabulary feministbookstore. These businesses have joinedsome of the area's longstanding ethnic restaurants,such as Three Brothers Serbian eateryand De Marinis Pizza. With much ofEast Atlanta Village abounds with cool boutiquesand funky cafes and bars. Photo by: Andrew CollinsMilwaukee experiencing an impressive resurgenceof late, Bay View has become a particularlyenjoyable area for exploration.Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens (Brooklyn,New York)Brooklyn's charming Park Slope neighborhoodhas long cultivated a lesbian following.Just across the Gowanus Canal from ParkSlope, there's a pair of similarly diverting,trendy neighborhoods, Cobble Hill and—duesouth—Carroll Gardens. Essentially an extensionof debonair Brooklyn Heights, CobbleHill and Carroll Gardens are handsome residentialdistricts chock-full of 19th-centurytownhouses. Both areas have seen a majortransformation in recent years, as hipsters,gays, intellectuals, and fashion plates haveinvaded en masse. In fact, nobody livingaround here in the mid-'90s could have imaginedthat Cobble Hill's once-dowdy commercialthoroughfare, Smith Street, would todayglow with haute eateries, stylish home-furnishingshops, and esteemed art galleries.Along Court Street in Carroll Gardens, you'llstill find many of the Italian markets andpizzerias that date back to the area's LittleItaly heyday.East Atlanta Village (Atlanta, Georgia)Many visitors to Atlanta focus on the glitzydowntown and super-gay Midtown area,missing out on a number of enchanting, offbeatneighborhoods outside the city core, suchBethlehem, NH—The Highlands Inn willcelebrate its 25th year in business in 2008.Named by PlanetOut as “one of the mostromantic lesbian destinations on the planet,"the lesbian-owned resort is one of very fewinns that cater to a women-only clientele.as Inman Park, Little Five Points, CastleberryHill, and East Atlanta Village. All of thesecommunities have a somewhat gay vibe, andEast Atlanta Village is perhaps the most interestingat the moment, with its wealth of indiecoffeehouses, lounges, music clubs, ethnicrestaurants, and boutiques. This neighborhoodabout 5 miles southeast of downtown drawsan amazingly diverse bunch. Walk along FlatShoals Avenue to find such intriguing hangoutsas Mary's, a raffish and lovably gay bar;Joe's Coffee, with its quirky artwork andpotent java; and City Life Apparel, carrying awide assortment of urban attire.Faubourg Marigny (New Orleans, Louisiana)The neighborhood immediately downriverfrom the French Quarter - across tree-shadedEsplanade Avenue—is Faubourg Marigny,which, because of its increasing GLBT following,is sometimes referred to affectionatelyas "Fagburg" Marigny. Many gays and otherwiseprogressive-minded types have boughtup this artsy neighborhood's quaint FrenchWest Indies-style cottages and Greek Revivalmansions. The neighborhood's greatest attribute,at least for gay visitors, is its wealth ofgay-friendly (and moderately priced) restaurantsand B&Bs—there are even a few queerbars here, including the Phoenix andCowpokes. You'll also find one of the mostgay-popular spots in town for jazz brunch,Feelings Cafe.Ferndale (Detroit, Michigan)To get a full sense of everything metroDetroit has to offer, plan to spend some timeventuring out of Detroit proper, as many worthyattractions - as well as the heart of the gayscene - lie outside downtown. The first communityyou reach heading northwest alongWoodward Avenue is Ferndale, a formerlyworking class community that has developedcachet among young, forward-thinking professionalsand artists in recent years, includingquite a few gay folks. Its main drag, WestNine Mile Road, has a bounty of cool boutiques,vintage clothiers, and home-furnishingshops. The dining scene is solid, too—considerdining on down-home comfort food atChristine's Cuisine, or enjoy soul-warmingpizzas at Como's.See Gay Neighborhoods p. 15The Highlands Inn Celebrates 25 Years as“Lesbian Paradise”Grace Newman, owner, bought the 100-acreproperty in 1983. The Highlands Inn, locatedin New Hampshire's major vacation destination,the White Mountains, has 19 rooms inthree buildings. Several of the rooms have afireplace, private deck, or 2-person spa.“It's amazing how thingshave changed since we openedthe Inn. Gay-friendly accommodationswere a thing of thedistant future! It was usuallypretty awkward for a same-sexcouple to share a room. Nowlesbians and gay men are considereda valuable market,worthy of special efforts to getour business," said Newman.See Highlands page 18

Court: NY Lesbian Couple can divorceBeth R. and Donna M. were married inCanada on Valentine's Day 2004 surroundedby friends and family. The couple had onechild together just before the marriage andanother child in 2006. Donna was the biologicalparent, and both children were givenBeth's last name and call her "mom." The twowomen shared a home, and both have alwayscared for and supported the children as parents.In April of 2007, Beth filed for divorce.Donna responded by arguing that the marriageis void because New York State doesn'tallow same-sex couples to marry within itsborders. Lambda Legal argued that it is wellestablishedNew York law to recognize outof-statemarriages that are validly performedin places like Canada where same-sex couplesLifetime premieres its first dance competitionseries, Your Mama Don’t Dance, onFriday, February 29, at 9 PM. Three gay men—Silvano Merendi (48, pictured), DantePuleio (31) and Jonathan Silva (19)—will befeatured as contestants. Since openly gay performersare rarely showcased within a competitionformat, their presence is a remarkabledegree of visibility.The program features ten young professionaldancers who are each paired with one oftheir parents, a surprise that the youngcan marry. The court agreed.Significantly, the court also agreed thatBeth's claim that she is legally a parent ofboth children cannot be dismissed. The bestdancers are unaware of until the show begins.Each week, the three judges - actor BenVereen, choreographer Cris Judd and singerVitamin C - will put the two teams with thelowest scores up for a vote, allowing the publicto decide which team stays. The series willend with a live finale on Friday, April 18.Silvano will be paired with his daughter,Celia, whom he raised with the help of hispartner in Miami, Florida. Dante, from NewYork, trained at Wilkes University and movedto England to study at the Northern School ofwww.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • 15National Queer Newsinterests of the children require proceedingwith her claim to ensure her ongoing relationshipand support of the children.New York courts have long held that out-ofstatemarriages, if valid where entered, will berespected in New York, even if the marriagescould not have been performed here.Courts have also recognized that the structurefor ending a relationship is as importantas the one for creating it. Same-sex couplesand their children need this structure just asmuch as different-sex couples. The ruling inthis case is a step toward marriage equality inthe state of New York.A print document of the decision can befound at the following Lambda Legal website:http://data.lambdalegal.org/pdf/legal/robinson/beth-r-v-donna-m-decision.pdfGay dancers compete on new Lifetime showContemporary Dance. He will be dancingwith his stepmother, Dolores. Jonathan, fromLos Angeles, recently appeared in Bratz: TheMovie and performed in Aladdin: A MusicalSpectacular. He will be paired with his mother,Rodilyn, a hairdresser.For more info on the show, visit:http://www.myLifetime.com or to get aglimpse of the show, watch the video found at:http://videos.mylifetime.com/index.jsp?fr_chl=21b7aa0948551aab841c622f4da688788d26b689GLAAD calls on media to examine violent crimescommited against gay and transgender people in FLNew York, February 29, 2008 – Gay &Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation(GLAAD) President Neil G. Giuliano todayurged media to examine the recent violentcrimes in Florida targeting Simmie Williams,Jr., Melbourne Brunner and Adam Hopper,and the vigil held yesterday in honor ofWilliams.“This spate of violent crimes in Florida is animportant reminder that violence against gayand transgender people continues to be a pervasiveissue," said Giuliano. "These kinds ofattacks are about intimidation and fear.They're about sending a message that gay andtransgender people are legitimate targets forviolence—something that media have aresponsibility to examine in their coverage ofthese brutal attacks."Williams, 17, was shot and killed on Feb.22nd. Brunner was severely beaten on Feb.23 as his attacker yelled anti-gay slurs andthreatened Brunner and his partner. Hopperwas attacked earlier this month outside of abar in Melbourne, Fla. These attacks followthe recent shooting death of Lawrence King, a15-year-old student from Oxnard, Calif., whoThe Night OwlThe best LGBTQ Clubs in ourGayborhoods! 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 12305518-377-8555was shot because he was gay by a classmate.About GLAADThe Gay & Lesbian Alliance AgainstDefamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promotingand ensuring fair, accurate and inclusiverepresentation of people and events in themedia as a means of eliminating homophobiaand discrimination based on gender identityand sexual orientation. For more information,please visit www.glaad.org.Gay Neighborhoods from Page 14Logan Circle (Washington, D.C.)If you walk about six blocks due east ofuber-gay Dupont Circle, you'll come to LoganCircle, the white-hot D.C. neighborhood that'senjoyed a massive gentrification in recentyears. Along 14th Street, you'll see the greatestevidence of change - hot new restaurants,the chic gay lounge Halo, a huge WholeFoods Market, and the stylish Hotel Helix,which is run by the GLBT-friendly KimptonGroup. Fans of the neighborhood's handful offine theaters hang out at the inviting 1409Playbill Cafe, and live-music devotees strollalong the U Street Corridor, which marks theneighborhood's northern boundary and islined with great clubs and restaurants. Evenbefore Logan Circle became so fabulous, gaysand lesbians began buying the Edwardian andVictorian townhouses in this historic but formerlyblighted neighborhood. For example,gay William Lewis House B&B has beengoing strong for well over a decade.Midtown (Houston, Texas)Between downtown and Montrose,Houston's Midtown neighborhood has one ofthe hottest real-estate markets in the country,as this once virtually deserted area boomswith new condos and town homes. Coolrestaurants are popping up, too, such asFarrago, a dapper bistro serving creative pizzas,affordable pastas and burgers, and wonderfulweekend brunch fare. A more upscalebut still moderately priced option is Gravitas,a slick space serving innovative regionalAmerican cuisine. For nightlife, there'sBrazos River Bottom, a country-western barthat was welcoming queer folks to Midtownyears before the neighborhood started gettingtrendy. Midtown's proximity to the numerousgay bars of Montrose have made it a hit withmany gay and lesbian homeowners.Roosevelt Row (Phoenix, Arizona)On the north side of downtown Phoenix,Roosevelt Row is a burgeoning mixed-useresidential district that supports several excellentgalleries as well as a wonderful bakery,Tammie Coe Cakes (stop in for a latte and asweet treat or two). Vinophiles have taken ashine to Cheuvront Wine & Cheese Cafe, thebrainchild of the city's openly gay state senator,Ken Cheuvront. This happening neighborhoodis also home to the esteemed PhoenixArt Museum and the Native AmericanfocusedHeard Museum. You'll also find oneof the city's top gay bars, Amsterdam, an elegantlounge with a festive patio out back.St. Anthony Main (Minneapolis, Minnesota)Just across the Mississippi River fromdowntown Minneapolis, you'll find some ofthe city's most intriguing neighborhoods,beginning with Nicollet Island, which is hometo the St. Anthony Falls Historic District, awarren of vintage mills and renovated warehouses.St. Anthony Main, the area immediatelynortheast of the island, was once aPolish neighborhood. Several cool bars andrestaurants have opened in these parts, andyounger residents—many of them gay—havebegun transforming the area. You can strollalong the riverbank, which has park benches,and amble down along the crashing cataractsat St. Anthony Falls. You'll find some great,gay-friendly restaurant options in the area,including Pizza Nea and kitschy Nye'sPolonaise Room, serving up hearty Polishfood and featuring dancing to live polkabands.*Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor'sGay Guide to the USA and eight additionaltravel guides. He can be reached care of thispublication or at OutofTown@qsyndicate.com.

16 • March 6 - April 2, 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. This is awarm and welcoming group of intelligent women.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; 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. 21+. FMI: jallison2@nycap.rr.comor CDPT 595 New LoudonRd #202 Latham NY 12110(NY) Gay, Bisexual and Transgender MenSupport Group; Mondays; 7 p.m.; Support groupfor GBT men; CDGLCC @ 332 Hudson Avenue inAlbany. FMI: Q Diamond at (518) 462-6138 orqdiamond@cdglcc.org.(NY) Lesbian and Bisexual Women's SupportGroup; every other Tuesday; 7 p.m.; Meet atCDGLCC at 332 Hudson Avenue 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. 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.;Saratoga SAVOY, 7 Wells St, Saratoga Springs,NY. FMI: 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. 21& younger.(MA) TransForming Families – TransgenderSupport Group; Parents, partners, children andtheir transgender loved ones. Wednesdays, 7:30– 9 p.m. in Hadley. FMI: www.transformingfamilies.orgor 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 every monthfrom 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. FMI: 413.584.7616 oremail: betpower@yahoo.com. FTMs or SOFFAswho have never come to one of the meetingsshould call and introduce themselves to Betbefore attending. Meetings are open to ALL masculine-identified,female-born persons, our 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.; FREEAppointment only. FMI: 518.432.4188.(NY) Capital Pride Singers LGBT and affirmingmixed chorus. Rehearsals on Monday's, 7 p.m.,Emmanuel Baptist Church, 275 State St., Albany.FMI: 518-435-4636.(MA) March 4-29; SIX IN WAX, paintings by sixartists working in encaustic (Encaustic is a mixtureof beeswax, resin and pigment.) Tue-Fri 10-6, Saturday 10-4; Reception - Saturday, March 8,5-8 p.m.; Demonstration of encaustic painting -March 22, 1 p.m.; Nashawannuck Gallery, 40Cottage Street, Easthampton, MA FMI: MarliesStoddard, Gallery Director 413-529-9393 ornashawannuck@yahoo.com((NY) March 7; First Friday at RomaineBrookes Gallery: Sean Calhoun; 5-9 p.m.;CDGLCC, 332 Hudson Ave., 3rd Floor, Albany,NY; FMI: rbg@cdglcc.org(MA) Mar. 8th: Charles Busch At AmherstCollege; 8:00 p.m.; Cole Assembly Room,Converse Hall, Amherst College; Busch is a playwright,off-Broadway performer, and actor. Hisplays and films include "Psycho Beach Party" and"Die Mommie Die!"both of which he starred in indrag. Free and open to the public!(NY) March 8; Ember Swift; The Linda:WAMC's Performing Arts Studio; 339 CentralAve, Albany, NY; 8 p.m., $15, call 518-465-5233ext. 4 for tickets(MA) Mar. 9th: Charles Busch At HampshireCollege; 11:30 a.m., Mainstage Theatre, EmilyDickinson Hall, Hampshire College. Showing of"The Lady In Question" and a Q&A session withCharles Busch. FMI & to RSVP visit Facebook:umass.facebook.com/event.php?eid=10454577162(VT) March 9 POTLUCK: 6:30 p.m. at theMenspace. Come socialize and bring a dish toshare! We’re celebrating the arrival of DaylightSavings Time.(MA) March 9; “TRANSCEND” MEETING; 7:00 -8:30 p.m.; South Congregational Church,Pittsfield, MA. Monthly support/social group meetingfor the Trans community. Sponsored byBSCC. FMI: Infoline at 413-822-7268.(MA) March 10; 7-9 p.m.; The New EnglandTransgender Pride March and Rally - scheduledfor June 7, 2008 in Northampton, MA. Joinus for the next working meeting at the MediaEducation Foundation, 60 Masonic Street,Northampton, MA 01060. FMI:transpride@gmail.com, or www.transpridemarch.org.(VT) March 11; OUR FUTURES: 7 p.m. at theMenspace. A report from the statewide meetingon Aging Concerns of the LGBT Community. Allwelcome, no prior attendance necessary.(VT) March 12; BEAR NIGHT: Doors open at 5p.m., the Ceilidh House, Westmoreland NH. DJmusic begins at 7:30 p.m.(MA) March 15; Sober Dance Party &Entertainment Extravaganza; 7 p.m. - MidnightCenter for the Arts, 17 New South St., 3rd Floor,Northampton; FMI: Craig Stevens at (413) 584-7745, (413) 221-3930, wonmale@aol.com.(MA) March 15; Singer/songwriter and politicalactivist, Colleen Kattau with her band, NiceGuys, will perform at the Echo Lake CoffeeHouse in the Leverett Town Hall, 9 Montague Rd.,Leverett, MA, 7:30 p.m. Admission:$10. FMI:413-548-9394.(MA) March 15; ST. PATRICK'S DAY DANCE;8:30-12:30 p.m.; VFW Hall, 36 Linden Street,Pittsfield, MA. DJ Larry Kratka (Taconic HighSchool's radio guru) will provide the music. Opento the community, friends and allies. $10.00admission. 18+.(NY) March 15; Progressions Concert Series:Christine Havrilla with Kim Buckley; 8 p.m.,7:30 Doors; CDGLCC, 332 Hudson Ave, Albany,NY; $12, $10 students with ID. FMI: progressionsconcertseries@cdglcc.org(VT) March 14-23; 17th annual Women’s FilmFestival in Brattleboro, Vermont. Thirty filmsfrom 11 countries will be screened at downtownvenues, accompanied by panel discussions anddirectors’ talks. Benefit for the Women¹s CrisisCenter. FMI: www.womensfilmfestival.org(VT) March 16; Transgender Support Group;Meeting in Brattleboro, VT the third Sunday ofevery month. 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.The March meetingwill be on Sunday, March 16 from 5:30 to 8:30p.m. FMI: Benjamin Robin: robin@benjaminrobin.net(CT) March 19; Trans Plantations at the HartfordStage; Reception with cash bar and hot appetizersat the Hartford Stage beginning at 6:30 p.m.,followed by the performance at 8pm. $10; FMI:860-525-7777, x313.(VT) March 19; CONNECTING GROUP: 6:30 -9:30 p.m.; at the Menspace. No specific theme.This informal small group evening is intended tobring guys together for interesting conversationabout meeting, dating and having sex. Theseevents have a maximum number of 8 to 10 guys,so please register with Howie by calling 254-4444.(VT) March 20; BOOK CLUB; 7 p.m.; Menspace.The March book is Spanbauer's THE MAN WHOFELL IN THE LOVE WITH THE MOON. FMICurtis, at 254-2400.(VT) March 21; GRF CONTRA DANCE: 7p.m.;Montague MA. Gender Role Free ContraDancing, with live music. Not a Men’s Programevent Two dances this month, with the secondoccurring on Saturday, March 22. For more info,www.lcfd.org Friday,(VT) March 21; GAYME NIGHT: 7 p.m.; Howie’splace. Gayme night has seen lots of variety in thegames played in recent months. Come on overand bring your favorite to the mix. If you’d like,bring a snack to share as well. FMI: Howie - 603-256-6995(MA) March 22; GRF CONTRA DANCE: 7 p.m.,Montague MA. Not a Men’s Program event. FMI:Howie - 603-256-6995(VT) March 24; BREATHWORK WITH RONKING: 6:30 – 8:30pm at the Menspace. Ron Kingwill lead this class. FMI: Howie - 603-256-6995(MA) April 2; BSCC POTLUCK DINNER; 7:00p.m.; Unitarian-Universalist Church, 175 WendellAvenue, Pittsfield, MA. Open to the GLBTQI communityand friends. Bring a main dish, salad, veggieor dessert to share. Beverages provided.(CT) April 4-6; Eat, Drink and be Married!; Aweekend of parties to benefit marriage equality;For the fifth consecutive year, marriage equalitysupporters all over Connecticut will party forequality—hosting parties or gatherings in theirhomes with family and friends in support of thefreedom to marry for same-sex couples. As ahost, you can plan any event you would like. FMI:Gina Longo, Eat, Drink, & Be Married!Coordinator, at gina@lmfct.org or call 203-675-9943.April 4; LGBT Dance class series and party:two beginner classes: West Coast Swing 6-7pm,Salsa 7-8pm, followed by potluck/dance party 9-11pm. Cost: $15 classes/party; $10 party at 8pm.No partner necessary. Location: NorthamptonDance, Pleasant St. right next to Shell Station.Tonight class no. 1. FMI:: lizwiz4@juno.comApril 11; LGBT Dance class and party: twobeginner classes: West Coast Swing 6-7pm,Salsa 7-8pm, followed by potluck/dance party 9-11pm. Cost: $15 classes/party; $10 party at 8pm.No partner necessary. Location: NorthamptonDance, Pleasant St. right next to Shell Station.Tonight class no. 2. FMI: lizwiz4@juno.comApril 18; LGBT Dance class and party: twobeginner classes: West Coast Swing 6-7pm,Salsa 7-8pm, followed by potluck/dance party 9-11pm. Cost: $15 classes/party; $10 party at 8pm.No partner necessary. Location: NorthamptonDance, Pleasant St. right next to Shell Station.Tonight class no. 3. FMI: lizwiz4@juno.comApril 25; LGBT Dance class and party: twobeginner classes: West Coast Swing 6-7pm,Salsa 7-8pm, followed by potluck/dance party 9-11pm. Cost: $15 classes/party; $10 party at 8pm.No partner necessary. Location: NorthamptonDance, Pleasant St. right next to Shell Station.Tonight class no. 4. FMI: lizwiz4@juno.com(MA) April 26; BSCC THIRTEENTH ANNUALGLBTQI FESTIVAL; 2:00 p.m. Silent and liveauctions, catered buffet dinner, evening entertainment.FMI: www.berkshirestonewall.org.See More Calendar of Events on p. 23Submit 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.

www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • 17Connecticut ConnectionHELP WANTED IN HARTFORD, CONNECTICUTLooking for LOVE? Turn to the PERSONALS on page 23Youth Participants showed their “True Colors” at the 2007 Northampton Pride March & Rally.True Colors Celebrates 15th Anniversary:Broadening Scope of Gender and SexualMinorities, a Global PerspectiveSTORRS, CT, March 13, 2008—To kickoffa decade and a half of widespread support andeducation for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender,intersex, questioning and ally(LGBTQIA) youth, True Colors, Inc. is proudto announce the upcoming 15th anniversaryof it’s annual sexual and gender minority conference.Due to the always growing and overwhelmingsuccess of the annual conference over thepast 15 years, True Colors Inc. has chosen theUniversity of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, to bethis year’s home for the 2008 conference onThursday, March 13th, Friday, March 14thand Saturday March 15th. Over 3,000 students,social workers, educators and otherparticipants are joining to enjoy a weekend ofeducational and entertaining events that providean affirming social environment.Participants will engage themselves in a widerange of interactive workshops. ‘Born Gay? ALook at Biological Factors’, “Hip-Hop andHomophobia”, ‘Weight Bias in a TeensWorld.” and “Making Queer ProgrammingAnti-Racist and Accessible to All” are only asmall sampling of over 140 workshopsplanned.With the support of the various UCONNcultural centers such as; the Office ofMulticultural & International Affairs, theRainbow Center, Puerto Rican LatinAmerican Center, the Asian American Centerand the Women Center, True Colors strives toincorporate a global perspective of sexual andgender minorities into this year’s educationalworkshops and entertainment promotingworldwide acceptance and respect.“Students on the UCONN campus have adeep motivation and willingness to supportdiversity,” says Dr. Cathleen Love, ViceProvost for Multicultural and InternationalAffairs “Many of our cultural centers beganas results of student protests.”Fleurette King, Director of the RainbowCenter, stresses the importance of “local,regional and global diversity on a collegecampus that serves both domestic and internationalstudents. These levels of diversity arestrongest when rooted in social movements,such as the LGBTQI movement, in order forcontemporary issues to be dealt with.”Diversity is the key factor in creating a safeand welcoming space for the True Colors conference.Homophobia is still a prominent issueacross the globe. Physical and verbal abuse,illegalizing homosexuality, employment discrimination,and lack of marriage rights arejust a few of the inequalities that face theworldwide LGBTQIA community. Theserealities need to be exposed. The True Colorsconference will be an opportunity to spreadawareness of this global perspective of sexualand gender minorities.True Colors is the largest LGBTQIA youthconference in the country and is a leadingadvocate for sexual and gender minorityyouth.“The True Colors Conference gives youth asafe and affirming place and opportunity totalk about issues that are often kept quiet,”says Anna Green, a student participant of the2007 conference “The two days of the conferenceare not only eye-opening, but a greatchance to meet other people and to have lotsof fun doing so.”For more information on True Colors programs,or to become involved in the workplease contact Robert Price, EventManagement, at 1-888-565-5551, or checkout our web site at www.OurTrueColors.orgAbout True Colors, Inc., Sexual Minority Youth& Family Services is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3)organization that works to create a world whereyouth, adults and families of all sexual orientationsand gender identities are valued andaffirmed. We challenge all forms of oppressionthrough education, training, advocacy, youthand leadership development, mentoring anddirect services to youth and to those responsiblefor their well-being. True Colors can be reachedat 888-565-5551 or visit our website atwww.OurTrueColors.orgCT 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 24

18 • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comQReviewsActor-writer-director Ash Christian’s ‘Fat Girls’ worth its weight in funAuto from Page 13No aquaplaning in the rain as there is front orrear wheel drive. It cuts through water like a hotknife through butter.The other area of superiority is safety. Thereare now Subaru Dealers in all 50 states, includingFlorida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas andHawaii. Think about the safety of All wheeldrive in dry weather. Swerving to miss a smallchild that darts into the street, or a tree limbfalling in front of you, all causing you to swerveimmediately. This won't work safely in a twowheel drive vehicle.As far as which model, your decision! Allmodels are equally safe and reliable.By: Ginger Harris/TRT SpecialIt’s a scene with which everyone is familiar:finding your place within the high-schoolhierarchy. And that task can prove dauntingwhen you march to the beat of a differentBroadway score.“Fat Girls”—the debut film ofactor/writer/director Ash Christian, nowavailable on DVD—follows two adolescentoutcasts, Rodney (Christian) and Sabrina(Ashley Fink), as they deal with criticalteenage peers while searching for the perfectdate to the much-anticipated GraduationDance. As can be expected, it’s anything buteasy in a world where your friends are fewand you’re under siege at every turn. But inspite of the opposition, the duo meet kindredspirits in unlikely places, from an understandingteacher to a surprising pair of fellow students.Along the way, however, Rodney andSabrina discover that the most important peoplethey needed to find all along was themselves.Breathing new life into the coming-of-ageA test drive of all models back to back over thesame test route is normally the decision maker.Call me at 413-584-5355 to set up this "noobligation" test drive to help you make yourdecision.If you see a Subaru with a "Steve Lewis"license plate frame, ask the owner for their opinionof Steve Lewis Subaru, both sales and service.I can't think of one person that would giveyou a negative response. I defy any other dealerto make that offer.Thanks for your time and interest.Please e-mail me any other automotive relatedquestions. They do nothave to be Subaru related. Happy Motoring.Highlands from page 14The Highlands will celebrate its 25th yearwith a birthday party on the weekend of May9-11. Saturday night will feature a catereddinner followed by champagne and dancingwith a LIVE band, "Truth or Dare"!Newman is thrilled that the Highlands '25th anniversary coincides with the firstyear of New Hampshire 's new civil unionlaw, which went into effect on January 1,2008 . The Highlands is well-prepared toassist women who wish to have a NewHampshire civil union ceremony. Over theyears, the Inn has been the site of dozens ofconcept—set in the awkward atmosphere ofhigh school—“Fat Girls” expands the trials of“fitting in” to the characters’ families andventures in love. Meeting the parents anddefending those you care about from the prejudicesof others are situations that audiencesare sure to identify with, and even heavierissues like homophobia and bullying are handledwith tasteful yet incredible humor.For a film that deals with so many touchysubjects (the title alone indicates the use ofsome serious self-deprecating humor), theseverity of the scenes is offset by impeccablyplaced comic relief. For example, the ironicdetails of Rodney’s father’s demise are a riotand come at a point in the action when lessercomedy would fail to bring the overall lightheartednessof the film back from the depthsinto which it had settled. Additionally, thesoundtrack—the rap numbers, in particular—contributes nicely to the well-timed transitionsthat make each scene flow effortlesslyinto the next.Under Christian’s direction—he wrote thefilmed at age 19 and had it green-lightedbefore his 21st birthday—“Fat Girls” alsocaptures the kitschy religious fanaticism ofsmall-town Texas in a blithe manner that’sactually, wait for it, funny.“I know these people!” says Christian.“They are in my family. I don’t blame themfor their narrow-mindedness. They’ve neverbeen out in the real world and they don’tunderstand.”An example of Christian’s liberal use of artimitating life is the character of Rodney’smother, a devout woman with hair and makeupreminiscent of a 1980s New Wave band.She keeps an electric Nativity scene lit up inthe front yard year round and continuallyquotes radical Bible passages at inappropriatetimes.commitment ceremonies, and hundreds ofcouples have honeymooned at the Inn orstayed there while becoming "civilly united"in nearby Vermont.The Highlands Inn recently received the2007 Pink Choice award for its reliably highratings from members of Pink Choice(www.pinkchoice.com), a website for lesbianand gay travelers seeking information aboutaccommodations worldwide. The Highlandsis also a member of Worlds Foremost Gay &Lesbian Hotels (www.worldsforemost.com),and has consistently been selected byPlanetOut as a top destination for women.Date: May 3, 2008Time: 12 Noon to 5 p.m.Volunteers!Vendors!Advertisers!CALL 413.586.5602Place: Lampron Park to Downtown NorthamptonParade starts at Lampron Park.Rally starts when parade ends at parking lot behind Main St.Rally includes speakers, musicians, drag, comedy, Kids Zone & More!FMI: www.northamptonpride.org; 413.586.5602 or 877.743.3627

Intersection V: Creative UpRising(s) willtake place April 4-6, 2008, at New WORLDTheater, on the campus of the University ofMassachusetts, Amherst. For more information,visit www.newworldtheater.orgBegun in 1998, New WORLD Theater’sbiennial Intersection conference and festivalexamines new work practices by artists ofcolor and showcases multidisciplinary theaterpieces on the cutting edge of new aesthetics.Intersection V will include performances,artist workshops, panel discussions, dialoguesand keynote addresses covering topics onactivist art and cultural organizing; youth aesthetics,action and leadership; and artisticpraxis. New WORLD Theater will also hosta pre-conference on Friday, April 4, discussingthe rise of an Arab-American culturalmovement.This year, Intersection V will feature severalartists who are creating powerful and excitingperformances on GLBTQ issues, rights,and experiences. Cherríe Moraga, LenelleMoïse, Djola Branner, D’Lo, Regie Cabico,and Jesusa Rodríguez will be participating inthis year’s conference.Cherríe Moraga, renown playwright, essayistand poet whose work has been foundationalto women of color feminism, will participatein an Open Studio rehearsal of her play,The Hungry Woman. A lesbian Chicana retellingof Medea, The Hungry Woman will beperformed in the Curtain Theater at UMass inearly May. Moraga will be in dialogue withlesbian director Dora Arreola, and the localcast, giving conference participants an insidelook into the process of preparing a play forfull production.The 2 p.m. matinee performanceCommunity/One on Saturday, April 5, inBowker Auditorium is a showcase of groundbreakingsolo artists that will include twoimportant GLBTQ writer-performers.Lenelle Moïse is a self-identified “culturallyhyphenated pomosexual poet” who createspersonal political texts about the spirits insexuality, masculinities, and being bicultural(Haitian-American), at the intersection ofwww.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • 19LGBT Diversity NewsNew WORLD Theater to host Intersection V!LENELLE MOÏSErace, class, gender and resistance. Moise willbe performing excerpts from her solo show,Womb-Words, Thirsting, directed by NWT’squeer Artistic Director, Andrea Assaf. Theshowcase will also feature D’Lo, a Tamil SriLankan-American political theatre artist,writer, comedian and music producer. D’Lo’swork is a part of the vibrant tapestry thatsheds light on many of the issues of our modernday society: brutality, justice, AIDS, sexuality,political and social unrest and divisionalong ethnic and gender lines. Conferenceregistration includes the Community/One performances,and for general audience, ticketscan also be pruchased from the UMass FineArts Center box office.The Intersection V conference also includesa workshop on The Performance ofBiography with Djola Branner, who is currentlyan Assistant Professor of Theater atHampshire College. Branner is a co-founderof the critically acclaimed performancegroup, Pomo Afro Homos. He has creatednumerous original performances, such as TheHouse that Crack Built, Sweet Sadie andMighty Real: A Tribute to Sylvester, and contributedto such anthologies as Voices Rising,Colored Contradictions and Staging GayLives. New WORLD Theater will also bepresenting a new theater creation by DjolaBranner in the Fall 2008 season.Saturday afternoon’s keynote speaker,Jesusa Rodríguez, is an internationally prominentlesbian director, actress, playwright,performance artist, scenographer, entrepreneur,leader and activist from Mexico City.She is the co-founder of Las Patronas, a radicalwomen’s performance art company.Rodríguez’s work utilizes the classics to presentperspectives on contemporary issues. HerApril 5th keynote address will be open to conferenceparticipants, and will be presented inSpanish, with live English translation.After a long and stimulating day of panelsand performances, join a late-night open micand DJ party hosted by the fabulous, hilariousand always unexpected Regie Cabico!D’LORecognized as one of the pioneers of spokenword, Regie Cabico has appeared on HBO’sDef Poetry Jam and is the artistic director ofSol & Soul, a Washington, DC arts & activistorganization. Always raunchy and riveting,Cabico is sure to top off Saturday’s programmingwith a splash!Intersection V will also include performancesopen to the general public. Project 2050,New WORLD Theater’s youth program, willperform The Love in Revolution, on Friday,April 4 at 8 p.m., as well as theCommunity/One showcase on Saturday at 2PM, and the very first public performance ofpoet Suheir Hammad’s multimedia event,breaking letter (s). All performances will beat Bowker Auditorium, located in StockbridgeHall, on the campus of UMass-Amherst.Tickets are $15-general public; $8-senior citizensand low-income patrons; and, $5 for studentswith valid I.D. To purchase tickets toany of the public performances, please callthe Fine Arts Center Box Office at413.545.2511. Conference rates range from$95-$300, which includes admission tokeynote addresses, artist workshops, plenarysessions and public performances. Visit theNWT website for program details or to registerfor Intersection V: Creative UpRising(s).Register before March 20 for discount rates!www.newworldtheater.orgCAROL WILLIFORDBOOKKEEPING PLUSACCOUNTING andTAX SERVICES4 Stanley StreetEasthampton, MA 01027Phone/Fax: (413) 529-0889 • E-mail: candm884@aol.com

20 • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comQueerWoodDeep Inside Hollywood: Where are they now?By: Romeo San VicenteMurphy and PageForm a TriangleIrish actor CillianMurphy may be bestknown in this countryfor his villainous turnsin Batman Begins andRed Eye, but he also received a Golden Globenomination for his dazzling performance as atransgender singer in Neil Jordan's Breakfaston Pluto. Murphy will have another chance totap into his feminine side with Peacock, inwhich he plays a small-town man with a splitpersonality - he's a husband and wife, allwrapped up in one body, whom the localsthink are separate people. Trouble occurswhen a young mother (Juno cutie Ellen Page)falls in love with Murphy's male side, promptinga conflict between the married pair he'sgot inside of him. Michael Lander makes hisdirectorial debut with Peacock, which shouldstrut into theaters in 2009.Bravo Takes Another Step into Gay TVAfter Queer Eye and Boy Meets Boy andProject Runway and Top Chef and Make Me aCILLIAN MURPHYSupermodel, could the cable network Bravoget any gayer? Of course! Now they've gotStep It Up and Dance, premiering April 3, featuringa dozen hoofers competing to seewhose toes are the twinkliest. Four of the contestantsare gay - so far, anyway, but morerevelations could emerge before the showgoes on the air - and openly fabulousBroadway choreographer Jerry Mitchell(Hairspray, Legally Blonde) will be on handwww.therainbowtimesnews.comJoin The Pony Expressto whip these chorines into shape. Still notgay enough for you? Perhaps Romeo shouldmention that this show will be hosted by noneother than Showgirls star Elizabeth ("Thrustit!") Berkley. Shine up your taps, kids—thissounds like one you won't want to miss.(Northampton, MA)—The organizers of thefirst New England Transgender Pride Marchand Rally (www.transpridemarch.org) haveannounced a theme and preliminary list ofspeakers and performers for the event. Themarch, which will step off at noon on June 7at the Bridge Street School in Northampton,MA is being planned around the themeRemember Stonewall? That was us!"Our theme proudly celebrates the centralrole transgender and gender non-conformingpersons played in the Stonewall Rebellion andin the LGBT Movement that it sparked. Therally will help advance a new TransgenderMovement which is needed today to achievecritical gains in civil rights protections basedon gender identity and gender expression,"said Bet Power, a member of the march'ssteering committee.The rally, which will begin at 12:30 p.m. inVeterans Field in Northampton, will be headlinedby Leslie Feinberg, a pioneering transgenderwriter whose books include StoneButch Blues, Transgender Warriors, and DragKing Dreams; and Miss Major, a veteran ofStonewall who directs the Transgender,Gender Variant, and Intersex Justice Project,which advocates for the human rights oftransgender prisoners. Featured performersBret Easton Ellis' Latest Is a DownerBret Easton Ellis is simply cooler than mostpeople. He wrote American Psycho, after all.The fact that his public commentary on hissexuality has ranged over the years from"Yep, I’m quite possibly gay" to "Can we justnot bother talking about it?" only serves todraw attention to the terrifically derangednature of his work. From Less Than Zero tohis latest novel, Lunar Park, Ellis knows whatit means to be modern and miserable. Thefilm version of Lunar is currently "in production,"meaning it'll be seen who-knows-when.But Ellis has a screenplay in the works that'seven more intriguing. Titled Downers Groveand adapted from the novel by MichaelHornburg, it concerns a high school girl whoknows that someone in her school will die atgraduation in a strange way. So think FinalDestination with more disaffection and hornyteenagers. In other words, Hollywood, greenlightthis movie!Lifetime Gets Mean with Fab FiveIt would seem that gay men and junior highschool girls are the prime marketing demographicsfor movies about bitchy cheerleaders,making it a tough genre to resist. Well,now Lifetime has succumbed to the genre'ssteely charms, too. The Fab Five: The TexasCheerleader Scandal, starring Tatum O'Neal,is on its way to an HD screen near you and, asis usually the case, it's based on a true story. Itseems that a small clique of mean-girl cheerleadersran roughshod over anyone they didn'tlike and almost got away with it, until a coachblew the whistle and called foul. What betterpunishment, then, than to immortalize thegirls' evil antics in a TV movie, and who betterthan the star of Little Darlings to add someauthenticity? No word on an air date yet. ButRomeo’s TiVo will be there.Romeo San Vicente thinks all male cheerleadersare national heroes. He can be reachedcare of this publication or atDeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com.Theme, Speakers and Performers Announcedfor Transgender Pride March and Rallywill include the Boston-based drag troupe AllThe Kings Men.Other speakers include: Imani Henry, transcommunity activist and performer in NewYork City; Gunner Scott, director of theMassachusetts Transgender PoliticalCoalition; Jerimarie Liesegang, executivedirector of the Connecticut TransAdvocacyCoalition; Vickie Boisseau, Intersex activist;Ethan St. Pierre of TransFM radio;Moonhawk River Stone, psychotherapist,trans educator, and board member of TheNational Gay and Lesbian Task ForceFoundation, Inc.; Alex Pangborn ofGeneration Q; and Enoch Page, associate professorof Anthropology at the University ofMassachusetts, Amherst.Other entertainers include FTM folksingerLee Elder, novelist Ellen Wittlinger, and MissTrans Northampton. Additional speakers andperformers will be announced in the comingweeks."We are very excited to have such animpressive lineup," states Dru Levasseur, alocal FTM attorney and member of themarch's steering committee. "The number ofleading speakers and performers wanting toparticipate shows the importance of the eventfor many people in the trans community."

Couch from Page 2Rape would increase” or “Too many ofthem couldn’t keep their eyes on the road;there’d be too many accidents” blah blah blahblah … Poppy Cock! (No pun intended.)I think men are perfectly capable of controllingthemselves. (Women are certainlyexpected to control themselves.) In fact, studieshave shown that in nudist colonies, violentcrime and rape go way down when men areexposed to (gasp!) a woman’s bare breast. Oreven a pair of them.In countries where women don’t wear uppertorso garments, men don’t stare constantly.They’ve acclimated to the situation. And ultimately,100 years ago, it would have beenunthinkable for a woman to wear a halter top,or a sleeveless shirt. We’ve grown used toseeing these things in our lives and they havebecome acceptable.Remember poor Janet Jackson with her“wardrobe malfunction?” The most interestingthing I noticed was that her nipple hadsome metallic sun piercing, which coveredher areola. Yet, somehow that was somethingto be ashamed of, and society was quick tothrow stones. No real difference between thatand the women who wear Band Aids at thePride marches. Are people serious in theirbelief that by covering the areola this somehowmakes it ‘less obscene,’ or more of aproblem? Because it looks just like what menhave on display!And it seems perfectly OK for men to showtheir nipples out in public—what’s that allabout? So, explain to me, is it nipples thatcan’t be shown, or free- falling breasts that wehave a problem with? And it can’t be onlyabout the size of the breast, because, as we areaware in our increasingly obesity-risen times,some men have larger breasts than somewomen!What about women who have had mastectomies?Surely, it shouldn’t be against the lawfor those women to uncover their chests ifthey so choose—not if it’s all about the breastsize, right? No, dear reader, because it’s notabout the size, or the shape, or how much nippleis showing. It’s about power over women.It’s about shame—shaming us to rememberour place. That’s one thing we’ll never be ableto do proudly without a lot of strugglebetween now and then.Shame. It’s something we learn when we’rebarely old enough to understand; yet it creepsin, unspoken, permeating our little selves withbarely a word. A look or a glance is all ittakes.A colleague of mine, a strong, feminist,proud lesbian, told me a story about her youngdaughter. She said she’d never forget the dayher little girl turned to her and wanted to keepher shirt on. She had a few friends over to rununder the sprinkler in the backyard, on a hotsummer day. One girl just ripped her shirt offand started playing. The other two put on theirone piece bathing suits. And her daughter,who had always just run around the backyardtopless, insisted on her bathing suit. Sheknew, already somehow, that it was “wrong”for her to be topless. Then they all stared atthe free-abandon child, like she was a wildsavage.Little girls have exactly the same upperbody definition as little boys, yet they arerequired (shamed) to wear bathing suits tocover themselves, many years before anybreasts have even a thought of developing..Shame. Shame on us. For accepting thisongoing, egregious sleight against our gender.But we’ve come so far, you say! JaneFonda and Betty Friedan and Madonna – ohmy! The woman’s movement of the ‘60s andthe ‘70s was just the beginning—not the end—not by a long shot.We have much work to do. And bras toburn.I can see why our Female- to-Male trans sistershave lost their breasts, happily – toreclaim a right they know belongs to us. Thefreedom to be without our shirts, if we sochoose to take it off.I sure hope they’ve lost the shame thatcomes with being a woman, as they transition.Because that’s one thing men can’t possiblyunderstand (not even if you have the breastimplants, honey!).Shame—it comes wrapped up in nice littlepackages, with titles like modesty, shyness,religious or conservative. But you can bedamn sure shame is buried in there, but good.Here’s the kicker, there’s no good reason,especially in America, for men to be the onlyones to express top freedom, while womenare outlaws if they follow suit. So I say:“Protest, my friends!”It can start in your own home, daring to dartin front of the window without your shirt on.Then maybe walking not so quickly, as timegoes on. Or try it in your own backyard.(Can you imagine strolling out to fill up thebird feeders? Hmm...) Perhaps start at theMichigan Women’s Music Festival, or on atopless beach, where it’s safe to do so. Maybean outdoor hot tub, with the moon beamingdown, your only witness.It can start with how you raise your daughters—andyour sons. But whatever you do,work towards educating your fellow women(and men) that it is your constitutional right tobear your breasts, (as well as your arms), inthe United States of America!Suzan Ambrose can be heard on her radioprogram, The Naked Truth, Monday eveningsat 8 p.m., and 2 a.m. Tuesdays, on 103.3FM,Northampton. Or streaming on the web atwww.valleyfreeradio.org. For more of Suz’sthoughts, check out her website at:www.nakedtruthshow.comSupport the advertisers whosupport our communities!Are YOU paying attention?TRT now also in NY!www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • 21Local Releases & MoreQ Puzzle: “Out, That Is”Across1 Nuts5 Queen's "subjects"9 Tone of many Stein photos14 Internally pink15 Screwdriver, e.g.16 Cash drawers17 Asian inland sea18 Gay cable network19 Lover of Henry and June20 Grace period on debts?23 Long, to a Samurai?24 Out reply to "Are you gay?"25 Bundle of grain27 Apartment ___30 Depp's cross-dressing role33 Have a ball37 Pod in Craig Claiborne's gumbo39 Judy Garland concert persona40 Booty41 Went undercover42 Inflamed end?43 Like some beds44 Glinda portrayer in The Wiz45 King's defeat of Riggs, e.g.46 Wine from the land of Lorca48 AIDS org.50 Poppers containers52 State of polar bears57 Sophie B. Hawkins' "___ Lay Me Down"59 Stevie Wonder song about Chastity's mom?62 Burton with Roots64 Mark Bingham of United Flight 9365 Letters over Mary's son66 Williams' significant other67 Place for a Rivera mural68 West ___ Story69 Go lickety-split70 Did a bad imitation of Bette Davis71 Femme character in Mango KissDown1 Sheik's land, in song2 Lesbian Dr. Equi3 Exams on sexual technique?4 Rosie's partner5 Vidal essay collection6 Coward of Blithe Spirit7 Trick's Spelling8 Gay ski weekends rides9 Didn't leave the next morning10 One to Rohm11 Iambs in "Hamlet," ungrammatically?12 Eurythmics' "Would ___ to You?"13 The A of ILGA21 Unlike on a clear day22 Out in front26 What S&M people are as smart as?28 Hitchcock thriller based on Leopold and Loeb29 Rubber-stamping31 Award for Cherry Jones32 "___ Thou Remember Me?" (Dickinson)33 Desire Under the ___34 He took on a pair of bears35 Nancy McKeon character full of life?36 SNL's Cheri38 Make a hole bigger41 In a foxy way45 NCAA home of the Bruins47 Stick it to McKuen49 "The Wizard of Oz" scorer Arlen51 E with a queer orientation53 Cockeyed54 Rutstein of Disappear Fear55 Some Iranians56 Horny one in the zodiac?57 Cathedral of Hope collection58 Penetrate slowly60 Load61 Island of Lost Souls director Kenton63 Heady stuffSolution of Puzzle on Page 22

22 • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comQueer Voices from NYLesbian Notions: The best men and women for the jobBy: Libby PostI have to admit when Ifirst read about the Gayand Lesbian LeadershipInstitute's (GLLI)"PresidentialAppointments Project,"to make sure there areplenty of LGBT folks inthe new administration, I thought it was a bitpresumptive.Don't we have to win the election first?And then I thought, we might as well beprepared. I'm sure many of the other "specialinterest"-type communities—AfricanAmericans, Latinos, people of faith, labor,etc.—are starting to line up for jobs. Weshould be, too—after all, it's all about visibility,isn't it?GLLI is run out of the Lesbian and GayVictory Fund, and its president and CEO isChuck Wolfe - who's also the president andCEO of the Victory Fund, which is all aboutelecting LGBT candidates to office throughoutthe land. They've done a good job of it,too. We have more LGBT elected officialsnow than ever before. And by and large, theseare elected officials who happen to be LGB orT. For the most part, fighting for our rights isjust part of their platforms for change.When we look at presidential appointments,we can't simply out forward the names ofBy: Verena Dobnik/AP WriterNEW YORK (AP)—From the tiny EastVillage theater where “Rent” was born, youcan still catch a glimpse of the funky neighborhoodwhere the hit musical was set — aQ Puzzle Solution from P. 21The Healing WayDr. Renee Lang, NDNaturopathic DoctorServing 2 locations:16 Armory St., #9Northampton, MA 01060Phone: 413.582.0303/Fax: 413.582.0355200 Clark Ave.Brattleboro, VTPhone: 802-254-4369www.thehealingway.netfolks to the new president's transition teamjust because they're part of our community.They have to have credible professional backgrounds,with the skills, insight, and intelligenceto carry out the policy initiatives of anew administration. They should be LGBTindividuals who have distinguished themselvesbeyond the work they have done in ourcommunity."I think those people in the gay communitywho have worked for the common interesthave clearly developed skills and talents thatany new administration would want," saidGinny Apuzzo, a longtime activist for LGBTrights and a West Wing alum."If you want to be in the White House, Iwould say, work in your community, but thenmove your community beyond itself, anddevelop an expertise that gives you the credentialsto run an agency in the federal government."Apuzzo's own career reflects her perspective.She served at executive director of theNational Lesbian and Gay Task Force early inthe organization's history, and worked tirelesslyfor LGBT rights - but didn't box herselfinto just working in LGBT organizations. Shetaught; she worked in New York City government.When I met Ginny, she was the deputycommissioner of the New York StateConsumer Protection Board during theCuomo administration, where she also servedscruffy courtyard, old brownstones, rustypipes and fire escapes.Even when “Rent” opened in 1996, the EastVillage was gentrifying. Well-heeled newcomerswere moving in and rising rents weredisplacing the bohemians who inspired theshow.On June 1, after a dozen years, Broadway'sseventh-longest running show is to becomehistory, like the once-gritty neighborhoodthat's nearly gone as well.“It was amazing to be living in the worldyou're playing on stage,” says Anthony Rapp,an original cast member who lived in the EastVillage for many years and played the part ofMark, a budding filmmaker shooting a movieabout his friends.“Rent” was an instant sensation when itopened, dubbed an “exhilarating, landmarkrock opera” by The New York Times, andwhen it moved to Broadway, The AssociatedPress said the show made the transfer with“all its raw energy, raucous musicality andradiant optimism intact.”A contemporary take on Puccini's 1897opera “La Boheme,” it tells the story of agroup of friends, among them gays, lesbiansand drag queens who live in the East Villagearound 1990, struggling to make art and findlove amid poverty, HIV and drug addiction.Much of that world has given way to luxurycondos, boutiques and galleries on theavenues andSingles NY? side streetsNY Local Listings!Check out p. 15south of East14th Street andnorth ofas the governor’s liaison to the lesbian andgay community. She then went on to becomethe president of the state's Civil ServiceCommission, and eventually became thehighest ranking openly gay person in theWhite House serving in the Clinton administration,as the assistant to the president formanagement and administration - she basicallyran the day-to-day operations at 1600Pennsylvania Ave."I didn't go to the White House as a gayactivist, but as a person with 15 years experiencein administration," she told me in arecent phone interview.Having experience, a breadth and depth ofknowledge, political acumen - these are whatany new administration will be looking for.If McCain is elected, it will be politics asusual, and the majority of us - except for a fewgay GOPers—can keep our day jobs. If it'sPresident Obama, as I think it will be, wehave to be prepared for a new way of doingbusiness."Obama talks about bring a new mindset toWashington," said Apuzzo. "That's the keeneststatement that he makes—not just newpersonnel, but a new way of thinking and notthe old way of doing things."If that's the case, lining our folks up withresumes and sitting down with transitionteams may not be what waits for us afterElection Day. Like Eliot Spitzer has done inHouston Street. A one-bedroom rents for asmuch as $4,000 in the area where “Rent”roommates Mark and Roger lived for free,thanks to an old friend who owned their building—but,as the musical opens, is demandingrent they can't afford to pay.In the nearly two decades since the fictionaldrama took place, restaurant prices haveskyrocketed, except in throwbacks like thegraffiti-plastered Mars Bar and the Life Cafe,where some of the defiant, joyful revelry ofthe production takes place.Today's sophisticated young hipsters aremore likely to flock to the sleek, trendy noodlebar Momofuku, known for its bowls ofJapanese ramen topped with Carolina wholehogbarbecue.According to longtime “Rent” directorMichael Greif, the show's message has transcendedthe changing demographics of theneighborhood.“It's about how people support and boostother people, how friends can become familyand how you measure a life by how much lovingyou have done,” he says.The musical was created in the early 1990sin a white brick row house on East FourthStreet that houses the New York TheatreWorkshop, still a not-for-profit incubator fornew talent. Jonathan Larson, the show's creator,worked on “Rent” in a loft rehearsalroom—a space with a quaint fireplace, anupright piano, a skylight and windows thatlook out on a courtyard ringed by old brownstonesoff the once drug-infested Bowery.“The 'Rent' songs capture something aboutthose times, about that experience, that isNew York State, Obama may forgo the traditionalway of doling out jobs and look for thebest and the brightest—folks with talent whoweren't even looking for a government position.That's what happened to David Hansell, anopenly gay man, whose government expertiseranges from advocating on behalf of peopleliving with HIV/AIDS for the Gay Men'sHealth Crisis, to being the Chief of Staff at theNew York City Human ResourcesAdministration. He never put his name in forhis new job as New York State Commissionerof the Office of Temporary and DisabilityAssistance. Someone sent his resume toSpitzer, who saw in David a commitment topublic service and to helping those in need.David is one of those people who has helpedmove our community beyond our own issuesby working for the greater good.As the Presidential Appointments Projectmoves forward and resumes roll in, it willbehoove those vetting credentials to makesure the folks they put forward are the folkswho can move us forward as well.Libby Post is the founding chair of the EmpireState Pride Agenda and a political commentatoron public radio, on the Web, and in print media.She can be reached care of this publication or atLesbianNotions@qsyndicate.com.Remnants of ‘Rent’ survive in now trendy East Villagetimeless,” James Nicola, the workshop's artisticdirector, says.“Rent” dared announce that AIDS was partof America, along with drug addiction andyoung people fleeing middle-class suburbia tolive among artsy squatters and the homeless.The show, whose title also means “tornapart,” became an emblem of Generation Xthe way “Hair” was a touchstone for babyboomers.Sadly, Larson died at 35 of an aorticaneurysm just hours after the dress rehearsalfor the show's opening. Months later, “Rent”moved to Broadway, going on to win thePulitzer Prize and four Tonys, and drawingsellout crowds for more than a decade.With a total gross of more than $280 millionon Broadway and about $340 million on theroad, Broadway ticket sales had started to slipin the past half year. The producers decidedthe box-office take didn't meet costs and theycouldn't keep running the show.On a recent Saturday evening, however, theNederlander Theatre was packed with spectatorswho rose to their feet to applaud a musicalthat continues to attract young“Rentheads,” some of whom have seen theshow dozens of times.With the musical still touring the country,most of the original cast, including Rapp, canstill be seen in a 2005 movie based on theBroadway production.Rapp, who says he considers the EastVillage his emotional home even though hehas moved to the nearby neighborhood ofSee Rent on Page 23

Raiders Night is thenovel J.D. Salingermight have produced,had he notstopped writing in1965 and hadHolden Caulfieldbeen a morally conflictedhigh schoolfootball captain, nota cynically idealisticprep school student.Robert Lipsyte's Raiders Night does forscholastic sports what Catcher in the Rye didfor teenage wanderlust: It captures youngreaders' attention through vivid characterization,realistic dialogue, and life-like dilemmas.Which drives adults up a wall.Lipsyte—author of two dozen books, aPulitzer Prize finalist, and American LibraryAssociation honoree for lifetime contributionto young adult literature—calls Raiders Night"Friday Night Darks." Sizzling with more sexthan Holden Caulfield could dream of;enough steroids, weed, and Vicodin to keepthe DEA busy for years; and a graphic hazingscene in which Chris, a talented sophomore, issodomized with a baseball bat, it reaches farbeyond anything Friday Night Lights everdared portray.The book's genesis dates to 1999, whenMassachusetts high school football captainCorey Johnson came out. Lipsyte, who chronicledthe process for the New York Times,heard a freshman complain about showeringwith "a gay guy." Johnson's co-captain said,"You're a football player. Suck it up.""He took his role as captain seriously,"Lipsyte explains. "It was his responsibility toMore Calendar of Events from p. 16William’s College Events, FMI: 413-597-3353.April 3; Time/LocationTBA. Williams Bi-Gay-Lesbian-Trans-Alumni Association StonewallSpeaker Series presents Rives Kistler ''71;Supreme Court Judge in Oregon.April 4; 5:00 p.m.; Jenness House, 10 MorleyDrive, Williamstown, MA. Art Exhibit OpeningReception.The Canvas Project presents ManMade by Allison Golinkoff. A series of Art Exhibitsexploring issues of transgenderism.April 8; 8:00 p.m.; Paresky Theater. Talkin' Trashin the Homo No Mo Halfway House, a lively lectureabout gay reparative therapy and the Ex-gaymovement, with Peterson Toscano April 12th.Rocky Horror Picture Show screening at ImagesCinema (tentative)be a stable force and keep the team together.That's the good side of jockdom."The bad side appears early in Raiders Night.Ramp, a captain, takes Nearmont High's initiationrite too far. Matt - another captain, andthe book's narrator - is sickened by the baseballbat assault. But he, too, is assaulted - bycompeting pressures from his fellow captains,teammates, coaches, and father—and spendsthe rest of the novel grappling with his ownfeelings of responsibility.There are gay subplots - Chris is rumored tobe queer, and after Matt loses his erectionwith a hot girl, he wonders about his own sexuality—butRaiders Night is not really a gaythemednovel. It's about jock culture in general.Lipsyte says, "It's both exhilarating anddepressing that high school athletes have thesame feelings I had 50 years ago: 'Am I goodenough? Am I a man?' The problem is, todayso many people see football as a crucible forgetting kids ready for life and war. They don'tsee it for what it is: a desperate place wherecoaches and fathers think violence is anacceptable form of action."Lipsyte's pulsating descriptions of sex, drugs,and brutality—on the field and off, in boy-girlrelations as well as in hazing - resonate withteenagers across the country. Young readers e-mail him, relating their own feelings of fear,inadequacy, and confusion.Adults are confused, too—about how to handlesuch hot topics. "Teachers and librarianslike it a lot," Lipsyte says. "I get an amazingflood of invitations to speak around the country.But invariably, a couple of weeks later Iget a sheepish e-mail dis-inviting me.Someone decided it would be better if I didn'tApril 13; 8:00 p.m.; Vidur Kapur, gay, South Asianstand-up comic. Location TBAApril 30th; 8:00 p.m.; Hardy House, 20 MorleyDrive, Williamstown. Williams Bi-Gay-Lesbian-Trans-Alumni Association Stonewall SpeakerSeries presents Dena Zaldua, of the NationalCenter for Lesbian Rights.Rent from Page 22NoHo, speculated about what HIV-positiveRoger and Mark might be like now,with the advent of more effective AIDSdrugs.“Roger would have lived because of the newAIDS drugs and Mark might have found away to be part of the new media,” he said.Rapp, 36, has moved on to other work, butsays that he and other cast membershaven't left “Rent” completelybehind.“There's an idealism at the core of'Rent' and in us,” he says. “Thereare so many things in our everydaylife now that tell us, 'No, no,no.' 'Rent' says, 'Yes, yes, yes!”'www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • 23Queer Sports & Q ClassifiedsThe OutField: Friday Night Lights Turn DarkLesbian Best Sellers*1. When Night is Falling2. She Likes Girls 23. The Gymnast4. Tick Tock Lullaby5. The L Word: Season 46. A Love To Keep7. Sonja8. Spider Lilies9. femme a femmeErotic...10. Ninas HeavenlyDelights * By wolfevideo.comGay Best Sellers*1. East Side Story2. Surveillance 24/73. Boy Crush4. The Bubble5. Shelter6. Boys Love7. Glue8. Outing Riley9. A Very Serious Person10. The DL Chronicles:The1st Season* By wolfevideo.comCapital District of NY?NO PROBLEM!TRT518.391.2617413.204.8959come."It's hard to tell, the author adds, whether the"dis-invitations" have to do with the dead-onteenage language, the casual (and often callous)sex, the pill-popping, the hypocrisy andcomplicity of most adults, or the rape scene."I think it comes down to the fact that this is adarker look at sports than most people are preparedto look at," Lipsyte says. "Of course,there's no question a more muted descriptionof the hazing would have been easier. Even alot of kids found it pretty rough."Women 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 p/month. Act now!413-204-8959 or 518-391-2617.TRTPERSONALSHELP WANTEDBut, he notes, "any implication of homosexualitymakes a lot of people really nervous.Young athletes have been conditioned to thinka certain way. If you're in band, you can meetdifferent people in a safe harbor. But jockshave been conditioned by coaches to loatheand fear 'the other' - opponents, the viciousEnglish teacher who makes you get extrahelp, girls who take your mind away from thebig game, gay people. They can all break up ateam's camaraderie and spirit."I think a lot of gay athletes are 'purged'through high school, because sports is such ahomophobic atmosphere," Lipsyte continues."Calling someone a faggot or a sissy is acheap, cynical way to manipulate boys."Lipsyte's book is so realistic that - as is oftentrue with teenagers—it's unclear whether thecharacter Chris really was gay. What does theauthor say?"I suspect he was not. But I don't know if he'dfigured things out. The real question is, wasRamp, the player who assaulted him, gay? Hecould have been. I don't know that one either."That's the real value of Raiders Night. Like allgood young adult literature from Catcher inthe Rye on, it raises more questions than itanswers. And it makes readers think.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.LGBT STATS - WHY ADVERTISING IS SO IMPORTANT!78% OF GAY AND LESBIAN ADULTS & 77% OF HET-EROSEXUALS are likely to consider a BRAND that is known to PRO-VIDE EQUAL WORKPLACE BENEFITS for all of their employees, includingGAYS & LESBIANS.Source: Witeck-Combs Communications/Harris Interactive, Feb. 2007Maybe 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 • 518-391-2617TRT

24 • March 6 - April 2, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com