Connecting the Bluegrass LGBT community
March 2014 Vol. 36 No. 3
Judge: Kentucky Must Recognize Same-sex Marriages
A publication of the GLSO
INDEX
4
Cover photo by Brian Hawkins Fairness Legislative Rally Day in Frankfort, KY. Wednesday, February 19
That’s What I’m Talkin’ About Helena shares her distate for the season and treats us to an image of her perfect Christmas
Imperial Court of Kentucky
9
J.D. Vaughn fills us in on the fundraising prowess of the Imperial Court for the month of February
Sleep; Or, Watch “Looking” Matt Sullivan offers an unbiased and critical review of HBO’s LGBT comedy-drama television show “Looking”
Same-sex Marriage in the US Jeff Jones gives us an update on the altering landscape of same-sex marriage in the United States
14 2
LinQ
5 12
A Minister’s Journey Scott Rollins shares his journey as a minister, including his involvement with PFLAG and educating his congregation
Editor-in-Chief
The Lexington Gay and Lesbian Services Organization seeks
Marc K. Blevins
to educate, enhance and empower the community about
Photographer
GLBTQQIA issues.
Brian Hawkins Calendar Coordinator
GLSO Executive Committee and Board of Directors
Chad Hundley
Paul Brown, President
Circulation
Ginger Moore-Minder, Vice President
GLSO Board, Chad Hundley, Kay Garner
Paul Holland, Secretary Jacob Boyd, Treasurer
LinQ is published monthly by and for the Lexington Gay and
Marc Blevins, At Large
Lesbian Services Organization members and community. The
Donovan Jefferson, At Large
Lexington Gay and Lesbian Services Organization envisions
Cynthia Lyons, At Large
a community that accepts and celebrates each individual.
Cindy Sommer, At Large
All LinQ submissions and advertisements can be made to the editor (editor@glso.org) or to the GLSO Pride Center
GLSO Staff Chad Hundley, Office Manager
(859.253.3233). All submissions may be edited for length. GLSO Pride Center Like us on Facebook at LinQbyGLSO
389 Waller Avenue, Suite 100, Lexington, KY 40504
Follow us on Twitter at LinQbyGLSO
859.253.3233, www.glso.org Office hours are: Mon-Fri 1pm-5pm, Sat 10am -12pm
LinQ
3
HUMOR
That’s What I’m Talkin’ About By Helena Handbasket
H
appy March, ya’ll!
and then flee south to Florida
the bears have it right. No, not
Netflix to avoid the commer-
I am thrilled we
or warmer climates for the
my leathered, sexy, butch boys
cials.
are nearing the
winter. Well, suddenly, I’ve
but actual bears. I’ve always
much that we’re waiting for
end of all of this snowy, wintry
reached the place in my life
heard that bears hibernate
the next season now!
weather that has blessed us
where that concept doesn’t
during the winter months
these last few months. Here’s
sound like a bad idea. We
and honey, they have the
“Scandal.” When I watch
hoping Punxsutawney Phil
could all use a break from the
right idea! They are certainly
Carrie Washington, I gener-
misread the signs and March
insufferable cold winters.
a species with above average
ally feel that I may be a
intelligence on this one.
lesbian trapped in the body
We’ve watched so
Confession
time
about
does not bring any freezing
Close your eyes and picture
temperatures or Springtime
the perfect Christmas with
Let’s talk about the right
of a drag queen. Of course,
blizzards. Strangely enough,
me. I’d wake up next to my
way to hibernate. To start,
the President is hot too.
I’ve had the opportunity to
honey on Christmas morning.
a cuddle buddy is a must.
So, maybe I’m suddenly
sit back and take a cold, hard,
We
nice
My honey and I have done
bisexual... just sayin’.
and even colder look at myself
Christmas breakfast together,
plenty of that lately and I’m
I’ve also realized that some
this winter. Let me tell you, I
put on some shorts and flip
not complaining! *wink* But,
of the best television shows are
have learned a lot.
flops, then take our puppy
we’ve become pseudo-hermits
those from the past. I rekin-
It’s a surprise but I’ve decided
child, Mitchell, for a walk
this winter. Thank goodness
dled my fantasy friendships
that I don’t really like winter.
on the beach. We could sing
for Netflix and TV Land for
with “Will and Grace” and my
I’m just not a cold weather
Christmas Carols with the
keeping us entertained.
boys from “Queer as Folk”.
person. I lived in Minnesota
waves of the ocean as our only
Finding the right enter-
Yes, it’s been a long, cold
for just over 4 years and I can
accompaniment. Who says a
tainment is key. Here, in the
winter. Y’all just have to find
assure you that this Kentucky
traditional Christmas must be
comfort of our own home, we
a way to hibernate and do
winter was just as bad as any
cold and covered with snow?
can watch endless amounts
something productive with
of the winters I lived through
Just because of one tired, old
of movies and shows without
your time. Sometimes the
up north. I used to laugh at
song that’s overused? Honey,
the constant interruptions
most productive thing you
people that claimed to be
I’m dreaming of a warm
from people getting up for
can do is to relax, refuel, and
“snow birds”. You know, those
Christmas, not a white one.
popcorn. We are hooked on
revive. And baby, I can tell you it sure feels good.
would
have
a
people that live here during
Something else I’ve learned
the TV show “Scandal” and
the warm weather months
about myself is that I think
we’ve loved watching it on
4
LinQ
Until next month, love ya’ll.
Send comments or suggestions to: helenahandbasketKY@gmail.com
ACTIVISM
Imperial Court News
By J. D. Vaughn
F
ebruary
fundraising
contestants competed in the
endeavors progress at
Valentine’s-themed categories.
full steam for Emperor
Jayda Colby won the title Miss
Patrick and Regent Empress
Gay Valentine 2014, while
J.D. of Reign 32. Working in
Lairica Andrews was runner-
conjunction with the Scott
up. Mister Kenneth J. Squires
County Humane Society, the
won the Mr. Gay Valentine
Imperial Court of Kentucky
title. All three contestants will
held the annual “Wags n
advance to the Entertainer of
Drags” event on February 8
the Year Finale in May.
at the Grand Reserve. The event
showcased
Regent
Then on Valentine’s Day, Emperor 29 Clayton Burchell
Empress 32 J.D. Vaughn,
and
Empress 31 Trinity, Empress
Worsham hosted the Single
30 Shotz, Empress 29 Helena
and Bitter event at Crossings.
Handbasket, Imperial Princess
Several court entertainers
Royale 32 Kali Dupree, and
impressed the Friday night
Marquise Aurora Cummings.
crowd at Crossings with their
Court members attended the
Ball. Keep an eye out for
The group entertained a large
Valentine’s musical selections.
Connecticut Court Coronation
April’s edition of GLSO’s LinQ
crowd while guests were
On Thursday, February 20,
in Hartford, CT.
for updates on these events!
treated to a silent auction,
the Court welcomed the North
Imperial Court of Kentuck
March shows no sign of being
a pet parade, and food and
American
members were honored with
less great for fundraising.
drinks. The event raised over
attendees
titles during the visit.
The Court already has several
$6700 to benefit the Scott
show at Pulse Nightlife. The
The Court wrapped up the
events planned. On Sunday
County Humane Society.
crowd loved the event and the
month of February with three
March 16, the court will
proceeds were distributed to
events, the Drag Olympics
host the 18th Annual Falsies
Moveable Feast Lexington.
on Februaru 26, a Kentucky
Awards, a yearly award cere-
The following week, the Court held the Mister and
Emperor
30
Bear with
Fred
Weekend a
kickoff
Emperor 32, Patrick Thompson with Empress 27, Gracie Steeles of the Imperial Court of New York during the Imperial Court of All Connecticut's Coronation.
Several
Miss Gay Valentine Pageant
Later that week, Emperor
Invasion Show on February
mony for local entertainers and
at Pulse Nightlife. Several
32 Patrick and a delegation of
28, and the 2014 Mardi Gras
community members. LinQ
This 5
year’s ceremony will feature 18
ceremony begins at 8pm.
awards, with such categories
The Court will host a Comedy
as: Outstanding Achievement
Show at 9:30pm on Wednesday,
in a Special Performance,
March 19 at Crossings. The
the Michael Thompson
event will feature comedy
Community Service Award,
performances from the Court
and the New Image Award.
Monarchs and lines of descent.
In addition, nominees for
The Court scheduled two
ABSOLUT Diva of the Year
college outreach events in
will perform the night of the
March. The first is a mini
ceremony and a winner will be
college pageant on March 27
announced from the nominee
at Transylvania University.
with the highest fundraising
The second is a show at EKU
total from tips and dona-
on March 31. More informa-
tions. The doors open to the
tion on all events of Reign
event at 7pm and will be held
32 at the Court’s Facebook
at Bogart’s Lounge, located
(ImpCourtKY) or website:
at the Campbell House. The
www.imperialcourtkentucky.org.
Jo Dee Monroe at Miss Gay Valentine
Current and last 3 Reigning Empresses of Kentucky, from left to right: Her Imperial Majesty Empress 29, Helena Handbasket; Her Most Imperial Majesty Regent Empress 32 and Empress 22, J.D. Vaughn; Her Imperial Majesty Empress 31, Trinity; Her Imperial Majesty Empress 30, ShotZ 6
LinQ
A New GLSO Group Un Nuevo Grupo Provides a Safe del GLSO Ofrece un Space for Hispanic Lugar Seguro para LGBT Community la Comunidad Gay Hispana to talk about the problems
La organización para gays
con que los Hispanos gays
Organization
that gay Hispanics face and
y lesbianas (GLSO) va a
enfrentan y celebraremos
(GLSO) is going to start
to celebrate the triumphs
comenzar un grupo dirigido
los triunfos y momentos
a group directed at the
and special moments of
a la comunidad hispana a
preciosos de cada persona.
Hispanic
community
each person. The possibility
partir del 28 de marzo. El
También existe la posibilidad
starting on March 28. The
of meeting new friends
grupo se reunirá el primer
de conocer a nuevos amigos
group will meet the first
and uniting a big group
y tercer viernes de cada mes
y unir un grupo grande de
and fourth Friday of every
of people from Lexington
en el Centro de Orgullo Gay
personas en Lexington y
month in the Pride Center
and the surrounding areas
(Pride Center) a las 7 pm.
áreas alrededor.
at 7 p.m. The Center is
also exists. The group will
El Centro está ubicado en
será dirigido por un estudi-
located
Waller
be led by a Hispanic grad-
el 389 Waller Avenue, Suite
ante Hispano graduado de
From
uate student in psychology
100.
Desde el principio,
psicología llamado Roberto
the outset, the mission of
named Roberto Abreu. He
la misión del grupo será
Abreu. Él está muy agrade-
the group will be to provide
is very happy to begin this
brindar un lugar seguro para
cido de iniciar este grupo, lo
a safe place for Hispanic gay,
group, which is free to the
que personas hispanas de la
cual es gratis al público. Su
bisexual, and transgender
public. His vision is that the
comunidad gay, bisexual y
visión es que el grupo irá
people
what
group will go developing
transexual puedan discutir lo
desarrollando los temas de
happens to them on a daily
discussion topics and other
que les pasa a diario. Habrá
discusión y otras actividades.
basis. There will be serious
activities. Besides excellent
momentos serios y momentos
Además
moments
discussions, there will be
llenos de risas. En en grupo
excelentes,
snacks and beverages.
hablaremos de problemas
meriendas y refrescos.
The Gay and Lesbian
Services
at
389
Avenue, Suite 100.
to
discuss
and
moments
full of laughter. It’s a time
de
El grupo
discusiones se
ofrecerán
Save $10 online with discount code:PRIDE www.ImperialFlowersLexington.com
Email editor@glso.org or call 859.253.3233 for more info
Imperial Flowers 393 Waller Ave. Lexington, KY 40504
859.233.7486 Local 800.888.7486 Toll-Free LinQ
7
PFLAG Lexington Meeting Our meetings are open
documen-
shows both the devastation
to parents, LGBTQs, and
tary “Wish Me Away.” The
of internalized homophobia,
allies. We offer a confi-
film tells the story of Chely
the transformational power
dential, supportive atmos-
Wright. After a lifetime of
of living an authentic life,
phere where you can be
hiding, Chely becomes the
and the conflicting responses
yourself, wherever you are
first
country
from Nashville, the heart-
in your journey.
music singer to come out as
land and the LGBT commu-
The meeting will be 6:30 to
a lesbian, shattering cultural
nity. Due to the length of
8:30 PM on March 11 at St.
stereotypes within Nashville,
this film, our meeting may
Michael’s Episcopal Church,
her conservative heartland
run a little later than usual,
(2025
Drive).
family, and most importantly,
with our support group time
We will be showing the
within herself. The film
being shorter.
8
Bellefonte
LinQ
award-winning
commercial
Our April 8 meeting will offer plenty of time for discussion and support, as we will have no formal presentation.
rushed and amateur. Cut to
love everlasting or just a fling,
the next scene and, because
and it ends. Not a lot actually
we barely got to see it, all of
happens, but what makes the
the awkwardness and humor
movie intriguing is the situ-
plotlines. The main char-
is implicated by the droning
ation and what makes the
sit and sleep-watch another
acter
by
conversation he and the two
movie successful is enough
episode of Looking, much the
Jonathan Groff, is a video
other main characters, Dom
time to make us care about
same as I did with Glee and
game designer. He's attrac-
and Agustin, have while they
the characters. Haigh has
The Walking Dead. This new
tive, shy, and romantically
walk to the bus stop and sit
the ability to create a bond
show, airing on HBO, and
and sexually inexperienced,
around smoking. There's a
between audience and char-
having premiered this past
prime material for excite-
lot of talking in the show.
acter in relatively short story
January, follows the lives of
ment. The first time we meet
They spend so much time
time. He struggles to bring
three friends in San Francisco
him he's crawling around the
talking they don't have time
that to Looking. It’s diffcult to
who all happen to be gay. The
woods and we're unsure of
to do anything else (like make
bond with three main char-
show's hook is a promise to
what he's doing exactly. He
Patrick seem more painfully
acters, and therefore three
show gay men realistically. I
gets to a small clearing and
awkward through action).
different
was drawn in by this promise
it turns out another man was
Time is a technical issue for
at first and, so far, they've
following him and he was
the show and I'm not sure why
There is hope, though.
delivered.
characters
cruising. The other man starts
they chose to go with a thirty
Episode five does what the
feel genuine. They have jobs
to unbuckle Patrick's belt
minute airing. Thirty minute
other episodes wouldn't. We
and struggles and hobbies.
and Patrick fumbles around
shows are usually reserved for
follow Patrick on a day-long
None of them seem particu-
for words to say, introducing
comedies or cartoons, forms
date he has with a man named
larly adept at anything, they
himself and trying to get the
of entertainment that don't
Richie. There is no one else to
aren't politicians, or celebri-
name of the man who now
hinge on any real character
interrupt the story. The pace
ties, they aren't ruthless or
has his hand down his pants.
development. Since Looking
is slow, but not stagnant. They
morally superior, they are just
Patrick kisses the man, in an
tries to be real, not necessarily
go to Golden Gate Park, they
average people. More impor-
attempt to make the moment
comedic, it requires fleshed
see a fortune teller of sorts
tantly, these characters are
more intimate perhaps, and is
out characters, but with a
who only speaks Spanish, we
not defined by their gayness.
rebuffed. His phone rings and
limited run time they have to
see them being intimate with
Watching characters who feel
Patrick excuses himself
to
revert to talking to move the
each other. When the char-
like an accurate representa-
answer the call. The moment
story forward. Andrew Haigh,
acters aren't rushed, when
tion of me and people I know
tries to be awkward, it tries
an executive producer of the
we have time to see them
is refreshing, but, unfortu-
to
maybe
show, wrote for and directed
change, we can connect with
nately for Looking, this isn't
arousing, but because it lasts
the movie Weekend, a movie
them. You don't really need
enough to save a show from
only a moment, none of that
that is similar in tone and
action then. If Looking would
being dreadfully boring.
comes through. In reality, an
pacing of Looking. Weekend
stop talking and start doing
The problem with Looking
awkward person like Patrick
is about the brief relationship
it wouldn't be so boring. I'll
is that it relies heavily on the
would probably leave as
two men have over, as the title
continue to tune in, for now; I
premise of reality while fore-
quickly as he does, but on
suggests, a weekend. They
like having noise in the back-
going things like exciting
screen, the story comes off
meet, they bond, it could be
ground while I sleep.
By Matt D. Sullivan
Once a week I make myself
The
be
Patrick,
played
humorous,
storylines,
in
a
matter of ten minutes each.
LinQ
9
ENTERTAINMENT
Sleep; Or, Watch Looking?
Revolutionary, I’ll take it…
I’m saying this because this
them, though. What I’m
is what (I thought) I knew
doing, loving a transgender
about transgender persons.
person, should not be inher-
I fostered this belief from a
ently special. The who of
lack of education and experi-
love really shouldn’t matter
ence with trans persons.
to me or anyone else. It’s the
Through my relationship with Alana, I have found
By Bobbie Thompson aka Alana’s Spouse
both experience and a valu-
love that is special, not the “make-up” of the couple. Unfortunately,
in
the
able education. My reason
society in which we live
for sharing “my side of
today, it is something special
I read an Advocate.com
of these “steps in the right
our story” in my memoir
to love a transgender person.
article a few weeks ago that
direction.” Now, back to
(w w w.myhusbandlo oks-
If loving a transgender
identified the most vocal
how my mind works for a
better.com) is my attempt to
person wasn’t special, then
advocates
moment, I am of the opinion
educate through my expe-
no transgender teen would
equality. So, here is how my
that
riences and to advocate for
be rejected by their parents.
mind works: My definition
educated
the
our transgender population.
When a married person
of an advocate is someone
transgender population and
So, I made a comment to
comes out as transgender,
who is in “support” or “favor”
learn that “people are just
that initial article. “I hope to
the next step wouldn’t be
of something and actively
people,” then equality will be
be on this list someday as a
divorce court. Most of all,
speaks out and takes action
one result of that education.
result of my memoir.”
there would be no need
to demonstrate their support.
I’ll be the first to tell you that
Someone responded to
In this instance, the advo-
I knew absolutely nothing,
my comment and said,
cates on the list are in “favor”
not a single iota about
“You’re not doing anything
of transgender equality. The
being transgender when my
special.
article pointed out certain
friend of 25 years (a former
but who you love is not.” At
at the HuffingtonPost.com
steps that these advocates
lover
spouse)
first, I felt rather offended,
and in big bold letters it
have taken to show their
came out as transgender. At
as I took the comment
says, “Loving a Transgender
support, while highlighting
first, it freaked me out and
personally. How could they
Person is a Revolutionary
their results.
I
thought my friend had
say I’m not special?
Act.” It totally confirmed
a
“mental condition.” I’m
As I thought about those
not saying this to be nasty,
words I began to agree with
of
transgender
It made my heart feel good to see the accomplishments
10
LinQ
as
and
people
become
regarding
now
LOVE is special,
for “Transgender Day of Remembrance.” After all this, I found Brynn
Tannehill’s
article
that I am special or, at least, revolutionary. I’ll take it.
Fairness Legislative Rally in Frankfort By Brian Hawkins
LinQ
11
Yet another Federal judge
NEWS UPDATE
has ruled that a state's ban on offering civil marriage and its benefits and responsibilities to same-sex couples violates the US Constitution. A judge in Texas ruled that the Texas ban was unconstitutional. The ruling has a stay on it while the case can be appealed by the state government. In Kentucky, another Federal judge lifted his stay on an earlier ruling that the Bluegrass State must recognize marriages legally performed in other states. The state's Democratic Attorney General had asked for a 90 day stay so that the state can decide to either appeal or prepare. For KY couples married out of state, confusion abounds about how to complete their taxes. Currently, they can jointly file their Federal returns as married but must submit state returns separately as single. No word yet on how the February 27 decision will affect tax filings. The
increasingly
legal
complexities are making my little map also more complex. I've now added Ohio to the states
recognizing
out-of-
state marriages because the Federal court ruling there orders the state to recognize such marriages on death certificates.
This ruling,
however, if on appeal too. 12
LinQ
LinQ
13
RELIGION
A Minister’s Journey My name is Scott Rollins, a member of PFLAG, and
By Scott Rollins
with others who might not
my church about PFLAG
that Jesus is Lord means that
have heard it.
and my involvement in it. I
Christ, and not I, am Lord
the minister of Highland
It wasn’t long into my tenure
didn’t betray any confiden-
over my life, everything
Christian Church (Disciples
at Highland when I heard the
tialities by sharing stories I
else about our faith is non-
of Christ) in Frankfort. I am
first rumblings of discontent
heard at PFLAG, but I did
essential as far as member-
writing to share my story.
about my “views on homo-
let my church people know
ship.
I moved to Frankfort with
sexuality.” One person, in a
how horribly LGBT people
we interpret Scripture, how
my family in June, 2010, from
word, went “postal” on me
have been treated by their
we vote, how we understand
Knoxville, TN, to serve as the
at a meeting of our church
church “families”.
God’s role in the life of other
minister at Highland. I knew
leadership. Soon after, he left
We watched the video “For
people…None of these can
very little about Frankfort
the church because I “didn’t
the Bible tells me so,” over
form a checklist of what a
before we moved up here;
believe in the Bible.” Another
several PFLAG meetings and
person must believe.
I didn’t even know that
church leader shared with
I immediately ordered a copy.
the minister of a Disciples
Frankfort was the capital of
me that she felt conflicted
I shared it with several fami-
church, I cannot tell people
Kentucky until I did a Google-
and didn’t know if she could
lies in my church, all of whom
that they must think a certain
search before interviewing
remain in a church where
have gay or lesbian family
way about matters of faith,
at the church. Even though
the minister believed as I
members.
family
but I sure can tell them how I
I didn’t know much about
did about same-sex relation-
who watched it loved it, so I
feel about things. Especially
Frankfort, nor the church,
ships. True to her word, she
decided to present the video
about issues important to me,
I wanted to make sure that
soon left the church.
to our church leadership
who are not “issues” after all
Shortly after moving to
group. Well, that stirred up a
but are people I care about
I made sure that the church
Frankfort, I found out about
few other church leaders, all
and who have been treated
search committee heard my
the Lexington PFLAG group.
of whom were wonderfully
so harshly by the church, a
“Audrey story.” Audrey is a
I was loosely involved in the
involved in the life of our
group who has been charged
dear friend of my family and
Knoxville
group
church, and whom my family
by its Lord to “love your
a former minister co-worker
before moving, so I began
loved. Ultimately, they could
neighbor as yourself.”
at my church in Knoxville.
to attend the local meetings.
not “agree to disagree” on the
Audrey also happens to be
Due to my commitments
issue of homosexuality.
a lesbian. I fully supported
at home (coaching sports,
Let me explain that phrase,
gree” on this, so they left. And
Audrey both in our ministry
running kids to sports and
“Agree to disagree.” In our
I have to admit, that group’s
together and in her sexual
dance and school events,
denomination, the Christian
leaving hurt a good bit. It
orientation. I told that story
etc.), I couldn’t attend every
Church (Disciples of Christ),
hurt personally for my family
openly and freely as I met
meeting but I always felt
our only requirement for
and for me, and even more for
with the search committee.
grateful to be a part of this
membership is our confes-
others in our church who had
After the church hired me,
great group when I could! I
sion that “Jesus Christ is
known these folks a whole
I shared that Audrey story
even began to tell folks from
Lord.”
lot longer than I have. These
they knew about me.
14
LinQ
PFLAG
Every
And while saying
Things such as how
As
But, there were some folks who could not “agree to disa-
folks had also held leader-
sympathy is because, over
faith, baptism and spiritual
share their thoughts on the
ship roles which now would
time, all the wounds that
gifts of all Christians regard-
Ordinance.
be vacant, and of course (not
may have been created from
less of their sexual orienta-
these citizens (actually most
to be crass) they took their
folks
been
tion or gender identity, and
of them), this gave them a
money with them too.
healed over, and, from my
that neither is grounds for
chance to bash GLBT folks.
Now, if you are still reading
view of things, the vitality of
exclusion from fellowship or
Very often it was a minister
this ramble, please don’t
our congregation is stronger
service within the church,
who did the berating, often
think I am trying to gain
now than it has been in any
but we celebrate that all are
quoting Scripture to suppos-
any pity points with anyone,
of my time in Frankfort. I
part of God’s good crea-
edly prove their point.
nor to have you think, “Poor
have heard more people
tion.” In the weeks leading
couple times, I spoke up
Scott, what a good guy he
speak supportively of GLBT
up to this vote, I had shared
as well, as one of the piti-
must be.”
I’m not really a
individuals and who agree
this resolution, and my
fully few ministers who
good guy (to know me is
with my belief that God
supportive thoughts on it,
spoke openly in favor of the
to know this), but I made
blesses committed same sex
in many ways in our church
Ordinance. One time some
such a public and consistent
relations just as God blesses
(with leadership, among all
of my talk made the paper,
sharing about my views on
heterosexual relations. And
the congregation); not once
but other times I could be
GLBT because, first of all,
while I know that there are
did I hear a comment of
seen on the TV news, the
when I think “GLBT”, I don’t
others in our church who
opposition to this resolution.
balding back of my head
think of letters and issues
may not agree with me on
But the good news doesn’t
very obvious in the commis-
and “them.” I think of my
this, they are willing to agree
end there.
buddy Audrey. I think of her
to disagree.
the
partner Miranda. I think of
leaving
have
this summer, our denomina-
Commission in Frankfort
people from my church who
other gay and lesbian friends
tion, at its biannual General
has debated over a Fairness
attended many of the meet-
I have made over the past few
Assembly
Ordinance for our city, which
ings, wearing their blue
years. And I feel like I need
voted
in
would include “gender iden-
“Another
to be public and consistent
favor of a resolution enti-
tity” and “sexual orienta-
Fairness” t-shirts.
in
especially
tled, “Becoming a People of
tion” in its list of prohibited
the end, it all proved worth
with church folks, because
Welcome and Grace for All.”
discriminations. During this
it, as the City Commission
most churches don’t speak
This resolution resolves that
agonizingly long process,
made Frankfort the 5th
openly about God’s love for
the church is “striving to
citizens of our commu-
city in Kentucky to pass a
all people, including GLBT
become a people of grace and
nity had the opportunity to
Fairness Ordinance!
people.
Plus, I know that
welcome to all God’s chil-
whatever bad has happened
dren though differing in race,
to me in all of this, it is
gender, age, sexual orienta-
nothing at all compared to
tion, gender identity, nation-
how GLBT people continued
ality, ethnicity, marital status,
to be treated, in churches
physical or mental ability,
and in society at large.
political stance or theolog-
stuff,
Orlando,
overwhelmingly
Another reason why I
ical perspective…” and calls
am not peddling for your
on the church to “affirm the
the
sion meeting. Furthermore, I was grateful for the many
in
summer,
A
City
this
Furthermore,
For much of
For many of
Kentuckian
for
And in
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Spring Cleaning for the Soul By Rev. Marsha J. Moors-Charles We’ve survived the holi-
This article is about more
days and hopefully the snow!
than just cleaning our homes.
What a winter! I know that
We are invited to do a similar
we are all looking forward to
spring cleaning of our lives.
spring. We’ve all had enough
For many of us in the faith
of the cold, long nights! I
community, we observe the
cannot wait to see the blooms
season of Lent which leads
of the flowers and trees; to feel
to Easter.
the sun’s warmth; and to bask
been coupled with feelings of
in the sunshine with friends
shame, guilt, or unworthiness.
on patios, porches, and parks!
That’s very unfortunate.
As we lean into spring, we
Lent offers us an opportu-
come to another important
nity to reflect and do some
season, not just on our calen-
spring cleaning of our souls.
dars, but in our spiritual lives.
Instead of giving up choco-
You may be like me and share
late for Lent (as many do) or
an upbringing that empha-
simply having the discipline
sises both Spring and Fall
to only eat fish on Fridays (as
cleaning around the house.
others do), Lent calls us to a
For us that means cleaning
deeper action. That action is
every nook of the house, from
an important one.
Lent has often
floor to ceiling. We’d pull out
Why not commit this year,
furniture, wash windows, and
whether or not you are a part
scrub floors, baseboards, and
of a faith community, to give
walls. What a chore but there
up something for Lent? Go
wasn’t a spot of dirt aftward!
further than abstaining from
Our reward is a breath of
a particular food. Instead,
clean air and a crispness in
you should strive to give up
the energetic spirit of the
what stops you from being
house. I am not as dedicated
all you are. Give up self-
to these twice-year cleanings
doubt and those thoughts
as my Mom but I still try to
that build a poor self-image.
give a little extra effort.
Stop trying to convince
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people in your life that you
I admit that often times in
are worthy. Slow down and
our religious circles, we can
forget anxiety or busyness.
make things seem compli-
Give up judging or allowing
cated. Rules and doctrines
yourself to be judged. Give
become
up revenge or self-right-
than people and relation-
eousness. Give up trying to
ships. That is such a mistake!
become something you are
Lent isn’t only for the ones
not. Give up trying to live up
who come to church every
to the expectations of others
week.
who want to define your life.
in this important transition
Sound easy? It’s not! But
from Winter to Spring ‘no
it changes us in a liberating
matter who you are or where
way when we can give up
you are on life’s journey’.
more
important
You can participate
any and all those things or
I like spring cleaning
people who seek to bring us
because I get do it over and
down. Living into ourselves
over again—year after year.
requires
and
It’s the same reason I love
coming to grips with who
the season of Lent in our
we are and what we want to
spiritual lives. I get to do it
be in the world. And then,
over and over again—I get
once we have made that self-
to reflect on things in my
discovery, it takes tremen-
life that I want to change—
dous courage and a lot of
or let go of; or people in my
risks to live into God’s imag-
life I need to forgive—or let
ination for our lives.
go of;
reflection
or involvement in
What lies beneath the surface
my community that I want
that allows grit and smug-
to increase. I get to look
ness to influence our outlook?
deep into my soul and ask
When we move the furni-
meaningful questions. And
ture standing in our way and
then, I get several weeks
pick up the heavy rug that is
to process it all and once
weighing us down, we might
Easter comes, I’m ready for
discover those things that
renewal just as the tulips
need to be swept away. Find
are pushing through the
the closest broom and get rid
ground!
of that baggage that keeps you
you might find time to do
from dreaming, from loving,
some spring cleaning of
from embracing who you are
your own just in case your
and all life can be.
life can use a good dusting.
This year, maybe
Volunteers Needed! FUNdraising ~ Subcommittee Members Planning fundraising events, spreading the word, entertainment: local popular bands to play at events . Getting the word out on Social Media like Facebook, Twitter, word of mouth etc... Community members of all identities, age groups, and ethnicities are invited to show their support as a viable part of our Pride celebrations. 2014 LEXINGTON PRIDE FESTIVAL!
First Aid Stage Hands
Trained Bartenders
Set up/Break Down
Kids Activities
Events leading up to the day of the Festival such as:
Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction
Mr. and Ms. Lexington Pride Pageant
Representing Lex Pride at Louisville Pride Parade
Contact: volunteers@lexpridefest.org or volunteers@glso.org Www.Volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?AP=2126632624 LinQ
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Help the GLSO: Dine to Donate Mark your calendars for Thursday, March, 13 for a chance to have a good dinner, meet the GLSO Board, and help your LGBT resource center! Dine at BD’s Mongolian Grill in Hamburg between 6:00-9:00pm on March 13 and 10% of your check will be donated to the GLSO. Two GLSO Board members will be guest grilling each hour, so don’t miss this opportunity to get a good meal and get to know the folks who operate the GLSO. We look forward to seeing you there!
Calling All Pride Volunteers
It is now time to start thinking about contacting us for volunteering for the Pride Festival. We have had many individuals help us in previous years and hope that we have the biggest turnout and response for volunteers for the day of and the duties leading up to the Festival. There are many volunteer opportunities in all areas including merchandising, first-aid, services, activities, stage hands, set-up and breakdown and more. All volunteers will receive a little something as a token of appreciation. Take 2 hours to volunteer and then enjoy the rest of the day and know you had a part in helping to make it possible. For any and all Pride volunteer inquiries, please contact volunteers@lexpridefest.org or fill the volunteer application out at www.lexpridefest.org and click on volunteer application.
Mr. & Miss Lexington Pride Pageant
Attention all drag queens, biological women, trans-women, drag kings, biological men, trans-men, and well, EVERYONE! If you would like to represent your community in the upcoming Mr. & Miss Lexington Pride Pageant to become the official representatives of the Lexington Pride Festival, come out and compete for the title, crown and medallion! Contact pridepageant@lexpridefest.org for pageant rules and applications! The event will be held at 9pm on April 13, 2014 at the Bar Complex.
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March Calendar All meetings are hosted at the GLSO Pride Center unless otherwise noted
Saturday, March 1
Tuesday, March 11
Friday, March 21
1:30-3:30PM GLSO Fundraising Committee
6:30-8:30PM PGLAG Meeting*
3:00-4:00PM Outloud! Radio 88.1FM WRFL*
7:30-9:00PM TransKY Meeting
8:00-9:00PM HIV/AIDS Support Group at AVOL*
7:00-10:00PM Senior’s Bistro Potluck
8:30PM-11:30PM Mardi Grad Ball*
Wednesday, March 12
Sunday, March 23
Sunday, March 2
7:00-9:00PM LGBT Discussion Group
6:00-8:00PM Imperial Court Meeting
6:30-9:30PM Team Lex Volleyball*
Thursday, March 13
6:30-9:30PM Team Lex Volleyball*
Monday, March 3
7:00-9:00PM LOVEboldly Board Meeting
Monday, March 24
6:00-9:00PM Company Q Troupe Practice
Friday, March 14
6:00-9:00PM Company Q Troupe Practice
8:00-9:00PM AA Meeting at AVOL*
3:00-4:00PM Outloud! Radio 88.1FM WRFL*
8:00-9:00PM AA Meeting at AVOL*
Wednesday, March 5
Saturday, March 15
Wednesday, March 26
7:00-9:00PM LGBT Discussion Group
1:30-3:30PM GLSO Fundraising Committee
7:00-9:00PM LGBT Discussion Group
Thursday, March 6
7:00-10:00PM LGBT Movie Night
Thursday, March 27
6:30-8:00PM GLSO Board Meeting
Sunday, March 16
7:00-9:00PM 2014 LexPride Planning Meeting
Friday, March 7
6:30-9:30PM Team Lex Volleyball*
Friday, March 28
3:00-4:00PM Outloud! Radio 88.1FM WRFL*
8:30-11:30PM Falsies Awards*
3:00-4:00PM Outloud! Radio 88.1FM WRFL*
Saturday, March 8
Monday, March 17
7:00-9:00PM Hispanic LGBT Discussion Group
9:00-10:00PM KYBourbonBears Board Meeting
6:00-9:00PM Company Q Drama Troupe Practice
Saturday, March 29
Sunday, March 9
8:00-9:00PM AA Meeting at AVOL*
1:30-3:30PM GLSO Fundraising Committee
6:00-8:00PM Imperial Court Meeting
Wednesday, March 19
3:00-5:00PM RagingGrapeApe Planning Committee
6:30-9:30PM Team Lex Volleyball*
7:00-9:00PM LGBT Discussion Group
Sunday, March 30
Monday, March 10
Thursday, March 20
6:30-9:30PM Team Lex Volleyball*
6:00-9:00PM Company Q Troupe Practice
6:30-8:30PM GLSO Board Meeting
Monday, March 31
8:00-9:00PM AA Meeting by AVOL*
6:00-9:00PM Company Q Troupe Practice 8:00-9:00PM AA Meeting at AVOL*
* not hosted at the Pride Center
Don’t see your group’s events? Email it to editor@glso.org and we will add you to our calendar! 20
LinQ
Telephone Directory HIV/STD Testing, Services and Information
SisterSound
859 806 0243
AIDS Volunteers of Lexington (AVOL) 859 225 3000
Social Services, Lexington
211
Health Department, Fayette County
Speaker’s Bureau
859 266 5904
Health Department, Woodford County 859 873 4541
TransKentucky
cassiemt@yahoo.com
HIV/AIDS Legal Project
502 584 1254
Transgender Youth Family Allies
1 888 462 8932
Moveable Feast
859 252 2867
Trevor Lifeline 24/7
1 866 488 7386
Northern Ky Region
859 341 4264
United Way
859 313 5465
UK Adolescent Medicine
859 323 5643
859 288 2437
Community and Social Groups
Religious Groups Bluegrass United Church of Christ
859 233 0208
24-Hour Crisis Line
800 929 8000
Faith Lutheran Church
859 266 7621
24-Hour Teen Crisis Line
800 999 9999
First Presbyterian Church
859 252 1919
Alcoholics Anonymous
859 967 9960
Lex Friends, Quakers
859 254 3319
AA/Alcoholic Teens
859 277 1877
Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church
859 255 1075
Council for Peace and Justice
859 488 1448
St. Martha’s Episcopal Church
859 271 7641
Discussion Group
859 253 3233
Unitarian Universalist Church
859 223 1448
Fairness of Louisville
502 893 0788
Woodland Christian Church
859 266 3416
Gay-Straight Alliance, Teens
859 266 5904
GLSO Pride Center
859 253 3233
Berea College ACE
859 958 3633
Imperial Court of Kentucky
859 619 7521
BCTC Gay-Straight Alliance
859 246 6365
International Gay Bowling
859 539 3058
Centre College BGLA
859 238 5332
Lexington Fairness
859 951 8565
EKU Alphabet Center
859 622 5041
Lexington Human Rights
859 252 4931
EKU Pride Alliance
859 622 1027
Lexington Pride Festival
859 253 3233
Morehead State University
606 783 2071
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1 800 273 8255
TUnity (Transy)
859 445 3822
PFLAG Lexington
859 338 4393
UK Gay-Straight Alliance
859 257 8701
PFLAG Louisville
502 223 1323
UK OutSource
859 323 3312
College Student Groups
Don’t see your group’s contact information? Email editor@glso.org and we will add you to our directory. LinQ
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Categories are: Pride Presentation, Talent, Evening Wear & On Stage Question
A Fundraiser benefiting
For Applications contact: pridepageant@lexpridefest.org
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