Connecting the Bluegrass LGBT community
Lexington 2014 AIDS Walk May 2014, Vol. 36 No. 5
A publication of the GLSO
INDEX
4
Cover photo by Brian Hawkins, 2014 AIDS Walk in Lexington, KY. Sunday, April 13
That’s What I’m Talkin’ About Helena blooms with a discussion of her favorite flowers and the arrival of spring in the bluegrass.
Imperial Court of Kentucky J.D. Vaughn discusses the end of Reign 32 and upcoming elections for the Imperial Court monarchs.
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Empathy Found Here Ginger Minder-Moore shares the history and purpose of the GLSO’s Wednesday night discussion group.
Cancer Poems Pat Ritz shares her moving poety about seeing someone you love be diagnosed and live with cancer.
18 2
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National Study on Aging The GLSO is participating in a national study on aging to gather information on LGBT adults and how we live our lives.
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. 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: Tuesday-Friday 1pm-5pm LinQ
3
HUMOR
That’s What I’m Talkin’ About By Helena Handbasket
W
e have all heard
names? A rose by any other
Aren’t daisies lucky to be
Polly Nation. She would only
the saying that
name would still smell as
associated with something
wear floral fabrics and always
April showers
sweet. Why was that particular
every gay man of a certain
have a flower adornment in
bring May flowers. I was
flower named “rose”? One
age has owned, worn, or
her hair.
a kid the first time I heard
of my favorite flowers is the
admired at some point in
that and it always made me
Brugmansia, with a slang
his life, whether he wants to
flowers would have to be the
wonder “wow, that must be a
name of angel trumpet. The
admit it or not? What about
daffodils and tulips. I love
lot of rain to bring a big old
flower has great fortune to be
the character Hyacinth on
to cut them and bring their
boat to Kentucky.” Of course,
named after such a heavenly
the British comedy “Keeping
beauty into the house to be
it happened to Noah when it
idea as the angel’s trumpet.
Up Appearances”? Don’t we
enjoyed. I have to admit that
rained for 40 days and nights
Although, if you smell an
just love her? Even anima-
few things bring me as much
so I guess it can happen but
angel trumpet flower, you will
tion has followed suit, like
joy as tulips on my organ. A
how can a boat that old still be
see why someone would name
favorites Petunia Pig (Porky’s
big vase of tulips on the organ
working? Of course, it wasn’t
it something with a heav-
lady friend) or Jasmine, the
in our home just makes me
long after that I realized
enly reference. The fragrance
princess in Aladdin.
scream with delight.
the difference between May
tops that of the star gazer
Flowers aren’t always named
So, my challenge to you
flowers and the Mayflower.
lilies, another of my favorites.
after something nice but
all, be the flower in the
Anyway, don’t you just love
Speaking of lilies, there are
keep the name because they
garden today. Or every day.
flowers? I love flowers of all
many varieties of lilies. The
usually resemble something
No matter where you are
types. We love them because
peach lily, day lily, tiger lily,
in appearance. One example
planted, whether it is at
of the way they look, the way
lily of the valley. Each beau-
would be flowers such as
your job, or family gather-
they smell, and the way that
tiful in their own right.
the spider flower. I do hate
ings, or charity functions,
My
favorite
springtime
people respond when they see
I also love it when people
spiders, although they seem to
be the flower and not the
or smell a flower. If only we
or things are named after
like to live in flower gardens.
weed. I will certainly give
all could be like a flower and
flowers. Do you ever wonder
As much as I dislike spiders, I
this a shot! If you walk
offer something of beauty to
why someone would choose
hate bees even more, although
up and sniff me, though,
everyone that we encounter.
a particular flower to name
their existence is necessary for
I might have to slap your
someone
something?
pollination. Now that I think
face… depending on where
Things like Daisy Dukes.
of it, that is a great drag name...
you sniff! Until next month.
Did you ever wonder how some of the flowers got their 4
LinQ
or
Send comments or suggestions to: helenahandbasketKY@gmail.com
ACTIVISM
Imperial Court News
By J. D. Vaughn
G
reetings from the
1 in the Grand Ballroom at the
held at 11am on Monday at
Candidate Tim has Meet &
Imperial Court of
Downtown Hilton Hotel. The
the Downtown Hilton Hotel.
Greet events scheduled at 6-8pm
Kentucky.
Reign
event will feature the yearly
This year, the Imperial Court
on Friday, May 9 at Crossings
32 is winding up the eleventh
elections. Tenured members of
of Kentucky has one monar-
Lexington and 6-9pm on Sunday,
month of fundraising and
the Imperial Court of Kentucky
chial candidate for each race.
May 11 at Pulse Nightlife. He
preparations are underway for
may vote. Please see any board
Tim Logsdon is candidate for
also has a Candidate Show
Coronation 33. This year, the
member
Reigning
Emperor 33 and Christina
scheduled at 9:30 pm for Friday,
Reigning Monarchs, His Most
Monarchs to retain member-
Puse (Chris Hocker) is candi-
May 16 at Crossings Lexington.
Imperial Majesty Emperor 32
ship in the Imperial Court of
date for Empress 33.
Patrick Thompson and Her
Kentucky or to purchase a ticket
Candidate Tim Logsdon said
would like the opportunity to
Most Imperial Majesty Regent
to any of the Coronation events.
about his campaign: “I envi-
continue on the traditions and
Empress 32 J.D. Vaughn, chose
The Coronation Ball will
sion and reflect on a quote from
fundraising of the Imperial
“A Night of Elegance – Southern
feature amazing performances
Harvey Milk, ‘All young people,
court of Kentucky with new
Showgirls
from Reign 32 members,
regardless of sexual orienta-
ways of reaching out to our
special
perfor-
tion or identity, deserve a safe
community.” She has Meet
Coronation 33 weekend
mances of out of town guests,
and supportive environment
& Greet events scheduled
events will kick off at 9pm on
and production numbers by
to which to achieve their full
at 6-8pm on Tuesday, May 6
Friday, May 30 at Crossings
both the Gilded Cage Divas
potential.’ As candidate for the
at Crossings Lexington and
Lexington ($5 cover) with
of the Bar Complex and the
Imperial Court of Kentucky’s
6-8pm on Wednesday, May 14
the In-Town Show, show-
Rhythm Showcast of Pulse
Emperor XXXIII, I plan on
at Pulse Nightlife. She also has
casing local entertainers.
Nightlife. The event culminates
using every possible opportunity
a Candidate Show scheduled
in the formal crowning cere-
to promote his belief through
at 9:30 pm for Sunday, May
mony of the new monarchs.
communication and outreach.
18 at Crossings Lexington.
and
Southern
Gentleman” as the theme.
The Out-of-Town Show will be held at 8:30PM on May
or
the
command
Christina Puse said: “I
31 at the Downtown Hilton
The weekend wraps up with
I cannot do this alone. As it has
Please mark your calendars
Hotel in the Magnolia Room
a Victory Brunch where the
been said, ‘It takes a Village.’
and make plans to celebrate with
with a $10 cover. This show
Reign 32 Monarchs present
Though personal and community
the Imperial Court of Kentucky
will feature out of town guests.
final awards and the new
support, the bringing together of
and Reign 32 as they finalize
The 33rd annual Coronation
Monarchs for Reign 33 start
this village will continue to be
their fundraising and pass the
Ball event will be held on June
their reign. The event will be
my main focus.”
torch on to the new monarchs! LinQ
5
Mr & Miss Lexington Pride
By Brian Hawkins
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7
Gay Cheeseburgers in Kansas: Faith, Freedom, and a Law About Neither By Rev. Erin Wathen
So, I’m new here. And I
offer. When interviewed by
But if you take the gay man
look as though they *might*
realize that Kansas has JUST
the media he said “I mean,
out of the worship service,
be together. The presence
BARELY moved past the
I’m not going to make gay
and out of the class room,
of the kid kind of tears it.
Prohibition. But I am baffled
muffins…gay cheeseburgers.
and you place him in the
It gives them a decidedly
and perplexed by this new
What are you afraid of?”
cafeteria—does
family-unit
religious
appearance.
legislation, making it totally
Yes, religious groups have a
freedom extend that far?
They ask for a table for 3.
legal and legit to refuse
right to ban certain practices
Can the church say ‘we think
The hostess looks uncom-
services to same sex couples.
and teachings within their
you’re a sinner, so you can’t
fortable. Says she needs to
Granted, this is just one
own institutions. I don’t get
serve our children lunch?’
go get the manager/owner.
more way Americans have
it, and I don’t agree with it,
managed to slap a ‘religious
but you don’t have to hire
Massachusettes
freedom’ sticker on run-o-
a gay priest if you believe
We’ll see.
the-mill discrimination. But
the Bible condemns homo-
Meanwhile, take that gay
the family (at least, we all
as the culture at large makes
sexuality. You don’t have to
man out of the worship
assume they’re a family)
steps toward LGBT equality,
marry a same sex couple
venue, out of the Christian
standing at the door. “I’m
smaller interest groups push
if you believe scripture
classroom, and out of the
sorry,” he says, a little more
back in last, grasping efforts
instructs against it. And—
faith-based
alto-
loudly than necessary. “We
to marginalize and condemn.
oh, and this is a blog post for
gether. Take him to a totally
don’t serve you people here.
This is not surprising. What
a WHOLE nother day—you
secular,
You’ll have to leave.”
is deeply disturbing is the
do not have to hire, or even
business. Say, a restaurant.
framing of this law as ‘reli-
consider a female candi-
In Kansas.
nod in smug approval. More
gious freedom,’ when in fact,
date for a leadership role, if
And here’s how this goes
than a few look uncomfort-
it has nothing to do with reli-
the Lord has revealed to you
down—You and your family
able. The rest of you—well,
gion. Or freedom.
the truth that women are to
are out enjoying a relaxing
you’re not so hungry any more.
remain silent in churches.
dinner. Nobody has to shop,
I could write a novella
(Because Jesus. I guess).
cook, OR clean up tonight,
about what happens next.
I heard this story on NPR yesterday
folks say
in
As your entrees arrive
no.
at the table, the manager hurries by. He goes to
facility
privately
owned
Some of your fellow diners
a
man
Massachussettes
who
Like I said, I don’t like it, and
so yay! It’s a weeknight, so
Is there an uprising from a
thought he’d landed his
I’ll never understand it. But I
the place is uncrowded and
vocal minority who insist
dream job as a school cafe-
can at least concede that reli-
pretty quiet (except for your
this family be served or
teria manager. But then, in
gious freedom grants this sort
children, of course). Two
the rest of you will leave?
the last round of interviews,
of government sanctioned
women walk in, with a child
Do you go open your own
the adminstrators realized he
exclusivism. Within the walls
in tow, about the same age
restaurant and serve gay
was gay, and reneged the job
of a private institution.
as your own. These women
cheeseburgers? I don’t know.
in
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about
Some
It might be a great story. But
Can a fire fighter or a
I hate to see the constitu-
the more important ques-
police officer walk away
tion misused in this way.
tion is: is this the world we
from a burning home if gay
But of far greater concern to
To practice any religion is
want to live in?
people live there?
me is how the public under-
to believe in a power higher
yourself with like-brained people.
And perhaps even more
The thing is, we don’t
standing of ‘faith’ has come
than one’s self; to trust in a
importantly: is this restau-
know. This is new, so
to bear such toxic implica-
Creative force, alive and at
rant owner really within
we don’t know what the
tions for humanity. As if it
work in the world. Using
the bounds of ‘religious
broader impact on our
were somehow a basic right
that force for our own cruel
freedom’ as outlined in the
communities will be. But
of the believer to shape the
manipulations of the social
constitution? I mean, he’s
I do know this—the pros-
world into their own narrow
order is—I’m going to just
nowhere near his church.
pects are frightening, and
image of God.
say it—an abomination.
The encroaching lesbians
nothing about it is biblical,
Whatever
are not threatening him with
Christlike,
bodily injury if he wants to
related to the life of faith.
or
remotely
you
believe
about same sex marriage, LGBT presence in church
Even moreso than gay cheeseburgers. I
sometimes
doubt
biblical
the power of petition to
homosexu-
affect real social change…
it bears repeating that the
ality, people of faith need to
However, if you are as good
Say what you will about
constitution is meant to
holler back right about now
and pissed off about this
Dan Cathy and the whole
serve all the people, and not
and say that freedom of reli-
as I hope you are, you can
Chic-fil-asco, but they never
a privileged few. Freedom
gion does not extend to the
at least send this little note
refuse service to anyone.
of religion emerged from a
arbitrary mistreatment of
to…wherever these things
desire to escape the tyranny
others. Even IF you believe
go. Put your name on a big
of
that homosexual behavior
fat NO. Kansas has smart
post pictures of Jesus or the
I feel like a broken record
ten commandments in his
sometimes, but apparently
teachings
place of business.
They have not established separate drinking fountains.
government-sanc-
leadership,
or on
And technically, I guess,
tioned belief and practice.
is
sinful,
people. AND nice people.
neither has Kansas. But
As a matter of fact: that
you should rail against the
We should all get together
you’ve got to wonder…
particular article of govern-
notion that the Christian
sometime.
what’s next?
ance
narrative can be used in such
not have to be a Kansan to
a harmful way.
sign this!
exists
SO
THAT
fundamentally
Note: you do
Because, oh, and this…
whomever is in power at
The Kanss-ackward (Kansas
the moment cannot subject
Because here’s the truth:
+ ass + backward) interpre-
the minority to his (yes,
faith is the substance of
tation of religious freedom
usually
particular
things hoped for. Faith is
The Rev. Erin Wathen, a
here does not just extend to
form of belief or practice.
the conviction of things
London, Ky. native and a
small business owners. No,
The First Amendment is
unseen. Faith is NOT the
former Lexington pastor, is
this bill extends the ‘right
meant to protect faith from
word for word writ of
senior pastor at Saint Andrew
to refuse services’ to state
governance.
Attempting
doctrine, sanctified by the
Christian Church in Olathe,
employees.
to write your faith into law,
law of the land. Faith is
Kan. You can read more on
then, abuses the spirit of the
not the promise that you
her blog at:
school
constitution, creating the
will always be comfort-
teacher refuse to teach the
very tension it was meant
able, or that you will be
child of a same sex couple?
to destroy.
always allowed to surround
Where
does
that parameter end? Can
a
public
his)
http://www.patheos.com/ blogs/irreverin/. LinQ
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COMMUNIT Y
Empathy Found Here By Ginger Moore-Minder
Empathy – the ability to mutually experience the thoughts, emotions and direct experience of others. Lexington
marriages who find them-
are told is that “We accept
man in our community
“family” for support when
selves split between two
you just as you are. We are
wanted to give back. He saw
they are so far away from
worlds as they try to find
not here to change you.”
a need for support for LGBT
home. In the group they find
themselves. There are the
It’s not always sad. Some
persons during the holidays.
comfort, they find that they
adult children of parents
come to learn. What does
He knew that many of his
are not alone, and some-
who come out late in life,
it mean to be gay, lesbian,
peers suffered during this
times, they find “family”.
who only seek to under-
bisexual, or transgendered?
stand.
And, many times
What does it mean to be gay
Many years ago a young
an
accepting
season because they had been
For some it is just “To be
rejected by their families or
around people like me. So I
there are the newly coming
in Kentucky? How is my life
lived in the sort of depression
can be myself.” Some come
out who also only seek to
going to be changed? How
that the holidays only accen-
seeking a sense of belonging
understand…themselves.
am I going to change? How
tuated.
His response was
to something bigger than
In the group they see others
do I be happy and secure?
to start a weekly discussion
the sheltered little world
who have been where they
They find the answers in the
group. Eighteen years later
they have created for them-
are and have found their
stories that others share.
his vision of a time and place
selves. Many people already
way to understanding.
where people could come to
secure in there lives move
So many tell stories of
because in their daily life they
be accepted and heard lives
here from larger communi-
rejection; by family and
are forced into silence; unable
on in the Wednesday Night
ties and experience a level of
friends,
and
to share even the simplest
Discussion Group.
“culture shock”; they come
community, and sometimes
pleasures in their life with the
to group seeking informa-
even by themselves. We have
straight world around them;
told.
tion on how to connect
learned over the years that
unable to speak up about
enumerable
with the LGBT community
self-acceptance is key, but
the issues that affect them
tales of heartache and loss.
in their new home.
The
that it can be very hard to
personally and professionally.
“I feel all alone, like I’m
group can help them find
attain; especially when there
In group they talk about their
the only gay person in the
connections.
is no one telling you, “You’re
lives, from the most mundane
Over these years many stories
have
We’ve
heard
been
by
church
Some just come to be heard
world” is a common refrain.
Protected by confidenti-
okay.” Well, when you walk
to the downright spectacular,
We see students seeking
ality we see people leaving
into group the first thing you
and they are heard. LinQ
11
lives and what is impor-
use a little empathy or have
part of group is walking
tant to them.
They have
some to share we hope you
through the doors of the
found acceptance, commu-
will join us around the table.
Pride Center for the first
nity, camaraderie, comfort,
There is always enough
time. Who will be on the
family, and some find, for
laughter to be shared and
other side of the door?
the first time, that there is
tears to be understood.
Will they like me?
joy in being gay.
For most the hardest
Will
they think I’m weird, or
The group exists today
terrible, or damaged? Will
because
they be weird, or terrible or
Because a group of people,
damaged? Some circle the
strangers really, can sit
of
empathy.
Camera Ready Single Ad listen Ratesto block many times before around a table, they come in. Others Pages: park each other and nod in Regular far away so no one will 12x recognition 6x 4xthat “we 1x too
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389 Waller Avenue, 393 Waller Ave. Suite 100, Lexington, 40504 Lexington, KYKY 40504 12
LinQ
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859.253.3233 editor@glso.org 859.233.7486 Local www.glso.org Toll-Free 800.888.7486
Assigned: It’s a Boy! By Bobbie Thompson aka Alana’s Spouse A time long, long ago…
Eventually, someone had an
could also be incorrect. I feel
Let’s zoom to modern day.
experience that lead them to
the percent of persons born
The
parents,
the idea this is a false belief.
into the transgender experi-
everyone that the earth was
eyes glued to the monitor,
“What if,” that person might
ence is probably much more
flat. “It must be flat,” one
listened intently as the ultra-
have pondered, “a boy can be
than just 1%, especially with
might have said, “I can see the
sound tech showed them
born with a vagina and a girl
so many trans* choosing to
proof in yon horizon where
their unborn baby’s ears,
can be born with a penis?”
remain hidden.
the earth comes to its end.”
fingers, toes. Finally, they
“Preposterous,” is currently
Over time, it will be proved,
Eventually, someone had
say “Congratulations, it’s a
the response. “I see what I
by the experience of being born
the idea this was a false
boy.” The child’s gender is
see, therefore, the proof of
trans, that, indeed, it is not
belief. “What if,” that person
assigned even before leaving
gender is by the genitals.”
genitals that determine gender.
might have pondered, “the
the mother’s womb. Decades
Ever so slowly, the idea that
The truth that some boys are
reason you can never reach
ago, prior to the technology
gender is determined solely
born with a vagina and some
yon horizon is because the
of ultrasounds, the child
by genitalia is being chal-
girls are born with a penis
earth is round?”
would leave the womb before
lenged as more and more
will be accepted by everyone,
first
the doctor would announce,
trans* share their experi-
even without everyone having
might respond. “I see what I
“It’s a boy.” Gender is the
ences. However, the experi-
the
see, therefore, the proof is by
very first proclamation made
ence of being transgender is
transgender themselves.
my sight that the earth is flat.”
in the life of every child.
a rare one. I have read statis-
The fact is, gender is not
There was a period in time where it was believed by
“Preposterous,”
the
believed differently. expectant
experience
of
being
Over time, it was proved, by
How did the ultrasound
tics that show only 1 out of
assigned or determined by
the experience of travel, that
tech and doctor determine
100 people are born into the
genitalia… even if folks
the earth is, indeed, round.
the child’s gender? Of course,
trans experience. Only 1%
believe differently.
The truth that the earth is
the same way it’s been done
have the experience while
round is eventually accepted
since the beginning of time:
the remaining 99% of people
by everyone, even without
the appearance of the geni-
still align with the belief that
everyone having the experi-
tals. It is believed that a
gender is determined by
ence of travel themselves.
child born with a penis is a
whether or not you are born
boy and a child born with a
with a penis or a vagina.
Fact is, the earth was never flat, even when folks
vagina is a girl.
Of course, the statistics LinQ
13
2014 AVOL AIDS WalkBy Brian Hawkins
14
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POEMS
By Pat Ritz
Cancer Poems
Waiting for your call, still I’m startled Your voice raw-sounding, saying my name and then: malignant I picture you standing alone in the hallway Suncoast Medical Clinic at the free phone (3-minute limit)
Your tall black surgeon stands before me in Bayfront hospital’s waiting room murmuring the words “early early stages” He took a quadrant of your right breast and ten lumph nodes the pathology report is due in two days
Tears slide from my eyes trying to stay silent and my mind says out loud: NO They’ve made a mistake not you, not my long legged Amazon, andnot your breast, softness cats and I cuddle on. Only yesterday
October 31, Halloween night The phone rings your doctor’s voice I pass the receiver to you and holding my breath hear your soft voice exclaim THE LYMPH NODES ARE CLEAR? and we bounce like springs unwound giddy with relief
We laughed about your biopsy and said it’s not even necessary; you with your fat-free vegetarian diet, regular exercise, vitamin supplements, positive thinking not knowing the enemy was hidden within
Radiation side effects: loss of appetite skin tenderness, burning sensations, coughing spells, fatigue Each day the lineaer accelerator cooks you exactly three minutes leaving you increasingly weak
On ramp curving monolith of concrete funnels our white Plymouth Voyager van into speeding flow of steel 4-lane highway stretches before us no longer dreaming the trip we’ll take some day The journey is now
Pale sunlight creeps through the bamboo blinds in your bedroom as we weep intermittently calling friends and spreading the incredible news. Leaning on pilows, I watch your face It occues to me We forgot to be happy in this house too busy doing yard work, running errands, buying food never thought to appreciate the faded gold of late afternoon gathering to share each day’s tragicomic news
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17
LOCAL NEWS
LGBT Seniors to Participate in National Study on Aging By Ginger Moore-Minder Fredriksen-Goldsen
relationship with someone
access, transportation, illness
they age, including disa-
sent an email to the GLSO
of your same sex or gender.
support, outings and friend-
bility, physical and mental
because of our pioneering
The roll-out date for the
ship to persons over the age of
distress,
work with the Senior Group.
questionnaire is May 2014.
50. Contact the Pride Center
discrimination and lack of
Lisa invited us to partici-
We will end data collection
for more information.
access to supportive aging
pate in a study funded by
in June and report results in
The
the National Institute of
October. Copies of the ques-
excerpts
Health, the first of its kind,
Lisa
victimization,
are
and health services. Health
Executive
disparities must be elimi-
tionnaire are available at the
Summary, The Aging and
nated to effectively respond
that addresses the unique
Pride Center. You may also
Health Report: Disparities
to the aging crises in the
aging and health issues of
call the Pride Center (859-
and
LGBT communities.”
lesbian, gay, bisexual and
253-3233) and leave your
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
“The first phase of this
transgendered
individuals.
address to get a copy mailed
Transgender Older Adults
project, we utilized state-
Phase 1 is already complete
to you or to get the web
written by Karen Fredriksen-
level population-based infor-
and some of those finding
address to take the ques-
Goldsen, Hyun-Jun Kim,
mation from the Behavioral
will be outlined. The GLSO
tionnaire online. There will
Charles
Risk
agreed to participate in
be two booths set up at the
Muraco, Elena Erosheva,
System in Washington State
the continuation of the
Pride Festival to get addi-
and Charles Hoy-Ellis, Jayn
(BRFSS-WA) to compare key
study in phase 2. This will
tional persons to complete
Goldsen, Heidi Petry.
health indicators of lesbian,
include more geographically
the questionnaires.
following from
Resilience
among
Emlet,
Anna
Factor
Surveillance
“Aging and health needs
gay and bisexual adults to
southern data. Our role is to
Your participation in this
of lesbian, gay, bisexual and
heterosexuals. Next, to better
provide “Caring and Aging
project will help meet the
transgender older adults are
understand the risk and
with Pride” questionaires
aging and health needs of
rarely addressed in services,
protective factors impacting
to our community to help
adults 50 years of age and
policies,
LGBT
gather more qualified data.
older in our communities.
even though diversity is a
collaborated
The goal is 250 completed
The
defining feature of our aging
community-based agencies
questionnaires.
about 15 minutes to complete
global population.”
across eleven agencies across
questionnaire
takes
or
research,
older
the country.
adults, with
we
eleven
The execu-
That’s quite a goal, so we
and your responses are
“Caring and Aging with
need your help! To partici-
completely voluntary. The
Pride, the first national
tive summary highlights key
pate in this project you must
questionnaire is anonymous.
federally-funded project to
findings and the recommen-
be 50 years of age or older
The GLSO is proud to be
examine LGBT aging and
dations stemming from this
and be LGBT or be someone
the sponsor of the Senior
health reveals significant
ground-breaking project.”
who is attracted to or has
Group and to provide social-
health disparities impacting
had
ization, referral, disability
LGBT
18
an LinQ
intimate/sexual
older
adults
as
“Lesbian, gay and bisexual older
adults
experience
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19
mental
social isolation, which in the
distress and are more likely
general population is linked
Addressing the aging and
to smoke and engage in
to poor mental and physical
health needs of LGBT older
disability and nearly one-
excessive
health,
impair-
adults is paramount as it
third report depression.
heterosexuals. Lesbians and
ment and premature chronic
sheds new light on the diver-
• Most LGBT older adults
bisexual older women report
disease and death.”
sity and cumulative risks
(91%) engage in wellness activities.
higher
rates
of
drinking
than
cognitive
their communities.” • Nearly
one-half
have
higher risk of cardiovascular
“Isolation, finding friend
facing the aging population.
disease and obesity than
support, care giving and
A comprehensive approach is
• Almost two-thirds have
heterosexual women, and
health are the biggest issues
required to transform public
been victimized three or
gay and bisexual older men
older gay persons face. Who
policies, services, education
more times.
are more likely to have poor
will be there for us, who will
and research. Understanding
• Thirteen percent have
physical health than their
help care for us without judg-
aging and health across
been denied healthcare or
heterosexual
ment? 66-year-old lesbian”
diverse communities illu-
received inferior care.
counterparts.
• More than 20% do not
LGBT older adults are also
“Contrary to popular belief
at greater risk socially than
that LGBT older adults will
reminds us that resilience
disclose
their
peers.
not participate in research,
often emerges from adversity.
gender identity to their
Lesbian, gay and bisexual
2,560 diverse LGBT older
The LGBT older adults in
physician.
older adults are less likely to
adults age 50 to 95 joined in
Caring and Aging with Pride
• About one-third do not
be partnered or married than
our national aging and health
represent the past and the
have a will or durable power
heterosexuals, which may
project. Despite the chal-
future, as they create a legacy
of attorney for healthcare.
result in less social support
lenging historical context of
for generations to come.”
and financial security as they
their lives, LGBT older adults
age. Older adults who live
forge onward with resilience,
Participants:
alone are at serious risk of
living their lives and building
Health Findings:
The Kentucky Bourbon Bears
and club members to be
the
Lexington
door will earn an “Auction
will host the 4th Annual Big
auctioned off to the highest
Gay Straight Alliance for
paddle” to bid on the
Baskets of the Bluegrass event
bid donation! The Kentucky
youth. The donations allow
baskets. Baskets will be
at 8pm on Friday, May 16th
Bourbon Bears are a 501(C)
the GSA to celebrate their
available for viewing before
at the Campbell House Inn.
(3) non profit so all dona-
annual Pride Prom, develop
the auction starts at 8:30pm.
This year’s Gift Basket Charity
tions go to a worthy cause!
educational efforts in local
Additionally,
Auction
The
feature
schools, and permit the
be a cash bar and feature
Baskets AND Buxom Beauties.
“baskets” with electronics,
annual trip to Kings Island.
entertainment
The event will feature hot
UK gear, a Calipari-signed
The event also supports
performers. The event will
men and beautiful ladies in
basketball,
Lexington
be followed by an after party
sexy swim and underwear
dinners, bourbon tours and
their efforts to end discrim-
paired with a matching
much more.
ination and bullying in
heterosexual
minates
inequalities
LGBT
Older Aging
and
their
sexual
or
• Most needed services:
Adult
senior housing, transporta-
and
tion, legal services, and social events.
Big Baskets of the Bluegrass
will
feature
Big
themed basket of donated items from local businesses 20
LinQ
The
event
event
will
gift
and
cards,
chari-
table donations go toward
GLSO’s
Fairness
and
central Kentucky. A $5 donation at the
there by
will local
at Crossings Lexington! Check out the Kentucky Bourbon Bears Facebook page for more information!
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.
Lexington Fairness Awards Lexington Fairness will host this year’s Fairness Awards Dinner on June 20th at the Grand Reserve. Each year, Lexington Fairness opens the nomination of the Fairness Awards to the public. Nominations will be accepted until May 15. Afterward, t all submitted nominations are presented to the Awards Selection Committee, a small but diverse group of people with years of experience in community service. Nominees will have short biographical information published in the event program at the Fairness Awards Dinner. Recipients of the awards will be announced during the evening’s festivities. To view the categories for nomination and to make your own, please visit http://lexfair.org/index.php/fairness-awards/nomination-process. Ticket sales begin May 1 and can be purchased at http://lexfair.org/index.php/fairness-awards/ticket-purchase
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21
2014 Lexington Pride Festival Entertainment The Lexington Pride Festival Committee would like to announce three of our special guests headlining and appearing at the 2014 Lexington Pride Festival on Saturday, June 28, 2014! "Lies!"
and triumphs. Collaborating
this album has been so ther-
only three years old when
as well as two full-length
with leading UK DJ Les
apeutic and emotional!”
his
talent
albums, "Dedicated," and
Hemstock, Dario explored
Pop
singer natural
Dario vocal
was
follow-up
single,
Never one to rest on past
and
charming
person-
"The Up Side of Down," were
the world of dance music
achievements;
ality
captured
adoring
commercial hits. He has since
in "Talking Loud". Dario
committed to giving back to
hearts and an audience. It
toured with Destiny's Child,
explains, "I love the idea
the community. He works
was obvious that he was
KC & JoJo and other estab-
of creative musical people
with numerous foundations
destined to be a sensation.
lished recording artists. In
taking something I've done
that educate, research and
The Tucson Arizona native
2011, the pop star wrapped
and making it different and
fight to cure HIV/AIDS,
entertained at this early age,
a national, five-month head-
new!" While Dario enjoyed
breast cancer and sickle cell
singing and dancing to the
lining tour to promote "The
the opportunity to dive into
anemia. His favorite foun-
musical stylings of Michael
Up Side of Down," which
new musical territory, he
dation is Building Futures
Jackson, Marvin Gaye and
was released to rave reviews.
remains dedicated to his roots
Inc. (BFI), where he serves
Cheyanne. Before long he
Dario's solid reputation
and will be releasing a Pop
as a passionate mentor to
was a successful champion
as a singular force in the
and R&B follow-up album
struggling
of local competitions and
industry has landed him
titled "Evolution" April 29th
young adults in Los Angeles,
talent shows, earning him a
multitudes of public appear-
2014, produced by David
helping them to envision
loyal following. Independent
ances, including televised
Pramik. “This is the defining
their dreams and work to
record labels invited Dario
red-carpet events such as
record for me in my career,”
make them come true.
to audition after discovering
the
Dario states. “Working on
him at a "Search for Stardom"
American Music Awards. He
convention, catapulting the
has also graced the covers of
singer into an exhilarating
more than 40 entertainment
music career.
and lifestyle magazines.
Dario's distinctive vocals
Grammy's
and
The
The reality series "Dario
and dynamic stage pres-
Undiscovered"
ence landed his first single
revealing glimpse into the
"Be" at number one on
making
the
Sales
album, as well as his personal
Chart in April 2004. His
and professional struggles
22
Independent LinQ
of
offers Dario's
a fifth
Dario
children
is
and
In a recent interview, Dario
was asked to reveal the secret
the “Fagbug,” and embarked
to his success. His answer:
upon a video-documented
"Hard work, the support of
58-day trip around the US
my friends and family, and
and Canada. During this
of course, the loyalty of my
she interviewed 536 people
amazing fans! But really,
and spoke out against hate
there is no secret—success
crimes.
has always been the only
Along the way, Erin discovered other, more serious hate
option." been
crimes, had people attempt
announced as one of Katy
to remove the graffiti, and
Perry's opening acts in 2014
experimented with having a
at selected venues. For more
male drive her car. Not only
information on Dario and
did she want America to see
his music, check out www.
the
darioonline.com.
she wanted help with a solu-
Vermont, to wife and artist
Josh released a new single in
tion. Her trip in the Fagbug
collaborator Sonya Parrish.
2013 with “The Turn Around”
led to a 2009 award-winning
Erin & Sonya reside in
and is in studio recording his
Davies, an art education
documentary
Syracuse, NY with their 3
soon to be released album,
student at Sage College of
adventure.
dogs, 3 cats and 2 turtles.
“Background
Dario
Seven
has
years
also
ago
Erin
spray-painted
words,
about
her
married
in
Manchester,
and intriguing.
Static
of
Albany made national head-
After a year, Erin gave her
Watch the trailer, view the
lines. On April 18, 2007, the
car a makeover and now
film on Netflix or Hulu. Her
The discography includes
11th Annual National Day of
tours
rainbow
sequel “Fagbug Nation” is
3 CDs with ‘Got Love?’, ‘Out
Silence, Erin Davies became
Volkswagen Beetle, speaking
coming out very soon and
From Under’, ‘A Totally New
a victim to a hate crime in
at over 300 colleges and
will be showing in Lexington
Sensation’ and the single
Albany, New York. Because
universities
North
as part of a fundraiser the
“All I Want For Christmas”.
of sporting a rainbow sticker
America to bring awareness
day after the Lexington Pride
Distributed nationally by
on her Volkswagen Beetle,
of hate crimes and homo-
Festival.
Burnside, Josh’s music is an
Erin’s car was vandalized, left
phobia. Erin’s been a guest on
with the words “fag” and “u r
BBC, NPR and ABC News,
gay” spray-painted placed on
with
her
across
Perpetual Discontent”.
infectious mixture of pop a
rock and soothing ballads,
and has been written about in
singer songwriter musician
all of them electrified with
the driver’s side window and
Newsweek, Vanity Fair, The
expanding his musical hori-
a powerful message of love
hood of her car.
Advocate, Curve Magazine,
zons with each original song
and self-acceptance.
Despite initial shock and
and in Clara Lewis’ book
he composes and records.
embarrassment, Erin decided
titled “Tough On Hate? The
Josh’s lyrics are said to be
our 2009 Lexington Pride
to embrace what happened
Cultural Politics of Hate
truthful, surrounding life’s
Festival. He was so well
by leaving the graffiti on her
Crimes.”
challenges and quest for
received
Josh
Zuckerman
is
Josh was a headliner at
that
we
have
car. In response, she put her
Recently, Erin received her
spiritual growth. His musical
invited him back. He has
studies on hold, took her car,
Master’s in Art Education
conviction and well articu-
been wanting to get back to
now known worldwide as
from Sage College and got
lated melodies are spirited
perform ever since. LinQ
23
May Calendar All meetings are hosted at the GLSO Pride Center unless otherwise noted
Thursday, May 1
Monday, May 12
Saturday, May 24
6:30-8:30PM GLSO Board Meeting
8:00-9:00PM AA Meeting by AVOL*
1:30-3:30PM GLSO Fundraising Committee
Saturday, May 3
Tuesday, May 13
Sunday, May 25
7:30-9:00PM TransKentucky
6:30-8:30PM PFLAG Meeting*
2:00-4:00PM Raging Grape Ape Committee
Sunday, May 4
7:00-9:00PM HIV/AIDS Support Group at AVOL*
3:30-5:30PM Company Q Drama Troupe Practice
3:30-5:30PM Company Q Drama Troupe Practice
Wednesday, May 14
6:00-8:00PM Imperial Court Meeting
6:00-8:00PM Imperial Court Meeting
7:00-9:00PM LGBT Discussion Group
6:30-9:30PM Team Lex Volleyball*
6:30-9:30PM Team Lex Volleyball*
Thursday, May 15
Monday, May 26
Monday, May 5
7:00-9:00PM 2014 LexPride Planning Meeting
8:00-9:00PM AA Meeting at AVOL*
8:00-9:00PM AA Meeting at AVOL*
Friday, May 16
Wednesday, May 28
Wednesday, May 7
7:00-10:00PM Senior’s Bistro Potluck
7:00-9:00PM LGBT Discussion Group
7:00-9:00PM LGBT Discussion Group
8:00-11:30PM Big Baskets of the Bluegrass*
Thursday, May 29
8:30-11:30PM ICK Entertainer of the Year*
Saturday, May 17
7:00-9:00PM 2014 LexPride Planning Meeting
Thursday, May 8
7:00PM-10:00PM GSA Pride Prom*
Friday, May 30
7:00-9:00PM LOVEboldly Board Meeting
Sunday, May 18
8:30-11:30PM ICK’s In Town Show*
Friday, May 9
3:30-5:30PM Company Q Drama Troupe Practice
Saturday, May 31
7:00-9:00PM Hispanic LGBT Discussion Group
6:00-8:00PM Imperial Court Meeting
8:30-11:30PM ICK’s Out of Town Show*
Saturday, May 10
6:30-9:30PM Team Lex Volleyball*
1:30-3:30PM GLSO Fundraising Committee
Monday, May 19
9:00-10:00PM KYBourbonBears Board Meeting
8:00-9:00PM AA Meeting at AVOL*
Sunday, May 11
Wednesday, May 21
2:00-4:00PM Raging Grape Ape Committee
7:00-9:00PM LGBT Discussion Group
3:30-5:30PM Company Q Drama Troupe Practice
Friday, May 23
6:00-8:00PM Imperial Court Meeting
7:00-9:00PM Hispanic LGBT Discussion Group
6:30-9:30PM Team Lex Volleyball*
8:00-11:00PM 5th Annual Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction
* 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! 24
LinQ
Telephone Directory HIV/STD Testing, Services and Information
PFLAG Louisville
502 223 1323
AIDS Volunteers of Lexington (AVOL) 859 225 3000
SisterSound
859 806 0243
Health Department, Fayette County
Social Services, Lexington
211
Health Department, Woodford County 859 873 4541
Speaker’s Bureau
859 266 5904
HIV/AIDS Legal Project
502 584 1254
TransKentucky
cassiemt@yahoo.com
Moveable Feast
859 252 2867
Transgender Youth Family Allies
1 888 462 8932
Northern Ky Region
859 341 4264
Trevor Lifeline 24/7
1 866 488 7386
UK Adolescent Medicine
859 323 5643
United Way
859 313 5465
859 288 2437
Community and Social Groups
Religious Groups
24-Hour Crisis Line
800 929 8000
Bluegrass United Church of Christ
859 233 0208
24-Hour Teen Crisis Line
800 999 9999
Faith Lutheran Church
859 266 7621
Alcoholics Anonymous
859 967 9960
First Presbyterian Church
859 252 1919
AA/Alcoholic Teens
859 277 1877
Lex Friends, Quakers
859 254 3319
Council for Peace and Justice
859 488 1448
Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church
859 255 1075
Discussion Group
859 253 3233
St. Martha’s Episcopal Church
859 271 7641
Fairness of Louisville
502 893 0788
Unitarian Universalist Church
859 223 1448
Gay-Straight Alliance, Teens
859 266 5904
Woodland Christian Church
859 266 3416
GLSO Pride Center
859 253 3233
Imperial Court of Kentucky
859 619 7521
Berea College ACE
859 958 3633
International Gay Bowling
859 539 3058
BCTC Gay-Straight Alliance
859 246 6365
Lexington Fair Housing Council
866 438 8617
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
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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