Community Vol 4 Issue 5

commUNITY SEPT-OCT 2016

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We are pleased to present the following awards in honor of the amazing work of the following individuals, businesses, and organizations:

Ellis Medicine - Rising Star Award

Given to a person or organization that has begun to demonstrate promising service to the LGBTQ community.

Judd Krasher - Peter Drago Leadership in Government Award

Given to a person in government who has demonstrated outstanding support of the LGBTQ community.

Rosy Galván - Community Service Award

Given to a person or organization that has demonstrated outstanding community service within the LGBTQ community.

Taylor Keith - Faisal Alam Young Leaders Award

Given to a person (ages 24 and under) whose passion, drive, and efforts are making an impact on the LGBTQ community.

A. Reilly - Paul Postiglione Youth Services Award

Given to a person who has worked to improve the lives of LGBTQ youth.

Jeff Baltes - Libby Post Council Leadership Award

Given to a former Pride Center board member who defined leadership.

Black Lives Matter - Organization of the Year

Given to an organization for its outstanding support of the LGBTQ Community.

Eòghann Renfroe - Sylvia Rivera Award

Given to a person or organization that has demonstrated outstanding work advocating for the LGBTQ community

Kymlee Dorsey - Marcia P. Johnson Award

Given to a person or organization that has made outstanding contributions to the transgender and gender non-conforming communities.

Robert “Empress Champagne” Quinney - Harvey Milk Award

Given to a person in the community whose work emulates the ideals of Harvey Milk.

ROCKS - Special Recognition Award

Given in special recognition of service to the community and Pride Center above and beyond

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Friday, Nov. 4th, Hilton Albany

Purchase Your Tickets Today!

www.capitalpridecenter.org/gala

commUNITY SEPT-OCT 2016

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CONTENTS

SEPT / OCT 2016 VOL 4 ISSUE 5

Features

Columns

News, information, and updates

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10 Sex Ed Corner

36 Weekly Programs Calendar

20 Trans View

37 Affiliates Calendar

Saratoga Summer Soiree PHOTOS BY JAY ZHANG

BY MOONHAWK RIVER STONE

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Regaining the Right to Vote: For NY EX-Inmates It’s a Maze BY GWEN MCCLURE

26 To Be a Blessing

BY AUDREY SEIDMAN

28 Ask Mark Your Tax Questions

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Get Help Putting Food on the Table - Apply for SNAP Benefits

BY MARK WITECKI

38 CommUNITY Calendar 37 Advertisers Index 40 Pride Center Programs

29 Out in the Garden

BY JUDITH FETTERLEY PHOTO CREDITS

12 Who Among Us: The

Genuine Revolution of BLM Upstate NY

BY MASAI ANDREWS

14 CANY BY IVETTE ALFONSO

31 The Fashionable and the Frivolous

BY ALAN BENNET ILAGAN

33 Here’s Guffman

BY PATRICK WHITE

35 Michael Cooks and You Can Too

BY MICHAEL MEAD

15 Elections BY JONATHAN LANG 16 Bringing Death Out of

the Closet BY JEFF BALTES AND

BONNIE EDELSTEIN

18 Please Vote BY LAUREN FORD 19 Who Cares About Politics 23 Inventing Our Future

BY ELIJAH NELLA

24 Good Music, Old Friends and Bigotry BY TERI WILHELM

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Opposite : © Jay Zhang | Jay Zhang Photography

ABOUT COMMUNITY MAGAZINE CommUNITY Magazine is published bi-monthly by the Pride Center of the Capital Region, 332 Hudson Avenue, Albany NY 12210. Telephone (518) 462-6138.

Entire contents © 2016 Capital District Gay & Lesbian Community Council d/b/a Pride Center of the Capital Region. Reproductions in whole or in part without express permission of the publisher are strictly prohibited.

CommUNITY Magazine welcomes submissions of articles & artwork of interest to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people in the Capital Region. Editorial and advertising deadline is the 5th of each month. Written work should be submitted electronically with author’s name and phone number to mweidrich@capitalpridecenter.org Opinions expressed in CommUNITY Magazine are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Pride Center of the Capital Region, its Board, Staff or Volunteers.

Letters to the Publisher may be sent to Michael Weidrich at mweidrich@capitalpridecenter.org. Letters must be 100 words or less and must include contact information (name, phone, email). To receive home delivery of CommUNITY please send your address to sminchin@capitalpridecenter.org or mail your request to 332 Hudson Ave, Albany, NY 12210

SARATOGA

SUMMER SOIREE

As the track season opened our community enjoyed a lovely evening in Saratoga on the deck at the aMansion Inn! Featuring food stations, hor d’oeuvres, soft drinks, a cash bar, and fantastic entertainment by Miranda Moirai with jazz & blues throughout the evening by our favorite group Roben Kosek. photographs © Jay Zhang / Jay Zhang Photography commUNITY SEPT-OCT 2016

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Patricia K. Wood, PRESIDENT Joseph Kerwin, VICE PRESIDENT Paul Patel, 2ND VICE PRESIDENT Jeffrey Dyber, TREASURER Joseph Bailey Timothy Beebe Cynthia Bott Jennifer Castellani John Daniels Vincent Lanzone Angela D. Ledford, Ph.D Linda Richardson, Ph.D IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT:

Kenneth P. Mortensen, Jr.

PRIDE CENTER STAFF:

Lyndon Cudlitz

DIRECTOR OF TRAINING & EDUCATION

Deidre Dumpson

TAINING AND EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Alyssa Hackett PROGRAMS SUPERVISOR

Luke Lavera

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Steven Minchin

COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL PROJECTS SUPERVISOR

James Shultis

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

Lauren Simone PROGRAMS SUPERVISOR

Michael Weidrich EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO

INTERNS: ALYSAA LUPINSKI JEN MASERCOLA

OUR MISSION The mission of the Pride Center of the Capital Region is to promote the well-being of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer identified people and those affected by discrimination based on gender identity and expression.

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SARATOGA

SUMMER SOIREE

A special thank you to our hosts and sponsors, The Mansion Inn, Casswood Insurance Agency LTD., River Street Club, FirstLight, Renaissance Hotels, and Albany.com

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Regaining the Right to Vote: For NY Ex-Inmates, It’s a Maze By Gwen McClure NEW YORK — Marilyn Reyes-Scales, 53, remembers family time in her parents’ living room as a small child, when her aunt and uncles sat with her parents, discussing the views of political candidates and debating each one’s merits. Her parents had moved from Puerto Rico to New York for the opportunity to have a better life, and they took voting seriously.

register because she was on parole, and then, even after she completed it, had her registration rejected — an issue that many would-be voters have faced, likely due to misinformed election officials. This is a problem experts call “de facto disenfranchisement,” meaning that people don’t vote because they are misinformed about their rights.

She laughs, remembering how hard it was to sit still in one place while her parents lined up at the polls, and how heated those family conversations got.

When she was old enough she joined her parents, viewing voting as both her right and her responsibility.

“I was discouraged,” she said. “I felt less worthy. I felt that because of my past, now I can’t get my life back.”

“It made me feel like an adult,” she said. “I felt like I was doing an adult thing.”

She stopped voting when she got involved with drugs, and in her early 30s, Reyes-Scales was convicted of a felony and incarcerated. When she got out, she knew she wanted to live a different life.

And that also meant having a say in the leadership of her community and country — by voting.

But she says for years she couldn’t

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Though New York is often thought of as a bastion of progressive thinking and policies, in the juvenile justice sphere the state is middle-of-theroad in many ways. New York tries 16and 17-year-olds as adults, meaning that juveniles can lose the right to vote before they’ve even gained it. Activists see this as one of several ways in which youth are affected by felony disenfranchisement, and are fighting for more progressive legislation.

“By restoring the right to vote, men and women are going to be able to get re-engaged in their communities,” said Brandon Holmes, a civil rights organizer at VOCAL-NY, an organization focused on empowering marginalized communities and ending

mass incarceration.

Reyes-Scales was determined to overcome the barriers that prevented her from reclaiming her rights as a citizen. She stopped using drugs, and tried hard to find work and reintegrate into her community. Eventually, her persistence paid off.

“I wanted to do something different this time, I didn’t want to fall back,” she said. “I kept fighting.

And she says that, with this persistence — including continuing to become educated about her rights and trying to register to vote — she’s accomplished a lot.

“I got my voting rights; I helped pass the Fair Chance Act in NYC; I’ve become active in my community.” (The Fair Chance Act makes it illegal for New York employers to ask about the criminal record of job applicants before making a job offer.)

This story was written for the Juvenile Justice Information Exchange, a national news site that covers the issue daily Continue reading the full story online:http://jjie.org/regaining-rightto-vote-for-ny-ex-inmates-its-amaze/213550/

RESOURCE

Get Help Putting Food on the Table – Apply for SNAP Benefits!

Men’s Pride For gay, bisexual, transgender, same-gender-loving, queer, and questioning men ages 18+

Are you, or is someone you know, struggling to put enough food on the table? Making ends meet is challenging for many in our community, and sometimes that means having to choose between buying food or paying for other necessities.

In a study published in July 2016

by The Williams Institute, 1 in 4 LGBTQ adults were found to have experienced a time in the last year where they could not afford enough food for themselves or their families, with transgender folks and LGBTQ people of color being most greatly affected by hunger.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (known as SNAP) is a program that issues monthly benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food at authorized retailers. Eligibility is based on income and household size, among other factors. New York recently adopted the recommendation of the Governor’s Anti-Hunger Taskforce to increase amount working people and families can earn and still be eligible for SNAP benefits.

With the recent changes to program, an additional 750,000 New York households will be eligible for a SNAP benefit.

Applying for SNAP can be done online through mybenefits.ny.gov or through a paper application available at your local Department of Social Services. The only way to know for sure if you’re eligible is to apply! SNAP helps millions of people throughout the United States afford food, and it could help you too. Apply today.

Meets Every Monday at 7pm 1st, 3rd & 5th Mondays - Discussion Group 2nd & 4th Mondays - Social Gathering at the Pride Center of the Capital Region 332 Hudson Ave, Albany - Garden Level For more information on Men’s Pride call (518) 462-6138 or ahackett@capitalpridecenter.org

For more information on Women’s Pride call (518) 462-6138 or lsimone@capitalpridecenter.org

Women’s Pride For lesbian, bisexual, transgender, same-gender-loving, queer, and questioning women ages 18+ Meets on alternating Wednesdays at 6pm 2nd Wednesday–Social 4th Wednesday– Discussion at the Pride Center of the Capital Region 332 Hudson Ave, Albany - 1st Floor commUNITY SEPT-OCT 2016

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SEX ED CORNER

Reproductive Justice & Restrictive Politics The words “misconception” and “abortion” have been written next to each other in numerous articles, even before the Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade in 1973 legalized the procedure nationally. Yet one of the biggest misconceptions may have to be the idea that it isn’t an LGBTQ issue.

The truth is that many in the community need to be able to and do access reproductive and sexual healthcare, including abortion. LGBT youth are at a higher risk for unintended pregnancy than their heterosexual and cis peers.

We know that the fight over privacy, sexuality, and our bodies is both intensely personal and intersectional and that reproductive justice IS queer justice.

Another misconception? That having a Democrat and pro-choice President has protected reproductive health and the right to abortion. The Republican majority in the House and Senate has had an effect on comprehensive sex education, access to contraceptives,

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and funding for reproductive health services nationally, even if it’s just to dig in their heels and prevent any sweeping changes. But where conservative policy makers have caused the most damage is around abortion, slowly chipping away state by state. Unable to make abortion illegal again, they changed tactics to focus on regulations that limit providers and overall access. And it’s been incredibly successful.

States have passed nearly as many anti-abortion laws from 2011-2015 than in the entire 15 years prior. As of July 2016, 25 states have laws or policies to regulate abortion that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association say are not based in scientific fact and are medically unnecessary. These nearly impossible to meet standards include • • • • • •

Requiring clinic locations be within a set distance of a hospital Specifying sizes of procedure rooms and width of clinic hallways Requiring unnecessary and expensive equipment Higher licensing standards for providers Limiting Medicaid funding for abortion to cases of rape, incest or life endangerment Mandatory in-person counseling

sessions (sometimes multiple) Politicians rely on the argument that these new restrictions are for “safety” reasons. Keeping in mind that statistically, a person is more likely to be hit by lightning or die from a colonoskapy than a legal abortion, the argument isn’t just wrong, it rewrites a narrative of inherent “danger” associated with having an abortion. It is a scare tactic, a way to delegitimize a safe outpatient procedure that 1 in 3 women will have in their lifetime. It is manipulative policy that skews public perception, stoking the fire for anti-abortion sentiment and stigma, while also shielding itself with the caveat that abortion is still technically legal.

Burdensome regulations have caused nearly 180 clinics to close in less than a decade, with some states down to one location. Those who have the financial means can travel elsewhere, but 75% of abortions in the U.S. are obtained by poor or low income women in their 20s who already have a child. Those who are already vulnerable are effected the most by these policies and feel most powerless in the face of overwhelming obstacles. Do we really have a right, if not all of us can access it? If something is legal but not protected in practice, can we rely on it?

The on-going attacks on abortion are

startling and pressing for all who access reproductive healthcare and those who support the right to choose. They also serve as a warning. This is not just happening in red states out west. In June, Pennsylvania’s Republican governor signed a bill that would require someone receive abortion counseling before their waiting period. Along with the state’s already existing mandate, this means someone would need two counseling sessions before they can get an abortion, which incurs more travel costs as well as potential stress and emotional toll.

With successes and setbacks in both judicial and legislative action in recent years, the LGBTQ community has a lot to lose and learn from these legislative tactics. This strategy could be implemented to limit LGBTQ equality even where there are legal rights and protections in place, by quietly, yet violently, creating restrictions that could undermine their effectiveness and availability. And, much like in the case of abortion, those who have the greatest need also do not have the luxury of time to go through the long legal battles it takes to reverse these policies or wait for the Supreme Court to reverse a lower court decision.

LAW OFFICE OF GERI POMERANTZ, ESQ. Proudly serving the LGBT community and our friends

694 Columbia Turnpike East Greenbush, NY 12061 Tel: 518-479-3713 http://pomerantzlaw.org/ Practice focused on family and matrimonial law

It’s an incredibly privileged position and dangerous misconception to believe that only national elections matter. Every election, national, state, and local is vital. Politicians, whether they are Senators, Governors, or Mayors, can sponsor or sign legislation that directly impacts and regulates your access to safety, privacy, healthcare, and happiness. Participating in politics is not just voting for President in November, but paying attention to the positions of local law makers year round.

Reference: various data from Guttmacher Institute, https://www.guttmacher.org/ http://www.nytimes. com/2016/06/28/us/supreme-court-texas-abortion.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/ wp/2016/06/01/14-states-have-passed-laws-makingit-harder-to-get-an-abortion-already-this-year/ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michelle-tang/5-thingsthat-are-more-le_b_8630572.html

Lauren Simone is currently a Programs Supervisor at The Pride Center of the Capital Region. A former education and outreach specialist with Planned Parenthood who studied LGBTQ and women’s history in college, she is committed to confronting rape culture and applying intersectional feminism to both her personal and professional life.

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Who Among Us: The Genuine Revolution of BLM Upstate NY

By Masai Andrews

Fueled by an urgency to combat the endless string of abuses and injustices levied against Black people at the hands of the State, Black Lives Matter has managed to harness the frustration, energy, and creativity of a generation It was an unseasonably frigid evening in early November when Rosa Clemente stood at City Hall with a bullhorn and the attentive ear of a crowd of protesters. Tension in the city was at a fever pitch after Albany’s District Attorney, David Soares, failed to get an indictment for the unconstitutional stop and subsequent death of beloved community member, Donald “Dontay” Ivy. As she spoke, Clemente’s words cut through the crowd with the same veracity as the bitter wind: “Everybody thinks [State] violence only happens in New York City, or Los Angeles. I tell people all over the country, go to Upstate New York and you’ll see more egregious forms of violence, aided by people who look like us.”

At least three other individuals have been fatally shot by police in the surrounding area since those words were uttered. That was nine months ago.

Just last month, Black Lives Matter celebrated its three year anniversary.

During those three years, the BLM mantra—created by queer Black women—has become a rallying cry for oppressed and marginalized voices around the world. It has also grown into a sprawling movement and 12 |

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network, connecting communities (and communities WITHIN communities) on a scale never before seen. Fueled by an urgency to combat the endless string of abuses and injustices levied against Black people at the hands of the State, Black Lives Matter has managed to harness the frustration, energy, and creativity of a generation. At its core, Black Lives Matter is a transformative and radical grassroots movement meant to bolster organizing within Black communities, while centralizing the voices of the most marginalized.

As with many of its predecessors, the end goal of the movement is Black liberation.

In working towards that goal, the Black Lives Matter Network has spurred several regional chapters, each operating autonomously, yet in alignment with the “Guiding Principles” put forth by the organization. BLM Upstate NY is one of the newest official chapters, and due to a series of highly publicized incidents garnering national attention (including the killing of Dontay Ivy), it has become one of the most visible.

It’s worth noting that most of the individuals who founded BLM Upstate NY were already heavily involved in racial justice work and advocacy prior to the formation of the chapter.

Other chapters have echoed similar sentiment. This has understandably raised the question: Why organize under the Black Lives Matter moniker if the work is already being done? To answer that, one must be familiar with community organizing and some of the obstacles the come along with it.

The women who created Black Lives Matter have stressed that it is primarily a network, as opposed to a hierarchical institution or service organization.

Networks connect and unify people, and that’s essential to community organizing. This means BLM is a way to unify and streamline existing fronts in order to increase their relative impact. That’s a roundabout way of saying it gets people excited to collaborate and actively participate in a tangible movement for Black lives.

Black Lives Matter is unique in that since its onset it has maintained a commitment to ALL Black people, purposely rejecting the respectability politics and male-centeredness that have plagued and fragmented earlier movements. So in addition to connecting individuals and initiatives, BLM is further exposing the interconnectedness of various forms of societal oppression—namely: racism, colorism, misogyny (esp. misogynoir), homophobia, transphobia, toxic masculinity, ableism, and classism.

The Upstate New York chapter has made it a priority to focus on these intersections, so that the notion of Black lives mattering doesn’t exclusively apply to straight, cisgender, Black men.

In our brief tenure, we’ve supported and helped coordinate various public actions demanding rights and protections for the transgender community—including demonstrations at both the NYS Capital and Albany City Hall. We’ve held multiple vigils, rallies, and community forums highlighting the national epidemic of state violence committed against Black women and femmes. We’ve uplifted the struggles of Black men who have fallen victim to the system—including Marquis Dixon and Dontay Ivy—while being careful not to ignore the Black women and children comprising their families, who subsequently suffer from that victimization as well. We’re proud to say that, to date, we’ve raised over $5,000 for the family of Dontay Ivy; but we understand that true transformative justice will only be achieved when all Black families are free from the trappings of white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism.

That is why, in addition to our more reactionary endeavors, BLM Upstate NY continues to focus on revolutionary initiatives within the community. These initiatives include: collaborations with local Black and Brown farmers (like Soul Fire Farm and Soul Tribe Eats) who are dedicated to food justice and

Black Lives Matter is unique in that since its onset it has maintained a commitment to ALL Black people, purposely rejecting the respectability politics and male-centeredness that have plagued and fragmented earlier movements health equity; various youth programs and mentoring efforts meant to cultivate and empower children of color; and a commitment to promoting education on radical resistance, as well as community alternatives to police and our carceral state.

Another of our high priorities is continuing to raise community support and awareness for what has been dubbed “The UAlbany Bus Incident.” This incident is of particular importance because it challenges the respectability politics and misogynoir that have become commonplace in Black communities and Black liberation movements alike. In many ways, we believe the community’s willingness to rally behind and support the Black women involved will set the tone for much of what BLM Upstate NY plans to accomplish in the weeks and months ahead.

Show Your Pride Online

There are an endless number of social ills and injustices to tackle regionally, nationally, and globally.

No organization or chapter has the resources necessary to address them all; and no one organization has to. To quote Audre Lorde, “Revolution is not a one-time event. It is becoming always vigilant for the smallest opportunity to make a genuine change.” Black Lives Matter Upstate NY is committed to making genuine change, both in our community, and beyond. The only question is: Who among us will partake in the revolution?

Go to blmupstateny.com to learn more about the Upstate NY chapter of Black Lives Matter and how to join. commUNITY SEPT-OCT 2016

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CANY

By Ivette Alfonso

As you can read from my bio, I have been organizing, ranting, protesting and generally hell raising for a long time. For the last ten years, CANY, a grassroots organization on big issues that are at the center of transforming society, has been my political home.

This has given me the opportunity to examine what it means to be an activist in the first decade of the 21st century.

And how intersectionality has impacted on the movement for social, racial and economic justice.

My friend and fellow progressive, Barbara Smith, writes about intersectionality in her book Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around outlining how necessary it is to recognize and address the often interlocking oppressions of race, gender, class and sexuality. One can’t challenge one oppression without challenging all.

There are many parts to my identity: cis woman, Lesbian, wife, mother (two wonderful daughters and yes I’m bragging), educator among others.

How to represent all these parts in political struggle is not easy.

Here are some thoughts on how we can integrate our personal with our political selves:

• Black Lives Matter.

Listen to the demands, participate in a rally, and contribute to the dialog. Even if you can claim white privilege, racial inequality affects you. In the desire to control black and brown bodies, we now have militarized police, an exhaustive prison industrial complex and restrictive voting laws. That adds to the redlining and segregated school systems which have plagued communities of color since the last century. This means that a significant portion of the country’s population can’t fully participate in American society.

• Fight for 15. In the past

year and a half, there has been a movement to raise the minimum wage to a livable wage ($15

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an hour.). Started by fast food workers, the demand to raise all wages soon became the cry.

Although legislation passed allowing for a gradual phase-in, the amounts are different for upstate ($12.50) as opposed to NYC and Long Island. We all have to continue to insist that upstate deserves the same amount.

• Ban the Bomb Trains. None of us want

to experience an explosion that will spew oil and other toxic substances. The unleashed toxicity would affect the whole city. Yet that is what potentially could happen in the South End of Albany. This is a community bordered by train tracks on which trains carrying highly flammable oil travel.

• Community Schools.

Even if you don’t have children the state of the schools should concern you. And not all are up to par. Establishing community schools is a way to address the disconnect which many parents and children, especially in communities of color, feel. By coordinating resources for families while implementing a rigorous academic program the chances of educational success increase exponentially.

many other offices on the ballot.

Here in Albany we even have a Board of Education election. It is important to know candidates’ stances on issues such as GENDA, money in politics, racial and criminal justice etc. CANY does an exhaustive vetting of any candidate of we support.

Obviously, there are so many other issues that intertwine the personal and the political. But the most important thing is to be involved at any level you can.

If you’re interested in knowing more about CANY, you can contact us via Website: www.citizenactionny.org Facebook: Citizen Action of New York Twitter: @citizenactionny Email: info@citizenactionny.org Call: (518) 465­4600 Visit: 94 Central Ave.

• Ban the Box. This refers to

that question on job applications which asks if you’ve ever been convicted of a crime. For most positions this immediately stops the hiring process before an applicant can make a case for him/herself. If someone has done time, they should not be further penalized by not being employable.

• Vote! And vote for everything.

Policy decisions and laws are made every day which affect all aspects of our life (such as the anti­transgender “bathroom bills”).

Currently the focus is on the presidential elections but there are

Ivette Alfonso is Board President of Citizen Action of New York. A native of Puerto Rico who was raised in the Bronx, Ivette has been involved for over fifty years in movements including the fight for Puerto Rican independence, organizing against the Vietnam War, the freeing of political prisoners (both in the US and abroad), the struggle for full LGBTQ rights and access to education for communities of color. Ivette is the President of the Board of Citizen Action of New York (CANY).

Contact me: ialfonso608@gmail.com.

Elections

By Jonathan Lang Unless you’ve been living in some remote commune deep in the Appalachians with no access to the outside world, you know that we are in the midst of a presidential election. What some people call “the silly season” is in full swing. The breathless, weeklong coverage of the conventions, the pundits parsing over each word to ascertain some new, hidden meaning of a candidate’s beliefs, the constant ticker tape documenting what some candidate said in some county that you’ve never even heard of let alone visited. People you haven’t heard of in decades are suddenly on Facebook blasting your political beliefs and berating you for your naiveté.

It’s all part of the presidential election season. Some folks follow all the ups and downs faithfully, others tune it out completely. But regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, most people understand that this is an important election that could determine which direction our country moves towards. If you watched the Republican convention and then the Democratic convention, you would have thought there were two very different countries being discussed.

The Republican convention painted a picture of a country on the verge of collapse with rampant crime, an anemic economy, and a lack of leadership that disregards the concerns of average Americans. The Democratic convention presented a more optimistic vision of America that noted the many domestic and foreign challenges the United States faces, but a belief that American exceptionalism with continue to meet

those challenges both here and abroad.

But regardless of which vision you believe, there is no doubt that there is much at stake with this election.

Issues ranging from healthcare, to student debt, to the Supreme Court, to reproductive health are all on the table in this election. If you care about what being able to get health insurance even if you have a pre-existing condition or believe student debt is crushing a generation of young adults, then you need to vote. If you believe we are engaged in far too many conflicts that don’t directly impact the United State, then you need to vote. If you believe the infrastructure of our cities is in desperate need of reinvestment, then you need to vote. If you believe the 1% isn’t paying their fair share of taxes, then you need to vote. If you believe we that our natural resources are being endangered, then you need to vote.

And the impact of our election extends far beyond our borders, with the rest of the world waiting to see how the United States will demonstrate leadership on the international stage.

It’s not an exaggeration that the world is watching. President Hollande of France stated that “…the American election is a global election.” when he addressed the French Presidential Press Association in Paris. There are legitimate arguments that can be made for either engagement or isolation, and who we select at President will determine if the United States will continue to deepen our relationships in Asia, support our European partners in NATO, and continue to lead humanitarian missions in Africa.

Come November, we will have a new President who will have the unenviable task of leading our country – and to some degree the world – through a period of unrest and uncertainty. The economy has largely recovered from the Great Recession but there are still many people struggling to get by, our major political parties remain at a standstill with even commonsense policies failing to get agreement, and both domestic and global terrorism threatens our neighborhoods and borders. Orlando, San Bernadino and Nice are just a few examples of how the threat of danger is ever-present.

And so when you go to the polls in November, I hope you think about all of the issues that come across the President’s desk and then think about what kind of person you want sitting behind that desk when they are literally making decisions of life and death. Decisions that could make your life even a little better or could throw another roadblock in your way. Decisions that will determine if the next generation will be more successful than the last. Get familiar with the positions of the candidates by researching their policy platforms.

Going beyond the sound bites and determine if their vision of America and the world aligns with your own personal beliefs.

And then proudly vote on November 8th for the next President of the United States. Go to http://www. albanycounty.com/Government/ Departments/BoardofElections.aspx if you’re unsure when and where to go.

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BRINGING DEATH OUT OF THE CLOSET

By Jeff Baltes and Bonnie Edelstein

Being “in the closet,” avoiding difficult conversations, and living, particularly in years past, with an abundance of caution, are familiar situations for many members of our LGBTQ community. Unfortunately, what has also remained in the closet for many of us is the discussion of death. Americans, in general, show a profound distaste for conversations on end-of-life issues, often avoiding communicating with family, doctors, and caregivers about wishes for medical intervention, advance directives, appointment of health care proxies, and even creation of a will.

An important related issue, and one that is receiving increased attention and support, is that of expanding choices of terminally ill patients who are nearing the end of their life and are fearful of being doomed to a painful, anguished, and often undignified death, frequently as a result of heroic measures that may prolong life, but do little or nothing to promote quality of life. A bill co-sponsored by Senator Diane Savino and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin is presently working its way through the legislative process in New York.

The Medical Aid in Dying Act, patterned after similar legislation in Oregon, where the procedure has been legal for over eighteen years, permits patients with a terminal diagnosis of six months or less, to request life-ending medication that is self-administered by the patient.

Two physicians must confirm the diagnosis, the patient must be at least eighteen years of age, and he or she must be judged mentally competent.

The request must also be made in writing and witnessed by two people, at least one of whom has no interest in the patient’s estate. Numerous other safeguards are contained in the legislation as well, including protection of the physician from prosecution and safeguarding the payment of life insurance benefits (this is not deemed death by suicide). Additionally, the underlying medical condition is listed as the cause of death on the death certificate.

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Critics will often say, “Isn’t this just assisted suicide or euthanasia, cloaked in a different term?” No! Individuals who request this medication are not suicidal—they would choose to live (and often have been fighting strenuously to do so) but their disease is winning. Those who are suicidal typically suffer from depression, are often disconnected from reality and society in general and often suffer from other personality disorders.

Furthermore Medical Aid in Dying bears no relation to euthanasia, as the medication is self-administered at a time determined only by the patient.

All decision making remains with the individual.

As a result of the momentum this movement has gained, we have formed a relatively new local, grassroots group, Death With DignityAlbany, working in conjunction with Compassion and Choices, a national organization with similar interests and objectives. In just over a year, we have built a following of 500 members/ subscribers to our email newsletters.

Our programs throughout the year are well attended and energize support for the initiative, and we receive regular media coverage and are often invited to make presentations to organizations interested in this important topic.

Our efforts have successfully energized support around New York’s proposed legislation, including our presence together at a table at

this year’s Pride Festival. We were gratified by the interest, the positive comments, and the genuine concern voiced by the hundreds of people who stopped by our table to talk, get more information, and to sign up for our email list. These two organizations have partnered to not only develop support for passage of the legislation but also to educate about related issues as well. Our goal is to help people understand the components of the legislation, provide opportunities for advocacy, and heighten awareness about the importance of making conscious decisions around end-oflife issues. The legislation is NOT about dying; rather, it is about living life to the end on one’s own terms, having personal choices honored and respected, and providing yet another option for those facing a terminal illness.

In states where medical aid in dying is legal, a large percentage of the prescriptions requested actually go unused, but patients are comforted knowing that the option is available to them. In fact, in Oregon, the quality of end of life care has been judged improved due, in large part, to increased conversations between patients and their doctors. Referrals and access to hospice care have also increased significantly.

National polls, conducted as recently as 2015, show 68% support by the general public for the measure, cutting across all demographics. For many, that support is very personal, fueled by the struggle of a loved one facing a tortured and painful death. Such is the story of Amanda Cavanaugh, New York Outreach Coordinator for Compassion and Choices. She and her partner Chrissy Connery met just one year before Chrissy’s stage 4 cancer diagnosis. A few days before Chrissy’s 26th birthday, she went to Samaritan Hospital due to severe stomach pains.

Following a battery of tests, she was given a cancer diagnosis, with a grim prognosis.

After countless chemotherapy treatments, loss of her job as a NYS

Frequently Asked Questions…

How is this intervention different from hospice or palliative care?

Aid in dying provides another medical option to reduce suffering and give comfort at the end of life. Aid in dying, however, permits the patient to make a conscious and deliberate choice in assuring his or her wishes are achieved.

Corrections Officer, and a fighting spirit that wouldn’t give up, Chrissy was briefly pronounced cancer-free.

However, the period of remission didn’t last long, and the cancer returned, invading every part of her body. After an exhaustive search for options, additional surgery, and painful treatments, Chrissy succumbed to her illness. Says Cavanaugh, “The details of her death are tragic. If there is anything to take away from those nightmarish last three days it’s this: it is not the death that Chrissy would have wanted and, most importantly, it is not the death that she deserved.

“Chrissy may have chosen to use medial aid in dying, or she might not have; I cannot say for certain. But what I can say is that she would have liked to have the option. Because of that, I advocate for the Medical Aid in Dying Act, I advocate for choice, I advocate for peace of mind, and I will continue to do so until all New Yorkers have that right.”

What can YOU do to advocate for medical aid in dying? Write, visit, and call your legislators, urging support for the legislation. Become informed—and take the opportunity to inform others.

Have “the conversation” with your doctor, loved ones, and caregivers, informing them about your end of life wishes. Correct misinformation and help others to find accurate information on the topic. Both www. compassionandchoices.org and, locally, www.deathwithdignityalbany.

org provide current and helpful resources. Sign up for Death With Dignity-Albany’s email list, check our program listing for opportunities to learn about this issue and other matters related to end of life care and preparation, and contact us at info@ deathwithdignityalbany.org for more information. There is strength in numbers—and the world has indeed been changed by committed people working to make a difference!

Could a participating doctor jeopardize his or her medical license?

The proposed legislation provides protections from criminal or civil liability and from professional disciplinary action.

Does the proposed legislation cover debilitating diseases such as ALS, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s?

Bonnie Edelstein is the founder and Director of Death With DignityAlbany. She spent many years working as a consultant to non-profits and colleges through her consulting firm, People Work.

Jeff Baltes is the Deputy Director of Death With Dignity-Albany. He is a retired educational administrator and former Vice-President of the Pride Center Board of Directors.

Existing laws and the proposed NY legislation do not include these illnesses.

Experts in the political and legislative process in NY strongly advise against adding these measures as they are considered too controversial and open up many ethical questions along with potential risks for abuse of the law.

commUNITY SEPT-OCT 2016

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Please Vote

By Lauren Ford

As queer people, our deep caring for each other outside of traditional family structures, is why we must keep showing up for each other, why we must participate and use our voice.

When I was first asked by the Pride Center to write a call to action around voting I thought it would be easy – I’ve always liked to write and I’ve always been passionate about voting. Easy, right? Nope. When I sat down to write the words just wouldn’t come out in a way that felt adequate enough. I went through several drafts and I jotted down my thoughts around statistics and the impact of local elections; the ongoing historical struggle for the right to vote for women, people of color, transgender folks, and other marginalized communities; the policies and legislation that have made our lives as queer folks more and less just over the past sixty years; and so many other arguments. I wrote all of that down, but what I kept coming back to when I thought about what keeps me motivated to vote when the governing system in America is so incredibly flawed, slow, unjust and frustrating, what I kept coming back to was my little brother and sister. They, and young people like them, are why I will keep voting in every election I can, for as long as I can.

Just over four years ago, I joined the Big Brother’s Big Sister’s program and was soon matched with a little boy, who had just turned nine. Since then, “the little bro” and I have spent hours

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swimming, roller skating, learning to bake, going to the movies, hiking, doing arts and crafts, playing board games, and visiting museums. He and his sister are still a little young to fully understand how policy and politicians shape their lives – from the books in their school library, to what they have to eat for lunch, to what information about their health they’re offered, to the privileges of their white skin, to what opportunities they might realize as they grow up. My “little bro” and his younger sister have become two of the most important people in my life.

We’re not related by blood or the legal system, but one of the things I love most about queer culture is our ability to build families of choice. Families of choice have been vital for our survival – taking care of each other without conditions is a deep part of who we are. So, my little brother and sister may not be related to me, but they are absolutely part of my family.

My little brother and sister are 13 and 11 now and being around them gives me such hope for the future. LGBT Political Icon Harvey Milk’s legacy revolves around hope. He famously said, “Hope will never be silent.” I believe in those words, and I also believe that in order to realize my hopes for the future, I have to vote.

Vote, and lobby, and protest, and never be silent on the issues that matter to me, my family, and my community. No single vote that I make will magically fix everything. No individual politician I might help elect will live up to every expectation I have for them. I’ve been an atheist since I was a teenager and I don’t believe in saviors – human or divine. Superhero movies are among my favorite but I’m not waiting for Superman. Everyone who knows me knows I’m a big Glee nerd. There’s a scene in the second season where Kurt Hummel (one of the few openly Atheist

characters on television) is sitting in a hospital room with his comatose father, holding his fathers’ hand. At one point, Kurt (played by the iconic Chris Colfer) says to his father, “I don’t believe in God, Dad. But I believe in you, and I believe in us.” That scene is how I really feel about our community, and while I’m not religious, the people in my life who are have taught me that to be a person of faith is to act in good faith toward your community.

What I kept coming back to when I thought about what keeps me motivated to vote when the governing system is so incredibly flawed, slow, unjust and frustrating, was my little brother and sister As queer people, our deep caring for each other outside of traditional family structures, is why we must keep showing up for each other, why we must participate and use our voice – even when the choices aren’t perfect.

We must keep doing the work, for ourselves and each other. As messy and flawed as we are, when we work together, we can do incredible things.

We can unlearn the hatred and bigotry we’ve grown up with, and we can dismantle the structures that seek to divide us. All we have is each other, and we are all we need. Please vote.

Not just every four years for President, but in each and every election you can – from your local school budget to your Assemblyperson to your state Senator. Please vote.

Who Cares About Politics?

By this point in our presidential election cycle, most of you are ready to stick your fingers in your ears and sing “Yankee Doodle Dandy”—or just about anything to drown out the partisan din, the vitriol, the angst. It all feels so desperate and futile. Politics is nothing more than narcissistic individuals clawing at one another in pursuit of raw power.

I can’t blame folks for thinking this way and choosing to opt out, but I think it is a mistake to regard politics as simply that pushing and hauling—that perpetual horse trading and deal making—that takes place in Washington or Albany. Politics is a much more expansive practice. And it IS a practice, not just a thing that is done to you or that is separate from you.

Politics in the democratic sense is the practice of coming to some (generally) temporary decisions about how we will live our collective lives together. This is a fairly straightforward definition, but it challenges our more conventional notions about politics—especially that it is “out there,” “not for me or about me”—and thus I can decide to shove it in the closet and quickly close the door. Phew! That was close! The politics almost got on me!

Because we cannot exist completely separate from one another (this is neither possible nor desirable), we must come to some decisions about how we will coexist in such a way that is peaceful and fair. Determining what those arrangements will be is the practice of politics, and it takes place in a system of power that is organized both vertically and horizontally.

What I mean by that is that there is a traditional (yet complicated) hierarchical ordering of politics from the national level down to state and local arenas. But there is also horizontal politics that takes place in

our workplaces, churches, community groups, and even our families and personal relationships (indeed, many relations are both hierarchical AND horizontal). This is because politics is about the organization of public power.

maintain it by going about our daily lives. Even when there are clashes or disagreements, they are often arguments over competing visions within the hegemonic order, not ones that challenge it or even recognize that it exists.

Now no one is surprised that power and politics go hand in glove. But power is often regarded too narrowly, just like politics. The conventional understanding of power is that I have power over you if I can get you to do something that you would not freely choose to do yourself. This is the most visible form of power (and the most readily combatable). But there is also the less visible and harder to resist form of power that is best encapsulated by the term “hegemony.”

It is a fancy but important word that describes a power order that thoroughly saturates all societies (though the contours are different based on region and historical context).

We can agree that the status quo isn’t acceptable, though we will disagree over why it isn’t okay and what should be done to dismantle injustice. What I have been attempting to suggest here is that politics isn’t something separate from us, or even something we CAN divorce ourselves from. In a commencement address, David Foster Wallace provided a metaphor of mindfulness in which an older fish swims up next to two younger fish and asks, “How’s the water?” The young fish look at him and reply in unison, “What’s water?” This is an apt metaphor for power as well.

Politics is the practice of exercising and navigating power—and power permeates all aspects of our lives in ways we often don’t even recognize.

The power order is like an invisible matrix that structures who can (functionally) wield formal power, what kinds of institutions we will adopt—all the way down to the very moral and ethical values we will hold.

We think we have freely adopted these things ourselves, but we have simply chosen from a set of pre-selected options that conform to the hegemonic order, or won’t challenge it by laying bare its exploitative nature.

Race, for example, is one of those categories invented to justify a maldistribution of power (originally slavery and empire, but later access to housing, healthcare, education, equal regard, etc.). What this means is that we have internalized a set of commitments that we take as “reality” rather than a particular combination of ideas and values designed to elicit compliance with the status quo. This kind of power thus requires very little force to maintain, as we tend to

But when we begin to think about politics and power in this more expansive way, we start to see things quite differently. What previously seemed normal and tolerable (police brutality against communities of color, for example) suddenly appears brutal and in need of eradication. When we understand politics and power in this way, we see clearly that shoving politics into the closet isn’t an escape from the bare machinations of political life, it is active complicity with it.

But this isn’t just one big buzz kill—it actually means that being politically active isn’t just about voting. It means you can actually be more powerful in your state, your community, your neighborhood. While it might seem overwhelming to think about politics swirling around us all the time, it offers an unlimited set of opportunities for powerful interventions.

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T R A N S V I E W BY MOONHAWK RIVER STONE

School Daze, The Election and What’s Next?

For all the trouble we have here in New York State with school based discrimination against LGBT students, comparatively to much of the rest of the country, we live in Shangri-La. Really.

We do. Although the Dignity for All Students Act’s transgender policy instituted in July 2015 is comprehensive and through, (unnecessarily wordy as heck), it provides guidelines for school districts basic respect for their transgender students, and specific guidelines about how to handle the various tasks of a student’s gender transition in the school.

Trouble is, the troubles happening in the rest of the country can ignite and incite those less compassionate more bigoted New Yorkers to fight against the NYSED policy. I’ve not heard of that happening yet, but no doubt it will pop up somewhere this fall. We need to be ready when it does. The transgender policy issued by NYSED is great, but it has no teeth. None. Nothing to bite back with to compel school districts to enforce it other than “we said so.”

That leaves a undue burden on individual parents to step up to protect their child, and an enormously over burdened transgender litigation system in the major legal nonprofits to cope with any large scale need that might arise. This is potentially a huge problem, especially since we don’t see much on the horizon in the way of major league support from either the legislature, the governor’s office or even the attorney general’s office. Everyone’s way too distracted by other events and this circus of an election cycle.

One solution that comes to mind is of course, public education. Getting the word out about how all this works--either through blogs, old fashioned flyers, newspaper op eds, and all manner of social media that gets to establish20 |

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ment media can be crucial and positive.

The other is to educate school districts that you, too, could be the recipient of a subpoena from our fabulous US Attorney General, Loretta Lynch as a reminder that the NYSED policy is a mirror to the Title IX federal policy now front and center at the federal level. That would take the heat off parents and trans based litigation firms.

It’s important, I’ve learned recently, in ways I cannot discuss publicly that to be successful in making these complaints one has to have very good credible, almost unimpeachable evidence. This is difficult to gather from young vulnerable transgender or LGB school children being bullied and discriminated against. Most have no idea of what such evidence might be comprised lessening the effectiveness of complaints and decreasing the probability of the situation’s resolution.

Since HB2 in North Carolina made it’s debut onto the scene this spring, the foment around it has continued to escalate. Most of the individual states have formed a queue on either side of the issue, most recently with 13 states, including New York filing amicus briefs in support of the Title IX’s transgender inclusion. Perhaps, it would good to remind our attorney general Eric Scheniderman to remain vigilant and proactive here in New York State, too.

I suppose with a paper printing for September-October of an election cycle, particularly this presidential election cycle, it would be hard not to comment.

As I said previously, should Clinton be elected, our main goal would be to consolidate the gains President Obama has made for our community in all sorts of federal policy. If the US Senate, goes democratic, it would be an opportunity to move quickly to introduce an omnibus LGBT civil rights bill into both houses of the Congress to solidify the policy gains we’ve made. With the house likely staying precariously republican, many of those representatives would have a much more vulnerable to a compelling

stick to make a compromise, especially with their party in its continuing dissembling disarray. We’d have a chance, especially with the 2018 mid term elections not likely to be a better result for the republicans. I know there are likely plans in formation for engaging a potential Clinton White House with a list of transgender policy needs. One of the biggest needs, is as the Affordable Care Act is going through some time financial corrective times as illustrated by the recent Aetna withdrawal from 11 sates, we need to make sure transgender inclusion is more deeply and clearly solidified so all the shenanigans insurance companies are quite literally torturing some transgender individuals seeking hormone and surgical care can finally receive it. We need to make sure we not lost in the clutter of what will be a flurry of activity around revising this legislation in the coming 4 years.

Finally, let’s talk bullying for a moment.

Yeah, I know, we’re all pretty sick of the National Bully’s daily diatribe. But this is important.

Because it involves our children. So many of my young clients are feeling the brunt of what’s happening in national politics. Talking bad, speaking lies, calling people names and humiliating them in public has become, it seems, the new national sport. Imagine my surprise then, when I try to convey to my young clients that bullying is wrong. All they do is point to Mr. Trump and give me that look only kids can give, the “Oh, yeah, dude?!?” look. My concern here is that Trump through his campaign is turning back and unwinding, undoing, two to three decades of work we have put in to end all bullying, not just the bullying of LGBT people, but racist, classsist, ethic, religious bullying, and more. Free speech does not mean spewing hatred at will toward anyone or anything--or does it? For me, this is a pivotal issue for this election cycle.

How do we re-instill civility? How do we model that and emulate that in our own speech? When was the last time any of

T R A N S V I E W #143©

I’m not suggesting we return to a Politically Correct version of Victorianism, but what happened to kind, compassionate and loving speech? us monitored the metaphors we use for simple acts and examined the bias and violence inherent in them. I used to casually say between clients, “I’ll br right back, I need to hit the bathroom.” No I don’t need to hit anything in the bathroom except maybe to aim it the correct direction and not spill.

I’m not suggesting we return to a Politically Correct version of Victorianism, but what happened to kind, compassionate and loving speech? It’s an endangered species this election cycle and hs been endangered for some time now since the advent of social media on the internet. No one I’m listening to on the political stump is giving inspiring speeches bringing me to tears when they call for us to be our better selves.

In my book, our better kinder, more compassionate selves are fast getting relegated to a small footnote in the addendum of American life. It’s time to put a stop to that, and speak up and out for civility and decency. All of the children of the next generation, LGBT and others, need us desperately right now to model respectful speech, love, engaged debate based on facts and issues, consensus and compromise. Or the bullies win--even if they don’t get the White House. Until next time...T

Rev. Moonhawk River Stone of Riverstone Consulting is an Interfaith Minister, transgender activist, writer, educator, consultant, keynote speaker and psychotherapist in private practice for over 25 years with experience and extensive expertise in all aspects of transgender policy and health.

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The Trans Pride program is dedicated to empowering trans* and gender nonconforming people (ages 18+) and their allies through social opportunities, community building, resource sharing, and advocacy.

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Light refreshments provided.

Allies Welcome Trans* denotes a wide range of people including those who identify as transgender, two-spirit, genderqueer, genderfluid, gender nonconforming, non-binary, agender, questioning their gender, and more.

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Inventing our Future

By Elijah Nella

Unexpectedly, something queer has sprung from the tragedy in Orlando: people have dared to radically express care and tenderness to each other Ever since Orlando, we have not been the same. This event made visible and blatantly real the violence an overwhelming number of people experience repeatedly— especially communities of color and trans people—from insidious microaggressions to undeniable acts of violence and hate. Overnight, we had a location and an event that made real the discomfort, fear, insecurity, and stress so many LGBTQQI people are accustomed to in our daily lives.

This atrocity brought out into the open these feelings—feelings that have sneaky ways of spinning stories about how there’s a problem with us rather than in the world with the existence of hate, ignorance, racism, transphobia, and heteronormativity. Suddenly there was a massacre at the very place where so many of our bodies find, or have found, freedom—where our bodies can move as they like, how they like, and with whom they like to move.

Unexpectedly, something queer has sprung from the tragedy in Orlando: people have dared to radically express care and tenderness to each other, have reconnected in meaningful ways, have reached out to one another and formed a web together again. We’ve challenged ourselves and others.

Struck by the explicit lack of exhibited allyship by non-LGBTQQI people— some people became more intentional at showing love to one another.

Conversations have resurged around privilege, allyship and intersectionality within our communities.

And then Alton Sterling was murdered.

One day after that, Philando Castile was shot in his car and so many of us watched the video of Diamond Reynolds filming this horrifying act with her four-year-old girl in the

back seat. Suddenly there was this undeniable documentation to make real to millions the violence, fear, hate, and injustice faced by the Black and African-American communities without even a decade of respite ever since slavery. All the things the writers TaNehisi Coates and Michelle Alexander and psychologist Dr. Joy DeGruy so brilliantly weave together in their books.

Hatred and fear and violence are easily found these days, from the Dallas police shootings to the violent rhetoric at the RNC. They are all around us.

However, so are fearlessness and meaningfulness. Despite their fears, people keep reaching out to one other, letting themselves love and be loved, express kindness and tenderness, and be open to endless possibilities.

I subscribe to a certain way of thinking that in the end, it is not about what happens to us, but how we respond.

And how we keep choosing to respond.

What story deserves more attention: someone’s violent act or how we are then able to pick up the phone and reach out to someone we love instead of holing up?

Sometimes in the face of atrocities, we become more connected to what really matters to us. It might be specific people in our lives, aligning with certain causes or movements, recognizing the preciousness of a moment, or that visceral and wondrous sense of being alive and vibrant amidst heartache and violence. This reminder can be a kind of gift, a reshuffling of our priorities back into place.

And sometimes, our bodies and systems get stuck. A mental and emotional “looping” can happen where there is a certain kind of “freezing” response in a part of the brain. This response can prevent people from processing through trauma so they can end up connecting to what is so important to them. This is a natural response that happens to some folks, and there is hope. Particular somatic therapies, like EMDR (which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Somatic Experiencing, are very effective at safely helping a person’s system to “unfreeze” so movement in the body

can happen again towards healing and integration. In both of these approaches is a shared understanding that when movement is free in the body, the body naturally bends towards healing and integration.

As a therapist, I’ve witnessed how people can get stuck around traumatic events, such as Orlando. I have also seen how people’s responses to these events can lead them towards more connectedness with what matters to them. I’ve witnessed how certain triggers lose their stronghold, how brains actually re-wire. This new re-wiring often (re)connects people to their values, to other people, to a sense of meaningfulness, and to healing. Once with EMDR, I witnessed a woman who formerly went into panic attacks on bridges be able to drive across a bridge the following morning without even her palms sweating.

In 2007 after the mass shooting on the Virginia Tech campus, the poet Nikki Giovanni addressed the school with such a profound poem, quite relevant today. She declared, “We are sad today, and we will be sad for quite a while. We are not moving on, we are embracing our mourning…

We are brave enough to bend to cry, and sad enough to know we must laugh again…We are better than we think and not quite what we want to be. We are alive to the imagination and the possibilities. We will continue to invent the future through our blood and tears and through all our sadness.”

And, I would add, through our love, our queerness, and the way we treat each other.

Elijah Nella, LMFT, is a narrative therapist who practices EMDR as a consultant at Choices Counseling and also in private practice in Rhinebeck. He specializes in working with trans and queer people, families and couples. You can reach me at: Choices Counseling and Consulting: 518-4382222 or email: hello@elijahnella.com www. elijahnella.com

commUNITY SEPT-OCT 2016

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Good Music, Old Friends and Bigotry

By Teri Wilhelm

It seems unfathomable for someone to be hated, demeaned or receive ill treatment for simply being transgender— because, as a whole, we are a pretty harmless community Inspired by the Woodstock music explosion, I was quite eager to learn guitar and quickly shared much, if not all, of my new found skill with my pals and, for over four decades, we’ve continued to play, teach each other, and share this common bond. They’ve long since moved to the Charlotte, NC area and live very near each other, while I’ve moved north of Albany, NY, where… eh hem, the winters are much better. Still the three of us try to get together at least once every year to share our stories, play music and, for a week, think of ourselves as teenagers once again.

None of us really feels older nowadays; although, we certainly have noticed life’s mile markers moving much more quickly. Our lifelong friendships, a precious testament to our bond and well worth the effort, remains strong, despite extrinsic and, oftentimes, immensely agonizing testing by culture, tradition and disapproving religious views.

Untroubled, however, they have both openly expressed their acceptance of my gender transition and even lightheartedly traded a few cynical, but loving, jabs over the differences of privilege that, without protest, I’m compelled to accept in a male/ female conversation—reality and humor bumping heads.

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darkened waters, I bravely tempted some of our usual banter while walking into a restaurant for this year’s traditional final lunch together.

With a wry smile I asked, “Which gentleman will graciously hold the door for me?” Unexpectedly, the door was held open--nothing, not a gripe or quip from either of them. I was quite horribly deflated and felt this confluence of emotions. My joke had fallen short unexpectedly and, at the same moment, I was rather thrilled for this additional, defining affirmation.

It seems unfathomable for someone to be hated, demeaned or receive ill treatment for simply being transgender—because, as a whole, we are a pretty harmless community.

Nonetheless, this summer, I faced the difficult decision of whether to deny myself this annual pleasure or risk humiliation, arrest and possibly worse. Sarcasm wants me to say, I’m simply flattered for having whole state create a law to protect itself against me; unfortunately, it seems much too awful to joke about. Regardless, I feel quite strongly that our time together shouldn’t be interrupted and resolutely determined to make this trip despite any blockade erected by ill inspired legislation.

So, in dogged faith of my purpose on a very hot July day, with only a hint of worry, maybe, I was well on my way to Charlotte--where… eh hem, the summers are much better. This is my first journey to the Dogwood State since these extreme measures were adopted and only the second as my transgender self. Localities in North Carolina are now prevented from creating protections for people who, by sheer circumstance, have a defining letter in the LBGTQA acronym and transgender people are compelled to use bathrooms that no longer

match their identity but a birth record yellowed by years.

Crossing the North Carolina border in my little lunch box of a car, I’ve happily, though rather unceremoniously, named Curtis the Cube, I stopped at the first rest area and used the women’s room-partly for my indignant, militant, deference to HB2; yet partly, and far more urgently, for my being older and needing to do that sort of thing more often nowadays.

Not a single head turned when I breached the daunting threshold--that immutable, figurative line drawn ever so quickly by Governor McCrory and both houses of the State’s legislature.

My more immediate worry, however, was that the long hot day on the road had wearied my appearance considerably and repairs were desperately needed; hence, I stopped at a mirror first thing. Taking my mind off my own appearance briefly, I noticed three proudly religious women wearing darkly colored hijabs in view behind me tending to their hygiene as well. Irony being rarely lost on me due to my incessant, rarely abating, cynical political view and, for just the briefest moment, I considered this living snapshot of a transgender woman staring back at me along with several devout Muslims in the context of contemporary politics with a micro and macro socio-geographical sense, and ever so softly blurted a giggle—I did say softly and just for a second, mind you.

Despite the floor being horribly wet and slippery from a huge amount of clean water, I found the restroom quite frenzied and bustling with several weary, female travelers hurrying to get back on the road. A pipe must have failed or a sink overflowed, yet these women weren’t the least deterred and continued to use the facility despite

Crossing the North Carolina border in my little lunch box of a car, I’ve happily, though rather unceremoniously, named Curtis the Cube, I stopped at the first rest area and used the women’s room-partly for my indignant, militant, deference to HB2; yet partly, and far more urgently, for my being older and needing to do that sort of thing more often nowadays this inconvenience. For myself, though, I need to admit that I find walking in water rather off-putting and challenging when wearing sandals; nevertheless, I certainly didn’t wish to wait until the next rest area—again, you know, that being older thing.

Upon my reemergence from the forbidden sanctuary and the demarcation threshold for my departure, the bathroom seemed eerily quiet. Unnerved, as if totally alone, abandoned amid this heavy, horror movie quiet where the victim becomes acutely aware of his or her vulnerability, hearing only the loud echoing sounds of a running faucet off ceramic tile walls and a hardened floor, I finished washing my hands-militancy needn’t be unsanitary, of course. I stepped into the outer doorway where my fear had me see this brutish, seven or eight foot tall, male attendant waiting, possibly blocking, my only means of egress.

As I meekly walked towards him, he focused on me intently and the hair on my neck tingled. All I could think of is, “I’m so friggin busted.” And, “Do we really need to get into this ugliness right off? Darn and I’m not more than a mile into this godforsaken, horribly bigoted state.”

Noticeably dumfounded and lost for words, I stared blankly. The attendant broke the silence abruptly, by simply but directly, asking me if there was anyone else remaining in the bathroom.

I was totally tongue-tied and, having an admittedly lousy and poor ability to reproduce female resonance of

any quality, didn’t know what to say or how to say it without tempting an arrest—this was bound to not end well.

My befuddlement persisted and it seemed like the attendant and I were left sharing suspicious glares for ages.

Finally, he went into greater detail and explained that repairs and cleaning were needed before he can let anyone else use the facility.

I grinned and politely offered to go back in to check. He accepted and, rather appreciatively, thanked me.

My big moment dwindled to a mere liberating exhale and a pleasant smile

LOOK Loving Ourselves & Our Families Do you have a child in your life who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer, or questioning, and want to connect with other adults for support?

LOOK Are you a young person (ages 18 and

exchanged between myself and this under) who identifies as LGBTQA+ and duly sworn, and really not at all that brutish or tall, bathroom protector. A want to hangout with other youth like reminder for me and for my incessant you? projecting that decency is a matter of exchange between people on a Then join us every 3rd Thursday of the personal level and doesn’t necessarily respond to poorly considered month for an adult group discussion/ legislation. Even more to the pointbyincommunity volunteers, Do youactivity have a led child your life who identifies as -after a week of always being

Loving Ourselves & Our Kid

—

AND a separate affirming, fun space graciously directed to the women’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer, or questioning, lavatory whenever I asked--is that for youth. Snacks and resource and want to connect with other adults for support? the people of North Carolina didn’t materials provided. desire these measures collectively. It Are you a young person g(ages 18 and under) was smallest amount of conservatives Reso who identifies in s uryouth d with influence exerting theirLGBTQA+ will l i ce like you? u totiohangout andBwant with n Shother a on a quickly spun together, special r c i e n n g! legislative session. on

CAtAt the theEast East Greenbush Greenbush

Curtis responded eagerly to my touch Community Community Library Library and, for the last few miles of my 10 Community Way, East Greenbush, NY journey, I decided to listen to one of 10 Community Way, East my favorites, the “Allman Brothers, At Greenbush, NY Every 3rd Thursday Filmore East.” Before releasing the clutch, however--with Statesboro from 6-7pm Blues cranking in the background--I Every 3rd Thursday thoughtfully considered what had Join us every 3rd Thursday of the month for an adult group discussion/acti transpired for just a few seconds from 6-7pm Edu led by community volunteers, fun space for you catioAND a separate affirming, and warmly smiled. You know, that rt! o p Snacks and resource materialsS provided. p n u attendant really should have allowed ! me speak first. Male privilege, I’m so A Collaboration Between: pissed…

FOR MORE INFO, CALL: 518.462.6138 EMAIL: INFO@CAPITALPRIDECENTER. ORG VISIT: WWW.CAPITALPRIDE CENTER.ORG

FOR MORE INFO, CALL: 518.462.6138 EMAIL: INFO@CAPITALPRIDECENTER. ORG VISIT: WWW.CAPITALPRIDE CENTER.ORG

Teri is an instructor for SUNY Adirondack College, gives talks and educates on transgender issues. She can be reached at Wilhelm.

Teri@gmail.com

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To Be a Blessing BY REV. JONATHAN VANDERBECK

Coming Out, Coming Home I remember when I came out to my parents. I was 24 years old.

In truth, I was “out” to myself and to my friends for many years prior. But coming out to my family was one of the most difficult things I have ever gone through.

The fear I had of rejection turned my stomach in knots, and I remember not being able to eat for days in advance.

For many of you, I’m sure you know exactly what I’m talking about. I was fortunate enough that my family did not reject me. Sure, they had questions and it took a little bit for the realization that my life would look different than they had anticipated to sink in, but I was embraced and told that I would always have a place to come home.

It was something I had always taken for granted. You see, as someone who was adopted from South Korea, I had always been raised with the idea that I was wanted. That I was loved. That my parents chose me. It had never occurred to me while growing up that there might be something that could cause my family to “unlove” me. To want to “unadopt me.”

But as I became more and more aware of my sexuality, it became increasingly clear that the home I knew might not accept me for who I was. And even after I came out and was embraced by my family, the sting of anxiety and fear of rejection has never quite left me.

And the reality is, this anxiety and fear is real for so many LGBTQ+ people.

Coming out is often one of the most difficult and painful experiences an LGBTQ+ person can experience. Many of my friends have lost the ability to go back home, after they came out and experienced rejection. And others worry

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every day that they go into work, into the store, into the doctor’s office, if today is the day they will be humiliated, threatened, or harassed. Without the support of family, many of my LGBTQ+ friends have been left almost completely on their own, with no place to come home.

But in place of that, many of my friends have formed their own families. The term chosen family is one that I have used and embraced for myself, as I consider so many in the LGBTQ+ community as my family. Just as the television show “Modern Family” portrays a diverse, multicultural family of people of many different backgrounds, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses, my “Modern Family” is a group of multigender, multiracial people of various religions and faiths; of different sexual orientations and backgrounds.

We may not be family by blood, but that really doesn’t mean a whole lot anyways, especially for me, who was adopted.

As an openly-gay minister in a Christian denomination that still does not affirm LGBTQ people, I have had to fight hard for the people I love, to know that there

As someone who was adopted from South Korea, I had always been raised with the idea that I was wanted. That I was loved.

That my parents chose me.

It had never occurred to me while growing up that there might be something that could cause my family to “unlove” me. To want to “unadopt me.”

Coming out. Coming home.

Two phrases that for many have been diametrically opposed to one another.

is a family that loves and welcomes them.

But it is heartbreaking to me to know how many people still cannot return to families that have rejected them, especially because of the ways some people choose to practice my religion.

I want people to know that when they come out, they will always have a place to come home to, and have committed my life to fighting to make sure that this is a reality all LGBTQ+ people can know.

Coming out. Coming home. Two phrases that for many have been diametrically opposed to one another. But it is a reality I long for. I want people to know that living in a world without fear is what we fight for; a world where coming home is not something that traumatizes, but instead means coming home to people that love and embrace us for who we are.

This article is one of a series provided by Advocates for Welcoming Congregations, a Capital Region group that encourages the welcoming of LGBT persons into the full life and leadership of communities of faith. The group also works to make visible for members of the LGBT community opportunities for practicing their faith traditions.

The Rev. Jonathan Vanderbeck, MSW (he/him/his) is believed to be the first openlygay, person-of-color ordained as a Minister in the Reformed Church in America (RCA), the oldest Protestant denomination in the USA. Jonathan is also a master’s level social worker and trained in facilitating Intergroup Dialogue, and is passionate about facilitating conversations around race, gender, sexuality, and religion. Jonathan serves as Community Minister at the First Reformed Church in Schenectady, NY.

Members Aeon Nexus Albany Medical Center Albany.com/Mannix Marketing Alliance for Positive Health Aras Performance Group, Inc Bank of America/ Merrill Lynch Barefoot Wine & Bubbly BBL Hospitality Berkshire Bank Foundation Blue Moon Bomber's Burrito Bar Buenau's Opticians Café Hollywood Canterbury Animal Hospital Capital City Fund of the Community Foundation of the Greater Capital Region Capital District YMCA Captain Morgan Casswood Insurance CDPHP Central Avenue Business Improvement District City of Albany Classy Body Art Connections Psychotherapy Consumer Optical Corey Jamison Consulting, LLC. Craig LeClaire - Falvey Real Estate Deb Best Practices DeCrescente Distributing Company Deja Vu DiCarlo's Dolan’s on the Avenue E. Stewart Jones Ellis Medicine Empire Merchants North Experience and Creative Design, Ltd. First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany FLY92.3 Geri Pomerantz, Esq GP Fund Solutions LLC Hannaford Homestead Funding HomoRadio Interim Healthcare Jack Daniels James Leone State Farm Janet Stein / Arbonne International Jay Zhang Photography Jose Cuervo Joseph Roche, Accounting

Journey United Church of Christ Key Bank LAX on Lark Lucas Confectionery and Wine Bar MadAddie Magic Hat Mansion Inn Mark D. Witecki, CPA Mazzone Hospitality / Aperitivo Bistro McGeary's Irish Pub Mexican Radio Schenectady Miller Lite Montgomery County Office for Aging MVP Health Care New York Life Insurance Company Northeast Acura NYSUT Oh Bar Olde English Pub Omni Development Company Peck’s Arcade Pioneer Bank Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson Price Chopper Supermarkets Rain Modern Chinese RBC Wealth Management Renaissance Albany Hotel River Street Men’s Club ROCKS Ronnie Mangione / Wealth Advisory Group Samaritan Hospital Security Plumbing & Heating Supply Skylands Services, INC Smirnoff Spectrum 8 Theatre Sunrise Management and Consulting Sylvan Learning Center TD Bank The Century House The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center Times Union Tri City Rentals Turner Construction University at Albany Foundation Viniq Shimmery Liquor WAMC Waterworks Pub Wells Fargo Whole Foods Albany Market Wolff ’s Biergarten, Schenectady

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Ask Mark Your Tax Questions Welcome to the DEAR MARK column where you can ask a tax question.

Of course some questions cannot be answered to due to the limited space in this column or warrant more facts due to specific circumstances of the taxpayer. Answers that apply to specific taxpayers may not necessary apply to others. Changes in tax law and rules may affect answers given at any point. You can write Mark at Mark Witecki CPA CFP(R) CFE, 3701 State St, Schenectady, NY 12304 DEAR MARK, I have an IRA and have named my estate the beneficiary. Is there any problem with doing that?

Sign me, Jeff DEAR JEFF You may have problems with your estate if you have no will. However, your beneficiaries of the estate may not be able to rollover the IRA. I need more facts to give a more complete answer. : Here is an article on the some of the issues: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/ retirement/ira-beneficiary-formmistakes-to-avoid-1.aspx

DEAR MARK, I own a small trucking business and want to buy a new moving truck. Am I better off buying or leasing?

Signed,

DEAR WONDERING, It depends on the terms of the lease and purchase. There is an imputed interest rate in the lease, and at the end of the lease there is no residual value, and there may be overages due to mileage, etc. I would need more information.

DEAR MARK, I purchased a large tract of land up in northern New York and have decided I want to sell some timber from the land.

What records do I need to keep to get ready for taxes?

Happy DEAR HAPPY, The original cost and closing costs of the property should be kept in a “permanent’ file. Keep track of all income and expenses associated with the land such as property taxes, insurance, surveying fees, professional fees, appraisal fees, supplies, fuel, etc. You may be entitled to depletion on the property.

DEAR MARK, I just bought 3 two family houses as a package. The price for each was not listed and they were sold as a unit by an estate who wanted to get rid of them.

How should I allocate the cost?

JustBought DEAR JUSTBOUGHT, That’s amazing that the houses were not separately listed on the closing statements for the houses. How can the assessing authorities calculate the value of each of them? Are you absolutely sure that your attorney (assuming you had one) did not prepare separate closing statements? I would contact him/her as to that fact.

®

Tax Preparation pridecenter OF THE CAPITAL REGION

DEAR MARK, I have filed my own Federal taxes for years, but have not filed my New York State Taxes for the last 3 years. I know I owe and am nervous about filing them now. Any advice?

Worried DEAR WORRIED, New York State has a Voluntary Disclosure and Compliance Program that you may qualify for. Contact me for more information.

DEAR MARK,

Wondering

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BY MARK WITECKI

I filed an amended return for myself a month ago with the IRS and have not heard from them yet. Should I wait to contact them?

Fearful DEAR FEARFUL, Amended returns can easily take 8-12 weeks or longer to process. You might want to log on to the IRS website and click on “Where’s my amended return? ‘ The site will provide you with information regarding your filing. Also, since you filed an amended Federal return, did you also file an amended New York State or other state tax return?

Answers that apply to specific taxpayers may not necessary apply to others. Changes in tax law and rules may affect answers given at any point.

You can write Mark at Mark Witecki CPA CFP(R) CFE, 3701 State St, Schenectady, NY 12304.

Mark D. Witecki specializes in small businesses and professional individuals. Mr. Witecki has a B. S. in Accounting from S. U. N. Y. Albany and an M. S. in Accounting from Syracuse University.

Mark D. Witecki is a Certified Public Accountant, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified College Planning Specialist and is admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® , CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. Mark’s office is located at 3701 State Street, Schenectady, New York

Out in the Garden BY JUDITH FETTERLEY

Grass “I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journeywork of the stars.”

And what, you might ask as you read Whitman’s words, is “journeywork”? It is the work of a journeyman, or work that is necessary, competent, routine.

And a journeyman? Any experienced, competent, but routine worker. For Walt Whitman, the beauty of grass lies in the fact that it is ordinary, common, journeywork. The great poet of democracy, Whitman gives us grass as the perfect symbol of our common good: each leaf separate and distinguishable, each leaf equal to every other leaf, but each leaf capable of coming together with all other leaves to form a whole that amazes. And just as the grass displays democracy, so democracy displays God, a journeyman whose work was competent, ordinary, routine and thus miraculous. “A child said, What is the grass? fetching it to me with full hands . . . . I guess it is the handkerchief of the Lord . . . Bearing the owner’s name someway in the corners, that we may see and remark, and say Whose?”

For Walt Whitman, the beauty of grass lies in the fact that it is ordinary, common, journeywork This spring and summer I have given several talks on “Low Maintenance Gardening.” In these talks I address the issue of lawns. Healthy plants require less work than unhealthy plants.

I remind my listeners that grass is a plant and for low maintenance needs to be kept healthy. I share with them the Master Gardener lawn mantra: mow only when the lawn needs it, mow high, mulch the clippings, water deeply and less often, fertilize once a year in the fall. I warn them against the evils of the so-called lawn care companies, who mow every Monday at 8 a.m. whether the grass needs it or not; who mow

low, scalping the lawn, leaving it to burn out and giving weeds the space and conditions they need to flourish; who apply herbicides to kill the weeds they have allowed to grow; and who fertilize as frequently as they can get people to pay for it. I suggest that if we can’t care for our grass with the same attention we give our perennial beds, then perhaps we have too much lawn. So next I talk about the various ways one can reduce the amount of space devoted to lawn – hardscaping, shrubbing up, low maintenance gardens, alternative ground covers, and so forth.

Lately, though, I have started to praise grass before pointing out the advantages of reducing the amount of lawn one has to care for. For indeed -- and this is the genius of Whitman, to realize that the ordinary, the common and the routine is also the miraculous – there is nothing quite like grass. When we speak of ground covers, we do not mention grass; we simply take for granted that ground is covered with grass. But imagine the earth without grass. How bare, how brown, how sterile, how eroded! No other ground cover does so much work so widely and so well. Grass lets us walk on it, play croquet on it, lie down in it, run and jump on it, all without much complaining. A properly maintained lawn manages to keep weeds to a minimum, and requires far less maintenance, including watering, than most perennial beds. And as if that weren’t enough, grass is beautiful to look at.

Appreciating grass, the boon of my second profession, I have returned to my first profession with a deeper appreciation of Walt Whitman. “I loaf and invite my soul/ I lean and loaf at my ease, observing a spear of summer grass.” Lying in the grass, assuming that most democratic of all positions in which each part of the body is placed on the same level as every other part, head no higher than groin and groin no higher than feet, Whitman shows us

I “ loaf and invite my soul / I lean and loaf at my ease, observing a spear of summer grass.” both the individual spear and the larger whole. He asks us to celebrate grass as the most common of the common and to celebrate the common as the playground of the soul. In the guise of a child, he asks, “What is the grass?” And among his answers, he says, “I guess it must be the flag of my disposition, out of hopeful green stuff woven.” I have been known to say that gardeners are the most hopeful people I know.

Perhaps it is because we spend so much time with grass.

I worry that my lecture on low maintenance gardening will mislead people into thinking they can have a garden without doing work. So I have changed the title to “Lower Maintenance Gardening” and I start off each lecture with the admonition that there is no such thing as no-maintenance gardening, there are only degrees of maintenance. Yet I also want more people to become gardeners and I want those who are now gardeners to keep on gardening. And above all I want people to have leisure to enjoy their gardens, to lean and loaf at their ease, observing a spear of summer grass. So I hone my talk, trying to make it at once realistic and encouraging trying to make it be woven like the grass out of the hopefulness of green stuff.

Judith Fetterley lives and gardens in Glenmont, New York. She also runs Perennial Wisdom, a garden design business for new and existing gardens.

Reach Judith at fetterleyj@gmail.com

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Welcoming Congregations Join Us In Exploring Your Spiritual Side At One Of The Welcoming Congregations Below:

Community Congregational Church (UCC) www.clintonheightsucc.org Community Reformed Church of Colonie www.coloniereformed.org Congregation Agudat Achim (Conservative) www.agudatachim.org Congregation B’nai Shalom (Reform) www.bnaishalom.albany.ny.us Congregation Berith Sholom (Reform) www.berithsholom.org Congregation Beth Emeth (Reform) www.bethemethalbany.org Congregation Gates of Heaven (Reform) www.cgoh.org Congregation Ohav Shalom (Conservative) www.ohavshalom.org Congregation Temple Sinai (Reform) www.templesinai-saratogasprings.org

QueerEngineer Get to know us & how you can support LGBTQ* students in science, technology, engineering, & mathematics. /QueerEngineer

@QueerEngineer

Delmar Presbyterian Church www.delmarpres.org Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church www.easternparkway.weebly. com St. George’s Episcopal Church www.stgeorgesschenectady. org Emmanuel Baptist Church www.emmanuelalbany.net First Church in Albany www.firstchurchinalbany.org First Congregational Church of Albany www.firstcongregationalalbany.org First Lutheran Church www.FirstLutheranAlbany. org First Presbyterian Church www.firstpresalbany.org First Reformed Church www.1streformed.com First Unitarian Society of Schenectady www.fussonline.org First Unitarian Universalist Society of www.albanyuu.org

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First United Methodist Church www.gbgm-umc.org/schenectady First United Methodist,Delmar delmarmethodist.org First United Methodist Church, East Greenbush www.fumceg.org First United Methodist, Schenectady www.fumcschenectady.org First United Presbyterian Church www.unitedprestroy.org Friends Meeting (Quaker) www.albanyfriendsmeeting. org/ Presbyterian New England Congregational Church, Saratoga http://pnecchurch.org/ Good Shepherd Lutheran Church www.goodshepherdchurchloudonville.org Holy Trinity National Catholic www.NCCofA.org/holytrin. html Journey United www.journeyucc.com Saratoga Springs United www.saratogaspringsumc.org Saint Aelred’s Priory and Retreat House (National Catholic) staelredpriory@aol.com St. Andrews Episcopal Church www.standrewsalbany.org St John of God Catholic Apostolic saintjohnofgod.info/contact St. John’s Lutheran Church www.stjohnsalbany.org St. Paul’s Episcopal Church,Albany www.stpaulsplace.org Temple Israel www.tialbany.org Unitarian Universalist www.saratoga-uu.org Unity Church in Albany www.unitychurchinalbany.org Woodstock Jewish Congregation (Reconstructionist) www.wjcshul.org

Proud To Be Open!

Affirming! Welcoming! Joyous!

THE FASHIONABLE AND THE FRIVOLOUS

Casual Fridays may be the worst thing that’s ever happened to anyone who cares the slightest for wardrobe and appearance in a work setting. The madness and mediocrity of that dreaded day in the office has denigrated an already-casualfatigued dress code (or complete lack-there-of) into a sea of dismal, barely-puttogether collection of outfits that wouldn’t be appropriate for a sweaty hot yoga class, much less a professional environment.

BY ALAN BENNETT ILAGAN

s u o e trag

Ou

I get it that many offices don’t have an official dress code, and rightfully so. The basic tenet of human civilization is the right to express ourselves as we see fit, and in this country particularly the freedom of individual expression is highly valued.

Unfortunately, there are those who take it to an appalling extreme – not in over-thetop or fanciful costumes or get-ups, but rather in sloppy, haphazard, far-too-casual form.

I work for the state of New York, and you don’t know offensive or slovenly until you’ve stepped into some of our offices. On any given day – not just Fridays – one might see an assortment of yoga pants, leggings, and spandex on the women. Cut-off shorts and skirts that rise to the nether regions risk constant exposure, and there’s enough cleavage on display to rival any Hooters. I’ve seen more cracks front and back than the San Andreas fault could ever produce, and the resulting effect is one of head-shaking bewilderment. I love some decent décolletage as much as the next guy or gal, but when I get the same eyeful as a breast-feeding baby, something needs to be done.

The men are no better. If anything, they are more egregious in their utter lack of

office

job arena, promotions and better positions are harder and harder to obtain.

Sometimes choosing a tie over a t-shirt can make the difference between being seen as someone who cares and someone who doesn’t.

I’m not saying that’s how it should be (and I will fight to the death for everyone’s right to wear whatever they want, even if that means crocs), but that’s how it is.

There’s an old adage that one should dress for the job that they want until they have it. From what I’ve seen, the majority of workers are aspiring to be featured as ‘People of Wal Mart’ players. If you’re absolutely indispensable to your office, you can wear whatever the hell you want. If not (and I don’t know anyone who actually fills that bill) I would advise to dress to impress.

e r i t t a concern. Cargo shorts, crocs, and socks with sandals are bad enough, but add a marijuana slogan across a t-shirt and you have the makings of some truly disastrous sights. Super-tight skinny jeans that leave nothing to the imagination are an added element of unseemliness, especially when they reveal some sort of lackluster Hanes monstrosity in gray or hunter green. But I’d much prefer that to the pleated baggy pants that have many gents floating on a pair of hot air balloons on the road to inflation.

Even in instances where there is no official dress code, the reality, whether right or wrong, is that we are judged by our appearance, and why wouldn’t you want to give yourself every possible winning edge over the competition?

As more and more people enter the

I’ve seen more cracks front and back than the san andreas fault could ever produce Alan Bennett Ilagan is a freelance writer and amateur photographer who resides in upstate New York with his husband Andy. He created the website www.ALANILAGAN. com, which contains a repository of his work, as well as a daily blog; the website recently celebrated its tenth anniversary online.

He was the manager of the Romaine Brooks Gallery from 2008 to 2012.

His writing has appeared in Instinct, xy magazine, Capitalmen, Q Northeast, the Windy City Times, and the Boston Phoenix. Notable artistic collaborations have been created with the likes of Steven Underhill, Paul Richmond, Dennis Dean, and Michael Breyette.

commUNITY SEPT-OCT 2016

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HERE’S GUFFMAN

BY PATRICK WHITE

Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theatre Festival I’ve got the perfect excuse for you to grab one last trip to the beach this year by kicking off the fall theatre season with a pilgrimage to the birthplace of American drama.

Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theatre Festival (TW Fest) has a weekend you should immediately start planning for.

The weekend of September 22nd thru the 25th will be the 11th TW Fest and this year also marks the centenary of the year Eugene O’Neill began writing groundbreaking plays in Provincetown.

TW Fest opens its tent and welcomes the father of American drama inside to take a look at these two giants of American theater together, what they have to say about each other and how each other’s work can be more fully appreciated looking at them alongside each other. Both playwrights thrived in Provincetown’s climate of bohemian permissiveness and community of artists. O’Neill forged the way with his revelatory experiments with the Provincetown Players. Williams followed 25 years later.

Williams spent 4 summers over a period of 7 years in Provincetown. He wrote plays, short stories and poetry.

He fell in love for the first time there, had his heart broken and eventually met the man who would be his longest companion there. He also auditioned Brando for “Streetcar” there after the actor fixed his leaking sink.

From the two starving artist’s humble beginnings in the incubator that was Provincetown, the TW Fest now attracts 5,000 visitors a year contributing over $1.5 million to the local economy.

“We invite all to our beautiful town for the full festival experience-to

put their toes in the sand, watch the sunset over the harbor and be excited to discover the O’Neill and Williams they don’t know. We’ll present some of their most experimental, counter-cultural plays performed by contemporary theater artists who are themselves breaking conventions.”

Says TW Fest Board President Patrick Falco.

David Kaplan, curator of the TW Fest announced the new season line-up: “Both O’Neill and Williams at the height of their success-while winning Pulitzer Prizes and scoring Broadway hits-went beyond success to experiment with burlesque and cartooning, sentimental songs, Asian ideas of theater, and attacks on moneygrubbing aspects of American culture. Their unconventional work seems to be speaking to us today especially in this election year.”

“Our program will fascinate audiences with unexpected interpretations of these great American dramatists. As their words echo from play to play and into our heads and hearts, we can all delight in a greater understanding of these masterful playwrights.”

The weekend includes three O’Neill plays, a South African “Desire Under the Elms” with a diverse cast, a dynamic and athletic “Hairy Ape” from Philadelphia and the rarely produced “Marco Millions” with a cast of musician/actors. Williams plays will be “In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel” directed

by Everett Quinton famed for his collaborations with Charles Ludlam’s Ridiculous Theatre Company, “Small Craft Warnings” directed by Board President Falco and ”Kirche Kuche Kinder (An Outrage for the Stage)”.

The Festival offers the first production of this raucous song-filled comedy since 1979, the year Williams wrote it.

The Festival has produced 11 World Premieres of Williams works. There will also be an evening of one-acts pairing the playwrights together with Williams’ “A Perfect Analysis Given by a Parrot” and a scene from O’Neill’s “Welded”.

The Festival also has dance, movies and nightlife. “Tango Christie (“Anna Christie” Reimagined) reinvents the Pulitzer Prize winner from 1920 with

music and dance performed by three actors and a pianist from Central Russia. There will also be a showing of the 1923 silent movie of “Anna Christie” on the beach with live piano accompaniment. “Saloon Songs” takes the playwright’s works out of the theatres and into the bars where artists of the Festival will sing to live accompaniment songs featured in their works. “Stage Moms” will be a representation of the two writer’s mothers visiting the bars to regale us with their favorites embodied by Paula Fins and Mil Nicholson.

There will also be a special guest star this year when the country’s consummate O’Neill interpreter celebrated for his work in the playwright’s “Desire Under the Elms,” “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” and “The Iceman Cometh,” Brian Dennehey visits the Festival to give a master class in acting to Festival actors Sunday morning with a limited number of tickets available to the public.

A weekend not to be missed celebrating our country’s deep, rich and enduring primacy in our theatrical arts confronting the questions of our time.

Patrick White is a Capital Region actor, director and teacher who is directing “Rapture, Blister, Burn” running at Schenectady Civic Playhouse 10/1410/23. He is directing a production of “Grand Concourse” which will be auditioning 11/7 & 11/9 at Albany Civic Theatre. He can be reached at info@ actingclasswithpatrickwhite.com

commUNITY SEPT-OCT 2016

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Lifestyle Photography is... Your Everyday, Your Important Moments, Your Once In A Lifetimes, Your Loved Ones.

Lifestyle Photography for a Lifetime of Moments

$10 per group (sliding fee available)

Jewish FAMILY Services

www.Facebook.com/ZhangPhotography www.JayZhangPhotography.com JZPhotographicServices@gmail.com

Look for us on the Presbyterian Rainbow float at the Pride Parade

First United Presbyterian Church 1915 Fifth Ave., Troy 12180 Check out our website: www.unitedprestroy.org 10 AM Sunday Service

Dedicated to inclusiveness & social justice for the LGBTQ+ Community

Rainbow banner outside

presents

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Wed., Oct. 19 • 5:30-8:30 PM Brown’s Brewing Co. Revolution Hall 417 River Street, Troy

Delicious German Fare - Veg Friendly Signature Pint Glasses & Specials “Mewnich” Marketplace Live German Music • Raffles & More!

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pridecenter OF THE CAPITAL REGION

518-438-2222 523 Western Avenue, Suite 2A · Albany, NY 12203 info@choicesconsulting.com · www.choicesconsulting.com

Michael Cooks and You Can Too

BY MICHAEL MEADE

A Trip Through The Pumpkin Patch Autumn foods are my among my favorite foods – sweet, rich, comforting, full of spice and warmth. There is no time of year that I enjoy cooking more than in the fall, when the air turns cool and crisp and markets are full of late-season produce…apples, nuts, cranberries and, best of all, pumpkins.

Pumpkin Biscuits 2 & ½ cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar 1 Tbs. baking powder

Culinary references to pumpkins date back many centuries. The word pumpkin comes from the Greek pepõn, meaning a large melon. The English termed it pumpion or pompion. This term dates back to 1547, yet it did not make an appearance in print until 1647.

1 tsp. baking soda

The pumpkin was one of the many foods used by the Native Americans in the new world and was a welcome discovery by European settlers.

They heartily embraced the sweet, multi-purpose fruit which became a traditional autumn and winter dish. The colonists used pumpkin baked, stewed and dried as a side dish and dessert, and even made pumpkin beer by fermenting it with hops and maple sugar.

Pumpkins are popular at Halloween when they are carved into Jack o’ Lanterns. The practice was brought to the United States by Irish immigrants who originally carved out turnips, placed lighted candles in them and carried them about to ward off evil spirits on All Hallows Eve. In America, pumpkins were more plentiful and cheaper than turnips, and so came about the switch from turnips to pumpkins.

This month, we have recipes for three delicious pumpkin treats: light, tender pumpkin biscuits, a perfect accompaniment to an autumn dinner or great right out of the oven with coffee; crispy, spicy pumpkin fritters; and a homemade pumpkin butter that makes a terrific gift for the holidays.

½ tsp. salt

Pecan Pumpkin Butter ½ cup chopped pecans Zest and juice of 1 lemon Zest of ½ orange 3 Tbs. orange juice ¼ cup dark brown sugar

1 Tbs. cinnamon

15-ounce can pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

1 tsp. nutmeg

½ tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. ginger

½ tsp. nutmeg

½ cup butter, cut into small pieces

¼ tsp. allspice

2 cups canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

1/8 tsp. ground cloves

In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the pumpkin and mix to form a soft dough. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.

On a lightly-floured surface, pat the dough out ½ inch thick. Cut out biscuits with a 2-inch round cutter. Transfer to a greased cookie sheet and bake at 400 Degrees F for 15 – 20 minutes. Serve warm. Yields 18 biscuits.

Pumpkin Fritters 1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) 1 egg, lightly beaten

¼ tsp. ground ginger ¼ tsp. salt Preheat oven to 350. Spread pecans on a baking sheet and roast for 7 minutes, until browned and fragrant. Run the pecans through the food processor until finely ground - they’ll start to take on a pasty consistency.

In a 2-quart sauce pan over medium heat, combine the citrus zests and juices and dark brown sugar. Stir until warmed. Add pumpkin, nuts, and spices. Turn heat down to low, simmering for 20-30 minutes, until thickened and the color darkens. Stir and taste for seasoning and sweetness occasionally, adding additional spices as necessary.

The pumpkin butter will keep 2-3 weeks in the fridge. Yields 2 cups.

1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. curry powder 1 tsp. salt 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin, egg, flour, baking powder, curry powder and salt. Blend until smooth.

In a heavy pot, heat oil to 325 degrees F. Drop batter by the spoonful into hot oil and fry until golden brown (about 2 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and serve immediately. Yields 24 fritters.

Michael Meade graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, worked at Jack’s Oyster House in Albany and is currently sous-chef at Thunder Mountain Curry in Troy. Questions & comments are welcome at Michaelmeade1215@yahoo.com

commUNITY SEPT-OCT 2016

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WEEKLY programs SATURDAYS

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

EVERY SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

EVERY TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

Vintage Pride Meet-Up - Buckingham Pond 8:30am Berkshire Blvd at Colonial Ave, Albany

Vintage Pride Meet-Up - Bruegger’s Bagels 10 AM Hannaford Plaza, 900 Central Ave, Albany

Women’s Pride 6:00–7:30 PM: social Location Varies Connect with us for more info

SUNDAYS

FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

FOURTH WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

Saratoga LGBTQA Youth Group (ages 18 & under) 4:30–6:00 PM Saratoga Springs Library, Susman Room 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs

Women’s Pride 6:00–7:30 PM: discussion Location Varies Connect with us for more info

EVERY SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

LGBTQ Alcoholics Anonymous†** 7:00–8:30 PM in the Garden Level

Trans* Pride Discussion Group 7:00–9:00 PM on the 1st Floor

THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Vintage Pride Potluck (ages 55+ & friends of all ages) 1:00–3:00 PM First Presbyterian Church, 362 State St., Albany

SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

T-Talk: Trans* & Gender Non-Confroming Youth Group (ages 18 & under) 6:00–8:00 PM on the 1st Floor

FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Family Pride 10:00 AM–12:00 PM Location Varies

Capital Region Support Group for Family & Friends of LGBTQ People 7:00 PM First Unitarian Society of Schenectady 1221 Wendel Ave., Schenectady

Connect with us for more info

MONDAYS

More info: Deborah Kenyon, deborahkenyon2@gmail.com 518-584-4774 (C), 518-695-4117 (H)

EVERY MONDAY OF THE MONTH

THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

Men’s Pride 7:00–8:30 PM 1st, 3rd & 5th Mondays – Discussion 2nd & 4th Mondays – Social in the Garden Level

Saratoga LGBTQA Youth Group (ages 18 & under) 4:30–6:00 PM Saratoga Springs Library, Susman Room 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs

SECOND MONDAY OF THE MONTH

Trans* Pride Meet & Greet 7:00–9:00 PM on the 1st Floor

Saratoga LGBTQ Support Group 5:30-7:00PM More info: SaratogaLGBTQGroup@gmail.com Sponsored by Saratoga Pride and Pride Center of the Capital Region 125 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs

FOURTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

T-Talk: Trans* & Gender Non-Confroming Youth Group (ages 18 & under) 6:00–8:00 PM on the 1st Floor

Except where noted, all events take place at The Pride Center, 332 Hudson Ave, Albany, NY 12210 (518) 462-6138 | www.capitalpridecenter.org The Garden Level is wheelchair accessible via lift. Enter from the street by taking 3 Steps down to the garden level entrance.

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THURSDAYS EVERY THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

Schenectady LGBTQA Youth Group (ages 18 & under) 6:00–7:30 PM Proctor’s Theater, Underground Space 432 State St., Schenectady LGBTQ Narcotics Anonymous†** 7:30–8:30 PM in the Garden Level THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

LOOK - Loving Ourselves & Our Kids 6:00–7:00 PM East Greenbush Community Library 10 Community Way, East Greenbush

FRIDAYS EVERY FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

Drop-in Rapid HIV Testing 1:00–9:00 PM walk in Appointments also available by calling (518) 462-6138

AYO! Youth Drop in Space (ages 18 & under) 3:00–7:00 PM on 1st Floor & in the Garden Level (Garden Level only on 1st Fridays) LGBTQA Youth Group (ages 18 & under) 7:00–8:30 PM

in the Garden Level

FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

Special Artist Reception and Opening in the Romaine Brooks Gallery 5:00–9:00 PM on the 1st Floor Check out the artists at www.capitalpridecenter.org/RBG

†Anonymous meetings held at the Pride Center are non-affiliated, independent groups **indicates an outside group that meets at the Pride Center

pridecenter OF THE CAPITAL REGION

AFFILIATE events Albany Gay Men’s Chorus Rehearsals Wednesdays at 6:45pm at the First Lutheran Church, 181 Western Avenue, Albany. New Members Welcome! Contact albanygmc.org@yahoo.com for info.

Movie Night Second Tuesday of Each Month We will begin at 5 PM at Harvey’s Pub, 14 Phila Street Saratoga Springs. From there, we can decide who wants to see what movies and leave accordingly for Bowtie Cinemas.

Pride Center Gala Hilton Albany November 4, 2016 www.capitalpridecenter.org/gala

Lesbian Networking Breakfast We meet on the third Thursday of each month, at the Country Corner Café on Church Street in the upstairs dining room at 7:30 AM. Latecomers are welcome.

Monthly LGBTQ Support Group Second Sunday of the Month 3:00 – 4:30 PM 125 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs Contact Caroline with questions: 518.857.9361 sponsored by Saratoga Pride & the Pride Center of the Capital Region. agmc

is an affiliate of

AGMC

AGMC islookingfornewmembers Albany Gay Men’s Chorus

Rehearsals are Wednesdays 6:45 - 9:00 pm at the First Lutheran Church of Albany.

For more Information Website: www.albanygmc.org E-mail: albanygmc@yahoo.com Voice-mail: 518-459-7563 Join us on facebook... Albany Gay Men’s Chorus - agmc

commUNITY SEPT-OCT 2016

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CommUNITY calendar SPORTS/ FUN & GAMES Gay Skate Tuesdays, 7–9:30 PM Rollarama Skating Center, 2710 Hamburg St., Schenectady An open skate for the LGBTQ Community! $9.50 w. Skate Rental/$6.50 w. your own skates.

For more info contact David at DB40@aol.com or (518) 5733962 Geek and Gaymer Night Thursdays, 9 PM Rocks, 77 Central Ave., Albany (518) 472-3588 Capital Area Pride Bowlers Sportsman Bowling Lanes 1652 Crane St., Schenectady.

Open to all.More info: Dimas (518) 894-1083

KARAOKE Waterworks Pub Mondays, 10 PM–2 AM 76 Central Ave., Albany, (518) 4659079 No Cover. (18+) Oh Bar Thursdays, 10 PM–1 AM 304 Lark St., Albany, (518) 4639004 No Cover. (21+) Waterworks Pub Fridays, 10 PM 76 Central Ave., Albany, (518) 4659079 18+ (w. cover) ROCKS Fridays, 9 PM–12 AM 77 Central Ave., Albany, (518) 4723588 Circus Cafe Saturdays, 10 PM–2 AM 392 Broadway, Saratoga, (518) 5831106 (21+) 38 |

pridecenter OF THE CAPITAL REGION

Center Square Pub Saturdays, 10 PM–2 AM 32 Dove St., Albany, (518) 7292880 No Cover.

OPEN MIC/ LITERARY Poetic Vibe Mondays, 7- 9 PM Troy Kitchen, 77 Congress Street,Troy (518) 268-0068

SOCIAL/SUPPORT GROUPS Out of the Closet I Am (for women who have sex with women) 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 6:30–8 PM In Our Own Voices, 245 Lark St., Albany, (518) 432-4188 Men’s Empowerment Group 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 6–7:30 PM In Our Own Voices, 245 Lark St., Albany, (518) 432-4188 Voices of Unity (for Transgender people of color) 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 6–7:30 PM In Our Own Voices, 245 Lark St., Albany, (518) 432-4188 HIV Suuport Group Thursdays, 4 PM The Albany Damien Center (Aureus Room) 646 State Street, Albany

DRAG Waterworks Pub Wednesdays, 11 PM–4 AM 76 Central Ave., Albany, (518) 4659079 No Cover. (18+)

TRIVIA Live Trivia with FriedaTuesdays, 8–10 PM

ROCKS, 77 Central Ave., Albany (518) 472-3588

SPECIAL COMMUNITY EVENTS The Autumn Gold Party Friday, October 14 6 PM - 8:30 PM Glennpeter Diamond Centre 1544 Central Ave, Albany (518) 689-3670 Autumn Gold Party: A Damien Center Raise the Roof Event at the dazzling Glennpeter Jewelers Diamond Centre!

The evening will feature a silent auction (stay tuned for word on the fabulous auction items!), delicious eats, a full cash bar, networking opportunities and a chance to learn all about the Damien Center’s current programming & future plans. Plus, like any true “gold party,” guests will be able to bring old jewelry they have

GET LISTED! We want to share your events with the Capital Region’s LGBTQA Community.

Send the details of your event and a brief description to sminchin@ capitalpridecenter.org at least 6 weeks before your event. *event listings may be edited for space and content.

advertiser INDEX lying around that they may sell to the folks at the Diamond Centre.

Funds raised will go in part toward helping cover costs associated with the construction of the new Damien Center building, which will include 20 permanent residences for homeless persons living with HIV/AIDS. Contact the Damien Center at (518) 449-7119 for ticket information Fall LGBT Dance Friday, November 12 7 PM - 11:45 PM Colonie Elks Lodge 11 Elks Lane, Latham (518) 785-5714 COVER-$8.00(Donation will be made to Suicide Prevention) Special Guest Performance by singer Maureen DeLuke. 50/50 Donation for the benefit of SUICIDE PREVENTION. Eclectic Songs (www.eclecticsongs.com/518-883-3911) will be spinning your favorite dance hits from The Oldies to the Latest Top 40 Dance Hits and taking requests, as well as providing dance videos. The bar and food concession will be open the entire dance! PLENTY OF SAFE PARKING!! All are welcome to attend!

Albany Damien Center....................................................... 32 Albany Gay Men’s Chorus..................................................37 Albany.com.......................................................................... 32 Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York ......22 Bakkerij Krijnen................................................................... 11 Choices Counseling & Consulting.....................................34 Falvey Real Estate, Craig LeClaire.......................................8 First United Presbyterian Church......................................34 HomoRadio......................................................................... 18 In Our Own Voices............................................................. 39 Jay Zhang Photography.....................................................34 Joseph Roche, Accountant................................................27 Law Office of Geri Pomerantz..........................................11 Mark Witecki, CPA, CFP.................................................... 28 Mary Kay Cosmetics ..........................................................15 Northern Rivers Family Services.......................................22 Queer Engineer................................................................... 30 Riverstone Consulting....................................................... 15 Saratoga Pride.................................................................... 30 Security Supply/Bath Expressions Showroom................32 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church ..............................................34 Tri City Rentals.................................................................. 40 Welcoming Congregations................................................30

In 2015, 20,000 copies of CommUNITY Magazine were distributed to public locations throughout the region and 60,000 copies were delivered directly to our subscribers Start directly reaching thousands of customers in the LGBTQ Community contact Steven @ (518) 462-6138 or sminchin@capitalpridecenter.org commUNITY SEPT-OCT 2016

| 39

Trans* Pride Promoting the wellbeing of the transgender, gender queer, gender fluid, agender, gender nonconforming, nonbinary, and questioning community in a safe, empowering space.

Your Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Community Center since 1970

Women’s Pride Centering the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, same-genderloving, WSWs, queer, and questioning women throughout the area. Share about coming out, sex, relationships, and other issues that affect women’s communities.

Men’s Pride Focusing on the experiences of gay, bisexual, transgender, same-genderloving, MSMs, queer, and questioning men in the Capital Region. Connect to share support, make friends, and learn about issues affecting men’s communities.

Vintage Pride Connecting older LGBTQ adults to each other and the broader community with social gatherings, special events, and educational opportunities. Creating new memories while celebrating and honoring the resilience and contributions of our communities.

Family Pride Center Families engages with LGBTQ families in planning social events and educational opportunities with the goal to build and sustain healthy, happy families.

Friends and Families engages with loved ones of LGBTQ-identified individuals to provide a safe space for allied family members to access resources and support.

Training & Education Services Comprehensive and customizable trainings, presentations, and technical assistance for healthcare providers, K-12 schools, colleges, businesses, organizations, and any group seeking to enhance environments and services for LGBTQ individuals.

Business Alliance Members gain exclusive visibility, ways to leverage customer allegiance, and access to a dedicated consumer base. Monthly Mixers provide space to network with local professionals and community.

Capital PRIDE As the producer of the largest LGBTQ Pride celebration in Upstate NY, we bring a record breaking 30,000 festival and parade attendees, and 35,000 celebrating throughout PRIDE week each year.

CommUNITY Magazine Our bi-monthly publication highlighting and informing the greater Capital Region on local LGBTQ news, events, as well as the work being done by other organizations in the area. We reach over 3,000 readers per month through digital and print copies.

Community Empowerment Engaging the community to build and sustain safe and empowering spaces through social connection, resource sharing, and advocacy. With special events and peer led support groups, we celebrate and address needs of each unique identity.

Center Arts Showcasing the contributions of LGBTQ-identified artists through innovative programming in the local area, participation in arts events, and showings at our Romaine Brooks Gallery.

Center Youth Support, outreach, and advocacy for LGBTQA+ youth ages 21 and under.

Including regional groups, a drop-in space, a summer camp, scholarship opportunities, and annual events.

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pridecenter OF THE CAPITAL REGION

connect WITH US TODAY Pride Center of the Capital Region 332 Hudson Avenue, Albany, NY 12210 P: (518) 462-6138 F: (518) 462-6138 E: info@capitalpridecenter.org www.capitalpridecenter.org

Albany First Presbyterian State & Willett Streets www.firstpresalbany.org Sunday Worship 8:30 am & 10:45 am

These Presbyterian Churches Welcome You

Where you can find a place ~ come as you are!

Hudson Falls First Presbyterian Church 5 River Street www.fpchudsonfalls.org Sunday Worship 10:00 am

Spencertown St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church 5219 County Route 7 SaintPetersPC.org Sunday Worship 10:00 am

Putnam Station Putnam United Presbyterian Church 365 County Route 2 www.pupchurch.wordpress.com Sunday Worship 10:00 am

Stephentown Stephentown Federated Church 1513 Garfield Road StephentownFederatedChurch.org Sunday Worship 9:30 am

Rensselaer First Presbyterian Church 34 Broadway 518-463-0894 Sunday Worship 10:00 am

Stillwater Stillwater United Church 747 Hudson Avenue StillwaterUnitedChurch.org Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Rensselaerville Rensselaerville Presbyterian Church 1454 CR 351 www.rvillepres.org Sunday Worship 11:00 am (Summer Only)

Troy (Lansingburgh) Cornerstone Community Church 570 3rd Avenue www.cornerstoneccl.org Sunday Worship 10:00 am

Saratoga Springs Presbyterian-New England Congregational 24 Circular Street www.pnecchurch.org Sunday Worship 10:45 am

Troy First United 1915 Fifth Avenue (downtown) www.UnitedPresTroy.org Sunday Worship 10:00 am

HamiltonUnionPresbyterianChurch.org

Schaghticoke United Presbyterian Church 165 Main Street 518-753-6277 Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Valatie First Presbyterian Church 3212 Church Street firstpresbyterianvalatie.weebly.com Sunday Worship 11:00 am

Hudson First Presbyterian Church 369 Warren Street FirstPresHudson.org Sunday Worship 10:45 am

Scotia Trinity Presbyterian Church 185 Swaggertown Rd. www.ScotiaTrinity.org Sunday Worship 10:00 am

West Charlton West Charlton United Presbyterian 1331 Sacandaga Road www.westcharltonUPC.org Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Albany Westminster Presbyterian 262 State Street www.WPCalbany.org Sunday Worship 10:00 am Amsterdam United Presbyterian Church 25 Church Street www.upcamsterdam.org Sunday Worship 10:30 am Colonie Roessleville Presbyterian Church Elmhurst and Central Avenue 518-459-2816 Sunday Worship 9:30 am Delmar Delmar Presbyterian Church 585 Delaware Avenue www.delmarpres.org Sunday Worship 10:00 am Glens Falls First Presbyterian Church 400 Glen Street FPCgf.org

Sunday Worship 10:00 am Guilderland Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church 2291 Western Avenue

Sunday Worship 8:30 am & 10:00 am

Distinguished Living...Successful Living...Gay Living

e ad for Sept-Oct CommUnity Tri2016 City Rentals is a Proud Supporter of the LGBT Community

For any questions regarding this ad, please contact Judy Moyer (518) 283-7663 or Moyer.Judith@gmail.com.

Presbyterian Rainbow contract

Visit one of our 24 Fine Capital District Apartment Communities

We are all God’s children ~ Come as you are!

42 |

pridecenter OF THE CAPITAL REGION

www.TriCityRentals.com

518.862.6600