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CONTENTS SKI EVENTS | TRAVEL 14 LGBT

BY DON FUCHS + LOUIS CHAVEZ FRAMED | ART THE RIGHT WAY 18 BYGETTING LOUIS CHAVEZ GIBSON HOUSE | CHARLES GIBSON’S LEGACY 24 THE

BY ANTHONY SAMMARCO FOR US | RINGS, BRACLETS, PINS & MORE 34 JEWELRY

BY ERIN WEAVER & NATALIE | WEDDING 38 CARYN

BY CARYN & NATALIE WITH SHARON LEVINE | PHOTOS: KRISTEN SCHULER

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EVERY ISSUE 6 FILM /TV LGBT TV, WILL AND GRACE, SUPERGIRL AND MORE. 8 BOOKS THE GANGS ALL QUEER YOU’RE IN THE WRONG BATHROOM & MAKING MIDCENTURY MODERN BOOK EXTRA; LESBIAN DATING 23 HOME MIX IT UP ECLECTIC HOME DESIGN

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LGBT TV landscape

By Mark Adams So there I am, clicker in hand, going through broadcast TV on a Monday night, and I come across the CW cable network, which, amazingly, is still on the air, and what do I see but two girls kissing. On "Supergirl," yet. George Reeves (and the similarly-named other Clark Kent Christopher Reeve) might be rolling over in their graves. But...times have changed, all for the better. It's commonplace for LGBT characters to appear just about everywhere on the telly, just as they do in real life. So I decided to take a look at what the LGBT TV landscape looked like this year, and here is some of what I found.

Let's go back to "Supergirl" - this is the show's second series. I watched some of the first, but couldn't really get into it. Here, in series two, we have Alex Danvers, who, in the previous series, came out, fell in love, almost died...you know, what you'd expect from cartoon characters. Meanwhile, the actress has decided to leave the series on a regular basis, but will return for at least five episodes. I am so relieved.

Last year, I tried to get involved in the critically-acclaimed "Top of the Lake" series on Sundance, which starred Elizabeth Moss (from "Mad Men" and Hulu's "A Handmaid's Tale"). Again, it worked for me only as an Ambien would, but, of course, it was renewed. In this new series, Moss is back and is joined by none other than Nicole Kidman as an adoptive mom who is having an affair with a female teacher at her daughter's school.

Ryan Murphy's "American Horror Story" continues on FX with something called "Cult," which seems to be centered on the current state of the United States, if you catch my drift. It's about a lesbian from Michigan (yes, they have 'em there) who is...well, "horror"-fied at the 2017 election results, and starts seeing clowns everywhere. Yup, clowns. Her girlfriend has her own problems. Lots of guest stars in this series, naturally, because of the subject matter, including Lena Dunham, Allison Pill, and I really tried staying with it because of the scheduled appearance of Billy Eichner ("Billy On The Street"), but I couldn't make it that far.

"Midnight Texas" is a new NBC series which features hunky Francois Arnaud, who you may remember from the series."Blindspot," if you're one of the two or three who watched. Here we have gay couple Joe and Chuy Strong, played by Jason Lewis and Bernardo Saracino.

Joe is a fallen angel, and Chuy, his husband, is a half-demon. I'm not sure which half.

My, but I seem cranky this season (for those who don't realize I'm cranky most seasons), so let's move on to a show I actually like. Seth MacFarlane, the cutie pie creator of "Family Guy," appears in as well as scripts "The Orville," a cleverly-done sci-fi series which will remind

6 savoirflairmagazine

you fondly of "Star Trek" only with a broader sense of humor. Peter Macon and Chad L. Coleman, totally unrecognizable if you even knew who they were in the first place, play the ship's gay couple "Bortus" and "Klyden," who are husband and husband of an alien race "where homosexuality is the norm." Huh? What?

There is yet another "Star Trek" series called "Discovery," which appears on the new CBS All Access channel, and it, too, features a couple of gay male characters (as well a female captain yet again). I haven't seen it, as there is a monthly fee for the pay service, and, right now, not that I'm miserly or anything, "Discovery" and a sequel to the CBS series "The Good Wife" are the only reasons to watch.

I can't imagine what they were thinking when the CW network

Supergirl’s Alex Danvers and Maggie Sawyer

decided to reboot the "Dynasty" series from a hundred or so years ago. Yes, the old one was a hoot, but I suspect this newer and younger-skewing remake will have even less staying power than "Dallas" had a couple of years ago. In the new "Dynasty," gay son Steven Carrington will be played by James Mackay, and "Sammy Jo" will now be a gay man, played by the gorgeous Rafael de la Fuente. Still, I may have to heavily medicate to watch.

I'm sure you know that "Will and Grace" is back. The groundbreaking quartet are almost as amusing as they were the first time around, and nothing has changed, except, perhaps, the viewers. There just seems to be something...well, missing. Maybe it's the 90s...I don't know. Can't blame their performances or their energy. It's all there. Does anyone remember that Karen was bisexual? That's what I've heard. Maybe they'll address it more this

"gay" throughout the series. There are several of the episodes on YouTube.

YouTube would also be your destination if you're interested in the series "Brothers." It appeared on Showtime in the mid-80s and ran for five years. The comedy told of three brothers, one of whom, played by Paul Regina, is gay. Humorous situations ensue as the brothers try to accept Cliff's homosexuality. It covered many subjects that were shied away from in the mid-80s, when AIDS would not even be mentioned on a network sitcom. Sadly, Regina passed away in 2006 at 49 from cancer - brother Robert Walden went on to a busy career, including a good run on Ed Asner's "Lou Grant" series. For reasons unbeknownst to me, the series was never released by Showtime on DVD, but several of the episodes of "Brothers" are available on YouTube and definitely should be part

time around.

It wasn't like this back in the 70s. Those of a certain age will re-

of our gay history.

member the controversy surrounding Billy Crystal's appearance in a 1977 ABC sitcom called "Soap," a satire of daytime soaps. Billy played one of the first gay characters on American TV as Jodie Dallas. Gotta hand it to ABC for sticking with it, as religious organizations went bonkers, and even gay rights groups were fearful of Crystal's "stereotypical" performance. Many of the plotlines

Mark Adams has been a popular contributor to LGBT Media for many years, writing extensively on film and video of interest to the community.

You can email him at vidioview@gmail.com with any of your favorites for a future scribbling.

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Book Review x 3

Book Review x 3 Reviews by Terri Schlichenmeyer

“The Gang’s All Queer: The Lives of Gay Gang Members”

by Vanessa R. Panfil c.2017, New York University Press $28.00 U.S. & Canada, 312 pages You felt surprisingly safe.

There you were, in a place that was certainly iffy, but you were totally comfortable there. No danger, no darkness, no problems – and in the new book “The Gang’s All Queer” by Vanessa R. Panfil, no world you’ve ever seen before, either.

Everybody knows that being a teen isn’t easy. Being a gay teen is even harder which, as a white lesbian woman, Panfil knew: her work in a Columbus, Ohio, LGBTQ center for young adults showed her realities beyond what she’d lived herself, and it sparked an interest in gang membership within the community. She already knew a handful of gay gang members; after she gained their trust, those men introduced her to a web of people who opened their world to her.

8 savoirflairmagazine

Book Review x 3 When most people think of gangs, the image that comes to mind is one of tattoos and machismo. Panfil found some of the latter, but that was often used as cover for sexual identity; indeed, many (though far from all) of the men she interviewed kept closeted to their fellow gang members. Panfil says there are three distinct kinds of gangs: all-gay gangs, of which there aren’t many; heterosexual gangs, in which being gay could be dangerous; and more tolerant, easy-going “hybrid” gangs in which the mix of gay and straight could be up to half of each.

Panfil points out that most of the men she interviewed were careful to stress that they were very masculine. She also says, despite that, more than two out of three gay men fought someone else over homophobic harassment, Protection from such was not the main reason for joining a gang; the main reasons were for perceptions of “family,” or because of deep friendship. Furthermore, while there was a certain amount of crime – mostly petty theft, selling drugs and sex, and fierce violence was not unknown – many gay gangs offered encouragement, a more democratic atmosphere, jobseeking help, and educational support, thus acting more as “cliques” than gangs.

Let’s start here: “The Gang’s All Queer” is a bit on the academic side, and probably not on anyone’s relax-in-a-hammock-and-read list. Having said that, it’s a very interesting take on a world that never makes the headlines.

Not only did author Vanessa R. Panfil have access to a group of men who were willing to tell-all, she fully used that access to understand why a gay man would turn to a group that’s stereotypically anti-gay. This leads to a bigger picture, and larger questions of violence and closeting, as well as problems with being Black, gay, and gangster. Also, because her subjects so casually use a word that’s normally a slur, the comfortableness of such is examined, as are the issues of sex work.

Readers – even those who might struggle with the collegethesis feel of this book – will ultimately come away with a better knowledge of a world they mightn’t have realized existed before. Certainly for scholars, but also for readers interested in LGBT cultures, “The Gang’s All Queer” is a pretty safe bet.

“’You’re in the Wrong Bathroom!’

And 20 Other Myths and Misconceptions About Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming People

by Laura Erickson-Schroth, MD and Laura A. Jacobs, LCSW-R c.2017, Beacon Press $16.00 / $22.00 Canada 182 pages How does that work?

When you were little and that question arose, you simply took things apart – but that didn’t always work so well.

In “‘You’re in the Wrong Bathroom!’” by Laura EricksonSchroth, MD and Laura A. Jacobs, LCSW-R, it’s time for different way of seeing things.

One million people.

That’s approximately how many transgender individuals live in the U.S. “Chances are,” say the authors, “you’ve met one (or more) of them,” and you didn’t even realize it. So why do many people think they don’t know anyone who’s transgender? continues on next page

savoirflairmagazine 9

Book Review x 3 continued from previous page

The answer goes back to a 1960s-era estimate that didn’t take race or economics into account, and that may still lead to myths and wrong assumptions. Misunderstandings happen because of that old study, lines blur, and “It’s crucial to ask ourselves why it bothers us so much…”

It’s a myth to believe that any single thing can define a “trans” person, say the authors. Each individual decides on who they are or will be, what they’ll be called, whether to have surgery, and how they’ll dress. And no, you cannot ask what’s in their pants, but you can respectfully inquire about preferred pronouns.

The sexuality of a transgender individual may be complex, say the authors, or it may be a fluid process filled with surprises, but transitioning isn’t a way to “trick” anyone into anything. Disclosure to friends, family, and potential mates is likewise not easily defined, so it’s best left to the individual. Obviously, none of this is “easy.”

Trans people have been around for centuries and were once revered in various cultures throughout history. They are not “broken” or “trapped in the wrong body” and they do not need to be “fixed.” They’ve gone through many steps to transition, and the vast majority will not have regrets for it.

And using “safety” as an argument for denying them bathroom usage is incorrect – unless you’re talking “safety” for the trans individual self.

Questions. You’ve got a zillion of them and, especially if you’re transitioning or thinking about it, so do your friends and family. “’You’re in the Wrong Bathroom!’” can answer twenty of them.

Beginning at the basics with “Identity,” authors Laura Erickson-Schroth and Laura A. Jacobs take the most common lore about the “T” in LGBT and gently correct any wrong beliefs that may be lurking in readers’ minds. That’s a good start, but there were times when the authors seemed too nice; more adamant language could have been appropriate. Even so, there’s a good sense of mind-easing in most cases here, followed by a carefully-measured MYOB tone.

At some point, then, and no pun intended, this book transitions more toward gender-nonconforming readers and less for cisgender folks, allowing the latter even better insight.

There’s a lot of education as well as food for thought inside this book, for those who’ve transitioned as well as those who

10 savoirflairmagazine

are pondering it and for their loved ones. If you need something to help set the naysayers right, “’You’re in the Wrong Bathroom!’” will work.

“Making Midcentury Modern”

by Christopher Kennedy, foreword by Barclay Butera c.2017, Gibbs Smith $35.00 / $50.00 Canada, 198 pages You’ll never forget the feeling of key in hand.

Imagine – you. A homeowner, finally, after saving, planning, and a ceiling-high pile of paperwork. Starting today, you can go home (home!), shut the door, and know that it’s all yours.

So how do you reflect your style in this home you love?

Begin with “Making Midcentury Modern” by Christopher Kennedy.

When he was a young lad, Kennedy’s parents taught him the proper ways to a well-mannered life: his mother made him write thank-you notes, and she taught him how to “make a good first impression,” while his father advised him to “live each day to the fullest.” Those lessons were learned in “simpler, more gracious times.”

Kennedy insists it’s not nostalgia that makes him love inte-

Book Review x 3 rior design from that period. Instead, he just likes the trend, and he doesn’t see it “slowing down any time soon.” In this book, he shows how you can include Midcentury Modern into your home, even if it was built last month.

You can start in the entrance.

Those first impressions matter when it comes to a home, says Kennedy. Paint your front door in a Midcentury Modern color to welcome guests warmly.

On the topic of colors, Midcentury Modern isn’t shy. Orange is the “caffeine of the color wheel,” and it really pops.

Think pink (Mamie Eisenhower’s favorite color), turquoise, white, red, or any shade of blue. Don’t just color walls, though; be bold with furniture, rugs, and accessories. Pillows in out-there colors are inexpensive ways to dip your toe into the design.

Know the “secret to a beautiful and easy-to-make bed” – and for guest rooms, consider twin beds. Go ahead and mix metals, bring childhood treasures out for display, and recall Mom’s kitchen or bathroom for ideas. Take your indoors, outdoors, weather permitting. Pare down; Midcentury Modern isn’t cluttered (so on that note, hide your TV). And finally, have fun.

“Above all,” Kennedy says, “never take your home… too seriously.”

Sometimes, it’s easy to feel indecision or paralysis, when it comes to décor. What if you make a mistake?

What if you have “Making Midcentury Modern”?

With 100 easy-to-use (and surprisingly budget-friendly) tips, author Christopher Kennedy gives readers the inspirational boost they need to make a home dazzle. You’ll see how simple color will transform a house’s entire look, and where cherished possessions can become unusual displays.

Kennedy fully admits that many of his favorite pieces were discovered online or at thrift stores, an idea that’s somehow very delicious. And pillows? Pile ‘em on!

The one criticism I have with this book isn’t with the information – it’s with getting that information: the font color against color can be very difficult to read. White print on a yellow background, for example, is nearly hidden.

It’s a design flaw in a design book. Go figure.

That’s not insurmountable, though: there are photos enough to make this coffee-table book a can’t-miss full of fun. If you need your house to feel groovier no matter when it was constructed, “Making Midcentury Modern” may be key.

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savoirflairmagazine 11

Book Extra

Local Rhode Island women write a dating book Women, Do You Know What You Really Want?

by Andrea DiMattia and Loretta Becker Two local Rhode Island women have released a new guide to dating for a unique demographic. Andrea DiMattia and Loretta Becker coauthored Women, Do You Know What You Really Want?, a fun, lighthearted book for lesbians.

The back cover description sums it up.

Calling all Lesbians! “Woman, Do You Know What You Really Want?” is a guide to lesbian dating that will coach you through some commonsense steps on your journey to find Ms. Right. It teaches you to always remember to love yourself and embrace who you are. It will facilitate self-reflection on topics that include wants, desires, needs, sex toys, love versus infatuation, online dating, age, dating with children, finances, and even ending a relationship. After learning and reflecting on these topics and many more, you will have the tools to date smart. It will be your turn to get out there, have fun, and find your true love.

The book is available in both soft cover and e-book editions. It can be purchased online through AuthorHouse, Barnes and Noble, or Amazon.

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lgbt Ski Events

By Don Fuchs with Louis Chavez The most important three words to a majority of lgbt people the world over. Where’s the party? The party seems to be the “glue” that holds many lgbt festivals, events and parades together. Take a look at the major gay Winter events around the world. For us in the US it starts in January for the Aspen Gay Ski Week. Let’s stop for a moment and think about the Aspen ski week. First there are separate tracks for the guys and the women.

There are parties every night, with stars that come and entertain and of course there is never a party without beautiful drag queens.

What’s most interesting is a pool party one night. We don’t need the Sun to have a pool party. There are many guys and women that don’t even come to ski, but to enjoy the parties. Take a look at the website for the Aspen gay ski week and there are no snow showers in the pictures, just beautiful sunny skies and most skiers are shown shirtless. Again, the sun wins. The Aspen Ski Week is joining forces with Las Vegas for a weekend getaway and of course a pool party.

WINTER RENDEZVOUS Locally the Winter Rendezvous is a great way to enjoy a New England based ski party.

MJW Adventures organized Winter Rendezvous in Stowe, VT. It’s 5 days of wintry bliss with hundreds of LGBT enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. Snow sledding, cross-

14 savoirflairmagazine

country skiing, a downhill drag race, snowshoe-

surrounded by the majestic San Juan Moun-

ing, spa treatments, shopping, dining, dancing

tains. It’s the perfect setting for the White

and an outdoor pool party, are just a few things

Night Party and the Wig Run, where skiers,

to keep you busy during the week.

don big wigs and afros and hit the slopes for fun. This fun-filled ski week benefits the Tel-

TELLURIDE GAY SKI WEEK

luride AIDS organization.

Next to Aspen the Telluride Gay Ski Week in Colorado is the most popular LGBT ski week in the

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It’s the perfect weekend getaway for outdoor

dreds of gay and lesbian skiers. The ski town is

enthusiasts, providing gays and lesbians interested in skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, swimming, and yes, even a relaxing trip to a spa. Queer Utah Aquatic Club (QUAC) Ski-n-Swim is hosted in Salt Lake City, UT, during the third weekend in February.

N.C. GAY SKI WEEKEND Skiing in the South at Summit: N.C. Gay Ski Weekend. This popular ski week, hosted in Blowing Rock, NC, is the Southeast’s premier winter and travel event. Don’t know how to ski? Common across most ski destinations, you can take skiing and snowboard lessons for under $20.. There are usually 3 host lodges skiers can choose to stay during the week.

Some of Summit: N.C. Gay Ski Week’s activities have included the Snowball dance party, WET-The Pool Party and Summit Live!, a show featuring popular comedians.

WHISTLER’S WINTER BRITISH, COLUMBIA PRIDE! Celebrate LGBT Winter PRIDE in Whistler, British Columbia. Enjoy fun activities including snowboarding, inner tubing, the Up Yer Kilt Party, the Echo Valley Ranch Cowboy/Cowgirl Party, a tasting tour of fine food, the Gender Bender Drag Ball, a comedy show and a

Photo: Photographerlondon

beer tasting event.

continues on next page

savoirflairmagazine 15

lgbt Cold Places Travel continued from previous page

AROSA, SWITZERLAND, GAY SKI WEEK Ready for an international ski adventure? Head to Arosa, Switzerland, for this LGBT ski week that started in 2005 with more than 350 participants from around the world. It’s now 1 of the top Gay Winter Events in Europe. Held during the second week in January, Arosa Gay Ski Week provides gays and lesbians with opportunities to enjoy a curling game with friends, Swiss fondue night, night sauna, single table, live concerts, cocktail parties and sunbathing on the

Even today, with a White, Red or leather party, we really know how to enjoy ourselves and Winter events are no exception. You can pretty much find a party any weekend around the world in any season. Now there are major pride parties all over the world, so “party gays” can go from party to party around the world in any season. Celebrating all over the world seems to be in our DNA so find that next party and plan that trip Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall.

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GETTING

by S. Latcoricki Many people take their time choosing the right art for their homes but are neglectful when it comes to the perfect frame for that important art.Some try to match all the frames in the house rather than match the frame to the artwork. Eli Wilner, chief executive of Wilner & Co., a New York frame dealer said in a recent article “The wrong frame will destroy the artist’s intentions.

I would prefer to view a work of art unframed than to put it in the wrong frame.”

A frame separates the art from the rest of the world.

The very best frames are an extension of the art they encase. Most of us don’t have the kind of budgets museums have but when a museum chooses a frame, they tend to go for period frames in keeping with the style of the artwork.

18 savoirflairmagazine

FRAMED

Here are some of the basics for obtaining a frame for your art. First of all frames protect art from being damaged. A good framer takes into consideration how thick the frame needs to be to both support and protect the art. Woods used in framing are mostly ash, basswood, cherry, maple, oak, poplar and walnut. The wood can be hand- or machine-finished, carved, or gilded with gold or silver which directly influences the price.

Secondly, choose a frame finish that doesn’t compete with the art in color or texture. For example, don’t choose a fussy frame with a mottled finish to go with a busy image.If you are framing art, larger paintings usually look best with wider moldings. If, however, going big won’t work for you and your space, a floater frame may help.

Floater frames usually add only 1 to 4 inches to the height and width of a large painting, whereas a regular frame of an appropriate size for a large work may add as much as 7 to 12 inches to the overall dimensions.

Glass

In addition to glass’ protective strengths, there is one quality to look for in glass: the glass should be invisible, letting us see the artwork clearly.

Plexiglas (also called acrylic) coverings protect works on paper against dirt and dust. Canvas, by contrast, is inherently sturdier than paper and

usually less risky to clean. So it does not need to be protected by glass. Specialty glass offers protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which cause damage to paint and ink alike. Generally the main types of glass used in framing, from least to most expensive, are: clear, nonreflective glasses that don’t filter out ultraviolet rays; conservation glass, which has a coating that filters out 99% of UV rays; and museum glass, which eliminates 99% of UV rays and cuts reflection by 85%. Plexiglass products are generally twice as expensive as their equivalent in glass. Plexiglas has the advantage of being more continues on next page

savoirflairmagazine 19

GETTING FRAMED continued from previous page

shatter-resistant than real glass, which could be of interest to art owners living in earthquake-prone zones.

It also is one-third lighter, which may matter with very large paintings. Acrylics can be scratched, however, unlike glass. Real glass is always preferable when covering artworks created in charcoal, graphite or pastels.

The reason: static electricity builds up on the surface of Plexiglas and pulls the art medium right off the paper.

Sprayed fixatives on the artwork may help, and some makers of acrylic glass claim that they have removed the static from their products. But using glass eliminates the risk.

Mats Mats come in three types. The least expensive are decorative mats made from wood pulp that has been rendered pH neutral, meaning that as it deteriorates it shouldn’t leak acids that can damage the art work—at least not for many years. The most popular mats are made from acid-neutralized, lignin-free wood pulp,

which is a bit more expensive but holds up longer.

Matting is used with works on paper—as opposed to canvas—such as watercolor paintings, prints and drawings. For pieces covered with glass, an additional layer of matting may also be desirable to provide more separation between the art and the glass. Paper expands in higher humidity, and if it touches the covering glass it may stick, permanently damaging the image.

Museums and art collectors who want their pieces to last forever prefer mats of cotton fiber. Also referred to as museum board, cotton-rag mats generally are two to three times as expensive as wood-pulp mats but are naturally acid-free. The only drawback is they tend to come only in neutral and subdued colors.

Backing Backs of canvases and works on paper should be protected to keep out dirt, dust and insects.

At the pricier end, there may be triple-backing for works on paper. This tends to consist of a cotton-rag board that touches the art, behind which is a thicker board of

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GETTING FRAMED corrugated plastic (polypropylene) and, finally, a dust cover.

Less expensive, and more popular, than corrugated plastic is a foamcore backing, which consists of polystyrene foam encased in pH neutral paper. Polystyrene may break down over a period of years and release gases that can harm the artwork.

Hence, the wrapping.There is no regulation covering some of the terms used for backing materials, such as “acid-free,” “antistatic” and “UV coating.” Michael Lee, dire ctor of photography and paper conservation at the Northeast Document Conservation Center, recommends contacting a museum curator or conservator, or a conservation lab, for questions and advice about best practices.

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In closing, when choosing a frame for your painting or drawing don’t be afraid to ask your framer for advice. They can give you an expert opinion on everything from period frames to matting.

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Mix It Up

by Oom Pahpah

There is a trend to mix rather than match home elements; white kitchen cabinets upper and black cabinets lower are appearing in kitchens everywhere. In the dining room; chairs can be of different styles, colors and sizes. Here are a few examples of the popular mixing of interior choices.

CABINETS Mixing cabinet colors, not necessarily styles is becoming a trend. Sometimes it manifests itself in a contrasting color kitchen island but for the more daring designer, one color for the uppers and one for the lower cabinets is the way to go. If you want to mix black and white kitchen cabinets as your color choices, the trick is to blend it with the countertops, floors, walls and lighting to create a bold look instead of a dark tomb.

Black-and-white kitchen cabinets help give your kitchen a contemporary look, since a more subdued gray or antique white will give you something more traditional. The right amount of black is of the utmost importance. Too much of any color, can be a major design faux

pas. It’s all in the statement you want to make and the tone and feel you want to convey in the room.

In a kitchen with black cabinets, the lighting is key. Take into account the amount of windows and natural lighting already in the room and decide what additional lighting you’ll need to achieve the desired look.

Other kitchen elements in the room surrounding the cabinets are important when planning your mixed color cabinet kitchen design. The countertops will have to blend with the floors, which will have to blend with the paint on the walls, which are emphasized in the lighting; and all of it mixes with the black in the cabinets for beautiful results. A designer can help you make it all work together for a look you’ll love. You can also work

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If you’re looking for something different in your home and are tired of the same old look, this mix trend could be the perfect solution for an updated look.

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CHARLES HAMMOND GIBSON, JR’S

The Gibson House Museum

‘It is almost as if the house is preserved in amber’

by Anthony M. Sammarco of Payne/Bouchier Fine Builders The Gibson House Museum on Beacon Street is the only house museum in the Back Bay of Boston. Among the earliest houses to be built after the infilling of five hundred and seventy acres of marshland began in the late 1850’s according to Arthur Gilman’s plan, the Gibson Family followed the Victorian Bostonians of the mid 19th century and migrated west from Beacon Hill where they built a townhouse on the former Milldam of Boston. Today, 24 savoirflairmagazine

a century and a half after the house was built, ‘Gibson House’ represents a fascinating glimpse into how a Boston Brahmin family once lived in town with an overlay of inherited family antiques and art that created a veritable

Above: An authentic Victorian sitting room preserved in The Gibson House Museum Above right: Charles Hammond Gibson, Jr. described in his day as pursuing a flamboyant and unorthodox lifestyle. He bequeathed his home as a museum known as The Gibson House Museum which is an example of an authentic Victorian Era home.

museum that was once wryly said to be so intact that it was as if it was “preserved in amber.”

In 1859 Catherine Hammond Gibson, the widow of John Gardiner Gibson who was a merchant who imported sugar from Cuba, commissioned Edward Clarke Cabot to design her new townhouse adjacent to that of her nephew Samuel Hammond Russell. These two Italianate townhouses were designed by the prominent architect Edward Clarke Cabot who designed the Boston Athenaeum and used the newly fashionable Italianate brownstone with red brick and a mansard roof. Though the two facades of the adjoining houses are subtly different, they and the houses along Beacon Street shared a setback with cast iron fencing along the sidewalk and walkways and design features which included center recessed entrances, oriole windows and dormered French mansard roofs. Moving from her family home on Somerset Place on Beacon Hill, she and her son Charles Hammond Gibson must have found it a comfortable and well equipped house with such features as a multi-story ventilation shaft that allowed air to circulate all five stories, bathrooms and impressive design features including impressive black walnut millwork. The house was comfortable, but relief continues on page 27 savoirflairmagazine 25

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The Gibson House Museum

from the city’s summer heart was afforded at their seaside villa “Forty Steps” in Nahant, a popular summer resort for well-connected and wealthy Bostonians.

In 1871 Charles Gibson married Rosamond Warren, a daughter of Dr. Jonathan Warren of 2 Park

Street in Boston. Gibson was a cotton broker and in partnership with Charles Joy. They lived at 137 Beacon Street with Mrs. John Gardiner Gibson until her death in 1888, after which they began to remodel and redecorate the house; the Music Room was remodeled with elegant white painted woodwork

and new dado wainscoting. The no longer stylish wall-to-wall carpeting was pulled up to reveal plain pine floor boards that were stained to look like mahogany—the perfect background for Asian area rugs that had become fashionable. Perhaps the most spectacular updating around 1890 was the installation continues on next page savoirflairmagazine 27

The Gibson House Museum

continued from previous page

of the front hall’s cream and gold embossed Japanese “leather wallpaper,” actually a heavily embossed paper. As early as 1871, Rosamond Gibson ordered a fifteen piece faux bamboo suite of furniture for her third floor bedroom—furniture that was really birds-eye maple made to look like it had come from the Far East. Mixed in with the heavy Victorian Era furniture of the mid 19th century are inherited family antiques, paintings and objects d’art of the 18th and early 19th century that were lighter and more refined. Though there are no known interior photographs of the late 19th century, the first floor dining room provides a glimpse of the substantial, dark mahogany that dominated Gibson House interiors when the house was new during the 1860s—a state of affairs that stands in marked contrast with daughter-in-law Rosamond Warren Gibson’s 1890s changes that are lighter and more au courant.

With the births of three children, Mary Ethel, Charles Hammond Gibson Jr. and Rosamond, the fourth floor was to become the Nursery which was not just their domain but a place filled with toys and a large doll house that was later donated to the Peabody Essex Museum. By the early 20th century, the Gibsons were a typical Back Bay family, moving from Nahant at the end of the summer season and

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in 1921 by her unmarried son who had lived at various abodes in the city. Though he continued to keep separate rooms at 121 Beacon Street until 1930, he began to see the house, of which he was the third generation since it was built, as something that was becoming increasingly rare as families began in the 1920’s to move to the suburbs and the large houses were subdivided into apartments or became lodging houses or were taken over by institutions and schools.

Charles Hammond Gibson, Jr. was by far the quintessential ‘Proper Bostonian’ of his day. As Cleveland Amory, author of Who Killed Society? had set the terms to which one

year when it was on Boylston Street in the Back Bay, and he probably took courses on architecture under William Rotch Ware who had founded the first School of Architecture in the United States. An eccentric aesthete and formal man who seemed to cultivate comment, he undoubtedly moved in a wide circle that included not just Boston Brahmins but also artists, architects and seemingly all the bon ton in town. He also thought of himself as an author and poet and in 1899 his book Two Gentlemen of Touraine, an architectural study of French chateaux which he wrote with the nom de plume Richard Sudbury, and in 1907 Among French Inns.

was so classified, Gibson met the criteria as a descendant of wealthy merchants, Harvard Medical School founders, fund raisers and physicians and even a Revolutionary war hero—General Joseph Warren. Educated at St. Paul’s School, he later attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for one

Neither book was a best seller but his interest in architecture and his Francophile leanings were highly evident. During the period between 1896, the year he entered MIT and his father’s death in 1916, he had lived between the home of his cousin John Collins Warren at 59 Beacon Street in 1910 to rooms at

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Jewelry for us BAUBLES, BANGLES AND BETROTHAL

by Erin Weaver Whether it's for a significant other, a family member, or a little something to treat yourself, there's nothing better than a beautiful piece of jewelry. From simple bracelets and earrings to statement necklaces and wedding rings, there's a piece of jewelry to suit every person and all sorts of occasions. If you're a member of the LGBT community, you can also find plenty of styles that honor this aspect of your life and let you show off your pride in style. In fact, plenty of companies cater to LGBT jewelry lovers, offering you the chance to find an elegant trinket.

If you're looking for jewelry for yourself or another person, there are a huge number of types and styles to choose from. It can seem overwhelming at times, but don't worry. This handy guide will introduce you to what's offered and give you handy tips and tricks to find the perfect piece of jewelry for you or your LGBT loved one.

Rings

A ring is one of the most significant items of jewelry due to its associations with betrothal. While it isn't a necessary aspect of a life partnership, most couples NATURAL RAINBOW SAPPHIRE BRACELET available at Silverscapes | Northampton

choose to exchange rings to signify their commitment upon marriage. When choosing a ring, always take

into account how wearable and versatile each style might be. After all, unlike necklaces or cufflinks, you're going to be wearing a commitment ring or wedding band for the rest of your life. Find a metal that suits the wearer's skin tone and a style that isn't too flashy (unless they're a super-flashy kind of person).

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JEWELRY FOR US~BAUBLES, BANGLES AND BETROTHAL Various local retailers have designed ranges of rings to appeal specifically to LGBT couples and individuals, so check them out to get an idea of potential styles. E. B. Horn, Yepremian Fine Jewelers, H. Brandt Jewelers, Capitol Craftsman and Silverscape are some of the retailers offering rings aimed at the community.

Cufflinks

Cufflinks have traditionally been viewed as a male jewelry item, often gifted at birthdays, graduations, and upon retirement. However, they are now fair game for people in all parts of the gender spectrum, allowing everyone to add a level of class and elegance to shirts. For this reason, cufflinks can be a particularly special gift for women who are embracing more masculine styles of dress.

They are also the perfect way to show affection and appreciation for the trans men in your life. Cufflinks tend to be fairly simple, but you can find plenty of intricate designs if you look more closely. E. B. Horn, Yepremian Fine Jewelers, Capitol Craftsmen, and Silverscape all stock cufflinks that would appeal to the LGBT community. These range from cheap and cheerful custom designs to more solemn and elegant styles.

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Earrings The most important thing to check out before choosing earrings for someone is whether their ears are pierced. Too many people make the simple assumption that women's ears will be pierced (and that men's ears will not, for that matter) when they start searching for jewelry as a gift. Once you've ascertained that earrings are a continues on next page

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JEWELRY FOR US~BAUBLES, BANGLES AND BETROTHAL continued from previous page

viable gift option for yourself or your loved ones, there are a huge range of options available. Simple stud

one, it might not be a great gift. However, if you or your gift

metals and gemstones can provide an

recipient are into these accessories, they're a great and safe item

elegant and stylish option. Similarly,

of jewelry to choose. Delicate chains are always a popular option,

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while pendants and charms can serve as a simple sign of your

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classy and eye-catching stones like diamonds and emeralds or fun options available in stores.

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ready. Necklaces and bracelets can be seen as "statement pieces" on men, and if the man in your life isn't comfortable wearing

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bracelets or necklaces for men,

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and last for years if your recipient is a more adventurous dresser.

Necklaces and bracelets are probably the easiest items of jewelry to find at all styles and price points. E.B. Horn, Skylight Jewelry, H. Brandt Jewelers, Capitol Craftsmen, and Silverscape offer excellent luxury options.

Brooches Brooches are the ideal way to show off your LGBT pride, if that's what you're aiming to do. A simple brooch pinned onto the lapel of your jacket can demonstrate your stance on politics, your identity, or your style, so why not try one out? While brooches may seem more feminine, there are also lapel pins and tie pins for the more masculine among us. Whatever type of brooch or pin

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you're looking for, they offer plenty of ways to show off your style, your solidarity, or both. When choosing a brooch for someone else, think about the sorts of colors they gravitate towards and hone in on any formal jackets that they wear often. Finding a complementary color palette is the secret to choosing the perfect brooch or pin.

Local stores like B. Horn, Skylight Jewelers, Yepremian Fine Jewelers, Capitol Craftsmen, H. Brandt Jewelers and Silverscape are the best place to find quality brooches and tie pins that stand for our specific community, but there are thousands of options available.

Everyone can find a piece of jewelry that suits them and represents their style and essence. With the help of this guide, you can discover what works for you or that special someone in your life and find a piece of jewelry that you'll always treasure.

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Natalie & Caryn

Story by Natalie and Caryn with Sharon Levine | Wedding Photography by Kristina Gibb Photography Caryn grew up in Virginia Beach, VA, and studied musical theater at Christopher Newport University. Upon graduation, she moved to the DC metropolitan area to begin her career. There, she grew her repertoire to include on-camera work, appearing in such films as Step Up 2 and Ridley Scott’s Body of Lies. She moved to Boston in 2008, and began working at Harvard University, where she later earned her master’s degree in Extension Studies with a concentration in Dramatic Arts. Currently, when Caryn is not rehearsing or performing, she can be found working out, soaking in a long LUSH bubble bath, or spending time with her beloved family. She even has her own website www.carynmay.com.

38 savoirflairmagazine

Natalie is a Massachusetts native, having grown up in Groton. She attended Wheaton College in Norton, MA, where she majored in Psychobiology and minored in Music Performance. She gained experience working with exotic animals in zoo and laboratory settings before scoring her dream job working with Capuchin Monkeys at Helping Hands Monkey Helpers in 2009. Natalie has been a member of the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra since 2007, where she leads the percussion section. In January 2015 she was featured on NPR’s ARTery as part of their story on the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Onstage at Symphony Hall program. When she’s not monkeying around or hitting things with sticks, Natalie enjoys reading, being outdoors, and advocating for resistance.

Chance Meeting Caryn and Natalie met in November 2011 at “The Chat” at the Cambridge Women's Center. The event provided an opportunity for women in the area to meet and get to know one another. They talked about lesbian stereotypes, and Natalie mentioned that she was a percussionist. As an artist, Caryn's intrigue was piqued, and they seemed to have a lot to talk about! Caryn was in the process of planning a Girls' Night for the following weekend, and went out on a limb to invite the woman she had just met. Natalie also went out on a limb, and accepted.

Courtship Two weeks after her Girls' Night, Caryn received a text from Natalie, and the two planned to meet for lunch at Life Alive restaurant in Cambridge. Was it a date? Neither was sure. But after a 3-hour lunch, and an impromptu movie at the Somerville Theater, both were convinced it had been! In February, the two made it Facebookofficial.

She’s the One Thanksgiving Day of 2014 fell on the three-year anniverAbove: Natalie on the left, Caryn on the right,

sary of Caryn and Natalie's first date. Having purchased

with Allen Brooks, officiant looking on from in

a heart-shaped diamond ring nine months prior, Nata-

the Gazebo

lie felt that this was the perfect time to pop the question. Natalie had to work that day, which left Caryn (who was very inexperienced in the kitchen) home to prepare a Thanksgiving feast for the two of them. After dinner, Natalie presented Caryn with a special gift. She had continued on next page

savoirflairmagazine 39

continued from previous page

prepared a bottle containing 25 slips of paper, each one detailing something that she loved about Caryn. When Caryn had finished reading them all, Natalie asked for her hand in marriage. Caryn still swears it was her cooking that did it! The following day, the two returned to the jeweler, where Natalie chose a gold textured band for her diamond, with which Caryn would propose to Natalie at a later date. The associate told them the ring would be ready for pick-up on January 16th, which happens to be Natalie’s birthday. It was a sign!

Above Right Top: Natalie getting ready From left: Janice Shelton (Natalie's mother), Natalie hugging Sofia Galvis (her niece), Rebecca Shelton (Natalie's sister), Caroline Miller (Natalie's sister).

Left: Caryn getting ready, Back row, from left: Casey Conger (Caryn’s sister), Carrie Martin (Caryn’s sister), Cameryn Conger (Caryn’s niece), Amanda Batcher (Caryn’s friend), Candice MartinSwisher (Caryn’s brother-in-law’s sister).

Caryn in front.

40 savoirflairmagazine

Natalie & Caryn

Above: Natalie with Father, Curtis Shelton and Mother, Janice Shelton

Above: Caryn with Mother, Nancy May and Father, Mal May

Venue Hunting Even though Natalie and Caryn agreed not to rush the planning process, that evening they found themselves Googling “outdoor wedding venues in Massachusetts.” Summer 2016 seemed reasonable, and they embarked on a venue touring process that took them to 13 different locations in the dead of winter. The second to last was Nahant Country Club, which seemed too good to be true, and they found themselves thinking there had to be a catch. Where else could they afford a garden ceremony, oceanfront photos, a beautiful reception for 150 of their closest invited friends, and (harder to find than one might think) two bridal suites? They could hardly wait to sign on the dotted line!

So Many Girls Caryn and Natalie each have two sisters, who all took on the roles of co-maids of honor. The brides each also appointed three additional bridesmaids, making for two bridal showers (one in Virginia, one in Massachusetts), two bachelorette parties, twelve bouquets, and zero boutonnières. With so many different sizes and personalities in the brides’ tribes, Caryn and Natalie set just one guideline for their attire – it had to be a shade of pink or gold… to the joy of one particular sister, even pants were acceptable! With the look of their entourage thus settled, Caryn and Natalie turned their attention to themselves. Caryn modernized her mother’s vintage wedding dress, and Natalie chose an ivory formfitting gown with a lace overlay to pair with her mother’s cathedral veil. It’s also worth mentioning that Natalie wore a gold bracelet given to her by Caryn’s mother. Received on her own wedding day, the bracelet was engraved with Mrs. May’s initials: NSM. Everyone was astonished when Natalie realized these would soon be her new initials. Caryn and Natalie donned matching peep-toe heels, with one distinction: Caryn’s were dyed pink, while Natalie’s were dyed gold.

Aside from their shoes, the two women decided to keep their wedding day looks a secret from one another until they met at the end of the aisle.

continued on next page

savoirflairmagazine 41

Natalie & Caryn

Above: Group photo, from left: Mal May (Caryn's father), Cameryn Conger (Caryn's niece), Candice Martin-Swisher (Caryn's brother-in-law's sister), Carrie Martin (Caryn's sister), Amanda Batcher (Caryn's friend), Nancy May (Caryn's mother), Caryn, Natalie, Casey Conger (Caryn's sister), Janice Shelton (Natalie's mother), Courtney Sanborn (Natalie's friend), Rebecca Shelton (Natalie's sister), Caroline Miller (Natalie's sister), Kristen Farrell (Natalie's friend), Danielle Wilbur (Natalie's friend), Curtis Shelton (Natalie's father) Kids in front, from left: Mayson Martin, ringbearer (Caryn's nephew), Liam Conger (Caryn's nephew), Sofia Galvis, flower girl (Natalie's niece).

continued from previous page

The I Do’s A string quartet comprised of Natalie’s colleagues from the Cambridge Symphony helped set the scene. The bridal parties walked to Beethoven’s Ode to Joy (Joy is Natalie’s middle name). Each bride, arm-in-arm with her parents, then made her way down the aisle to Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. Caryn says that when she saw Natalie walking towards her, she did everything she could to prevent a “full-on ugly cry,” and she had never been so thankful for a strategically placed hankie! Caryn and Natalie carefully crafted their ceremony, mixing tradition with personal touches. A fellow theater person from Caryn’s college days officiated. His booming voice and delivery were second only to the speech given by the brides’ 8-year-old nephew on the meaning of love. Liam concluded that real love is sharing your French fries without expecting any in return, and when all else fails, just shake your hips and hope for the best!

Picture-Perfect Backdrop One of the unique perks that Nahant Country Club boasts is the opportunity for couples to take breathtaking oceanfront photos. Immediately following their I-do’s, Caryn and Natalie hopped in their decorated Ford Escape, and headed to the beach. Their photographer/videographer team rode along and documented everything. The resulting photos are stunning: two beautiful brides in white, a sapphire sea and sky, all contrasted by the rocky Massachusetts coastline.

continued on page 45

42 savoirflairmagazine

44 savoirflairmagazine

Natalie & Caryn

continued from page 42

Above: On the beach Caryn on the left, Natalie on the right

Party Time Caryn and Natalie’s celebration continued with a delectable plated dinner, an extensive dessert bar, and lively dancing to the brides’ lengthy playlists. Reception highlights included a choreographed father/daughter dance, unique mother/ daughter dances, a welcome-to-the-family rap given by Caryn’s sisters, and a touching and tear-jerking speech by Natalie’s sisters. Later in the evening, Caryn (completely sober) was triple-dog-dared to do a trust-fall off the railing to her theater friends below, who would certainly catch her. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Caryn climbed on up and assumed the position. Natalie, who was eating a slice of cake across the room, turned around just in time to see Caryn’s free-fall. In that moment, she used the phrase “my wife” in a sentence for the first time ever: her precise wording was, “My wife is crazy!” The night culminated in Caryn and Natalie’s favorite moment when a long conga line (nobody was left sitting) snaked through the elegantly decorated ballroom to “We Are Family.” The surrounding and abundant love filled the brides’ hearts, and the entire room.

continued on page 47

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Honeymoon selfies in Mallorca, Spain; Caryn on the left and Natalie on the right

continued from page 45

Mini-moon The brides’ criteria for choosing a honeymoon destination consisted of someplace unfamiliar, someplace warm, and someplace where they wouldn’t have to pretend to be just close friends. Caryn had never been to Europe, and Natalie had never been to a tropical island. An island in Spain, the third European country to legalize gay marriage, fit the bill, and the two booked their tickets to Mallorca. However, organizing an international vacation on the heels of a large wedding felt overwhelming, so Caryn and Natalie chose to postpone their honeymoon and instead planned a minimoon. Immediately following the epic conga line, the newlyweds headed for Marblehead, where they would spend a few days basking in their newfound marital glow. The brides’ unexpected exhaustion allowed them plenty of time in their room at the Harbor Light Inn. They spent most of this time (three separate sessions) opening up the countless number of cards they had received from their generous friends and family. ¿Habla Ingles?

With the help of their Honeyfund, Caryn and Natalie spent their first anniversary in Mallorca, Spain. For six days and seven nights, the two lived in the lap of luxury at Ca’s Curial, an adults-only boutique hotel hidden away in the quaint, mountainous city of Sóller. The two shopped, ate, hiked, sightsaw, swam, sunbathed, paddleboarded, and attended a classical concert; all the while falling in love with this beautiful Spanish island and culture. In preparation for their trip, Caryn and Natalie learned a few imperative Spanish phrases: Dónde está el baño? (Where is the bathroom?), cuánto cuesta? (how much does it cost?), and no votamos por Trump (we did not vote for Trump). Upon their arrival, the two quickly realized that these basic phrases were not sufficient and they made it their business to become more fluent in the native language. They took notes, quizzed one another, and made proper use of Google translate (which was a game-changer). To this day, Caryn and Natalie take daily Spanish lessons, with the hopes of returning to this magical place.

Share your wedding with our community in the next Savoirflair Magazine. call 617-423-1515 or email kpmedia2013@gmail.com savoirflairmagazine 47

Gay

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By John Axelrod with Mark Adams Gaywheels.com is, according to itself, a website that is ‘The LGBT-Friendly Car & Travel Guide,’ and focuses on our community’sinterest in cars. It lists car friendly manufacturers, and news of interest to the LGBT community.

Gaywheels.com states its mission: “Cars, trucks, SUVS... take us to work, school, the grocery store, and everywhere else we need to go. Most of us depend on them for our independence and mobility. Unfortunately, the automotive world isn’t always a comfortable place for LGBT shoppers. Showrooms and garages are known more for macho swagger and technical jargon than for welcoming gay men — much less lesbians or transsexuals.

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Although that situation is beginning to change, the auto industry still has a long way to go. That’s why Gaywheels. com launched in 2005, with the goal of creating a place for LGBT consumers to learn more about new cars, the auto sector, and related topics. Over the years, we’ve tried to offer a range of reviews, advice, personal profiles, and even travel suggestions. As the auto world evolves and diversifies, we’ll continue doing the same to meet our readers’ needs.” There’s no ambiguity in it’s mission; it’s clear they have created this site to fulfill a community need.

Synapse,”it was developed in partnership with Hyundai. It’s essentially art that illustrates the futuristic fusing of humans with their automobiles. The article highlights the vision of

Although there are no women listed on “team” of found-

the conceptual artist creator, Jonathon Keats. Keats has

ers and writers, contributor Sam Gomez credits a woman

envisioned a cyborg car (not an artificially intelligent car

promoted to a key public relations position in the 1990s,

that thinks for itself and is separate from the driver), but a

which enabled him to write car reviews for LGBT publica-

cyborg in which car and driver are merged. With driver-

tions since she agreed to loan cars to Sam for review pur-

less cars on the horizon, anything is possible and there’s no

pose. Hard to believe they couldn’t find one lesbian writer

question our community loves art.

who is interested in cars.

A news item that is LGBT specific concerns Toyota openThe articles in gaywheels.com aren’t always specifically

ing a new HQ in Plano, Texas, and the timing couldn’t be

about LGBT individuals but are of interest to the commu-

more ironic for LGBT employees. It gives a rundown on

nity. One such recent article is about an exhibition at the

Toyota’s promise that it would maintain its longstanding

Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Called “The Roadable

LGBT-inclusive employment policies after the move, only

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big, bulky, butch and quite the beauty. Ever gone out with someone whose size rivaled that of the Jolly Green Giant?

Did the “big reveal” show that your massive companion was anatomically proportional, making you feel as though you were standing at the feet of Abraham Lincoln statue…

As for the 2017 Chrysler 300, gaywheels.com describes it as “... the big Mary of muscle cars” Well, if I had a spare $35,000 plus, I would consider getting this Queen Mary of muscle cars! If you are into big queens who know how to roar past crowded aisles and slow-moving queues, you will enjoy the Chrysler…”

to have the Texas Supreme Court decide that marriage equality doesn’t mean same-sex couples are entitled to the same rights as their straight peers. After reiterating Toyota’s stance to continue its benefits policies for same-sex married couples, gaywheels.com advises its readers to ‘stay vigilant, and stay tuned.”

One of the topics on the gaywheels.com landing page puts a LGBT spin on a variety of cars with the heading “That’s So Gay.” For example; the 2017 Acura MDX, it is “...

CONTINUES ON PAGE 52

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 50

Its Gay-Friendly Automakers page tells us that “...research

sorts, entitled Other Automakers, in which they state

among LGBT consumers shows that majority of us want to

“we haven’t been able to get enough information to clas-

spend our money with companies that have progressive

sify some automakers as LGBT-friendly (or not). We’re still

policies towards their LGBT employees. The only problem

investigating these brands: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus and

is, that information hasn’t been easy to find — until now.

Maserati.

Gaywheels.com has done the footwork and offers a list of gay-friendly manufacturers that sell vehicles in the USA. To be considered gay-friendly, automakers must, at a minimum, have a policy that prohibits workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.”

For your information, they also list automakers that are not LGBT friendly. Currently only the South Korean carmaker Kia makes this list, but there is an automaker’s purgatory of

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pocket bear, perfect for all your wild bear fantasies but nice enough to bring to those Lutheran potlucks where at least one person lifts a plate…”

In another section, the car reviews are LGBT-centric lighthearted reviews of many of the new carmakers’ model offerings. For example, a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is “...so camp...is there anything better than waking up in a tent to the sound of thunder, lightning, and rain pattering? I’m crazy,but I love it. If there’s anything better, it’s knowing the new 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is sitting outside.”

For the Nissan Rogue Sport, it’s ...is a ‘Shantay, you stay’ The 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport is here, and it’s a spunky

Obviously these reviews speak to the community in a fun and campy way that makes this site LGBT relevant.

Overall, this site does what it sets out to do and more. It lets LGBT consumers find community-friendly automakers, and for the automobile aficionado, it put a serious and not CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

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so serious community slant on various makes and models.

My only question on this site is the subhead of the site; THE LGBT-FRIENDLY CAR & TRAVEL GUIDE. I get the car part, but not travel guide part. It may be a future section on

cruising the USA in that brand new set of gay wheels, but as of yet, no travel destinations or travel advice are on the site. Other than that, the site is fun, informative, and let’s not forget amusing—well worth a read as well as a bookmark!

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The Gibson House Museum continued from page 29

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121 Beacon Street where he lodged and kept as a private bachelor pad where he could entertain friends in his flamboyant and unorthodox lifestyle without censure by his family. Charles Gibson was said to be a formal and exacting gentleman of the old school, but he was also rumored to be gay. During the early 20th century, after he returned from a long grand tour of Europe, he seemed to move in a curiously covert and somewhat underground lifestyle that ran counter-culture to his decided Brahmin lineage.

Though his bohemian lifestyle was at decided odds to that of his parents’ and his sisters’ and their families, he did not begin to attract attention until the 1930’s after his mother’s death when he purportedly wore yellow silk pajamas as he strolled about town, often wrapped in a full-length raccoon coat. By the

The Gibson House Museum World War I era, the age of a town housed well-staffed by servants was over so Gibson made do with a succession of young, attractive valets who were often the only assistance in the house. He tried to retain the appearance of the opulence of Victorian and Edwardian Boston, and he was said to have dined regularly at the Ritz-Carlton in top hat and tails. In fact John Marquand interviewed him in 1941 for an article in “Life Magazine,” with a photograph of Gibson seated at his desk speaking with Marquand surrounded by family portraits and photographs.

Charles Hammond Gibson had a great appreciation and respect of his family’s traditions and took great pride in both the family townhouse at 137 Beacon Street as well as the summer cottage at Nahant.

Even in the 1930’s he began to realize that having survived remarkably intact, the house was a rare and an

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almost unique survivor since it was built in 1860. In the two decades before his death in 1954, he took steps to preserve the house, collection and the veritable fabric of its being. With a reduced income during the Great Depression, he cultivated an almost museum-like qualcontinues on next page

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The Gibson House Museum

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ity to the house with barriers that kept family and guests from sitting on the furniture and off the carpets and during cocktail parties he had guests sit on the “Ambassador’s Staircase,” as he called the stairs, rather than the furniture. Gibson’s interest in the Victorian period in Boston, of both the architecture and social development of the city, was far ranging and he must have contemplated the ultimate fate of his beloved family home after his death. His creation of a veritable shrine to his family and to his literary works, with all of the accoutrements needed to ensure its ultimate survival, was something that at the

The Gibson House Museum time few understood or appreciated. Charlie was quoted as saying that “it would not be until the year 2000 that the public would appreciate the furnishings of the Victorian Era.” He had contacted the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (now Historic New England) to see if they might accept his house into their circle of historic houses, but ‘Gibson House’ was seemingly too new and far too Victorian to even be considered by an organization that had assembled a large number of Colonial and Federal style residences. In his will, Gibson created the Charles Hammond Gibson Memorial Trust and directed that the house and its furnishings be maintained as a house museum and in 1957 the Gibson House Museum was opened to the public.

The Gibson House Museum, with a board for the last six decades committed to its preservation and its interpretation as a Victorian

REACH

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KP MEDIA PUBLICATION

VOL. 8

NO. 1

THE LGBT

NEW ENGLAND’S LGBT MAGAZINE

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house museum in the Back Bay of Boston, was slowly to become a destination with tourists, let alone Bostonians, most knowing little of its existence. The Gibson House had a small group of supporters that ensured its survival until the continues on next page

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early 1970’s, just over a century after it was built on the old Milldam, when the Victorian subculture and appreciation of life in the late 19th century became so popular. In 1992, the Boston Landmarks Commission designated the interior of the Gibson House as a historic landmark with preservation restrictions and in 2005 the Charles Hammond Gibson Memorial Trust transferred the property to the Gibson Society, Inc., which operates not just the house museum but preserves the legacy and forthright vision of the last family member of the Gibson Family to have lived in the house.

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