Options Magazine - April 2015

options April 2015

LGBTQ News, Resources & Events

AIDS Care Ocean State

Celebrates 25 Years

FREE Rhode Island’s LGBTQ Community Magazine Since 1982

options

In This Issue:

Rhode Island’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community news source since 1982.

April 2015, Vol. XXXIII, Issue 12

Publisher Kyle McKendall kyle@optionsri.org Editor in Chief Jen Stevens editor@optionsri.org Senior Copy Editor Myra Shays

The Triple Crowns Step Down

Copy Editor

pg. 22

Bradford Greer Graphic Design Theresa “Reese” Barzyk Writers Kurt Bagley, Adam Brooks, Cathy S. Cranston, Annie Cronin-Silva,

Imperial Court Coronation pg. 5

ACOS Celebrates 25 Years

Bear and Bones pg. 26

pg. 15

4 From the Editor 4 Letter to the Editor 5 Imperial Court Coronation 6 From the Publisher 6 Advertisers 8 Calendar of Events 10 News Briefs 13 Born This Way Prom 15 ACOS Gala The Silver Lining 16 ACOS Timeline 18 Ask Paula 19 Insurance Coverage for Hormones

Paul, Jennifer Porcelli, Kelly Scafariello, Melanie Silva, Paula Smith,

22 The Triple Crowns Step Down 24 Kickboxing 25 Lesbians on the Loose 26 Dining Out for Life 26 Bear and Bones 27 Rhode Island Pride 28 SAGE Rhode Island 29 TGI Network 30 Youth Pride Inc. 31 Resources 38 Worth a Look

Home delivery is free! Subscribe at www.optionsri.org, email frank@optionsri.org, or write to us at our PO Box. © OPTIONS 2015. Options is published monthly. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the governing board, volunteers, or staff. Listings are provided as a resource and do not imply endorsement. Submissions to Options must include a phone number or email address. Names may be withheld on request. Submissions, ads, calendar, or resource listings for the May issue must be delivered by April 17.

Options | April 2015

Christopher Dalpe, Bradford Greer, Beth Hebert-Silva,The Lit Chick, Monique

Jen Stevens, Chris Tallent Photographers Jack Hartwein-Sanchez Finance Director Donny McKendall billing@optionsri.org Subscription Manager Francis Ryan frank@optionsri.org Advertising Samuel Simas adver tising@optionsri.org

Contact Us info@optionsri.org PO Box 6406 Providence, RI 02940 (401) 724-LGBT www.optionsri.org Cover: 25 Years of AIDS Care Ocean State Design: Chris Dalpe

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From the Editor Dear Reader, I write to you from the eve of the spring equinox.The snow that first fell two months ago (and never let up) is finally receding to reveal sidewalks and lawns.The ice skaters in Kennedy Plaza have made way for skateboarders.The local hardware store’s stock of shovels and rock salt has been replaced with plant pots and mulch. If you, too, feel transition is in the air, wait until you check out the local gay calendar.

In this issue, you’ll discover important transitions in community leadership.The Imperial Court bids a fond farewell to its reigning Emperor and Empress while a new monarch assumes the throne at Coronation XXIII. (p. 5) Likewise, Rhode Island Pride experiences a changing of the guard as Mr. Gay, Ms. Lesbian, and Miss Gay RI 2014 step down to make way for a new roster of Triple Crown hopefuls competing in talent, smarts, and style for the chance to lead and serve as ambassadors to the wider Rhode Island community. (p. 22) Transition is often a sense of moving beyond something and we’re always happy to report forward momentum in our movement such as gay parent adoption bans fizzling out and the U.S. State Department’s first ever appointment of a global LGBT rights advocate. (p. 10) That said, the TGI Network reminds us that some members of our community have enjoyed more victories than others along the long road to equality and LGBs are asked to continue to stand with the trans* community. (p. 29) Many have come to know the spring as “Pride season.”

Similar to the holiday season, a lot of preparation goes into a celebration that will culminate in one climactic day around the solstice. With the parade, vendors, entertainment, beer garden, kids activities, and more, the possibilities for involvement in PrideFest are endless.You’re encouraged to find your niche now; planning is already underway. (p. 27) Special thanks to Chris Dalpe who writes our AIDS Care Ocean State column, designed this month’s cover, and contributed “Bear & Bones”—a new monthly comic strip. (p. 26) We’re thrilled to present 25 years of ACOS history in a timeline depicting some of the organization’s greatest achievements complete with photos.The heartbreak of the AIDS epidemic is undeniable, but you’re invited to experience The Silver Lining for yourself. (p. 15) In solidarity, Jen Stevens

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Letter to the Editor I was glad to see your interview with Rep. Edie Ajello in the February issue. She has worked tirelessly to help make Rhode Island a better place for so many of us. It was a little surprising, however, not to see any mention of one of her accomplishments. Rep. Ajello was the lead sponsor of the bill that granted transgender Rhode Islanders basic civil rights. Rhode Island was only the second state in the U.S. to pass such legislation (and the first to pass it as a stand-alone bill not part of some other legislation).

This landmark law might not have come into existence without Rep. Ajello’s courage and intelligence and such an achievement ought not to be forgotten.

- Gwendolyn Howard, Providence [After receiving Gwen’s letter, your editor asked Representative Ajello one more question.]

Options: What inspired you to be the lead sponsor of a bill to ensure transgender Rhode Islanders had basic civil rights at a time when only Minnesota had such a law?

Ajello: Gwen Howard inspired me to introduce legislation to add gender identity and expression to Rhode Island’s civil rights statutes. As I recall, Gwen called me and asked to meet with me to talk about a bill to add transgender individuals to our civil rights law regarding employment, public accommodations, housing, and credit. Gwen and I met on Thayer Street in the restaurant above Berk’s shoe store. Gwen told me about her life, particularly as she transitioned to living as a female.

Probably clearest in my memory is Gwen’s description of having to awkwardly change clothes in her car when she arrived at work and again on leaving work to go home.

Having recently moved to Rhode Island with her wife, she was working as a male, based on past work history, and living in her new neighborhood with her life partner as a female. Gwen described difficulties I had not imagined in a straight-forward and compelling manner that asked the question “Why do we allow this?” My name was merely the name of the legislator sponsoring the bill; Gwen and others, whose names I am sorry I do not remember, made their case so that since 2001 Rhode Island has included gender identity and expression in our civil rights laws.

Options | March 2015

The

Imperial Transition

by Bradford Greer

Jealousy Jonz and Ryder Hard

Get out your ball gowns, tease up your hair, and fuss up your tuxedo with your best accessories. The Imperial Court is preparing to crown a new Empress at a golden jubilee celebration in the Grand Ballroom at The Biltmore Hotel on Saturday, April 18. Coronation XXIII—The Glamorous Life: A Retrospective of Fashion will be the final fête of Empress Jealousy Jonz and Emperor Ryder Hard, who will pass their crowns to a new title holder.

No stranger to a crown and sash, retail manager Scott originally came to an event and ended up helping out with a spotlight. After finding out about all the charities The Imperial Court helped to raise money for, he became hooked and over time became Emperor XV Gabriel. He also wore the crown and sash as Miss Gay Rhode Island in 2012. It was good friend Empress V LaDiva Jonz who christened him Jealousy.

Courtney, a sales representative, came to support her good friend Diana Prince in her run for Empress. “I had been looking to do something for charity and it sounded like a lot of fun. I was intrigued by the camp aspects and the performances. Once I went to a couple of events I was hooked.” Diana encouraged Courtney into drag and christened him Ryder Hard. It was a joke. But he liked it and it stayed.

Jealousy and Ryder also served together five years ago as the Crown Prince and Princess. This foundation helped them work as a team during this year’s reign. “Hard work, caring, and a determination to give up your life for a year to make a difference

Options | March 2015

in the community are important qualities in an Emperor and Empress,” says Jealousy. Ryder Hard added,“I think one of the most important things is to understand why you are there.The ultimate goal is to raise money for charity. It’s fun to dress up and wear fancy clothes and jewels but in the end you are one piece of the organization.”

Coronations are the pinnacle of glamorous fundraising events for the Imperial Court and happen yearly throughout the country and internationally. Monarchs and their courts often travel extensively to other coronations to be presented at grand affairs to incoming Emperors and Empresses. The Rhode Island royals have attended many coronations this year including New York, Massachusetts, Houston, Kentucky, D.C., Vermont, and Canada. It is estimated their majesties have hosted and attended over 50 events during their monarchy and by the time the coronation weekend happens they will have raised over $20,000, which will go to Aids Care Ocean State and AIDS, Inc. New Bedford.

With guests coming from all over the country and Canada to celebrate the jubilee, the Empress expects to dazzle in about ten outfits during the long weekend. Knowing that she has raised and helped to raise money for those who are in need is what makes Jealously Jonz a proud member of the Imperial Court System. “It was truly a partnership,” says Ryder Hard, “We supported each other, we helped each other and I think we made a positive impact on the organization.”

For tickets to Coronation XXIII: www.squareup.com/market/ imperial court-of-rhode-island/coronation-xxiii. q

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From the Publisher

Advertisers in This Issue

Dear Reader,

Options serves an important role in connecting the many facets of our community. Since 1982, the local LGBTQ community has utilized these pages to tell the stories no one would tell, inform and rally the masses to provoke change, and give a voice to those otherwise unheard.

One hour of your time each month--that’s all it takes to have a wide impact on our community. As spring inspires new beginnings, I hope you’ll make April the month you take a more active role in this publication.

Our organization has always relied on volunteers: writers and photographers who fill our pages with thought-provoking content, meticulous copy editors who proof every line, folks willing to deliver issues near and far, and many remember labeling thousands of envelopes on mailing nights. Without volunteer contributions, we wouldn’t have Options.

Help us preserve Options Magazine’s unique and important role within our community. Just one hour of your time each month could be especially utilized in two key areas:

• Distribution: With over 100 locations, we’re sure to have a distribution point along your normal commute. Signing up for a handful of locations each month would engage new readers, please our advertising partners, and increase our overall visibility while taking up minimal time.

• Advertising: We rely on advertising revenue to operate. It’s not necessary to have experience in advertising, sales, or marketing to help in this area. Consider dedicating one hour per month to identifying prospects and following up on leads. Connecting Options to just one year-round advertiser would boost our financial health significantly. Our June issue will once again serve as the official guide to Rhode Island PrideFest; together, let’s reach out to more business owners ready to get their brand into the hands of tens of thousands.

I look forward to talking about volunteer opportunities in more detail. Call 724-LGBT, email info@optionsri.org, or gather with us at our monthly release party. We’re a fun crew, and welcome you to join the team.

Onward,

Kyle McKendall

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AIDS Care Ocean State - Drag Bingo.............................29 AIDS Care Ocean State - Gala............................................40 AIDS Care Ocean State - Know Your Status................27 AIDS Project Rhode Island - Dining Out for Life......... 7 Bill Hendrickson, Electrician....................................................30 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island............................. 7 Born This Way Prom...................................................................39 City Kitty............................................................................................11 Cruise Planners..............................................................................37 Family Service of Rhode Island.............................................35 Gregory’s Optical.........................................................................19 High Rocks Condominiums....................................................32 Imperial Court of Rhode Island...........................................30 JDHS Photos...................................................................................32 Jennifer Minuto, Attorney.........................................................30 Jennifer Minuto, Musician..........................................................27 John D. DaPonte, Mental Health Counselor.................33 Marjorie L. Roblin, Mental Health Counselor................. 6 Mister Sister.....................................................................................28 Neighborhood Health Plan of RI.........................................12 Patriot Subaru.................................................................................12 Plumbing by Paul...........................................................................34 Providence Performing Arts Center..................................14 Quidnessett Country Club.....................................................34 Residential Properties................................................................36 Residential Properties - Meredyth Church ..................31 RI Association of Gay Professionals...................................14 Rue De L’Espoir.............................................................................14 The Stable.........................................................................................33 Stephen J. Dennis, Attorney....................................................11 Town Hall Lanes.............................................................................. 9 The Village........................................................................................... 2

Options | April 2015

GOT PLANS APRIL 30TH? LET’S EAT!

Make plans to dine at a participating restaurant on

Thursday, April 30th A portion of your bill will be donated to AIDS Project RI. For a list of participating restaurants visit www.aidsprojectri.org

Dine Out! Fight AIDS! Options | April 2015

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Calendar of Events Pride Triple Crown Pageant April 12

Imperial Court Coronation April 18

April Fri. 3-Sat. 4 Second Annual New England Queer People of Color Conference: Healing. Visibility. Community. Brown University, Providence. Open to anyone who identifies as a queer person of color, is over the age of 18, and is part of the larger New England community, as well as non-QPOC committed to social justice and anti-oppressive spaces where QPOC’s experiences are at the forefront. For registration, list of speakers and programs, and other information, visit www.neqpoc2015.wordpress.com/registrationinformation. The keynote address by Mia Mingus (April 3, 6:308pm, 117 MacMillan Hall) is open to all, wheelchair accessible, and conference registration is not necessary.

Featuring performances from out-of-town Imperial Court members, bar crawl to follow, $10.

Thu. 9 Sweet Little Variety Show, 8pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence.A queer-produced potpourri of entertainment including music, comedy, dance, and oddities. Featuring Chifferobe’s Tropigals, comic Rhodes Pierre, acoustic musician Chris Monti, and more. $6 at the door.

Sat. 18 Voices for Hope, 6pm. Mechanics Hall, Worcester, 321 Main Street, MA. Kada Films presents a concert to support the production of Life Abstract, a film about healing and hope for a young lesbian recovering from child abuse. Featuring: Uh Huh Her, Melissa Ferrick, Catie Curtis, Bitch, Sick of Sarah, Antigone Rising, Run Jenny, Bethel Steele, Kristen Merlin, and more. Comedienne Suzanne Westenhoefer hosts. For tickets and info, www. mechanicshall.org.

Sun. 12 Women’s Health & Education Fund Annual Bowlathon.

Town Hall Lanes, Johnston. For more info, www.whefri.org.

Sun. 12 RI PrimeTimers, 4:30-7pm. Network for gay and bisexual men 50+. Social, dinner, and meeting. For more info, www. riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 996-3010.

Sun. 12 PrideTriple Crown Pageant: Under the BigTop, 7-10:30pm.

Colosseum, 150 Pine Street, Providence. Mr. Gay, Ms. Lesbian, Miss Gay, and other potential title holders will be crowned.Visit www. prideri.com to learn more and apply.VIP tables and advanced $15 tickets available at www.prideri.com, $20 at the door.

Wed. 15 Queer Book Club, 7-9:30pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence. Reading: Patience and Sarah by Isabel Miller. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more info, email queerbookclub@gmail.com.

Thu. 16 Drag Bingo: Spring Break Beach Party, 6-9pm. Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston. $20 gets you in all games with over $2000 in cash and prizes awarded monthly.

Hosted by Kitty Litter and Haley Star.All funds raised benefit AIDS Care Ocean State and AIDS Project RI. Fri. 17 Imperial Court of RI Coronation Weekend: Out of Town Show, 7-10pm.The Dark Lady, 17 Snow Street, Providence.

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Sat. 18-Sun. 19 Southern New England Women’s Expo, Sat. 12pm-5pm, Sun. 11am-4pm.Women-centric events and vendors.

For more info, www.southernnewenglandwomensexpo.com.

Sat. 18 Imperial Court of RI Coronation Ball XXIII:The Glamourous Life - A Retrospective Look at Fashion, 5:30pm cocktails, 7pm dinner and show. Grand Ballroom, Biltmore Hotel, 11 Dorrance Street, Providence, $100 tickets available at: www.squareup.com/market/ imperial-court-of-rhode-island/coronation-xxiii.

Sat. 18 SAGE-RI presents: Put a Little Silver in Your Rainbow, 7-10pm.Warwick Museum of Art, 3259 Post Road,Warwick. An elegant evening of art, drinks, high end desserts, and silent auction of beautiful works of art from local artisans including Michael Guy, Richard Muto, Thea Ernest, and Felt Sutra. DJ Michael Norday spins. Mail check for $50 per ticket to: SAGE-RI, 235 Promenade Street, Suite 500, Box 18, Providence, RI 02908.

Sun. 19 Imperial Court of RI Coronation Weekend: Victory Brunch, 10:30am. Grand Ballroom, Biltmore Hotel, 11 Dorrance Street, Providence, $35.

Wed. 22 Rhode Island Pride Open House, 7pm. 1005 Main Street #1105 in Pawtucket’s Hope Artiste Village. Social gathering and discussion of community events and opportunities for involvement. All are welcome. For more info, www.prideri.com or 467-2130.

Thu. 23 Vagina Monologues, 7pm. Chan’s, 276 Main Street, Woonsocket.Performed in English and Spanish.Benefits Sojourner House. For more info, www.sojournerri.org.

Options | April 2015

Dining Out for Life April 30

25th Anniversary Gala: The Silver Lining May 2

Sat. 25 Transgender Day of Empowerment, 10am–2pm. Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell Street, Providence. Practical legal information for trans* individuals. Panel discussions on being trans* in the workplace and community involvement. Stress reduction.

Resource fair. Free/donations accepted.

Thu. 21 Drag Bingo: Hill Billy Bingo, 6-9pm. Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston. $20 gets you in all games with over $2000 in cash and prizes awarded monthly. Hosted by Kitty Litter and Haley Star. All funds raised benefit AIDS Care Ocean State and AIDS Project RI.

Thu. 30 Dining Out for Life to benefit AIDS Project Rhode Island.

Participating restaurants donate a portion of their day’s receipts to fight HIV and AIDS. Interested participants should contact Julie at 519-2289 or julie@aidsprojectri.org.

Thu. 21 Brown Meditation Community’s LGBTQ Sangha, 6:30-8pm. Manning Chapel on Brown University’s Main Green, Providence. Meditation and discussion. For more info, BrownLGBTQSangha@gmail.com.

May Sat. 2 The Silver Lining: AIDS Care Ocean State’s 25th Anniversary Gala, 6pm cocktails/7pm dinner. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset Street, Providence. In memory of founding member Sister Ann Keefe. Guests will enjoy music by Superchief Trio, dancing, and an awards ceremony. Festive silver attire strongly encouraged.Tickets cost $100 and are available at www.aidscareos.org.

Sun. 3 Options Magazine Release Party, 3-6pm.The Stable, 125 Washington Street, Providence. Join Options for the release of the May issue.Volunteers needed for distribution. www.optionsri.org.

Thu. 14 Sweet LittleVariety Show,8pm.Aurora,276Westminster Street, Providence.A queer-produced potpourri of entertainment including music, comedy, dance, and oddities. $6.

Sun. 31 Options Magazine Release Party, 3-6pm.The Stable, 125 Washington Street, Providence. Join Options for the release of the June issue—the Pride Guide. Volunteers needed for distribution. www.optionsri.org.

Regularly Scheduled Support Groups: ACOS Tue. 4pm, (gay males): Wed. 1:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous (LGBT Group): Tue. 7pm COLAGE (children of LGBTs): 3rd Sat. 10:30am PFLAG (parents, friends, allies): 1st Wed. 6:45pm TGI Network (trans*): 1st & 3rd Tue. & Sat. 7pm TransFamily New England: 2nd Mon. 6:30pm YPI (youth): Way Out Thu. 4pm/Gender Spectrum Tue. 4pm

See Resources on page 31 for more info.

Sun. 17 RI Prime Timers, 4:30-7pm. Network for gay and bisexual men 50+. Social, dinner, and meeting. For more info, www.riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 996-3010.

Sun. 17 King of Queens, 6pm doors/7pm show. Colosseum, 180 Pine Street, Providence. People who have never done drag before are paired with a drag queen as they compete for the title of King of Queens. $15 at the door to benefit AIDS Care Ocean State.

Wed. 20 Queer Book Club, 7-9:30pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence. Reading: Billy Budd by Herman Melville. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square.

For more info, email queerbookclub@gmail.com.

Options | April 2015

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News Briefs

by Adam Brooks

Obama Commends Gay Rights Movement during Selma Commemoration

Last month, on the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s protest march toward Selma, Alabama, President Barack Obama gave an empowering speech commending all the “warriors of justice” of the United States for their bravery and sacrifice in the face of discrimination. Obama proclaimed, “Because of what they did, the doors of opportunity swung open not just for African-Americans, but for every American.

Women marched through those doors. Latinos marched through those doors. Asian Americans, gay Americans, and Americans with disabilities came through those doors. Their endeavors gave the entire South the chance to rise again, not by reasserting the past, but by transcending the past.” Obama called for further work to be done to eliminate racism and discrimination in the U.S. and ensured that those who believe that nothing has changed in the past few decades are mistaken. “Ask your gay friend if it’s easier to be out and proud in America now than it was 30 years ago.”

Before making a symbolic crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge with former president George W. Bush and other political officials, Obama called upon the immigrants and activists who have been fighting for change, saying, “We are the gay Americans whose blood ran on the streets of San Francisco and New York, just as they ran down this bridge.”

U.S. Dept. of State Announces Global LGBT Advocate

In late February, the U.S. Department of State named Randy Berry, an openly gay senior diplomat, its first ever special envoy to advocate for the global rights of LGBT individuals. Berry previously held the position of United States Consul General in Auckland, New Zealand and served as the Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal. Berry will now be tasked with advancing government initiatives to reduce violence and discrimination against LGBT people in over 75 countries where same-sex relationships are criminalized. “Defending and promoting the human rights of LGBT persons is at the core of our commitment to advancing human rights globally—the heart and conscience of our diplomacy,” said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry upon announcing the unprecedented envoy responsibility.

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U.S. Territories Lag in Fight for Marriage

Of America’s five territories in the Caribbean and Pacific (Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Marianas), only Puerto Rico has faced a lawsuit from LGBT couples seeking the right to wed. Religious upbringings and fear of prosecution in these socially conservative territories result in very few couples coming forward to fight for their rights. Openly gay senator from Guam, Benjamin Cruz, said he tried to find gay couples willing to campaign publicly for same-sex marriage, but only one couple stepped forward, and he’s since stopped his advocacy efforts. Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, a Lambda Legal attorney, said, “No matter how big or small the population might be in any one of these territories, or the fact there’s vehement opposition in them, it doesn’t mean any citizens should be left behind. All of them have a fundamental right to marry. They’re all entitled to equal protection.” The five territories would be covered by a possible U.S. Supreme Court ruling establishing a constitutional right for same-sex couples to wed.

Few Remaining LGBT Parent Adoption Bans

The Florida House of Representatives voted last month to remove a statutory ban on lesbian and gay couples adopting children. The ban was enacted in 1977 but declared unconstitutional by a state appeals court in 2010. Since then, state officials haven’t been enforcing the ban, but it has remained in Florida statutes. “While it has been legal in Florida for lesbians and gays to adopt for several years, it is wonderful that legislators are taking steps now to remove this discriminatory relic from the books,” said Equality Florida’s deputy director, Stratton Pollitzer. After the ban is completely lifted, only two states, Utah and Mississippi, will have laws that explicitly prohibit LGBT couples and individuals from adopting.

Options | April 2015

Clare Vadeboncoeur, Steven Pennell, Chuck LaFond

Bruce Jenner to Confirm Transition Status in Diane Sawyer Interview

Rumors have been flying left and right on Keeping up With the Kardashians star Bruce Jenner and the status of the 65-yearold former Olympic athlete’s presumed gender transition. Diane Sawyer announced an exclusive interview with Jenner this coming May. Sawyer will have a lot to discuss, ranging from Jenner’s recent car accident, to the divorce from Kris Jenner, to the effects of the transition on the Jenner and Kardashian children. Jenner is rumored to be filming a series with E! documenting the journey.

Participants Sought for Trans* Oral History Project

Community historian Steven Pennell is gathering stories from trans* Rhode Islanders of all ages to explore community issues around gender identity. Pennell will audio record interviews with community members (anonymously if preferred) and transcribe them to be an available resource for education and understanding.

He intends to create a play to share some of these stories at the URI Providence campus where he curates exhibits and creates performances on topics of diversity and social justice. Pennell hopes to tour the play in the community to increase awareness and understanding. This is the tenth such project Pennell has undertaken on various topics over the last 20 years including the Rhode Island LGBTQ Oral History Project. Please contact him at uri.artsandculture@gmail.com for more information or to share your story. q

Patricia Federico

Local Filmmaker Seeks Wedding Photos

Patricia Federico, a local filmmaker, has been directing her documentary, The Rhode to Equality, for four years. After interviewing Rhode Islanders from every city in the state, Federico chose a handful of residents to profile. The film also chronicles the passing of the marriage equality bill and the work of Senator Perry, Senator Nesselbush, and Representative Handy. “The reason I made this film is because I believe people’s coming out stories are so very interesting to hear, especially if you are not LBGT,” says Federico.

“They teach us about accepting our own differences first before we are able to share them with the people we love. I think young people in the community still struggle with this, but acceptance is a little easier because of the history of battles that have been fought and won.” To finish her film, Patricia needs many photographs of samesex couples on their wedding day for a montage in the documentary.

To send photographs or to learn how to donate or volunteer, email Patricia at pattif311@gmail.com or visit www.peaceoutfilms.com.

Options | April 2015

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by Jennifer Porcelli

A Celebration of Uniqueness

Since the 1930s, prom has been considered a teenage rite of passage.

Countless movie plots have been based on it, millions of dollars are spent on suits and dresses, and high school students across the country anxiously anticipate this coming-ofage event. While some may view this night as celebratory, for LGBTQ youth it is a reminder that they are considered different because they do not fall into the traditional stereotypes associated with gender, sexual orientation, and identity. Despite the progress that has been made towards equality, LGBTQ youth still experience prejudice.

Being considered an outcast at any age can be difficult to handle, but for a teenager craving acceptance, feelings of isolation can be grave. Recognizing the implications of this kind of inequality, Interweave at Channing Memorial Church took a leap of faith to tackle this issue in a unique way.As a nationally recognized organization affiliated with Unitarian Universalist churches, Interweave seeks to create a safe and supportive space for the LGBTQ community and allies through social events, education, social

Options | April 2015

action, and networking. Nearly six years ago during a planning meeting, Interweave decided that LGBTQ youth deserved the same prom experience as their peers, but with the freedom to be themselves without fear of rejection.

With the help of students from Salve Regina University’s Alliance group to raise funds and other generous donations, the Come As You Are dance was held at Middletown’s FOP Lodge. Co-chair of Interweave, Pam Goff, nostalgically describes the experience of that very first event. “It was very tiny. It was Interweave members and students from some local schools. It was very sweet.”

Over the years Goff has watched the event evolve exponentially, which she attributes to increasing support from local organizations coupled with an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from students and volunteers alike. In 2014, the Born this Way Prom, as it is now called, welcomed approximately 120 attendees from throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Thanks to sponsors like Lionel Pires from NewportOUT, the venue has changed to the Rotunda at Easton’s Beach to accommodate the growing guest list and fun-filled agenda.

While guests can expect some of the ageold prom traditions such as dancing and the crowning of a prom queen and king, festivities also include a carousel ride from 6:30-8:30pm and a drag performance.

The Born This Way Prom strives to celebrate the uniqueness of each student

and allows them to express themselves openly. Even after six years, Pam Goff is still brought to tears when she and her husband sit down to read the comments written on Interweave’s Facebook page the day after prom. Hundreds of students reach out to express their gratitude to have the opportunity to attend a prom that feels authentic to them. Pam recalls an interaction with one 14-year old student from New Bedford that had a profound impact on her. “He had started the GSA [Gay Straight Alliance] for his middle school. He couldn’t drive so he had his parents drop him off at prom, and he was just so excited to be there and just so brave. He told us it was the most wonderful night of his life.”

That type of feedback is what fuels Interweave to continue to spread awareness and support for organizations like Youth Pride Inc., a Rhode Island-based organization that provides resources for LGBTQ youth ages 13-23 and is a beneficiary of the Born This Way event. This year Interweave is working on raising enough money to rent a van or bus to transport the Youth Pride Inc. members from Providence to Newport.

“These kids are amazing, and have gone on to accomplish such remarkable things,” says Pam. “We do this for them.They need to feel celebrated and the prom is just a night that they can do that.”

The event will be held at Easton’s Beach Rotunda on Friday, April 25 from 6:3011:30pm. Tickets are free for both prom attendees and adult volunteers and the event is alcohol free. For more information on the event or how to volunteer or donate, contact interweave@channingchurch.org. q

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Options | April 2015

by Christopher Dalpe

On Saturday, May 2, AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS) will make history.

In honor of our 25th Anniversary we’re throwing the party of the year:The Silver Lining. Join us along with our friends, family, colleagues, and supporters, as we come together in the grand two-story lobby of the Providence Performing Arts Center to celebrate 25 years of passion, prevention, and education.

We’re turning the music up, hitting the dance floor, and raising our glasses to all of the remarkable individuals who have supported the agency and our mission throughout the years.

PPAC will be transformed into a silver jubilee extravaganza including a silver dance floor. We’re excited to announce Superchief Trio as our star performers for the night, back by popular demand. The band features a unique combination of two-fisted piano, red hot trombone, blazing guitar, rock solid bass, powerful vocals, and frenzied percussion antics. That’s not all; DJ Pauly will be playing all your favorite dance music throughout the night. So dress in your best festive silver attire and prepare yourself for a great show.

Arrive hungry, because we have a

Options | April 2015

sumptuous menu for the night provided

by Just Ellen Catering. At 6pm we’re passing delicious hors d’oeuvres such as coconut shrimp and porcini mushroom cakes. Dinner will be served at 7pm featuring pasta stations with penne and cheese-filled tortellini as well as two carving stations with boneless beef tenderloins and roasted turkey breast. It doesn’t stop there; we’ll have a mouthwatering desert buffet from the awardwinning Sin Desserts.

ACOS has grown from a small, grassroots nonprofit known as FACTS to the largest HIV/AIDS services agency in the state. Throughout the years our community has endured many losses and faced many challenges. The Silver Lining is the family we’ve created. During the gala we will present the Sister Ann Keefe Humanitarian Award to Sister Joyce Flowers and also honor our 2014 Partners in Philanthropy: Father Raymond Malm, Dennis Delsignore, and Paul Carpentier.

community continue to inspire us all.

Please join us in both celebration and honor of her life.

Tickets to the ACOS 25th Anniversary Gala event are $100 and available right now at www.aidscareos. org. Join us for this significant milestone and make history with us.

AIDS Care Ocean State provides comprehensive AIDS service, supportive housing, emergency funds, and a Speakers Bureau. Located at 18 Parkis Avenue, Providence. (401) 521-3603.

Appointments: (401) 781-0665. www. aidscareoceanstate.org.

The Silver Lining is dedicated in loving memory of one of our original founding members, Sister Ann Keefe.

Her unparalleled activism, spirit, and dedication to the organization and our

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to IV drug users. The initiative serves an important need because Rhode Island Law prohibits the sale of syringes without prescription.

1987

The Family AIDS Center for Treatment and Support (FACTS) is incorporated on December 17th to provide assistance to parents of HIV-positive children and to slow the transition of HIV through prevention efforts.

1988

In March, Sunrise Community Housing is established when Ed Morris purchases an abandoned house on the East Side of Providence and begins refurbishing it as a home for people who are HIV-positive.

1996

In June, a fire at FACTS closes the nursery; the children living there are welcomed at St. Joseph’s hospital until the damage can be repaired. After three-months of hard work FACTS nursery is reopened.

1997 organization.

In February, the first Mardi Gras Madness is held, an extravagant and over-the-top fundraising party for the

• Adam’s Clinic opens. This collaboration between FACTS and Miriam Hospital expands testing, treatment, and counseling to teens.

1989

FACTS House opens its doors to three babies in its first floor nursery and two families in the apartments upstairs on Oxford Street.

• In January the first clients move into Sunrise House, which becomes a registered nonprofit, and hires Jeff Austin to act as executive director.

1991 1994 and staffing.

FACTS move its offices to a larger building on Parkis Avenue and continues to expand case management

In October, the first Annual Artbeat is held. ACOS collaborates with local artists to auction artwork as a fundraiser for the organization.

• The Education, Needle Exchange, Counseling, Outreach and Referral (E.N.C.O.R.E) program is started to provide clean needles

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1998

FACTS nursery and Sunrise Community Housing merge to form AIDS Care Ocean State, making it the largest provider of HIV-related services in the state.

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• In May, a 15-unit apartment building to house HIV-positive individuals and families is dedicated to Jeff Austin and officially named Austin Place.

1999

In November, FACTS nursery moves to an upgraded and generously donated new building on Tanner Street and their old facility is converted into the ACOS prevention headquarters.

positive individuals and their families.

• ACOS launches its Speakers Bureau. Speakers provide HIV/AIDS prevention and education information to schools all over Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

2009

ACOS revitalizes Gay Bingo. Held at the Rivera Bingo Hall, the drag show and games become the

2000| ANNUAL ARTBEAT AUCTION

2001 2002 2003 released.

First annual ACOS Artist Calendar which features work by Rhode Island Artists and Designers is

In June, ACOS unveils a billboard on interstate 95 North with a controversial message to spark renewed debate and action on the issue of HIV. In June, ACOS launches a transitional housing program called New Transitions for HIV-positive Rhode Islanders who are at risk of losing their housing due to substance abuse.

2004

ACOS runs the summer program Camp Stepping Stones, a camp for children infected or affected

by HIV. Twenty Children between ages 5 and 14 spend a week camping with a trip to Water Wizz and Misquamicut Beach.

2005

ACOS welcomes Stephen Hartley (aka Miss Kitty Litter) as its new Development Director after years of his activism for the agency.

• The Closet becomes The Donation Center and opens its doors to clients and the community.

largest fundraising event for the agency, attracting crowds up to 900 people.

2012

Due to the success of Pediatric AIDS clinical trials, Rhode Island newborns are no longer infected with HIV. In February, the last client moves out of FACTS House and FACTS officially closes.

2014

ACOS Prevention incorporates PreExposure Phrophylaxis (PREP) into testing and prevention services. Prep has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at high risk by up to 92%.

2015

ACOS officially opens The East Long Pond Apartments, an additional 10 units for its housing program. The project was funded by $225,000 received from The State of Rhode Island Housing Home fund and $1.7 million from the U.S. Department of Housing.

• The E.N.C.OR.E. program becomes a distributor of NARCAN, a lifesaving drug that can prevent opioid drug overdose.

• ACOS Celebrates its 25th Anniversary on May 2, 2015. q

• Peter Medoff New England Award presented to ACOS President/ CEO Paul Fitzgerald.

• E.N.C.O.R.E receives state grant and begins providing viral hepatitis screenings as well as Hepatitis A & B vaccinations.

2006 2007 2008

Local Drag Community, spearheaded by Erich Haslehurst, releases the first ever Legends! Calendar as an initiative to raise funds for the agency.

A ten-unit apartment complex is attached to Austin Place in Pawtucket and is officially dedicated to Reverend Raymond B. Malm: The Malm Manor.

ACOS develops its tenth housing complex, the Mt. Hope properties—six multi-family units for HIV-

Options | April 2015

17

Ask

Paula

by Paula Smith

Hey Paula,

I recently terminated an over five-year relationship that turned out to be unhealthy, leaving behind a trail of trust issues and feelings of damage. I want to move on, and feel I am making progress, but can’t seem to shake the deep, innate sense of hurt and pain from all the lies, infidelity, and betrayal. The idea of trusting again or opening myself to another person scares me, no matter how badly I want to. Besides counseling, friends, wine, laughter, and activities of interest, how do I help myself heal from this heartbreaking experience?

- Not-So-Hopeless-Romantic Dear Not-So-Hopeless-Romantic, Thank you for your question. Let me say that the work you’re already doing to heal yourself is fantastic. You are amazing!

Healing from hear tbreak and betrayal is hard because it rips us open to an avalanche of losses: the loss of identity, loss of feeling special to someone, loss of community, loss of control over your body and mind, and a loss of the sense of what is right in the world. With all these losses, it’s easy to see how it could feel as if you’re hemorrhaging inside.

Emotional pain is not like physical pain. Emotional pain only goes away if you feel it, and most often there’s nothing else you have to do. But if you don’t allow yourself to feel the pain, it can linger for a lifetime while you take actions to avoid feeling it. In my practice, I’ve noticed clients often have a ver y low tolerance for the pain of hear tache; they want to make it go away as fast as possible. And this is understandable. But if you move too fast in an effor t to make the pain go away faster, you not only sacrifice your health, but also run the risk of attracting the same situation again, or a worse one. Why is this? Because the beliefs, feelings, behavior patterns, and decisions that shaped you in those relationships remain unchanged, so you will continue to attract similar experiences. The process of healing is about bearing witness to your feelings and finding a way to make sense of your pain.

Let yourself feel your feelings without telling yourself a stor y about what they mean. Like you, when I hit painful stages during my healing process, I previously took my sadness to mean that I’d never feel happy again … that I had no chance of ever meeting anyone, and that, even if I did meet someone, I’d end up sabotaging it. It wasn’t true! But these kinds of thoughts plunge us into deeper and more prolonged feelings of sadness and hur t. Acknowledging to yourself that you’re

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feeling hur t and betrayed, without drawing any conclusions from these feelings allows your mind to process the grief and pain more quickly and get to a more balanced emotional state.

Then again, if you experienced betrayal or infidelity during childhood, it’s wor th exploring the impact of your early family experience on your current feelings. If there are similarities from your early life, your pain is likely to cut more deeply—reopening a channel of vulnerability. This kind of exploration is best done in counseling.

Lastly, the most potent step you can take toward healing yourself is to extend loving kindness to the person who hur t and betrayed you. You may think, “Yeah, right!” Although this seems counterintuitive, extending your hear t to someone you have no intention of ever loving again can bring you feelings of stability and peace of mind. I’m not suggesting that you have to forgive or forget your ex-par tner’s transgressions, but if you cannot achieve closure in that relationship you will never truly be able to open your hear t to another romantic relationship.

Wishing you peace, love and joy! q Paula M. Smith, M.Div., MFT, is a Har vard graduate; certified IMAGO therapist; marriage, family, and child therapist; ordained interfaith chaplain; and published writer. Paula lives in Providence with her wife Yael. She has an office-based and online therapy and coaching practice where she works with individuals and couples locally and internationally.

Write to Paula with your questions at askpaula@optionsri.org.

Options | April 2015

by Beth Hebert-Silvia Throughout the past couple of years at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI), we’ve been increasing our understanding of the perspectives and experiences of our LGBTQ employees, members, and community. Perhaps you’ve seen us at RI PrideFest handing out promotional items along with information about health insurance. Several BCBSRI employees were present at the recent Trans*gender Medicine conference at Brown University. We’re participating, listening, and changing as a result.

BCBSRI is committed to covering transgender-related hormones for our transgender member population. For those members who have pharmacy benefits through us, transitionrelated hormones are included in your benefits. If you’re not sure whether or not your pharmacy benefits are through us, take a look at your membership card or call our customer service department for clarification. Additionally, we’ve ensured that none of our drugs are restricted based on gender. Traditionally, claims systems are set up to deny approval for drugs if they don’t match a person’s gender on file.This has been used to help promote safety and prevent medication errors, fraud, and waste.

We understand the effect this could have on our transgender members, so we’ve removed that qualifier. Now, if a person is receiving treatment for cervical cancer, for example, it doesn’t matter whether they are listed as male or female in our records; the drugs they need should be approved regardless of gender.

Before a prescription drug claim even enters our system, however, you could experience a snag. As medical professionals, pharmacists are in the position of helping to ensure that patients are getting the right drug, in the right way, without experiencing negative reactions. When a pharmacist receives a prescription, it is their responsibility to review what is being prescribed, how much, and what other prescriptions the individual is on. If the pharmacist sees that the prescription is for a significantly higher dose than the FDA recommends, they have a corresponding liability to stop the prescription in its tracks and seek clarification on the clinical appropriateness of the prescription. This could happen with some transition-related medications, like estrogen.

Open communication between the prescribing provider and pharmacist to explain the reason for this dose could fix this issue and allow the prescription to be filled.

In the fall of 2013, a letter went out to all of our members on testosterone stating that this drug would soon require preauthorization for everyone under the age of forty. This change was brought about because of a national trend of people abusing testosterone to lower body fat, build muscles, and increase strength. Since these are not medically-necessary reasons for obtaining testosterone, there is a national effort to take a closer

Options | April 2015

look at this prescription. One way to do that is through preauthorization, a process whereby the provider reaches out to our pharmacy benefit manager (Catamaran, a company that we delegate to handle prescription claims) and requests that BCBSRI provide insurance coverage for a drug. The technicians and pharmacists at Catamaran ask a series of questions to see if the patient is eligible for coverage under the set rules or criteria that are established for safe and effective use of medications.

While it was never our intention, some of our transgender members under the age of forty were left questioning what this meant for them. I’d like to clear that up. While pre-authorization is required for testosterone, if the provider discloses that the patient has gender dysphoria, the prescription will be approved.

Members whose providers confirm that they are being treated for gender dysphoria do not have to meet any other criteria such as being age forty or over, having documented low testosterone, or any other criteria. If you’re trans* and your provider has requested pre-authorization for testosterone as part of your transition-related care and it has been denied, please call our customer service department and we can advise you on how to appeal this decision.

In 2013 and 2014, we began educating ourselves on the needs of the transgender community more than ever before.

In 2015, we’re expanding that education and will be providing LGB and transgender education to all of our customer service representatives. It is our intention to provide each and every member with dignity and respect in ways that are important for each individual. q Beth Hebert-Silvia is the Managing Director of Pharmacy for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island.

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OUT

Pride Goddess Show - 3.8.15 Photos by Jack Hartwein-Sanchez

On the Town 20

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21

The Triple Crowns

Step Down

by Jen Stevens

Nadia Starr (Miss Gay): Leading up to the pageant, I knew this title would be a commitment, I knew there would be work involved, and I knew I would make new friends. I knew I would do good things for the community (or at least try to) and I knew that I would do everything in my power to have a successful and meaningful reign. What I did not expect was how much I would grow as a person in only one year’s time. Winning the pageant gave me the confidence I never had in my drag, but my reign is what changed me. I discovered inner strength that inspires me to do more good and to help more people. I’ve never felt that in this way before.

Options: How have you impacted Rhode Island’s LGBTQ community?

First Annual Pawsox LGBT Day

The 2014 Triple Crown title holders are an exceptionally engaged, visible, congenial, mutually supportive, and talented trio. All three fulfilled their duties to Pride and our community with grace and minimal drama—a feat for any “crowned one.” We took the time to reflect on their year in the spotlight.

Options: What surprised you most about your reign?

Anthony Maselli (Mr. Gay): I was surprised by how deeply I felt affected by the Black Lives Matter movement that unfolded during my reign. I have always been interested in LGBTQ issues, but hadn’t given enough thought to race relations. As protesters organized around the nation, I felt compelled to be involved in some way, so I participated in several of the local rallies and then shared those experiences as well as my personal revelations on the issues with my followers. As an ally and concerned citizen, it is my first duty to educate myself by listening to the stories of people of color to cultivate understanding of the challenges they face. LGBTQ people are people of color, too. We cannot afford to marginalize ourselves by continuing to ignore race-specific challenges within our own community. I learned that silence

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equals complicity. Marching against police brutality in my Mr. Gay sash was something I would have never thought I would be doing, but it was one of the most moving moments of my reign. I am grateful for the education I received by being present and engaged at these events. Stepping out of my personal comfort zone in this way has made me a better person.

Betty Lebesian (Ms. Lesbian): The most surprising part of being Ms. Lesbian RI 2014 was the professional opportunities it has brought me. Through this title and exploring different areas within our community this year, I was able to build new business relationships and will be joining the Kiki Crew, putting on Southern New England’s weekly lesbian dance party, once my reign is up on April 12. Through this partnership, we will turn this dance party night into a socially responsible celebration.

While I expected my visibility to increase in our community, I didn’t realize that the title could work as a tool outside of our world, as well. Including the title on my LinkedIn and Facebook accounts, as well as my resume, was initially what sparked the owner of Patriot Subaru’s interest in me over 600 applicants. This position is a new passion that happens to pay the bills.

Anthony: Several months prior to winning my title, I became public about my HIV status and about my recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. These are two issues that deeply affect the LGBTQ community, particularly young men. There are times when I feel like I haven’t done enough. It can be difficult to see people making the same mistakes I have made, knowing that they are not receptive to outside interventions. But since winning the title, I have had dozens of personal interactions with people who reached out to me for help or advice around these subjects. We don’t get to change the world in one year, but in my head is a list of people who my story has changed for the better, and for me that is enough.

Betty: I hope and would like to think that I have succeeded in creating an even more positive representation of Rhode Island Pride, the lesbian community, and the Triple Crown title holders, as well as spread awareness for our LGBTQ organizations, like SAGE-RI, that need our help the most.

Nadia: During my reign I have tried to do a lot of good in our community. Besides attending regular events and fundraisers and contributing what I could, being visible in the community was a goal of mine. I am bubbly and friendly, and I wanted to meet and get to know as many people as I could.

I’m so happy with the friends I have made this year. I think my biggest accomplishment was my Holiday Food Drive.The community

Options | April 2015

raised 600 pounds of food for the Rhode Island Food Bank. I was so impressed with how people chipped in to help the hungry, and it is a tradition that I would like to continue.

Options: The Triple Crown Pageant Committee is considering ways to be more inclusive of bisexuals and the trans* community. Do you feel it’s possible to represent all LGBTQs with these three titles?

Anthony: I started this conversation early in my reign, as I am sure many did before me. It is my personal feeling that the titles need to be broadened to the point where everyone in this community can run without feeling ostracized or forced into a classification that does not match their identity. My proposed solution did not please everybody. This is a historically sensitive subject for which I do not have a perfect answer, but I am confident that the answer will be found when we all lower our defenses and approach this from a place of understanding.

Betty: I am ecstatic to hear that the Pageant Committee is considering this move and fully support expanding the titles to represent everyone in this community.

We are ever-evolving and that should be recognized. I know logistics can [extend the length] of the pageant, but I believe that the committee will find a way to be as fair and respectful as possible in adding these titles of recognition. I plan on lending my

ideas and suggestions regarding this and I encourage all of you to do the same.

Nadia: Personally, the only person who I feel that I can represent is myself. At the same time, my wish was to be a voice for those who are soft spoken and to make my reign meaningful. It may seem like a cop out, but it was not my job to “represent” anyone other than myself and Rhode Island Pride. At the same time, all walks of life are meaningful to me. If a transgender or bisexual person approaches Pride and says, “I want to run for a title, represent your organization, and do good for the community,” it is my belief that Pride should welcome this person with open arms and allow them to compete in the pageant. This is 2015 and discrimination within an already discriminated community is unacceptable.

Options: What advice do you have for future Triple Crown title holders?

Anthony: The right thing to do is not always popular. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Use your platform to help as many people as possible.

Betty: Never stop being yourself.

Support your fellow crown-holders. Give all the positive energy you can. Know it’s a lot of work but absolutely worth it.

Nadia: This title is not just a title, it is a job. It becomes a large part of your life and it must be taken seriously. In all essence, it is really a platform to do good for the community while representing Rhode Island

World AIDS Day at RI State House

Pride. It isn’t easy. Be prepared to attend a lot of events. Be prepared to spend a lot of your own money on new drag. Be prepared to agonize over the planning of your events.

But when it is all said and done, and you can look back on your reign knowing that you have left an impression in the community and have even surprised yourself along the way, know that it was all worth it. I have no regrets about my reign and I will cherish this year for the rest of my life. q

2014 Triple Crown Pageant

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by Kelly Scafariello The year was 1990. The Simpsons aired on Fox; Milli Vanilli admitted to lip synching their music; Bon Jovi was enjoying a resurgence with hit “Blaze of Glory;” the San Francisco 49ers won the Super Bowl; the Cincinnati Reds won the World Series; the Detroit Pistons won the NBA Finals; and Gabriela Sabatini won the US Open. Nineteen-ninety was also the year that Rhode Island native and out bisexual Christina Rondeau began her successful career in the world of martial arts during her college years. She worked her way up the karate ladder, earning a black belt, and eventually competing in Sport Karate Tournaments. According to www.christinarondeau.com, she was “the recipient of over 200 trophies and awards from martial arts tournaments and [was] the women’s overall fighting champion two years in a row.”

Throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s she competed in kickboxing and boxing. In 1998, Rondeau became a professional “member of the USA WAKO Kickboxing team, traveling all over the world competing in kickboxing tournaments.” In 2000, she widened her professional career into the sport of boxing.

Rondeau began providing safety classes for children, leading discussions on how to stay safe and training them in basic self-defense moves. She pulisheded a book called The Elements of Staying Safe, which teaches women how to protect themselves in various situations like navigating a parking lot alone at night, staying at a hotel, and securing one’s home.

Rondeau wanted to focus her success, knowledge, respect, and passion for her

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craft by teaching others. She wants to share the importance of fitness, saying “I created Fitness Kickboxing 20 years ago because women wanted to get in shape and wanted to learn the right way to kick and punch while working out. I struggled to build what I have all out of blood, sweat, and tears—and was up against everything. I never let anything or anyone stop me.” Her two LGBT-friendly facilities are located in Johnston and Woonsocket.

While training women is important to her, the fitness classes are open to men as well. Members endure a 45-minute class where they’ll be “motivated by real kickboxing instructors and taught real kickboxing and boxing techniques.” Classes are filled with individuals of all shapes, sizes, ages, genders, and abilities—including beginner-level. She recommends you come prepared with a water bottle and comfortable workout clothes and sneakers.

Rondeau and her certified instructors use freestyle techniques to keep classes new and exciting. Rondeau states, “There is never

any boredom in any class because no two classes are ever alike, and you can have members of all fitness levels in the same class.” The classes are designed to push individuals beyond their limits toward better physical and mental shape. Rondeau said, “I have always used the technique of muscle confusion in all my workouts to mix it up and train every body part.”

Rondeau currently employs 15 instructors and is always willing to add more.

If you have a background in personal training, group exercise, or martial arts and are interested in becoming an instructor, Rondeau would love to hear from you. Apply via her website to become a certified instructor in areas such as kickboxing, fitness burn, fitness pump, or group fitness.

Rondeau loves what she does because she sees that her training provides results. She believes it changes lives. She said,“I have seen people come in my door that have no self-confidence or self-esteem and become a confident, strong person who is able to change their lives outside of the gym because of the strength they gained from being a part of Rondeau Kickboxing.” Rondeau is proud to have witnessed thousands of students lose pounds and inches, transform their bodies and minds, and often get in the best shape of their lives.

To learn more, participate in classes, or become an instructor at one of Christina Rondeau’s kickboxing studios, please visit www.rondeauskickboxing.com or call 272KICK (5425). q

Options | April 2015

va

elanie Sil

by

March certainly came in like a lion, as the old saying goes. Our weekends roared with activities, beginning with a side-splitting comedy show at The Village starring Mimi Gonzalez with John Kelley performing an opening set. Mimi, who is originally from Michigan but recently relocated to Boston, has toured her comedy all over the world and on television, and is best known locally for her summer shows and Women’s Week events in Ptown. The house was packed and filled with laughter as Mimi teased and interacted with audience members like Bonnie from Get Magazine, Devioune Mayim-Daviau from Mister Sister Erotica, and Miss Central RI Amara Berry. We were in such high spirits when the comedy ended, we decided to stick around for Kiki, Rhode Island’s hottest lesbian dance party hosted by The Village every Friday night. At first we worried we would be too old for this crowd, but DJs Reese and Superior pumped out Options | April 2015

just the right music to keep everyone feeling young. It reminded us of the good old days at Pulse, minus our sore bodies the next day!

The 16th Annual Goddess Show on March 8 was hosted by the hilarious Ellen Moschetto at Olives Restaurant in Providence. The Goddess show is a fabulous event that celebrates women in the arts and benefits Rhode Island Pride. The headlining act, Xelle, did not disappoint with their high energy performance and far-out costumes. Olives was a perfect venue with plenty of free parking and tasty lunch options that paired well with their cocktails. Featured were: Heather Rose in Clover, poet Marie Michaelle, Mya Byrne, dancer Kristin Minsky, burlesque artist Bettysioux Tailor, comic Elena Jawitz, and singer Carrie Ashton. Our very own Ms. Lesbian Rhode Island Betty Lebesian also took the stage for her farewell speech, reflecting on her reign over the past year. A camaraderie

a&M onin-Silv r C ie n n A

resonates from this event each year—a beautiful celebration and support of women in our community.

The event is a yearly reminder of the remarkable talents we have right here in our backyard. Thanks goes out to the exceptional artists who dedicated their time for this fundraiser, and to all who volunteered to make this event a success, especially stage manager Jess Razzi.

Folks, don’t be shy. We would love to see more of your faces in the crowd.

We’re one community and we need to stand together and support one another. So mark your calendar for upcoming events such as the NOH8 Campaign photo shoot in Boston on April 4; the Triple Crown Pageant April 12; Imperial Court Coronation XXIII April 18; Interweave Channing Born This Way Prom April 24; ACOS Gala on May 2; and King of Queens on May 17. Come out, be seen, and be part of the community! q

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11th Annual

Dining Out For Life®

by Chris Tallent for AIDS Project RI

Thursday, April 30 marks the 11th Annual Dining Out for Life.

AIDS Project RI has teamed up with many amazing restaurants from across the state that will be donating a portion of the day’s proceeds to fight HIV and AIDS. If your appetite for delectable local cuisine is only matched by your desire to eat for a great cause, then we have the perfect event for you.

Dining Out for Life raises critical awareness about the continuing fight to stand up and end HIV/AIDS. Generous partnering restaurants agree to donate 25%--50% of the day’s overall profits to the efforts of AIDS Project Rhode Island (APRI).

APRI’s efforts include testing, prevention, case management, and so much of the important work that improves the lives of Rhode Islanders who are impacted by HIV/AIDS. Julie Casimiro, Development Director of APRI states “We have been fortunate to have restaurants in all corners of the state and nearby Massachusetts join us the last Thursday in April in raising money and awareness for AIDS Project Rhode Island.”

Is your mouth savoring Madras Chicken from Rasoi in Pawtucket,

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or Gracie’s Rigatoni Campanaro in downtown Providence? How about bringing the kids out for Thursday Pizza Time from 5-7pm at Blaze on Providence’s East Side? There is something for everyone!

Please don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of something special and help a great cause. All you need to do is dine out at a participating restaurant Thursday, April 30. To include your restaurant, find participating restaurants, or for more information, please contact Julie Casimiro at 519-2289 or julie@aidsprojectri. org or visit our website at www.aidsprojectri.org.

APRI would also like to thank Kristen Lessard of B101 for having us on air March 8 to chat about the Dining Out for Life fundraiser.q AIDS Project RI is a division of Family Service of RI, providing case management, various health-related services, advocacy, prevention education, and HIV and Hep-C testing. APRI’s location is 9 Pleasant Street, Providence. Call (401) 831-5522 or visit www.aisdprojectri.org for more info.

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RI PR I DE

March was a great month for Rhode Island Pride. We launched our new website; check it out at www.prideri.com.

The 16th Annual Goddess Show on March 8 celebrated women in the ar ts on International Women’s Day. The stage was graced with a bevy of performers: comediennes, poets, burlesque dancers, tap dancers, and a wide range of musical talent. Thanks to all the volunteers who planned and ran the event, to Olives Mar tini Bar for hosting us, to the businesses that donated to our silent auction, and thanks especially to those who came out and celebrated with us. This annual event is always a great time. If you missed it, it’s never too early to save the date for our next Goddess Show— March 6, 2016.

Get your tickets now for the Triple Crown Pageant, hosted by The Colosseum on Sunday, April 12. This year’s theme, Under the Big Top, is sure to be a hit. Contestants have applied in five categories: Mr. Gay, Miss. Gay, Ms. Lesbian, Ms. Bisexual, and Ms. Trans RI. This year’s pageant is exploring the additional titles in an effor t to be more inclusive and representative of our LGBTQ community, and we expect to implement changes in the coming year based on our experience and your feedback on the April 12 event. Want to be a par t of the discussion? Attend the pageant and fill out a shor t sur vey; we will convene a group of interested community members over the summer to explore the future of this great event. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www. prideri.com. Limited VIP areas and assigned tables may still be available. General admission floor seating will be first come, first ser ve at the door.

by Kurt Bagley

parade route this past year, our public safety costs have increased dramatically. Now is a great time to make your annual donation to help us keep this as one of the most highenergy, exciting and SAFE nights in Providence!

Advertise in the Pride Guide. Our inaugural collaboration with Options Magazine was a huge success in 2014. We look forward to jointly producing another great Guide. Check out the rate card and other specifics at www. optionsri.org.

Join our Pride family. Come to our monthly Open House or an Events Committee meeting so you can get to know us and we can get to know you. We are especially looking for people to join our Parade and Countdown to Pride Committees, but there are oppor tunities for ever y skill, talent, and desire. At the ver y least, please volunteer a couple of hours at PrideFest on June 20 to help make the magic happen! Sign up at www.prideri.com/volunteer. q Rhode Island Pride is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting the visibility, equality, and diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community and provides safe space to come out, express, and celebrate all sexual identities and genders. For more information, email info@prideri.com or call (401) 467-2130.

PrideFest vendor and parade registrations are live on our website. Vendor spaces are expected to sell out by the end of this month, so don’t delay. Nonprofits can save with the early bird rate or register for a 5’x10’ space to share a standard booth and table with another group. Parade contingents must register in advance. With the Emergency Management Agency estimating a crowd of 30,000 on the

ceremony reception after party Any party

Jennifer Minuto 401 263 6171

Options | April 2015

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News from SAGE-RI

by Cathy S. Cranston

Inaugural LGBT Older Adult Café Sells Out Weeks ahead of the March 27 date for the launch of the first Rhode Island meal program dedicated to LGBT older adults and their allies, reservations for the LGBT @Friendship Café reached the maximum number of attendees the site could accommodate.The April Café is scheduled for noon on Friday, April 24. Entertainment will be provided by comic Poppy Champlin. The Café offers LGBT individuals and their friends age 60 and older a hot, nutritious meal in a friendly, centrally located environment. A suggested donation of $3 is requested. Don’t be left out. Call Pauline at 351-6700 to make your reservation. The Friendship Café is located at 500 Broad Street in Providence.

The Cafe is funded in part by federal and state funds distributed through the Rhode Island Division of Elderly Affairs.

Put a Little Silver in Your Rainbow On Saturday, April 18 at 7pm SAGE will hold its first big, fabulous fundraiser at the historic Warwick Museum of Art located at 3259 Post Road in Warwick. It will be an evening of drinks, desert, dancing, and art. Catch up with old friends and meet new ones. It’s a guaranteed good time in support of a good cause. The event will include a silent auction featuring works by fifteen local artists and your chance to bust a move on the dance floor as the DJ spins the tunes we grew up and grew old on.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here: www.eventbrite. com/event/15858237415.

SAGE Launches Membership Drive SAGE has launched a membership campaign to run from April 1, 2015 to May 31, 2015. The goals of the campaign are to: • Increase brand recognition of SAGE Rhode Island.

of directors. Members receive discounts on training programs and social events; have exclusive access to cutting edge research, information and resources; are encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences in furthering the mission of SAGE; are supported in having a role and purpose; enjoy numerous networking opportunities each year to meet with others who share their interests; receive up-to-the-minute information on legislative and advocacy issues; and can say proudly that they are a member of an organization that is unwavering in its commitment to the rights of LGBT older adults and to fostering and promoting positive images of LGBT aging.

Annual SAGE membership dues cost $25/individual, $30/ couple or family, $15/low income or student, $1000/lifetime membership, and $200-$1000/organizational membership.

Last Call to Participate in SAGE Video SAGE Rhode Island is launching a video project to record and preserve the perspectives of older members of the LGBT community. The focus of the project is hearing how older members of our community live today and how they hope to live tomorrow, and learning about the things that are most important or most concerning to them as they grow old. It will become one of the tools SAGE utilizes in its educational programming and training of mainstream organizations and educational institutions.

Anyone interested in being a part of this project (especially if you live in rural Rhode Island, are HIV-positive, or live in a nursing home or assisted living facility) should email Jeff Hartley at sagerhodeislandvideo@gmail.com. Filming is scheduled to be complete by the end of April.q SAGE-RI (Services& Advocacy for GLBT Elders) addresses issues of concern to LGBT elders and is an organization of diverse people of all ages. For information on programs or to join SAGE-RI, drop us a line at sageriinfo@gmail.com; leave us a message at (401) 528-3259; write to us at 235 Promenade St., Suite 500, Box 18, Providence, RI 02908, or find us on Facebook as SAGE-Rhode Island.

• Target outreach to a demographically and geographically diverse population of LGBT older adults and their allies.

• Increase the number of people who see themselves under the SAGE umbrella.

• Institute a membership category for community, educational, health, and services organizations to demonstrate their commitment to the older LGBT community and increase their access to and creditability with the growing LGBT older adult market.

• Generate additional funds to support the services and programs SAGE provides.

Membership in SAGE provides the member with the right to vote on strategy and policy decisions and to elect the board

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More Toys than the Devil has Sinners Mon 12pm-8pm, Tues-Thur 11-9 Fri-Sat 11-10, Sun 12-8

Order Online: mistersistertoys.com 268 Wickenden Street, Providence • 421- 6969

Options | April 2015

Don’t forget the T in

Equality

by Monique Paul for TGI Network

The momentum of the gay rights movement is easily felt in the United States. As of press time, Marriage Equality is legal in 37 states and the Supreme Court is slated to take up the issue this year; if their refusal to stay the lower court rulings is any indication, marriage equality may indeed be the law of the land by the end of 2015.

LGBs can now serve openly in the military. Housing and employment discrimination are being outlawed state by state. Hopefully, much of the energy invested in these victories will now be directed toward securing rights for those often left behind in the LGBT movement: the transgender community.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, there are currently 60 anti-LGBT bills being presented before 25 state legislatures.

Many are so called “bathroom bills” that could criminalize the use of public restrooms of the gender not assigned at birth. Texas has a bill pending that would offer a $2000 bounty for finding transgender students in the “wrong” bathrooms in schools (as determined by genitals at birth). Further, Texas has another bill which would impose a $3000 fine and up to a year in prison for adults in the “wrong” bathroom, and a $10,000 fine and up to a three-year prison term for building management companies that “look the other way” to allow transgender people in public restrooms, thereby enforcing discrimination.

Dr. King once said, “Never forget everything Hitler did in Germany was legal.” Conservative politicians seem to have no problem ignoring our civil rights in favor of their religious beliefs.

They seem to be accepting their defeat over marriage equality, so now take their aim at the low-hanging fruit of the LGBT community.

So, dear brothers and sisters of the LGBT community, if you feel the fight is over because you won the right to marry, you are wrong. The war for true equality for the entire LGBT community is far from over. We must continue to stand together. Our fight has to be your fight also. q TGI Network of Rhode Island is the only statewide organization providing support, advocacy, and education for the transgender, gendervariant, and intersex community (aka trans* community). Incorporated in 2011, our mission is to be a resource for TGI people navigating their lives and the medical and legal systems; to serve as a resource for professionals working with TGI people; and to serve as a liaison between the TGI and LGB communities and the community at large.

Visit us at www.tginetwork.org.

The American Civil Liberties Union website states, “Much of the discrimination transgender people face mirrors that experienced by lesbian, gay, and bisexual people but is often more severe. Additionally, transgender people face a range of legal issues that LGB people rarely do: identity documents not reflective of one’s gender, sex-segregated public restrooms and other facilities, dress codes that perpetuate traditional gender norms, and barriers to access appropriate healthcare.”

The military is still considering whether to allow transgender soldiers to serve openly. As of today they will be dishonorably discharged while their LGB counterparts may serve openly.

According to Trans Murder Monitoring Project, in the U.S. alone there were 10 transwomen killed in 2014; all but one was a woman of color. As of March 1, there had been eight murders in 2015, all being transwomen of color.

As we reflect on the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s historic march to Selma, an event that signaled the beginning of the end of legal racial discrimination in this country, legal discrimination is again rearing its ugly head. The fight for true equality is, unfortunately, far from over. The LGBT community has won many battles, but not the war. Now is not the time to rest on our collective laurels, figuring that the fight is done. Marriage equality is not complete equality.

Options | April 2015

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don’t grow up invisible

Youth Pride Inc.

by Kerri Kanelos We are proud to announce that applications for the Lipsky/ Whittaker Scholarship Fund will be accepted now through May 15. The scholarship was established through the estate of John Lipsky and George Whittaker, who were life par tners for more than 50 years. The two gentlemen passed away in 2005, just eight weeks apar t. Their dream was to see “young LGBT men and women grow up without the fear of rejection, violence, discrimination, or exposure to HIV/AIDS.” YPI has established a scholarship committee of community members with no affiliation to YPI to determine the scholarship recipients. An applicant must be LGBTQQ or the child of LGBTQQ parents, and have a substantial histor y of activism in suppor t of the rights of LGBTQQ individuals and families; a Rhode Island high school graduate by the spring/summer of 2015; under the age of twenty-four ; and enrolled, or planning to enroll, full-time in a post-secondar y technical training program or a two or four-year college.

Scholarship applications are available online at www. youthprideri.org. For more information, please contact Executive Director Kerri Kanelos at 421-5626 or kerri@ youthprideri.org.

YPI youth have asked: How do I know which gender pronouns to use with my transgender friends?

There are a multitude of creative pronoun possibilities, so here’s a brief glimpse into the fixed and fluid world of gender pronouns. While some of us might use gender specific pronouns like she and he, many of us use gender neutral, or gender nonconforming pronouns including they/them/theirs and ze/hir/hirs. Some of us might even use our pronouns to intentionally play with our conceptions of gender, using a combination of pronouns.

You can avoid using incorrect pronouns and assumptions of gender. We encourage you to continue to develop your understanding of gender through research and discussions with friends. Ask what pronouns a person uses whenever there’s doubt. Really. Simply ask, “Hey, what pronouns do you use?” q Youth Pride Inc. provides support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQQ young people ages 13-23. Our Drop-in Center is at 473 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903. Visit www.youthprideri. org, emailinfo@youthprideri.org, or call (401) 421-5626 for more info.

Jennifer A. Minuto LGBT Legal Advocacy.

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Options | April 2015

Resources

Options originated in 1982 as the offical newsletter of the Rhode Island Gay Task Force. Editor Jos Fayette explained, “The RIGTF wants to make the homosexual community aware of their options as gay men and women in Rhode Island. And it’s only because we live, work, love, and play in this state that there are such a large number of options available to all of us.” Options has always, and will continue to print LGBTQ resources so that you can, as Fayette went on to say, “Exercise your OPTIONS today to make positive changes in your life tomorrow.”

Help us help you! Email info@optionsri.org if you come across a resource listing that needs updating.

Phone numbers are in the 401 area code and addresses are in RI, unless otherwise indicated.

Addiction Support Groups AA Brothers in Sobriety: Saturday 7:30pm. 372 Wayland Avenue, Providence. 751-9328.

Alcohol/Drug Helpline: RI Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence. 24hr. (866) 252-3784.

RI LGBT AA Group: Tuesdays 7-8pm. The Wellness Company,132A George M Cohan Blvd., Providence. All are welcome.

Set Them Free: Narcotics Anonymous open discussion group.

Wednesdays 7:30-9pm. Anchor Recovery Community Center, 249 Main Street, Pawtucket. 721-5100. info@anchorrecovery.org. www.anchorrecovery.org.

Seven Hills Behavioral Health: Addiction support services and Narcan. 1173 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA, 508-999-4159. 310 S. Main Street, Fall River, MA, 508-235-1012. Leonard Amaral, Program Manager, lamaral@sevenhills.org.

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous: 12-step program. Fridays at 7pm.

Providence Presbyterian Church, 500 Hope Street, Providence, side entrance, downstairs to the left. Gay, but all are welcome.

AIDS/Health Resources AFIA Center for Health & Wholeness: Meals, food pantry, HIV support groups, recovery groups, recreational and social activities. Sponsored by AIDS Project RI. Free to clients. Wednesday and Thursday 123pm. Mathewson Street Church, 134 Mathewson Street, Providence.

Contact Gordon Cooper, 331-1350 ext. 3268. info@uwri.org. www.familyserviceri.org.

AIDS Action Hotline: MA only. (800) 235-2331. www.aac.org.

AIDS Care Ocean State: Confidential HIV & HEP C testing, safer-sex supplies, case management, emergency funds, clinical services, assisted and supportive housing for people living with HIV/AIDS, street outreach, ENCORE, HIV+ support groups. Speaker’s Bureau, 18 Parkis Ave., Providence. 521-3603 (call 781-0665 to schedule an appointment). www.aidscareos.org.

AIDS Project RI: Division of Family Service of RI. Case management, buddies, COBRA and dental services, emergency fund, mental health counseling, nutrition support, assessment and referral, wellness programs, advocacy, strength training, prevention education, HIV testing. 9 Pleasant Street, Providence. 831-5522 www.aidsprojectri.org.

AIDS Quilt RI: Displays local AIDS memorial quilt panels, panel-making programs including Anna’s Workshop, HIV/AIDS education for young people. PO Box 2591, Newport. 434-4880. admin@aidsquiltri.org. www.aidsquiltri.org.

Brown University AIDS Program: Clinical trials, public policy, research, lectures, conferences, patient and community education. 121 South Main Street, Second Floor, Providence. 863-6790. brunap@brown.edu. brown.edu/Departments/BRUNAP. Community Care Alliance: Case management, support, personal care items for people living with HIV/AIDS in northern Rhode Island. 245 Main Street, Woonsocket. 235-6092. lcohen@famresri.org.

Comprehensive Community Action Programs: Medical, mental health, dental, social services, LGBT outreach. 311 Doric Avenue, Cranston.

Also Coventry, Pawtucket, and Warwick. 467-9610.

Gabriel Care, LLC: Nursing/social worker case management and financial compensation for assistance and supervision for those living with

Options | April 2015

HIV. MassHealth funded for MA residents. 376 South Main Street, Fall River, MA. Contact Jenn, (508) 678-1002.

HIV Antibody Testing: Anonymous. Free or sliding scale. RI Department of Health. Providence, Newport and other locations. 222-2320.

Home and Hospice Care of RI: Medical care management for HIV/ AIDS. 24hr nursing staff for treatment. 1085 North Main Street, Providence.

Referrals: 782-0725. Bereavement groups: Contact John Charette, 727-7079.

Main Office: 415-4200 or toll-free 800-338-6555. www.hhcri.org.

House of Compassion: HIV/AIDS housing. 2510 Mendon Road, Cumberland. 658-3992.

LGBT Caregiver Online Support Group: For LGBTs caring for someone with chronic health problems. www.caregiver.org Luis E. Martinez House CHS, Inc.: Supportive, permanent housing for 10 adults living with HIV/AIDS and/or substance abuse. New Bedford, MA. Contact Joe Taylor. (508) 984-7514.

Partners in Learning About AIDS: Outreach to minorities, women of color, and LGBT community at clubs and other locations. North Providence office provides free condoms and information about STIs and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. 1006 Charles Street, Suite 5, North Providence. 484-7523. info@plaidsproject.org. www.plaidsproject.org.

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Project Weber: Services for male sex workers. Drop-in center, support groups, HIV and Hep C testing, clean needles. 383-4888. www.projectweber.org.

Seven Hills HIV Prevention & Screening: TWIST program, HIV and STI prevention and testing, partner care. 1173 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA, 508-999-4159. 310 S. Main Street, Fall River, MA, 508-235-1012. Contact Leonard Amaral, lamaral@sevenhills.org.

SSTAR (Stanley Street Treatment & Resources): Counseling, drug treatment, detox, domestic violence programs, free and confidential HIV, HEP C, and STD testing, education, case management and support.

MA and RI locations. 386 Stanley Street, Fall River, MA. (508) 679-5222.

Project Aware (HIV/HCV); (508) 324-3561. Family Healthcare Center; (508) 675-1054. www.sstar.org.

Steppingstone, Inc.: Welcome Home Medical case management program. One-on-one peer support in Somerset to Wareham area. HIV support groups available. Free and open to any HIV+ person 18+. 5 Dover Street, New Bedford, MA. (508) 984-7514. www.steppingstoneinc.org.

Tranquil Mind & Wellness: Counseling, alternative healing, yoga, Pilates, meditation.109 Rhode Island Road, Lakeville, MA. (508) 947-1683. www. tranquilmind.net.

Thundermist Health Center: Provides HIV/AIDS services including medical care and treatment by an HIV specialist, dental care, behavioral health counseling, nutritional assessment and counseling, pharmacy consultation, free and confidential HIV testing. 450 Clinton Street, Woonsocket. Contact Philip Kane. 767-4100 ext. 3516.

Information/Education The Center for Sexual Pleasure & Health: Education, pleasure, health, advocacy.Tues. -- Sat. 12 -- 6 and by appointment. 250 Main Street, Unit 1, Pawtucket. 489-5513. www.thecsph.org.

Fenway Community Center LGBT Helpline: Support, information and referrals. Fenway Community Health Center, Boston. Open daily 6-11pm. (617) 267-9001 or 888-340-452

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GLBT National Help Center Hotline: Local resources nationwide provided by social services agency. 888-843-4564. www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org.

Newport Out: LGBT website for Newport. www.newportout.com.

RILGBT-News: Low-volume email distribution list for LGBT & AIDS news from RI. Not a discussion list.To subscribe: tinawood@cox.net.

United Way of RI Referral Line: 2-1-1 Nightlife The Alley Cat Providence: Downtown neighborhood bar. Monday-Thursday 3pm-1am, Friday 3pm-2am, Saturday 2pm-2am, Sunday 2pm-1am. 19 Snow Street, Providence. 272-6369.

Bobby’s Place: Dancing, pool, video lounge, karaoke. Sunday-Wednesday 5pm-1am, Thursday-Saturday 5pm-2am. 62 Weir Street, Taunton, MA. (508) 824-9997. www.bobbysplacema.com.

Brooklyn Coffee Tea House: 209 Douglas Ave., Providence: public/private venue for music, art, film screenings, weddings, showers, etc. RHODYWOOD@yahoo.com; 359-0192.

Club Body Center: Gay men’s sauna. Membership required. One-day pass available. Open 24hr. 257 Weybosset Street, Providence. 274-0298. www.cbcresorts.com.

The Dark Lady: Downtown bar and nightclub. Tuesday-Thursday 9pm1am, Friday & Saturday 9pm-3am, Sunday 9pm-1am. 17 Snow Street, Providence. 272-6369.

EGO: Providence’s newest gay nightlife performance/event space. Sunday and Thursday 9pm-1am, Friday and Saturday 10pm-3am, 73 Richmond St, Providence. 383-1208. www.egopvd.com.

Indigo Lounge: 599 Tiogue Ave, Coventry RI 02816. Breakfast buffet, specialty pizzas, T Dances, live entertainment, karaoke Thurs. Hours vary, closed Mon. www.Indigopizza.com.

Mirabar: Downtown bar and nightclub. Monday-Thursday 3pm-1am, Friday and Saturday 3pm-2am, Sunday 3pm-1am. 15 Elbow Street, Providence.

331-6761. www.mirabar.com.

Options | April 2015

Providence Eagle: Leather, Levi, bear cruise bar. Monday-Thursday 2pm1am, Friday 2pm-2am, Saturday-Sunday 12pm-2am. 124 Snow Street, Providence. 421-1447.

The Stable: Downtown video bar. No cover. Monday-Thursday 2pm-1am, Friday 2pm-2am, Saturday 12pm-2am, Sunday 12pm-1am. 125 Washington Street, Providence. 272-6950.

The Village: Downtown Providence’s newest LGBT owned and operated restaurant and live entertainment venue. Lunch & dinner Wednesday through Sunday for varying hours. 373 Richmond St. 228-7222, www.TheVillageRi.com Political & Legal Groups American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): 128 Dorrance Street, Suite 220, Providence. 831-7171. riaclu.org.

Amnesty International OUTfront: Program to campaign globally for LGBTQ human rights. (212) 807-8400. Cvohs18904@yahoo.com. www.amnestyusa.org.

Brown University Queer Alliance: Student advocacy and support organization. queer@brown.edu.

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD): LGBT/HIV legal info hotline. Weekdays 1:30-4:30pm. 30 Winter Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA. (617) 436-1350 or (800) 455-GLAD. gladlaw@glad.org www.GLAD.org.

Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund: 120 Wall Street, Suite 1500, NY. (212) 809-8585. www.lambdalegal.org.

Lawyers for Equality and Diversity (LEAD): Advocates for LGBT causes. lawyersforequality@gmail.com.

The Next Thing (TNT): Political and support group for queer people of color located at Brown University. 863-3062. tnt@brown.edu.

RI Commission on Prejudice and Bias: Hate crime awareness training program. www.hatecrimeri.org.

RI Socialist Action: 952-5385, adgagneri@gmail.com. Spanish: 351-3514, walsil@cox.net.

RI Human Rights Commission: Anti-discrimination law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit. 180 Westminster Street, 3rd floor, Providence. 222-2662 TTY: 222-2664, richr.ri.gov.

Scouts for Equality: An organization composed largely of Boy Scouts of America alumni dedicated to ending the BSA’s ban on gay members and leaders. Contact Carol Crowther. ccrowther1@gmail.com. Facebook.com/ riscoutsforequality.

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network: Serving LGBT military personnel and veterans. PO Box 65301, Washington DC. (202) 328-3244. or (800) 538-7418. sldn@sldn.org. www.sldn.org.

Religious & Spiritual All Saints Memorial Church: 674 Westminster Street, Providence.

751-1747. asmcri@verizon.net. www.allsaintsmemorial.org.

Amicable Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Pastor William Sterrett. Sunday 10am. 3736 Main Road,Tiverton. 624-4611. amicablechurch@aol.com, www.amicablechurch.org.

Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists: robin@awab.org, www.awab.org.

Options | April 2015

Barrington Congregational Church: UCC. “The white church.” Sundays 10am. 461 County Road, Barrington. 246-0111. office@bccucc.org, www.bccucc.org.

Bell Street Chapel: Unitarian Universalist. A Welcoming Congregation.

Rev. Margaret Weis. Sundays 10am. 5 Bell Street, Providence. 273-5678. www.bellstreetchapel.org.

Beneficent Congregational Church: UCC. An Open & Affirming congregation in the heart of Providence. Co-Pastors Todd & Nicole Yonkman.

Sundays 10am. 300 Weybosset Street, Providence. 331-9844. BeneficentChurchUCC@gmail.com, www.beneficentchurch.org.

Berean Baptist Church: A safe and welcoming place for all God’s children. Sunday 10am. 474 Chapel Street, Harrisville. 568-5411. bereanbaptist@verizon.net. www.bereanri.org.

Calvary United Methodist Church of Middletown: LGBTQ early dementia support group. Contact Amy. Sundays 10:30am. 200 Turner Road, Middletown. 847-6181, www.middletownmethodist.com.

Central Congregational Church: UCC. An Opening & Affirming Congregation. Sundays 10:30am. 296 Angell Street, Providence. 331-1960. www.centralchurch.us.

Channing Memorial Church: Unitarian Universalist. A Welcoming Congregation. Sundays 10am. 135 Pelham Street, Newport.

846-0643. administrator@channingchurch.org. www.channingchurch.org.

Charter Oak Grove ADF: An Open and Welcoming Congregation of Neo-pagan Druids in CT. charteroakadf@gmail.com, \www.charteroakadf.org.

Christ Church in Lonsdale: Episcopal. 1643 Lonsdale Avenue, Lincoln.

Services 8am and 10:30am. 725-1920. office@christchurchlincoln.org. www.christchurchlincoln.org.

Church of the Epiphany: A diverse Open & Affirming Episcopal congregation. 1336 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence. 434-5012. info@epiphanyep.org, www.epiphanyep.org.

Church of the Holy Paraclete: Independent Old Catholic. Fr. Jakob Lazarus. Sunday 9am and 6pm. 155 Douglas Avenue, Providence. 218-0706. www.holyparaclete.org.

Edgewood Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Service 10am. 1788 Broad Street, Cranston. 461-1344. office@edgewoodchurchri.org. www.edgewoodchurchri.org.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church: Sundays 8 and 9:30am. 120 Nate Whipple Highway, Cumberland. 658-1506. office@emmanuelri.org. www.emmanuelri.org.

First Congregational Church in Bristol: An Open and Affirming Congregation. 281 High Street, Bristol. 253-7288. www.fccbristol.org.

First Unitarian Church: A welcoming congregation. Sunday 10:30am. 1 Benevolent Street, Providence. 421-7970. admin@firstunitarianprov.org, www.firstunitarianprov.org.

First Unitarian Church: Service 11am. 71 8th Street, New Bedford, MA. (508) 994-9686. admin@uunewbedford.org, www.uunewbedford.org.

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First Universalist Society: UU. Welcoming congregation. Same-gender weddings. 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA. (508) 528-5348. fusf@ verizon.net, www.fusf.org.

Foxboro Universalist Church: UUA. Service 10am. 6 Bird Street, Foxboro, MA. 508-543-4002. chair@uufoxborough.org. www.uufoxborough.org.

Grace Episcopal Church in Providence: 175 Mathewson Street, Providence. 331-3225. hello@gracechurchprovidence.org. www.gracechurchprovidence.org.

Immanuel Lutheran Church: A Reconciling in Christ congregation.

Pastor Sandra Demmler D’Amico. 647 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-2898. www.immanuellc.org.

Interweave at Channing Memorial UU Church: A membership organization for the spiritual, political and social well-being of LGBTQ persons, and their allies, confronting oppression. 135 Pelham Street, Newport. 846-0643.

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd: A “Reconciling in Christ” congregation (Welcoming). 3383 Old North Rd., Kingston, RI. Sundays 9 am. Pastor Mary Hansen-Joyce. 789-7776; office@goodshepherdri.org Mathewson St. Church: United Methodist. 134 Mathewson Street, Providence. 331-8900. MathewsonStUMC@gmail.com.

Mercy of God Community: Christian, inclusive religious order. mercycomm@yahoo.com, www.mgc.org.

Murray Unitarian Universalist Church: Marriage and commitment ceremonies for all. Rev. Bob McKetchnie.

505 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-0505 www.murrayuuchurch.org.

Newman Congregational Church: Open & Affirming. 100 Newman Avenue, Rumford. 434-4742. www.newmanucc.org.

Newport Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Rev. Hayes and Rev. Baker. 73 Pelham Street, Newport. 849-2238.

Park Place Congregational Church: 71 Park Place, Pawtucket. 7262800. office@ppucc.necoxmail.com, www.parkplaceucc.com.

The Pub Church: An Open & Affirming church that meets in a pub.

Location may change. Saturday 5pm. The Dugout, 722 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA. thepubchurch@gmail.com.

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Pilgrim Lutheran Church: An inclusive congregation. Sundays 8 and 9:30am. 1817 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. 739-2937. parishasst@pilgrimlutheranri.org, pilgrimlutheranri.jimdo.com.

Pilgrim United Church of Christ: Open and Affirming. 635 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (508)-997-9086.

Riverside Church: UCC.15 Oak Avenue, Riverside. Service 10am. 4332039. www.rcc-ucc.com.

St. Augustine’s Church and Episcopal Center at URI: 15 Lower College Road, Kingston. 783-2153. Sundays 8am and 10am.StAugustinesChurch@necoxmail.com, www.staugustineuri.org.

St. James Church: Episcopal. 474 Fruit Hill Avenue, North Providence.

353-2079.

St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: Sundays 8 and 10am. 50 Orchard Avenue, Providence. 751-2141. StMartinsNB.Secretary@gmail.com, www.stmartinsprov.org.

St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: Welcoming Church. Monthly LGBT Eucharist. 136 Rivet Street, New Bedford, MA. (508)994-8972. stmartins1887@comcast.com, www.stmartinsma.org.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church: Sundays 9am. 50 Park Place, Pawtucket. 7284300. office@stpaulspawtucket.org, www.stpaulspawtucket.org.

St. Paul’s Church: A welcoming Episcopal church. Sundays 9am. 2679 East Main Street, Portsmouth. 683-1164. stpaulsportsmouthri.org.

St. Peter & St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: 25 Pomona Avenue, Providence. 272-9649.stpanda25@verizon.net. www.stpeters-standrews.org.

Saint Therese Old Catholic Church: Open & Affirming. Fr. David Martins. Sunday 10:30am. 134 Mathewson Street, Providence. 680-9076. stocc134@gmail.com, www.saintthereseocc.org.

Second Congregational Church of Attleboro: UCC. Open & Affirming. 50 Park Street, Attleboro, MA. Sunday 10am. (508) 222-4677. office2nd@verizon.net, www.attleborosecondchurch.org.

Seekonk Congregational Church: Rev. Joy Utter. Sundays 9am. 600 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA. (508) 336-9355. sccucc@verizon.net, www.scc-ucc.com Soka Gakkai: Buddhist association for peace, culture, and education.

Contact for weekly meetings in Providence. 930 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston. (617) 264-2000. www.sgi-usa.org.

Temple Agudas Achim: Reconstructionist congregation. 901 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-2243. office@agudasma.org, www.agudasma.org.

Temple Beth-El: Rabbi Sarah E. Mack. 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence.

331-6070. info@temple-beth-el.org, www.temple-beth-el.org.

Temple Emanu-El: A welcoming Conservative congregation. Rabbi Wayne Franklin. 99 Taft Avenue, Providence. 331-1616. info@teprov.org, www.teprov.org.

Temple Habonim: A warm, Welcoming Reform congregation. Rabbi Andrew Klein. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. 245-6536. office@templehabonim.org, www.templehabonim.org.

Temple Sinai: A Welcoming Reform temple. Rabbi Jeff Goldwasser, 30 Hagen Avenue, Cranston. 942-8350. webmaster@templesinairi.org, www.templesinairi.org.

Options | April 2015

Unitarian Church in Fall River: Sunday 10:30am. 309 North Main Street, Fall River, MA. 508-678-9700. office@unitarianchurchfr.org, www.unitarianchurchfr.org.

Unitarian Universalist Society of Fairhaven: Service 10:30am. 102 Green Street, Fairhaven, MA. (508) 992-7081. www.uufairhaven.org.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County: 27 North Road, Peace Dale. 783-4170 or Val 789-7282. uucscri@yahoo.com. www.uusouthcountyri.org.

Westminster Unitarian Universalist Church: A UUA Welcoming Congregation. 119 Kenyon Avenue, East Greenwich. 884-5933. www.westminsteruu.org.

Social Organizations Bear Providence: Monthly social events for the bear community. www.bearprovidence.com Bisexual Resource Center: PO Box 170796, Boston, MA. (617) 4249595. brc@bicresource.net www.biresource.net.

Biversity Boston: Mixed-gender social events for Boston and the surrounding area.

(617) 424-9595. biversity-subscribe@biversity.org, www.biversity.org.

Boston Bisexual Women’s Network: Social activities including monthly brunches, coming out groups and quarterly newsletter “Bi Woman Quarterly.” www.biwomenboston.org.

Bears Ocean State (BOS): Informal e-group for gay & bisexual bear-identified and affiliated men for friendly companionship. All welcome. groups.yahoo.com/group/bearsoceanstate.

Cape and Islands Gay & Straight Youth Alliance (CIGSYA): 56 Barnstable Road, Hyannis, MA. (508) 778-7744. info@cisgsya.org, www.cigsya.org.

Communisong: For unity through song. Non-performance monthly singing session. www.communisong.net.

CORISMA: Potluck get-togethers for couples from RI and southeast MA. corismainfo@comcast.net, www.corismagroup.org.

Imperial Court of RI at Providence: Drag and non-drag performers raise funds for local charities. All welcome to general membership meetings on first Monday at Dark Lady, 17 Snow Street, Providence. icri.prov@gmail. com. www.icriprov.org.

Mixed Borders Gardening Group: Gardening and more. Monthly meetings, all welcome. Mixedborders@cox.net. www.mixedborders.com.

Opera Club: Enjoy hearing and attending. Last Sunday of each month at 1pm. BrettCornellpi4@aol.com.

Providence Gay Men’s Chorus: New season rehearsals begin in January and August. Singers and non-singing volunteers welcome. Monday 7-9:30pm. Beneficent Church, 300 Weybosset Street, Providence. www.provgmc.org.

RI Association of Gay Professionals: Networking and philanthropy. www.riagp.com.

RI Parents Pride: Gay parents socializing together with their children.

Contact Melanie. 464-2288. saphicangel120@yahoo.com.

RI Pride: Open house 4th Wednesdays. Festival & Parade 3rd Saturday in June. Office: 1005 Main Street #1105 Pawtucket. Mail: PO Box 1082, Providence, 02903. 467-2130. info@prideri.com, www.prideri.com.

RI Prime Timers: Social and networking group for gay and bisexual men 40 and older. Second Sunday. Contact Steve, 996-3010. www.riprimetimers.org.

RI Skeptics Society: Yearning to talk with someone rational? Refreshing discussion. Fourth Saturday. East Providence restaurant location. www.meetup.com/skeptics-133/.

RI Women’s Association: Lesbian social group. 21+. Dances & events. www.riwa.net.

SAGE/RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders): Advocacy, education and social events for LGBTQ seniors. 235 Promenade Street, Suite 500, Box 18, Providence. 528-3259. sageriinfo@gmail.com.

SEMASSMEN: Social group for GBQ men of southeastern MA & RI to foster strong friendships. Semassmen-subscribe@ yahoogroups.com. rlevass@yahoo.com.

Yankee Lambda Car Club: Regional club for GLBT vintage & specialty car enthusiasts. www.yankeelcc.com.

Sports & Recreation PrideSports Boston: Network of twenty-plus gay sports leagues/teams in Boston area. www.pridesportsboston.com.

Boston Gay BASKETBALL League: ksg.bgbl@gmail.com, www.bgbl.com.

Big Gay Al’s Duckpin BOWLING League: Proceeds benefit AIDS causes. Tuesday 6:30pm. 1463 Atwood Avenue, Town Hall Lanes, Johnston. Contact Frank Ferri. 831-6940.www.bgalbowling.com. www.townhalllanes.com.

GALA Bowling League: Sundays 5:50 p.m., E. Providence Lanes, 80 Newport Ave., E. Prov. Season thru April. View us on Facebook or email galabowlingleague@gmail.com.

FLAG (For Lesbians And Gays) FOOTBALL: Boston-based recreational football club.All skill levels are encouraged to participate. Saturday mornings in the fall and spring. www.flagflagfootball.com.

Boston Pride HOCKEY: www.bostonpridehockey.org.

Rondeaus KICKBOXING: 272-5425. www.rondeauskickboxing.com.

Main Street MARTIAL ARTS: Non-profit. Welcoming dojo and community center. 1282 North Main Street, Providence. 274-7672.www. mainstma.org.

Chiltern Mountain Club: OUTDOOR recreation club in New England. events@chiltern.org. www.chiltern.org.

Boston Gay ROWERS: Worldwide online community for gay and lesbian rowers, coxies, coaches, and race officials. www.glrf.org.

Boston Ironsides RUGBY Football: www.bostonironsides.org.

Frontrunners Rhode Island RUNNING Group: Running and walking group. Newcomers welcome. Meet at the end of Blackstone Boulevard at Hope Street, Providence. Thursday 6pm. Contact Brian. 751-7643. bripm@cox.net, frontrunnersri@gmail.com

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Frontrunners Boston RUNNING Group: Morning walk/run along the Charles River. Saturdays,10am. Club Cafe, 209 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA. www.frontrunnersboston.org.

OutRyders SKIING: New England’s largest gay and lesbian ski and snowboard club. www.outryders.org.

Boston Strikers SOCCER Club: Non-profit social organization to learn and improve soccer skills in a relaxed, congenial environment. www. bostonstrikers.com.

Renaissance City SOFTBALL League: New players and boosters always welcome. www.providencesoftball.org.

Beantown SOFTBALL League: Friendly competition. 27 teams in four divisions of play: competitive, intermediate, and recreational. (617) 297-7490. www.beantownsoftball.com.

LANES (Liquid Assets New England SWIMMING): Fitness and/or competition. (617) 937-5858. www.swim-lanes.org.

TENNIS-4-All: Boston area tennis organization. www.tennis4all.org.

Cambridge Boston VOLLEYBALL Association: Players of all skill levels welcome. secretary@cbvolleyball.net www.gayvolleyball.net.

Ocean State Pride VOLLEYBALL League: Adult co-ed indoor league following USVBA rules. No try-outs. Fee applies. Kent County YMCA, 900 Centerville Road, Warwick. ospvolleyball@gmail.com.

East Coast WRESTLING Club: (617)937.5858 x6. ecwc@juno.com. www.eastcoastwrestlingclub.org.

Students & Youth Bristol Community College Gay/Straight Alliance: Steven Camara,Advisor.

BCC-H202, 777 Elsbree Street, Fall River, MA. (774) 357-2391.

Brown University Queer Alliance: Umbrella organization at Brown University for LGBTQ groups. 863-3062. queer@brown.edu or lgbtq@ brown.edu.

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CCRI Triangle Alliance: an LGBTQQ student-run group at CCRI, on the Flanagan, Liston, and Knight campuses. www.ccri.edu/triangle/.

COLAGE: Support and social activities for children of LGBT parents.

Coordinator Veronica Jutras. Third Saturday 10:30am-12pm. Gordon School, E. Providence. rhodeisland@colage.org www.colage.org/colage-chapter/colage-rhode-island-chapter/.

LGBT National Youth Talkline: 800-246-7743. Private one-to-one chat and info on local resources.

Peer Listening Line: Youth-staffed hotline for GLBT youth. Support, info and referrals. 5-10pm. Fenway Community Health Center, Boston, MA. (617) 267-9001 or (800) 399-PEER. www.fenwayhealth.org.

Salve Regina University – The Alliance: 100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport. Contact: Mandy Hart. mandy.hart@salve.edu.

SeaQuel (Southeast Asian Queers United for Empowerment and Leadership): a program of PRYSM. Monthly Sunday meetings. 383-7450.

SeaQuel@prysm.us. www.prysm.us.

S.H.E.P.A.R.D. (Stopping Homophobia, Eliminating Prejudices and Restoring Dignity): Providence College, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence. 865-1631. shepard@providence.edu.

The Trevor Project: The only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBT youth. Also offers social networks.

(866)4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386). thetrevorproject.org.

University of RI LGBTIQ2: Alumni association. 874-5808. gsimonelli@uri.edu.

URI LGBTQ Center: A cultural department for students, faculty and staff. Florence Badejo. 874-2894.

Youth Pride Inc.: Support, education & advocacy for LGBTQQ young people ages 13--23. Tues. -- Fri. 2 -- 8pm. The Way Out peer support group Thurs. 4pm.

Gender Spectrum support group Tues. 4pm. Visit our website for full calendar of events. 743 Westminster St., Providence.

421-5626. info@youthprideri.org. www.youthprideri.org.

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Support Groups & Social Services Abuse Victims and Survivors: Support on phone for LGBTQ victims & survivors of partner abuse. Confidential peer-led groups. Hotline: (617) 742-4911. TTY: (617) 227-4911. advocate@tnlr.org.

Adoption Options: Non-sectarian help. Jewish Family Service, 959 North Main Street, Providence. Contact Betsy Alper. 331-5437. www.adoptionoptions.org.

Community Care Alliance: Stipend, assistance, training provided by Family Resources Community Action. 235-6095. www.famresri.org.

Foster parents needed: For newborn to age six. 276-4300. www.childrensfriendri.org.

Family Service RI: Training, stipend, support provided for nurturing families. Family Service of RI. Contact Gregary Wright. 331-1350 ext.

3305. www.familyserviceri.org.

Seven Hills Behavioral Health: HIV Prevention and Screening. 310 South Main Street, Fall River, MA. (508) 235-1012. T.W.I.S.T. (508) 6720378.

Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center: Offering resources for victims of domestic violence. 723-3057. www.bvadvocacycenter.org.

Compass: FTM trans info, support and social group.

Boston first Thursday 7-9pm. compassftm@gmail.com. www.compassftm.org.

Crossroads RI Hotline: (800) 367-2700.

Day One: Counseling & legal aid for victims of sexual assault/abuse & incest. 24hr hotline. (800) 494-8100. 421-4100. www.dayoneri.org.

Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County: Support, court advocacy, counseling, safe home, info for women and men in abusive or controlling relationships. 24hr free and confidential helpline. 782-3990 or toll free 800-494-8100, www.dvrcsc.org.

Gay Fathers of Greater Boston: Support. 738 Main St. #323, Waltham, MA. (781) 333-8429. info@gayfathersboston.org, www.gayfathersboston.org.

Gay Officers Action League (GOAL)/New England: Law enforcement officers (sworn & civilian), fire, rescue and publicly employed EMS. Confidential. PO Box 587, Boston, MA 02117. (617) 376-3612. info@ goalne.org, www.goalne.org.

Gay Share: Coming Out? Gay men’s support group. No fee. Wednesday 7:30pm. Contact Tom or Mike. 369-9448. info@gayshare.org, www. gayshare.org.

GLBTQ Domestic Violence Project: Support, info, shelter. 955 Massachusetts Avenue, Private Message Box 131, Cambridge, MA. (800) 832-1901. www.glbtqdvp.org.

Helpline for LGBT Youth: Trevor Helpline and social networks for crisis and suicide prevention. 24/7. (866) 4-U-Trevor.

HIV+ Gay Men’s Support Group: Refreshments served. AIDS Care Ocean State, 18 Parkis Avenue, Providence. 521-3603. New members contact Scott. 640-3108.

Kathys’ Group: Free support group for lesbians with cancer or any life-threatening illness. Partners and caregivers welcome. Meets monthly in Providence. 888-5KATHYS. Mantalk of S.E. Mass: Socializing and discussions for gay, bi and curious men. Confidential. Drug and alcohol-free. 18+. Thursdays in Taunton and first Tuesdays in New Bedford. 7-8:30pm. mantalksouthcoast@yahoo.com.

National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Assoc./New England: Works for fair and accurate media coverage of LGBT issues. info@nlgja.org, www.nlgja.org.

Partner Support Group at Fenway Health: A ten-week support group with the purpose of building community and connections for anyone who identifies as non-trans, ages 18+, and is in a relationship with a trans* person(s). 1340 Boylston Street, Boston, MA. Contact Sarah Eley, LICSW. 857-313-6551. seley@fenwayhealth.org.

PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays): Greater Providence chapter, serves all RI and southeastern MA. First Wednesday 6:45pm. Met School, 325 Public Street, Providence. 751-7571.

PFLAGprovidence@gmail.com, www.pflagprovidence.org.

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RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 24hr helpline: (800) 4948100. 467-9940.

RI Rainbow Support Group: For people with disabilities who identify as LGBTQ. Last Tuesday. 98 Rolfe Street, Cranston. 6-7:30pm. Contact Ken Renaud. 785-2100.

Samaritans: 24hr hotline for suicidal, lonely, despairing, depressed. (800) 365-4044. 272-4044 (RI only). www.samaritansri.org.

Sexual Health Education & Advocacy Program: HIV, sexual wellness, domestic violence risk reduction. Free, confidential, bilingual (Spanish). No caller ID used. Calls blocked for safety. 861-6191 ext. 121.

Sojourner House: Call for confidential support group. Support, shelter, advocacy and information for people in abusive relationships. Including specific LGBT services. No caller ID used. Outgoing calls blocked for safety. 24hr helpline. 765-3232. 861-6191. www.sojournerri.org Straight Spouses: Groups and online support. www.straightspouse.org.

TGI Network of RI: Support, advocacy for transgender, transsexual, gender-variant and/or intersex people. Borderlands peer group 1st & 3d Tues. and 1st & 3d Sat. of the month. Location & information: 441-5058. info@tginetwork.org. www.tginetwork.org.

Trans* Partners New England: Gives romantic partners of transgender people a confidential, safe space to explore the impact of a loved one’s gender identity on their relationships, and to connect with other loved ones of transgender people. First Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm. Providence. Location unpublished for privacy. partners@tginetwork.org.

Trans* Youth Family Allies: Support for gender-variant and transgender children ages 3-18. info@imatyfa.org, www.imatyfa.org.

Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA): Growing organization to address the concerns of fair treatment of transgender veterans and active duty service members. www.tavausa.org.

Women’s Resource Center of Newport and Bristol Counties: Offering services to victims of domestic violence. 846-5263. www.wrcnbc. org. q

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Worth a Look

by The Lit Chick

I was seven years old when my best friend Erin showed up in my backyard one sunny afternoon. “Wait until you hear this,” she said, just before she played “Like a Virgin” and my mother confiscated her Fisher Price cassette player. Now Erin’s kids are in college and Madonna is out with Rebel Heart, her twenty-sixth album release and her thirteenth full-length studio album.

Rebel Heart is classic Madonna; it’s iconoclastic and innovative, and showcases her strong voice and dancehall roots.A collaboration with several leading artists, including Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Nas, Diplo, and Avicii, the album feels new and original, and is her best in over a decade.

On Rebel Heart, Madonna summons the Catholic imagery Former Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank discovered the two things about himself at age fourteen that mattered most: that he wanted to be a politician and that he was gay. In his new memoir, Frank: A Life in Politics from the Great Society to SameSex Marriage, he chronicles a life that has interwoven both.

The amount that Frank has witnessed and accomplished in his career (and the list of people he’s worked with) is staggering. He describes the political workings of some of the most influential legislation and events of the past four decades, with particular emphasis on those that closely affected the LGBT community, including battles to pass same-sex marriage in Massachusetts, events leading up to Proposition 8, the adoption of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, the many failed attempts to pass employment non-discrimination legislation, and the passage and eventual toppling of the Defense of Marriage Act. Also striking is the number of parallels he draws from the political missteps of the past and politics of today.

With his trademark intelligence, wit, and humor, Frank celebrates the rise in acceptance and subsequent equality for LGBT individuals, while at the same time lamenting the dramatic loss of faith Americans have had in government and politicians.

Through it all, Frank is, well, frank. He is as honest about his failures as his successes, is down to earth and relatable, and doesn’t mince words. If you’re a political junkie like me (and especially if you’re a House of Cards fan), you’ll really enjoy this book.

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of her past and her disdain for rigid frameworks. Let’s face it, only Madonna could pull off “bitch, get off my pole” and “genuflect and bless yourself ” in the same song. Its closest comparison may be Like a Prayer, but Rebel Heart also reminds me of the best of her other albums. It plays like a celebration of Madonna’s 32-year career of being herself without compromise. She has led by example, with every new release and its subsequent controversy. “I took the road less traveled by, and I barely made it out alive,” she sings on the title track. “Hell yeah, this is me--right where I’m supposed to be.”

With Rebel Heart Madonna continues to show the world (and a new generation of fans) just how powerful being “that kid” can be.

If you have a thing for lesbians in prison, TV4’s new webseries, Kittens in a Cage, is a must-see. A cross between Orange Is the New Black and The Naked Gun, it’s quickly become my favorite web series. Kittens is set in 1950s New Jersey at the fictional Marquetta State Prison, where heroine June Matilda Butler, a naive, 18-year-old, ukeleleplaying delinquent, finds herself after being pressured by her rotten-egg boyfriend to attempt a bank robbery that goes horribly wrong.

With a nod to Orange is the New Black, Kittens in a Cage uses flashbacks to show how its inmates’ bumbling lifestyles spiraled into the lives of crime that eventually landed them in the slammer. The characters are more complex than you’d expect in 20-minute episodes. Junie’s love interest is her cellmate, Vickie the arsonist, who at first fights to resist because lesbian love is “just a knife fight waiting to happen.”

Creator, writer, and producer Jillian Armenante plays Barbara, the cannibal, sidekick to Vickie’s arch nemesis, Jeanine the beauty queen ax murderer.

Kittens is packed with whip-smart writing that layers oneliners with a precision rarely seen in a sitcom.This show hands in so many lesbian double entendres that it puts me to shame.

It has everything but a scissor fight.

Kittens in a Cage is worth a look if you want a laugh. It’s available to rent or buy at Vimeo on Demand. I had hedged my bets and rented it, but now I wish I had bought it.

Options | April 2015