couples counted in the 2010 census and the 2010 American Community Survey were recorded as opposite-sex couples in Social Security files.” Demographers suggest that better data on LGBTQ copuples will better inform public policy affecting the LGBTQ community.
Passages: Annette Gagne
RI Schools Prepare to Implement Transgender Policies
Following an Obama-era federal guideline protecting transgender students’ right to use the restroom of their choice, the RI Department of Education (RIDE) issued its June 2016 guideline furthering protections for transgender students, particularly in the realms of privacy, name and pronoun use, physical education classes, interscholastic sports, locker room usage, and dress codes. In spite of the Trump administration rescinding the federal protection last year, RIDE’s protections will stand. All Rhode Island school districts must adopt a policy by July 1 to ensure that trans students are protected from discrimination.
According to a statement issued by a loved one, “Annette Gagne, longtime Rhode Island socialist feminist activist, passed away on March 14. She was a leader in the Queer Liberation movement historically, never ceasing toward liberatory aspirations in all aspects of society, by tabling every year at RI Pride, helping start the RI chapter of Pride at Work, showing solidarity with other struggles, and more. Annette will be missed by many, including friends and members of various social movements.” Annette Gagne was a “76er,” one of the original marchers in the first Rhode Island Pride Parade in 1976, and was among those marchers honored as Grand Marshals in the 40th Anniversary RI Pride celebration in 2016. A memorial to celebrate Annette’s life and legacy was held on April 21 at Open Table of Christ Church in Providence.
URBAN ARTS & CULTURE PROGRAM with RHODE ISLAND STATE COUNCIL OF CHURCHES PRESENT
Trans Views
Pam Padula with Bob
touring production by Frank V. Toti Jr.
May 11–June 8
Passages: Bob Thiebault
Robert L. Thibeault, owner and operator of many gay nightclubs from the 1950s through the recent past, passed away peacefully on February 17 after an illness, according to the online obituary posted by the Coelho Funeral Home. Bob’s nightclubs gave LGBT people a place to find community, often in secret and hidden from the eyes of the law. His bars included the Mirabar in Woonsocket, The Continental and the Loft in Smithfield, and The Gallery in downtown Providence. He was proud to have served in the US Air Force. He is survived by his life-partner Kenny Clauson.
Trans Views is a full length play written and directed by Frank V. Toti, Jr. Trans Views is an Oral History play with stories gathered from members of the local Transgender community told in their own words. The play shares the daily life celebrations, struggles, and triumphs of 6 transgender men and women out of the individual interviews ages 15-70. The Performance is FREE and open to the public. May 11 7:00pm Westminster Unitarian 119 Kenyon Ave East Greenwich, RI 02818 May 15, 6:30pm hosted by Community Care Alliance at the Woonsocket Depot. 1 Depot Square Woonsocket, RI 02895 June 1, 7:00pm St. Paul’s Church 50 Park Place Pawtucket, RI 02860 June 2, 7:00pm Berean Baptist Church 475 Chapel Street Harrisville, RI 02830 June 3 7:00 pm First Baptist Church in America 75 N. Main Street Providence, RI 02903 June 7 & 8, 7:00pm URI Providence Campus Paff Auditorium 80 Washington Street Providence RI 02903 80 Washington St, Providence, RI 02903 Hours M-TH 9-9, F&S 9-4 (closed Sundays & Holidays) For information call Steven Pennell 401-277-5206 uri.artsandculture@gmail.com or visit uri.edu/ceps/prov/arts
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