Rainbow RiverFest 2011

Sat.

September 24

Holyoke Canoe Club *2 miles from Northampton on Route 5

Zen

Food

Music

Games

Comedy Youth Tent

FMI: RainbowRiverFest.org

UMASS Stonewall Center • Tapestry Health Center • Aids Foundation of Western MA Old Mill on the Falls • Moose Meadow Lodge • Springfield Technical Community College MassMutual Financial Group • Barton’s Angels • Highland Inn

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RainbowTimes The

The Freshest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Newspaper in New England

Northampton-based... ...New England read

A Proud Sponsor Of The

Rainbow RiverFest

To advertise, subscribe, or receive our e-newsletter, please visit us online at therainbowtimesnews.com or call us at 413-282-8881 or 617-444-9618.

www.therainbowtimesnews.com Rainbow RiverFest guide 2011

A message from the Executive Director Suzanne J. Seymour* Executive Director LGBT Coalition of Western MA

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solated. Bullied. Suicidal. How often have we heard these words in the media of late that describe our community’s youth? As we speak to our young people about being brave and it getting better (because it does), we often neglect the fact that it’s still damn hard for so many among us.

Unfortunately, there are many of us that are marginalized not just by the straight world, but by our own supposedly accepting community as well. If you’re not thin enough, have a generously fat wallet, wearing the most fashionable clothes or grew up on the wrong side of the street/state/tracks, you may risk being ridiculed or bullied, even as an adult.

When we focus on the things that make us different, it’s possible that we forget to put our attention on the shared things that make us one: our coming out struggles, being rejected from our religious homes, discrimination in all its ugly forms.

So many LGBT people are hurt or damaged in their coming out process. We often find it hard to trust others and/or exhibit self-destructive behaviors that carry through into adulthood. Our childhood wounds affect us.

Which is why we must stand up to bullying in all forms, at all times in our lives. It’s not just a problem that young people face. It’s a sad state of affairs when adults and even leaders in our own community are guilty of just that: ostracizing (hence, bullying) people that don’t fit into their neat little package of acceptability. We owe it to the next generation to do right by them: by first taking time to do right by us.

Let’s be compassionate! As LGBT people, we have a deep understanding of how it feels to be treated unfairly. We can be leaders and set an example of what compassion truly means.

Let’s open our hearts and minds and reach out to our brothers and sisters with the greatest need. Be kind. Smile at one another (What a concept!). Young and old, black and white, rich and poor-we all have something to share and learn from one another.

Our RiverFest offers one such opportunity. It’s time to heal our community, ourselves ... and in the process, our world. * Suzanne J. Seymour is the Executive Director of the LGBT Coalition. Her career has included owning a restaurant franchise in her 20’s and being the proprietor of a massage therapy company and therapist for 16 years. Most recently, she has been the producer of Pride Promotion events. Suzanne also hosts a local radio program on WMUA 91.1 FM, writes for LGBT publications and emcees for events such as Northampton Pride and the Berkshire Women’s Muse Fest, where she practices using humor to diffuse serious topics. In her spare time, she is an avid hiker, biker and kayaker.

Mailing Address: LGBT Coalition of Western MA P.O. Box 1373 Northampton, MA 01061

Physical Address: 32 Industrial Drive East Northampton, MA 01060

Phone: 413-588-1018 • Online: www.lgbtcoalitionwma.org Rainbow RiverFest guide 2011

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Our Mission The LGBT Coalition of Western Massachusetts is a 501(C)(3)non-profit organization established to improve and preserve the well-being of LGBT and Queer-identified people of all races and ethnicities through education, advocacy and outreach programs.Â

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The Coalition strives to build stronger communities and families by bridging the gaps between LGBT members and mainstream society.

Our Services The LGBT Coalition of Western Massachusetts serves as an information liaison to multiple services, such as educational, youth organizations, social, medical, spiritual, legal and employment.

It works to provide family, individual, and group support and offers referrals to other local organizations that may assist with individualized needs.

It also works with welcoming churches/ spiritual organizations to assist in the educational component of LGBT issues, as religious belief is often one of the primary reasons cited to justify discrimination. The Coalition assists the queer community in hopes to heal and reclaim its spiritual connection by speaking out against anti-gay rhetoric and addressing discrimination from non-welcoming churches.

Hosting forums, workshops, seminars, and films that focus on the disparities within our community (i.e. marriage equality, legal issues, bullying, domestic violence, healthcare, transgender rights, spiritual connectivity, etc.) are also a part of community building and an important component to the Coalition’s work.

LBGT continues on page 5

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LBGT continued from page 4

The Coalition focuses its efforts on serving the LGBT youth population in the following ways: 1. The Shining Star Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships to LGBT high school students who will be pursuing a college major pertaining to Social Service welfare.

2. Hold various LGBT youth centered events throughout the year ... Queer Carnevale, Rainbow Riverfest and more!

3.

Serving as a school liaison to assist in developing Gay Straight Alliances in high schools throughout the region, to create awareness, bring about change and understanding at an early age and to prevent anti-gay bullying. This year, the Coalition will partner with Holyoke For All in the “Equali-T-our�, promoting music benefits for schools who do not presently have a GSA.

4. Community Based Educational Forums 5. Provide information and referrals to dedicated LGBT 24 hr. suicide hotline professionals 6. Community referrals for individual, group and family therapy

Give to the LGBT Coalition. Your gift will help someone in need!

www.lgbtcoalitionwma.org

Successful Counseling for Adults, Children, and Families

Flexible appointment times Evening hours available Most insurance plans accepted Amherst

549.0095

Northampton

584.6855

Holyoke

533.5201

Greenfield

772.2935

www.servicenet.org Rainbow RiverFest guide 2011

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Schedule

Rainbow RiverFest Schedule

Main Stage

Zen Zone

Youth Tent

11:00

Gates Open

Spiritual Support & Massage Therapy All Day!

Hulu Hoop Demo: Hooping Harmony

12:00

Who’d Da Funk It

Yoga Basics Workshop

Zumba Demo

12:30

Alix Dobkin

Alternative Healing Workshop

12:45

PFLAG

Face Painting: Sisters of Perepetual Indulgence

1:00

John Brandoli

1:25

Miss Trans NewEngland

1:30

Mercedes

“Laying Down Burdens”: Rev. Charla Kouadio

Spoken Word Workshop: Express Yourself!

2:00

Lauren Batemen

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine Workshop

Mercedes Q&A

2:30

Young Kaii

2:45

Amy Tee

The Fabric of Jesus’Healing: A Guided Imagery Workshop: Rev. Ellen Peterson

Urban Line Dancing Workshop

3:00

True Colors

Labyrinth Walk Workshop

Young Kaii Q&A

3:10 3:30 3:45

Sister Funk Loco Ninja

4:00

Out Now

4:15

Sarah Grace

4:45

LadyBoi Band

5:10

Gunner Scott

5:15

MAOR w/ T.R.I.G.G.A

6:15

Crystal Waters

Rainbow RiverFest guide 2011

Vibrational Tuning Forks Demo Yoga BasicsWorkshop

Urban Line Dancing Workshop MAOR Q&A Loco Ninja Q&A

From the Rainbow RiverFest Stage

in Seneca, NY. Who says women can’t rock? www.sisterfunk.com

Crystal Waters

Photo credit: Razzi photography

Photo credit: James Moritz

Crystal Waters has been firmly embraced by the dance community throughout her 20-year career. This pop diva is best known for her string of domestic and international number one dance hits in the 1990’s, including her 1991 signature smash, “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)”, which became a global, number one smash because of its socially-conscious lyrics and its positively infectious hook. This also garnered her three American Music Award nominations and made her an international sensation, with 16 number one and top 10 singles to date. www.theoneandonlycrystalwaters.com

MAOR featuring T.R.I.G.G.A. Photo credit: Xavier

International singer/ songwriter Israeli-born MAOR has released his hugely successful single “Victory – No More Rain” in collaboration with rap artist T.R.I.G.G.A. This savvy recording artist brings many elements of 80’s dance, jazz and a fusion of electronic Pop/Euro onto the music scene. Since his move from Israel, MAOR has worked as an openly gay artist, succeeding as a singer and as an inspiration to others. www.maormusic.com

Sister Funk

Photo credit: Amber Hopkins

This all femaleband has been described by CURVE Magazine as “provocative, high energy, and entertaining, these women put on a hot show”. This 2009 Red Door battle of the band winner smashed the competition taking 1st place in every category during the 9 week battle, taking home the GRAND PRIZE cash money & studio time. This year, Sister Funk is being recognized for their 10+ yr accomplishments in music, and are being inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame

Amy Tee

Identified as a rising star by the Boston Globe, Amy Tee’s ingenious style captures mainstream and alternative audiences. Her edgy but subtle approach turns her own personal tribulations into nonstop hilarity. Wearing her heart on her sleeve, Amy covers topics ranging from relationships, sobriety, and mental illness.

Mentioned as one the funniest women in America in Curve Magazine, Amy Tee can be seen performing across the country. www.amytee.com

John Brandoli

Photo credit: Christine Phelan

John Brandoli is packing venues in New England and his fan base is growing. With the release of his album, Suspended Disbelief, he is making an impact here and abroad.

His versatile style of rock, folk-rock and pop is rapidly gaining momentum and recognition. In the process, John has received great press, radio air-play, and a sound following. www.johnbrandoli.com

Alix Dobkin

Photo credit: Joanne Gigani

A legendary feminist/ lesbian icon, Alix was a guitar-toting teenager in the 1950’s, who went on to become one of the first voices for womyn’s music. Coming out as a lesbian in 1972, she turned to writing and singing to promote lesbian culture and community through womyn’s music.

In 1973, with Kay Gardner and Marilyn Ries, she produced Lavender Jane Loves Women, the very first album by, for, and about lesbians. www.alixdobkin.com

M3rcedes

Photo credit: Andrew Keefe

The talented artist, musician and songwriter, M3rcedes is indeed a new kind of artist. The 23 year

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LGBT Coalition Board and Rainbow RiverFest Committee Members Executive Director: Suzanne Seymour Operations Committee: Martha Brown, Andrea Egitto, Maureen Clark, Liz Gallinaro, Aime Kunes, Director Advertising and Sponsorship: Andrea Egitto, Trish Prosco Entertainment Committee: Bev Santianello, Deep and Sabrina Cancel, Sandi Pinkham, Janel Beaulieu, Phoebe Siter , Amanda Petrus, Corinne Shaw, Director Zen Zone Committee: Jessica Crevier, Robert Quinn, Angie Staubley, Rev. Charla Kouadio, Director Youth Tent Committee: Tammy Lago-Jackson, Deja Nicole Greenlaw, Keri and Ann Stebbins Vendor Committee: Nicole Baker, Melinda Shaw, Gayle Aube, Trish Prosco Security: Kate Hamilton, Danica Ali , Truesilence Jackson Graphic Design: Phobe Siter and Jen Monette Events Coordinator: Dawn King, John Brandoli, Director

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Rainbow RiverFest guide 2011

Volunteer Coordinators: Beth Poliwoda, Heather McCreary Parking: Kim McCurdy, Lisa and Laura McLain Website Goddesses: Teri Little and Emily Scagel Publicity and Outreach : Maureen Clark , Trish Prosco ,Andrea Egitto, Emily Scagel, Lindsay Bromage, Kelly Mulligan GSA Coordinator: Mary Belge First Aid: Keri Stebbins Other Committee Members: Bernadette Stark, Christa Hilfers, Crystal Rash, Theresa Coley-Kouadio, Stacey Anasazi, Ann Gillard, Caroline Voyles, Nelson Roman, Amy McCreary, Michelle Phillips, Joy Z Other Board of Director Members: Karen Schiaffo, Secretary, Erica Marks, President

Want to be a part of the Coalition Board and/or a Committee Member?

Visit: lgbtcoalitionwma.org

Holyoke Canoe Club Old Ferry Road - Holyoke, MA

From the South

From the North

From the East

From the West

(Hartford and all points) Take I-91 North, Exit 17A toward Holyoke Turn left on Route 5 North at the light Go 3.8 miles, Old Ferry Road and Holyoke Canoe club will be on your right

(Albany, the Berkshires) Take MA Pike East to Exit 4 to I-91 North Take Exit 17A toward Holyoke Turn left on Route 5 North at light Go 3.8 miles, Old Ferry Road and Holyoke Canoe Club will be on your right

BURLINGTON, VT 3 hours

rte. 5

N W

E S

Holyoke, ma

Mass pike • i-90 springfield, ma 20 mins. hartford, CT 45 mins.

rte.146

i-89

i-91

ALBANY, NY -1 hr., 30 mins.

(Boston, Rhode Island, P-Town) Take MA Pike West to Exit 4 for I-91 North Take Exit 17A toward Holyoke Turn left on Route 5 North at light Go 3.8 miles, Old Ferry Road and Holyoke Canoe Club will be on your right

(Montreal, Burlington/Brattleboro, VT) Take I-91 South, Exit 18 At the light, take a right on Route 5 South Go 2.5 miles, Old Ferry Road and Holyoke Canoe Club will be on left

BOSTON, ma -1 hr., 52 mins.

Directions

worcester, ma 40 mins providence, RI 1 hour, 45 mins.

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RiverFest Zen Zone 2011 12 noon Yoga Basics—Claudia Johnson (repeats at 4:15) Yoga is for everyone. Learn deep relaxation techniques for restoration and invigoration. Claudia Johnson is a graduate of Mama Nirvana’s Teacher Training Program, certified hatha yoga instructor, and devoted yoga student. She teaches at a number of venues in Western Massachusetts and has a private office in Holyoke, MA. 12:30 Alternative Healing—Douglas Wilk Pharmaceutical drugs often suppress or mask pain symptoms, instead of treating the underlying problems. Learn more about alternative healing and how to heal yourself. Douglas has studied various energybased therapies, such as E.F.T., Seemorg, Body Talk, and Quantum Touch, and works at the Abundant Wellness Center.

1:00 Laying Down Burdens—Rev. Charla Kouadio Are you feeling overwhelmed with the hand that you’ve been dealt? Learn

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how to lay down your burdens and recapture the vitality you are meant to have. Reverend Kouadio is the minster of Recovering the Promise Ministries, a safe place for all persons to flourish, worship, serve, and grow spiritually - especially persons in recovery, same-gender-loving individuals, transgendered persons, women, the recently incarcerated, the economically disenfranchised, persons of varied physical and mental abilities, persons infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and their allies.

2:00 Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine—Terry Tangredi, Lic. Ac. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are gentle yet powerful methods of healing and maintaining health by getting to the root of illness and pain, not just treating symptoms. Learn more about these healing modalities. Terry has been practicing acupuncture since 2001, holds a Master’s Degree from the New England School of Acupuncture, and is a Master Chinese Herbalist.

RiverFest Zen Zone continues on page 17

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old, pop/rock/R&B, Berklee College of Music student has branded her struggle and pain through music. M3rcedes sings with the deepest form of soul and secures her lyrics with truths reflecting on her own story.

She carefully chooses what to share while on tour because her mission is to inspire, rejuvenate, and enlighten her audience. www.m3rcedes.com

Sara Grace

Photo credit: Brent Gould

In a few short years while in the Central Vermont market, Sara Grace has established herself as a consistent draw at venues across the area. With a unique style that is best described as “soul-folk”, she has been wowing crowds while developing a loyal following. Honest, emotive and blessed with a sly, biting wit, Sara Grace is among central Vermont’s best-kept secrets.

Her percussive guitar style and funky arrangements, along with a charismatic stage presence and soulful vocal delivery make Sara Grace a force to be reckoned with. www.myspace.com/saragracethesuits

Lauren Bateman Photo credit: Brian Doherty

Lauren Bateman, a prolific songwriter and musician, left behind her lab coat and goggles for a fulfilling life in music. Retiring from her day job at the age of 27, Lauren is no stranger to the Boston music scene. Lauren has been composing songs all her life with lyrics that take her listeners on an emotional rollercoaster ride that is both personal and relateable. www.laurenbateman.com

Loco Ninja

Photo credit: Joan Valerio

As an out entertainer from Spanish Harlem, NY, Loco has overcome many obstacles, such as being stabbed and bullied.

These obstacles did not stop him, but propelled him to a career in music, acting, and dance. Loco has appeared on MTV, PBS, and the Tyra Banks show.

Loco is determined to be the first out rap recording artist that stirs the mainstream charts. www.thelocoworld.com

Young Kaii

Photo credit: Owen Muir

Young Kaii is a talented female rapper who fell in love with hip hop at a very young age. Kaii discovered rapping and writing as a way for her to release the stress of a not-so-perfect home environment. Using her life experiences as a driving force, she began to turn the negativity of having hustling brothers and poverty stricken parents into lyrical masterpieces. www.reverbnation.com/youngkaii

LadyBoi

Photo credit: Michael Wakefield

LadyBoi lead singer “Scandelle” and Moscow transplant Lev Choubine have been described as one of the Top 5 LGBTQ music acts to watch out for by Out Magazine. With their soulful, edgy vocals, this dance/indie rock genderbending duo’s music has been praised by the legendary Patti LaBelle and Sir Elton John. Their debut single, “Halfway to Dawn”, is inspired by 14 year old bullied suicide victim Brandon Bitner. www.twitter.com/ladyboitheband

Who’Da Funk It Photo credit: Emma Sevene

The cosmos threw Who’da Funk It together in the summer of 2009 when four very different high school girls happened to attend the same music camp (www.ima. org). Since then, a fifth has joined the group.

These talented young people have already played at the Iron Horse three times and have won two battle of the bands with their genre-hopping music of rock, funk, and ska. www.reverbnation.com/whodafunkit

Bianca Dubois

A regular drag performer at Diva’s, Oz and Xstatic nightclubs, Bianca is a force to be reckoned with! Be prepared to laugh until you cry with her hilarious comedy and dance performances. www. myspace.com/biancadubois2 Rainbow RiverFest guide 2011

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drs. mackler, siurek and associates General Dentistry for Children & Adults

Frederic S. Mackler, D.M.D. Eugene L. Siurek, D.D.S.

Periodontics & Dental Implants Christopher T .Trailor, D.M.D.

46 Daggett Dr., West Springfield, MA 01089 Phone (413) 747-9224 • Fax (413) 747-0117

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www.healthy-mouth.com

Rainbow RiverFest guide 2011

LGBT Youth at more risk than other teens: Are we really paying attention?

The LGBT Coalition of Western Massachusetts wants to assist our LGBT youth. It also focuses on underrepresented LGBT youth, often marginalized and bullied in their communities and families.

Take care of our LGBT youth by assisting the LGBT Coalition and attending the Rainbow RiverFest Festival.

These youth are at a higher risk for bullying, drug and alcohol addiction, suicide, harassment, etc. than any other youth group in the country. Because of that, people need to be aware of the potential harm and remedies available to LGBT youth at the local and national levels. In Western Massachusetts, the LGBT Coalition of Western MA continues to work with youth to try to remove the stigma and ignorance that could lead these kids to engage in risky behaviors and have a low self-esteem.

Nationally, the Trevor Project’s website states that the statistics show a grim picture for LGBT youth. Will you help?

during the past year. (GLSEN From Teasing to Torment 2006) • Sexual minority youth, or teens that identify themselves as gay, lesbian or bisexual, are bullied two to three times more than heterosexuals. (Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 2010)

LGBT Youth continues on page 20

Facts about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth • Nine out of 10 LGBT students (86.2%) experienced harassment at school; threefifths (60.8%) felt unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation; and about one-third (32.7%) skipped a day of school in the past month because of feeling unsafe (GLSEN National School Climate Survey 2009).

• LGBT students are three times as likely as non-LGBT students to say that they do not feel safe at school (22% vs. 7%) and 90% of LGBT students (vs. 62% of non-LGBT teens) have been harassed or assaulted

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La comunidad Latina LGBT y el odio que existe hacia la misma Por: Gricel Martínez Ocasio*/Publicadora de TRT Como una mujer latina que vive en el Oeste de Massachusetts, siento que debo compartir con ustedes mis pensamientos. En muchas ocasiones he observado con profundo dolor como las personas de nuestra propia comunidad tienen acciones negativas hacia las personas de la comunidad Lesbiana, Gay, Bisexual y Transgénero. Hemos sido mi esposa y yo, inclusive, víctimas de tales acciones.

En nuestro caso, dos mujeres maduras, estábamos en Chicopee cuando una pareja Latina con hijas en un establecimiento de comida nos trató de intimidar y luego hicieron comentarios de odio y discriminación contra nosotras—tan sólo por ser lesbianas.

“Me gustan los hombres,” decía homofóbicamente la mujer puertorriqueña (como yo), que trataba de amedrentarnos. “Eres lesbiana por que

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no has conocido al hombre perfecto,” decía su descarado esposo.

Mientras le escuchaba y contestaba que “el hombre adecuado lo tenía que conocer él” y que por ser lesbianas no quería decir, le decía su esposa, “que nos interesara ella románticamente.” Me encontré perpleja ante los comentarios que se dilucidaron luego. Ellos se marcharon antes de que pudiéramos llamar a la policía. Eso nos sucedió a nosotras, las dueñas del periódico The Rainbow Times, un mecanismo de información que orgullosamente creamos hace casi 5 años para, irónicamente, combatir la homofobia.

Es una desgracia ver a las personas de mi propia comunidad ofender, abusar, juzgar y prácticamente apedrear a sus hermanos tan sólo porque son/somos gay. Esto no es sobre tolerancia, es sobre el amor que nuestro Creador nos instruyó que tuviéramos por nuestro prójimo. Amor que la pareja de Chicopee nunca mostró.

Amor que no les instruyeron ese día a sus hijas. Amor que la madre, abuela y tía de un adolescente entrevistado por TRT en 2007-08 nunca tuvo cuando lo botaron de sus casas por ser gay. Amor que muchos padres de hijos que son miembros de la comunidad LGBT no muestran al abandonarles, juzgarles y maltratarles.

Amor que muestran en el púlpito sólo cuando están en la iglesia. ¡Esto es una desgracia! Estas barbaridades lloran ante los ojos de Dios—el mismo Dios que estas TRT continues on page 17

Rainbow RiverFest guide 2011

TRT continued from page 16 personas adoran en la iglesia mientras al mismo tiempo atacan a otros “pecadores” fuera de ella. “Amar a Dios sobre todas las cosas y al prójimo como a ti mismo.”

Ese fue el llamado. ¿Está llevando estas palabras al pie de la letra?

Les exhorto a que cavilen ya que es sumamente importante que hagamos algo positivo por los miembros de nuestra comunidad Latina LGBT. No hay otro momento mejor que hoy. Si tiene preguntas sobre la comunidad gay, tome una copia de este periódico e infórmese.

O, busque información en la Internet o a través de organizaciones sin fines de lucro, como la Coalición LGBT del Oeste de Massachusetts, la Campaña de Derechos Humanos (Human Rights Campaign, en inglés), etc.

Dios. ¿Es este el legado que desea dejarle a generaciones futuras? Empecemos por amarnos y respetarnos los unos a los otros como nos ama Dios. * La autora es la Publicadora del periódico “The Rainbow Times”. Ella tiene un bachillerato en periodismo de la Universidad de Temple y una maestría en Administración de Empresas de la Universidad de Marylhurst. Ella está casada con otra mujer y ambas viven felizmente en Massachusetts.

Las vidas de nuestra gente dependen de su conocimiento y amor hacia ellos.

Después de todo, todos somos hijos/as de RiverFest Zen Zone continued from page 10 2:30 The Fabric of Jesus’ Healing: A Guided Imagery Workshop—Rev. Ellen Peterson Guided imagery is an excellent way to experience how powerful Jesus’ healing touch is. Learn how to ask for the healing that is available to us. Rev. Petersen is the pastor of the North Hadley Congregational Church and was responsible for organizing an LGBT Healing service last fall.

3:00 Walking a Sacred Path: Journey to Wholeness Using the Labyrinth —Deborah Yaffee, Certified Labyrinth Facilitator Learn about labyrinths and their uses.

“Walk” the finger labyrinth and experience some of the many gifts that the labyrinth so freely offers. Deborah Yaffee is the owner of Riverside Healing Arts Center in Shelburne Falls, MA. 3:30 Good Vibrations: Frequency Attunement through Sound Demo —LeeAnn Pepin Everything vibrates, everything has its own frequency. See how body tuning forks offer deep relaxation and meditative states.

LeeAnn Pepin has a great love of tuning and also uses this gift to treat animals.

4:15 Yoga Basics (repeats at 12 noon) Rainbow RiverFest guide 2011

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I Take Pride in

Northampton!

Jones Group Realtors

5 Franklin St., Northampton, MA

Sherri Meade

Realtor® - ABR Office: 413-585-0400, Ext. 6932 Direct: 413-387-6932 • Cell: 413-320-1284 Email: smeade@JonesRealtors.com Fax: 413-586-5550•EFax: 413-387-6933

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Official Rainbow RiverFest Media Partner, gives back to organizations

The Rainbow Times, the freshest LGBT newspaper in New England, has proudly produced four Guides in 2010: the Boston Pride Guide, the Noho (Northampton) Pride Guide, the CT Pride Guide and the Rainbow RiverFest Festival Guide. Founded in 2006 by two lesbians from Western Massachusetts, TRT has become an authority on LGBT stories in New England. A strong advocate of Trans rights, TRT has often been criticized for its Trans coverage. Regardless, its commitment to Trans Support and Rights continues to be the same. Its support and coverage of LGB issues is just as relevant too.

TRT Give$ Back Every year, funds from the Pride Guides produced by The Rainbow Times go to each organization. TRT believes in giving back and continues to engage itself in various activities.

Through the years, TRT has given back monetarily and through in-kind donations LGBT Youth continued from page 15

• Almost all transgender students had been verbally harassed (e.g., called names or threatened in the past year at school because of their sexual orientation (89%) and gender expression (89%) (GLSEN: Harsh Realities, The Experiences of Transgender Youth In Our Nation’s Schools 2009).

• LGBT youth in rural communities and those with lower adult educational attainment face particularly hostile school climates (JG, Greytak EA, Diaz EM – Journal of Youth & Adolescence 2009)

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Rainbow RiverFest guide 2011

and discounted ads to: Fenway Health, Boston Pride, Noho Pride, Som@s Latinos now known as Latino Pride, AIDS Foundation of Western MA, AIDS Project RI, Fenway Health, Safe Passage, AIDS Care Ocean State, nAGLY, BAGLY, Out! For Reel, the LGBT Coalition of Western MA, Tapestry, Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, Imperial Court of All of CT, CABO, Paradise City Arts Festival, Worcester Pride, CT Pride, Triangles, True Colors, Miss Trans New England, NETU, UCONN, UMass, Highlands Inn, Holyoke for ALL, and many, many more.

Giving back to the community is something that TRT includes in most transactions and is also a trademark of its work within the LGBT community.

The loyalty of TRT readers and the support of its advertisers continue to sustain and support TRT, now in its fifth year. Without such support TRT would not be able to give back and continue to thrive even during a financially stricken economy.

• Lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents are 190 percent more likely to use drugs and alcohol than are heterosexual teens (Marshal MP, Friedman MS, et al – Addiction 2008).

It is estimated that between 20 and 40 percent of all homeless youth identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender (2006 National Gay & Lesbian Task Force: An Epidemic of Homelessness). 62% of homeless LGB youth will attempt suicide at least once—more than two times as many as their heterosexual peers (Van Leeuwen JMm et al – Child Welfare 2005)

Some Facts About LGBT Suicide* • Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are • For every completed suicide by a young up to four times more likely to attempt person, it is estimated that 100 to 200 attempts are made (Youth Risk Behavior suicide than their heterosexual peers Surveillance Survey 2003).

(Massachusetts Youth Risk Survey 2007).

• More than 1/3 of LGB youth report • Questioning youth, who are less certain of their sexual orientation, having made a suicide attempt report even higher levels of substance abuse and depressed thoughts than their heterosexual or openly LGBTidentified peers (Poteat VP, Aragon SR, et al — Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2009)

(D’Augelli AR-Clinical Child Psychiatry and Psychology 2002)

• LGB youth who come from highly rejecting families are more than 8 times as likely to have attempted suicide than LGB peers who reported no or low levels of family rejection (Ryan C, Huebner D, et al - Peds 2009;123(1):346-352)

• Nearly half of young transgender * For more information visit: people have seriously thought about www.thetrevorproject.org taking their lives and one quarter report having made a suicide attempt TRT is the Official Media Partner (Grossman AH, D’Augelli AR -Suicide of the Rainbow RiverFest. and Life Threatening Behavior 2007) TheRainbowTimesNews.com • In the United States, more than 34,000 people die by suicide each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC 2007).

• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year-olds, accounting for over 12% of deaths in this age group; only accidents and homicide occur more frequently (National Adolescent Health Information 2006).

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death on college campuses (CDC 2008).

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