The Rainbow Times' April 2021 Issue by The Rainbow Times

2 • The Rainbow Times • TheRainbowTimesMass.com

April 8, 2021 - May 5, 2021

Black and Brown communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19 By: Nicole Lashomb* TRT Editor-in-Chief

OPINION

hen President Joe Biden assumed the Oval Office, it was widely expected that the Medicare for All Bill would be effectively dead. However, it resurfaced again when two Democratic Congress members, Debbie Dingell of Michigan and Pramila Jayapal of Washington, introduced the Medicare for All Act of 2021. One year since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis appeared in all 50 states and D.C, The Washington Post (https://wapo.st/2S8O83A), reported the bill made a comeback on the Hill. The official re-launch of the Medicare for All bill kicked off in mid-late March 2021 with prominent supporters in Congress and national organizations. Patrisse Cullors, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, BLMGNF, spoke at the event along national leaders — Rep. Rashida Tlaib (DMich.) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) — “about the intersection of racial and health justice,” the Black Lives Matter (https://bit.ly/32U4peN) website read. “Medicare for All is an important step toward creating a more equitable and fair system — so that whether you live in the suburbs in New Jersey or in a rural, small town in the South, you will be guaranteed quality, affordable health care,” read the BLM release about the bill. “Whether you’re poor or rich has no impact on your access to care. Whether your employer provides excellent health care benefits, or doesn’t.” Taking to the streets and demonstrating by the millions across the nation to

THE MAYO CLINIC’S STATISTICS TELL A STORY THAT CANNOT BE CONCEALED BY THOSE WHO CLAIM THIS ISN’T ABOUT RACISM. SOCIETY’S PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT OF WHITE PEOPLE — AS EVIDENCED BY HOW WHITE SUPREMACISTS & THE TRUMP MOB WERE HANDLED WITH KIDS’ GLOVES BY THE POLICE — SHOWS US THAT STORY. ... IF THAT IS NOT THE DEFINITION OF WHITE PRIVILEGE, I DON’T KNOW WHAT IS. demand an end to state-sanctioned violence and police brutality against Black folks is a critical part of the BLM movement. However, it is much more than that — it is also about systemic change, including changes relating to healthcare accessibility. Late last year, the American Medical Association, AMA, also wrote it boldly on the wall. “Building on its June pledge to confront systemic racism and police brutality (https://bit.ly/3nt4krN), the AMA has taken action to explicitly recognize racism as a public health threat and detailed

a plan to mitigate its effects,” read an AMA report (https://bit.ly/32SNU2q). With the coronavirus exorbitant impact on Black and Brown communities from everything based on access to healthcare, essential workers’ status, socio-economic disparities, and countless other facets, there is no question that systemic racism is to blame for such an impact on marginalized groups. According to The Mayo Clinic (https://mayocl.in/3aNI7zA), “… there’s no evidence that people of color have genetic or other biological factors that make them more likely to be af-

Namaste to transgender, NB & gender fluid communities By: Paul P. Jesep* TRT Columnist

FAITH, GOD & FAMILY

nitially, I started this column by writing the “Catholic Church had again engaged in spiritual and emotional abuse last month” by calling same-sex unions a “sin (https://bit.ly/32saleZ).” I also wrote the church was being abusive by calling intimacy between two adults of the same gender “intrinsically disordered (https://bit.ly/3a8tmY4).” On reflection, why care? Each person possesses the Divine within and is empowered to be true to their Creation as the Creator intended. You don’t need a go-between to pray to experience holy or transcendental. The history of the Catholic Church isn’t without controversy. Pick a period in history. Its moral authority is not unblemished. Recipients of its political and spiritual wrath have been many. Those on the receiving end have been justified in responding with outrage and indignation over the centuries. Witch hunts, the Spanish Inquisition, and economic exploitation from selling indulgences to encouraging wars to help amass wealth

and influence are a well-established part of its history. The church played a role in slavery, colonialism, the marginalization of women, and disavowing science. Astronomers discovered the sun didn’t revolve around the earth. This garnered the label of heresy and imprisonment. Historically and institutionally the church often has been contradictory forgetting that the foundational elements of the faith are love, respect, dignity, empathy, justice, and compassion. These observations are raised while being sensitive to LGBTQ-Catholics or former Catholics who still have an affection for this church. One can still love a parent or sibling even though he or she is misguided and hurtful at times. Changing a person (or institution) with love and patience isn’t impossible, though you may need to do it at arm’s length. In the past Pope Francis has supported civil unions and said God loves LGBTQ children as they are (https://bit.ly/3thNAG8). He attempted to make a distinction between the secular and religious worlds. Although the pope may support the secular legality of civil unions, it’s worth noting several Christian denominations celebrate the sacrament of marriage for same-sex couples. Although the latest Vatican statement

about human sexuality is not new and no less disappointing and hurtful to some, the statement again raises a larger question of seeking approval or affirmation from an institution long been unsupportive and confused on the issue. Similarly, folks will seek the approval of a parent or parents who are hurtful. There is a difference between duty to aging or elderly parents and seeking emotional approval for living one’s truth. A spiritual institution can be just as uninformed as parents or siblings who marginalize or put you down. Sometimes both must be kept at a distance. In doing so, you realize belief in a higher power doesn’t rest in one religion or denomination, nor does the idea of acceptance or unconditional love always come from blood family. Many reading this column know full well some of the best, truest families are those we make with special friends and life partners. Ultimately, it’s not what the Vatican does, but whether approval and affirmation should be sought from an institution (or person) incapable of providing it at the time due to ignorance and insecurities. All religions and many denominations within them have spiritual beauty and Read the rest of this story at TheRainbowTimesMass.com

fected by COVID-19 … But experts also know that where people live and work affects their health. Over time, these factors lead to different health risks among racial and ethnic minority groups. “Where you live and who you live with can make it challenging to avoid getting sick with COVID-19 and get treatment. For example, racial and ethnic minority members might be more likely to live in multi-generational homes, crowded conditions and densely populated areas, such as New York City. This can make social distancing difficult.” The AMA does not turn a blind eye to the public health crisis due to racism. “The AMA recognizes that racism negatively impacts and exacerbates health inequities among historically marginalized communities. Without systemic and structural-level change, health inequities will continue to exist, and the overall health of the nation will suffer,” said AMA Board Member WilRead the rest of this story at TheRainbowTimesMass.com

Multiple Award Winning

The Rainbow Times The Largest LGBTQ+ Newspaper in New England—Boston Based TheRainbowTimesMass.com editor@therainbowtimesmass.com sales@therainbowtimesmass.com Phone: 617.444.9618 Fax: 928.437.9618 Publisher Graysen M. Ocasio Editor-In-Chief Nicole Lashomb Assistant Editor Mike Givens National/Local Sales Rivendell Media Liz Johnson Lead Photographers Steve Jewett Christine M. Hurley Photographer Jenna Joyce Reporters

Mike Givens Chris Gilmore Audrey Cole Crossword Puzzle Artist/Designer Luciano Spanto Ad & Layout Design Prizm PR Webmaster Jarred Johnson Columnistst Lorelei Erisis Deja N. Greenlaw Paul P. Jesep Mike Givens Keegan O’Brien* *Guest Columnist

The Rainbow Times is published monthly by The Rainbow Times, LLC. TRT is an award-winning publication that started printing in late 2006. The 1st print issue was published in Feb. 2007. The articles written by the writers, columnists, and correspondents solely express their opinion, and do not represent the endorsement or opinion of The Rainbow Times, LLC or its owners. Send letters to the editor with your name, address and phone number to The Rainbow Times (address shown above), or e-mail any comment/s to the editor-in-chief at: editor@therainbowtimesmass.com. All submissions will be edited according to space constraints. The Rainbow Times, LLC reserves the right not to print any or all content or advertisements for any reason at all. TRT is not responsible for advertising content. To receive The Rainbow Times at your home via regular mail, or through electronic delivery, please visit its website. The whole content and graphics (photos, etc.) are the sole property of The Rainbow Times, LLC and they cannot be reproduced at all without TRT’s written consent. The appearance of names or photographic representations in TRT does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation or gender identity of the named or depicted individuals.

April 8, 2021 - May 5, 2021

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April 8, 2021 - May 5, 2021

Vandals, white supremacists target Salem, Mass. again IN THE LIMELIGHT

SALEM, Mass.—Jodi Bee in the downtown area,” said Acting Bakes, a bakery located in down- Chief of Police, Salem Police Departtown Salem, Mass., has re- ment (SPD) Dennis King. “This reprepeatedly had its storefront sents an increase in 2021 of hate crime vandalized over the past months, based vandalism. In 2020, we had a in what the Mayor says is an at- total of 8 hate/bias based incidents.” tempt to shake up the comSpecifically relating to Jodi Bee munity, more specifically the Bakes, King noted that there does seem LGBTQIA+ community. to be anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment in“As a City that prides itself on volved. being inclusive and welcoming, “It appears these actors may be at least we strongly condemn these acts,” partially motivated to cover those exsaid Mayor Kimberley Driscoll pressions that show support to to The Rainbow Times. “They are LGBTQ+, while espousing their own more than just cowardly acts of hate based views,” King added. vandalism—they are intended to According to Lucas, the community frighten and discomfort residents has offered an outpouring of support in their own community.” whenever an incident has taken place On its storefront, the bakery and such messages are posted on their dons rainbow and trans pride flag social media channels. The Salem Postickers, amongst others. But lice Department has been in ongoing more than once, the owners have contact with them, they noted. found white nationalist’s sym“The police have been good about folbols on top of the pride stickers lowing up, and seem to be taking this seemingly in an attempt to ob- seriously, especially as more places scure them with the group’s own have been hit lately,” Lucas said. message — sending a chilling effect through the community. The store The Feds get involved has been targeted three times to date According to King, the department is since the end working toof January. PHOTO: JODI BEE BAKES’ FACEBOOK PAGE gether in a coThe most reordinated cent incident effort with took place local and fedearlier this eral authorities month. to put an end According to these kinds to Jodi Bee of targeted Bakes’ owner events, rooted Liz Lucas, in white suthey classify premacy. such vandal“The Salem ism as a hate Police Departcrime. ment Detec“ T h e tives Division stickers [from has been asthe vandals] signed the inare always vestigations placed right into what we on top of our believe is pride stickers. white supremConsidering acist ‘Slap the placement Tagging’ of of the stickers stickers … it’s a rethroughout the minder that city,” King there are said. “We have people out there who think we shouldn’t been monitoring a couple of these exist.” groups dating back to last spring. DetecThe group’s propaganda tive Tom Pelletier is the lead investi(https://bit.ly/3t6cI1X) was placed on gator, but all Divisions have been the storefront from at least one white na- working together in an attempt to identionalist group “Patriot Front tify suspect(s), work with victims, and (https://bit.ly/2R6tWi1),” a designated stop these hate crimes from occurring.” white supremacist hate group by the Enter the feds and other local Southern Poverty Law Center, SPLC. agencies. However, Lucas also noted this is not “We have spoken to Federal agencies the first time their bakery has seen van- for intelligence, and other local police dals assault the storefront. agencies experiencing similar incidents “We were also hit during pride week to collectively identify suspects and stop one year because of the pride flag we it from happening,” King added. hang in the window—they threw trash onto our windows,” Lucas added. The City Responds According to Driscoll, the city has alSPD Investigates located resources and has upgraded surLocal police are actively investigating veillance to curb and stop these the vandalism, along with other similar occurrences of hate in the City of incidents popping up throughout the Salem. city. “The City has condemned both these “We have investigated at least 11 in- acts of vandalism and other potentially cidents since January 1st involving See Vandals on Page 6 “slap tagging” or spray paint stenciling

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April 8, 2021 - May 5, 2021

Black and Pink Massachusetts launches bold legislative agenda

IN THE LIMELIGHT

BOSTON—Black and Pink Massachusetts announced a few days ago that it has authored several new bills filed in the Massachusetts State House that would address some of the most pressing criminal justice issues faced by the LGBTQI+ community. “We’re interested in moving past conversations about equality or equal protection under the law. We want to dig into work that shifts power and resources back to the people while reducing our reliance on punishment, police, and prisons,” says Elijah Patterson, outreach and communications coordinator for the organization. In February, New York repealed the “Walking While Trans Ban”, otherwise known as soliciting for the purposes of prostitution. It earned its name because transgender people were routinely profiled and targeted for everyday acts like waiting for the bus or walking under a bridge. In response, Senator Cyr and Rep Miranda filed An Act to Stop Profiling Transgender and Low Income Women (https://bit.ly/32gI9LG), which would repeal the Massachsuetts corollary. An Act to Promote the Health and Safety of People in the Sex Trade (https://bit.ly/3dfYIxO), filed by Rep Sabadosa, goes one step further by decriminalizing solicitation as well as the buying and selling of sex between consenting adults. Both bills are tied to the DecrimMA coalition

PHOTO: SIVIWE KAPTEYN / UNSPLASH

(https://bit.ly/3thTeZ2), co-lead by Black and Pink Massachusetts and Whose Corner Is It Anyway, a group of self-organizing street based sex workers. “GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) supports DecrimMA and joins the call for full decriminalization of consensual sex work,” said Janson Wu, executive director for GLAD. “The criminalization of consensual sex

work can lead to increased police interaction whether an individual is engaged in sex work or simply perceived to be. Transphobia and homophobia still lead to family rejection, homelessness and poverty for too many LGBTQ people, and criminalizing what can be a critical survival option for some only compounds those harms. Research also shows that criminalizing consensual sex work subverts efforts to protect individ-

uals from trafficking, exploitation and abuse by making it dangerous for victims to speak out. Decriminalizing consensual sex work is the safer, healthier and more humane path for Massachusetts.” LGBTQI+ people, especially transgender (https://bit.ly/3tlHm8d), gender diverse, and BIPOC people

See Black and Pink On Page 7

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April 8, 2021 - May 5, 2021

PHOTO: KATHERINE HANLON

Fenway hails historic LGBTQ+ amendment to VAWA The VAWA will have a grant to support LGBTQ+ survivors of Domestic Violence

Rainbow PrideDoku To our readers, we hope you enjoy a little Rainbow Sudoku in preparation for Pride Season 2021 and to de-stress a bit too! The solution is to the right. Enjoy! —TRT

BOSTON—Last week, the House of Representatives passed a historic amendment to the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021 (VAWA) establishing a first-ever grant program to support LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, with an emphasis on programs providing support to transgender women who are also Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). The grant program was established through an amendment to the law that was sponsored by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congresswoman Marie Newman (IL-03). “Fenway Health is grateful for the leadership shown by Congresswomen Pressley and Newman in championing this bill,” said Ellen LaPointe, President and CEO of Fenway Health. “Genderbased violence, domestic and intimate partner violence in the LGBTQIA+ community and maltreatment of transgender women, especially BIPOC women, by law enforcement and/or emergency shelter programs are significant problems that require racially equitable and innovative prevention programming from community-based organizations.” VAWA was first enacted in 1994. When it was reauthorized in 2013, new

Vandals From Page 4 related incidents that have taken place downtown and other locations,” the Mayor said. “… In addition to the investigation, the Police have redeployed camera assets and increased directed patrols in response.” Additional assets and investments have been made, Driscoll added. “The City has invested substantially in a variety of public safety technology measures, including camera systems, to help curb and hold accountable individuals conducting illegal activity like this,” Driscoll said. The Vandalism has not yet escalated to anything more than “slap tagging” the storefront at Jodi Bee Bakes, however, Lucas expressed some concern of it escalating but is optimistic due to wide-

language was added to the law to explicitly include people with same-sex partners. The bill passed by the House this week explicitly includes, for the first time, transgender and gender diverse people. “There were more reported murders of transgender people in 2020 than in any previous year,” said Lauren Kourabas, Program Director of Fenway Health’s Violence Recovery Program. “Most of those victims were BIPOC women. Sadly, another 11 transgender women have already lost their lives to violence in 2021. This is an urgent crisis requiring immediate and on-going intervention.” Fenway Health’s Violence Recovery Program provides free counseling, support groups, advocacy, and referral services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and anti-LGBTQIA+ hate violence. Services are offered in both English and Spanish at four locations: Fenway Health, 1340 Boylston Street, Boston; AIDS Action, 75 Amory St, Roxbury; the Borum at 75 Kneeland St, Boston; and at regional offices in Western Massachusetts, Fall River, and Cape Cod. To access these services, call 617.927.6250 or 800.834.3242 (toll-free in MA).

spread support. “[It is] a bit, [uneasy] … just waiting for someone to come in and start something about the stickers, about the message of support I posted ... These human rights issues are considered ‘political’ to many and they think businesses should stay neutral,” Lucas said. “So far though, customers have had nothing but support for us, which is very reassuring.” This isn’t the first time an LGBTQIA+ establishment has been targeted in the city, The Rainbow Times reported (https://bit.ly/2QLTgtG) in 2016. After nearly a dozen of incidents of vandalism to some of The Rainbow Times’ newspaper boxes located throughout the city streets, an incendiary device was placed Read the rest of this story at The Rainbow Times’ website

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April 8, 2021 - May 5, 2021

Healey urges Senate to pass George Floyd Act House already passed the measure; gives state AGs authority to Investigate unconstitutional policing BOSTON—Attorney General Maura Healey today joined a coalition of 11 attorneys general in urging the U.S. Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021, which will reform law enforcement agencies nationwide and give state attorneys general clear statutory authority to investigate patterns or practices of unconstitutional policing. The coalition issued a letter today (https://bit.ly/327QmSi) to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell calling on the Senate to pass H.R. 1280, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021. The legislation requires law enforcement agencies throughout the country to enact reforms and gives state attorneys general authority to investigate and address patterns or practices of unconstitutional policing, as well as to acquire data about use of excessive force by officers. “In the name of George Floyd and Black people across this country, we need to give states the same tools as the federal government to better ensure a justice system that treats everyone equally,” said AG Healey. “I urge the Senate to pass this critical legislation that will help us address systemic problems and ensure accountability.” The coalition is calling on the Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 as the trial proceeds of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is accused of the

May 25, 2020 murder of George Floyd. The legislation is aimed at improving police accountability, transparency in policing practices, and police training and policies. As a result of discussions Attorney General Healey previously

participated in with Congressional leadership, the measure was amended to give state attorneys general authority to conduct pattern-or-practice investigations. The legislation gives state attorneys general authority to issue subpoenas as part of pattern-or-practice investigations and, when necessary, take action in federal district court. The legislation also authorizes appropriations of up to $100 million for a federal grant program to help state attorneys general fund pattern-or-practice investigations during fiscal years 2022 to 2024. In addition to enabling attorneys general to conduct pattern-or-practice investigations, H.R. 1280 would allow them to acquire data about the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers. Such data would be especially important when identifying law enforcement agencies that have aboveaverage rates of excessive force complaints, which can help identify atrisk law enforcement agencies before a devastating incident occurs. For example, Chauvin had 18 prior complaints filed against him with the Minneapolis Police Department’s Internal Affairs. The letter joined by AG Healey is led by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and New York Attorney General Letitia James and joined by the attorneys general of the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Virginia.

Black and Pink From page 5 (https://bit.ly/3aa18Mz), face barriers to employment. As a result, rates of poverty are much higher in these populations than the general population. Many rely on “survival economies” like sex work to provide for provide basic necessities like food and housing. “We support the DecrimMA movement, as it calls for the dismantling of systemic oppressions often placed on Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming individuals and the eradication of disproportionate mass incarceration, especially for people of color”, says Chastity Bowick, executive director of the Transgender Emergency Fund. “A major portion of our staff and the agency's constituency have a current or former experience with sex work and they know all too well the damage that criminalization of sex work has caused to the transgender community.” A 2015 report from the National Center for Transgender Equality (https://bit.ly/3e1yHBB) found that nearly 11 percent of transgender and gender diverse people had traded sex for a fee at some point in their lives, while 40 percent of Black and multiracial transgender and gender diverse people, who also have to contend with racism in addition to transphobia, had done so. Criminalizing sex work pushes sex workers further underground where they are more likely to experience violence and sex trafficking. Decriminalization would reduce society’s reliance on police, reduce new HIV infections, and allow sex workers an opportunity to Read the rest of this story at: TheRainbowTimesMass.com

8 • The Rainbow Times • TheRainbowTimesMass.com

April 8, 2021 - May 5, 2021

PHOTO: DENIN LAWLEY / UNSPLASH

Trans People driven to detransition by outside pressures, stigma, more New Study Shows discrimination, stigma, and family pressure drive “detransition” among transgender people

RESEARCH

BOSTON—A new study pub- Among Transgender and Gender Dilished in LGBT Health found verse People in the United States: A that 13.1% of currently identi- Mixed-Methods Analysis” suggest that fied transgender people have de- stigma and discrimination should also transitioned at some point in be understood as obstacles to safely livtheir lives, but that 82.5% of ing in one’s gender identity and expresthose who have detransitioned sion. attribute their decision to at least The study also buttresses public stateone external factor such as pres- ments by the American Academy of Pesure from family, non-affirming diatrics, the American Association of school environments, and in- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and creased vulnerability to vio- the American Public Health Association lence, including sexual assault. opposing the 82 bills that have been The study was authored by re- filed in a majority of states this year that searchers at The Fenway Insti- would contribute to the external factors tute and that lead to deMassachusetts transition, such as General Hospital it illegal HE MOST REA making (Harvard Medical to provide genderSchool) and is beaffirming health lieved to be the first care to children SON FOR DETRAN rigorous study of and teenagers, or the factors that restricting transdrive transgender SITION WAS PRESSURE FROM gender students’ and gender diverse access to school people to detranfacilities and/or A sition. participation in “These findings school activities. PRESSURE show that detranThe study uses sition and transition data from the regret are not syn2015 U.S. TransOR SOCIETAL onymous, despite gender Survey the two phenomena conducted by the being frequently National Center OR conflated in the for Transgender media and in politiEquality which cal debates,” said FINDING A surveyed over Dr. Jack Turban, 27,000 transfellow in child and adolescent psychia- gender people in all 50 states, Washingtry at Stanford University School of ton D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. territories Medicine and lead author of the study. abroad, and U.S. military bases on a “For most people, it appears detran- multitude of questions about their lives. sition is forced upon them. Our results Of the 17,151 transgender people surhighlight the extreme barriers trans- veyed who said they had undergone the gender people in the U.S. face when try- process of gender-affirming transition, ing to live their lives authentically.” 2,242 also said that they had detranA growing body of literature shows sitioned at some point in their lives. that exposure to discrimination and The most common reason cited for stigma increases the risk of poor mental detransition was pressure from a parent health outcomes among transgender and (35.5%), pressure from their community gender diverse people. But findings Read the rest of this story at from “Factors Leading to ‘Detransition’

COMMON

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PARENT (35.5%),

COMMUNITY

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(32.5%),

TROUBLE

JOB (26.8%).

TheRainbowTimesMass.com

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April 8, 2021 - May 5, 2021

Dan Slater and Zoë Badwi bring Party people together in “We Are” Starting with Pride season 2021, the duo stands strong together in new release By: Shane Gallagher Special to TRT

I kept the fact that I did dancing a secret from the kids at school because I didn’t want to get bullied. Being gay was something that I always thought was just a phase. I thought it would go away, but it didn’t and I’m glad I’ve had such an accepting and supportive family and inner circle.

Q: Were you always so devilishly sexy? A: I was, and am still, a nerd. Growing

ER SOULIS

Q: What was it like for you growing up? Dan Slater: I grew up in Sydney, Australia. Both my parents were teachers, so I was a very diligent student. I remember there always being music in the house. Mum would play her favorite musicals, and Dad had his favorites like Christopher Cross, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5.

Q: What led to your decision to pursue a career in clubland? A: Before I even graduated high school, I had some pretty awesome experiences as a professional dancer. I was in the movie Moulin Rouge, danced for Kylie Minogue at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, and toured Australia and Asia in musicals like Mamma Mia!, Fiddler On The Roof, and Chicago.

: PET OTO PH

an Slater and Zoë Badwi are starting the Pride season early with “We Are,” their uplifting and hands-in-the-air summer anthem about standing strong together. The track debuted last month at Miami's Winter Party where it was named the weekend’s official anthem. Now the club music label, Swishcraft Music, is releasing the full remix package of “We Are” with tracks by heavy-hitting producers Dirty Disco, Toy Armada, and Brett Oosterhaus, among others. “After the challenging year we have been through, it is important to remember that we need to stay united in solidarity,” says Dan Slater, echoing the main theme of the song. “We need to remain inclusive and treat everyone respectfully.” he says. We spoke with Dan from his home in Miami.

PHOTO: NATHAN LANE

up, I was really skinny, but once I began to study dance, I was forced to go to the gym. Something that I still enjoy today.

Q: How were gay kids treated in your hometown? A: Sydney was a pretty liberal city, but

Q: That’s incredible! A: Whenever I’d get the chance, I’d do an extra club gig. Courtney Act was the first performer that I worked with! When I finished dancing, I needed a creative outlet so I secretly learned how to DJ. I got my first gig after winning The Sydney Mardi Gras DJ Spin-Off competition and have been very fortunate since. Q: What is the goal? Is it to Read the rest of this story at TheRainbowTimesMass.com

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April 8, 2021 - May 5, 2021

Don Lemon’s “This Is The Fire”

FLAG PHOTO: LENA BALK / UNSPLASH

THE BOOKWORM

By: Terri Schlichenmeyer* Special to TRT

his really makes your blood boil.

This. The racism gone amok, discrimination, the protests that don't seem to work, nobody's listening. You're hot under the collar over it all, totally inflamed, ready for real action, and in “This Is the Fire” by Don Lemon, you'll find some sometimes-warm, sometimes-scorching thoughts to sit with first. Coincidentally or not, as a trial begins soon in Minnesota, this book opens with a poignant letter from Lemon to his young nephew on the evening of George Floyd's death. Lemon writes of the legacy he got from his parents, his g r a n d m o t h e r, and his beloved older sister, and he tells his nephew that the boy is "old enough to know what’s going on..." There’s been enough complacency: "Silence is no longer an option." Once was a time, though, when things

were kept quiet. “My life has been blessed ...” says Lemon, “but let’s be real: I grew up gay and Black in the South in the 1970s.” Raised by an extended family of women, he heard stories of voter suppression, the denial of education, and too many hard times. Several years ago, Lemon went to Africa with his mother, to a fortress where slaves left that continent; he grew up in Louisiana and knew about the area’s dark past. He acknowledges that things have changed; that some things are “‘different this time,’’ but they’re still the same, whether you live in poverty you’ve been manipulated to be in, or you live in a well-to-do enclave and try to Shop While Black. Racism, he points out, is so endemic that we don’t always see it sometimes, or know its entire history. We condemn White Sup r e m a c y without understanding how it ever existed in the first place, we march to “defund the police” but forget that many Black families likewise fear a neighborhood without them. “Racism ... is a contagious assailant,”

See The Bookworm on Page 11

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Healey: Gender-affirming surgeries covered by MassHealth AG’s Office reminder to health care providers BOSTON—The AG’s Office is reminding MassHealth providers that most aspects of gender-affirming surgeries are covered by MassHealth and patients should not be billed out-of-pocket for any portion of covered surgeries. “We want to raise awareness among both MassHealth patients, especially those from the transgender community, and health care providers that patients cannot be required to pay out of pocket for medical care that is covered by MassHealth, including gender-affirming surgeries,” said AG Healey. “We hope that by bringing attention to this matter, these surgeries become more accessible and affordable to those who need them, and we commend Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians for their commitment to that goal.” In an agreement with the AG Office’s, Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc. (HMFP) will reimburse MassHealth patients who were mistakenly charged directly for the chest contouring portion of their gender-affirming surgeries. HMFP will continue to provide this service to MassHealth patients, with full coverage by MassHealth.“ As a physician group providing the largest gender-affirming surgical service in New England, our commitment to compassionately and equitably serving the health care needs of the transgender community is deep and long standing,” said HMFP in a statement. “Working collaboratively with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office, HMFP successfully achieved our shared goal to clarify coverage of this vital service to ensure coverage for eligible MassHealth patients.” The AG’s Office reminds health care providers that MassHealth patients cannot be charged out-of-pocket payments for most aspects of gender-affirming surgeries, including the chest contouring portion of female-to-male “top” surgeries meant to treat their gender dysphoria.

THE AG’S OFFICE REMINDS PROVIDERS THAT MASSHEALTH PA-

TIENTS CANNOT BE CHARGED OUT-OF-POCKET PAYMENTS FOR MOST ASPECTS OF GENDER-AFFIRMING SURGERIES, INCLUDING THE CHEST CONTOURING PORTION OF

FTM “TOP” SURGERIES MEANT TO TREAT THEIR

GENDER DYSPHORIA. The HMFP matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Christina Chan and Investigator Katie Suttmeier of the AG’s Medicaid Fraud Division, with significant assistance from MassHealth. The AG’s Medicaid Fraud Division receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award. The remaining 25 percent is funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

TheRainbowTimesMass.com • The Rainbow Times • 11

April 8, 2021 - May 5, 2021

The Bookworm From Page 10

PHOTO: SALEM STATE / FACEBOOK

Salem State University Theatre presents “The Laramie Project” Available to view online from April 29 - May 6 Salem, MA—The Salem State theatre abled it. department presents The Laramie ProjLaramie Project director Bill Cunect by Moisés Kaufman and the ningham shares that “eleven years after Members of the Tectonic Theater Proj- Matthew Shepard was murdered, Presect. A recorded performance will be ident Barack Obama signed into federal available to view online April 29- May law The Matthew Shepard and James 6. Tickets are available at www.salem- Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. statetickets.com. Yet, as the 23rd anniversary of MatIn October 1998, a twenty-one-year- thew’s murder approaches, the state of old student at the Wyoming — “The University of WyEquality State” — ARAMIE ROJECT DIRECTOR still has not passed oming was kidnapped, severely legislation to recbeaten, and left ognize or seek to ILL UNNINGHAM SHARES prevent hate crimes. tied to a fence in the middle of the Lawmakers have prairie outside Lasaid that they are still YEARS AFTER AT hoping for more ramie, Wyoming. THAT His battered body “stakeholder input.” discovered the It is our hope that, next day, and he THEW HEPARD WAS with this performdied several days ance of The Laramie later in an area Project, audiences RESIDENT ARACK hospital. His name will empathetically was Matthew Sherespond to the story pard. He was the of Matthew Shepard, BAMA SIGNED INTO victim of this hate the people of Laracrime because he mie, and all those was gay. LAW HE ATTHEW HEPARD impacted by his Over the next death. And we hope year, Moisés that the power of that Kaufman and a AND AMES YRD R empathy moves team of writers people to be stakeand actors from holders against the Tectonic Theater forces of hate.” RIMES REVENTION CT Project took six Judy Shepard will trips to Laramie. speak about her son AS THE RD ANNIVER Matthew’s story and They conducted over 200 interher work as an views with citLGBTQIA+ activist ATTHEW S MURDER in a free virtual event izens of the town. SARY OF Some people inon April 8 at 7 p.m. terviewed were inTickets for The LaraOF mie Project are $10 t i m a t e l y APPROACHES THE connected to the general/free for stutragedy. Others Reservations YOMING HE QUALITY dents. were not. These for both events at interviews transw w w. s a l e m s t a t e formed into The tickets.com. CoTATE STILL HAS Laramie Project, a sponsored by the theatrical exSalem State Univeramination of the PASSED TO sity Alliance; media immediate reacsponsor by The tions of Matthew Rainbow Times. Shepard’s com- RECOGNIZE OR SEEK TO PRE munity to the murNote: The Laramie der and to the Project is intended underlying bigotry for mature auVENT CRIMES and hatred that endiences.

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he says. “Healing is you and me standing on the John Lewis Bridge. We can get there ... if we’re willing to do the work.” As today’s books go, “This is the Fire” is pretty thin. It doesn’t look like much, but dive inside for ten minutes and you’ll see that it’s thick with hope. And yet, one might argue that, despite that the words here are fresh and current, author and CNN Tonight anchor Don Lemon doesn’t tell readers much that’s new. George, Breonna, Jacob, Stephon, Sandra, their names are familiar, and absolutely no one has forgotten the last White House administration. Readers get a bit of biography and that delicious Lemon sense of wry humor, but what else? Perspective. Lemon’s thoughts are the kind that make you gasp. They’re I-never-saw-it-

that-way avowals that leave room for self-education, reparation with wisdom, honest reflection, and fixing what’s so deeply and wrongly embedded in this country. They demand that you think. Now. And so, whether you’re up for a heated argument, a fiery debate, or just a warm talk with someone, this is the perfect time to read those words. “This is the Fire” will spark a discussion. “This is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism” by Don Lemon c.2021, Little, Brown - $28.00 / $35.00 Canada - 224 pages *The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a prairie in Wisconsin with two dogs, one patient man, and 17,000 books.

10 • The Rainbow Times • TheRainbowTimesMass.com

April 8, 2021 - May 5, 2021