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CHALLENGE The Newsletter of the Gay Activist Alliance in Morris County – Serving New Jersey’s GLBTI Communities Continuously Since 1972
Volume 39, Issue 6, Summer 2013
By the Time You Read This... by Andy Skurna
June has been a very busy Pride month, and I’m writing this on the 15th of June, Challenge deadline day. By the time you read this, GAAMC will have participated in at least three Pride events in two states with plans to attend at least one more later this summer. We will have hosted a special meeting for LGBT parents, and studied recovery from sexual abuse by priests. By the time you read this, the Supreme Court will have ruled on California’s Proposition 8 case and the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). There have been thousands of articles written on these subjects, with scores of possible decisions ranging from extremely narrow, local rulings to those with the wide sweeping impact of Lawrence v. Texas and Loving v. Virginia. Meanwhile millions of Americans wait on pins and needles to know whether or not they can claim their places as full citizens. New Jersey’s political mess will be heating up to the boiling point…surely hotter than the pending dog days of summer. We have four Democrats (Booker, Holt, Oliver, and Pallone) vying to become NJ’s next Senator, and two Republicans (Eck and Lonegan) duking it out across the aisle. By the time the next issue of Challenge goes into the mail, the candidates and citizens will have spent tens of millions of dollars, but you will have your two October choices. By the time you read this, Governor Christie’s re-election campaign will have spent more than a month airing attack ads against State Senator Barbara Buono, chaining her name to what are perceived to be Governor Corzine’s failed policies. Does anyone realize that Corzine was governor during W’s administration? Can anyone comprehend that Christie took office one year after President Obama? The national and international economies are improving, while New Jersey's remains stagnant. Barbara Buono supporters are pumping social media outlets full of attacks against Christie’s more recent record of destruction, which surely provides an easier target for his opponent, since only one of them has actually had the State’s bucks stop at his/her desk. Senator Sweeney is not happy with the choice of Senator Buono to lead NJ’s Democrats, and he has been extremely vocal about it. Senator, the people have voted. Please get on board, or get out of the way. How is anyone supposed to keep up? How is anyone supposed to trust what they see and hear? Pundits are everywhere, and back-biting may become an epidemic. In today’s polarized pool of media outlets, you can surely find a
“news” source to tell you want you want to hear. It is like a Mini Me version of Romney vs. Obama. Only this time we have the added wastefulness of multiple primaries, multiple elections, and party in-fighting. The governor has done a great job of playing to the audience. Since super storm Sandy he’s been palling around with Democrats like he is a warm caring friend of the people…just a regular guy, while gutting every program and initiative he can get his hands on like a Tea Party lunatic behind the scenes. No, I am not suggesting that he is hiding his slash and burn tactics. If I can see them, anybody can. I fear that most voters are too exhausted to keep up. They are too stressed out about keeping their jobs, guarding their retirements, feeding their families or fighting off foreclosure to devote the time and energy it takes to make truly informed decisions. To the best of my knowledge, all Democratic candidates support marriage equality and full equal rights for the LGBTI citizens of New Jersey, while Lonegan and Christie have been vocally supportive of continued discrimination. Can anyone remember Christie’s hate speech during his debates with Lonegan? It went something like this: “If marriage equality advances in NJ, I will join forces with Lonegan and we will work tirelessly to overturn it.” I looked online for the exact quote but was unable to locate it. Who knows? With the majority of Americans now in support of marriage equality, maybe if he wins re-election Christie may finally evolve. But, I am not holding my breath. All signs indicate that he is at the top of the list of Republican (continued on page 3)
Inside Challenge Challenge Information.... ................................ page 2 GAAMC Events.............................................. page 2 Bulletin Board.............................................. page 3 Poetry: Read a Poem ..................................... page 3 Gleanings: Queer news from around the world .... page 4 Guide to 2013 New Jersey Special Elections......... page 6 Community Calendar ...................................... page 7 The Little Box of Concerts............................. page 10 Poetry: The Day Twinkies Died....................... page 10 Tech Talk: App-solutely................................ page 11 Dancing to Architecture: music reviews............ page 12 Board Minutes for May................................... page 15 This Month's Contributors............................... page 15 GAAMC Information...................................... page 16
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GAAMC Events for July and August 2013 CHALLENGE Volume 39, Number 6 Summer 2013 ISSN 0277-1675 Staff Editor .....................Allen Neuner Assistant Editor ............. Bill Stella Advertising Manager ............. open Circulation Manager ............. open List Manager ................ Sue Harris Submissions The deadline for all articles, inserts, and advertisements is the fifteenth of the previous month. All submissions must be provided as electronic files. E-mail submissions to Challenge @ GAAMC.org.
Discussion Groups OpenTalk: A regular weekly discussion group, open to all. 7:00, in the Library. Moderators: Elias (Jul 22; Aug 19); Gordon (Jul 1, 22; Aug 26); Kerry (Jul 15, 29; Aug 12); Sherri (Jul 8; Aug 5) Discussion group does not meet on Film Festival nights.
Main Events
All start at 8:00 unless otherwise noted. July 1: Summer Lovin' What have been your best dates in summertimes past? Have you recently had a date, the story of which you want to share in full detail? How about a date you have on the horizon — How'd you set it up? Share your tips, trips, and quips with your GAAMC friends tonight! July 8: Ice Cream Social Yes, it's cool treat time again! Return with us to a not-so-distant past where sharing a frosty concoction was the perfect way to spend a summer evening. And if you're naughty and you make a mess, it's a perfect chance to invite a friend to help <ahem> clean you up! July 15: Game Night Bring a Game! Play a Game! Come out to have some fun! GAAMC's game collection awaits! There’s nothing like matching wits against your GAAMC friends – Will you rise to the challenge? Join us in the Terrace Room for fun with some of the funnest funsters to ever visit Funtown!
Ad Rates
July 22: L i v i n g S o u l f u l l y Tonight will feature an extended discussion group covering topics of religion and the LGBT communities, moderated by Elias and Gordon. Note: This discussion starts at 7:00 pm.
Single issue: Full page, $125.00; Half page, $85.00; Quarter page, $45.00; Business card, $25.00. For multi-issue rates, contact the Editor at Challenge @ GAAMC.org.
July 29: Summer Members' Market Some of your favorite GAAMC members show their summer wares just in time for a trinket for your summertime love, birthday gifts for later in the year, or even a wee something for yourself! Join us in the Terrace Room for photos, books, poetry, jewelry and more! Want to exhibit? Contact Programs@GAAMC.org!
GAAMC members may place one free classified ad per month, of no more than 200 characters in length.
August 5: Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's Next Stage Ensemble presents an abridged version of Henry V. This dazzling young ensemble may contain future players on Main Stages worldwide! Come see this showcase of amazing talent. The Ensemble is a proving ground for some of the brightest talent in New Jersey. Please note that tonight’s suggested donation is $10. If you are able, please consider sponsoring someone to join us at tonight's performance. Bring someone special to share the evening. You will be buzzing about it afterward!
Change of Address Please let us know your new address! All address changes should be sent to the List Manager at ChangeAddress@GAAMC.org. Challenge is © 2013-2014 by the Gay Activist Alliance in Morris County, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt not-for-profit corporation. All rights reserved. All articles reflect the views of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of GAAMC, its officers, or executive board. All copyrights revert to the original contributors upon publication. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the contributor. All articles, contributions, and advertisements are printed at the discretion of the Editor and/or GAAMC Executive Board.
August 12: Vote Your Issues — Special Edition A special primary election will be held tomorrow, August 13 to determine who will be the Republican and Democratic candidates for Senator to fill the seat of the late Senator Frank Lautenberg. Republicans are fielding arch conservatives Dr. Anita Eck and Steve Lonergan while the Democrats include Representatives Rush Holt and Frank Pallone, Newark Mayor Cory Booker, and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver. Join us for a spirited conversation of the pros and cons for each of these potential Senators! If ever there was a time to vote, it’s now! August 19: Summer Memories What was your favorite summer? What made it so amazing? If you had a summer to do anything you like, what would you do? Share your experiences and make us all wistful for what was and what may still be. August 26: Catalysts and Dog Days LGBT people love our pets like family. Who are the fur-people in your lives and how did they get there? Did you always love animals or was there a watershed moment with a special outreach that changed your mind? Share your tales about the difference a pet makes. Coming in September! September 2: Labor Day Cookout It's the official end of the summer season, which means it's time for GAAMC's last cookout of the season. We provide the meats, you provide the sides and the desserts! Note: All programs and discussion groups are subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, go to GAAMC.org .
Summer 2013
Bulletin Board The NJ Men's Living Out Group invites all to attend a special Pride Month showing of Breaking the Code on June 26th at 7:30 pm. Starring Derek Jacobi, the film focuses on the life of Alan Turing, the English mathemetician who was one of the inventors of the digital computer and a key figure in breaking the Enigma code used by the Germans in World War II. Turing was a homosexual at a time when it was both illegal and considered a security risk. His life story will involve you, mentally and emotionally. The Men's Living Out Group meets at the Pride Center in Highland Park. There's still time left to come out to the Community Cook-Out being hosted by Hudson Pride Connections at their center in Jersey City! It's taking place June 28th from noon to 4, and features (aside from the great food) games, raffles, interactive groups, and free HIV testing. For more details, contact Kim Adams at 201-963-4779, or kim@hudsonpride.org. What does the last Sunday in June bring to mind for you? For many of us, it's one of the biggest dates in the LGBT year: the day of the annual Pride March in New York City! GAAMC will be there, and invites all of you to join us on the march route from 36th Street down to Christopher Street! Once there, you'll find vendors, great food, and thousands of your soon-to-be-good friends from the LGBT communities. Come march with GAAMC on June 30th! For details, contact Mickey at any Monday night meeting! GLBT of Hunterdon County invites everyone, and especially gay teens and young adults, to a movie night in Clinton. The featured film is the raucous comedy The Birdcage, starring Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, and Gene Hackman. Afterwards, a bunch of us will be going to the local diner for coffee and more socializing. Plus door prizes and snacks! It all happens July 9th starting at 6 pm! For more information, contact the group at www.GLBTofHunterdonCountyofNJ.com The Pride Center of New Jersey is gearing up for its big summer event, the Pride Center Picnic at Donaldson Park in Highland Park! Those of you who've been at past picnics know how relaxing and enjoyable this event is. Those of you who haven't — well, what are you waiting for? It all takes place July 13th! For more information, including starting time, check out the Pride Center's website at www.PrideCenter.org.
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What's the best way to keep Pride going through the summer, now that June is over? At Jersey City Pride, of course! Jersey City Pride, formerly the Hudson Pride Festival, offers you vendors, organizations (including GAAMC with its new canopy), food, entertainment, and a spectacular view of the Hudson and lower Manhattan! All this, plus it's accessible via PATH or light rail, so many of you won't need your cars! It's all happening August 24th at Exchange Place starting at noon, so don't miss out on some late summer fun and Pride! (By the way, the GAAMC table could use some short-term volunteers; contact Mickey or John at any Monday night meeting!)
By The Time You Read This… (continued from page 1)
candidates for the White House in 2016. He has a few years to convince the right that he can be strong enough to keep the Democrats from attacking their multi-million dollar trust funds, while convincing the other 99% that he is still a lovable teddy bear who is not really stealing their futures. More importantly, he has a few years to get his party back on their meds, and get them back to work. Good luck, Mr. Governor. It could happen, you know. With the extremists being either voted out or just quitting, the more reasonable party members may actually speak up and make their presence known. We usually host a Candidates’ Night at GAAMC each October, and have every intention of continuing that tradition this year. ANY candidate may contact us and offer their participation. If you would like more details, please email Sherri, our Program Chair, at Programs@GAMC.org. NOTE: This article is based on the personal opinions of GAAMC’s current president, Andy Skurna, the author of this article. Neither Mr. Skurna nor GAAMC’s Board of Trustees is advising anyone to vote for any candidate or support any party. However, we do encourage you to conduct your own research and implore you to share what you have learned with your neighbors. As always, vote your issues.
Read a Poem
by Tony Puma,
© 2013
Moon, June, soon, new broom, zoom abstract, obtuse, obscure streaming, conscious (un, pre and sub) classic, neo-something modern, post-something friends, lovers, death and the whole human condition love me, hate me, read me make me your slave, make me your master. Find yourself.
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Queer news from around the world President Barack Obama, commemorating the 50th anniversary of a speech by President John F. Kennedy, told a crowd in Berlin that defending the rights of LGBT people is a defense of liberty for all. "Whether it's based on race, or religion, gender or sexual orientation, we are stronger when all our people -- no matter who they are or what they look like -- are granted opportunity," Obama said in the shadow of the historic Brandenburg Gate, where Kennedy during the Cold War told Berliners that he stood with them against tyranny. (Advocate.com) The Senate passed the HIV Organ Policy Equity Act (HOPE Act) by unanimous consent. The act is designed to strike the current policy that prohibits any use of HIV-positive organs and create a science-based review process to determine whether transplants between HIV-positive donors and positive recipients are safe and effective. Under current U.S. law, it is illegal to use organs from HIV-positive donors for transplantation, or even for medical research. This outdated policy was enacted during the 1980s, amid widespread fear and misunderstanding about HIV/AIDS, and does not reflect modern medical knowledge about the disease. While research has been banned in the United States, South African doctors have successfully transplanted HIV-positive organs into HIV-positive recipients with excellent results. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. (ThinkProgress.org) President Barack Obama named James Costos as his nominee to become the U.S. ambassador to Spain, and Rufus Gifford to head the U.S. embassy in Denmark. Both men are openly gay. Also, Daniel Baer, an openly gay State Department official, has been nominated to become the next U.S. ambassador of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, a 57-nation group that cooperates on security, economic and human-rights issues, and terrorism. (USA Today; Washington Blade)
FL) said he's "done" if the amendment is approved. "If this bill has something in it that gives gay couples immigration rights and so forth, it kills the bill," Rubio said. (Politico.com) Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced she favors allowing same-sex couples to marry, saying removing governmental barriers to individuals marrying the person they love is consistent with her conservative values. "Like Reagan, Alaskans believe that government works best when it gets out of the way. Countless Alaskans and Americans want to give themselves to one another and create a home together. I support marriage equality and support the government getting out of the way to let that happen.” Murkowski wrote in a commentary. (USA Today) Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) announced he will become the 51st senator to co-sponsor the Employment NonDiscrimination Act, which would ban employment discrimination nationwide based on LGBT status. But even though a majority of senators are now seemingly ready to support the legislation, a 60-vote threshold to end debate on the bill remains. (Washington Blade) A 1,150-page education-reform bill introduced in the Senate contains a small section prohibiting discrimination against LGBT students in schools that accept federal funding. "Our nation's civil rights laws protect our children from bullying due to race, sex, religion, disability and national origin. My proposal extends these protections to our gay and lesbian students who shouldn't ever feel afraid of going to school," said Senator Tom Harkin (DIA), who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee. The bill is cosponsored by all committee Democrats. (Washington Blade) The 5th US CIrcuit Court of Appeals in Texas ruled that public schools had the right to share information about a student's sexual identity or sexual behavior with parents. Reversing a case heard by a federal district judge in November 2011, the Court distinguished between the criminalization of LGBT people and their actions and the confidentiality of sexual orientation. (Dallas Voice)
Senior White House advisers are recommending a veto of the National Defense Authorization Act if it is presented to President Barack Obama in its current form, partly due to an amendment they say would hinder the repeal of "Don't ask, don't tell." The amendment in question was proposed by Representative John Fleming (R-LA) and stipulates that the military must accommodate "actions and speech" that reflect the "conscience, moral principles, or religious beliefs of the member." Opponents say the language would encourage discrimination against gay and lesbian troops. (Metro Weekly, Washington DC) Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has filed an amendment to the Senate immigration reform bill that would help binational same-sex spouses who aren't recognized by federal law. The bill will be considered on the Senate floor, meaning the amendment will need at least 60 votes to be considered for approval. Senator Marco Rubio (R-
From top: Nitza Quiñones Alajandro; Patricia Rose
Nitza Quiñones Alajandro, a Puerto Rican judge who has fought adversity and paved the way for Hispanic women and the LGBT community since 1991, made history by becoming the first openly gay Hispanic woman elected to the federal judiciary after a voice vote by the United States Senate. She will serve on the U.S. District Court for Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and according to Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA), Quiñones is also the first Latina to be elected to this specific court. Her appointment makes her the seventh openly gay judge on the federal bench. (Fox News Latino)
Summer 2013
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US Air Force Reserve Major General Patricia “Trish” Rose has became the U.S. military’s highest ranking openly gay officer. Rose’s promotion ceremony was held on May 31, led by her direct supervisor, General Janet Wolfenbarger, the first female four-star general in the United States Air Force. With a small crowd in attendance, Rose’s wife, retired Naval officer Julie Roth, pinned her second star. Rose is the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH. (LGBTQNaion.com) The U.S. Peace Corps will now accept joint assignment applications from same-sex couples. The couples will be placed only in countries where homosexuality is not criminalized. "The Peace Corps will foster safe and productive assignments for same-sex couples and provide them with guidance for maintaining their safety and well-being," said Shira Kramer, press director at the Peace Corps. (CBS News) Delaware Governor Jack Markell (D) signed a transgender rights bill into law. The bill adds gender identity and expression protections to existing nondiscrimination statues. Delaware is now the 17th state to extend such protections to transgender people. (The News Journal, Wilmington) Maine's highest court will hear the case of a transgender girl who was forced to use a separate staff bathroom instead of the girls' room at her high school. The Maine Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based upon sex or sexual orientation, but Maine law requires separate bathrooms for boys and girls. (The Boston Globe) Arizonans may get another chance to decide on whether gays should be able to wed. Phoenix businessman Warren Meyer and retired Tucson attorney Erin Simpson filed paperwork seeking to put an issue on the 2014 ballot constitutionally defining marriage in the state as between any "two persons." That would overturn the 2008 voter-approved amendment saying marriage is limited to "one man and one woman." In a bid to blunt possible religious opposition, the same measure spells out that no religious organization is required to officiate or solemnize any particular marriage "in violation of its constitutional right to free exercise of religion." Backers need 259,213 valid signatures by July 3, 2014, to qualify for the general election ballot that year. (Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff) New Mexico Attorney General Gary King will not issue an opinion on whether county clerks can issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. In a news release, King said, “Based on extensive research, we cannot state definitively that New Mexico law currently permits same-sex marriage. King also announced that because there is an active lawsuit in Bernalillo County over the issue of same-sex marriage licenses, he will not issue a formal opinion, which is consistent with the usual practice of the Attorney General’s Office of not issuing an opinion while a lawsuit is pending. (Santa Fe New Mexican) Commissioners in Hillsborough County, Florida, in an unexpected unanimous vote, repealed that community’s contentious gay pride ban that has stood for the past eight years. Over the years, the ban has brought national disgrace to Tampa and its neighboring communities at a time when St. Pete Pride on the other side of the bay has quickly grown into that county’s largest single one day event and the largest gay pride celebration in Florida. Democratic
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Commissioner Kevin Beckner, who is gay, set the stage for a process that took more than two hours. Passage of the initial ban in 2005 took only a minute and 44 seconds. (WatermarkOnline.com) Illinois state Representative Greg Harris (D) fought back tears as he announced that there would be no vote on a marriage-equality bill because it did not have enough support to pass, a move that angered and confused some who had traveled to Springfield to witness the vote. Harris vowed to bring the bill back in a November session of the state's Legislature, but a procedural move by House Speaker Mike Madigan (D) means it could also be considered in a special session this summer. Sponsors of the legislation issued a joint letter this week apologizing to those who believed more should have been done to secure the bill's passage, adding, "Marriage equality is going to happen." (Chicago Phoenix) Minority Democrats in the Michigan Senate are attempting to repeal the state’s ban against gay marriage. A measure introduced late in May would amend the Michigan Constitution to remove a 2004 prohibition on same-sex marriage. The measure needs two-thirds support in the Republican-led House and Senate to make the statewide ballot. Another bill would recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages in Michigan. (WWJ-TV, Detroit) The American Medical Association (AMA) voted to oppose a decades long ban by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which prohibits gay men from donating blood. The FDA ban originated in 1983 in response to the AIDS outbreak, when little was known about the disease and gay men were the target of public fears. The ban is almost 30 years old, and some experts have long said that the policy is outdated. HIV and AIDS testing has been standard practice in blood donations to minimize risk to recipients since the 1990s. According to the FDA's website, approximately 1 in 2 million blood transfusions results in an HIV infection. "The lifetime ban on blood donation for men who have sex with men is discriminatory and not based on sound science," said AMA board member Dr. William Kobler. (ABC News) The International Olympic Committee expressed concern after the Russian parliament advanced by unanimous vote legislation that would punish those convicted of "promoting homosexuality." The 2014 Winter Olympics are to be held in the Russian resort town of Sochi, where officials previously denied establishment of a Pride House for LGBT athletes in the Olympic village. Some out athletes have expressed alarm about the law, saying it could put them at risk of arrest. (FoxNews.com) Research conducted in Australia at the University of Melbourne suggests that children growing up in families with gay parents matched other children on measures of selfesteem and emotional well-being, and exceeded them in health and family cohesion. The Australian Study of Child Health in Same-Sex Families included 500 children from across the country, making it the world's largest study so far of gay parents and their children. (The Age, Melbourne) Nigerian same-sex partners who marry could each face as much as 14 years in prison under a law awaiting the signature of Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan. The bill previously (continued on next page)
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(continued from previous page) passed in the Senate, and was approved in the House unanimously and without discussion. The new law also criminalizes participation in LGBT rights groups, as well as public displays of affection, which could bring sentences of as many as 10 years behind bars. (The Washington Post)
of corruption ... the gay lobby is mentioned, and it is true, it is there. We need to see what we can do." The remarks appear to confirm unsourced media reports four months ago of a powerful gay lobby, which the Vatican had denounced as defamatory, unverified, and completely false. Before becoming pope, then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio said the new pope's major task will be cleaning up the church administration. (NPR)
An Australian radio host was fired after quizzing Prime Minister Julia Gillard about her partner’s sexuality, prompting her to warn that such probing could discourage Alan Chambers, presiwomen from entering dent of Exodus Internapublic life. Perth raFrom left: Julia Gillard; Pope Francis; Alan Chambers tional, has announced dio station 6PR disthe closure of the 37missed host Howard Sattler, having earlier suspended him, year-old organization and apologized in an open letter to after he repeatedly asked Gillard in an interview whether the LGBTQ community. In the letter, Chambers also reTim Mathieson’s profession as a hairdresser meant he was vealed that he is himself still gay, although he plans to rehomosexual. “I want young girls and women to be able to main married to his wife. The group has long advocated feel like they can be included in public life and not have to reparative therapy to "cure" homosexuality. (The New York face questioning like the questioning I faced,” Gillard told Times) reporters, echoing concerns raised by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick. The fallout capped a Colorado House Speaker Mark Ferrandino and his partner, week in which gender and sex dominated the political Greg Wertsch, entered into a civil union under the dome of agenda three months from an election that opinion polls the state capitol. The ceremony was officiated by Monica indicate Gillard’s Labor party will lose in a landslide. Márquez, a lesbian who sits on the state Supreme Court. (BusinessWeek.com) (Advocate.com) Pope Francis, speaking during a question-and-answer session with representatives of the Latin American and Caribbean Confederation of Religious Men and Women, acknowledged the existence of a powerful gay lobby jockeying for power and influence in the Vatican. The pope said that in the Curia, "there are holy people, but there is also a stream
The Cannes Film Festival awarded the Palme D'Or to Blue is the Warmest Color, a French drama and lesbian love story that depicts explicit sex. "I'm not sure it will be allowed to play in every [U.S.] state," said Steven Spielberg, who served as the jury president. (Los Angeles Times)
2013 New Jersey Elections Guide to Dates and Facts compiled by Bill Stella source: http://www.nj.com/ *
New Jersey voters have special primaries and a Special Election upcoming this summer and fall, as well as the General Election this November which includes the race for Governor. Unless lawsuits pending change things, voters now will have to keep track of a long list of key dates: • The deadline for anyone wanting to change his or her declaration of party affiliation for the Senate primaries, June 19, has already passed. • July 23 is the voter registration deadline — the last day unregistered voters can register — for the primaries. • Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted by August 6, by mail, or August 12, in person. • August 13 is the date of the Special Primary elections.
• September 24 is the voter registration deadline for the special election. • October 15, the day before the voting, is the deadline to register for the general election. • October 16 is the day of the Special Election • October 29 by mail and November 4 in person are the deadlines to apply for general-election mail-in ballots.
• At last comes November 5, Election Day, when the voters will choose a governor, all 120 members of the Legislature, and assorted local officials and school board members. *Amick: N.J. special senate election presents logistical nightmare for voters, election workers http://www.nj.com/times-opinion/index.ssf/2013/06/amick_special_election_special.html
Summer 2013
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July/August 2013 Calendar Recurring Contact Information
* Hackensack Peer Support Groups: 800-508-7577; www.njbuddies.org † Pride Center, Highland Park: 732-846-2232; www.pridecenter.org ‡ Hudson Pride Connections Center: 201-963-4779; HudsonPride.org λ LGBT Center Rainbow Lounge, Princeton: www.princeton.edu/lgbt ♦ North Jersey PrimeTimers: www.meetup.com/North-Jersey-Primetimers Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm - HIV testing, Morristown; 973-889-6802 9:00 am to 1:00 pm - HIV testing, Asbury Park; 800-947-0020 10:00 am to 5:00 pm - HiTOPS Health Center, Princeton; www.hitops.org; 609-683-5155 x 211 Every Monday 10:30 am - The Wellness Community, Newark; 973-565-0300; info @ hyacinth.org 7:00 pm - GAAMC, Morristown (see page 2) 7:00 pm - Bowling, Union; merenl @ comcast.net 7:00 pm - S.E.L.F. HIV Men’s support group, Hackensack * 7:30 pm - New Jersey Gay Men’s Chorus choir practice, Princeton; 609-396-7774; www.njgmc.org 7:30 pm - Overeaters Anonymous, Highland Park † 8:00 pm - Bowling, Green Brook; qcrollers @ aol.com Every Tuesday 12:30 pm - The Wellness Community, Newark; 973-565-0300; info @hyacinth.org 4:00 pm - Treatment Adherence Support Group, Jersey City; 201-432-1134; info @hyacinth.org 6:30 pm - Transview, Jersey City ‡ 6:30 pm - AA Group, Jersey City ‡ 7:00 pm - NA Group, Jersey City ‡ 7:30 pm - Tuesday Night Lesbian Connection, Bound Brook; 908-791-3764 7:30 pm - Men’s HIV support group, Asbury Park; 732-775-5084; apstillpoz @ yahoo.com 7:30 pm - Positive Yoga, Oradell * 8:45 pm - Bowling, Belleville; 973-256-5936; NJGLB @ aol.com 9:00 pm - Bowling, Jersey City; 201-933-6028; JoeyNJ @ aol.com 9:15 pm - Bowling, Edison; 732-548-4550; cnjgbl @ yahoo.com J U LY 01 Mon 7:00 pm - Support Group for Lesbians with Cancer, New Brunswick; 732-235-6781; slirzero @ umdnj.edu 7:00 pm - Lesbian Hot Topics, Ocean; schiffman @ rocketmail.com 8:00 pm - Young Men's Social Network, Highland Park † 02 Tue 4:00 pm - Les Miserables, Edison ♦ 6:00 pm - Gay Pride Business Network, New Brunswick; www.GPBN.net 7:30 pm - LGBT Fellowship, Belleville; 973-751-0616 7:30 pm - ComeOUT & Play, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - NJ Women Coming Out Support, Highland Park † 03 Wed 5:30 pm - Hudson County HIV/AIDS Services Planning Council, Jersey City ‡ 7:30 pm - Gay Dad’s discussion group, Highland Park † 05 Fri 7:00 pm - Positive Women peer support group, Hackensack * 8:00 pm - Karaoke, Highland Park † 06 Sat 2:30 pm - First and Third for GLBTI youth, Princeton; 609-683-5155; www.HiTOPS.org
Every Wednesday 10:30 am - The Wellness Community, Jersey City; 201-432-1134; info @hyacinth.org 6:00 pm - Positive People peer support group, Hackensack * 6:00 pm - SAGE, Jersey City ‡ 6:30 pm - AA Group, Jersey City ‡ 7:30 pm - Men’s Living Out group, Highland Park; njwarrior @ aol.com † 7:30 pm - Gay Men’s Coming Out group, Highland Park; pdumpert @ gmail.com † 8:30 pm - Pride Night meeting, Newark Every Thursday 6:00 pm - Our Youth weekly support group, Jersey City; www.myspacenj.org 6:30 pm - Ties Like Mine, Jersey City ‡ 6:30 pm - Double Jeopardy peer support group, Hackensack * 6:30 pm - Hudson Men of Pride, Jersey City ‡ 7:00 pm - Sexual Assault Survivor Support, Princeton; www.hitops.org 7:30 pm - Rainbows on Cleveland Street, Orange; 973-256-5936; rbowsoncleveland @ aol.com 7:30 pm - Writers group, Highland Park † Every Friday 3:00 pm - Youth Connect, Jersey City ‡ Every Sunday 10:45 am - MCC of Christ the Liberator, Highland Park; tombohache10 @ gmail.com Noon - St. Francis of Assisi Church, Glen Ridge; 973-731-7765; stfrancisnj.org 2:30 pm - Liberation in Truth Unity Fellowship Church, Newark; 973-621-2100 5:30 pm - Central Jersey Rainbows Bowling League, Bradley Beach; CJRBowling @ gmail.com 1:00 pm - Women of Pride, Jersey City ‡ 4:00 pm - Princeton BTGALA Annual Meeting and Reception, Princeton λ 07 Sun 4:00 pm - Dignity Metro NJ Mass, Maplewood; 973-509-0118; Dignitymetronj @ msn.com 6:30 pm - Gay Men’s Opera Club; 732-249-9034; hagol @ msn.com 08 Mon 6:30 pm - HIV Testing, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - PFLAG of Morris County, Mendham; 973-727-5288; pflag.morris @ verizon.net 7:30 pm - PFLAG, Princeton; 609-663-5155; www.pflagprinceton.org 7:30 pm - FetChat, Highland Park † 09 Tue 6:00 pm - Gay Movie Night, Clinton; (see Bulletin Board, p. 3) www.glbtofhunterdoncountyofnj.com 7:30 pm - PCNJ Board of Trustees meeting, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - Yoga for Men, Highland Park † 8:00 pm - Men's Social Night, Highland Park †
Page 8 CHALLENGE Summer 2013 10 Wed 7:30 am - Living Out Women, Highland Park † 6:00 pm - Gay Pride Business Network, Asbury Park; www. GPBN.net 6:00 pm - Booked for Supper, Highland Park † 6:30 pm - North Jersey Prime Timers' monthly meetup, Little Falls ♦ 11 Thu 7:00 pm - Qspot Book Club, Point Pleasant; outdoorgirl @ optonline.net 7:00 pm - Under the Rainbow, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - PFLAG of North Jersey, South Orange; 908-789-7489; pflagwaver @ aol.com 7:30 pm - Alternate Thursdays, Montclair; kjdinkin @ comcast.net 7:30 pm - Kollege of Kink, Highland Park † 12 Fri Noon - Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport ♦ 7:30 pm - Rock Band/Guitar Hero, Highland Park † 13 Sat Noon - Pride Center Picnic, Highland Park (Details, p. 3) 1:00 pm - Youth Drop-In, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - Movie Social, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - Dignity New Brunswick gay Catholic liturgy; 732-968-9263; dignitynb @ earthlink.net 14 Sun Noon - Family Friendly Pool Party, Millstone; njlgh.onefireplace.com 1:00 pm - Faith Community Meeting, Jersey City ‡ 4:00 pm - Out Pagans Discussion Group, Highland Park † 6:00 pm - Gay Men’s Classical Song Club, Kingston; pbrown02 @ worldnet.att.net 15 Mon 7:00 pm - Support Group for Lesbians with Cancer, New Brunswick; 732-235-6781; slirzero @ umdnj.edu 7:00 pm - Lesbian Hot Topics, Ocean; schiffman @ rocketmail.com 8:00 pm - Young Men's Social Network, Highland Park † 16 Tue 7:00 pm - ComeOUT & Play, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - Lesbian Alliance of Princeton; 609-924-8174; Loisj @ msn.com 7:30 pm - PFLAG of Hunterdon County, Flemington; 908-752-1370; pflaghc @ yahoo.com 8:00 pm - PFLAG of Bergen County, Paramus; 201-287-0318; www.bergenpflag.org 8:00 pm - NJ Women, Secaucus; info @ njwomen.org 17 Wed 7:30 pm - United in Grace discussion/support group, Jersey City; 201-946-0650; greg.perez @ comcast.net 7:30 pm - Havurah board meeting, Edison; njlgh.onefireplace.com 8:30 pm - Bowling, Boonton ♦
18 Thu 6:00 pm - New Volunteer Orientation, Jersey City ‡ 6:30 pm - Dinner, Sparta ♦ 7:00 pm - GAAMC board meeting, Morristown All GAAMC members are invited to attend. 7:00 pm - GLSEN Training, Highland Park † 7:00 pm - PCNJ HIV Planning Committee, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - NJ Women Coming Out Support Group, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - PFLAG of Northwest NJ, Sparta; 973-729-9909 7:30 pm - Volunteer Group Meeting, Jersey City ‡ 19 Fri 7:00 pm - Positive Women peer support group, Hackensack * 7:30 pm - Dignity New Brunswick social; 732-968-9263; dignitynb @ earthlink.net 8:00 pm - Out of the Box open mic night, Highland Park (Sign-up begins 7:30); outoftheboxinfo @ mac.com 20 Sat 1:00 pm - Women of Pride, Jersey City ‡ 2:30 pm - First and Third for GLBTI youth, Princeton; 609-683-5155; www.HiTOPS.org 7:00 pm - Rainbow Bowling, Bradley Beach; 732-774-4540 7:00 pm - NJ Gay Film Society & Potluck Dinner Club, location TBA; gayfilms @ bigfoot.com 7:30 pm - Games Night, Highland Park † 21 Sun 4:00 pm - Dignity Metro NJ Mass, Maplewood; 973-509-0118; Dignitymetronj @ msn.com 4:00 pm - TrueSelves trans support group, Highland Park † 22 Mon 7:30 pm - FetChat, Highland Park † 23 Tue 7:00 pm - Bisexual, Bi-curious and Allies Support Group, Highland Park † 7:00 pm - Stonewall Democrats, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - Yoga for Men, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - Fallen Angels, Madison ♦ 8:00 pm - Men's Social, Highland Park † 24 Wed 6:00 pm - Gay Pride Business Network, Asbury Park; www. GPBN.net 7:30 pm - Living Out Women, Highland Park † 25 Thu 7:00 pm - Under the Rainbow, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - Jersey Boys of Leather, Highland Park † 26 Fri 7:30 pm - Living Soulfully, Highland Park † 27 Sat 1:00 pm - Youth Drop-In, Highland Park † 7:00 pm - Gay Bowling, Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park; 732-776-6160
Summer 2013 August 01 Thu 7:00 pm - Coffee Night, Edison; njlgh.onefireplace.com 02 Fri 7:00 pm - Positive Women peer support group, Hackensack * 7:30 pm - Karaoke, Highland Park † 03 Sat 1:00 pm - Women of Pride, Jersey City ‡ 2:30 pm - First and Third for GLBTI youth, Princeton; 609-683-5155; www.HiTOPS.org 04 Sun 4:00 pm - Dignity Metro NJ Mass, Maplewood; 973-509-0118; Dignitymetronj @ msn.com 6:30 pm - Gay Men’s Opera Club; 732-249-9034; hagol @ msn.com 05 Mon 7:00 pm - Support Group for Lesbians with Cancer, New Brunswick; 732-235-6781; slirzero @ umdnj.edu 7:00 pm - Lesbian Hot Topics, Ocean; schiffman @ rocketmail.com 8:00 pm - Young Men's Social Network, Highland Park † 06 Tue 6:00 pm - Gay Pride Business Network, New Brunswick; www.GPBN.net 7:30 pm - LGBT Fellowship, Belleville; 973-751-0616 7:30 pm - ComeOUT & Play, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - NJ Women Coming Out Support, Highland Park † 07 Wed 5:30 pm - Hudson County HIV/AIDS Services Planning Council, Jersey City ‡ 7:30 pm - Gay Dad’s discussion group, Highland Park † 08 Thu 7:00 pm - Qspot Book Club, Point Pleasant; outdoorgirl @ optonline.net 7:00 pm - Under the Rainbow, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - PFLAG of North Jersey, South Orange; 908-789-7489; pflagwaver @ aol.com 7:30 pm - Alternate Thursdays, Montclair; kjdinkin @ comcast.net 7:30 pm - Kollege of Kink, Highland Park † 09 Fri 7:30 pm - Rock Band/Guitar Hero, Highland Park † 10 Sat 1:00 pm - Youth Drop-In, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - Movie Social, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - Dignity New Brunswick gay Catholic liturgy; 732-968-9263; dignitynb @ earthlink.net 8:00 pm - Havdalah & Potluck Dinner, Metuchen; njlgh.onefireplace.com 11 Sun 1:00 pm - Faith Community Meeting, Jersey City ‡ 4:00 pm - Out Pagans Discussion Group, Highland Park † 6:00 pm - Gay Men’s Classical Song Club, Kingston; pbrown02 @ worldnet.att.net 12 Mon 6:30 pm - HIV Testing, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - PFLAG of Morris County, Mendham; 973-727-5288; pflag.morris @ verizon.net 7:30 pm - PFLAG, Princeton; 609-663-5155; www.pflagprinceton.org 7:30 pm - FetChat, Highland Park †
CHALLENGE 13 Tue 7:00 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 8:00 pm
Page 9 -
Bisexual, Bicurious, Highland Park † PCNJ Board of Trustees meeting, Highland Park † Yoga for Men, Highland Park † Men's Social Night, Highland Park †
14 Wed 7:30 am - Living Out Women, Highland Park † 6:00 pm - Gay Pride Business Network, Asbury Park; www. GPBN.net 6:00 pm - Booked for Supper, Highland Park † 6:30 pm - North Jersey Prime Timers' monthly meetup, Little Falls ♦ 15 Thu 6:00 pm - New Volunteer Orientation, Jersey City ‡ 7:00 pm - GAAMC board meeting, Morristown; All GAAMC members are invited to attend. 7:00 pm - GLSEN Training, Highland Park † 7:00 pm - PCNJ HIV Planning Committee, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - NJ Women Coming Out Support Group, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - PFLAG of Northwest NJ, Sparta; 973-729-9909 7:30 pm - Volunteer Group Meeting, Jersey City ‡ 16 Fri 7:00 pm - Positive Women peer support group, Hackensack * 7:30 pm - Dignity New Brunswick social; 732-968-9263; dignitynb @ earthlink.net 8:00 pm - Out of the Box open mic night, Highland Park (sign-up begins 7:30); outoftheboxinfo @ mac.com 17 Sat 1:00 pm - Women of Pride, Jersey City ‡ 2:30 pm - First and Third for GLBTI youth, Princeton; 609-683-5155; www.HiTOPS.org 7:00 pm - Rainbow Bowling, Bradley Beach; 732-774-4540 7:00 pm - NJ Gay Film Society & Potluck Dinner Club, location TBA; gayfilms @ bigfoot.com 7:30 pm - Games Night, Highland Park † 18 Sun 4:00 pm - Dignity Metro NJ Mass, Maplewood; 973-509-0118; Dignitymetronj @ msn.com 4:00 pm - TrueSelves trans support group, Highland Park † 19 Mon 7:00 pm - Support Group for Lesbians with Cancer, New Brunswick; 732-235-6781; slirzero @ umdnj.edu 7:00 pm - Lesbian Hot Topics, Ocean; schiffman @ rocketmail.com 8:00 pm - Young Men's Social Network, Highland Park † 20 Tue 7:00 pm - ComeOUT & Play, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - Lesbian Alliance of Princeton; 609-924-8174; Loisj @ msn.com 7:30 pm - PFLAG of Hunterdon County, Flemington; 908-752-1370; pflaghc @ yahoo.com 8:00 pm - PFLAG of Bergen County, Paramus; 201-287-0318; www.bergenpflag.org 8:00 pm - NJ Women, Secaucus; info @ njwomen.org 21 Wed 7:30 pm - United in Grace discussion/support group, Jersey City; 201-946-0650; greg.perez @ comcast.net 7:30 pm - Havurah board meeting, Edison; njlgh.onefireplace.com 8:30 pm - Bowling, Boonton ♦ 22 Thu 7:00 pm - Under the Rainbow, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - Jersey Boys of Leather, Highland Park † 23 Fri 7:30 pm - Living Soulfully, Highland Park †
Page 10 CHALLENGE Summer 2013 24 Sat Noon - Jersey City Pride, Jersey City (see Bulletin Board, p. 3) 1:00 pm - Youth Drop-In, Highland Park † 7:00 pm - Gay Bowling, Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park; 732-776-6160 26 Mon 6:30 pm - Dinner, Millburn ♦ 7:30 pm - FetChat, Highland Park † 27 Tue 7:00 pm - Bisexual, Bi-curious and Allies Support Group, Highland Park † 7:00 pm - Stonewall Democrats, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - Yoga for Men, Highland Park † 8:00 pm - Men's Social, Highland Park † 28 Wed 6:00 pm - Gay Pride Business Network, Asbury Park; www. GPBN.net 7:30 pm - Living Out Women, Highland Park † 31 Sat 1:00 pm - Women of Pride, Jersey City ‡
T H E L I T T L E B OX OF C ONC E RTS ™ GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!
Q ◂ OUT IN THE WOODS MUSIC FESTIVAL Saturday, August 10th Come to Easton Mountain Retreat, Greenwich, NY for their 3rd Annual Queer Music Festival! Enjoy a full day of rockin' live music acts featuring Out-and-Proud artists: The Original Bear Musician, Martin Swinger Bearapalooza's Freddy Freeman Hosted by Rev. Roger "Yolanda" Mapes Namoli Brennett, Jorge Avilla, Sean Kagalis Genres ranging from Rock to Country, Folk to R&B. Check out details and updates at OutInTheWoodsMusicFestival.org
The Day Twinkies Died by Tony Puma,
© 2013
I left for lunch, that’s what I told them, I really don’t eat much for lunch, maybe stop in the Happy Wok for Dim Sum or whatever they call that Chinese buffet. Walk down Spring Street pick-up the NYT only on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. When I finish reading the Wed and Fri editions I drop them off to my neighbor, Janet, who usually reminds me that she is a college grad, I forget what school she told me she graduated from, maybe some obscure Teachers college somewhere in the Mid-west. The Sunday edition I usually finish reading by Wednesday and give it to Don, the art gallery owner. I drop-in on a daily basis to kibitz and see if he has any new pieces that I may be interested in. Don actually sold one of my poems, he displays some of my poems in the gallery, 15 bucks. Anyway, I go into the Mexican grocery store, I don’t believe the Mexicans call them bodegas so I ask the guy behind the counter, BTW, this little grocery store reminds me of the Italo-American store I worked at as a teenager in Brooklyn same smells of oily floors and fresh vegetables. “Hola”, I ask the guy if he sells Twinkies, BTW, the gays also expropriated this name for their young-set “Twinks”, does he even know what Twinkies are? “No señor.”
Q ◂ 'Round Midlife - A New Musical Tues and Wed, June 25 & 26
Q ◂ Melissa Etheridge Wed, June 26 The Grand Opera House, Philadelphia
Dance Improv, Live! with Catherine Judd July 5, August 2, First Fridays, 8-10 PM, Year-Round Drag in Friday Evening . . .Bounce Out Friday Night! Princeton Yoga, 88 Orchard Road, Skillman, NJ, $18 /$10 first-timers A lightly structured evening of self-expression through movement and live music. It is a bare-feet, comfy-clothes, free-movement workshop. It's a place to dance, play, build community, and form new and lasting friendships. It's a safe place to focus inwardly, make genuine contact with yourself, and bring yourself to life --hence, our name! Q ◂ The Polyphonic Spree Fri, July 5 Theatre of the Living Arts, Philadelphia -$15
Bettye Lavette
Q ◂ The Rally, hosted by Keith Price & Pandora Boxx Vicci Martinez (The Voice Season 1 Finalist) Friday, June 28, 7 -10 pm -FREE Hudson River Park's Pier 26 on West St. in TriBeCa, NYC Q ◂ Rock & Electronic musicians Richard Morel & Bob Mould host & DJ Blowoff, featuring their signature mix of indie rock, electro and house. Fri, June 28, 11pm - 4am Grammercy Theatre, 127 E. 23rd St., btwn Park & Lex., NYC
Mon, July 8 Wiggins Park, Camden, NJ - FREE
The Waterboys
Fri., July 19 Brooklyn, NY - Celebrate Brooklyn
"Jazz Funk Soul" Featuring Chuck Loeb, Jeff Lorber & Everette Harp August 19 Wiggins Park, Camden, NJ - FREE
Summer 2013
CHALLENGE
Page 11
Tech Treats: App-solutely by Andy Skurna
Every now and then, one finds a solution that works so well, so cleanly, that it can only be called remarkable. This month, I will introduce one such app. (By the way, “app” stands for application, the real name of a software program. “App” is generally used to describe a program that is specifically designed to run on smaller, portable devices like smartphones and tablet computers.) New Jersey Transit has a very powerful trip planner on their website www.njtransit.com. With it, you may route a trip anywhere in NJ, via rail, bus, car, etc. But, with all that power and complexity, it can be a little rigid, and its size makes it painfully slow if you can even access it on a 3G connected device. NJRails is an app published by Happy Tap, a third party software provider, for the Android operating system. Mark Novak is listed as the provider of the app for Apple devices. Both are extremely elegant solutions to getting between any two NJ Transit railroad stations, even those just NJ Rails icon NJ Rails icon over our borders. for Android for iPhone Here is how it works: When you first open the app, the screen is divided in two halves. On top is where you select the departing station and (as I am sure you’ve guessed) the bottom is for selecting your final destination (see Fig. 1). When you click on either half of the screen, a simple alphabet grid is displayed. Letters that name towns with train stations are in large, bold print. Letters not associated with a station are smaller and insignificant (at least as far as this app is concerned). Tap a letter and all of the possible stations in the state that begin with that letter are listed. Pick the departure station you want.
KEVIN P. SUSZKO, PC Certified Public Accountant
- TAX PLANNING & PREPARATION - FINANCIAL PLANNING - ACCOUNTING SERVICES - DAY & EVENING APPOINTMENTS - OFFICES IN NEW JERSEY & NYC Phone: 973–376–4121 P. O. Box 701 Short Hills, NJ 07078 E-Mail: KPSCPA@GMAIL.COM
Repeat the process for your destination station, and tap "Get Schedule" at the bottom. You will be instantly presented with the fare and a list of the next departing trips, from the present time through approximately 20 hours. The schedule itemizes the departing and arriving stations, the fare, departure and arrival times, rail line, route number, and travel duration (see Fig. 2). You may even share the schedule via email, Evernote, Facebook, Gmail, instant message (text), or Social Hub (on Sprint/Android), just to name a few. Mr. Novak’s app for Apple devices is a little more complex than the Android alternative. It adds the ability to store multiple favorite locations, and it will show the route on a map. Both apps are free, but ad supported. I highly recommend downloading yours today from either the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store. You never know when you may need it for yourself or a friend.
Fig. 1: Selector
Fig. 2: Schedule
Page 12 CHALLENGE Summer 2013
Dancing To Architecture™ Music Reviews & News With a Queer Ear by Bill Realman Stella
HOT. What is "HOT"? Try to describe the metaphorical (not the scientific temperature-based) hot, and everyone has an opinion. My observations tell me a lot of what's hot can be divided into private and public. The public declaration of what's hot among friends is a social pastime. One is sure to be shot down and shamed if you say the wrong thing, even if just one person in the group contradicts you, even if all is mere silence in reply. What's hot is another of a seemingly unending stream of ways that we in our alleged "alternative lifestyle" devise to enforce conformity. Privately, you might have your own opinions. But the power of the social sphere, the fear of rejection by your kind, the awesome and awful internalized terror of stepping out of bounds, even among those of us Queer folk who have long been seen as transgressive by definition, all cause us to cower in the face of having an independent thought. We run for the safety (illusory) of agreeing with what everyone else thinks. (Or so we think.) This month at a Pride event I met a new leader of a new Gay activist group, a man who seemed humble in the face of personal tragedy and was still shy among strangers. By way of introducing myself I mentioned that I write a column (this column) about Gay music. In response to the thought of "Gay music", this gentle man grinned and interjected: "You mean, Madonna?" In the second it took me to breathe at the end of my sentence, warming up to me I suppose, he chose to connect with me over Madonna. It meant nothing. It means everything. It goes to show that, but for a minority within a small crowd, within a subculture of a subculture within Gay culture: People refuse to notice the power of music by Out Gay Artists to literally MOVE the culture forward. To break down barriers. To join people, often heart to heart and hand in hand. Does great music by Out Gay artists make YOU hot? I'd guess not: not this newsletter's audience. But, as I said last month about Pride in Out Gay music: It works for me. And I've dedicated much of my energy as a music promoter, reviewer and critic for over 15 years to help redefine what most people think is "Gay music", and to help find the best music by Out Gay artists (among others) to share with you. And to point out that musicians such as the first man up for your pleasure have done more for Gay culture with his little finger than Madonna has done with all her millions. And that, folks: That. Is. Hot. This Dancing To Architecture, as you read and follow links to listen and watch, reconsider what you know for sure. Turn on a new angle when you Notice. Focus differently when you Listen. Put aside your personal history and take a new tack to Acknowledge. Love is all around for us. If we'd just stop always being so scared. I'll go first.
Q ◂ Jay Spears ~
We Are All Born Lucky And now a message from my subconscious. Jay Spears Are All Born Lucky So there's this title track, We JaySpears.org "We Are All Born Lucky", see? And I read that title and think I'm not feeling so lucky, see? Not when I first heard from Jay that the album's coming, not when I heard the song the first time, not when I got the album in the mail. Yeah, I guess, sometimes I've felt lucky, of course, y'know? But the way Jay puts it: We. Are. All. Born. Lucky. ?? That right there is ASKING for bad luck, see? That's flaunting your luck — I mean, you're not supposed to, like, brag about your luck like that, like you can count on it always being there. That's just ASKING for trouble, is what THAT is, see? THEN I SEE. The video, that is. I just a little while ago watched it for the first time. (See it for yourself: http://youtu.be/6 k zn le zPOV 0 ) And now I see. Yeah, I get it. I see I've had this bad-luck belief about good luck. Man, the ways I've been ucked fup about luck could fill a page. Sometimes it takes an artist who has been through Hell and back (pay attention to the lyrics in the first verse) to have enough gravitas — and returned from Hell lighter for the trip — to get through to someone as outsider and thick and bass ackwards as I can be. Suffice it to say, I'm better now, thanks to Mr Spears. End subconscious message. What's the big-freakin'-deal about all that? That's what Art is supposed to do! Isn't that WHAT GREAT ART DOES?! IT GETS YOUR WHEELS TURNING WHEN THEY'RE STUCK. IT PUTS YOU IN A NEW FRAME OF MIND. IT MOVES YOU. Sometimes not so much emotionally as it moves you from one way of thinking to another way, perhaps a better way. Or just look at it this way. Because Jay is much smarter than me — Savvy Spears, he is — he describes "We Are All Born Lucky" as a: "Happy, cheery, beer-hall sing-along about how great it is to be alive." You have got to, GOT TO, give yourself over to this song. GOTTA see the video. It's not [voice of god] L I F E C H A N G I N G !! But remove the glitz and the shiny useless polish and, like a song you remember dearly, a truly unforgettable refrain with a gentle melody, perhaps a song you learned as a child, perhaps you sing it to yourself when you're feeling happy, or sad, or just enjoy its company, "Lucky" is a lifelong-keeper of a song. (Still don't get it? Lyrically, the words alone are mundane, but think of how they meld with the melodies, and the memories, on classic songs. Think: "You are my sunshine /My only sunshine / You make me happy /when skies are grey." Think: "Nothing you can say can tear me away /from my guy." Now, to the singalong list in your imagination, add: "We are all born lucky /all born lucky /I was born lucky /Same as you /At times I used to doubt it /but there's no doubt about it /We are all born lucky / and you know it's true.") The album has 12 other songs. Lets listen to a few of them.
Summer 2013
CHALLENGE
Years ago, I described Jay's first album, Boy Howdy as "masculist", an equivalent of "feminist". Some of you will no doubt fondly remember his catchy-asherpes breakthrough music video on LOGOTV, "I Like Mike" from Boy Howdy. Jay told me he liked the word masculist and took it to heart. Here, "I Abide" is another song of his cut from a masculist stalk, with well-grained woodiness. The mascular male harmonies, the simple openness of the single acoustic guitar allows the song to stand firmly on its own. "Drive Time" is another superb example of Jay's unique ability to build a song in concrete — as in concrete or found-poetry. Studio wizardry and lyrical repetition collude to form something unique. Spears' tongue-deep-in-cheek sense of gallows humor brings us "When The Big One Hits", a swing-time preventive prayer of respect for California earthquakes. Speaking of prayer, my mental to-do list includes a note to ask Jay (on the podcast I've some day gotta produce) how he resolves having both "(There's no such thing as a) Guy In The Sky" and "City of Angels" ("Play with me / Pray with me / Stay with me") on the same album. "Victory Day" is a celebration which just doesn't deserve to be buried at track 11*. A non-stop burst of energy, drawn from a solid, crystalline sense of self: In an alternate time-line, I imagine record companies in a bidding war to win the opportunity to invest in re-recording some of "Victory Day"'s instruments and sweetening the vocals in anticipation of a hit record payoff. A re-recording of Spears' "Bougainvillea Waltz," originally found on the album Playing On My Team, now features vocalist Jeff McCarthy. I still can't say they've come up with an appealing concept for this song. It deserves less melodrama. But had the album ended on "Sleep With Me" instead? The elegant guitar arpeggiation, a genetic brother to that on The Beatles' "Dear Prudence", would have brought the album to a cozy but engaging close. Lucky is worth taking a gamble on, and worth what Spears asks for it. At his Bandcamp page you can listen to the entire album, read all the lyrics, and order your copy. Speaking of "order" : * CD Sequence Got You Down? Change It With Playlists! An ongoing argument takes place in my head about the song sequences on dozens of independent musicians' albums. (Almost always it's Do It Yourself musicians who don't quite get the hang of it.) But I'd never mention it in print until I dealt with the ego aspect: What purpose does complaining about an already-made CD's song sequence serve? Rather than merely expressing my two cents about a problem I couldn't fix, I shut up. But a partial solution has been with us for over a decade: Just use music player programs to rearrange digital versions of the songs in the order that makes more sense. One less fight I no longer have. No more frustration, debating myself whether to mention to a struggling musician why I want to rearrange the sequence they probably sweated over. Now I just make my own. My suggested playlist for We Are All Born Lucky is: 1. We Are All Born Lucky (6) (song's original order)
2. Meat (3) 3. I Abide (7) 4. Drive Time (5) 5. When The Big One Hits (1) 6. Victory Day (11) 7. City of Angels (4) 8. Guy In The Sky (2) 9. Revolution (10) 10.Our Love (8) 11.This Is One My Heart Won't Win (9) 12.Bougainvillea Waltz (13) 13.Sleep With Me (12)
ONLINE-exclusive: NEW, Q SHOUT OUTS! DON'T MISS THESE!! TIM DILLINGER ~ The Baton: 1985 The Live Debate with Anthony D'Amato ~ The Live Debate
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Q◂Jeremy Henry~ Haus of Glitch remixes Not an album, but an incredible gift of free music. Jeremy (Hey! It's Refer To Musicians By Their First Name Month!) shares his incredible remixing gifts with the world via his Soundcloud page. Hey-ey, Yoo-hoo!, All'a'ya Club Music fans! Wrap your dancing-fool feet 'round these beats! To call them "remixes" is almost an insult to the effortlesssounding reconstruction of these tracks — tracks I know have had plenty of deconstruction and creative effort put into them, along with a real musician's sense of composition. If I ever come up with a better term than "remix" you'll be the first — Whoa. Wait: That's the word there, in the previous sentence: compose. Jeremy Henry is a recomposer. (Recompositor? I'm second guessing myself…), who recomposes recompositions. Yes. I am good with that. I especially recommend his recent recompositions of Zedd ft. Foxes - Clarity (Haus of Glitch 90s Slow Jam Mix) and Lady Gaga - Hair (Haus of Glitch Mix) (both also come in no-vocals versions).
John Fogerty ~ "Mystic Highway" ~ Wrote A Song For Everyone Yes, that John Fogerty, of Creedence Clearwater Revival fame. John's new album is entirely covers of his old hit songs, with vocal duets and creative collaborations — except this one, "Mystic Highway" which is a brand new song. And what an effin' great song it is! With it, Fogerty steps into the space left vacant by the death of Johnny Cash nearly a decade ago as the Elder voice of American songwriters. The initial line "Lately I've begun to wonder how's it all gonna end" only hints at the far-flung lifejourney encapsulated in these six minutes. Not only is it a great
Page 14 CHALLENGE Summer 2013 song, but after the meat-and-potatoes of it has come and gone around a couple times, an instantly classic false-ending follows which waits not a moment for an extended instrumental chorus. Here, I believe, is the duet on this song: I believe Fogerty's son takes a guitar solo for a hot minute. But we're not done yet: A whole 'nother handclapping sing-along chorus follows. Meanwhile, the video (Watch it at http://youtu.be/ysXK_hxJPlQ) is no ordinary "lyric video" itself, with the words writing themselves animatedly on screen as they're sung. Do you love Rock and Roll? Do you love Country Music? Do you love the experience of a master musician not giving an inch or a bit of one's inner light to anything as mundane as approaching age 70. It'll give ya CHILLS, BABY. CHILLS. Q ◂ Freddy Freeman ~ Just Bear With Me REDUX: I barely made room last issue to mention, about one of the two videos for Freddy's new album: "The simply delightful title track 'Just Bear With Me' prominently features Nolan Kennedy's charming mandolin. Freddy, his husbear Jay, Nolan and his honey Wil, come together on the equally delightful video (along with two goats and a golden retriever). " All I got to tell you about the other video was: "HOT NEWS! New "BearWorld" music video ROCKS! Watch it here." I mean… Day-yum, boys! Looka all a' ya's! Just about all the Bear musicians one might fantasize finding in one place, made visually real.The BearWorld Music Video was shot on location at the Atlanta Eagle in September 2011 and at the Canvas Lounge on Church St. in Nashville in April 2012. It was filmed, edited, directed, and produced by Orlando Santiago for the upcoming documentary feature Bear World. This balls-out, hairy Rock and Roll anthem of a song was written, arranged, recorded and performed by Freddy Freeman of Bearapalooza fame. The video features Beastibear and Wayne on guitars, Charles K. Brown on keyboard and Jay Freeman on the drums. Bone Intell takes the rap, mid-song. And see how many other famous bears You can spot! (Hi, Kendall!) Freddy has dedicated his life to the Bear music scene. He and his honey Jay are the men behind Bearapalooza, the core of a music subculture you ought to get to know. Freddy and Jay currently live at Easton Mountain in Greenwich, NY, and is essential to the Out In The Woods Queer Music Festival — Follow the links, and see the Little Box of Concerts on page 10 and the poster (by Jay Freeman) on page 13 for more information about Easton and the Festival. Pick up Just Bear With Me at CDBaby.com Now excuse me while I cause genre related whiplash, 'cause: Q◂Talented actors performing live on ~ The Tony Awards is next. If somehow you didn't get your Gay Card punched after watching the telecast of the Tonys, miraculously the video of the show's opening segment, an original song-and-dance number called "Bigger", remains unblocked on YouTube as we put this issue to bed. Go. Now. Watch. That drymouth you'll soon experience is from your jaw gaping open in astonished delight. "Songand-dance number" I said? It's a bleeping 8-minute extravaganza — Neil Patrick Harris even defies reality. (You'll see.) It's all online, at my YouTube Best Music of 2013 playlist . While you're there, find the two other original numbers in the broadcast, both delightful. Performances from nominated musicals are on YouTube, too, on the CBS channel. All are worth it, especially Jane Lynch blowing the doors off Radio City Music Hall singing "Little Girls" from Annie. All but A Christmas Story that is. Q ◂ My YouTube Best Music of 2013 playlist My playlist keeps growing! It now includes nearly a full concert at Rockwood Music Hall by Reuben Butchart. The best I've found of 2013's music videos from all genres includes great Out artists, such as other DTA faves Elle Macho, Leonard Friend, Melissa Ferrick, Sacha Sacket and Freddy Freeman. The latest addition brings the count to 58. Please find it and my other playlists at my Bill Realman Stella YouTube channel. Feel free to leave a comment!
Coming soon! Q ◂The Kinsey Sicks
~ America's Next Top Bachelor Housewife Celebrity Hoarder Makeover Star Gone WILD!
Hell, I haven't heard a lick of it yet, but it's The Kinsey Sicks! Shamelessly over-thetop as always, right down to that title. It's the Sicks sticking it to "talent"-mongers everywhere, and their drooling, mindless zombie fandom. My imagination has "Gone WILD!" Shamelessly, I'll run press-release copy outta sheer happiness: “ 'AMERICA’S GOT TALENT' VETERANS, THE KINSEY SICKS, TOUR THEIR NEWEST MUSICAL HIT TO RAVE REVIEWS! “Fresh from their critically-acclaimed weeks in London and Key West, FL, the Kinsey Sicks continue to tour with their newest, hottest-ever musical: 'America’s Next Top Bachelor Housewife Celebrity Hoarder Makeover Star Gone Wild!' “Since THE KINSEY SICKS were formed in San Francisco 20 years ago, they have written and performed scores of musicals, starred in their own Off-Broadway show at New York’s legendary Studio 54, toured internationally, recorded 8 albums and been the subject of 2 feature films. The New York Times praises their 'voices sweet as birdsong' and Variety calls them 'one act that should not be missed.'” [OK — HERE'S THE "FUN" PART!] : “Less known is that THE KINSEY SICKS were, in fact, contestants in Season 3 of “America’s Got Talent.” Their first performances brought standing ovations from the audience and gushing praise from both Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan – the only thing they agreed on that year. A KINSEY SICKS performance was even used as the Season 3 trailer. However, once show producers caught wind of the Kinseys’ brand of politics, flavor of humor, and personal hygiene, THE KINSEY SICKS were cheerfully shown the door, and the performance footage was left on the cutting room floor. "America’s Next Top Bachelor Housewife Celebrity Hoarder Makeover Star Gone Wild!" brings the group’s firsthand knowledge of the reality show experience to bear, poking fun at the genre’s blatant manipulation of contestants and audience alike - but, of course, all in effortless 4-part harmony! [Effortless, my ass! ~ Bill] This show boasts some of the group’s best music - wicked parodies and objectionable originals — plus brilliant new songs about the ethics of stardom. "To see more about THE KINSEY SICKS, including video and audio, go to www.kinseysicks.com.” Q ◂ Tom Robinson Band ~ The Anthology 1977-1979 Coming in July, as a British import. A comprehensive collection, a 3 CD + 1 DVD set, warts and hits and all. Album sampler of the 6 songs listed in the graphic below at http://youtu.be/tU3B781776I . Dancing To Architecture ©2013 Bill Stella. All ©, ® & ™ items included for review purposes are ©, ® & ™ their respective owners. The stylized Q indicates albums by (or significantly contributed to by) Out Bisexuals, Gay Men, Lesbians and Transgendered persons. GAAMC is pronounced "GAY-mick".
Summer 2013
CHALLENGE
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Minutes of the GAAMC Board of Trustees Meeting, May 16, 2013 Attendance Voting Trustees: DeLeeuw, Dinkin, Harris, Kennedy, Rase, Rubin, Sauer, Skurna, Suiter Non-Voting Attendees: Allen Neuner The meeting began at 7:05 pm. I. Adoption of minutes: The minutes of April 19th were approved unanimously (Moved, Rase; seconded, Suiter). II.Old Business: GAAMC paid $55 as its share of the cost of purchasing a new office door lock. III.New Business: Paul Greenberg: Written report on file LGBT Parents Meet & Greet: Nancy O'Brien will facilitate a casual meeting will facilitate a casual meeting June 24th in the Dining Room. NJ Liberty Tickets: Free tickets are being offered on a voucher system. Kids from Rainbow Cafe will be invited. Proposed dates: June 23rd, August 10th, September 6th. IV. Reports: President: Andy Skurna — The May 3rd marriage equality rally in Morristown had good attendance.
Acting Treasurer: Andy Skurna — Pastabilities was very successful. Aside from donations, three new members joined. Challenge: Allen Neuner — The print run for the June issue will be 400 copies. Stuffing will be on May 27th. Allen asked for help from Claire and Dolores at the front desk while he is away. Pride Guide: Andy Skurna — An email was sent to advertisers announcing the postponement of the 2013-14 issue. Copies of the 2012-13 guide will be used at Jersey Pride. Pride Events Committee: Mickey Suiter — Written report on file. NAACP and Rainbow Cafe Morris will march with GAAMC. Memorial Day Social: A number of Board members volunteered to bring different items. Programs: Sherri Rase — Written report on file. Discussion Group Resources: Gordon Sauer — Written report on file. V. Save These Dates: May 27th, Memorial Day BBQ; June 2nd, Jersey Pride; June 9th, North Jersey Pride. VI. Ideas & Suggestions: None. VII. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn passed unanimously (Moved, Sauer; seconded, Rase). The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.
This Month's Contributors Easton Farmers Market is the oldest continuing outdoor farmers market in America operating since 1752. The market operates from May to November Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 pm, and from June to September Wednesdays from 4 pm to 8 pm. (pg. 15)
formed in 2012, and Executive Member at Large for the Morris County Branch of the NAACP. In his professional life, he has worked on or worked with computers and related technologies for more than 30 years. (pg. 1)
Tony Puma's career in sales / marketing / advertising and public relations has influenced his poetry style. He belongs to the Italian-American Writers Association, Red Wheel Barrow Poets, Poets House (NYC), South Mountain Poets, and Hudson Valley Poets-on-the-Loose. Through the prism of poetry, he sees, hears, feels, and captures emotions in words. (pgs. 3, 11)
Bill Realman Stella writes Dancing to Architecture because writing about music is like that. He hosted the eclectic pop music show Highest Common Denominator in his mind for twenty years before getting it on the radio for six, and will host it again. Bill has collected music since age 4, when for each song he'd hear on the radio, he'd ask his mom "Do they have a record?" Making a record good enough to share is still a small miracle. If you'd like Bill to write, DJ, or promote for you, get in touch. Comments and suggestions also welcome. Visit http://HowToFindTheBestMusic.blogspot.com or write bearealman @ gmail.com. (pg. 12)
Andy Skurna currently serves as GAAMC's President, Webmaster, and the Editor of our Pride Guide. Other community services include Communications Co-Chair for Rainbow Cafe Morris, a social/support group for northern New Jersey's LGBTIQA teens
Good Eats!
Recipes from the Easton Farmers Market Confetti Kale Salad 1 2 1 2
bunch kale Pink Lady apples large watermelon radish medium carrots
¼ cup apple cider 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp maple syrup
Finely chop the kale. Peel and dice the apples and the watermelon radish. Grate the carrots. Combine the kale, apples, radish, and carrots in a large bowl. In a large jar (like a Mason jar) combine the cider, vinegar, olive oil, and maple syrup. Shake well and pour dressing over salad. Toss salad well and chill.
Honey Yogurt Dressing 1 cup plain yogurt 1/4 cup local, raw honey 1 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon celery seed Whisk together the yogurt, honey, mustard, and celery seed in a small bowl. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
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GAY ACTIVIST ALLIANCE IN MORRIS COUNTY
Officers President (President@GAAMC.org) — Andy Skurna VP Community Services (Info@GAAMC.org) — Kerry Dinkin VP Operations (Operations@GAAMC.org)— John DeLeeuw Secretary (Secretary@GAAMC.org) — Gordon Sauer Treasurer (Treasurer@GAAMC.org) — vacant Trustees
GAAMC, the Gay Activist Alliance in Morris County, has served New Jersey’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and intersexed communities since 1972. GAAMC is a notfor-profit volunteer-run organization that provides social, educational, and outreach programs. GAAMC also offers opportunities for individuals to become politically active on issues related to the GLBTI communities. Our intent is to maintain a positive, healthy, respectful, and supportive environment in a safe space. Meetings are held every Monday evening at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ (near the Morris Museum). Discussion groups usually meet from 7:00 to 8:00. The evening's program usually starts shortly after 8:00. Refreshments are available. For program information, check our homepage at www.GAAMC.org. Members and non-members are always welcome.
Sue Harris, Ron Kennedy, Sherri Rase, Mitch Rubin, Mickey Suiter, Alexa Vasios Committee Chairs & Functional Officers Archivist — Mickey Suiter (Archives@GAAMC.org) By-Laws Review Committee — Andy Skurna Challenge Editor — Allen Neuner (Challenge@GAAMC.org) Discussion Group Resources Committee — Gordon Sauer (Discussions@GAAMC.org) Information Committee — Mitch Rubin (FreeLibrary@GAAMC.org) Parliamentarian — Allen Neuner Pride Events Committee — Mickey Suiter Pride Guide Committee — Andy Skurna (PrideGuide@GAAMC.org) Program Committee — Sherri Rase (Programs@GAAMC.org) Webmaster — Andy Skurna (Webmaster@GAAMC.org)
Annual membership dues are: Regular, $40/single, $70/couple; Students/Seniors, $30/single, $60/couple. Those looking to help out at GAAMC can contact Kerry Dinkin at Info@GAAMC.org. How to reach GAAMC Mail: PO Box 137, Convent Station, NJ 07961 Telephone: 973-285-1595 E-Mail: info@gaamc.org Home page: www.gaamc.org Mail List: groups.yahoo.com/subscribe/gaamc Facebook: www.facebook.com/gaamc Challenge online edition: issuu.com/gaamc/docs
PREVIEWS OF COMING ATTRACTIONS! July 8th
August 5th
August 12th
I Scream!
Henry, Henry, Henry, Henry, Henry!
What? Another Election?
See "GAAMC Events", page 2, for more details!