Challenge - February 2013

The Best Damn Newsletter in New Jersey! ®

CHALLENGE The Newsletter of the Gay Activist Alliance in Morris County – Serving New Jersey’s GLBTI Communities Continuously Since 1972

Volume 39, Issue 1, February 2013

Welcome to a New GAAMC Year!

by Andy Skurna

I wish to thank you for electing me as GAAMC’s president for 2013. According to our By-Laws, no one is supposed to hold a voting seat on GAAMC’s Board of Trustees for longer than six consecutive years. I plan to adhere to that limit, as I head into my sixth and final year of Board service.

We would be remiss if we did not thank Mickey Suiter and the other officers who have led us for the past few years, and most notably 2012, our 40th anniversary year. On behalf of the entire membership and my fellow trustees, thank you.

On January 17th, GAAMC’s newly elected Board met for the first time. And during that meeting we have made some sweeping changes. Most notably, we are suspending “committees” that are not really committees, and those that no longer serve a regular purpose. We are also creating some new committees to address current needs and to consolidate and streamline some functions. It is important to note that this does not mean we will no longer address those needs; it just means that the entire Board will share in those responsibilities. If someone from the general membership or the Board of Trustees wishes to re-establish any dormant committee(s), we would welcome the help.

Starting with this issue of Challenge you will find descriptions of continuing committees/projects, and with each one, you can clearly see your opportunity to get involved.

With any project or committee, you may get involved to the extent you feel most comfortable. That could be as simple as offering to stuff envelopes for Challenge ten times per year, or offering to lead a major fundraiser or an activism project. But it should be noted that without your involvement, we cannot guarantee the longevity of our beloved organization. No matter how much energy we put forth, there is a limit to how much ten individuals can do.

This past election we had so much interest in Board service that we had to hold a paper ballot. My understanding is that this has only happened a few times in our 40 year history. The election results clearly show that those who have been most dedicated and loyal were those elected to new one year terms as officers and new two-year terms to the Board. Although some egos may have been wounded in the process, wounds heal if we let them. I think it is most beneficial to all of us if we focus on the future. What can we do to improve and strengthen our group? The answer is, as it always has been, participation. Without diverse talents and perspectives, we become stuck in a rut of having

the same people doing the same things the same way. Although it is sometimes easier to just do things ourselves, it isn’t the healthiest practice. The best way to win a seat on the Board of Trustees is through service on our committees.

Helping a committee gives you the opportunity to see where your talents can be put to the best use, which teams of personalities you work best with, and which roles will bring you the greatest sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

This year, each committee will be holding open committee meetings on Monday evenings, during or after Open Talk, and I invite each of you to sit in on those meetings and find out what dreams we’re cultivating and what needs we see for making those dreams a reality.

I will say again, as I have been since coming to GAAMC in 2007, the function of the Board is to keep our doors open and our lights on. All the rest is up to our members. What do you need? What do you want? What can you bring to the party to make sure everyone’s needs are met?

In closing, I will remind everyone that GAAMC is an all volunteer organization. No one gets paid. All the services and goods donated to GAAMC come from the goodness of our hearts. From the office of the President right down to someone offering to wash dishes after Pastabilities, we are all equal. We equally share in the responsibility of keeping New Jersey’s longest operating LGBTI-supportive organization a safe, welcoming, and exciting place for the members of our community and our allies.

Inside Challenge Challenge Information.... ................................ page 2 GAAMC Events.............................................. page 2 The Bulletin Board......................................... page 3 Committee Spotlight: Committees in Moth Balls.... page 3 Gleanings: Queer news from around the world .... page 4 Committee Spotlight: Pride Events Committee......page 4 This Month's Contributors................................ page 4 Committee Spotlight: Bylaws Review Committee... page 6 Calendar ..................................................... page 7 Dancing to Architecture: music reviews............. page 9 The Little Box of Concerts............................. page 11 Good Eats: Recipes.......................................page 11 Book Review: Thar Be "Dragons"..................... page 12 GAAMC Board Minutes, November 2012 &....................

December 2012....................................... page 13 GAAMC Information...................................... page 14

Page 2 CHALLENGE February 2013 CHALLENGE Volume 39, Number 1 February 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.

Ad Rates 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.

GAAMC members may place one free classified ad per month, of no more than 200 characters in length.

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.

GAAMC Events for February 2013 Discussion Groups OpenTalk: A regular weekly discussion group, open to all. Moderators: Kerry (Feb. 4); Elias (Feb. 11); Gordon (Feb. 18); Sherri (Feb. 25). 7:00, Library; on Film Festival nights, discussion follows the film.

Committee Meetings All committee meetings are open to members and guests. This month: February 4, Socials Committee; February 18, Pride Guide Committee. 7:00; locations to be announced.

Main Events [All start at 8:00 unless otherwise listed.]

February 4: Roger Franklin from Morristown Medical Center will discuss the importance of testing for HIV/AIDS. Roger, the manager of HIV Counseling, Testing & Referral, says "HIV testing may not be the easiest thing to do, but we try to put people at ease by being non-threatening and non-judgmental." Roger will discuss why testing is still relevant, why it's important, and why knowledge is power.

February 11: Book Signing. Jackson von Altek, author of Dragons Walk Among Us will be walking among GAAMC members and guests speaking about his work. He started as a storyteller whose friends encouraged him to write a book. Buy a Valentine’s gift for the fantasy aficionado on your list and surprise him or her with a personal inscription! Jackson will have books on hand for sale and a fresh supply of Sharpies for signing. (See review, page 12)

February 18: Valentine's Day Social.

Friends and lovers gather at GAAMC this Monday to celebrate the love we feel for one another. Pink and red desserts will be in abundance. If you would like to contribute your Valentine specialty, fattening is fine, alcohol is not. Email Programs @ GAAMC.org to let us know what you’re planning to bring.

February 25: Gayme Night. This is it! GAAMC’s first Gayme Night of 2013! What’s your favorite board game or card game? Are you a Scrabble maven? Do you want to play Settlers of Catan or Risk? Are you an Apples to Apples person? Whatever your pleasure (short of strip poker — we do meet in a church!), feel free to bring it and share with your GAAMC friends. This will be a great evening of family fun with your GAAMC family!

Coming in March!

March 4: March is Sex Month at GAAMC! We celebrate the more physical aspect of chemistry, and what better way than with the new movie Bear City 2? Whether you're a bear or someone who loves bears, join us for this romantic comedy that takes us to Provincetown for more drama, love, and laughter! Note: The movie will start at 7:00, with discussion to follow.

[Note: All programs and discussion groups are subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, go to GAAMC.org]

February 2013

CHALLENGE

Page 3

Bulletin Board There's still time to sign up for NJ Lesbian & Gay Havurah's annual Winter Weekend Getaway at Pennsylvania's Rainbow Mountain Resort, February 1 st through 3 rd !

Skiing, entertainment, shopping, discussions, singing, and shopping are just some of the many activities available. See njlgh.onefireplace.com to learn more.

The Pride Center's annual Valentine’s Day Gala & Fundraiser is being held on Saturday Feb. 9th, 2013 at The Radisson Hotel in Piscataway, from 7 p.m. to midnight. This year they will have a cocktail hour and dinner, dancing, a silent auction, 50/50, tricky trays, and more. Take advantage of their early bird prices and order your tickets today!

Advance purchase members' tickets are $80 and non-members' tickets are $85; all tickets purchased at the door are $90.

For more information or to buy tickets, c on t a c t ka t e w h i t e f i e l d @ g m a i l . c o m o r g o t o www.pridecenter.org/vdance.

Hudson Pride celebrates Valentine's Day in Jersey City with Dancing under the Rainbow on Saturday, February 16th at the Hudson Pride Connections Center. This event, for those 25 and older, features music and food along with the romantic atmosphere. Suggested donations are $15 for couples and $10 for singles. For more information, contact Hudson Pride at 201-963-4779.

Emily Kubin has created a program, Emily's Hats for Hope Initiative, to knit hats for the homeless. Emily, along with a volunteer crew of knitters and crocheters, makes the hats, which she then takes to the soup kitchen at Church of the Redeemer in Morristown. Volunteer knitters/crocheters are always welcome to join in! Donations of yarn, or of money to purchase yarn, are also welcome. For more information, check out Emily's Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/EmilysHatsForHopeInitiative

IT'S TAX SEASON !

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

Committee Spotlight

Committees in Moth Balls The following committees have been suspended until such time as a volunteer or volunteers step forward to form new teams to carry out the work of each committee. During this dormancy, the work that is typically done by these committees will be shared by the Board of Trustees. If anyone has any need for these services, or questions regarding their functions, please send an email to Kerry Dinkin, Vice President for Community Services, at Info @ GAAMC.org, or Andy Skurna, President, at President @ GAAMC.org. If we cannot immediately help you, we will present the issue(s) to the entire Board and ask for their help.

Activism: Andy and Gordon have taken the lead in many calls for activism over the past few years. However, there has not been a formal committee or committee meetings. Therefore, they will continue to help whenever possible through their offices as President and Secretary, respectively.

Fundraising: This committee was formed a few years ago, but hasn’t met as a formal committee for years. Instead fundraising programs have been organized by volunteers with help from Board trustees and committees. We will continue to do so, but without using the label of a fundraising committee. Please bring any suggestions for fundraising events to Andy Skurna, President and Sherri Rase, Program Chair.

Speakers Bureau: After many, many years of great leadership, Chris Selitto, Speakers Bureau Chairman, is moving out of New Jersey. Thank you, Chris, for your amazing dedication and service. After more than a decade of presentations, it is impossible to calculate how many thousands of lives have been impacted by the hundreds of generous presentations made by this team. Any requests for speakers will be addressed by the Board and we will do our best to fill these giant shoes. If you are interested in forming/leading a new Speakers Bureau, please send an email to President @ GAAMC.org. We will do everything in our power to support you with training and other resources. Anyone considering publicly speaking on behalf of GAAMC must be a member of GAAMC.

Page 4 CHALLENGE February 2013

Gleanings

Queer news from around the world The second inauguration of President Barack Obama featured openly gay poet Richard Blanco, who mentioned Americans "arrayed like rainbows" in his official inaugural poem, and Episcopal Rev. Dr. Luis Leon, a Washington, DC marriage equality champion, whose benediction prayer included a reference to gays. President Obama's address mentioned Stonewall, along with Seneca Falls , NY, and Selma, AL, as touchstones in the battle for equal rights.

The President also said the nation's journey toward equality will not be complete "until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law," adding, "If we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well." (New York Times; Washington Blade) A National Journal poll of 99 Republican Party insiders finds that just 11% want the GOP to actively oppose marriage rights for same-sex couples. More than a quarter of respondents want the party to support marriage equality, and nearly half said the party should avoid the topic altogether.

"We can’t be a party that supports a zone of personal freedom and then try to use federal power to curtail it. Plus, we increasingly look prejudiced, and not a little stupid, on this issue," said one respondent. (National Journal) New rules set to govern the House in the new 113th Congress expressly allow House leaders to continue spending federal dollars on the legal defense of the Defense of Marriage Act. The rules also state that the legal team involved in the DOMA cases speaks for the entire House, a point disputed by a spokesman for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. House Republicans moved to take up legal responsibility for defending the law when President Obama and the Justice Department announced that they believed the law to be unconstitutional. (Huffington Post) U.S. Representatives Charlie Bass (R-NH) and Richard Hanna (R-NY) became the second and third Republicans to co-sponsor the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. "It is right to extend equal protection under federal law to all couples who are legally married without infringing upon religious freedom and beliefs," Hanna said. Hanna and Bass follow Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) as Republican co-sponsors. (Washington Blade) The Supreme Court agreed to hear cases about the federal Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8, marking the first time questions on legal marriage for same-sex couples will be considered by the high court. Some LGBT advocates once wary of testing the court's views on the issue now say they're confident that the court will take into account the dramatic change in public opinion on marriage equality over the past few years. Others expressed nervousness that the justices could decide there is no constitutional right to marry a same-sex partner, a decision they argue could set back the marriage equality cause. (Bloomberg) New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney (D) has stated that a bill, introduced by openly gay New Jersey Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D), seeking to establish marriage equality through a ballot measure is dead on arrival to the state Senate. Sweeney said he expects the Legislature will be able to override Governor Chris Christie’s (R) veto of a marriage equality bill by January 2014. The debate over how best to achieve marriage victories was heightened this year when advocates won statewide ballot measures in Maine, Washington and Maryland. "It’s not right to rule out what has been a successful path in other states," said Gusciora, but national LGBT groups say the tactic should be used only as a last resort. (Bloomberg)

Committee Spotlight

Pride Events Committee (PrideEvents@GAAMC.org) This newly-formed committee helps coordinate volunteers and other resources so that GAAMC can maximize our participation at Pride events. GAAMC is firmly committed to marching and exhibiting at Jersey Pride on the first Sunday in June, and we have marched in every Heritage of Pride march in NYC since 1973. We also exhibit at Hudson Pride in Jersey City and the new Maplewood/South Orange Pride. We attend GSA summits, Pride weeks, and awareness campaigns on school campuses. We need your help!

See Mickey as soon as possible to learn how you can get involved. We need marchers, booth staff, and people who can drive and carpool to events. If each of us chips in for a few hours, then we all get to enjoy these important events and make a positive impact on the LGBT and straight communities.

Over 300 mayors from across the country attended a reception commemorating the first anniversary of Mayors for Freedom to Marry. At the reception, held during the U.S. Conference of Mayors' annual D.C. meeting, Marc Solomon, Freedom to Marry's national campaign director, said, “One thing I’ve learned, that instead of going to Capitol Hill, if you really want to get something done you go to a mayor.

You all were a crucial part of the historic wins this year.”

(Washington Blade) The European Court of Human Rights, ruling in several cases testing the rights of people of faith, said religious objections are not sufficient to absolve certain individuals from complying with LGBT non-discrimination laws. "The court showed conclusively that the principle of equality and equal treatment cannot be circumvented with a simple reference to religion," said Sophie in 't Veld, vice-president of the European Parliament’s LGBT Intergroup. (GlobalPost.com) Language in a defense spending authorization bill that guarantees military personnel will not be punished for their beliefs is “unnecessary and ill-advised,” President Obama said in a statement this week, but added that signing the legislation was necessary to provide resources for U.S. troops.

Obama said the so-called “conscience clause” would not alter the administration’s intention to fully implement the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” (BuzzFeed.com) (continued on next page)

This Month's Contributors Sherri Rase is a long-time member of GAAMC, serving in many offices. Currently she is Chairwoman of the Program Committee. (pg. 12) 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. 6)

February 2013

CHALLENGE

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Gleanings

(continued from previous page) The officers' spouses club at Fort Bragg in North Carolina has invited Ashley Broadway, who had been denied membership, to become a full member. Ms. Broadway, married to Lt. Col. Heather Mack, has also been named Fort Bragg's 2013 Military Spouse of the Year. Ms. Broadway had been denied membership in the spouses club because she did not have a spouse identification badge issued by the military. The Pentagon had confirmed that the spouses club's former discrimination was allowed under Federal law. Meanwhile, a legal advisory issued by the Marine Corps states that private spouses clubs operating on bases must admit the spouses of gay and lesbian Marines in order to comply with the Corps’ rules against discrimination based on sex.

(USA Today; BuzzFeed.com) Former Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE), nominated by President Obama to become his next Secretary of Defense, said this week he supports the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” and would work to extend benefits to the families and spouses of gay and lesbian military personnel if he is confirmed. “I know firsthand the profound sacrifice our service members and their families make, and if confirmed as Secretary of Defense, I will do everything possible to the extent permissible under current law to provide equal benefits to the families of all our service members,” Hagel said in a letter to Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA). (Huffington Post) Rhode Island's House of Representatives endorsed marriage equality legislation by a 51-to-19 vote. The bill now moves to the state Senate, where Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed (D), who opposes the bill, said she would not block a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee if the bill

passed the House. Rhode Island is the only state in New England to forbid marriage for same-sex couples within its borders, though it does allow civil unions and recognizes marriages of same-sex couples who wed elsewhere. Meanwhile, Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee (I) said he wants lawmakers to pass same-sex marriage legislation, that lawmakers owe it to voters to decide themselves, and that he'd be inclined to veto any attempt to place it on a ballot as a referendum. (MSNBC; WPRI-TV, Providence) A Virginia House of Delegates subcommittee voted 6-1 to kill a proposal that would have repealed the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. Delegate Scott Surovell (D) introduced HJ665 on January 9th, the first day of the current legislative session. “Virginia is going to have to revisit this issue either because the public demands it, because we are forced to by the Supreme Court, or because corporations make it clear that they’d rather move to D.C. or Maryland in order to protect their employees,” said Delegate Rob Krupicka (D), one of the more than two dozen cosponsors of the bill, on hearing the subcommittee killed the proposal. (Washington Blade) Wyoming State Representative Cathy Connolly (D) filed legislation that would create a path for gay couples to form civil unions or get married. The dual approach already has won the backing of Republican Representatives Ruth Ann Petroff and Keith Gingery, who both say they would prefer to see gay marriage allowed in Wyoming but are willing to debate whether civil unions might be a better way to go.

"It's a basic human rights and fairness issue," Petroff said. (continued on next page)

PULITZER PRIZE-WINNER DAVID LINDSAY-ABAIRE’S

SHARPLY FUNNY PLAY ABOUT CHOICES,

CHANCES and THE AMERICAN DREAM

GOO D PE OP L E

Produced in association with Seattle Repertory Theatre.

Sponsored by The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation.

by David Lindsay-Abaire directed by David Saint

January 29 – February 24

Box office: 732-246-7717 • Online: www.GSPonline.org

Only at GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE 9 Livingston Avenue • New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901 David Saint, Artistic Director • Kelly Ryman, Acting Managing Director

This Program is made possible in par t by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, A Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Ar ts.

Page 6 CHALLENGE February 2013

Committee Spotlight Bylaws Review Committee We were very fortunate this past election cycle to have so many GAAMC members interested in joining the Board of Trustees. But during the process questions arose about eligibility to serve, and who may or may not vote for trustees or officers. When we turned to our Bylaws the answers to those questions were not always clear. The Bylaws have remained unchanged since the days when GAAMC had hundreds of active members, and any given Monday could see 200-300 people converging on Morristown. There were a few changes made in 2004 to address a limited number of issues. However, many requirements in the Bylaws are not so easily met. A small team has been assembled to review the by-laws and recommend changes to streamline the language and make adjustments that will hopefully better align requirements to our 2013 reality.

The committee is made up of people who either cannot or do not plan to run for voting seats on GAAMC’s Board of Trustees for 2014. Once the committee makes its suggested changes, they will be presented to the Board for their review. Any comments or suggestions will be considered and the committee’s final suggested changes will be presented to Allen Neuner, GAAMC’s Parliamentarian, who will formally present them to the membership for a vote to adopt or reject the changes.

Gleanings

(continued from previous page)

SHORTS

“There should just be no reason why same-sex couples shouldn’t have the same rights as everyone else.” Gingery, chairman of the Judiciary Committee which will be the first to debate the bills, said the issue poses a legal problem that state officials need to resolve; namely, what rights gay couples in the state have under current law. (Jackson Hole News & Guide)

Gay and lesbian troops kicked out of the U.S. military since November 2004 because of their homosexuality will be entitled to full separation pay under the terms of a settlement between the American Civil Liberties Union and the federal government.

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments March 26 and 27 in two cases involving the rights of same-sex couples to marry, a timetable that could produce a decision this summer.

How to Survive a Plague, a documentary film about the early years of AIDS treatment activism, has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.

North Dakota State Representative Joshua Boschee (D), 30, was sworn in this week, becoming the first openly gay state representative in the state's history.

Tina Kotek (D) was sworn in this week as speaker of the Oregon House, becoming the first out lesbian to lead a state legislative chamber in the U.S. Former Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) has asked Governor Deval Patrick (D) to appoint him to the U.S. Senate temporarily if Sen. John Kerry is confirmed as the next Secretary of State.

Former Connecticut state legislator Andrew McDonald, an openly gay man, has been confirmed by the state legislature to become a justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court.

Mexico has eliminated the ban on blood donations from gay and bisexual men.

The Dutch island of Saba became the first Caribbean jurisdiction to allow same-sex couples to legally marry.

Israel's first transgender wedding took place in Ramat Gan toward the end of January.

The Board of Directors of GOProud formally endorsed same-sex marriage in a resolution adopted in early January.

(BuzzFeed.com; Reuters; Gay City News, New York; Bismarck Tribune; The Oregonian; Politico; AnimalPolitico.com; CTMirror.org; Washington Blade; MetroWeekly, Washington; The Times of Israel)

Newly elected Colorado House Speaker Mark Ferrandino (D) told colleagues he will work to pass a civil unions bill during this legislative session.

"We must acknowledge that all committed couples deserve equal protection under the law, forever end Colorado's 'hate state' nickname, and, with bipartisan cooperation, pass civil unions this year," Ferrandino said. (Denver Post)

A bill legalizing marriage equality in Illinois passed a key Senate committee, but lawmakers pushing the measure said time ran out to enact it in the last legislative session.

"The wind is at our backs," said Representative Greg Harris (D), the chief sponsor of the bill in the House, who predicted it would pass early in the legislative session that began January 9th. Senate President John Cullerton (D) said the bill would likely see more support in the next session. The decision to wait until new lawmakers are sworn in angered some activists, who promised to continue fighting for passage. (Windy City Times, Chicago)

The Montana Supreme Court, in a 4-3 decision, rejected a request by six same-sex couples to be given equal benefits be-

cause the couples' argument that the state's entire "statutory scheme" should be found unconstitutional was too broad of a request. Instead, Chief Justice Mike McGrath wrote, "It is this Court's opinion that Plaintiffs should be given the opportunity, if they choose to take it, to amend the complaint and to refine and specify the general constitutional challenges they have proffered." This is so, McGrath wrote, because "[b]roadly determining the constitutionality of a 'statutory scheme' that may, according to Plaintiffs, involve hundreds of separate statutes, is contrary to established jurisprudence. These are important issues and should be decided only after the statutes involved are specifically identified and specifically analyzed in district court proceedings." (BuzzFeed.com) Puerto Rico has scheduled debates on legislation making it a crime to discriminate against LGBT individuals in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Prospects for passage may have improved since the Popular Democratic Party gained control of Puerto Rico's legislature.

(Miami Herald)

A lesbian couple, legally married in Washington, DC, and expecting twins, could be separated next year as one is facing deportation to her native Peru upon expiration of her visa. The federal government doesn't allow married same-sex couples to sponsor their spouses for naturalization or green cards, a consequence of the Defense of Marriage Act, which Obama administration officials say they must continue to enforce until it is repealed by Congress. (Washington Post) (continued on page 12)

February 2013

CHALLENGE

Page 7

February 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 ♦ Jersey Shore Q-Spot, Asbury Park: www.jsqspot.org 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 6:30 pm - Yoga, Jersey City‡ 7:00 pm - GAAMC, Morristown (see page 2) 7:00 pm - Bowling, Union; merenl @ comcast.net 7:30 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 8:00 pm - Nutrition Seminar, Jersey City‡ 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 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

01 Fri 5:00 pm - Rainbow Mountain weekend, Marshalls Creek, PA; njlgh.onefireplace.com (see Bulletin Board, pg. 3) 7:00 pm - Positive Women peer support group, Hackensack* 7:30 pm - Karaoke, Highland Park† 02 Sat 2:30 pm - First and Third for GLBTI youth, Princeton; 609-683-5155; www.HiTOPS.org 03 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 04 Mon 7:00 pm - Support Group for Lesbians with Cancer, New Brunswick; 732-235-6781; slirzero @ umdnj.edu 7:00 pm - Lesbian Hot Topics, Asbury Park♦ 8:00 pm - Young Men's Social Network, Highland Park† 05 Tue 6:00 pm - Gay Pride Business Network, New Brunswick; www.GPBN.net 7:30 pm - LGBT Fellowship, Belleville; 973-751-0616

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 - Transview, Jersey City‡ 6:00 pm - SAGE, Jersey City‡ 6:00 pm - Cafe Q, Princetonλ 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 11:30 am - Living Beyond, Jersey City‡ 6:00 pm - Our Youth weekly support group, Jersey City; www.myspacenj.org 6:30 pm - Double Jeopardy peer support group, Hackensack* 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; mccliberator @ excite.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 7:30 pm - ComeOUT & Play, Highland Park† 7:30 pm - NJ Women Coming Out Support, Highland Park† 06 Wed 5:30 pm - Hudson County HIV/AIDS Services Planning Council, Jersey City‡ 7:30 pm - Gay Dad’s discussion group, Highland Park† 07 Thu 4:00 pm - The After School Hang Out, Highland Park† 6:00 pm - L-B-Q Women United, Jersey City‡ 7:00 pm - "Out on the Town" Happy Hour, Princetonλ 7:30 pm - Coffee Night, Edison; njlgh.onefireplace.com 08 Fri 7:30 pm - Rock Band/Guitar Hero, Highland Park† 09 Sat 1:00 pm - Youth Drop-In, Highland Park† 6:30 pm - Dinner, Wayne; www.meetup.com/North-Jersey-Primetimers 7:00 pm - Valentines Day Gala, Piscataway† (see Bulletin Board, p. 3) 7:30 pm - Movie Social, Highland Park†

Page 8 CHALLENGE February 2013 09 Sat 7:30 pm - Dignity New Brunswick gay Catholic liturgy; 732-968-9263; dignitynb @ earthlink.net

7:00 pm - Music Mondays, New York City; www.meetup.com/North-Jersey-Primetimers 8:00 pm - Young Men's Social Network, Highland Park†

10 Sun 6:00 pm - Gay Men’s Classical Song Club, Kingston; pbrown02 @ worldnet.att.net

19 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

11 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 12 Tue 7:00 pm - Bisexual, Bicurious, Highland Park† 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† 13 Wed 6:00 pm - Gay Pride Business Network, Asbury Park; www. GPBN.net 6:00 pm - Queering the Color Line family dinner, Princetonλ 6:00 pm - M-Power, Jersey City‡ 6:00 pm - Booked for Supper, Highland Park† 6:30 pm - North Jersey Prime Timers' monthly meetup, Little Falls; www.meetup.com/North-Jersey-Primetimers 7:00 pm - Card/Game Night, Jersey City‡ 14 Thu 6:30 pm - Volunteer orientation, Jersey City‡ 7:00 pm - Qspot Book Club, Point Pleasant♦ 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† 15 Fri 11:00 am - Ski Trip, Killington VT; www.meetup.com/North-Jersey-Primetimers 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 16 Sat 2:30 pm - First and Third for GLBTI youth, Princeton; 609-683-5155; www.HiTOPS.org 6:00 pm - Dancing under the Rainbow, Jersey City‡ (see Bulletin Board, pg. 3) 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 7:00 pm - Party, Hazlet; www.meetup.com/North-Jersey-Primetimers 7:30 pm - Games Night, Highland Park† 17 Sun 4:00 pm - Dignity Metro NJ Mass, Maplewood; 973-509-0118; Dignitymetronj @ msn.com 4:00 pm - TrueSelves trans support group, Highland Park† 18 Mon 7:00 pm - Support Group for Lesbians with Cancer, New Brunswick; 732-235-6781; slirzero @ umdnj.edu 7:00 pm - Lesbian Hot Topics, Asbury Park♦

20 Wed 5:00 pm - HIV+ Consumer Meeting, Jersey City‡ 7:30 pm - Havurah board meeting, Edison; njlgh.onefireplace.com 7:30 pm - United in Grace discussion/support group, Jersey City; 201-946-0650; greg.perez @ comcast.net 8:30 pm - Bowling, Boonton; www.meetup.com/North-Jersey-Primetimers 21 Thu 4:00 pm - The After School Hang Out, Highland Park† 4:30 pm - "A Conversation with the Crunk Feminist Collective", Princetonλ 6:00 pm - L-B-Q Women United, 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 22 Fri 1:00 pm - Women With Voices, Jersey City‡ 23 Sat 1:00 pm - Youth Drop-In, Highland Park† 7:00 pm - Gay Bowling, Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park; 732-776-6160 7:00 pm - Men's Potluck Dinner, Highland Park† 7:30 pm - Purim Karaoke Party & Pot Luck Dinner, Metuchen; program @ njhav.org 24 Sun 8:30 pm - Brunch, Jefferson; www.meetup.com/North-Jersey-Primetimers 7:00 pm - Oscar Night Party, Highland Park† 25 Mon 6:00 pm - Pride Dinner, Princetonλ 26 Tue 3:00 pm - Health Drop-In Hours, Princetonλ 7:00 pm - Bisexual, Bi-curious and Allies Support Group, Highland Park† 7:30 pm - Yoga for Men, Highland Park† 7:30 pm - Stonewall Democrats, Highland Park† 8:00 pm - Men's Social, Highland Park† 27 Wed 6:00 pm - Gay Pride Business Network, Asbury Park; www. GPBN.net 7:00 pm - Card/Game Night, Jersey City‡ 8:00 pm - Living Out Women, Highland Park† 28 Thu 6:30 pm - M_POWER Men's Group, Jersey City‡ 7:00 pm - Under the Rainbow, Highland Park†

February 2013

CHALLENGE

Page 9

Dancing To Architecture™: Music Reviews & News with a Queer Ear

by Bill Rea lma n Stella

Bill's Select List of 2013's Best New Albums BEGINS — Leading to the 150+ Favorite "Top 10" Albums™ of 2013 If people — people interested in Gay people, including you, my faithless readers — give a second thought to the idea of "Gay Music": music by Gay people, they typically think of: Lady Gaga, Martha Wash, Donna Summer: Not Gay people at all — Disco Divas.

Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, John Bucchino: Composers of Show Tunes, not usually performers themselves; so when people think of their songs they see dandy young men and Broadway belters instead.

Erasure, Bronski Beat: Dance-Pop Electronica with falsetto-voiced lead singers.

Adam Lambert, Freddie Mercury, Boy George, David Bowie: Call them flamboyant Pop-Rockers, also often falsetto-voiced.

The Indigo Girls, Sonia, Holly Near: Lesbian Folk-Rockers Tegan & Sara, Melissa Etheridge: Lesbian Rockers.

But there's so much more.

So much more that could bring us joy — if we'd let it.

So much more we could experience — if we would open our hearts to it.

Unfortunately, an audience has to care about music as culture instead of only as entertainment before they'll think twice about the myriad of ways Gay/BGILT/ Queer culture has touched and contributed to the culture of the United States and the world.

Of the dozens of under-appreciated ways Out Gay musicians impacted how the world sees itself, just a few examples of how not caring leads to a risk of great accomplishments vanishing from history, becoming relegated to nothing: It means nothing to most people that the Heavy Metal Rocker's songwriting style was honed by, performance style was partly codified by, and studded leather look was practically invented by Rob Halford of Judas Priest. Yup, Gay. It means nothing to most people that one of the few great post-Punk songwriters to push boundaries beyond where the

first flood of Punks left it is also Gay and also is the essential link between Punk and so-called "Grunge"/Alternative. And Bob Mould still makes critically acclaimed Rock albums as well continuing to explore Electronica. (He was an early adopter and innovator; see his album Modulate.) But no need to stop there.

Possibly furthest from people's minds is the thought of Gay folks in Country music. People almost never think of Country music harboring Gay musicians. I've written in this column about several Out musicians with Country music in their blood: singer-songwriter Mark Weigle and the duo Y'all, for instance. Only by embracing and exploring every aspect of her musical interests other than country has k. d. lang been able to have a broadly successful career. Of late, Chely Wright, a musician whose success (almost entirely within the Country market) includes a #1 Billboard Country chart hit, has received some attention in Lesbian and Gay circles by coming out, and has retained some affection and attention among Country and Americana fans too.

That word: Americana.

Think about it for a moment. At the intersection of Folk and Country, and Blues and Bluegrass and the regional flavors of New Orleans and Texas and California and elsewhere, a term was invented to attempt to say something about the character of the music pouring from throughout the U.S. in so many genres, about the character of musicians who are inspired by — who include in their sound, who share — a myriad of styles. Who, by pouring their souls into it, create something uniquely American.

Of course we Gay folks, since We Are Everywhere, have made contributions to Country music throughout its history, but more striking still has been our habit of blending styles and genres, from the earliest instances of self-identified Gay people making music until the "post-Gay" world of today. That's just what we do.

Very American of us.

Q Michael West ~ A Fond Farewell Country or Americana, whether you call it one of those or something else, A Fond Farewell is a very American album, and a very celebratory, open, Gay album. And, very much, music by men (mostly) who've taken good care of the threads of things along the way.

This is what music by caretakers sounds like: attentive but no-nonsense.

Maybe I praise albums so often it seems I do it too often.

Shamelessly, it's about to happen again.

No Fond Farewell in memory has been as welcome as Michael West's vibrant new album.

Full of genuine affection, songs written and selected with an ear for appreciating the finer non-things in life (friendship, aspiration, beauty, love), and produced in the spirit and the implementation of a true community, AFF is, remarkably, a consistently good labor of love.

Perhaps it is dangerous for me to praise and raise expectations.

Playing AFF won't set you off on an adrenaline rush from recognizing the Next New Big Thing in music.

But it does have a big-hearted, passionate, strong soul that's sticky as Velcro.

More than being AFFable, it's downright neighborly.

How could you not want these songs to move in next door?

It's possible you heard them building the house; you may have, in fact, heard the "digital preview" to AFF, titled Shine, which arrived in Spring 2012 containing more than half the songs which now belong to AFF. I have to apologize because, though my memory is fuzzy and I can't rightly recall whether I ever heard any full songs from Shine, I'm kicking myself for not hearing those songs' potential based on sample snippets I know I did listen to. (continued on next page)

Page 10 CHALLENGE February 2013 But there's nothing fuzzy about at all were made — the indicathese tracks other than the hairy tor of a well-done tailoring to Gay Beariness of West and most of an already fitting lyric, one of the men playing and singing on, the best I've ever heard. writing for, and producing the alI wish more singer-songwriters bum. would personalize songs writUnlike too many heartfelt, fullten by someone else — a "Folk hearted albums, they keep it warm tradition" completely available but never slide too far into soft to musicians in every genre. gooeyness.

As much care as Michael West These tracks growl, with electric and company have taken on A guitars simmering under melodic Fond Farewell, with an ear to surfaces, most notably on the title making just the right choices, track, and with soulful, confident such attention to detail and strength, such as in the vocals on what each song needs proves "Who Needs Love". they truly are caretakers.

The success of this album owes a =============== great deal to the extraordinary Zephyr and his Dads, Donald Williams & Michael West I just have to say: number of contributions by other We need "You Rock Me" in this sincere set It's not fun to live a lie.

Out Gay musicians. of songs.

Getting a few Out musicians to create and And the gay community stinks with lies.

It's a gutsy, pull-no-punches, "Rock me play together isn't entirely unusual — even I don't even write about the lies we tell daddy / Rock me hard!" romp. getting a cast of them to perform live ourselves about our social networks, our Not that one doubts these guys know together occurs not infrequently — but personal relationships, or our political lives. how to have fun, but we need the break getting many Out musicians to appear on I stick to music. it gives, particularly because the album the same album is rare and amazing, and And just sticking to music, the gay comalso includes songs which take a stand. is what West and Co. have accomplished. munity is sick with a mad insistence that Potentially an anti-Fracking anthem, (I've wondered aloud from time to time: our best is just the mindless feelgood "Something In The Water" begins well with Why not, so long as a big bunch of Out this lyric: "We tore a hole in the sky / We music of the crowd, or just as mindless, artists are coming together for an awards threw our future aside" mildly naughty stuff posing, unbelievashow or other event anyway, get to"What If" features the exciting Kendall bly, as transgressive. gether in a studio and at least record a Kelly and is "Dedicated to President BaIt's stuff that isn't great, but, by and number with lots of group vocals — but it rack Obama". never happened.) large, it's what most people say is great.

AFF exceeds my expectations in large It mostly sounds like lies and ignorance Michael West and company part because a deep sense of community to me. permeates it from beginning to end. truly are caretakers.

That stuff doesn't make any sense to me Not that other albums haven't received as "fun." the participation of over a dozen Out muWest says, "This song was finally finished But fun is what we aim for, they say. sicians before, but this large group of talin 2008 with the final verse being writFun. ents is at least as un-cliquish a bunch as ten by the incredible singer/songwriter People too often over the years seem to I've heard together on an album.

Ron Morris after our wonderful conversathink nothing I'm interested in is fun, and It's a rich list, trust me — but you needn't tion about politics and then-presidentialask "But what do you do for fun?", mystitake my word for it. hopeful Barack Obama. The song is now fied, I guess, that I don't golf or ski or sit If you're unfamiliar with anyone or all of kind of a musical prayer in hopes that the names below, feel free to search onaround in bars. the president wins four more years to line for their music and creativity (or folfinish the job and to continue his work My idea of fun is finding what rings true. low the links to their pages in Challenge toward equal rights for everyone!"

This "Realman" name I gave myself online) to hear and learn for yourself The personal becomes political — then counts for something, you see? what an extraordinary community of becomes personal all over again.

I write about good music to correct the recreative talents they are: We haven't had too many songs by Gay cord, so to speak, to re-focus on real music.

Don Harvey, Tommy Johns, Jeff Workdads for their sons.

I enjoy praising real, good music, not images. man, Steve Reeder, Derek Flodin, The Maybe my favorite track on AFF is West's I enjoy shining a light to draw attention Kentuckers, Freddy Freeman, Bryant successful and subtle transformation of to worthy works, to people expressing Keith, Jon Gilbert Leavitt, Yuri VilKenny Loggins' "Danny's Song" into well what makes them unique. lanueva, Toshio Alan Mana, Namoli "Zephyr's Song". You might be familiar And shining a light to an empty room isn't Brennet, Tony Joe Morales, Hawligh with the Anne Murray recording, the fun either.

Beefroy, Jay Freeman, Kendall Kelly, song with this chorus: Rachel Rodriguez, Daniel Cartier, Sean And even though we ain't got money / Shining a light for people who aren't cuImler, Troy Rusnack, Joe Hogue, I'm so in love with you honey / rious, are only interested in culture as Seaney P, DJ Williams, Little Zephyr, Everything will bring a chain of love. // entertainment — mostly as cheap enterScott Blanton, Chad Ruesch, Ron MorAnd in the mornin' when I rise / tainment — isn't fun. ris, Brandon Crow, Joshua Niles, Andy You bring a tear of joy to my eyes / Nor is acting like I ought to respect the Northrup, Roger Mapes, Jonell Mosser And tell me everything's gonna be all right. opinions of people who wouldn't be Jonell Mosser duets gorgeously on a Renamed for the son Michael West has caught dead respecting mine.

Wynonna Judd song, "When I Reach The with his husband Donald Williams, the Just had to say that.

Place I'm Going". You might say she's an few adjustments made to the lyrics are "unknown" background singer with a reDancing To Architecture™ ©2013 Bill Stella. All ©, refreshing without distracting. ® & ™ items included in the column for review sume a mile long of well-known recordIf one didn't know the original, one purposes are ©, ® & ™ their respective owners.

The stylized Q indicates albums by (or significantly ing artists with which she has worked, would never have guessed any changes contributed to by) Out Bisexuals, Gay Men, including Ms. Judd.

Lesbians and Transgendered persons.

February 2013

CHALLENGE

Page 11

THE (not-so) L ITTLE B OX OF CONCERTS ™ GET OUT OF THE HOUSE! HAVE AN ADVENTURE! TAKE A CHANCE ON SOME OF THE BEST NEW BANDS IN

NJ!

THE TINY GIANT WINTER BEACH BALL

February 8, 9 & 10 @ The Court Tavern, Asbury Lanes Maxwell's, & The Lamp Post [As posted on its Facebook Event page, see http://tinyurl.com/tinygiantwinterbeachball ]: "Winter's here and it's only getting colder. So what better time to throw a three day, four venue ROCKATHON with some of the best bands in New Jersey?!

(The correct answer is there is no better time.

Except maybe summer. But fuck it, right?)

Yea dude. February 8, 9 and 10, 2013, the stages at The Court Tavern, Asbury Lanes, The Lamp Post and Maxwell's will be graced by 30+ Tiny Giant Bands."

Friday, Feb 8 th - Court Tavern 124 Church St, New Brunswick First band: 8 pm Rocky Catanese (Let Me Run) - www.letmerun.net/ Sara - saratheband.com/ Science - science1.bandcamp.com/ Paper Streets - www.facebook.com/PaperStreetsBand Vasudeva - vasudeva.bandcamp.com/ The Humbolds - (Members of Green Paper, Debut Show) Saturday Feb 9 th - Asbury Lanes 209 4th Ave, Asbury Park First band: 11:30 am The Everymen killinghorserecords.com/artists/theeverymen/ Those Mockingbirds - www.thosemockingbirds.com/ Holy City Zoo - holycityzoo.bandcamp.com/ Secret Country - secretcountryband.com/ Life Eaters - lifeeaters.bandcamp.com/ Thomas Francis Takes His Chances ThomasFrancisTakesHisChances.bandcamp.com/ Cinema Cinema - www.cinemacinemaband.com/ Dad Brother - dadbrother.bandcamp.com/ Meet Pause - meetpause.bandcamp.com/ Cicada Radio - cicada-radio.bandcamp.com/ Zac Clark & the Griswolds ZacClarkandtheGriswolds.bandcamp.com/ Lionel Pryor - lionelpryor.bandcamp.com/ Janet LaBelle - www.janetlabelle.com/ Lost Romance - lostromance.net/ Sunday, Feb 10 th The Lamp Post -382 2nd St, Jersey City First band: 3pm 382 2nd St, Jersey City Slow Moves - www.facebook.com/SlowMovesNJ The Dark Matters - thedarkmatters.bandcamp.com/ Invisible Lines killinghorserecords.com/artists/invisible-lines/ Cotton - www.cottonband.com/ Maxwell’s - 1039 Washington St, Hoboken First band: 6pm I Am The Heat - www.iamtheheat.com/ Morning - morning.bandcamp.com/ Vows - vowsmusic.com/ France - francetheband.bandcamp.com/ Pour the Pirate Sherry pourthepiratesherry.bandcamp.com/ Reese Van Riper - reesevanriper.bandcamp.com/

28TH ANNUAL BISTRO AWARDS GALA

Monday, MARCH 4, 6:30 pm Gotham Comedy Club 208 West 23rd Street, NYC, NY Honoring Lainie Kazan, Maurice Hines, Jenifer Lewis, Justin Vivian Bond & Alec Mapa, among other winners (New York City, January 14, 2013) — Legendary singer-actress Lainie Kazan and versatile performer Maurice Hines will be honored, along with 16 others, at the 28th Annual Bistro Awards gala, which recognizes outstanding achievement in New York cabaret, jazz, and comedy. The evening will once again be co-hosted by comedian and actor Jim David, and will feature performances from most of this year’s Bistro-winning artists.

Ms. Kazan, who has entertained audiences on stage and screen and in nightclubs since the 1960s— from "Funny Girl" to "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," from Mr. Kelly's to Feinstein's at Loews Regency—will receive the Bob Harrington Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr. Hines, the celebrated actor, dancer and choreographer who started on TV variety shows in the 1950s and went on to a Tony Award-nominated career on Broadway, is being honored for his Enduring Artistry.

Other Bistro Awards go to Mx. Justin Vivian Bond, the Tony Award-nominated performance artist, for Singular Artistry; film, TV and stage star Jenifer Lewis and her show "Black Don't Crack" for Dazzling Return to New York Cabaret; and Broadway and symphony conductor Barry Levitt, who is music director for many of nightlife's biggest names, for Ongoing Musical Excellence.

Two Special Awards will be presented: to Jack Kleinsinger, whose concert series "Highlights in Jazz" has been presenting major jazz performers for 41 seasons, and to Ben Rimalower, the writer and performer of the poignant and hilarious solo play "Patti Issues," which has been extended four times at the Duplex.

Alec Mapa will be honored for his comedy monologue "Baby Daddy." Tanya Holt will be recognized for her achievements as a Vocalist and Deanna Kirk as Jazz Vocalist. Michael Hughes wins a Bistro Award for his debut New York show, "Mickey and Judy," the musical memoir that was the hit of the 2011 Toronto Fringe Festival. T. Oliver Reid is being recognized with a Bistro for Theme Show for his show "Drop Me Off in Harlem," which marked his debut at Feinstein's at Loews Regency last fall. Mary Liz McNamara, already honored

by BMI for outstanding creative achievement in musical theatre, will take home the Bistro Award for Songwriter.

In addition, the Bistro Awards will honor two very special new recordings. Catherine Russell, the versatile singer whose CDs have topped both the Billboard charts and the Village Voice's Jazz Critics poll, has impressed the jazz world yet again with the 2012 album Strictly Romancin'. Moira Danis features many genres of music to highlight the connections between friends, lovers, relatives and strangers on her new CD, Some People's Lives.

Go to www.bistroawards.com for tickets.

For additional information, please call 646-637-2806 or 917-239-5467.

Good Eats!

Recipes from the Easton Farmers Market Warm Leek and Apple Salad 2 tablespoons butter, divided 2 large leeks, greens removed and thinly sliced 2 apples, cored, peeled, and thinly sliced Salt and pepper to taste In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat.

Add the sliced leeks and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Remove leeks and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté sliced apples in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over high heat until golden brown, about 3 minutes. In a medium bowl, toss warm leeks and apples together.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serves 2.

Spicy Squash Soup 1 tablespoon butter 1 medium onion, chopped 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme 1 butternut squash (2 ½ to 3 lbs), peeled and cut in 1 inch cubes 2 cups chicken stock 1 dried chipotle pepper Salt 1/4 cup finely ground toasted almonds (optional) 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup heavy cream

In a soup pot, heat butter. Add onions and thyme and saute until onions are soft, about 10 minutes.

Add squash; cover with stock. Bring to a simmer, and cook until squash is soft.

Puree the soup until smooth; if using a food processor or blender, puree in batches. Once smooth, add the whole chipotle (do not break up). Simmer for 20 minutes.

Season to taste with salt and add the almonds, milk, and cream. If soup is too thick, add more broth or milk.

Remove chipotle before serving.

Top soup with snipped chives, a dollop of sour cream, toasted almonds, or crispy crumbled bacon. Serves 6. You may use pumpkin or other types of squash as a substitute; use enough to make approximately 3 cups of mashed squash or pumpkin.

Page 12 CHALLENGE February 2013

Thar Be “Dragons”

Sherri Rase reviews Dragons Walk Among Us A novel by Jackson von Altek The idea that creatures who appear to be, but are not, human has long been a part of fantasy, whether it be romantic (current vampire and werewolf blockbuster story lines) or nefarious (pod people, zombies and more) or supranatural. Jackson von Altek’s book Dragons Walk Among Us provides all three, and with a twist — a very delicious twist.

Malcolm is a young and handsome artist living in Paris. He’s very kind but has a tragic past that is more tragic than most. He’s a starving artist and rare bookseller who is living on the street with a large furry companion, Chevalier, a Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog. Malcolm and Trechus, a very handsome and very crushingly lonely college professor, lock eyes and a frisson of electricity makes a crucial connection for them both. Trechus is very nearly an anagram of “secret”; he’s certainly got a few that Malcolm may want to know. Fans of fantastical creatures or those who believe that within us all there are untapped resources yet to be named will enjoy this read.

Paris is an exotic location but you won’t just see the beauty. It is both sleeping on the streets and gritty Giovanni’s Room down-and-out. It is old money, antiques, and tapestries.

It is a cavalcade of characters who are violent, loving, seductive, exotic, and as true to one another as it’s possible to be, who have interesting appetites and an odd idea of fun. It is the Gold versus the Black with a wee grace note of White. If you are mystified now, it won’t take long for you to lose yourself in the Montmartre — only to emerge ready to hunt the next installment in this addictive story.

Best of all, from my perspective, is that Jackson von Altek is homegrown talent, weaving his webs of intrigue near the gold dome of Trenton. (Perhaps that’s where some of the Black Dragon inspiration emanates.) The author will be visiting GAAMC on February 11 to speak about his work. He’ll have books and a Sharpie with him, so if you’re looking for something for Valentine’s Day, an autographed volume makes a splendid gift.

Sex, violence and other worldly creatures: Dragons Walk Among Us is a romp of a mid-Winter read.

Dragons Walk Among Us is published by Intelligentia Entertainment Development Corp., available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble in print, Kindle and Nook versions.

Top to bottom: Michael Triplett, Spencer Cox, Jeanne Manford

Gleanings

(continued from page 6) Individuals in Sweden wishing to legally change their sex will no longer be forcibly sterilized, as a court decision last month declared the requirement unconstitutional.

Sixteen European countries still mandate sterilization for those who undergo sex reassignment surgery. (Time) A court in Cameroon upheld a three-year prison sentence against Jean-Claude Roger Mbede. Mbede was convicted of sending a text message to another man that read, "I'm very much in love with you." Cameroon prosecutes suspected gays at a higher rate than do other African nations that penalize homosexual conduct, according to Human Rights Watch. (ABC News) San Francisco Supervisor David Campos (D) is readying legislation that seeks to honor slain civil rights leader Harvey Milk by adding his name to San Francisco International Airport. The bill would allow voters to decide the issue.

"San Francisco has always been at the forefront of the fight for LGBT equality, and so people come here from around the country and around the world because of that, and for 40 million people a year to land at Harvey Milk International Airport sends an incredible message to the world," said Supervisor Scott Wiener (D), who supports the measure. (San Francisco Chronicle) Michael Triplett, president of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA), succumbed to HPVrelated oral cancer at the age of 48. Although Triplett, an assistant managing editor at Bloomberg-BNA who guided coverage of tax and labor issues, had been president for only a few months, he frequently served on NLGJA panels dealing with legal matters. He played a key role in having NLGJA join UNITY: Journalists for Diversity, becoming one of NLGJA's first representatives to the UNITY board. Triplett was also a principle contributor to NLGJA's RE:ACT blog. Triplett is survived by his partner. (Advocate.com) AIDS activist Spencer Cox, co-founder of ACT-UP and the Treatment Action Group (TAG), has died of AIDS-related causes at the age of 44. Among his other work, Cox was responsible for communications and policy for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amFAR); cofounder of what became the AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA), running public affairs and editing all publications; and Director of the HIV Project for TAG, doing groundbreaking work in drug trials designs.

Cox was featured in the Academy Award-nominated documentary How to Survive a Plague. (Advocate.com) Jeanne Manford, who along with her husband was a cofounder of PFLAG, died at her home in California at the age of 92. Manford's son Morty was a victim of gay bashing during a demonstration by the Gay Activists Alliance in 1972 in which police failed to intervene. The incident inspired her to write a letter, published in the New York Post; the response encouraged her to join Morty at the 1972 Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day Parade. The support she received for her participation encouraged her to reach out to other parents of gay children, leading to the first meeting of PFLAG in 1973. Manford's surviving family has requested donations be made to the Jeanne Manford Legacy Fund to support the ongoing work of PFLAG National. (Bay Windows, Boston)

February 2013

CHALLENGE

Page 13

Minutes of the GAAMC Board of Trustees Meeting, November 15, 2012 Attendance Voting Trustees: DeLeeuw, Dinkin, Kennedy, Rubin, Sauer, Skurna, Suiter Non-Voting Attendees: Sean Byrne, Allen Neuner, Robin Schneider The meeting began at 7:11 pm.

I. Adoption of minutes: The minutes of October 18th, 2012 were approved unanimously (Moved, Kennedy; seconded, Dinkin) II. Old Business: GSA Forum: GAAMC has registered at a table for this event, to be held November 17th. Gordon, Mickey, and John plan to attend.

JBWS: The Board is waiting to hear from Jersey Battered Women's Services regarding its grant application to form an advisory board on teen dating issues.

III. New Business: Hurricane Relief: Sean Byrne asked that GAAMC provide help for hurricane victims. The Board decided to combine the holiday social and holiday show and make them a fundraiser.

Thanksgiving Dinner: Charlie needs help setting up. People have signed up to prepare entrees which will be served in the dining room. Desserts will be served in the front room. Tickets will be given to those donating food.

IV. Reports: President: Mickey Suiter — No report.

Treasurer: Andy Skurna — Written report on file.

Secretary: Gordon Sauer — No report.

VP Operations: — open Challenge: Allen Neuner — The deadline for the Winter issue (December/January) is November 15th. There was no November issue due to the storm. Advertisers will get one extra month of ads.

Member Services/Front Desk: Allen Neuner — No report.

Programs: Sherri Rase — No report.

Public Relations: Andy Skurna — No report.

Volunteerism: Sherri Rase — No report.

Discussion Group Resources: Gordon Sauer — Written report on file.

Socials: Charlie Murphy — See "New Business".

VP Community Services: Kerry Dinkin — Kerry has been returning calls, some of which have been "colorful".

Activism: Andy Skurna — No report.

Fundraising: Andy Skurna — Five items from the Ruby Ball silent auction have never been claimed. The second highest bidders have one week to claim their items.

Pride Guide: Andy Skurna — No report.

Membership: Andy Skurna — There were five renewals in the past month.

Speakers' Bureau: Chris Selitto — Chris is moving to Delaware and giving up his chairmanship as of January 1st.

Webmaster: Andy Skurna — The website has been updated. Andy has been considering a potential Facebook class in Boonton.

Archives: Mickey Suiter — No report.

Information: Mitch Rubin — No report.

V. Save These Dates: November 19th, GAAMC Gives Thanks; December 20th, next Board meeting.

VI. Ideas & Suggestions: Essence of Cher needs a tiara. Andy will get one.

VII. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn passed unanimously (Moved, Sauer; seconded, Dinkin).

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.

Minutes of the GAAMC Board of Trustees Meeting, December 20, 2012 Attendance Voting Trustees: DeLeeuw, Kennedy, Rubin, Skurna, Suiter Non-Voting Attendees: Sue Harris, Allen Neuner, Robin Schneider The meeting began at 7:20 pm.

I. Adoption of minutes: The minutes of October 18th, 2011 were not approved due to lack of a quorum.

II. Old Business: New Alternatives Fundraiser: The fundraiser was a huge success with hundreds of pounds of clothing, 3 boxes of books, toiletries, food items, and $501 in cash donations.

III. New Business: 2013 Committees: Andy suggested shutting down incomplete committees. Members of the Speakers Bureau must become members for insurance reasons. There will be a new Bylaws Committee. Allen suggested creating a Board calendar of upcoming events.

Board Retreat: Possible venues are Gordon and Jav's home or "Light on Main" on either January 19th or January 26th.

[Editor's note: the Board retreat was held at Gordon and Jav's home on January 26th.]

IV. Reports: President: Mickey Suiter — No report.

Treasurer: Andy Skurna — Written report on file.

Secretary: Gordon Sauer — No report.

VP Operations: — open Challenge: Allen Neuner — There is no January issue.

Many members were at the fundraiser, giving Allen an opportunity to distribute Challenge.

Member Services/Front Desk: Allen Neuner — No report.

Programs: Sherri Rase — No report.

Public Relations: Andy Skurna — Andy was interviewed for Rainbow Cafe Morris by the Daily Record.

Volunteerism: Sherri Rase — No report.

Discussion Group Resources: Gordon Sauer — Written report on file.

Socials: Charlie Murphy — See "New Business".

VP Community Services: Kerry Dinkin — No report.

Activism: Andy Skurna — No report.

Fundraising: Andy Skurna — No report.

Pride Guide: Andy Skurna — Pride Guides have been distributed to different groups including Rainbow Cafe Bergen, plus requests from DYFS and RU Pride.

Membership: Andy Skurna — No report.

Speakers' Bureau: Chris Selitto — No report.

Webmaster: Andy Skurna — The Facebook group has 191 members. The Constant Contact list has 773 members.

Archives: Mickey Suiter — No report.

Information: Mitch Rubin — No report.

V. Save These Dates: January 7th, Fresh Perspective; January 17th, next Board meeting.

VI. Ideas & Suggestions: Mickey was thanked for his service as President.

VII. Adjournment: No motion was made due to lack of a quorum.

The meeting adjourned at 8:23 pm.

Page 14 CHALLENGE February 2013

GAY ACTIVIST ALLIANCE IN MORRIS COUNTY

Officers President (President @ GAAMC.org) — Andy Skurna VP Community Services (Info @ GAAMC.org) — Kerry Dinkin VP Operations — John DeLeeuw Secretary (Secretary @ GAAMC.org) — Gordon Sauer Treasurer (Treasurer @ GAAMC.org) — vacant Trustees 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) Info Table 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)

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.

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

PREVIEWS OF COMING ATTRACTIONS! February 11th

February 18th

February 25th

Book Signing

Valentine's Day Social

Come Out and Play!

See "GAAMC Events", page 2, for more details!