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 2, March 2013
Divided We Fall? by Andy Skurna
One of the qualities that has long set GAAMC apart from other LGBTI social/support organizations has been our diversity. I have been very proud of our welcoming, open door policy. We have united to help battered women. We have been audience to presentations about civil rights beyond LGBT rights. We have learned about the broadest of health topics. We have discussed and debated many differing religious views. For many years our discussion groups and programs have been designed to bring the different subgroups of the sexual minority population together. For a few hours each week, we share the rare opportunity to unite into the majority. At GAAMC it doesn’t matter what your sexual orientation or sexual identity, you may count yourself among the majority. Over the past few months I have witnessed a disturbing trend that I hope we can correct. People seem to be withdrawing into polarizing subgroups. When we host a movie night showing a film that focuses on lesbian life, few men attend. When we scheduled a visit by someone from Morristown Memorial Hospital to talk about the status of HIV/AIDS, testing opportunities, and possible treatment resources there was only one female in the building. What has happened? Has your brain become so full that you cannot hold any more information about an epidemic that affects us all? Have you successfully carved out your little space in the world where you no longer have to interact with anyone other than lesbians? Gay men, has your life become so fabulous that you no longer have fight to protect your rights? Or perhaps you think you know enough gay men that you can rally enough votes from gay men that you can sway an election. Gay men, lesbians, and transgender people are still being attacked on our streets. Our kids are still killing themselves. Our houses of worship are still supporting and exporting hate. Bisexuals are still complaining about feeling invisible. The transgender community is still complaining about a lack of support from the rest of our community. Just this week a 23-year old gay man and his partner were photographed, then attacked on a NYC subway train…and none of the other passengers helped. New Jersey still has the densest concentration of hate groups in the nation. The legislative districts along our northern and southern borders are still controlled by right wing fanatics who do not hesi-
tate to deny opportunities and rights to our youth, or our adults… To us! In case you haven’t noticed, New Jersey’s fight for marriage equality is back, and gaining in strength, in volume and public attention. Support is pouring in from national organizations. And, as this gubernatorial election year progresses, I can guarantee this issue will play an increasing role for the battle for our state’s highest office. What will the army for equality look like this round? Will we once again leave it up to middle-aged, gay, white men and college kids? The time to enlarge and diversify our forces is right now. Hopefully, you have broken out of the closet. Now, let’s make sure we don’t lock our minds, hearts, and souls in new closets! We can only make progress when we unite, and GAAMC provides ample opportunity for unity. But, you have to show up, you have to speak up, you have to put up, and then show up again. Show up to tell us about your life. Show up to learn what your neighbors are doing. Find out what kind of help you can offer. Build a larger circle of friends and support so that when you (and your community) need help...there is someone you can call on.
Inside Challenge Challenge Information.... ................................ page 2 GAAMC Events.............................................. page 2 The Bulletin Board......................................... page 3 Committee Spotlight: Program Committee........... page 3 Gleanings: Queer news from around the world .... page 4 Committee Spotlight: Information Committee....... page 6 My Stonewall Story......................................... page 6 This Month's Contributors................................ page 6 Calendar ..................................................... page 7 Dancing to Architecture: music reviews............. page 9 The Little Box of Concerts.............................. page 11 Poetry....................................................... page 11 Film Review: Mea Maxima Culpa..................... page 12 GAAMC Board Minutes, January 2013................ page 13 Good Eats! recipes....................................... page 13 GAAMC Information...................................... page 14
Page 2 CHALLENGE March 2013 CHALLENGE Volume 39, Number 2 March 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 March 2013 Discussion Groups OpenTalk: A regular weekly discussion group, open to all. 7:00, in the Library. Moderators: Elias (Mar. 11, 18); Gordon (Mar. 18, 25). Topic for March 25: Let's talk about sex! Discussion group does not meet on Film Festival nights; a discussion inspired by the film may follow the screening. Committee Meetings All committee meetings are open to members and guests. This month: March 4, Program Committee; March 18, Information Committee. 7:00; locations to be announced. Main Events [All start at 8:00 unless otherwise listed.] March 4: March is Sex Month at GAAMC! We celebrate the more physical aspect of chemistry, starting with the new movie Bear City 2, a romantic comedy that takes us to Provincetown for drama, love, and laughter! Whether you're a bear, someone who loves bears, or just want to visit the zoo for a look-see, join us for fun and fur. Note: We gather for the movie at 7:00. March 11 – Love and Other Disasters: What was your best date? What was your worst experience? Have you ever tried to do something sassy and sexy only to have it work out not-quite-as-planned? Come share your Stories of love and the things we do for it with your GAAMC friends tonight! March 18 – Sal Susino is one of the best known movers and shakers in the New Jersey Leather/SM/ BD community. Sal and other members of the community arrive tonight to have a very bold discussion, dispel myths, and whet your appetite for gaining and losing control. March 25 – Our friends from Hyacinth will continue GAAMC's annual Sex Month tradition of facilitating "Everything You Didn’t Know About Sex and Didn’t Know to Ask". Hyacinth AIDS Foundation in New Brunswick has been on the forefront of HIV/AIDS education and services for nearly 30 years. Test your knowledge against their expert educators and find out more about their work!
Coming in April! April 1: – Open Mic Night. No fooling, GAAMC's Got Talent! Welcome to GAAMC’s first Open Mic Night of 2013! Can you sing? Dance? Do magic tricks? Write and read poetry? Bring it on! Contact Sherri at Programs @GAAMC.org for your 5 minute spot. Have more than one performance piece prepared? You may get a shot at an encore performance! April 8: GAAMC Film Festival Presents: Jean Cocteau's Orphée is the tale of the myth of Orpheus, set in 1950's Paris with, naturally, a French flair. Prior to the showing, Martin will give us his insights on the brilliance and history of Cocteau as a film maker. An ancient tale with a modern flair — irrésistible! Note: The movie will start at 7:00. Note: All programs and discussion groups are subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, go to GAAMC.org.
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Bulletin Board The Center for Spiritual Living in Morristown announces the fifth annual Awaken! International Spiritual Film Festival, March 1 thru 3. Two films of interest to the GLBT communities will be shown on Saturday, March 2: at 4 pm, the short film I Am a Girl! from the Netherlands, followed at 4:20 pm by the feature length documentary Born Equal. For more information, check out the festival's web page. www.AwakenSpiritualFilmFestival.org Our Youth is sending out the call for two terrific events in March! The first is their Cheesecake Fundraiser, raising funds for the Our Youth Diversity Scholarship Program. The 4 pound cheesecakes come in 10 delicious flavors. Each cheesecake costs $20 and the order deadline is March 7, so call Rob De Anthony at 201-839-5869 now! The second event is Our Youth's After Expo Extravaganza on March 9 at Pieces Bar in New York City. Hosted by Miss Big Apple New York Tiffany Richards, this event, featuring music and entertainment, asks only a $5 donation per person to benefit the Our Youth Diversity Scholarship Program. And if you're coming to the Extravaganza, come to Our Youth's table at the 20th Annual GLBT Business Expo all day March 9 at the Jacob Javitz Center in midtown Manhattan! The After Expo Extravaganza's Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/events/139972589501978/ GLBT of Hunterdon County invites you to "Stand Up! Speak Out!", a music-based crash course on turning bystanders into allies in the fight against bullying. Breakin’ down bias and bullying — from xenophobia to homophobia — through the compelling lyrics and irresistible beats of interactive music: That's the mission of this engaging program by educator/ musician Susan "Sooz" Goodman. Sooz opens the ears and minds of even the savviest listeners with a blend of urban, Afro-beat, latin, jazz, and pop-influenced original songs. The event takes place Tuesday, March 19th, from 7 to 9 pm at the North County Branch Library in Clinton. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Matthew Loscialo at 908-300-1236 or 908-300-1058.
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
Our Youth wants all high school seniors to remember that the deadline for applying for an Our Youth Diversity Scholarship is April 1st! That's the date when all applications must be received by Our Youth. For more information, contact Rob De Anthony at 201-839-5869.
start at the Governor Morris Hyatt hotel and head to the Morristown Green for a rally with speakers. On Saturday, May 4th at 9:00 am, an information workshop will be held on the issues surrounding marriage equality. More information will be released closer to the event, so watch this space!
Coming April 29, GAAMC is back with Pastabilities, the popular fundraiser which features Italian specialties and desserts created and served by GAAMC's Board members and volunteers! And it's only $10 per person! Mark your calendars to reserve April 29! Mangia bene, paisans!
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/
The Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, in co-operation with Unitarian churches in Summit, Plainfield, and Princeton, will be holding a two-day public event for marriage equality in Morristown. At 5:30 pm on Friday, May 3rd, marchers will
Committee Spotlight
Program Committee (Programs@GAAMC.org) For 2013 Sherri Rase has agreed to remain as our Program Chairwoman. Although she has been doing a great job, after so many years we can use some fresh ideas and fresh muscle. Sherri plans to host several open Program Committee meetings where you will be invited to bring us your requests, suggestions, and offers to help. You don’t need to be a celebrity or a political powerhouse! If you have a talent you’d like to share, let us know. If you have a particular hobby and think it would be of interest to others then offer a program on that theme. You can speak yourself, or bring in some friends who also share your interest. It isn’t difficult, and we are happy to work with you. You should be aware that programs are scheduled 6 to 8 weeks in advance. So, speak with Sherri now if you’d like to help out in March, April, or beyond.
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Queer news from around the world Gay Boy Scouts and their supporters delivered 1.4 million petition signatures to Boy Scouts of America headquarters in a bid to pressure the organization to allow local branches to admit openly gay scouts and leaders. The effort also got the backing of President Barack Obama, who in a pre-Super Bowl interview said the BSA should change its longstanding policy. The Boy Scouts of America announced it would delay action until May on a proposal to drop its nationwide ban on openly gay scouts and leaders. The organization said it would consider allowing local councils to decide whether gays would be admitted, generating opposition from both religious conservatives, who condemn the proposed change, and GLBT advocates, who say the measure doesn't go far enough. (The New York Times; Dallas Morning News) The reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act passed the U.S. Senate with new provisions that would explicitly extend the law’s coverage to LGBT Americans. For it to pass, the House must now take it up, but some Republicans are opposed to the new LGBT-inclusive language. (ABC News) A letter asking President Barack Obama to issue an executive order banning LGBT employment discrimination by federal contractors has been signed by 37 U.S. senators. “[Y]ou are in a position to protect millions of American workers immediately by including sexual orientation and gender identity alongside long-standing anti-discrimination protections," the letter reads. Signers include the majority of Senate Democrats. (The Washington Post) Both houses of Congress saw legislation proposed that would enable U.S. military personnel who are legally married to same-sex spouses to gain full spousal and family benefits. In the Senate, the Charlie Morgan Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act is named after New Hampshire National Guardsman Charlie Morgan, who died from breast cancer earlier this month. Her widow, now a single parent to the couple's 5-year-old daughter, is ineligible for survivor benefits. "The story of Charlie Morgan offers a powerful example of why we need immediate action to end LGBT discrimination in our military," said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), who introduced the legislation along with co-sponsor Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). (Metro Weekly, Washington DC) The Department of Veterans Affairs will allow the same-sex spouse of a veteran to be buried at Willamette National Cemetery in Oregon. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki based the decision on evidence of a "committed relationship between the individual and the veteran," the VA said in a statement. The so-called Defense of Marriage Act generally forbids veterans benefits for same-sex spouses, but Shinseki has the authority to approve individual requests. (San Francisco Chronicle) The Pentagon directed that the partners and spouses of military personnel in same-sex relationships be able to carry military identification cards that allows them access to base commissaries and some programs which benefit military families. Activists hailed the limited steps, but called for further action to make benefits such as health care and housing, currently blocked by the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, available. (MetroWeekly, Washington, DC) The Illinois Senate passed a marriage equality bill, sending the measure to the House and moving the state closer to becoming the 10th to grant same-sex couples the right to marry. "Martin Luther King once said, 'The moral arc of the
universe is long, but it always bends toward justice.' And today, we have an opportunity, each and every one of us, to put our hands on that arc and bend it toward what's fair and what's right," Senator Toi Hutchinson (D) said during the debate on the bill. Governor Pat Quinn (D) has pledged to sign the legislation if it reaches his desk. (Chicago Sun-Times) Minnesota Senator Scott Dibble (DFL) said he plans to introduce a bill to legalize gay marriage in the state. Dibble believes this legislation has the momentum to pass after voters defeated a constitutional amendment that would’ve strengthened the existing gay marriage ban. State Representative Karen Clark (DFL) is expected to introduce a similar bill in the House. Neither she nor Dibble expect a vote on their bills until later this session after the Minnesota Legislature passes budget bills. Governor Mark Dayton (DFL) has said he will sign a bill legalizing same-sex marriage if it reaches his desk. (WCCO-TV, Minneapolis) LGBT advocacy group Basic Rights Oregon announced it will collect signatures to put a question on the 2014 ballot that could bring marriage equality to the state. "I think people are really coming to understand that marriage is unique and special and you don’t want to deny that to anybody else," said Jeana Frazzini, the group’s executive director. One poll released last December found 51% of Oregonians favored allowing same-sex couples to wed. (The Oregonian) The Faith and Freedom Coalition is circulating a petition demanding that Washington's National Cathedral stop receiving federal funds because of its recent decision to host weddings of same-sex couples. The 107-year-old Episcopal cathedral often hosts religious events of national importance, such as presidential funerals and inaugural prayer events. The National Park Service recently awarded a grant of $700,000 to the cathedral, which is in the midst of repairing damage from an August 2011 earthquake. (Washington Blade) Virginia's House of Delegates' General Laws Committee blocked legislation that sought to ban LGBT employment discrimination for state employees. Delegate C. Todd Gilbert (R) said there was no evidence presented to the Subcommittee on Professions/Occupations and Administrative Process that showed the issue was a problem. The Virginia Senate had earlier passed the bill by a vote of 24 to 16. (ThinkProgress.org) Indiana's legislature will take another year to debate whether the state’s ban on same-sex marriage should be added to the state constitution. Legislative leaders, even as they believe it is time to weigh in on the issue, decided to postpone until next year the necessary and final vote in the Indiana General Assembly. Senate President Pro Tempore David Long (R) and House Speaker Brian Bosma (R) said the delay will let lawmakers hear first from the U.S. Supreme Court, which is expected to rule this year on two cases: the constitutionality of California's Proposition 8 that limits marriage to one man and one woman, and of DOMA that bars same-sex couples by federal law from benefits available to heterosexual couples. (The Indianapolis Star) Wyoming's House of Representatives killed a bill that would have allowed same-sex couples to form domestic partnerships. Proponents of the bill said it would grant both same-sex couples and other citizens a way to share property (continued on next page)
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(continued from previous page) and make health care decisions for each other; opponents warned the bill would open the state to legal action seeking to force it to approve same-sex marriage. (Billings Gazette) Hawaii's House Judiciary Committee has decided not to schedule a hearing for a bill that would legalize gay marriage, which means the issue is likely tabled for this legislative session. The decision came on the day that about 150 supporters of gay marriage gathered at the state Capitol to call on legislators to take up a bill before it was too late. State Representative Karl Rhoads (D), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said that after polling his colleagues he determined there was not the political will for a marriage equality bill this session. (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)
us on our merits,” Wynne said in her victory speech. Globe and Mail, Toronto)
(The
Germany's Federal Constitutional Court ruled that one member of a civil partnership should be able to adopt the partner's stepchild or adopted child. Until now, they could only adopt a partner's biological child. The court ordered the government to draw up new legislation by next June. It said the German constitution doesn't justify ruling out one partner adopting the other's adopted child. (FoxNews.com)
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, an openly gay man, stated to the Russian ambassador in Berlin that draft legislation in Russia that would outlaw "homosexual propaganda" President Barack Obama said he believes LGBT families violates the European human rights convention, and its passage should be treated the same as other families under U.S. would damage relations between Russia and Europe. The legisimmigration laws, but stopped short of saying he would fight lation, aimed at curbing promotion of homosexuality among to include them in an immigration reform bill that's working minors, passed an initial vote in the Russian parliament and is set for a second reading in the its way through Congress. "What I’m trying to do right spring. (Reuters) now is to give Democrats and SHORTS Republicans in the Senate and The United Nations convened in the House the opportunity a panel of mental health exto work through some of these Colorado's Senate Appropriations Committee passed a bill perts, human rights advoissues to see where their comto establish civil unions. The bill now moves on to the full cates, and others to discuss promises are, and not be too Senate, where it is expected to pass. heavy-handed in a way that Joe Saunders, an openly gay member of Florida's House of gay conversion therapy, a controversial treatment that might end up breaking up Representatives, has introduced legislation that would proclaims to "cure" gay people these discussions," Obama tect LGBT Floridians from workplace discrimination. The and make them straight. The said. (Washington Blade) bill has bipartisan support in both houses of the legislature. panel is the first at the U.N. North Dakota's Senate defeated legislation that would have A Mexico Supreme Court rulto directly address this soadded the words "sexual orientation" to North Dakota's Huing cites several U.S. Supreme called therapy. Event organman Rights Act. Lawmakers opposed to the bill said the issue Court cases, including Loving v. izers Bruce Knotts and Mordewould work itself out over time. Virginia and Brown v. Board of chai Levovitz said they hoped The Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill that could Education in its reasoning for it would be the first of many allow student organizations at Virginia public universities to striking down a state law that openly discriminate against potential members without fear such conversations, becoming banned recognition of samepart of a larger push from the sex marriages. The move of reprisal, sending the measure on to the state Senate. The Puerto Rico Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, upheld a U.N. to address GLBT rights. came six weeks before the U.S. law banning adoptions by same-sex couples, telling a plaincourt will hear arguments in Knotts, the director of the tiff she should seek to change the law legislatively if she two cases dealing with marUnitarian Universalist United wishes to adopt a 12-year-old girl who her longtime partriage rights for same-sex couNations Office, and Levovitz, ner gave birth to. ples. (Washington Blade) the LGBT advocacy coordinaA group of parents and students at Sullivan High School in tor there, are both openly gay The House of Commons voted Sullivan, Ind., are seeking to hold a "traditional" prom that and have had experiences 400-175 in favor of allowing bans attendance by gays and lesbians. with conversion therapy. same-sex couples to wed in the A gay 17-year-old high school student in Missouri has en(Huffington Post) U.K. A slight majority of Conlisted the help of the Southern Poverty Law Center in an servatives voted to kill the legisattempt to reverse his school's policy of allowing only lation, even though it is strongly opposite-sex dates at prom. The Lake County (FL) School backed by their leader, Prime District is considering limiting Minister David Cameron. The Massachusetts schools are required to allow transgender extracurricular student clubs students to use facilities and participate in sports desigmeasure must still be approved to curriculum-based clubs in nated for the gender with which they identify, under policy by the House of Lords. (BBC) an attempt to prevent the guidelines issued recently. formation of a Gay-Straight Diane Rodriguez, a 30-year-old equal rights activist, is Kathleen Wynne won an elecAlliance. A group of Carver tion to lead the Liberal party in running to fill a vacant congressional seat and so become Ecuador's first transsexual lawmaker. Middle School students atOntario, Canada, making her the first openly LGBT Canadian The Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica reports that tempted to form a GayPope Benedict XVI's decision to retire came after he repremier and the first woman to Straight Alliance, but were lead the province. “I do not ceived the results of an investigation that included allegaturned down. The school disbelieve that the people of Ontions about gay, sexually active Vatican officials being trict is legally obligated to tario judge their leaders on the compromised by blackmailers. permit a Gay-Straight Allibasis of race, sexual orienta(OutFront Colorado; GayPolitics.com; The Forum, Fargo; ance under the federal Equal tion, color or religion. I don't Metro Weekly, Washington DC; ABC News; WTWO-TV, Terre Access Act. (Miami Herald) believe they hold that prejuHaute; KFVS-TV, Cape Girardeau; The Boston Globe; dice in their hearts. They judge Agence France-Presse; The Guardian, London)
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Committee Spotlight Information Committee (FreeLibrary@GAAMC.org) The Information Committee has been led by Mitch Rubin for the past few years, who has done a remarkable job of bringing in new publications for women, men, parents, couples, and people with HIV, as well as a wealth of information on sexual health, plus condoms, dental dams, and other items. This committee could use your help! We are seeking volunteers to help lay out the information table, thin the expired titles, recycle, and build the list of titles even further. One way you may help this committee and another organization could be to work with Mitch to put together a sampling of issues that you could share with other LGBT organizations or community groups you attend. Do you attend an open and affirming congregation? Maybe they would like to share copies of Pride Guide, Gay Parents, or Gay City News. We get an abundance of copies and we welcome your help in sharing our riches.
My Stonewall Story by Mark Segal
It had never been asked of me like that before and came as a complete surprise. I was out doing business at our bank where the PGN staff has become very friendly with the bank staff. While standing at the teller, there’s a tap on my shoulder. Michael, one of the gay staffers there who’s in his 20s, asks me to come over to his desk after I’m done. Sitting down at his desk he leans towards me and says, “Read in the Inquirer that you were at Stonewall. What was it like?” The Inquirer story he was talking about was an interview I gave after the President mentioned Stonewall in his inauguration speech. There have been a lot of calls and interviews since then. The first was with another Stonewall vet and good friend, or as he likes to say, sister, Jerry Hose. We Skyped minutes after the President spoke those words. But this was somewhat different. This was a young member of our community, and it felt different. It was that moment that made me understand the significance of what the President had done. For me that moment was unreal; someone was asking me to relive a historic event that I was part of. For each of us, I can say we didn’t know it would be history and we didn’t quite know the significance of our actions. Michael asking the question triggered an avalanche of emotions ... it became real to me. We sometimes are too busy fighting for today that we seldom have time to look back. And Michael’s question, his wording and that awestruck look on his face ... it’s overwhelming, and thanks to the President, we, like the nation, are beginning to appreciate what is Stonewall. And the President has reached out to Stonewall vets. My favorite example was when he met Jerry and thanked him. Jerry, who was dressed in a SAGE shirt, as he never wears a suit and tie, not even to the White House. Mr. President, thank you for your words, and for listening to Jerry, who is now, like me, an LGBT senior activist. But back to Michael. I’ve always told just small details of that night from my own perspective. For more than 40 years and in thousands of speaking engagements, I’ve told little. I thought I’d go into detail in my memoirs, but it’s getting a little late, so here’s what I told him. The lights blinked — that was a signal that there would be a raid — then the lights went on. I was in the back near the dance floor, where the younger people usually hung out. I was 18 and had just moved to New York from Philly. Looking like the boy next door, I got carded and was among the first group to be let out. You see, it was the older men who the police might be able to blackmail and thus were of interest to them, and of course the drag queens and effeminate men who they felt, until that night, they could harass. I was of no use to them. But ...
As I left, I met Marty Robinson, sort of the leader of The Action Group, of which I was one of the four members. We had an important role. After telling Marty what was happening, he disappeared and reappeared with chalk. What most people don’t realize is that Stonewall was not just one night. Marty realized it was a way to organize. The four of us wrote on walls and the street up and down Christopher Street: “Meet at Stonewall tomorrow night.” I’ll save more details for that book I’ll someday write. We eventually became Gay Liberation Front; I’m still not sure exactly how that happened but, GLF, and to a lesser extent Gay Activist Alliance, are the reasons we now have what is called a community. In the last few years, LGBT history has been a passion for me, and I thought the younger generation didn’t care. Our history is what the foundation of our community is built on and will be the building blocks for the future. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Michael.
This Month's Contributors Easton Farmers' Market is America's oldest continuouslyoperating farmers' market, dating back to 1752. Now offering the best of locally grown and produced fruits and vegetables, prepared foods, housewares, sauces, wines, and much more year-round, every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm in Easton, Pennsylvania. www.eastonfarmersmarket.com. (pg.13) Tony Puma's career in sales/marketing/advertising and public relations influences his poetry style: less abstract, more to-the-point. He belongs to the Italian-American Writers Association, Red Wheel Barrow Poets, Poets House (NYC), South Mountain Poets, and Hudson Valley Poets-on-theLoose. Through the prism of poetry, he sees, hears, feels, and captures emotions in words. (pg. 14) Mark Segal, publisher of the Philadelphia Gay News, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at mark @ epgn.com. (pg. 6) Andy Skurna is the President of GAAMC. (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. 9)
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March 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 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 - Wellness Group, 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 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 01 Fri 1:00 pm - Montclair Art Museum, Montclair♦ 4:30 pm - "Undocuqueer: Voices from the Movement", Princetonλ 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 8:00 pm - A Night in NYC, Princetonλ 03 Sun 2:00 pm - Wine tasting & program planning, Millstone; njlgh.onefireplace.com 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 6:30 pm - Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Philadelphia♦ 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; www.jsqspot.org 8:00 pm - Young Men's Social Network, Highland Park†
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‡ 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* 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; 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
05 Tue 6:00 pm - Gay Pride Business Network, New Brunswick; www.GPBN.net 7:00 pm - "Building an Irresistible Revolution: A Conversation with Urvashi Vaid", Princetonλ 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† 06 Wed 5:30 pm - Hudson County HIV/AIDS Services Planning Council, Jersey City‡ 6:30 pm - Rigoletto, Rockaway♦ 7:30 pm - Gay Dad’s discussion group, Highland Park† 7:30 pm - Workshop: Setting & Achieving Your Goals, Jersey City‡ 07 Thu Noon - Lunch with Rabbi Julie, Princetonλ 4:00 pm - The After School Hang Out, Highland Park† 7:00 pm - Coffee Night, Edison; njlgh.onefireplace.com 7:30 pm - Equus, Montclair♦ 08 Fri 5:00 pm - Class of 2013 Happy Hour, Princetonλ 7:30 pm - Rock Band/Guitar Hero, Highland Park†
Page 8 CHALLENGE March 2013 09 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 10 Sun 1:30 pm - GLBT Expo, New York City♦ 6:00 pm - Gay Men’s Classical Song Club, Kingston; pbrown02 @ worldnet.att.net 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 4:30 pm - A Reading with Nikky Finney & Azar Nafisi, Princetonλ 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 - Booked for Supper, Highland Park† 6:30 pm - North Jersey Prime Timers' monthly meetup, Little Falls♦ 14 Thu 6:00 pm - "In Her Strength", 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 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 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†
8:00 pm - Havurah Anniversary Party; njlgh.onefireplace.com
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; www.jsqspot.org 7:00 pm - Music Mondays, New York City♦ 8:00 pm - Young Men's Social Network, Highland Park†
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 20 Wed 6:30 pm - CSA - Meet Your Local Farmer, 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♦ 21 Thu 11:00 am - Aging Network LGBT Training, Jersey City‡ 4:00 pm - The After School Hang Out, Highland Park† 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‡ 22 Fri 1:00 pm - Women With Voices, Jersey City‡ 7:00 pm - Bear Meat Friday, East Stroudsburg, PA♦ 23 Sat 1:00 pm - Youth Drop-In, Highland Park† 7:00 pm - Gay Bowling, Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park; 732-776-6160 7:30 pm - Purim Karaoke Party & Pot Luck Dinner, Metuchen; program @ njhav.org 26 Tue Noon - "Sexuality, Immigration, and the Racial State: Toward an Effective Queer Politic", Princetonλ 3:00 pm - Health Drop-In Hours, Princetonλ 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† 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 9:30 am - "Ally Project: Supporting LGBT Students, Staff, and Faculty", Princetonλ 2:00 pm - "Ally Project: Understanding and Addressing Microaggressions", Princetonλ 6:30 pm - M_POWER Men's Group, Jersey City‡ 7:00 pm - Under the Rainbow, Highland Park† 30 Sat 6:00 pm - Game Night/Movie Night/Singalong, Scotch Plains♦ 31 Sun 7:00 pm - Havurah Passover Seder, Edison; njlgh.onefireplace.com
March 2013
CHALLENGE
Page 9
Dancing To Architecture™: Music Reviews & News with a Queer ear by Bill Rea lma n Stella
Do justice to their work. Do justice to their music. Do justice to their message. These are the insistent urgings of the voices which set my course each time I start to write Dancing To Architecture. These musicians are producing great works of art — as I've said: Music is the Highest Common Denominator™ — and most of the time, if they're not subsidizing their music with other jobs which bring with them actual paychecks, they're doing it for nearly nothing in the way of profit. As someone who also labors for love and sees nothing by way of income for it, I have a mutual responsibility to uphold the quality of their work.
Q Ryan Cassata
~ The Theme of Humankind ~ The Rhythm ~ Oh, Alexis: Acoustic Sessions
Sometimes I wish I wasn't committed to identifying Out artists. I'd put Ryan Cassata's name up front of this review, sans the leading Q, then simply come at you with as much intensity as his music musters: Are you ready for the new future of rock and roll? Are you ready for sincerity with a cause for justice and equality, and a side that just clicks, and a sound that snaps like a big bass string on a guitar? You better get ready. Ryan Cassata isn't waiting for you to get on board. In just the last two years Cassata has released four albums — short ones, but packed with enough condensed energy to power several cooler, more established critics' darlings through a box set's worth of hip-shaking, earth-quaking hitmaking. He has written great songs. He has played music festivals. He has sold CDs out of a backpack. He has inspired crowds with his speeches. He has roused audiences to hoot and holler. And — you'll laugh once you know this next fact, not because it's
funny, not to deride or dismiss, but to express joy at the wonder of it all — He's done all this all before the age of 18. It's like that old U.S. military advert with a slogan bragging about doing more before breakfast than most people have done all day. This young man is just getting started. Do you remember listening to the radio — to any radio station that played any kind of Rock and Roll — and you'd hear a song for the first time, a song full to bursting with rough, crackling hopefulness, but whose survival for the next 4 minutes requires it punch its way through every second, not pulling back for a second, even during dramatic pauses? It would answer questions you didn't know you had, and ask new ones. Cassata's "Love Round The World" is like that. His "Soda Cans" is like that. His "Hands of Hate" is like that. One can see how like that even his basic home video performance of new protest song "Naked" is. http://youtu.be/Hcs0OIeb6Bs Remember the name Ryan Cassata. Pull up his home page, RyanCassata.com. Find him on YouTube and iTunes, on Tumblr and SoundCloud, and even find some tracks that only appear on his nolonger-updated MySpace page. Listen. Forget about how no one else yet is telling you how cool he is. He's got it. You'll know it when you hear him. He's destined for a big future. Dig the lyrics. Dig the wordplay. Dig the voice.
Oh — his voice. How is it I've not yet mentioned his voice? Imagine a voice singing, but don't visualize the singer. It's one of those voices you've heard over the years, singing in a range that leaves you clueless to the singer's gender. Or, perhaps more likely, you've determined a gender from the start, because that's just what one does. It's a committed-sounding voice, a touch strident, more than a touch romantic, passionate. Update that first impression scenario to present-day. Imagine you're one of the coaches on NBC's The Voice. You hear strong, high-pitched singing with deep, throaty overtones. You know what you're hearing is great. You don't yet know it's Ryan. You will turn your chair. Your chair will light up with the words you are thinking: "I WANT YOU" Maybe at this point you'll discover something about the singer that's no secret: Ryan Cassata is transgender. In fact, he's a transgender activist, a motivational speaker about his experiences of selfdiscovery beginning as a young teenager — and, later, about his top surgery. Cassata makes what might be stunning into a no less impressive no-brainer: Accept me as I am, and hear what I've done to earn the experiences I have to share. His activism has already made an impact on New Jersey students: "Ryan's ability to capture an audience with his message of love and equality is truly inspiring. His mature delivery of transgender issues is that of a seasoned presenter. His honest and heartfelt music touched the lives of many when he came to our campus… Ryan Cassata is a marvel and we were honored to have him speak to the students, faculty and staff…" says Megan Procacchini, Gay Straight Alliance Advisor, Ocean County College. Cassata will be appearing April 4 in Ewing, NJ at the Don Evans Black Box Theater in Kendall Hall. See the card reproduced on this " C A S S A T A I S P A C K E D W I T H page for other stops both near and ENOUGH CONDENSED ENERGY TO POWER far on his Spring Tour. S E V E R A L C O O L E R , MORE ESTAB(continued on next page) LISHED CRITICS' DARLINGS THROUGH A BOX SET'S WORTH OF HIP-SHAKING, EARTH-QUAKING HIT-MAKING."
Page 10 CHALLENGE March 2013
Bryan Ellis ~ The Cloud of Unknowing
It'll take all of a half hour to listen to 99% of Bryan Ellis's album The Cloud of Unknowing. This is another instance of undiscovered good stuff: A unique sense of lyric writing, a fine white-boy-soul voice, a modern touch in the studio. "It's the story of my life, not a style of music," says Bryan, when asked about the tattoo on his left arm that simply says, "Rhythm & Blues". He continues: "Life is the greatest symphony of all. The dramatic highs could never be experienced and appreciated without tumultuous lows, and they're two sides to the same coin. It's beautiful and painful. Perfect." Find links to listen to the album or download it at his Facebook page, or find him on SoundCloud.com. Highly recommended for audiences, generally. Q The Cast of SMASH ~ Bombshell:
The New Marilyn Musical
Hell, let's go ahead and call Bombshell what it is: a concept album. Those of you who read that without recognition, think Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar, both of which started out over 40 years ago as studio recordings and concert tours before ever getting staged as plays, never mind filmed. Consisting of songs from NBC's series SMASH (including several in episodes which haven't yet aired as this is written), Bombshell the concept album represents a rare bird these days, but it's a superb example of what can be done if you don't get hung up on details like traditions of how a show usually gets recorded. Instead of waiting until maybe after Bombshell makes it past the torturous steps of casting/rehearsing/scheduling/ previewing and opening to have a shot at an Original Cast album, the beneficial effect of having a TV network underwrite your costs is you get to hire top shelf talent to compose, produce, perform and sing their ever-lovin' asses off. Top tracks
are plentiful: Standouts from last year's TV soundtrack CD, "Let's Be Bad" and "The 20th Century Fox Mambo" are back, as well as "History Is Made At Night", which should be GAAMC's theme song, all now found in their proper sequence. "I Never Met A Wolf Who Didn't Love to Howl" and "Don't Say Yes Until I Finish Talking" have titles which hint at wordplay in them. "Never Give All The Heart" is as moving as its title implies. Paired together are new full tracks meant for the end of Act One and the start of Act Two: "Cut, Print...Moving On" and "Public Relations". And "They Just Keep Moving the Line" as well as "Second Hand White Baby Grand" are two kinds of torch song, showstopping and intimate, respectively. New show tunes that make me forget I generally don't expect greatness from new show tunes — How great is that? For CD info: tinyurl.com/bombshellSMASH Extra Link: Jennifer Holiday triumphs on "I Can't Let Go" in a new Smash episode. Q God-des and She ~ United States
of God-des and She
Hip-Hop/Pop/Soul duo God-des and She have returned with their 4th—and deepest—album yet. Because — after listening for awhile, it sunk in, it dawned on me — It is their patriotic duty. Can all y'all Party People say "Hey!"? And say "Whoa!" —as in Whoa, you sonsabitches, What are you doing hijacking my religion?!?! On "God I Know You Love Me" the women storm the cabin to prevent the psuedosacred American Taliban from taking over the plane. They're taking their love back. From the sacred to the profane, "Ew She Said That" takes its awesomeness from the respected tradition of disrespecting every FCC notion of decency to keep it real, with "I'm nasty, but not trashy" lyrics and rhymes. But for "hideaway beneath the sheets" music, check out "Between The Sheets", soulful vocals for an anytime grin. Stream United States of G'n'S in full at: http://tinyurl.com/usgnssoundcloud Q Martin Swinger, who performed songs from his latest album M O O N to a very satisfied GAAMC audience in the summer of 2011, has a new video for MOON song "Stay With Me" - http://youtu.be/vpqucGk2Fv8 Friday, March 29, Martin returns to MUF, GAAMC's home meetingplace and plays the Folk music series The Minstrel! 7PM, with Carolanne Solbello, 21 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, NJ, 973-335-9489; $20 Q Big Freedia'a back! Recommended to make Fat Tuesday last until spring, get your Gypsyphonic Disko, Mardi Gras (2013, Full mix) free download at: gypsyphonic.com Q Elle Macho (photo bottom right), the trio co-fronted by Butterfly Boucher, offers a free preview of the forthcoming, fantastic sounding new album Import at noise trade.com/ellemacho/import-five-songss. An
excellent video for the track "Conquistador" is kept for your viewing pleasure at vimeo.com/368683180. Q Roommate Wives Speaking of videos, Episode 1 of Roommate Wives begins a funny, clever, true-to-life webseries created by Hilary Schwartz and Athena Reich, written by out musician Reich and comedian Schwartz, directed by Kevin Kolack, and starring Reich as Inanna and Schwartz as Stacy Kizerbland. I said funny, right? Yes. Yes I did. Unlike so many (too many) big-name low-budget "comedy" videos online (you know the ones), Roommate Wives earns its humor more honestly by delivering on the promise of its clever situation. Much of the taping took past last year on the morning of Jersey City's Pride festival. I was late arriving to help out at GAAMC's Jersey City Pride table. It so happens I was in Brooklyn's Branded Saloon (a great, Lesbian and Gay-friendly place!) at the taping of Roommate Wives instead. Oh, look who got tapped as an extra! That bear-shaped dude on the left looks familiar, staring unfamiliarly like a creepy hetero barfly.
[^Me.] It's called acting, folks. Take six minutes to enjoy the episode at http://youtu.be/8Zuki_T6zZQ and don't blink, or you'll miss my two other moments. It's scary how thrilled—and vain—I am about my 3 seconds of fame.
Dancing To Architecture™ ©2013 Bill Stella. All ©, ® & ™ items included in the column 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.
March 2013
CHALLENGE
Page 11
T H E L I T T L E B O X O F C O NC E RT S ™ GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!
JOY KILLS SORROW Among my very favorite albums by bands I first heard in 2011 was this shockingly strong acoustic band's album, This Unknown Science, featuring some of the most beautiful yet eclectic mandolin, banjo and violin performances I've ever heard. I expect the same tonight, and probably new songs. Whether you're looking for sweet melodies or intriguing new sounds, this is a treat you won't want to miss. So don't! Sunday, March 24 Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 NYC, NY, 10:00 PM, $10 *Re: Shows at Rockwood, please note: 21 & Over Only; One drink minimum; General Admission; Very limited seating; Tickets do not guarantee seats. (Which means it's a small venue, the definitive intimate New York experience and (in my experience) therefore it has little in the way of personal space but it does have fantastic room acoustics and a friendly atmosphere.
MARTIN SWINGER
Friday, March 29, Martin returns to MUF, GAAMC's home meetingplace and plays the Folk Music series The Minstrel in a Shared Concert with Carolanne Solbello! 7PM, 21 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, NJ, 973-335-9489; $20
LEVI KREIS
Before Levi Kreis starred on Broadway as Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet, he was one of the few hoofers to consider the group OutMusic as worthy of his attention to help with networking and promoting his solo career. He gets lifetime return-the-courtesy recommendation points for that, and you won't find a better place to hear (or see) him than here. Thursday, March 21 Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 NYC, NY, 7:30 PM, $15 pre-/$20 day of show
THE 2 BEARS
April 8, Le Poisson Rouge 158 Bleecker Street, NYC Gay subtext-and context-intact, The 2 Bears travel from their lairs in London's danceclub underground to make a rare stateside appearance. I concur with Tony Hardy's review of their 2012 album Be Strong at ConsequenceOfSound.net: "Grown men in comedic animal costumes? The 2 Bears can’t be accused of taking themselves too seriously and the duo’s debut album, Be Strong, exudes sheer fun as it embraces an honest love of classic House. While
I can take or leave a lot of the stuff that passes for dance music these days, Be Strong ticks boxes that others leave empty. The tunes are always melodic, mostly feel-good and uplifting, while little touches in the arrangements keep things fresh and inventive within an albeit standard 4/4 retro groove. Formed in 2009, The 2 Bears are the London duo made up of Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard with DJ and radio host Raf Rundell."
Poetry by Tony Puma © Tony Puma/MMXII
GAY MARRIAGE:
GAY MARRIAGE / MMXIII
Protest the bans. Proclaim your banns.
You have a love-partner who you cherish beyond thought. Where gay-marriage is a non-starter where your life is naught. So please let’s stop this non-debate. Discard these props born of hate. So, third parties, let me be and my lover too. We don’t need thee for eternal woo.
WINTER STROLL My lips are chapped and split as if hit by the fist of an icy pugilist this Arctic apparition that approaches on a winter wind-chill where gloves, hat and boots meant for warmth render nil.
My mind meanders to a mystical, mythical Saint Bernard brandishing Brandy in a canister collar to warm my innards. I stroll in this Solstice sun-slung-low day. My séance with Nature as aural sounds play.
Page 12 CHALLENGE March 2013
Mea Maxima Culpa
a film review by Andy Skurna I have just watched Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God and I am absolutely stunned. I can think of no more accurate descriptor. For decades I have called myself a documentary junkie. This is perhaps the best documentary ever made. What starts as an expose about a priest abusing boys at a school for the deaf in Wisconsin, beginning in the late 1950’s, ends up by walking you through the Catholic Church’s history of sex scandal. Lest you think this a recent phenomenon, documents in the Vatican’s archives report the problem of child abuse in the Church as far back as 17 centuries ago! But this is no history lesson; this is a current events story. The facts revealed will leave you reeling, again and again, from the beginning right to the end. I am grateful I was watching it online, so I could go back and replay some parts. I was equally grateful I had the option to pause it to allow time to process what I had just learned. What starts as a “little” secret in Wisconsin proceeds to the recent opening of files, in succession, from Wisconsin to Boston, then on to Ireland, Italy, Germany, Austria, South America, and Africa. This
film connects the dots from one priest in one school in one state up to current Church leadership, leaving no one out and very little room for speculation. It shows, for example, how Cardinal Timothy Dolan, then Archbishop of Milwaukee, shifted the assets of one diocese to a cemetery trust fund to protect it from the courts — then filed for bankruptcy for the diocese to provide it further financial insulation. Shortly thereafter, Dolan was given a huge promotion and appointed Cardinal of the Diocese of New York. The facts boggle the mind, from beginning to end. The horrors can make you weep; the abuse will make you want to lash out. The volume of information left me stunned, and all I can do is share the story. If you are not moved by the victims’ stories, I can only conclude that your sense of humanity is severely impaired. If so, you may want to consider joining the priesthood. [Editor's note: HBO.com provides trailers and other information about the film, plus a list of resources, including links to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) and its National Sexual Assault Online Hotline, and the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP).]
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.
March 2013
CHALLENGE
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Minutes of the GAAMC Board of Trustees Meeting, January 17, 2013 Attendance Voting Trustees: Dinkin, Harris, Rase, Rubin, Sauer, Skurna, Suiter Non-Voting Attendees: Bachir Coulibaly, President of Morris County NAACP; Allen Neuner The meeting began at 7:10 pm. I. Adoption of minutes: The minutes of November XX, 2012 were approved 6-0-2 (Moved, Dinkin; seconded, Suiter). The minutes of December 20, 2012 were approved 3-0-6 (Moved, Dinkin; seconded, Suiter) II.New Business: 2013 Committees: Andy suspended committees with only one member and kept those with a chair and at least two members. The Board votes for each committee are as follows: Archives: committee suspended. Mickey will become GAAMC's Archivist. Passed unanimously (Moved, Harris; seconded, Dinkin) By-Laws Review: committee established. Andy is chairman; members are Sandy Lea and Allen Neuner. Passed 5-1 (Moved, Rase; seconded, Dinkin) Challenge: Allen Neuner will continue as Editor. Passed unanimously (Moved, Rase; seconded, Harris). Subscriptions for organizations that receive complimentary copies will be continued through 2013. Passed unanimously (Moved, Sauer; seconded, Rase). The newsletter budget will be $1850. Passed unanimously (Moved, Dinkin; seconded, Sauer) Discussion Group Resources: committee continued. Gordon is chairman. Passed unanimously (Moved, Skurna; seconded, Rase) Information: committee continued. Mitch is chairman. Mitch will provide a list of publications currently received, with contact information for each, to Gordon at or before the April Board meeting. Passed unanimously (Moved, Rase; seconded, Sauer) Pride Events: committee established. Mickey is chairman. Passed unanimously (Moved, Harris; seconded, Rase). The committee's budget will be $750. Passed unanimously (Moved, Harris; seconded, Rase)
Pride Guide: committee continued. Andy is chairman. The committee received an appropriation of $900 for computer refurbishing and providing postage and delivery services. Passed unanimously (Moved, Rase; seconded, Sauer) Programs: committee continued. Sherri is chairwoman. The committee's budget will be $750. Passed unanimously (Moved, Suiter; seconded, Dinkin) Other: the following committees are suspended until such time as volunteers can be recruited to build/lead them: Activism; Fundraising; Membership; Public Relations; Socials; Speakers Bureau. Until then, Trustees will share in fulfilling GAAMC's responsibilities in these areas. IV. Reports: President: Andy Skurna — Written report on file. Acting Treasurer: Andy Skurna — Written report on file. Secretary: Gordon Sauer — Gordon has asked Allen Neuner to take on the responsibilities of Parliamentarian; Allen has accepted. The Board contact list has been updated and is available to the Trustees. Gordon encouraged all officers and committee chairs to submit written reports prior to the Board meeting. VP Operations: John DeLeeuw — No report. Challenge: Allen Neuner — Stuffing will be January 28th. Deadline for the March issue is February 15th. Programs: Sherri Rase — Written report on file. Discussion Group Resources: Gordon Sauer — Written report on file. VP Community Services: Kerry Dinkin — No report. V. Save These Dates: Januaryst 26th, Board Retreat; February 18th, Valentine's Social; February 21 , next Board meeting. VI. Ideas & Suggestions: None. VII. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn passed unanimously (Moved, Sauer; seconded, Dinkin). The meeting adjourned at 8:43 pm.
Good Eats!
Recipes from the Easton Farmers' Market Cider Glazed Ribs 2½ tsp. whole cumin seeds 1 tsp. whole peppercorns 2 sprigs sage ½ tbs. chopped sage leaves 1 small onion or shallot, peeled and roughly chopped 4 large garlic cloves 3 cups apple cider
1 cup white wine 2 tbs. olive oil 1 lemon Salt Pepper 1 medium rack pork spare ribs, trimmed 1 tbs. brown sugar
Cider Reduction: Set a heavy-bottomed sauce pan over medium heat and add ½ tsp. cumin seeds. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until seeds are tosted and fragrant. Peel, smash, and roughly chop 2 garlic cloves and add to sauce pan. Add peppercorns, sage sprigs, onion or shallot, apple cider, and white wine. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until reduced by half. Strain and divide unto 2 parts. Marinade and Ribs: Peel and chop 2 garlic cloves. Combine 1 part cider reduction, sage leaves, cumin seeds, garlic, olive oil, a good squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and whisk well. Set ribs on sheep pan and pour the marinade over them. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 2 to 4 hours, rotating the ribs every hour or so. Cider Glaze: Combine cider reduction and brown sugar in a small pan. Cook over medium heat until reduced by half; mixtures should be thick and syrupy. Set aside. Cooking and Assembly: Preheat grill to medium-high. Remove ribs from marinade and sprinkle with a little salt on both sides. Brush marinade over ribs as they cook. Grill 4 to 7 minutes per side until deeply caramelized and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer ribs to a cutting board. Generously spoon cider glaze over ribs. Cut the rack into individual ribs and serve immediately.
Page 14 CHALLENGE March 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) 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)
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! March 11th
March 18th
March 25th
Love and Other Disasters
Leather Discussion
All About Sex!
See "GAAMC Events", page 2, for more details!