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CHALLENGE The Newsletter of the Gay Activist Alliance in Morris County - Continuously Serving the GLBTI Community since 1972
Volume 38, Issue 4, May 2012
Helping Each Other by Mickey Suiter
In the years since GAAMC disbanded GALY (Gay and Lesbian Youth) there have been many discussions about how we can reach out to LGBT youth and continue to provide some services to them. With all the recent media coverage of bullying and teen suicide, it’s clear that in spite of the progress we’ve made and the shift in society’s views of our community there are still plenty of young people who need some kind of support. I have been one of those who think that we have to do something to help our youth, but recently I’ve also been thinking of LGBT youth in another way – what they can provide to the rest of us. Since I’ve been president I’ve been on the email list of many college and youth-oriented LGBT organizations. What I’ve been impressed by is how committed to making things better these young people are. Yes, sometimes they may be idealistic and naïve and some of their ideas may seem radical but there’s something refreshing in their idealism and naiveté. At times they have put me in the uncomfortable and unfamiliar position of feeling like an old fogey representing the status quo. As we get older we tend to get more pragmatic and look at things from a practical point of view – what we can accomplish versus what we should accomplish. And
there’s nothing wrong with being practical. things get done.
That’s how
But at a recent Open Talk that focused on politics, a member (one of the youngest in the room, of course) pointed out that while organizations like HRC and Lambda Legal are working hard within the system to advance our cause, there’s still room for more radical groups like ACT UP that remind us of what our ideals are and push us in their direction. We need all points of view and need to work in every way to achieve our goals. So yes, I think that there are services we can provide to LGBT youth. But there are things they can do for us as well. We all have something to offer each other. Our community is diverse and that diversity helps strengthen us. And this applies not just to reaching out to youth, but to all others groups within our community. We have a lot to learn from each other. One of the great things about our community is that it includes people from all other communities. The slogan "We are everywhere" really does apply to us. Reaching out to those in all segments of our community, helping them and learning from them, enriches us all.
Inside Challenge
Location, Location, Location! The 40th Anniversary Committee is pleased to announce that our spectacular
Ruby Ball will be held at
the Westin Governor Morris 2 Whippany Road in Morristown! Keep an eye on future issues of Challenge for more details as they develop!
Challenge Information.... ................................ page 2 GAAMC Events.............................................. page 2 Bulletin Board .............................................. page 3 The Little Box of Concerts............................... page 3 Gleanings: Queer news from around the world .... page 4 Dancing to Architecture: music reviews............. page 5 Calendar ..................................................... page 7 Getting a Piece of the Pie.................................. page 9 The Editor's Box.......................................... page 10 10 Anti-Gay Myths Debunked, part 10............... page 11 Poetry: May 1st 2011; Wild Nights, Marshmallow Days....................................................... page 12 GAAMC Board Mini-Minutes, February 2011 ........ page 13 This Month's Contributors............................... page 13 GAAMC Information...................................... page 14
Page 2 CHALLENGE May 2012 CHALLENGE Volume 38, Number 4 May 2012 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 © 2012-2013 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 May 2012 Discussion Groups OpenTalk: A regular weekly discussion group, open to all. Moderators: Kerry (May 7, 28); Gordon (May 14); Sherri (Apr. 21). 7:00, Library; on Film Festival nights, discussion follows the film. Main Events [All start at 8:00 unless otherwise noted.] May 7: A Look Back at Voting Rights. Flex your activism muscles and get ready! New Jersey’s deadline for you to be registered to vote in the June 5 primary is May 15. What do you need to know to cast your vote? Come discuss with us, ten days before this important deadline. We’ll cover a brief history of voting rights in the US and how to cast the vote that’s right for you. May 14: GAAMC Kicks Butt! Join us for a program featuring Ray Deshotel from LA Kick Boxing of Florham Park. Kick boxing isn't only for self-defense — it's a fun way to keep fit and provides unparalleled confidence going into Pride season. Bring your loose clothes and sneakers and be prepared to sweat! May 21: GAAMC Vendors and Members Market! Join some of your favorite GAAMC members to see the breadth of talent within our ranks. You want photography? We got it! You want jewelry? We got that! You want services? We got those too! Bring your cash and get some dash! May 28: Memorial Day Social. You know it's the start of the summer season when GAAMC hosts its annual Memorial Day cookout! GAAMC provides the hotdogs, hamburgers, and veggieburgers; you provide all the side dishes and desserts!! Make a vegetarian dish, get "extra points"! Make sure you let us know in advance what you're bringing by sending an e-mail to Socials@ GAAMC.org. Check out our Facebook page to see if we need more side dishes or desserts. You didn't know GAAMC had a Facebook page? Time to sign up! We're at http://tinyurl.com/gaamc-fbg . Coming in June! June 4: Post Pride Prolixing! Tonight we chill — and spill. What a day it was yesterday at Jersey Pride! Twenty-one years of celebrating Pride in New Jersey should give you some amazing stories to tell. Come share them with us tonight! You say you had a quiet day? Then come share your favorite sunburn cure — or what you do when your feet are all prided out! June 11: Out in Jersey at GAAMC! Pete Frycki, publisher of Out in Jersey, comes to GAAMC to talk about what it takes to cover LGBTI news in the Garden State.
[All programs and discussion groups are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, go to GAAMC.org]
GAAMC Tip of the Month Challenge, the newsletter of GAAMC, offers the free members benefit of one personal ad (up to 100 words) per issue. Members may use it to sell items, advertise services, post Help Wanted, or just send a message. Send your members' personals to the Editor at Challenge @ gaamc.org . (Free personals run for one month only. To repeat a personal it must be resubmitted.)
May 2012 CHALLENGE Page 3
Bulletin Board Our Youth, in association with Project Living Out Loud, invites you to the first annual LGBT Prom in Hudson County at 7 pm on May 4th at the Our Youth Center in Jersey City! This gala includes a couples' dance contest, giveaways, dinner, and live performances from performers including Divinity Banks (Miss Gay Jersey City) and Lady Joi-Elle, hosted by the Brooklyn Bombshell, Aurelia Monet. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information, call Our Youth at 201-303-8160, or Project Living Out Loud at 201-706-3480. The New Jersey AIDS Walk 2012 will be taking place Sunday, May 6th, at 11:30 a.m. Like last year, the AIDS Walk will take place in seven different locations throughout the state: Asbury Park; Atlantic City; Morristown; New Brunswick; Newark; Pennsauken; and Ridgewood. For more information, send an email to ray @ njbuddies.org.
On Sunday, May 20th, GAAMC member Paul Greenberg will be participating in the 2012 AIDS Walkathon in New York City for the benefit of GMHC and other tri-state AIDS service organizations. Paul, for whom this will be his 19th Walkathon, will again be a Star Walker, joining the team from Hyacinth AIDS Foundation in New Brunswick. Paul is seeking donations at this time to meet his personal goal of $3000. Donations can be made online at www.aidswalk.net, or by check, payable to AWNY and sent to Pual at 185 English Place, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. The deadline for donations is Friday, May 18th. Activities, tours, hikes, picnics, trips, dinners, socials… It’s all on GayOutdoors.org (GO), an online national web-based organization for guys to plan events and participate in those scheduled gatherings. Online membership is free, but there is an annual fee to have access to post or host events. In the NJ/PA/NY area, GAAMC member Ed Schell has posted plans for the following: May 20th, a tour of the battleship Intrepid and lunch; June, a hike in the Great Swamp; July, a Pocono hike and pool day at Rainbow Mountain Resort; August, river tubing; September, a hike-nic in Schooley's Mountain Park; and October, a canal hike and lunch in Stockton. Any questions regarding the locally hosted events? Contact Ed at sche357 @ aol.com. Save the Date! GAAMC members Gordon Sauer and Javier Montalvo are planning another one of their renowned fundraising buffet dinners to benefit GAAMC. If you haven't been to one, you've missed out on a night of great food, good company, and live entertainment! The date will be July 21st. Watch this space for future announcements! SAGE Hudson County (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders), an affiliate of the national SAGE organization based in New York, has begun weekly meetings at Hudson Pride Connections Center in Jersey City. SAGE Hudson County seeks to build community, provide social avenues, and shift the aging paradigm within the 50+ LGBTQ population.
SAGE Hudson County meets every Wednesday from 7 to 8 pm, and snacks are provided. For more information, contact Gene Aguirre at 201-963-4779, ext. 411, or email gene @ hudsonpride.org. The Carol G. Simon Cancer Center of the Morristown Medical Center provides free or reduced charge breast exams, Pap tests, and PSA/DRE prostate screenings to Morris County residents without health insurance who earn up to $27,000. Men’s clinics are held four times per year; men are examined by a male urologist. Women’s clinics take place bimonthly, but may take several months to book; women are examined by a female nurse practitioner. For more details, or to set an appointment, please call (973) 971-6581.
THE LITTLE BOX OF CONCERTS ™ WORLD/INFERNO FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY
with The Adicts Tuesday, May 17 New York, NY, Best Buy Theater Thursday, May 19 Philadelphia, Pa, Union Transfer with Barons of Tang, Bamboo Kids Friday June 15 Asbury Park, NJ, Asbury Lanes
GEORGIES' LIVE MUSIC FRIDAYS with LGBT Artists. Free Admission. see page 9 for schedule
RACHEL SAGE
Friday, May 19 New York, NY, Joe's Pub
CHRISTINE MARTUCCI! Saturday, June 2
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park NJ 3rd Annual "Tucci Train Concert for the Cause" benefits The Center in Asbury Park
SONIA RUTSTEIN
(Disappear Fear) Thursday, June 7 Christopher Street Coffeehouse New York, NY, St John's Lutheran Church
AGAINST ME!
Friday, June 8 Terminal 5 New York, NY Sunday, June 10 The Electric Factory Philadelphia, PA
TIM BARRY
Friday, June 15 Philadelphia, PA, Johnny Brendas Saturday, June 16 New York, NY, Santos Party House
JAY BRANNAN
Thursday, July 19 Hoboken, NJ, Maxwell's Friday, July 20 Philadelphia, Pa, World Cafe Live
RUFUS WAINWRIGHT
Wednesday, July 25 Philadelphia, PA, Penn's Landing - River Stage Friday, July 27 Purchase, NY, The PAC at SUNY Purchase Saturday, July 28 Westhampton Beach, NY, Westhampton Beach PAC
Page 4 CHALLENGE May 2012
Gleanings
Queer news from around the world The Senate passed the Violence Against Women Act, which included LGBT-specific protections in a bill that would reauthorize programs aimed at reducing domestic violence. "Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are not immune from this violence, and their distress should not be further heightened by a lack of proper response from service providers or law enforcement," said Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force. A version of the bill in the House is not expected to include the LGBT language. (San Francisco Chronicle) African-American civil rights leaders including Julian Bond and NAACP head Benjamin Todd Jealous condemned a memo written by the National Organization for Marriage, a group that opposes marriage rights for same-sex couples. The confidential document, which was revealed in court proceedings, advised that the group "drive a wedge between gays and blacks" as a way to build opposition to marriage equality. "Pitting bigotry's victims against other victims is reprehensible; the defenders of justice must stand together," Bond said in a statement. (Chicago Tribune) US Customs & Border Protection published a proposed rule easing the paperwork burden on same-sex couples returning to the United States after traveling abroad. Under the proposed change, same-sex couples residing in one household who travel together can make a single joint declaration on their return home. The definition of the term “members of a family residing in one household” would be expanded to include domestic relationships including foster children, stepchildren, half-siblings, and legal wards, as well as same-sex couples in a civil union or domestic partnership or who have shared financial assets and obligations. While the rule makes no explicit mention of married same-sex couples, they would be eligible as well if they’re living together in the same household and have shared financial assets. (Washington Blade) LGBT advocates expressed disappointment after a senior administration official informed them President Barack Obama would not sign an executive order requiring federal contractors to ban employment discrimination against LGBT workers. White House officials said Obama preferred to press for federal legislation that would cover many more American workers, but congressional action is unlikely anytime soon. Meanwhile, in a development hailed as a major breakthrough for transgender rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruled unanimously that employment bias based on transgender status is tantamount to discrimination based on sex, which violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The ruling will likely influence federal courts as they consider employment discrimination claims. (The New York Times; Metro Weekly, DC) A US District Court judge in Minnesota ruled that a marriage between a man and a transgender woman was legal under Minnesota law and that a health insurance plan could not drop the woman from her husband’s health benefits. The judge said that because one person is male and the other legally transitioned to female, the couple qualifies as legally married under the state’s Defense of Marriage Act. (The American Independent)
The University of PIttsburgh ruled that transgender individuals may not use bathrooms designated for the gender with which they identify unless they have obtained an updated birth certificate proving they have undergone sex reassignment surgery. The policy has outraged transgender advocates, who accused the administration of surprising them with the "harsh" position. (Pittsburgh City Paper) The Los Angeles Police Department has announced it will establish the nation’s first jail facility specifically for transgender individuals. A police official said the move will provide for a safe and secure facility aimed at addressing violence against transgender inmates. Transgender advocates hailed the decision and commended Police Chief Charlie Beck for listening to their concerns. (Los Angeles Times) Jenna Talackova, a contestant in the Miss Universe Canada pageant, was removed from competition because she was not "natural born". Ms. Talackova, who knew she was a female since the age of four, underwent hormone therapy at 14 and had sex reassignment surgery in 2010. Ms. Talackova considers her disqualification a human rights issue and is speaking with her lawyer. However, the Miss Universe Organization announced they will allow transgender women to compete in the pageant. (The Vancouver Sun; CNN) Prosecutors in Chile asked for murder charges in the death of a young gay man whose attackers brutally beat him and carved swastikas into his body. Daniel Zamudio died 25 days after he was attacked. Four suspects, some of whom already have criminal records for attacks on gays, have been jailed on attempted murder charges. Hours after Zamudio's death, prosecutors formally requested that the charges be changed to premeditated murder, carrying maximum life sentences, saying the attack was clearly motivated by homophobia. The case has prompted a national debate in Chile over hate crimes, with President Sebastian Pinera saying that his government won't rest until a proposed anti-discrimination law is passed. (Associated Press) London Mayor Boris Johnson has blocked an advertising campaign promoting the idea that gay people can change their sexual orientation. The ads had been days away from appearing on the city's buses. "London is one of the most tolerant cities in the world and intolerant of intolerance," Johnson said. (The Guardian, London) Voters in Slovenia have rejected a law that would have allowed gays and lesbians to adopt the children of their partners. Fifty-five percent of voters in a national referendum opposed the measure, which was also opposed by conservatives and the Catholic Church. (Associated Press) Five married same-sex couples have brought suit against the US government, charging its treatment of binational same-sex couples is unconstitutional. According to the group Immigration Equality, who filed the suit on behalf of the couples, negotiations with federal officials aimed at stopping the deportations of foreign nationals who have same-sex partners in the U.S. have not been successful. Unlike straight married (continued on page 10)
May 2012 CHALLENGE Page 5
Dancing To Architecture™
Music Reviews & News with a Queer ear by Bill Realman Stella Preaching To The Unconverted: 30 of MY 150(+) FAVORITE "TOP 10" ALBUMS OF (the first third of) 2012, aka: 2012'S Best-So-Far, Part 1 Exciting, entertaining, ear-grabbing albums arrive faster than I can tell you all about them. Every year, for all the years since I began writing DTA, I've broken a promise to myself. I've listened to hundreds of new albums every season, and in the back of my mind I expect I can tell the world about each one of dozens of very good albums. (My end-of-year "50 Favorite" lists in 2009 and 2010 caught most of them, but too many were mentioned only many months after release.) Somehow you need to be exposed to them, and discover them here. If you don't, I'm not satisfied I've done enough. So I step up my game a bit every month, and try not to let you down. Good musicians deserve a larger audience, and you — the audience — deserve to know about the very best. If you don't have a chance to enjoy all this greatness, connect with these artists trying to reach you, music I've uncovered but which no one else combines into one music review experience, it'll be lost. This issue, things change. I'm taking an early step toward revealing 2012's all-encompassing list. Beginning a new feature, 2012's Best-So-Far, DTA will now regularly but briefly recognize more of the best albums of recent months. Call it the first installment of my 50(+) Favorite Top Ten Albums of 2012. It's a better way to introduce you to more good music than before. This edition of 2012's Best-So-Far focuses on just some of what has arrived between January and April, and future columns will try to keep up with all the latest. Unlike my year-end columns, instead of ranking them in groups from 1 to 10, I present them to you in alphabetical order. (Why not rank them? Because every November and December I sweat out those details, taking into account how the best albums stand up to previous classics of music history and to relative quality among all those released that year.) Due to limited space on the page I can't tell you much about each album. But trust me, if this month's column communicates to a few of you the truth of just how frustrated I am whenever I drop a note into these monthly reviews about how much great music out in the world gets pushed aside by all the crap, it will have been a success. Listeners, start your music-playing engines of choice. Here follows a skim of the cream off the top of recent songwriting, all available online right now.
Audra Mae & The Almighty Sound ~ Audra Mae & The Almighty Sound A Rock band with a female lead singer, built for dancing and deft with innuendo: "Smoking The Boys" (Just imagine.) is their best track. But smack in the middle of their debut Audra Mae channels Connie Francis (of all people) on their original waltz "Old Italian Love Song." They've got more going on than your average bar band.
Bad Weather California ~ Sunkissed
One of several John Lennon-esque albums this season. I imagine Lennon could have conceived this music during his "Lost Weekend," his hazy, California adventure months.
Bahamas (aka Afie Jurvanen) ~ Barchords An
AltRock Songwriter with a talent for understatement and subtlety.
Jill Barber ~ Mischievous Moon A songstress for 2012, of the Julie London, Cocktail Lounge Pop variety. Beloved in her Canadian homebase.
Tim Barry ~ 40 Miler One of the most amazing talents I've discovered this spring, Barry has (of course) been performing for a decade. A sample lyric to admire, from "Amen": "Another festival. Well, here I go. / Singing songs that no one knows at all." Most songwriters traveling any performance circuit have to endure that moment, but in half a verse Miller's the one who captures the simple act of faith it perpetually requires. He's a musician (Folk? Country? Punk? Americana? A musician.) who built his performance skills, his confidence and his audience up respectably, then took a hard look at what he has to offer. On 40 Miler he found new places within to share, new elements, and perspectives. He elegantly mines the songs of humans growing. Excellent. Bonus: He's now on the Chunksaah label of NJ band Bouncing Souls. Jesse Baylin ~ Little Spark Recommended if you like (RIYL) Emmylou Harris, Shelby Lynne, Dusty Springfield.
The Big Sleep ~ Nature Experiments Thundering shoegazer Alt-Rock
Andrew Bird ~ Break It Yourself Critics's darling
already proven its worth to the Classic Rock audience.
(but not mine. Still…) His song "Eyeoneye" is a tourde-force of keep-'em-guessing-and-off-balance writing, performance and recording. Like a four minute carnival, witness the amazing garage guitars, poetic puns and hefty hooks: key change hooks, minor third melodic hooks, dance rhythms shifting hooks, tempo change hooks and, oh hell why not, whistling hooks.
Ian Anderson ~ Thick As A Brick 2 Unexpected and unex-
Carsie Blanton ~ Idiot Heart RIYL Jill Sobule or Jewel, this fe-
Alabama Shakes ~ Boys & Girls A Rock & Soul stew that has pectedly delightful, it'd be Jethro Tull but key band members are absent. With age comes a more generous wit: You've been warned.
Adam Arcuragi ~ Like a fire that consumes all before it
He's a songwriter in the traditions of Americana. Alternately shows off the composer's familiarity with Bob Dylan , Pete Seeger, and James Joyce, but without smugness. Begins with "Howling", specifically the primal but sweet child-at-mother kind. "Parliament of the Birds" has the most radio airplay potential.
Olafur Arnalds ~ Another Happy Day O.S.T.
Classically composed, full of cellos and string quartets, but set apart from Euro-classical cliches by use of treated voices, atmospherics. A revelation of a new composer from Iceland.
AU ~ Both Lights
Mostly instrumental risktaking modern rock from Portland, Oregon.
male singer-songwriter's latest album hits all their marks; not a "miss" among them. I'm fond of "Chicken" for pulling compliments out of thoughts phrased so wrong, they shouldn't work, but do.
Q · Jay Brannan ~ Rob Me Blind "I don't
sing for the Rainbow / Because I taste the rain" remains a breathtaking lyric for anyone who has ever felt conflicted about making art (or anything) for the Gay communities.
Broadway Original Cast ~ Once
Strings, both violin/cello kinds and guitar/mandolin kinds, supply the support for the many gorgeous songs here, many from the movie that provided an Acadamy Award winning song.
Q · Reuben Butchart and The Millworkers ~ Nameless & Awake: 8 Poems by John William Carroll (continued on next page)
Nameless And Awake album & cover art by Reuben Butchart
Page 6 CHALLENGE May 2012
The first time through, my recommendation is to focus on the shorter songs: The gentle seduction of "If He'll Come," the poignant moment observed in "The Gull and I," the exuberance and connectedness of the poet Carroll translating the poet Jose Marti, and the love that passes across languages and geography and eras for the beauty of the land in "Versos Sencillos de Jose Marti" — these were the songs most like pop tunes which gave me my initial rushes of excitement. But as with any work worth listening to again and again, the longer compositions begin to capture one's imagination. The story within the title track, "Nameless and Awake," is golden; the song's piano figure has insinuated itself into my brain. I lose track of time during these longer songs. These are richer experiences. Try them for yourself and see. It streams for free at ReubenButchart. bandcamp.com . https://www.facebook.com/reubenbutchart
Elephant + Castle ~ Transitions Beatmaker David Reep puts a me-
Conspirator ~ Unlocked: Live from the Georgia Theatre
Q · Rufus Wainwright ~ Out Of The Game
A top-notch Electro-Jam band proves themselves in live action.
Christiane D ~ Obliquity Of The Ecliptic Eclectic pop goodness. Dandy Warhols ~ This Machine Features "Alternative Power to the People": LOVE it! From the fuzzy Ramones-y riffing, to the vocals rigged up as percussive accents, to the controlled chaos of every one of dozens of effects, this is a GREAT rock (semi-)instrumental! Joined by an altogether unique version of the old Statler Brothers' hit "16 Tons", the two tracks lead an album filled with a chameleonic combo of style swipes and fun Rock'n'Roll. I can imagine those two songs flanking a vinyl single for an old style doublesided hit. But programmers will likelier focus on safer bets "I Am Free" and, ironically, the swear-filled "Enjoy Yourself."
The Decemberists ~ We All Raise Our Voices To the Air
A live album that cements the reputation of their superb catalog. Jack DeJohnette ~ Sound Travels Jazz mastery, with guests Esperanza Spaulding, Bruce Hornsby, Bobby McFerrin. Delta Spirit ~ Delta Spirit Modern Rock kicks Americana's ass. Devin ~ Romancing He's the man from Brooklyn with the best Rock and Roll I've heard this year. Initial impression: His songs will seep deeper beneath my skin with repeated listenings. With an abundance of great songs with great twists on classic rock and newfound perspectives on time-honored themes, I look forward to becoming a fervent fan of Devin over the decades-long and rich career he should have. RIYL: Buddy Holly, Iggy Pop, Cheap Trick. Top songs: "I Dont Think I", "I'm Not a Fool", "Run", and "White Leather".
Q · Ani DiFranco ~ ¿Which Side Are You On? Sing "Hallelu-
jah" for the first new Ani in three years. I love the loping nature of "Life Boat", the chunked, strummed guitar with ephemeral satellites hovering in the far distance underneath; Pete Seeger on sepia-toned banjo, on a re-worded "Which Side Are You On?"; and "Zoo". Last line: "Pour you love into your children / until there's nothing left to say."
Dion ~ Tank Full Of Blues No small accomplishment, Dion —
yes, of "and The Belmonts" fame, rolls into a bluesy station in life. Kathleen Edwards ~ Voyageur Her titles act like clues to her great songs, characterized by unique perspectives on relationships and break-ups. From the pun of finding "voyeur" within Voyageur to songs "Empty Threat", "Chameleon Comedian", "Change The Sheets", "House Full of Empty Rooms", "Sidecar" and "Go To Hell", she expresses her tender heart with strong images and performances.
lodic spin on Lo-Fi Electronica, joined on "En Memoria" by Tune-Yards.
Peter Gabriel ~ New Blood - Live in London Gabriel's recent
studio releases, with his songs and some of his favorites by other songwriters set to orchestral arrangements, didn't impress me. But here the intimacy of artists and audience mesh with new and innovative arrangements for a lush, two-CD-long experience to cherish.
Q · Magnetic Fields ~ Love At The Bottom of the Sea A delight. Simply one of the top two or three albums of the year so far.
Q · Sinead O'Connor ~ How About I Be Me (And You Be You)?
Extensive time spent listening to O'Connor's passion and authentic presence on How About's full slate of songs confirms what a special set this is, an achievement of a woman still facing up to her challenges with a positive perspective, taking charge in a perceivably harsh world. "The Wolf Is Getting Married" remains one of my favorite songs so far this year. Finally for this edition, the sole extended review of this month will be a huge surprise to regular readers of this column: T HE SHAMING IS OVER . T RUTH AND GOODNESS HAVE AT LAST ARRIVED . Rufus Wainwright has stepped away from playing games just long enough to let us in on a clearer sliver of who he is. He has stopped hiding his talent behind concepts and personas, tributes and family reputations. After far too long, Mr. Wainwright Jr does consistently the one thing I've ever wished of him, the one thing I insisted on before I could prevent myself from leaving the room when I heard him: He opens his mouth wide enough when he sings to hear the fullness of his voice. We can hear his voice in his voice — at last! In light of this unexpected development, I'm prepared to say the thing I expected I'd never have to say: The new Rufus Wainwright album Out of the Game is a great accomplishment, clearly among the best of 2012. (Wanna bet half his fans abandon him now?) The secondary disincentive to my becoming another-gay-man swooning over Rufus is that he has always always a l w a y s hid behind personas too thick to justify the effort of scraping at the gloss and schmutz for a mere, cautious glimpse of the Real Rufus underneath. Though second on the list of impenetrable problems Rufus insisted on erecting, not hearing Rufus' personal voice on his records was my primary, fundamental objection to his style. I didn't want to hear his mother's voice, his orchestrations' voice, his extended family's nor his Judy tribute voice. But his voice? I knew if we ever got to hear it, if he ever gave himself permission to extend it to us uncloaked, record it for The Official Record, risk our hearing him so we might get to know him, it'd almost inevitably be fascinating. Prepare for the ascendance of Rufus Wainwright to the throne of melodic pop. Perhaps not since Brian Wilson have we had as inventive and melody-infused a composer, confident and perfectionist yet risk-taking and unpredictable. Evoked as well are albums with superb pop arrangements like Harry Nilsson in his prime, or the Pleasures of the Harbor album by Phil Ochs, or the Dionne Warwick albums with Burt Bacharach. Elements in the arrangements (again: At last!) are balanced, nothing overwhelming, nothing lost in a mix of a(n often) large band of elements. Don't worry, Old Fans: Out retains plenty of artifice for your enjoyment. It's often beautiful, because Wainwright refuses to display his heart without a beautiful package Or he insists on lighting only his surfaces, prettified. But now he's not swamped by the arrangements, unlike previous albums. The title track invites the listener to believe Rufus isn't up to his old tricks: Now when he's being playful he's no longer playing games with us. Let's not be so naive to think that he has dropped all personas, but just by listening one can tell this one has a truer fit. Whoever "Jericho" and "Rashida" are specifically addressed to, both straddle the line between honoring them as sources of inspiration and having the final word. On "Barbara" guitars appear to cascade into view, then become underground streams. "Respectable Dive"'s loping tempo, pushed along by its brushed drumming and walking piano, would feel at home on a 1950s Gene Autry album, were it not for the film noir lyrics, the dissonant places the twangy guitar and twee keys touch. The atmosphere begins at "That's me / in a respectable dive / on a somewhat safe street" but, indicating a man who isn't drinking to forget, winds up repeatedly at "Baby I love you and I do not want to lose you." (continued on page 9)
May 2012 CHALLENGE Page 7
May 2012 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 Monday – Friday 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 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm - The Daily Grind, Princetonλ Every Monday 10:30 am - The Wellness Community, Newark; 973-565-0300; info @ hyacinth.org 6:30 pm - Kundalini 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† 7:30 pm - Stitch n B*tch, Highland Park† 8:00 pm - Bowling, Green Brook; qcrollers @ aol.com Every Tuesday 12:30 pm - The Wellness Community, Newark; 973-565-0300; info @ hyacinth.org 4:00 pm - Treatment Adherence Support Group, Jersey City; 201-432-1134; info @ hyacinth.org 6:00 pm - Transview, 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 Every Wednesday 10:30 am - The Wellness Community, Jersey City; 201-432-1134; info @ hyacinth.org 01 Tue 2:00 pm - Linden String Quartet, Merkin Concert Hall, New York; www.meetup.com/North-Jersey-Primetimers 4:00 pm - Black Men of the World, Jersey City‡ 6:00 pm - Gay Pride Business Network, New Brunswick; www.gpbn.net 7:30 pm - LGBT Fellowship, Belleville; 973-751-0616 7:30 pm - ComeOUT & Play, Highland Park† 02 Wed 4:00 pm - Black Men of the World, Jersey City‡ 4:30 pm - Decoding Alan Turing: a screening and discussion, Princetonλ 5:30 pm - Hudson County HIV/AIDS Services Planning Council, Jersey City‡ 6:30 pm - Social and Games Night, Clinton; www.glbtofhunterdoncountyofnj.com 6:30 pm - Swimming at the Minerals Spa, Vernon;, www.meetup.com/North-Jersey-Primetimers 7:30 pm - Gay Dad’s discussion group, Highland Park† 03 Thu 7:30 pm - Coffee Night, Edison; njlgh.onefireplace.com 7:30 pm - Gay Educators Group, Highland Park†
1:00 pm - "Generation Q", WRSU 88.7 FM; wrsu.org 2:30 pm - RU Pride, Newark; rupridenewark @ gmail.com 6:00 pm - Positive People peer support group, Hackensack* 7:00 pm - SAGE Hudson County, 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† 7:30 pm - Living Out Women, Highland Park† Every Thursday 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 - M-POWER men's group, 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‡ 3:30 pm - After School HangOUT, Highland Park† 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 9:00 pm - Knowing Is Key variety show & trivia, River Edge; 201-342-6410; www.clubfeathers.com*
04 Fri 7:00 pm - Positive Women peer support group, Hackensack* 7:00 pm - LGBT Prom, Jersey City; 201-303-8160 (see Bulletin Board, pg. 3) 8:00 pm - Karaoke, Highland Park† 05 Sat 2:30 pm - First and Third for GLBTI youth, Princeton; 609-683-5155; www.HiTOPS.org 7:00 pm - Women's Night, Highland Park† 7:30 pm - Games night, Little Falls; www.meetup.com/North-Jersey-Primetimers 06 Sun 11:15 am - NJ AIDS Walk; www.meetup.com/North-Jersey-Primetimers 11:30 am - NJ AIDS Walk; ray @ njbuddies.org (see Bulletin Board, pg. 3) 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 07 Mon 7:00 pm - Support Group for Lesbians with Cancer, New Brunswick; 732-235-6781; slirzero @ umdnj.edu 8:00 pm - Young Men's Social Network, Highland Park†
Page 8 CHALLENGE May 2012 08 Tue 7:30 pm - PCNJ Board of Trustees meeting, Highland Park† 7:30 pm - Yoga for Men, Highland Park† 7:45 pm - Godspell, New York; www.meetup.com/North-Jersey-Primetimers 8:00 pm - Men's Social Night, Highland Park†
18 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
09 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 - Booked for Supper, Highland Park† 6:30 pm - North Jersey Prime Timers' monthly meetup, Little Falls; www.meetup.com/North-Jersey-Primetimers
19 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 7:00 pm - Games Night + Dessert, Highland Park† 7:00 pm - LYC-NJ Social, Highland Park†
10 Thu 6:00 pm - L-B-Q Women United, Jersey City‡ 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 - Straight Spouse Discussion Group, Highland Park† 11 Fri 7:30 pm - United People Positive, Highland Park† 12 Sat 1:00 pm - Youth Drop-In, Highland Park† 2:00 pm - Lavender Graduation, Princetonλ 7:00 pm - Movie Social, Highland Park† 7:30 pm - Dignity New Brunswick gay Catholic liturgy; 732-968-9263; dignitynb @ earthlink.net 13 Sun 6:00 pm - Gay Men’s Classical Song Club, Kingston; pbrown02 @ worldnet.att.net 14 Mon 6:30 pm - HIV Testing, Highland Park† 6:30 pm - American Ballet Theatre Gala, New York; www.meetup.com/North-Jersey-Primetimers 7:00 pm - NY Life Employment Seminar, 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
20 Sun 4:00 pm - Dignity Metro NJ Mass, Maplewood; 973-509-0118; Dignitymetronj @ msn.com 4:00 pm - TrueSelves trans support group, Highland Park† 21 Mon 7:00 pm - Support Group for Lesbians with Cancer, New Brunswick; 732-235-6781; slirzero @ umdnj.edu 8:00 pm - Young Men's Social Network, Highland Park† 22 Tue 3:00 pm - Health Drop-In Hours, Princetonλ 7:00 pm - Bisexual, Bicurious, 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† 23 Wed 6:00 pm - Gay Pride Business Network, Asbury Park; www.gpbn.net 6:30 pm - Dinner, Morristown; www.meetup.com/North-Jersey-Primetimers 7:30 pm - Havurah board meeting, Edison; njlgh.onefireplace.com 7:30 pm - First Time Home Buying, Highland Park† 24 Thu 6:00 pm - L-B-Q Women United, Jersey City‡ 7:30 pm - United People Positive, Highland Park†
15 Tue 7:00 pm - ComeOUT & Play, Highland Park† 7:00 pm - Triangle Circle Players, 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 7:30 pm - Financial Strategies for the LGBT Community, Highland Park† 8:00 pm - PFLAG of Bergen County, Paramus; 201-287-0318; www.bergenpflag.org 8:00 pm - NJ Women, Secaucus; info @ njwomen.org 8:30 pm - Bowling, Boonton; www.meetup.com/North-Jersey-Primetimers
25 Fri 1:00 pm - Women With Voices, Jersey City‡ 8:00 pm - Shabbat service, Highland Park; njlgh.onefireplace.com
16 Wed 5:00 pm - HIV+ Consumer Meeting, Jersey City‡ 7:30 pm - United in Grace discussion/support group, Jersey City; 201-946-0650; greg.perez @ comcast.net
30 Wed 6:30 pm - Pride Festival Committee Meeting, Jersey City‡
17 Thu 6:00 pm - Volunteer orientation, Jersey City‡ 7:00 pm - GAAMC board meeting, Morristown; All GAAMC members are invited to attend. 7:00 pm - GLSEN Training, Highland Park† 7:30 pm - NJ Women Coming Out Support Group, Highland Park† 7:30 pm - PFLAG of Northwest NJ, Sparta; 973-729-9909
26 Sat 1:00 pm - Youth Drop-In, Highland Park† 2:00 pm - Youth Support Group, Highland Park† 4:30 pm - Under the Rainbow, Highland Park† 7:00 pm - Gay Bowling, Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park; 732-776-6160 7:00 pm - Men's Potluck Dinner, Highland Park† 27 Sun 4:30 pm - Torah Queeries, Highland Park†
31 Thu 7:30 pm - Financial Strategies for the LGBT Community, Highland Park†
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May 2012 CHALLENGE Page 9
Getting a Piece of the Pie by Mark Segal
On April 16th we announced that the “Pie in the Sky” project, which was made public about two years ago, is now a reality. This is how we put it in the Philadelphia Gay News almost two years ago: “We call it the ‘Pie in the Sky’ project. For many of us, it’s the most ambitious project we’ve ever undertaken. To find a home, a safe place to give our LGBT seniors to live; to bring them a home to thrive in their very own community. I have no illusions that the proposal has many more milestones to meet. It is not a done deal yet. And it will take the support and input of the entire community and our elected officials who have committed to follow through on this dream.” On April 12th, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency met to decide which projects would be awarded tax credits this year. I’m happy to report the Pie in the Sky project was awarded in that very competitive field. The project is now fully funded at $19 million. It is, as the mayor said during the announcement, the largest LGBTfriendly capitol-building project in the United States. The White House and HUD spotlighted the project as “pioneering innovation in U.S. housing solutions for low-income LGBT seniors.” We’re moving very fast, and for that reason it hasn’t sunk in yet. I’m still doing my thank-you’s, and, as we all know, I’m bound to forget someone. The list is as big as the project: two governors; Mayor Michael Nutter; the Philadelphia Congressional delegation, particularly Congressman Bob Brady and Senator Bob Casey; the Pennsylvania Senate and House leadership, with a special shout out to Representative Mike O’Brien and Mary Isaacson. There are so many more, but two groups that need special thanks. One, our community. Thank you for your overwhelming support. After our shaky beginnings, that support over the last year is heartfelt. And a personal thanks to the board of dmhFund, whom I am proud to say is the best board I’ve ever served on. They were professional, pragmatic and always found a way to move forward. “No” was never an option for them. I’ll finish where I began: We have many more hurdles to jump, but the question is no longer will it be built but, rather, when is the ribbon cutting?
The Editor's Box Congratulations to Karen Carroll and Judy Naturale Degaetano of Bound Brook, recipients of two of this year's Eleanor Roosevelt Awards. The awards to Karen, an Assembly candidate in 2011, and her partner Judy are given by the Somerset County Federation of Democratic Women for exemplary service to the Democratic Party and to Somerset County. Correction: Poems by Daniel Herzog scheduled to appear in last month's issue of Challenge were not included due to space considerations. However, the poems were listed in the "Inside Challenge" box on the front page. We apologize for the error. One of the poems, Wild Nights, Marshmallow Days, appears on page 12.
Dancing To Architecture™ (continued from page 6)
"Perfect Man"'s chiming synth chords and shifting downbeat gives it a unique identity, but it begins with a soulful groove which demands comparison to Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. I understand The DapKings play on this album, but with no list of full credits before me I can only guess this really is them here, sans Jones. Since Wainwright backslides on this song into lyrics which trade insider plot pitches with who -knows-what-they-mean inside jokes, and pinches off a few end-of-phrase, out-of-oxygen vocal deliveries of the kind I just wrote he'd gotten over, I'm convinced that The Dap-Kings should strongly suggest Sharon Jones give "Perfect Man" a shot and add their own flavor to it, a flavor beyond Wainwright's reach. "Sometimes You Need"'s light touch would fit on a Carpenters or America album — it's that kind of California sunshine-infused 1970s Top 40, up to and including an almost indiscernable-at-first but slowly encroaching string section and other orchestral elements. "Song of You" is pure pablum, an insubstantial bit of pandering, and unfortunately his mush-mouthiness is back in full for the length of most lines, but (reversing "Perfect Man"'s attack) he opens up and belts the words at the end of the line. Out of The Game concludes with "Candles". The opening line: "I've tried to do all that I can / but the churches have run out of candles" suggests the difficulties of balancing personal independence with not always feeling one lives in a supportive community. "Candles" approaches eight minutes long, but its themes of love and loss really do support the time the song consumes. The bagpipes coda is not bombastic; instead it's just energetic enough to evoke a warm flame, about to die down into embers, and memories of embers. Dancing To Architecture™ contents ©2012 Bill Stella. ©, ® & ™ items included in the column for review purposes are ©, ® & ™ their respective owners. The stylized Q indicates albums by (or contributed to by) Out Bisexuals, Gay Men, Lesbians and Transgendered persons.
NEW ! GEORGIES ‹ LIVE MUSIC FRIDAYS ‹ LGBT Artists FREE ADMISSION ‹ Showtime: 10 PM 812 5 th Avenue at Memorial Drive Asbury Park, NJ FRIDAY May 18 th Josh Zuckerman FRIDAY June 1 st Lori Michaels & Guests PRIDE Party FRIDAY June 15th Dale & Amy FRIDAY July 6th Bonnie Boland FRIDAY July 20 th Carrie Ashton FRIDAY July 27 th Christine Havrilla FRIDAY August 3 rd Christine Martucci FRIDAY August 17 th Mama’s Blacksheep FRIDAY September 7th Carl Chesna Band
Page 10 CHALLENGE May 2012
Gleanings
(continued from page 4) individuals, gay and lesbian Americans are not allowed to sponsor their foreign partners or spouses for U.S. citizenship because the Defense of Marriage Act forbids the federal government from recognizing their relationships. (Advocate.com) The 1st Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments over whether the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) violates the U.S. Constitution. The state of Massachusetts and the legal group Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders argued that when Congress passed DOMA it acted out of impermissible animus toward gay and lesbian couples, rather than a legitimate government interest. A lawyer hired by Congress defended the law, as the Obama administration has declined to do so. A federal circuit court has ruled DOMA unconstitutional. (The New York Times) The Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund said it has taken a "strategic step" by filing a federal lawsuit seeking marriage rights for a Nevada lesbian couple who have been together for 40 years. Nevada forbids marriage for samesex couples, but allows them to register as domestic partners — a distinction Lambda staff attorney Tara Borelli says highlights the fact that gays and lesbians in the state do not enjoy equal protection under the law. (Metro Weekly, DC) The Maryland Court of Appeals is hearing the case of a lesbian couple who married in California and now find themselves in legal limbo as they seek to divorce in Maryland, which does not yet allow same-sex couples to marry. The National Center for Lesbian Rights is arguing the couple's case after a lower court judge refused to grant them a divorce. (The Washington Post) North Carolina voters will be voting on a constitutional amendment banning samesex marriage on May 8th. The state, the only one in the South without such an amendment, is described as being less conservative than its neighbors, but blocking a marriage ban from being passed could be an uphill battle. Democratic leaders had long kept the issue off the ballot, but the GOP, which fully controls the state Legislature for the first time in 140 years, has finally forced the issue. Governor Bev Perdue (D) posted a strong video expressing her opposition to the amendment, which she said could remove all protections from all unmarried couples in the state and could undermine domestic violence legislation protecting many women. (Boston Globe; Towleroad.com)
places running out of ballots, leaving many who wished to vote unable to do so; and Prop 5 opponents urging their supporters to vote regardless of whether they were registered, even though local law requires voters to register 30 days before participating in an election. (Anchorage Daily News; AlaskaDispatch.com) The Kansas House of Representatives is poised to pass legislation that could supersede local ordinances and allow anti-LGBT discrimination based on religious objections. Proponents said the bill seeks to protect religious freedom, and denied that the bill would prevent municipalities from adopting LGBT anti-discrimination ordinances. The measure now heads to the state Senate where it reportedly has less support. (Lawrence Journal-World) The Colorado Senate passed a bill establishing civil unions for same-sex couples, but the bill faces an uncertain future in the state House, where a similar one was defeated last year. The legislation, sponsored by openly gay state Senator Pat Steadman (D), was denounced by some Senators who cited Bible verses on the floor of the Senate. (The Denver Post) Jennifer Tyrrell, a mother who helped lead a local Tiger Scouts pack in Bridgeport, OH has been kicked out of the organization because of her sexual orientation, even though other parents had long known she is a lesbian. Tiger Scouts is a Boy Scouts of America (BSA) program for first-grade boys before they become Cub Scouts. A Supreme Court ruling in 2000 upheld the rights of the BSA to bar gays and atheists. (Dayton Daily News) What is believed to be the first marriage proposal and engagement between two gay men on a US military base took place at Camp Pendleton in San Diego. Navy veteran Cory Huston proposed to Marine Avarice Guerrero upon Guerrero's return from deployment in Afghanistan. Huston, once assigned to the Marines as a hospital corpsman, had been discharged under the former Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. (San Diego LGBT Weekly) Anthony Loverde is set to become the second person discharged from the military under "don't ask, don't tell" to be reinstated. Loverde's reinstatement is tied to the settlement of a federal lawsuit over the policy. Military officials say that since they no longer inquire about or track the sexual orientation of recruits, it's impossible to know how many discharged individuals have signed up to serve again. Legislation ending DADT did not provide for automatic reinstatement into previous positions and ranks. (The New York Times)
A survey in Anchorage, AK of LGBT people found more than 70% of respondents say they have hidden their sexual orientation to avoid employment discrimination, and more than three-quarters said Marine Avarice Guerrero and his fiance, The author of a controversial study they have experienced verbal abuse. used by so-called “ex-gay” organizaNavy veteran Cory Huston The city’s voters rejected an LGBT nontions to support their theory that sexdiscrimination ordinance, Proposition 5, ual orientation can be changed now on the ballot in April. However, officials with One Anchor- says he agrees with the study’s critics and is retracting it. age, the organization that fought to pass the ordinance, say “The findings can be considered evidence for what those they will not concede defeat until irregularities reported on who have undergone ex-gay therapy say about it, but nothElection Day are investigated and resolved, including polling ing more,” said Robert Spitzer. (Daily News, NY)
May 2012 CHALLENGE Page 11
10 Anti-Gay Myths Debunked
By Evelyn Schlatter and Robert Steinback Myth #10: Gays Can Choose to Be Straight (tenth in a series of ten)
Ever since born-again singer and orange juice pitchwoman Anita Bryant helped kick off the contemporary anti-gay movement more than 30 years ago, hard-line elements of the religious right have been searching for ways to demonize homosexuals — or, at a minimum, to find arguments that will prevent their normalization in society. For the former Florida beauty queen and her Save Our Children group, it was the alleged plans of gays and lesbians to “recruit” in schools that provided the fodder for their crusade. But in addition to hawking that myth, the legions of anti-gay activists who followed have added a panoply of others, ranging from the extremely doubtful claim that homosexuality is a choice, to unalloyed lies like the claims that gays molest children far more than heterosexuals or that hate crime laws will lead to the legalization of bestiality and necrophilia. These fairy tales are important to the anti-gay right because they form the basis of its claim that homosexuality is a social evil that must be suppressed — an opinion rejected by virtually all relevant medical and scientific authorities. They also almost certainly contribute to hate crime violence directed at homosexuals, who are more targeted for such attacks than any other minority in America. What follows [is one of] 10 key myths propagated by the anti-gay movement, along with the truth behind the propaganda.
MYTH #10: Gay people can choose to leave homosexuality. THE ARGUMENT: If people are not born gay, as anti-gay activists claim, then it should be possible for individuals to abandon homosexuality. This view is buttressed among religiously motivated anti-gay activists by the idea that homosexual practice is a sin and humans have the free will needed to reject sinful urges. A number of “ex-gay” religious ministries have sprung up in recent years with the aim of teaching homosexuals to become heterosexuals, and these have become prime purveyors of the claim that gays and lesbians, with the aid of mental therapy and Christian teachings, can “come out of homosexuality.” Exodus International, the largest of these ministries, plainly states, “You don’t have to be gay!” Another, the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality, describes itself as “a professional, scientific organization that offers hope to those who struggle with unwanted homosexuality.” THE FACTS: “Reparative” or sexual reorientation therapy — the pseudo-scientific foundation of the ex-gay movement — has been rejected by all the established and reputable American medical, psychological, psychiatric, and professional counseling organizations. In 2009, for instance, the American Psychological Association adopted a resolution, accompanied by a 138-page report, that repudiated ex-gay therapy. The report concluded that compelling evidence suggested that cases of individuals going from gay to straight were “rare” and that “many individuals continued to experience same-sex sexual attractions” after reparative therapy. The APA resolution added that “there is insufficient evidence to support the use of psychological interventions to change sexual orientation” and asked “mental health professionals to avoid misrepresenting the efficacy of sexual
orientation change efforts by promoting or promising change in sexual orientation.” The resolution also affirmed that same-sex sexual and romantic feelings are normal. Some of the most striking, if anecdotal, evidence of the ineffectiveness of sexual reorientation therapy has been the numerous failures of some of its most ardent advocates. For example, the founder of Exodus International, Michael Bussee, left the organization in 1979 with a fellow male exgay counselor because the two had fallen in love. Alan Chambers, current president of Exodus, said in 2007 that with years of therapy, he’s mostly conquered his attraction to men, but then admitted, “By no means would we ever say that change can be sudden or complete." (Reprinted, with permission, from Intelligence Report, Winter 2010, produced by the Southern Poverty Law Center. www.splcenter.org)
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Page 12 CHALLENGE May 2012
May 1st 2011 by Tony Puma
FINANCIAL LIFE PLANNING FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES
HAPPY BIRTHDAY. May Day. Did not receive a birthday card this year from my mother or sister. Every year they would send me a card, making a fuss about my birthday. Maypole Day. My father also thought this was a special day. Now, he never sent me a card, but, when he was alive, “Dad”, always appeared on the card. So, what’s the punch-line? They are all dead. Spring. I never gave it much thought, receiving these cards over the years. In fact, in recent years, I was bemused, at being reminded of my aging and mortality.
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Wild Nights, Marsmallow Days by Daniel Herzog
I often wake up at night, Panic stricken, Wondering if I went to sleep at the right time, Or if I'll be dead by morning from regurgitated food. You wouldn't know it during the day, Because I am calm and collected, Helped along with tranquilizers and antidepressants, But the lion always seems to roar at night, I'm too hot or too cold,
Sleeping in a room that is a steady 70⁰ in spring and winter And hot in the summer, I always wonder at night whether I'll wake the same person in the morning, Or become like stone.
May 2012 CHALLENGE Page 13
GAAMC Board Mini-Minutes, March 15, 2012 Atttendance Voting Trustees: DeLeeuw, Dinkin, Kennedy, Rubin, Sauer, Stella, Suiter Non-Voting Attendees: Sue Harris, Allen Neuner, Robin Schneider The meeting began at 7:11 pm. I. Adoption of minutes: The minutes of February 16, 2011, were adopted unanimously (moved, Kennedy; seconded, Dinkin). II. Old Business: 40th Anniversary: The committee has narrowed its list of possible venues to two. Tastings will be scheduled at each venue. Possible sources of funds to keep prices affordable for attendees were discussed. Membership/Attendance: A "Welcome Back to GAAMC" mailing will be updated and sent out in the spring, which will include information on GAAMC's recent accomplishments. III. New Business: Pastabilities: The Board discussed who would bring what. Mickey gave a general outline of duties, based on last year's event. Website software: Mickey, on behalf of Andy, presented information on software which could be used to upgrade our website. A motion to provide money to purchase the software passed unanimously (moved, Sauer; seconded, Suiter). IV. Reports: President: Mickey Suiter reported that GAAMC was invited to have a table at Clubfest on April 21st. Mickey will attend; Gordon will try to attend. Anyone interested in attending an April 16th speaking engagement at Burlington County College should contact Andy. Treasurer: Andy Skurna — written report (on file). Secretary: Gordon Sauer — no report. VP Operations: Bill Stella — no report. Challenge: Allen Neuner — The April issue will be stuffed and mailed on March 26th. The next deadline is April 15th for the May issue. Allen reported an increase in advertising in the May issue.
Member Services/Front Desk: Allen Neuner — no report. Programs: Sherri Rase — written report (on file). Public Relations: Andy Skurna — no report. Volunteerism: Sherri Rase — No report. Discussion Group Resources: Gordon Sauer — written report (on file). Socials: Charlie Murphy — no report. VP Community Services: Kerry Dinkin — Kerry received information about an AIDS memorial which she will send to the Board for consideration of a contribution. She also received information about an adoption cafe which she asked be put on the information board. Activism: Andy Skurna — no report. Fundraising: Andy Skurna — no report. Pride Guide: Andy Skurna — Andy is continuing to make contacts and build an advertising list. Membership: Andy Skurna — no report. Speakers' Bureau: Chris Selitto — written report (on file). Webmaster: Andy Skurna — written report (on file). Gordon, on behalf of Andy, reuested Board members to open e-news emails, respond to event invitations on Facebook, and forward event information to their contacts. Bill suggested we add tags to issuu.com so that Challenge content shows up on Google searches. Archives: Mickey Suiter — Mickey asked the Board to reach out to current and former members to provide pictures for the Ruby Ball. Information: Mitch Rubin — no report. V. Save These Dates: April 19: next Board meeting; April 23, Pastabilities. VI. Ideas & Suggestions: Mickey stated Charlie would like to be in charge of this year's $1.98 Beauty Pageant. VII. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn passed unanimously (moved, Stella; seconded, Dinkin). The meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.
This Month's Contributors Daniel Herzog is an off-again, on-again member of GAAMC (currently on). A graduate of Juniata College, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and Rutgers, Daniel is a published author, poet, and reviewer; has served on the boards of many professional organizations; has worked in the counseling field; and has presented papers and lectured at conferences and universities. (pg. 12) Tony Puma: A career in sales/marketing/advertising and public relations influences his poetry style: less abstract and more to-the-point. Degrees from New York University and Fairleigh Dickinson University. A member of various poetry groups including Italian-American Writers Association, Red Wheel Barrow Poets, Paulinskill Poetry Project, Poets House (NYC), South Mountain Poets, and Hudson Valley Poets-on-the-Loose. A view of life through the prism of poetry; seeing, hearing, and feeling, trying to capture emotions and relate them via words. (pg. 12)
Evelyn Schlatter and Robert Steinback are researchers and authors in the field of sexuality and civil rights whose articles have frequently appeared in Intelligence Report, the newsletter of the Southern Poverty Law Center. (pg. 11) Mark Segal is the publisher of the Philadelphia Gay News and is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at mark @ epgn.com. (pg. 9) 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. 5)
Page 14 CHALLENGE May 2012
GAY ACTIVIST ALLIANCE IN MORRIS COUNTY
Officers President (President @ GAAMC.org) — Mickey Suiter VP Community Services (Info @ GAAMC.org) — Kerry Dinkin VP Operations — Bill Realman Stella Secretary (Secretary @ GAAMC.org) — Gordon Sauer Treasurer (Treasurer @ GAAMC.org) — Andy Skurna Trustees John DeLeeuw, Ron Kennedy, Claire Pompei, Mitch Rubin, Alexa Vasios Trustees Emeriti Sue Harris, Sherri Rase, Robin Schneider, Mark Wydner Committee Chairs Activism — Gordon Sauer (Activism @ GAAMC.org) Archives — Mickey Suiter (Archives @ GAAMC.org) Discussion Group Resources — Gordon Sauer (Discussions @ GAAMC.org) Fundraising — Andy Skurna (Fundraising @ GAAMC.org) Information — Mitch Rubin (FreeLibrary @ GAAMC.org) Member Services/Front Desk — Allen Neuner Membership — Andy Skurna (Memberships @ GAAMC.org) Pride Guide — Andy Skurna (PrideGuide @ GAAMC.org) Programs — Sherri Rase (Programs @ GAAMC.org) Public Relations — Sherri Rase (Info @ GAAMC.org) Socials — Charlie Murphy (Socials @ GAAMC.org) Speakers Bureau — Chris Selitto (SpeakersBureau @ GAAMC.org) Volunteerism — Sherri Rase (Volunteer @ GAAMC.org) Webmaster (inc. Facebook, Issuu, Yahoo!) — 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, call our information line or check our homepage (see below). Members and nonmembers from any locale 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 the Volunteer Coordinator, Sherri Rase, at Volunteer @ 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: http://www.gaamc.org Mail List: http://groups.yahoo.com/subscribe/gaamc Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gaamc Challenge online edition: issuu.com/gaamc
PREVIEWS OF COMING ATTRACTIONS! May 14th
May 21st
May 28th
Kick Boxing
Vendors Market
Memorial Day Cookout
See "GAAMC Events", page 2, for more details!