The Best Damn Newsletter in New Jersey!TM In living color and with more content online at issuu.com/gaamc/docs!
CHALLENGE T he New sl etter of the Gay Act iv is t Allian ce in Morris Cou n t y S e r v i ng New Jer sey’ s G LBTI Commu n it ies Con t in u ou s ly S in c e 1 9 7 2 V o lu m e 40 , I ssu e 7, S e p te m be r 2 0 14
Trevor and Tyler and Robin by Sherri Rase This summer was a hotbed of activity: War in Israel, the shooting of teen Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, more than 13 inches of rain in Long Island, a Malaysia Airlines plane shot from the sky over Russia, the death of Robin Williams — every single one of these is tragic. And while we could argue, each could have been prevented. Like Sharknado, we can only move forward. Robin Williams struggled with a demon. Singer/songwriter James Taylor called it a “darkness at the periphery of [Robin’s] vision." Perhaps it was that darkness that enabled him to see into our hearts where the pain and humor centers intertwine, where he knew just where to touch us for most memorable moments. That darkness engulfed him completely on August 11, 2014. Many times, when someone is contemplating suicide it won’t be a big gesture that might tip you off. The movie Trevor centers around a 13year old whose friends reject him NEW at GAAMC for his sexuality when he comes out, triggering him to 20-Somethings attempt suicide. A monthly discussion group for College freshman people in their twenties Tyler Clemente endured the very pubEvery last Monday of the month lic broadcast of a
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very private moment. The theft of Tyler’s innocence by his college room mate was so devastating, he took a long walk off a bridge. Some statistics say that a third of teen suicide is related to LGBT issues. One crucial way to reduce suicide overall is to have more awareness of our friends, loved ones and those around us. The world we live in is so reliant on technology, it’s easy to disconnect from our fellow travelers. People have broken off relationships via email and text. Really! This should not be surprising since so many people meet initially online where “truth” is still a malleable concept. Connect with the people around you. Engage in conversation with people in line, at the grocery store or coffee shop or diner. Be open to the world and what it has to teach. It’s so easy to get entrenched in routine but those roses won’t stop you to smell them. Be aware of the signs of stress in friends, family and loved ones and also in people you know less well. Would you stay up all night to talk someone out of taking their own life? For me, the answer is YES!
NEW at GAAMC!
– Current Affairs –
A monthly discussion group focused on current events Every first Monday of the month
Begins October 6 Moderator: Frank
Moderator: Joe
Inside Challenge Challenge Information .................................... page 2 GAAMC Events.............................................. page 2 What's happening at our Monday meetings Bulletin Board.............................................. page 3 Upcoming Events include Jersey City Pride, Women's Weekend Fundraising Golf Event & Tournament, Gay Day Two New Discussion Groups Begin at GAAMC!....... page 3 Getting Personal........................................... page 3 This Month's Contributors ............................... page 3 Gleanings.................................................... page 4 NJ Trans activist items at the Smithsonian; Middletown sticks its neck out for Trans INequality, & much more
Q-munity Calendar........................................ page 7 You Belong In The Gay Community..................... page 9 A thoughtful gay man encourages us all to come in when we come out. Transgender Rights Leader Picked to Lead GSE... page 10 Garden State Equality turns to the future NJ Gay Men's Chorus Names New Artistic Director... page 10 Board Minutes for June and July 2014.............. page 11 Dancing To Architecture ................................ page 12 Music reviews and news with a queer ear, featuring John Paul Sharp, Lucas Mire, Kendall Kelly, & Great Caesar GAAMC Information ...................................... page 14
Page 2 CHALLENGE Volume 40, Number 7 September 2014 ISSN 0277-1675 Staff Editor .....................Allen Neuner Assistant Editor ............. Bill Stella Advertising Manager ............. open Circulation Manager ............. open List Manager ............ Allen Neuner Submissions The deadline for all articles, inserts, and advertisements is the fifteenth of the previous month. All submissions must be provided as electronic files. Email submi ssions 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 Editor at Challenge @ GAAMC.org. Challenge is © 2014 by the Gay Activist Alliance in Morris County, a 501(c)3 taxexempt 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.
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GAAMC Events for September 2014 Discussion Groups
OpenTalk: A weekly discussion group, open to all. 7:00, in the Library. Moderators: Elias (Sep 22); Gordon (Sep 1, 15, 29); Kerry (Sep 8); Liz (Sep 15); Mickey (Sep 15); Sherri (Sep 15, 22). NOTE: Discussion group does not meet on Film Festival nights. NEW! 20-Somethings: A monthly discussion group for those in their twenties. Held on the last Monday of the month. Begins this month. Moderator: Joe (Sep 29). NEW! Current Affairs: A monthly discussion group focused on current events. Held on the first Monday of the month. Begins in October. Moderator: Frank (Oct 6).
Main Events
All start at 8:00 unless otherwise noted. September 1: Labor Day Social and Barbecue Where has the time all gone to? Wasn't it only yesterday when we had our Memorial Day Cookout, and Jersey Pride and other statewide pride events? Oh, well, time for our annual bookend social of the summer season. You know the drill: We provide the meat, the buns, the condiments, and the utensils. You bring a favorite cookout side dish or desert (enough for at least 6 people). We all have a great time! September 8: GAAMC's 42nd Anniversary! According to Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide series, "42" is the answer to life, the universe, and everything! Join us tonight for a special history presentation including memorabilia, photographs, posters, and more as we see how far we've come and how far we still have to go. September 15: Wo/Men's Only Spaces! The fall edition of a dedicated space for men to discuss men's concerns and women to discuss what matters to women is tonight GAAMC's Open Talk and Programs typically include something for everyone. Tonight we commune, sisters with sisters and brothers with brothers. Also today is the deadline for all contributions for the October issue of Challenge! We can't remain "The Best Damn Newsletter in New Jersey"™ without your input! September 22: Extended Discussion! The first part of the evening and the second could be entirely different or all of a piece. Either way, sometimes we need a bit of extra time to make our points, get everyone's opinion heard, or range a bit further in the breadth of our topics. Tonight is the night we make that happen! September 29: GAAMC hosts College Night! Activists from Gay Straight Alliances from all over New Jersey come together to discuss what matters to youth and how to activate that demographic going forward. Also tonight: The first meeting of the new monthly 20-Something Discussion Group!
Coming next month! October 6: Vote Your Issues This is GAAMC's annual tradition where, a few weeks prior to the November elections, we discuss the issues that matter most to us going into the election. Candidates from every party are invited to participate in the discussion and let us know their platform. Do you have a candidate with good works to perform? Sign 'em up and give them the audience they deserve — people who think! Also tonight: The first meeting of the new monthly Current Affairs Discussion Group! NOTE: All events are subject to change without notice. Check out GAAMC.org for up-to-date information on allupcoming events!
September 2014
Bulletin Board They only come out at night? Well, they do, starting at 8 p.m. on September 6th! That's when the eleventh annual Gay Day Six Flags takes p l a c e ! After the park closes, G L B Ts w i t h their families and friends take over the park exclusively! Enjoy such sensational rides as the all new Zumanjaro with its 415-foot drop (the world's tallest!) and old favorites like Kingda Ka and Congo Rapids. There will be food and live entertainment! For more information or tickets, go to www.gaysixflags.com. Raices Latinas, the Spanish-speaking social/support group at the Pride Center, invites everyone to join in a celebration of Latin culture on Saturday, September 14th! An afternoon of music, games, and entertainment starts at 3PM at the Center in Highland Park. For more information, contact david@envisionplanning.net or call 732-846-2232. Join Jersey Shore LGBT Community Center as we support Women's Weekend NJ for an amazing day out on the links! This special event will take place Sunday, September 21st at 1PM, at Twin Brook Golf Course in Tinton Falls. This event will offer an 18-hole tournament; a clinic taught by LPGA National Coach of the Year Michele Melia; a lovely 18-hole miniature golf course; and a BBQ dinner with live musical entertainment! The cost is $75/person, with proceeds going towards creating Women's Weekend NJ in 2015. Contact info@womensweekendnj.org with questions. Are you coming out right now? Are you having a coming out anniversary? Just love coming out parties? The Pride Center invites you to come to Our Coming Out Party on Saturday, September 27th, at 7:30PM at the Center in Highland Park, to celebrate coming out — past and present. This is for people coming out across the spectrum: gay; lesbian' bisexual; transgendered; pansexual; genderqueer; asexual; and everything else! Just bring a small snack to share and we'll have a gay old time! For more info, contact Pandora Scooter at 732-718-0134, or at pandora@pandorascooter.com. Did you think the pride season was over? Not if Hudson Pride in Jersey City has anything to say about it! Jersey City Pride 2014 will be taking place on Saturday, October 24th, from noon to 6:00 at its new location — Grove Street, in front of City Hall! While the venue is new, the
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attractions are not — vendors, organizations, music, and some of the best live entertainers New Jersey and NYC have to offer! This is a party you won't want to miss!
Two New Discussion Groups Starting at GAAMC! That's right! Each month, GAAMC will be offering two new discussion groups on Monday nights at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship! The first, which will meet on the last Monday of the month, is a 20-Something Discussion Group moderated by Board member Joe Gygax. This group will explore topics of interest to younger members of the GLBT communities and provide a place for them to socialize with their peers. The second, which will met on the first Monday of the month, is a Current Affairs Discussion Group moderated by Board member Frank Lucek. This group will focus on current events and news topics from the past month. The 20-Something Group kicks off on September 29th, with the Current Affairs Group starting one week later on October 6th. Information about all of GAAMC's discussion groups appears on page 2 of every issue of Challenge.
Getting Personal FREE TO A GOOD HOME! Gently used queen mattress (only) could be yours today if you act now. You'll need to arrange transport from Edison to your location. See Sherri for details. Move To Somerville, NJ! Fine houses for sale, within easy walking distance to train station, near Gay neighbors. Vibrant and renewed downtown. Bill (not an agent) can volunteer leads. bearealman at gmail.com
This Month's Contributors Josh Hersh, life coach and entrepreneur, works alongside thoughtful gay men to help them craft a life bursting with joy, love, and purpose. He also works with time-starved freelancers and "solopreneurs" to boost productivity and grow their business. He founded The Thoughtful Gay Man, whose mission is to create a world where every gay man lives empowered and from the heart. He currently lives in Chicago with his boyfriend, Sergio. (page 8) Bill Realman Stella writes Dancing To Architecture because writing about music is dancing to architecture. Bill hosted the eclectic pop music radio show Highest Common Denominator, and seeks sponsors to revive it. To have Bill write, DJ, or promote for you, contact bearealman at gmail, and visit Bill's online 'zines, latest column, and blogsite. Comments, suggestions, and fan mail are also welcome. (page 12)
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Gleanings
Queer news from around the world A collection of identifying buttons created by nationally-known trans activist Barbra "Babs" Casbar Siperstein for New Jersey delegates to the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Democratic national conventions has been accepted by the Smithsonian Institute for its permanent collection. Siperstein created the buttons as a way to bring awareness of trans people and their concerns to Democrats at a national level. Babs' determined efforts on behalf of trans rights and their full inclusion in the "alphabet soup" of GLBT concerns led her to become chair of the Democratic National Committee's relations committee and then the first trans person to be elected to the DNC's executive committee. (BlueJersey.com) A New Jersey appellate court recognized the right of a stepparent to seek visitation or custody after having raised a stepchild from a young age. The case involved a lesbian stepmother "D" who had co-parented her 18-month-old stepson with his biological mother "K." When D and K — who had entered into a domestic partnership before New Jersey had marriage equality — eventually split, K tried to keep D from seeing her stepson. D said she had bonded with the boy, although they had no biological or legal ties. D filed a complaint seeking custodial and visitation rights, but she lost in trial court. The appeals court, however, ruled it would be in the boy's best interest for his stepmother to continue being in contact with him. (Advocate.com) Thorne Middle School in Middletown, NJ has told 13-yearold Rachel Pepe that she cannot return to school this year dressed as and identifying as a girl, even though coming out as transgender earlier this year helped relieve her of years of depression. The school informed Rachel’s mom, Angela Peters, that she must come back to school prepared to dress and act like a boy as well as use the name on her birth certificate. No accommodations would be made for her gender identity; the school rejected Peters' suggestion to let Rachel use the bathroom in the nurse’s office. Middletown School District is also not willing to support any of the tuition costs related to moving Rachel to a new private school. Noting that Rachel developed stress-related seizures, depression, and panic attacks before coming out, Peters refuses to send her back to school as a male. New Jersey’s laws protect against discrimination on the basis of gender identity, but the specific issue of school accommodation may be a new challenge for the state. (Asbury Park Press)
cutbacks on foreign aid and cancellation of planned military exercises. Also Ugandan officials involved in humanrights abuses may be barred from the U.S. (Washington Blade)
Rachel Pepe
Same-sex couples would be eligible for emergency family leave regardless of their state of residence under a proposal announced by the Labor Department. The proposal follows a Justice Department review of federal laws in light of last June's Supreme Court decision overturning part of the Defense of Marriage Act. (The Washington Post) The Department of Labor released guidelines clarifying that discrimination against transgender federal contractors based on gender identity is considered sex-based discrimination under federal law. The announcement follows a 2012 decision by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that found protections against sex-based discrimination extended to transgender people. (Metro Weekly, DC) The Employment Non-Discrimination Act as currently written lost the support of several major LGBT rights groups, including Lambda Legal, the Transgender Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. ENDA, which has grown into one of the LGBT community's top priorities, has faced criticism due to sweeping religious exemptions that could make the bill more likely to receive a vote in the Republicancontrolled House of Representatives. (Advocate.com) Representative Mark Takano (D-CA) introduced legislation that seeks to guarantee Social Security benefits for samesex spouses in the U.S. Most same-sex spouses who live in states without marriage equality are ineligible for Social Security survivor and retirement benefits, according to the Department of Justice. (Washington Blade) The Supreme Court let stand an appeals court ruling upholding California's ban on gay "conversion therapy" for minors. The plaintiffs in the case had argued that the ban interfered with the right to free speech. " (LGBTQ Nation) Republican leaders in the New York Senate blocked votes on a transgender-rights bill and another bill that would ban medical providers from practicing "conversion" therapy on minors. The state Assembly passed a conversion therapy bill June 16. (LGBTQ Nation)
President Barack Obama signed an executive order protecting LGBT employees of federal contractors and the federal government from workplace discrimination. The order makes it illegal to fire or harass employees of federal contractors based on their sexual orientation or gender identity and also bans discrimination against transgender employees of the federal government. The order did not include a religious exemption opposed by LGBT groups. (NBC News)
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) became the fourth sitting senator of her party to endorse marriage equality. Collins cited the growing number of states with marriage equality as factors in her reversal. "Nearly 44% of Americans live in a state where same-sex couples can be legally married, and I believe this number will only continue to grow," Collins said in a statement. Collins joins Republican Senators Mark Kirk (IL), Lisa Murkowski (AK), and Rob Portman (OH). (MetroWeekly, DC)
The White House announced a broad series of sanctions aimed at pressuring Uganda to repeal its February law imposing strict penalties on homosexuality. The sanctions include
A panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling that Virginia's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. "[I]nertia and apprehension are not le-
September 2014 gitimate bases for denying same-sex couples due process and equal protection of the laws," Judge Henry Floyd wrote in the decision. Attorney General Mark Herring formally filed a petition with the Supreme Court to hear a case challenging his state's marriage equality ban. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court ordered a stay of the Fourth Circuit Court's ruling, issued after Chief Justice John Roberts referred the matter to the full court. (Richmond Times-Dispatch, VA; The New York Times)
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The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court ruling that struck down Utah's marriage equality ban. The decision is the first appeals court ruling on marriage equality since the Supreme Court struck down a portion of the Defense of Marriage Act last year. The court issued a stay of its ruling until a higher court decides the case. A three-judge panel of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals denied Utah state officials' request for an indefinite stay of a December ruling striking down the state's ban on marriage equality. However, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency stay The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals heard the broadest at- on the order that Utah recognize the marriages of same-sex tack yet on state gay marriage bans when lawyers challeng- couples. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who oversees the Tenth ing four states' prohibitions joined forces Circuit, referred the state's request for in hopes of convincing a three-judge a stay to the full court instead of denyMarriage Equality Statuses panel that the bans are unconstituing it outright. (The Salt Lake Tribune; (by state/territory) tional. Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan and The New York Times) Tennessee have so far waged their batFull marriage equality: tles separately, fighting to uphold the Florida's marriage ban was ruled unCalifornia * Connecticut * Delaware bans that voters years ago embraced. constitutional by a federal judge who Each state faces slightly different chal- District of Columbia * Hawaii * Illinois compared the ban to now-defunct laws Iowa * Maine * Maryland lenges filed by same-sex couples, includagainst interracial marriage. "When obing the right to adopt children as a couMassachusetts * Minnesota servers look back 50 years from now, ple, to have their names placed on a the arguments supporting Florida's ban New Hampshire * New Jersey partner's death certificate, and to have on same-sex marriage, though just as New Mexico * New York * Oregon marriages performed legally elsewhere sincerely held, will again seem an obviPennsylvania * Rhode Island recognized in their home states. There ous pretext for discrimination," U.S. Vermont * Washington has been no indication of when a decision District Judge Robert Hinkle wrote in will be reached. (The Cincinnati Enquirer) his decision, and stayed pending an exBan struck down, appeal pending: pected appeal from Attorney General Indiana's marriage equality ban is un- Arkansas * Colorado * Florida * Idaho Pam Bondi. (The Miami Herald) Indiana * Kentucky * Michigan constitutional, ruled U.S. District Judge Nevada * Ohio * Oklahoma Richard Young. The judge declined to A three-judge panel of the Tenth U.S. Tennessee * Texas * Utah * Virginia issue a stay, and several counties in the Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a state started issuing marriage licenses to Wisconsin lower court ruling that struck down LGBT couples. The Seventh Circuit Oklahoma’s marriage equality ban. The Court of Appeals stayed Judge Young's Ban currently challenged in court: court issued a stay of the ruling pending ruling, putting a halt on same-sex an appeal. Lawyers for Tulsa County Alabama * Alaska * Arizona marriages in the state, as requested by Georgia * Kansas * Louisiana * Missouri clerk Sally Howe Smith asked the SuIndiana Attorney General Gregory Zoeller preme Court to review the Tenth Circuit Mississippi * Montana * Nebraska while the state appeals the ruling. The Court's ruling striking down that state's Nevada * North Carolina stay complicates the marriage statuses of ban. (National Public Radio; The OklaNorth Dakota * Puerto Rico hundreds of same-sex couples who were homan, Oklahoma City) South Carolina * South Dakota wed after the state's marriage ban was West Virginia * Wyoming struck down. Meanwhile, Judge Young Kentucky's ban on marriage equality is ruled that same-sex marriages performed unconstitutional, as it violates the right in other states where they are legal must Ban in place, no action: to equal protection, U.S. District Court be recognized by Indiana. The judge put Judge John Heyburn ruled. The judge American Samoa * Guam a stay on this ruling pending an appeal. issued a stay of the ruling pending an Northern Mariana Islands (The Indianapolis Star; USA Today) appeal. Same-sex couples still cannot Virgin Islands marry in the state. (MetroWeekly, DC) Madelynn Lee Taylor, a 74-year-old military veteran who served in the Navy from 1958 to 1964, filed a lawsuit challeng- Connecticut's highest court ruled that some legal rights of ing Idaho state laws prohibiting her from being buried in the same-sex couples predate the state’s 2008 adoption of marIdaho State Veterans Cemetery with her late wife, Jean Mixner. riage equality and earlier approval of civil unions. The deciThe lawsuit, filed by the National Center for Lesbian Rights sion, which is the first of its kind, overturned lower court and Boise-based attorneys, argues Idaho laws barring recogni- rulings and allowed a widow to sue a doctor for medical tion of out-of-state same-sex marriages violate the United malpractice for the death of her wife. The alleged malpracStates Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and due tice occurred before the state adopted marriage equality. process. A federal court in Idaho has already ruled the state’s (ABC News) ban on same-sex marriage violates the U.S. Constitution. However, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has placed a stay Attorneys in Louisiana were ordered by U.S. District Judge on the ruling following an appeal from Idaho Governor Butch Martin Feldman to file briefs related to marriage equality. Otter (R) and Attorney General Lawrence Wasden. Arguments Judge Feldman, who heard arguments on Louisiana's refusal to recognize LGBT marriages performed in other states, said in the case are set for September 8. (Washington Blade) his ruling would address both whether the state can refuse to
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recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages and whether same-sex marriages can be performed in Louisiana. (TheAdvocate.com) Adams County District Court Judge C. Scott Crabtree struck down Colorado's marriage equality ban, determining that the ban violates the constitutional right of equal protection. Crabtree immediately stayed his ruling, meaning LGBT couples will not yet be able to marry in the Centennial State. "The final chapter of this debate will undoubtedly have to be written either in Denver, Colorado or Washington, D.C.," Crabtree wrote in his ruling. "While the striking down of laws banning same-sex marriages has been progressing at a rapid rate, it will take time for this issue to be finally resolved." (The Denver Post) North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper announced that the state will no longer defend its ban on same-sex marriage, citing a ruling that same day from a federal appeals court in Virginia. "Our attorneys have vigorously argued this case every step of the way. But the 4th Circuit has ruled and the 4th Circuit is clear," Cooper said at a press conference. "There are really no arguments left to be made." (The News Herald, Morganton, NC) The Alaska Supreme Court ruled that same-sex partners are entitled to survivor benefits despite the fact that the state does not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The ruling stems from a case involving a woman whose partner was shot and killed while working at an Anchorage hotel in 2011. The state Workers' Compensation Board denied the woman's claim for survivor benefits. (Gay Star News) Four gay and lesbian couples joined a federal same-sex marriage lawsuit in Puerto Rico. Lambda Legal and Puerto Rico Para Todos, a Puerto Rican LGBT advocacy group, also joined the lawsuit that Ada Mercedes Conde Vidal and Ivonne Álvarez Vélez of San Juan filed in March in the U.S. District Court of Puerto Rico. Conde and Álvarez, who have been together for nearly 14 years, married in Massachusetts in 2004. They are raising their daughter in San Juan. Conde is also one of the lawyers in the case. (Washington Blade) Nearly two dozen gay-rights activists who were arrested after they blocked doorways in the Idaho Statehouse were sentenced in front of an emotional and packed courtroom in Boise’s 4th District Court. The 23 defendants took part in peaceful protests during the 2014 legislative session as part of an effort to persuade lawmakers to add legal protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents in Idaho’s Human Rights Act. Each protester was given a chance to offer a brief statement before being ordered to pay court costs based on how many times they were arrested while protesting. They also had to participate in community service. More than 190 arrests were made before the Legislative session ended in March. (LGBTQ Nation) A law that recently took effect in Mississippi allows business owners to cite their religious beliefs in order to refuse services to LGBT people. The law, which was passed in April, is facing challenges from several Mississippi cities, including Jackson and Hattiesburg. "We are not going to sit idly by and watch Jim Crow get revived in our state," John Currence, a chef, said of the law. (Advocate.com)
Oregon's Health Evidence Review Commission, which oversees a prioritized list of health services for the state's Medicaid program, has announced that the state's lowincome health insurance plan will begin to cover transgender-transition-related care. The decision follows similar actions taken in California, Vermont and Washington, D.C. The new coverage, which will go into effect January 1, 2015, is estimated to affect the lives of 175 Medicaid patients each year with a cost estimate of less than 0.0015% of the Oregon Health Plan's total budget. (Advocate.com) The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that a state registry for same-sex couples does not violate the state’s constitutional ban on marriage equality. The registry, which was created in 2009, ensures same-sex couples have the right to hospital visits, family medical leave, health benefits under a partner's insurance, and the right to inherit a partner’s assets. (Wisconsin State Journal, Madison) Officials in the Canadian province of Alberta ruled on Wednesday that requiring gender reassignment surgery as a precondition of changing residents’ birth certificates violates transgender persons' rights. The decision stemmed from a complaint filed by 12-year old Wren Kauffman, a transgender boy who is listed as female on his birth certificate. Currently, only Ontario allows its residents to change the gender listed on their birth certificates without proof of surgery. (Advocate.com) The Mexican state of Baja cannot bar same-sex couples from marrying, the Mexican Supreme Court ruled. The "reproductive function or perpetuation of the species" and “the formation of a family is not, in any way, the purpose of marriage," the court noted in its ruling. The court has recently issued several other decisions in favor of marriage equality. (Washington Blade) The Liberal Party, the ruling party of Australia's Parliament, is expected to allow a conscience vote on marriage equality during the legislative body's spring session. A "conscience vote" means that representatives are free to vote according to their personal views in Parliament, rather than having to vote according to their party's position. The action would fulfill a pre-election promise by Prime Minister Tony Abbott, whose sister is a lesbian. (News.com.au) A district court in St. Petersburg, Russia, determined that LGBT organization Coming Out is a "foreign agent" that violates the rights of straight citizens in the country. The group, which plans to appeal the ruling, faces the possibility of being registered as a foreign-agent nongovernmental organization, which would subject it to tighter regulations. (Metro Weekly, DC) A Ugandan law that imposes a life sentence for homosexuality is "null and void," the country's Constitutional Court ruled. Parliamentarian Speaker Rebecca Kadaga acted illegally by allowing the legislation to be voted on without a quorum, the court noted. Peter Nyombi, Uganda's Attorney General, indicated that he plans to appeal the court's ruling. Ugandan lawmakers are gathering signatures on a petition that seeks to force a vote on whether to reinstate the law. (ABC News; Gay Star News) (continued on page 10)
September 2014
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S eptem b er 2014 Q- m u nity Calend ar Recurri n g Con t act I n form at i on
* Hackensack Peer Support Groups: 800-508-7577; www.njbuddies.org † Pride Center, Highland Park: 732-846-2232; www.pridecenter.org ‡ Hudson Pride Connections Center, Jersey City: 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 Project Access syringe exchange program, Newark; variable hours; njcri.org; 973-558-5054 Project Access drop-in center, Newark; variable hours; njcri.org Tuesday - Saturday Project WOW! youth center, Newark; variable hours; njcri.org; 973-412-7080 Every Sunday 10:45 am - MCC of Christ the Liberator, Highland Park; tombohache10 @ gmail.com Noon - St. Francis of Assisi Church, Glen Ridge; 973-731-7765; stfrancisnj.org 2:30 pm - Liberation in Truth Unity Fellowship Church, Newark; 973-621-2100 5:30 pm - Central Jersey Rainbows Bowling League, Bradley Beach; CJRBowling @ gmail.com Every Monday 10:30 am - The Wellness Community, Newark; 973-565-0300; info @ hyacinth.org 5:00 pm - CSA produce pickup, Jersey City ‡ 7:00 pm - GAAMC, Morris Township (see page 2) 7:00 pm - Bowling, Union; merenl @ comcast.net 7:00 pm - S.E.L.F. HIV Men’s support group, Hackensack * 7:30 pm - New Jersey Gay Men’s Chorus choir practice, Princeton; 609-396-7774; www.njgmc.org 8:00 pm - Bowling, Green Brook; qcrollers @ aol.com Every Tuesday 12:30 pm - The Wellness Community, Newark; 973-565-0300; info @hyacinth.org 4:00 pm - Treatment Adherence Support Group, Jersey City; 201-432-1134; info @hyacinth.org 6:30 pm - TransView, Jersey City ‡ 7:00 pm - NA Group, Jersey City ‡ 7:30 pm - Tuesday Night Lesbian Connection, Bound Brook; 908-791-3764 01 Mon 7:00 pm - Support Group for Lesbians with Cancer, New Brunswick; 732-235-6781; slirzero @ umdnj.edu 7:00 pm - Lesbian Hot Topics, Ocean; schiffman @ rocketmail.com 7:30 pm - Raices Latinas social/support group, Highland Park† 02 Tue 7:30 pm - LGBT Fellowship, Belleville; 973-751-0616 7:30 pm - ComeOUT & Play, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - NJ Women Coming Out Support, Highland Park † 03 Wed 5:30 pm - Hudson County HIV/AIDS Services Planning Council, Jersey City ‡ 7:30 pm - Gay Dad’s discussion group, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - Jersey Boys of Leather, Highland Park †
7:30 pm - Men’s HIV support group, Asbury Park; 732-7755084; 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 2:30 pm - RU Pride, Newark; 973-353-5716 6:00 pm - Positive People peer support group, Hackensack * 6:00 pm - SAGE, Jersey City ‡ 6:00 pm - "With These Hands" crochet and kitting circle, Newark; 973-424-9555; NewarkLGBTQCenter.org 7:30 pm - Men’s Living Out group, Highland Park; njwarrior @ aol.com † 7:30 pm - Gay Men’s Coming Out group, Highland Park; njwarrior@aol.com † Every Thursday 4:00 pm - True Colors drop-in center, Newark; 973-424-9555; newarklgbtqcenter.org 6:00 pm - Our Youth weekly support group, Jersey City; www.myspacenj.org 6:00 pm - Ties Like Mine, Jersey City ‡ 6:00 pm - LGBT Fitness Explosion, Jersey City ‡ 6:30 pm - Double Jeopardy peer support group, Hackensack * 6:30 pm - Hudson Men of Pride, Jersey City ‡ 7:00 pm - Sexual Assault Survivor Support, Princeton; www.hitops.org 7:30 pm - Rainbows on Cleveland Street, Orange; 973-256-5936; rbowsoncleveland @ aol.com 7:30 pm - Writers group, Highland Park † Every Friday 3:00 pm - Youth Connect, Jersey City ‡ 3:00 pm - WAVE Youth, Ocean Grove; 732-455-3373; qspot.org 6:15 pm - Gay Men's AA, Ocean Grove; 732-455-3373; qspot.org
04 Thu 7:00 pm - Coffee Night, Edison; njlgh.onefireplace.com 7:30 pm - PCNJ Marketing Committee, Highland Park † 05 Fri 7:00 pm - Positive Women peer support group, Hackensack * 9:00 pm - Karaoke, Highland Park † 06 Sat 2:30 pm - First and Third for GLBTI youth, Princeton; 609-683-5155; www.HiTOPS.org 7:30 pm - WAMP women's concert series, Highland Park † 07 Sun 2:00 pm - Central NJ Rope Share, Highland Park † 4:00 pm - Dignity Metro NJ Mass, Maplewood; 973-509-0118; Dignitymetronj @ msn.com
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07 Sun 6:30 pm - Gay Men’s Opera Club; 732-249-9034; hagol @ msn.com 08 Mon 2:00 pm - Bi-Lingual Spanish Group, Jersey City ‡ 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 09 Tue 7:30 pm - Pride Center Board Meeting, Highland Park † 10 Wed 3:30 pm 4:30 pm 7:30 am 6:30 pm
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Driving Range, Willowbrook ♦ Youth Caucus, Newark; 973-424-9555 Living Out Women, Highland Park † North Jersey Prime Timers' monthly meetup, Little Falls ♦
11 Thu 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 † 8:00 pm - Booked for Supper, Highland Park † 12 Fri 4:00 pm - SPECTRUM youth drop-in, Newark; NewarkLGBTQCenter.org 7:30 pm - Rock Band/Guitar Hero, Highland Park † 13 Sat 12:30 pm - IPG Gender Spectrum Support Group for Youth & Parents, Jersey City ‡ 1:00 pm - Youth Drop-In, Highland Park † 1:00 pm - Women of Pride, Jersey City ‡ 7:00 pm - Men's Potluck Dinner & Movie Night, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - Dignity New Brunswick gay Catholic liturgy; 732-968-9263; dignitynb @ earthlink.net 14 Sun 2:00 pm - Club Picnic, Bridgewater ♦ 3:00 pm - Fiesta Latina Para Toda La Comunidad, Highland Park † 6:00 pm - Gay Men’s Classical Song Club, Kingston; pbrown02 @ worldnet.att.net 15 Mon 6:30 pm - Dinner, Hamilton ♦ 7:00 pm - Support Group for Lesbians with Cancer, New Brunswick; 732-235-6781; slirzero @ umdnj.edu 7:30 pm - Raices Latinas social/support group, Highland Park† 16 Tue 7:30 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 7:30 pm - Caregiver Support Group, 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
17 Wed 5:00 pm - SoMa Youth Caucus, Maplewood; info@gardenstateequality.org 7:30 pm - United in Grace discussion/support group, Jersey City; 201-946-0650; greg.perez @ comcast.net 7:30 pm - Board Meeting, Edison; njlgh.onefireplace.com 8:30 pm - Bowling, Boonton ♦ 18 Thu 6:00 pm - New Volunteer Orientation, Jersey City ‡ 7:00 pm - GAAMC board meeting, Morristown All GAAMC members are invited to attend. 7:00 pm - GLSEN Training, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - NJ Women Coming Out Support Group, Highland Park † 7:30 pm - PFLAG of Northwest NJ, Sparta; 973-729-9909 7:30 pm - Volunteer Group Meeting, Jersey City ‡ 19 Fri 7:00 pm - Positive Women peer support group, Hackensack * 7:30 pm - Dignity New Brunswick social; 732-968-9263; dignitynb @ earthlink.net 8:00 pm - Out of the Box open mic night, Highland Park (Sign-up begins 7:30); outoftheboxinfo @ mac.com 20 Sat 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 - Diversity Game Night, Highland Park † 8:00 pm - Board Meeting, Edison; njlgh.onefireplace.com 21 Sun 4:00 pm - Dignity Metro NJ Mass, Maplewood; 973-509-0118; Dignitymetronj @ msn.com 4:00 pm - TrueSelves trans support group, Highland Park † 22 Mon 2:00 pm - Bi-Lingual Spanish Group, Jersey City ‡ 23 Tue 7:30 pm - Donald's Events, Highland Park † 8:30 pm - Men's Social, Highland Park † 24 Wed 7:30 pm - Living Out Women, Highland Park † 25 Thu 7:00 pm - Under the Rainbow, Highland Park † 26 Fri 10:30 am - LGBT Task Force, Highland Park † 4:00 pm - SPECTRUM youth drop-in, Newark; 973-424-9555; NewarkLGBTQCenter.org 7:30 pm - Living Soulfully, Highland Park † 27 Sat 1:00 pm - Youth Drop-In, Highland Park † 1:00 pm - Women of Pride, Jersey City ‡ 7:00 pm - Gay Bowling, Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park; 732-776-6160 7:30 pm - Coming Out Party, Highland Park † 28 Sun 3:00 pm - The Lavender Cinema Club, Highland Park †
September 2014
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You Belong In The Gay Community by Josh Hersh There's a belief that gets regurgitated again and again within the gay community. I hear it in different variations from gay men. It often comes with a force of incredible certainty. A short, yet powerful statement. I DON'T BELONG. Gay men all across this country feel these three words with incredible intensity. This statement plagues the mind, hurts the soul, and causes the heart to ache. I'M HERE TO TELL EVERY GAY MAN READING THIS: YOU BELONG IN THE GAY COMMUNITY. JUST AS YOU ARE. The thing is, if you don't believe you belong (or even want to belong) in the gay community, you never will. I can't convince you to believe differently. It's entirely up to you. Your very belief of "not belonging" feeds feelings of isolation, loneliness, and of being an outsider. Thinking you need a certain skin color, massive amount of wealth, or six-pack abs in order to find a place in the gay community is utter bullshit. Even if your past experience tells you otherwise. Stop believing and saying that!
your energy finding people who value integrity, love, compassion, and grace. They are out there. Use myself as evidence of why you belong. Start there. I know you have a place in the gay community. I believe you belong. I am a gay man and I know you have a place. Just as you are. You have so many unique gifts, perspectives, and quirks to add to the mix. For every gay man that is shallow, condescending, and vain, there are many more that are grounded, gracious, and kind. Kind gay men are out there. They are everywhere. Maybe you haven't met them yet. Maybe you haven't given them the opportunity to be a friend. LOOK, I GET THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE BEEN HURT BY GAY MEN IN WAYS I HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED. MY HEART FEELS FOR YOU AND I STAND RIGHT BESIDE YOU IN SOLIDARITY. My desire is for you to release that pain and hurt. Give it away. Set it free so you can open your heart and life to thoughtful gay men, who will accept and love you just as you are. Stand powerfully and confident in this truth: I belong. Whisper it aloud right now. No one can take that from you. Start today. Tell yourself this new story. Give yourself the gift of belonging. It's yours for the taking.
Belonging and finding your place in a community is about finding and cultivating friendships that are life-giving. Friendships that burst with joy, laughter, honesty, care and support. ALL OF US, MYSELF INCLUDED, HAVE TO GET OUT OF THIS MINDSET OF NEEDING GAY MEN TO "GIVE" US SOMETHING ATTENTION, PRAISE, OR AFFIRMATION - AND FOCUS ON WHAT EACH OF US HAS TO OFFER OTHERS.
KEVIN P. SUSZKO, PC
Finding your place in a community, which really means finding quality friends, is not about being thrust onto a pedestal for all to gawk at. It's about living in the trenches of everyday life and supporting each other through thick and thin.
T AX PLANNING & PREPARATION F INANCIAL P LANNING A C COUN TIN G SERV IC ES D AY & EV ENI N G APPOI NTM EN T S O FFICES IN NEW JERSEY & NYC
THE ONLY PERSON THAT PREVENTS OR KEEPS YOU FROM FINDING COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION IS YOU. There are no gay gatekeepers or goalies that block you from finding belonging. Perhaps you've been hurt in the past. In response, you've closed yourself off, holed up, and kept other gay men at a distance. Sure, you may not get hurt anymore or in the same way. But you also won't feel the love or connection you truly desire. Our minds are powerful. They like to find and build evidence for why something is the case. Many gay men have evidence of being rejected by other gay men. And that's the only evidence they consider when it comes to belonging in the gay community. BY CONTINUING TO FEED AND CULTIVATE THE CASE FOR NOT BELONGING, THAT'S ALL YOU'LL FEEL AND EXPERIENCE. If people do not accept you for who you are, they are not your people! Realize that and let them go. Instead, spend
Certified Public Accountant
Phone: 973–376–4121 P. O. Box 701 Short Hills, NJ 07078 Email: KPSCPA@GMAIL.COM
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Transgender Rights Leader Picked to Head Garden State Equality
New Jersey Gay Men's Chorus Names New Artistic Director
After a national search, Andrea “Andy” Bowen, a transgender activist with a proven record of nationally notable policy victories, has been named the new Executive Director of Garden State Equality (GSE). Andy is one of the nation’s first openly transgender Executive Directors of a statewide organization for LGBT civil rights.
The New Jersey Gay Men's Chorus is excited to announce that Ed McCall has been chosen as their new Artistic Director and Conductor. Mr. McCall was chosen from a field of a dozen qualified candidates by the Chorus' Board of Directors.
“New Jersey has a lot of forward thinking policy already in place,” Andy said. “But we must continue to press for full equality for the LGBT and ally community, and be vigilant in working to ensure our current laws are implemented and enforced. My goal is to work with communities across intersections of race, class, gender, age, and ability to ensure that LGBT people and our allies are truly protected from discrimination, physical violence, and economic pain.” Luanne Peterpaul, GSE Action Fund Chair, notes, "We are thrilled that she is bringing her expertise to New Jersey. Garden State Equality has a rich heritage of seeking ever-increasing justice for the LGBT and ally community. As Garden State Equality moves forward it will focus on issues including youth, seniors, and the transgender community.” Ms. Bowen comes to GSE from Washington, DC, where she played an integral role in engineering key victories for transgender justice. As Social Policy Organizer with the DC Trans Coalition and Policy Associate at the National Center for Transgender Equality, she led advocacy efforts toward successful passage of Washington DC’s landmark law easing the process for transgender people to change their birth certificates and names. Through community organizing efforts, she engineered a lawsuit against a homeless shelter that was denying entrance to transgender women. Most recently, she worked with community members to ensure that DC health insurance policies cover the breadth of transgender-specific health care needs. Andy previously worked for the Ironworkers Union, in research and community engagement activities for their Organizing Department. She has a Master of Social Work degree from the Catholic University of America, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Certificate in Women’s Studies from the University of Maryland at College Park. Andrea has won awards from the Washington Peace Center and Gertrude Stein Democratic Club of Washington, DC, and was recognized as an Emerging Young Leader of the LGBT Community by the Obama Administration. She also plays bass for the punk band Southern Problems. Andy is looking forward to meeting many GSE members and allies on October 21st as the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary and the first anniversary of marriage equality. The community will also be able to meet Andy during a series of community meet and greets throughout the state.
"The Board of Directors of the NJGMC is confident that Ed will continue the tradition of musical excellence that our audience has come to expect, while bringing a fresh new vision to the Chorus in terms of programming," said Board Chairman Rich Cahill. Ed McCall is a travel coordinator for Artist Travel Consultants in New York City, working with groups performing at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. He is also the Director of Music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Doylestown, PA. Ed is a graduate of the University of Toronto (Bachelor of Education, Music and Computer Studies) and Westminster Choir College (Masters of Music, Choral Conducting and Music Education). A veteran choral music educator, Ed has directed choirs in Canada and the United States, appearing at festivals and choral conferences worldwide. In addition to teaching, Ed served on the board of directors for the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and the Bucks County Music Educators Association. Most recently, he taught in the music education department at Westminster Choir College. Mr. McCall has prepared and directed choirs for national television appearances, professional recordings, symphony appearances, choral festivals, national tours, and a Papal visit. Choral reviews by Ed have been published in the ACDA's Choral Journal, and his articles relating to choral-orchestral works were published in the Canadian choral journal Anacrusis. He adjudicates at choral festivals in the United States and Canada.
Gleanings (continued from page 6) The Presbyterian Church has changed its definition of marriage to "two people" and granted ministers the ability to officiate same-sex weddings where state law permits them. The church's General Assembly voted in favor of the changes earlier. (The New York Times) The United Nations announced that it will recognize the unions of LGBT Secretariat staffers regardless of whether their home country recognizes marriage equality. "I am proud to stand for greater equality for all staff and I call on all members of our UN family to unite in rejecting homophobia as discrimination that can never be tolerated at our workplace," U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement announcing the change. (LGBTQ Nation)
September 2014
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GAAMC Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes June 19, 2014
July 17, 2014
Attendance Voting Trustees: DeLeeuw, Gygax, Kennedy, Lucek, Schaublin, Slicer, Suiter Non-Voting Attendees: Allen Neuner
Attendance Voting Trustees: DeLeeuw, Dinkin, Grifone, Gygax, Kennedy, Lucek, Rase, Schaublin, Slicer, Suiter Non-Voting Attendees: Allen Neuner
The meeting began at 7:06 pm.
The meeting began at 7:02 pm.
I. Adoption of minutes: The minutes of the May meeting were approved unanimously (moved, Kennedy; seconded, Gygax).
I. Adoption of minutes: The minutes of the June meeting were approved unanimously (moved, Dinkin; seconded, DeLeeuw).
II.Old Business:
II.Old Business:
Macy's Shop for a Cause: Coupons sold at front desk; program mentioned on Facebook and in Open Talk III.New Business:
Macy's Shop for a Cause: Coupons sold at front desk; program mentioned on Facebook and in Open Talk Thank You notes: Mailed to list of donors
Ice Cream Social: General discussion on what items will be brought by Board members. IV. Reports: President: Sherri Rase — Written report on file. Treasurer: John DeLeeuw — Written report on file. John will provide Ron with a list of donors to whom thank-you letters will be sent. Challenge: Allen Neuner — Summer issue will be stuffed June 23rd. Programs: Sherri Rase — Written report on file. A DVD of Grease will be needed (not a Blu-Ray). Discussion Group Resources: Gordon Sauer — Written report on file. Development Committee: Gordon Sauer — Written report on file. Socials: John DeLeeuw — The Memorial Day social brought in 43 people. Pride Events: Mickey Suiter — Written report on file. V. Save These Dates: June 23, Open Mic night June 30, Stonewall 45 July 7, Ice Cream Social July 14, Mr. Pleasant Animal Shelter July 21, Grease Sing-Along July 28, Women only/Men only spaces September 1, Labor Day Cookout VI. Ideas & Suggestions: Ideas on how to revive the $1.98 B e a u t y Pa g e a n t were discussed. VII.Adjournment: Motion to adjourn passed unanimously (moved, Kennedy; seconded, Slicer). T h e m e e t i n g a djourned at 8:06 pm.
III.New Business: Labor Day Social: General discussion on what items will be brought by Board members. IV. Reports: President: Sherri Rase — Written report on file. Treasurer: John DeLeeuw — Written report on file. Challenge: Allen Neuner — no report. Programs: Sherri Rase — Written report on file. The need still exists to get the word out about events. Discussion Group Resources: Gordon Sauer — Written report on file. Development Committee: Gordon Sauer — Written report on file. Socials: John DeLeeuw — oral report given. Pride Events: Mickey Suiter — Written report on file. Webmaster: Andy Skurna — Written report on file. V. Save These Dates: July 21, Grease Sing-Along July 28, Women only/Men only spaces August 4, Next Stage Players August 11, Summer Carnival August 15, Challenge deadline August 18, Transformations August 25, Summer Members Market September 1, Labor Day Cookout VI.Ideas & Suggestions: A White Elephant sale was proposed and discussed. Motion to have a White Elephant sale passed on voice vote (moved, Grifone; seconded Schaublin) It was proposed and discussed to merge the Hallowe'en Social with the $1.98 Beauty Pageant. Motion to merge the two events passed on voice vote (moved, Lucek; seconded, Grifone) VII.Adjournment: Motion to adjourn passed unanimously (moved, Schaublin; seconded, Dinkin). The meeting adjourned at 8:03 pm.
Dancing To Architecture™ (continued from page 13) I celebrate Great Caesar for both embracing Queer people and for being "not straight," for not getting cornered into a small public identity made for yesterday. They have a strength, a gestalt, that doesn’t owe itself to any one sexuality or identity definition. Great Caesar is a band that makes becoming one's truer self its hallmark. Miscellany: Follow Great Caesar at GreatCaesarBand.com. It's a fan's reward to own their great songs. Catch Great Caesar perform live soon before they take over the world. John-Michael Parker is not lead singer/songwriter for no reason: He strikes a charismatic and irresistible presence on stage. Their next-announced gigs are in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh, but local gigs are sure to follow. For a further look into the band's aspirations with the Future Project, watch We've Got Some Dreaming Before We Die | John-Michael Parker, a TEDx talk.
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Dancing To Architecture™ Music Reviews & News with a Queer Ear by Bill Realman Stella Q ◂ John Paul Sharp ~
Dif’raunt About a decade ago I got sent a CD by John Paul Sharp. I was not impressed and passed on reviewing it. But wait! I did say “a decade ago” right? It took me nearly that long for me to check in with him again, and what a difference a decade makes! After recognizing his name on another musician’s Soundcloud page, I was intrigued by the title of his latest project, Dif’raunt. Drawn to play a song with the unlikely title “Better Bitch,” I suddenly shift from unimpressed to very impressed. The lyrics “Push yourself / Bring your spirit back to light / They may throw shade / And cut you down // They haven’t beat you yet / You are worth it / You can be the Better Bitch” — hearing that excited me! Sung by two vocalists — Sharp joins Jason Dooley on lead — their lithe tenor voices take charge of a leaping, climbing melody. I felt some back of my neck chills. Their voices inhabit the personas, I imagine, of the Mothers of a Drag House. There are characters here! More goes on than meets the ear! JP has clearly worked hard at his craft, and found numerous collaborators. I learn he kept pushing himself to work on new projects, averaging an extraordinary three releases a year. It’s as if he has grown wings. Now Dif’raunt has arrived! And you can hear it all at Spotify. The lead-off track, “Good Morning to You,” seems to have traveled from the first act of a rags-to-riches musical, a pick yourself up, dust yourself off, start all over again number, sans pick or dust, and certainly not over. “Safeword” assumes a tongue-in-cheek, light sweet posture, aided by piano plunks hounded by insouciant chimes. JP, as if playing a naughty children’s TV show host, sings “When you have a good buddy / And you trust each other / You can tell them a secret / For when you play-pretend.” An abundance of safewords, from the innocuously mundane to the sharply satircal, get put to song with the cheeky glee of a mad Dr. Ruth. You get the picture. Definitely edutaining! Dif’raunt, characterized so far by its wit and humor, surprises again by following “Safeword” with “For Tonight,” a touchingly warm ballad and a duet with Jean Burchfield. Dif’raunt can be wickedly funny and deeply affecting. Too many musicians don’t really grow much in a decade, especially those who out of necessity are on a lonely DIY path. Sharp and his collaborators’ talents shine with what are now rarely called Art Songs. I hope they keep at it, and continue to provide evidence that the Chamber Music world has some contemporary vivacity. You’ll want to stay to the end of this showpiece just to see what else might happen. One listen to “Dif’raunt,” and you’ll want a “Better Bitch” of your own. JohnPaulSharp.com has links to listen to almost everything Sharp has recorded. Start with his 2013 concept album, “The Fool,” here: JohnPaulSharpsharp.com/the-fool.html. Listen at Soundcloud.com/johnpaulsharp to a selection of tracks from several albums.
Q ◂ Lucas Mire ~ Heyday
Pop balladeer Lucas Mire (pronounced meerRAY) returns with a brand new album Heyday. Like JP Sharp, Mire is another singer-songwriter in it for the long haul, who has honed his craft as he matured. Also like JP, my expectations have been shattered — I have to rip up my synapses and start over now, replaced by a much improved view. Heyday begins very well, and sustains that level through its very fine first few songs. I was reminded of songwriters beloved by other songwriters with dedicated fans but modest sales, people like Kenny White or David Wilcox. But Heyday stopped reminding me of others and started to set standards of its own once I encountered “You”. Whenever I see a song titled “You,” I say to myself “This can’t possibly work.” And I’m always right — until now. With “You,” Heyday shifts: from a collection of songs just-as-good as those on most Pop hitmakers' albums, to a showcase for an undiscovered strong songwriter. “You” is not merely good. As a DJ I once knew used to say, “CHILLS, baby! Chills!” Something incredible and hard to describe happens when I encounter an impossible song — No one is super-human enough to transcend the cliched, to make a song titled “You” into a special experience. But yes, despite my deeply ingrained doubts, someone is human enough to do it. "You" is a song destined to be associated with special occasions — that's for YOU to make happen! Mire employs sentiment without dripping in sentimentality, sticking images strikingly adjacent to draw constant attention and cause exquisite contrast, with specific, often universal details that allow you to love "You" for your own personal reasons. It’s magic of the highest order. Have a taste of the elegant beauty of his language. "You" begins — the spell begins: “You are the first word in my favorite book / You are the last sip in the cup / You are the last breath my mother ever took / You would never show me up /“ and the chorus is: “You — you saved me / You — knowing you / It changed me / Just you being you.” Few songs like this — which one responds to with caught breaths, which cut through everyday cynicism to allow tend-to-be-critics like me a breath of optimism — truly inspire and change the world. With that intent, I'm sending out the call: Lets see videos by enamored Mire-wannabe’s singing their versions of "You" on YouTube, lets hear remixes that bring "You" to dance floors, lets have vocal arrangements written for choruses Gay Men’s, Women’s, Community, heck, Gospel too - to raise spirits by. Y'all will get on that now, won’t You? With almost no room to give to the rest of Heyday, I’m committing a sin to just observe that the magic lingers like shimmering glitter wafting in the breeze on tracks which follow "You": “Night,” Shotgun,” “Heyday,” “The Best Lines,” “The West Coast”. Hearing that parade traps me half-giddy, half-sick with fear: Could This Music Be Ignored? Become a Lost Classic? I’ve seen it happen. Confirm my belief that albums like this, just as good as those that get pushed into the public
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consciousness, can break out and break through. Just imagine whatever it takes to treat them like the hits they could be, then do that, and their potential becomes possible. Change The Paradigm, People! Enable artists to sell albums and tickets enough to earn a decent living. Don't walk, RUN to hear Heyday at LucasMire.com. You'll feel moved, and do what you must to have your own Heyday.
enlightenment about the tour itself and its meaning. But the moment did not happen.” As he worked on the songs that became Manifest Destiny, “he realized that the album itself WAS the enlightenment.” Witness his journey to get there, as if we get to receive his letters home, filled with pain and laughter. Videos for “Manifest Destiny” tracks: "Tank”, "Space Age”, "Don’t Even Know You’re A Vampire" and best of all, the richly soulful "It Ain’t The Rain" (screen shot above). Sample “Manifest Destiny” tracks at CDBaby. More videos are at Kendall’s YouTube.
Q ◂ Kendall Kelly ~ Manifest Destiny
Q ◂ Great
Manifest Destiny is Kendall's personal breakthrough. It promises to be a breakthrough album and should lead to a breakthrough year in his career. Part of the story behind “Manifest Destiny” comes from the extensive touring he’s done in recent years with a performance piece called “Clothes Get In the Way.” His experiences on tour “…meeting and getting to know all these incredible, beautiful, generous and complicated people” inspired the musical journey. Manifest Destiny goes where Kendall has always been meant to go, exploring the meeting places of the giver and the receiver, connetions where he forges his musical and wordsmithing wit into the form of a Lover — sometimes sexual, sometimes spiritual, sometimes confessional, almost archetypal. The Lover is not silent, dares more than to speak his name, but also names what's troubling him. Just one remarkable moment on Manifest Destiny illuminates Kendall’s breadth of talent: the contrast in tone and style between Track 7, “Depression Rules” - a righteous and right-on partly-rapped rant that confronts bad old notions and poor policies people take towards depression, and track 8, “1943 (People Like Me),” a love song for the men-loving-men who lived before we recognized ourselves as a community of Gay people. And what has really changed since then? Remove "1943", and these words yet ring true: “I could find a stranger in the park and fall in love. Then again it’s so hard to see, in 1943, people like me.” Kendall has been on a path searching for answers to his questions for some years now, ever since making a big splash last decade, first with songs like "Bears", then a few years ago with more soulful songs like "Deeper Than Blue". As he moved from "Bears" to "Deeper Than Blue," the evident direction was towards more serious fare. But, if I may apply my phrase for it, he has found that “Music is the Highest Common Denominator.” It’s an "enlightenment," as he posted to Facebook - not, despite more serious subjects and self-expression, an en-heavy-ment. So Kendall turns. Toward, yes, a destiny he struggles to make manifest. The effort shows sometimes, as in his strain to attain some notes, or songs bulging at the seams with fabric-stretching amounts of content. But, like one who has heard the call to “Go West Young Man,” he personally is making real movement happen in his life. (He also is literally moving west right now, from New York state to San Diego.) Kendall described a moment near the end of his "Clothes Get In The Way" tour, when “he found himself in a Buddhist temple and expected a moment of
Caesar ~ Great Caesar EP
Since it debuted early in 2014, Great Caesar’s video for their epic song “Don’t Ask Me Why” has brought this new band well-deserved attention from smart, appreciative, early-adopter audiences. Led by John-Michael Parker, “Don’t Ask Me Why” dares present several stories of young love as equally challenging and equally of worth. It pares the message down to its common core: the richness of individual lives and the different ways we express love have in common the same human values: We care for one another and dream of and work for something better. Video auteur Alex Colby begins it with a childhood love story between a black boy and a white girl, then links that with two Gay teen couples - young men who get bullied even though they try to hide their love, and young women who reveal their relationship to their parents but get rejected. Watching this video makes me cry. I own up to it. Because it happens every time. I’m tearing up now, writing this, just thinking about it. As a new band still at their full-time day jobs, they've accomplished a lot in relatively little time: a debut 4-song EP, a professional grade video, a flurry of sold-out live club dates, a more-than-respectable amount of buzz. Now, sirs, please may we have some more new songs? They answered yes. In addition to “Don’t Ask Me Why,” the new self-titled Great Caesar EP, available at store.greatcaesarband.com, contains three now songs, beginning with the beautiful, slow-building ballad "Still Love." It’s gentle and intimate, sung as if it were lying in bed next to you. The horns that enter at precisely the 2 minute mark are like a bliss-inspiring finger running softly over your skin. The sounds, the feelings, grow, swell, ever more blissfully, bolstered by happy-to-be-with-you drums, until, three minutes in, voices appear and jolt you in a bolt of joy — then lay you back into a warm, reverberant afterglow. It's a real good song. More romantic goodness saturates "Holiday," bathed in the light sweet awareness of every sensation sensed in the presence of one's love. It stays acoustic and pastoral, but becomes a romp which teases us to chase it for a run that extends over earthy jamming, overlaid with sunshine- dappled guitar soloing. "Bury Me" stakes its place among dramatic performances balanced and disciplined enough to sidestep cliches. Not overwrought, each iteration of a single lyric line adds a new chance to find meaning. A scream is heard just above a whisper, Stephen Chen's saxophone solo injects melodic muscle that flirts with atonality. Chen intones wild expressiveness without sacrificing listenability. (continued on page 11)
Dancing To Architecture and Media Outage ©2014 Bill Stella. All ©, ® & ™ items included for review purposes are ©, ® & ™ their respective owners. The stylized Q indicates albums by (or significantly contributed to by) Out Bisexuals, Gay Men, Lesbians and Transgendered persons. GAAMC is pronounced "GAY-mick". Did you enjoy Dancing? Or what? Tell me: bearealman AT gmail.com is also always in the Contributors box on page 3.
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CH AL L ENG E S e p te m be r 2 0 1 4
GAY ACTIVIST ALLIANCE IN MORRIS COUNTY
Officers President (President@GAAMC.org) — Sherri Rase VP Community Services (Info@GAAMC.org) — Gordon Sauer VP Operations (Operations@GAAMC.org) — Mickey Suiter Secretary (Secretary@GAAMC.org) — Ron Kennedy Treasurer (Treasurer@GAAMC.org) — John DeLeeuw Trustees Kerry Dinkin, Marty Grifone, Joe Gygax, Frank Lucek, Rich Schaublin, Liz Slicer Committee Chairs & Functional Officers Challenge Editor — Allen Neuner (Challenge@GAAMC.org) Discussion Group Resources — Gordon Sauer (Discussions@GAAMC.org) GAAMC Outings — Open Information — Andy Skurna (FreeLibrary@GAAMC.org) Membership — Open Pride Events — Mickey Suiter Pride Guide — Andy Skurna (PrideGuide@GAAMC.org) Programs — Sherri Rase (Programs@GAAMC.org) Publicity — Open Socials — John DeLeeuw (Socials@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 Gordon Sauer at Info@GAAMC.org. How to reach GAAMC Mail: PO Box 137, Convent Station, NJ 07961 Telephone: 973-285-1595 Email: info@gaamc.org Home page: www.GAAMC.org Mail List: groups.yahoo.com/subscribe/gaamc Facebook: www.facebook.com/gaamc Challenge online edition: issuu.com/gaamc/docs
PREVIEWS OF COMING ATTRACTIONS! September 8th
September 15th
September 22nd
Anniversary Time
Separate Discussions
Extended Discussions
See "GAAMC Events", page 2, for more details!
September 2014
CHALLENGE
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