Boston Spirit Mar | Apr 2017 by Boston Spirit magazine

MAR|APR 2017

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Welcome Home,

Ambassador

Rufus Gifford comes back to New England

Artisans of Design Fresh details from fine furnishers

The New Activism How we stay progressive

Show Us the Money Financial security and marriage equality

Kristin Chenoweth Big voice for equal rights

Discover a showcase of work emerging from an international design competition where art and fashion intersect. This exhibition presents 32 award-winning ensembles, a unique collection of spectacular wearable artworks.

FEBRUARY 18–JUNE 11, 2017

WOW® World of WearableArt™ is presented in partnership with the New Zealand government. Carolyn and Peter S. Lynch and The Lynch Foundation provided generous support. The East India Marine Associates of the Peabody Essex Museum also provided support.

161 Essex St. | Salem, MA | pem.org

MEDIA PARTNERS

Marjolein Dallinga, Skin (detail), 2011. Wool and silk. Courtesy of World of WearableArt Limited.

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publisher@bostonspiritmagazine.com

Boston Spirit Magazine supporters

From The Publisher As I write this note it is late February and we are putting the final touches on this issue of Boston Spirit. It just struck me that this is the issue we will be bringing with us for display at Boston Spirit’s 2017 LGBT Executive Networking Night with Kathy Griffin. It still seems far off but I know it will be here in no time (Wednesday night, April 26). The night is shaping up to be the largest event we have ever produced at Boston Spirit. We’re anticipating more than 1,500 attendees and approximately 50 exhibitors. It’s going to be an amazing night, so if you have not RSVP’d I would suggest you do so soon. In addition to our Executive Networking Night we are also looking forward to the Fenway’s Men’s Event (with VERY special honorees, The Hat Sisters) and The Women’s Dinner Party. There is also Dinnerfest from Victory Programs, Pride and Passion from Greater Boston PFLAG, Taste of the South End benefiting AIDS

2 | BOSTON SPIRIT

Action, and MassEquality’s Beacons of Light Gala … just to name a few! Such a great time of year for celebrating with our family and friends. And it won’t end there. Before you know it, Pride time will be here and, of course, Boston Spirit’s annual Summer Sunset Cruise. Keep an eye out as we just might have a big surprise or two for you at Pride time. It is something you will not want to miss. So as we all come out of our winter hibernation, I hope you will join me in looking forward to many of these great events and celebrations. Let’s eat and dance and donate and meet new friends (or potentially more…) all while NOT shoveling any more snow.

David Zimmerman Publisher

Barking Crab Boston IVF Burns & Levinson, LLP Circle Furniture Club Café Destination Salem DJ Mocha Dover Rug Eastern Bank Equinox Resort Fenway Health Fertility Solutions Foxwoods Resort Casino Gardner Mattress Hotel On North Howe Allen Realty John Hancock Johnny Appleseed Trail Association Kathy Griffin Tour Landry & Arcari Lombardo’s Long’s Jewelers Lucia Lighting Marriott Copley Place MassEquality Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams New Bedford Tourism North of Boston CVB Northwest Mutual Partners Healthcare Peabody Essex Musem PFLAG Provincetown Tourism Rent Rockland Trust Seashore Point Seasons Four South End Wealth Management Stowe Mountain Lodge TD Bank Victory Programs

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800.368.3778

W W W. D OV E R R U G . C O M

Contribute your opinion: editor@bostonspiritmagazine.com

As We Go To Press My fellow LGBT New Englanders: We’ve had it good. We’ve had it really, really good. We had no idea how good we had it. After decades of progress—on the military to marriage and dispelling myths and misconceptions on love itself—we are now forced into the defensive mode. And defense of what? Protections that never should have needed to have been fought for in the first place! Consider the first big LGBT-rights victory of the Trump era: a statement by the White House declaring that LGBT workplace protections would remain in place. Remain in place? The status quo is a victory? Terrible! Consider too that the White House statement only ensued after rumors of a rollback generated a fierce pre-emptive outcry from activists. Consider further that the declaration came only through the intervention of the president’s heterosexual daughter and his son-in-law. Is this a victory? It may be the best we can hope for. Especially given the rumors that other “religious-freedom” (aka anti-LGBT) policies are still being considered, similar to those the Vice President introduced to great controversy when he was governor of Indiana.

4 | BOSTON SPIRIT

Playing defense on LGBT rights is, exasperatingly, the new normal in this Trump era. And I use the term “normal” advisedly. There has been talk of not “normalizing” this political moment.

“Why should you be more fortunate than us?” ask these ghosts from the past.

Well, the sad truth, I’m afraid to say, is that what we are experiencing is historically normal.

It was, after all, New Englanders who led the fight against a tyrannical King George to create one of the world’s great representative democracies.

In Irene Nemirovsky’s devastating novel “Suite Francais,” written during, and set in, World War II-occupied France, there’s a scene where those fleeing the Nazis are incredulous that this horrific event is actually happening to them. Of all the people, of all time, why them?, they ask themselves. One of the more aware refugees notes, they are not unique. He imagines their ancestors watching them trying to escape, saying:

The answer? Because we are queer New Englanders.

It was New Englanders who led the charge to eradicate slavery from our country. It was New Englanders who led the way on universal health care and marriage equality for same-sex couples. If anyone can break the chains of the world’s tyrannical history, it is New Englanders.

“We’ve been through all this already, before you. Why should you be more fortunate than us?”

We as LGBT people of New England bring a unique perspective to disrupting this normal moment in history.

The sad truth is that we have been living in abnormal times.

Now is the time to be strange, to be abnormal, to be queer.

Our freedom has been an anomaly. Just ask those who, like Socrates and Plato, watched Classical Greece move from democracy to tyranny in one generation. Or those of the French Revolution who moved from “L’etat c’est moi” to the tyranny of Robespierre. Or those who have lived in Russia since the time of Ivan the Terrible. Or the generation upon generation of those living under divine right, monarchy, and other autocratic forms of human rule from time immemorial.

We’re here. We’re queer. Let the world get used to that!

James Lopata Editor

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Empowering Design

Contents

Royalty Like No Other

Imperial Court of Rhode Island dubbed “jewel in the crown” for charitable legacy and gender-bending fun

MAR|APR 2017 | VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 2

Seasonal

Spotlight

LGBT financial specialists weigh in on benefits and challenges in the post-marriage-equality-ruling era

8 10 15 15 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32

Feature Welcome Home, Ambassador

Rufus Gifford, the out gay Obama-appointed ambassador to Denmark, returns to join the U.S. political debate

The New Activism

Grassroots leaders tips for staying progressive in regressive times

Show Us the Money

Artisans of Design

Fresh details from fine furnishers

Culture Wicked Good

Wearing many hats

Celebrating Kristin Chenoweth

Fugitives Kinds

A rough year produces a powerful program for Boston LGBT Film Festival Actor Maurice Emmanuel Parent reflects on a season of challenging roles “Wicked” star and LGBT icon brings “Elegance” to new solo show

The ART wrestles with damnation and redemption in revival of Tennessee Williams’ “The Night of the Iguana” World premiere provides out actor with another challenging role

Artisans of Design

Welcome Home, Ambassador

Band on the rise

LGBT and local favorite No/Hugs is making some noise

Scene

Show Us the Money

Riveting Ride to Redemption 37

Senior Spirit

First Event 2017 Boston Women’s March for America White Out Weekend FLAG Flag Football Volunteering Winter Rendezvous Gay Ski Week Double Daddies Go to St. Croix Valentine’s Card-making for Boston Elders Boston Ballet’s Ball of Enchantment Saint Sebastian Festival Young Leaders Council Anniversary Matthew Shepard Oratorio Premiere

78 80 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 89

Calendar New England Events

Coda Taking on ‘Topdog’

Tony-winner Billy Porter puts his political passion into powerful role

Coda

SPOTLIGHT Trending STORY Scott Kearnan

Hit List NEWS, NOTES AND TO-DOS FOR EVERY GAY AGENDA

DO YOUR HOMEWORK on the

state of LGBTQ youth by reading the “National School Climate” report released by GLSEN. The biennial report gauges the experiences of LGBTQ youth in middle and high schools—and results in sobering stats for anyone who thinks today’s queer kids have it easy. Among the New England-related details revealed by some of the state-by-state snapshots: More than half of LGBTQ students in Connecticut reported an experience with discriminatory school policies, half of LGBTQ students in Maine have been verbally harassed for their gender expression, and 61% of LGBTQ students victimized in Massachusetts schools never reported the incident to school staff. More: glsen.org

Filming for “Death Drop Gorgeous” in Providence filmmakers recently completed an Indiegogo fundraising campaign, but also intend to host events at area clubs over the spring to score additional support for the fierce full-length feature. More: deathdropgorgeous.com

PREPARE TO GET “Death Drop

Gorgeous,” a new indie flick produced by a team of Providence filmmakers that has the early markings of a future cult favorite. Combining elements of slasher movies, camp noir, drag and dark humor, “Death Drop Gorgeous” is set in the nightlife of Rhode Island’s capital city, amid gay bars like Dark Lady and The Alley Cat, and showcases the creative culture percolating in Providence. The

Ali Sands

OPEN UP A COPY OF “I Know You Are, But What Am I? A Partner’s Perspective on Transgender Love.” The new book comes from Wellfleet, Massachusetts author Ali Sands, whose partner transitioned from female to male, and explores the experiences of those who are committed to supporting their transitioning spouses while simultaneously navigating new ideas about their own identities. Its ultimate goal, says Sands, recently a keynote speaker for PFLAG Cape Cod’s Annual Meeting, is to unify communities and remind readers that, at the end of the day, love is love. More: alisandswriter. com

GET YOUR VACATIONS PLANS IN ORDER and hit up one of

the destinations honored in the Gay Travel Awards by GayTravel.com. The outlet made its top picks for 20 categories of LGBTrelated international travel destinations, hotels and related businesses. Among the local honorees, Provincetownserving Cape Air took home the award for best commuter airline and Cape Cod’s Candleberry Inn scored top bed & breakfast. Outside our region, The Abbey West Hollywood nabbed gay bar of the year and Las Vegas was deemed the year’s top overall LGBT destination. More: gaytravel.com

IMAGINE the Hardy Boys with a gay twist, set it in a picturesque Massachusetts seaside village, add some uncovered historic artifacts, melodrama—and the midnight

PUBLISHER David Zimmerman EDITOR IN CHIEF James Lopata MANAGING EDITOR Robert Phelps [rob@bostonspiritmagazine.com] ART DIRECTOR Dean Burchell CONTRIBUTING LIFESTYLE EDITOR Scott Kearnan [lifestyle@bostonspiritmagazine.com] CONTRIBUTING ARTS EDITOR Loren King CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alyssa Gillin, Natalie Nonken, Kim Harris Stowell CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Joel Benjamin COVER PHOTO Rasmus Degnbol/Redux On the web [BOSTONSPIRITMAGAZINE.COM] T alk to us [FEEDBACK@BOSTONSPIRITMAGAZINE.COM] E ditorial Contact [EDITOR@BOSTONSPIRITMAGAZINE.COM] P ublishing and Sales Contact [PUBLISHER@BOSTONSPIRITMAGAZINE.COM OR 781-223-8538] T he Fine print Boston Spirit magazine. A Division of Jake Publishing, LLC Published

MAR|APR 2017 | VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 2

by Jake Publishing, LLC. Copyright 2004 by Jake Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without the written permission of Boston Spirit magazine. Neither the publishers nor the advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. The publishers accept no liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person, organization or business in this magazine does not reflect upon one’s sexual orientation in any way. Boston Spirit Magazine, 398 Columbus Ave. #395, Boston, MA 02116

8 | BOSTON SPIRIT

toll of bells somewhere in the distance. You’ve got the general gist of “When the Bells Tolled at Midnight,” a new novel by author J.G. Hayes, whose previous tomes, like “This Thing Called Courage” and “Batting for Boston,” focused on the experience of growing up gay in South Boston. “Bells” is more of a rollicking crime mystery with a gay edge, a page-turner written for the witching hour.

MOVE FAST and reserve a spot

for the LGBT young person in your life at Camp Lightbulb. The Provincetown-based camp, founded in 2012, will return to the outer Cape in June to once again host queer kids from around the country in an inclusive, supportive setting that will be, for many, a first opportunity to discover the great outdoors without fear of judgment. The camp supports some of the LGBT community’s most marginalized youth; about 40-percent of attendees receive some form of scholarship. Camp Lightbulb also recently

completed its first winter camp, an urban retreat in Los Angeles. More info or to donate: camplightbulb.org

DOWNLOAD “A Normal Lost

Phone,” a new smartphonebased video game that delves into gay-relevant social issues like coming of age, homophobia and depression in an especially unique way. In the game, players find a phone and must unlock and explore its contents—from text messages to matchmaking accounts—to discover what happened to its owner. As clues mount and the mystery unravels, players find themselves immersed in a unique experience that thoughtfully engages modern issues in a creative, interactive way. More: anormallostphone. com [x]

SPOTLIGHT Community STORY Scott Kearnan

Empowering Design PATRICK PLANETA OPENS NEW WORLDS FOR BOSTON YOUTH In January, South Boston nonprofit Artists for Humanity (AFH) appointed Planeta chair of its board of directors. Founded in 1991, AFH provides underresourced urban youth—97% of the organization’s participants come from low- or very low-income homes—with professional training and real, paid employment opportunities in the industries of art and design, offering both personal growth through self-expression and tangible, marketable job skills. AFH has grown to become one of the largest employers of young people in the city of Boston, and Planeta, a gay interior designer and founder of Planeta Design Group in the South End, is poised to help it expand in even more exciting ways. He’s leading the board as it works to fulfill a $28 million capital campaign that will add a massive 30,000-square new building to the organization’s existing facility, the AFH Epicenter, that will double the number of teen artists employed and provide many more educational opportunities. Planeta, who started exploring his own passion for art and design at an early age, says that supporting AFH comes from a personal place. He knows firsthand the positive role that the arts community can play in empowering young people who might otherwise feel “left by the wayside.” “For me, it [the arts] was about finding a place to fit in,” says Planeta, who admits it could be “difficult” to grow up gay amid the white picket fences of Connecticut, where

10 | BOSTON SPIRIT

he attended all-boys Catholic schools. “The arts have always been a place for people who feel like they don’t fit in for any reason— from sexual preference to poverty. When I hear these young people speak passionately about what they’re doing, it really resonates with me.” And Planeta, who has supported AFH in some capacity for the last 10 years, puts his own professional reputation where his mouth his. He has commissioned AFH’s young designers to create work, from rooftop sculptures to signage, for his own high-profile projects—like Alloy, a 122-unit luxury condo development at Somerville’s buzz-worthy Assembly Row.

“ When I hear these young people speak passionately about what they’re doing, it really resonates with me.” Patrick Planeta

AFH has so far raised over $19 million for its capital campaign, and groundbreaking for the new facility is scheduled for early summer. The AFH Epicenter was the first building in Boston to achieve LEED Platinum certification, the highest designation for energy sustainability, and this new project is shooting for the next step: an “e-positive” approach that actually returns more energy to the power grid than it consumes. AFH teens also helped inform plans for the new facility, slated to open in September 2018, which will house elements like a retail store, cafe, and new “Maker Studios” boasting state-of-the-art technologies for disciplines like video production and 3D printing. The more skills AFH can impart to youth, the better. About 40% of the organization’s participating teens use their employment through AFH to help support their families. Planeta lends his time, resources and in-the-know network to other organizations too—including the United South End Settlements, which will host a major annual fundraiser, the Neighborhood Gala, on May 24. But as he steps into his new role as chair, AFH is certainly stealing the lion’s share of Planeta’s attention. Its mission, and the unique respect it offers to its young participants—who receive real training, real work and real pay—have designed a perfect outlet for engagement and empowerment. “It doesn’t make these young people into victims. From a social aspect, that’s really important to me,” says Planeta. AFH is lucky to him in its orbit. [x]

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NEW BEDFORD HARBOR

A DYNAMIC DESTINATION Just a short walk or launch ride to:

Restaurants, Galleries, History and so much more...

• Explore whale ecology & conservation • Discover whaling’s dramatic history & impact

Enjoy a welcoming harbor with unparalleled boating facilities.

• Board world’s largest ship model • Marvel at America’s longest painting • Hoist sail, spot a whale, steer a boat in Casa dos Botes Discovery Center Harbor Development Commission Pope's Island Marina www.popesislandmarina.com popesislandmarina@newbedford-ma.gov 508-979-1456

18 Johnny Cake Hill | 508-997-0046 whalingmuseum.org

Be Yourself. ..Together Wayp int Event Center NEW BEDFORD, MA

A wedding destination as unique as the two of you. Adjoining the Fairfield Inn & Suites 774.634.2009 www.LafranceHospitality.com

www.destinationnewbedford.org/lgbt 12 | BOSTON SPIRIT

CAPE

New Bedford MASSACHUSETTS

there is something here for everyone New Bedford, located less than 1 hour south of Boston, is internationally recognized as a destination for its vibrant arts and culture scene, rich history, incredible dining (including the freshest seafood and amazing international cuisine) and working waterfront. Matador Network named New Bedford as the #9 most artistic town in America. The newly installed Harbor Walk gives visitors a chance to walk across the city’s hurricane barrier as well as abundant recreational opportunities including outdoor trails, bike paths and beaches. Located nearby, Fort Taber—a 50-acre waterfront park, provides over a mile of ocean frontage located on scenic Clark’s Point which projects into Buzzards Bay.

Getting married?

Host your Wedding at the Waypoint Event Center, one of the South Coast’s most unique venues. Situated in a refurbished whaling-era building, the Waypoint Event Center is the perfect blend of old and new. The exposed stone and wood work are all original to the 1830s and provide a historic charm unlike any other venue on the South Coast. lafrancehospitality.com/ weddings/waypoint For additional information on New Bedford weddings visit us online: destinationnewbedford.org/wedding-services

Port of New Bedford/ Pope’s Island Marina The Port of New Bedford invites you to stay at Pope’s Island Marina and experience why we call it Destination New Bedford. Our friendly Marina staff and Harbor attendants are here to make your stay enjoyable. There is so much to see and do, from visiting the world’s largest whaling museum to eating the world’s freshest seafood. The launch will connect you to the historic downtown district, restaurants, galleries

and key attractions. Stroll the cobblestone streets of America’s #1 Fishing Port or take a bike ride to Fort Taber and the Military Museum. If it is fuel or service your vessel needs, you will find it in The Port of New Bedford. portofnewbedford.org

Harbor Walk along Buzzards Bay

New Bedford Whaling Museum Discover whaling’s dramatic history and impact, and explore whale ecology at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Bordered by cobblestone streets overlooking the working waterfront, the Museum tells the global story of human interaction with whales through time, and explores the history of the “City that Lit the World.” Twenty-three galleries feature five whale skeletons; the world’s largest ship model—a half-scale version of the ship Lagoda; outstanding collections of fine and decorative art, artifacts and scrimshaw; and the Casa Dos Botes Discovery Center where families explore and learn together. whalingmuseum.org

Seaport Cultural District

Located along the illustrious waterfront you can explore 20 blocks of cultural attractions, businesses, restaurants, retail, cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Visit the Seaport Art Walk along the working waterfront from June – October and view original sculptures created by local artists.

Annual Events in the Seaport Cultural District JAN Moby Dick Marathon FEB-DEC AHA! Art, History, and Architecture (2nd Thursday of the month) MAR New Bedford Half Marathon MAY Viva Portugal/Zeiterion Theatre JUN New Bedford Jazz Fest JUL Cape Verdean Recognition Week & Parade JUL New Bedford Folk Festival/Zeiterion Theatre JUL-AUG Summer Sound Series (concerts on Pier 3) AUG Summer Movie Night OCT WHALE International Wine Festival OCT Oktoberfest DEC Holiday Happenings DEC City Celebrates! New Year’s Eve

destinationnewbedford.org MAR|APR 2017 | 13

PRESENTING SPONSORS

More than 1,000 people attended this event in 2016, don’t miss out!

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Kathy Griffin

Wed. April 26 Boston Marriott Copley Place 6–9:00 p.m. $15 admission fee RSVP to attend at BostonSpiritMagazine.com Join us for Boston Spirit magazine's 11th annual LGBT Executive Networking Night. The event is the largest networking event for LGBT professionals in all of New England with more than 1,000 attendees and 40+ exhibitors. We will also have some incredible sessions on personal and professional development. This year's sessions include Best Practices for Corporate Diversity & Inclusion and LGBT Employee Resource Groups and Socially Responsible Investing: An introduction into LGBT friendly investmenting

CORPORATE SPONSORS LEGAL COUNSEL, BUSINESS ADVISORS.

SPOTLIGHT Senior Spirit STORY Bob Linscott

Senior Spirit

“Mapping Our Identities, Sharing Our Journeys: Fourth Annual LGBTIQA Intergenerational Gathering,” April 13, 2016.

Go West

MEET THE PIONEERS DEVELOPING NEW SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR LGBT OLDER ADULTS IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS Decades ago there were sizeable migrations of LGBT adults moving to larger cities where people found strength in numbers. In these newly established gay meccas, LGBT people could develop community and build families of choice to make up for strained relations they left behind. Today, many older adults find themselves facing a serious problem. The costs of city living have skyrocketed, especially in those same gay meccas like Greenwich Village, the Castro and Boston’s South End have skyrocketed, forcing older adults to move away in their retirement years. This becomes a difficult choice, especially when so much of their social networks revolve around gay neighborhoods. Others find city living more and more challenging as they age. Yes, the grass is always greener and the air is cleaner on the other side of the fence. Many people romanticize about the small town living that they were forced to leave behind so many years ago, but they feel it is impossible to return. Many feel they need to stay

in urban areas because of the fear that the only social and educational programs for gay people exist in the larger cities. One of the pioneers changing the perception about gay life in Western Massachusetts is Ed Sedarbaum, who lived most of his life in the heart of New York City’s gay community. By age 58 he longed for a simpler life in the country. He and his partner vacationed in North Adams. Sedarbaum knew there wasn’t much of an established gay community in that area, but he knew he could help build one. Using his years as an activist, he approached this effort like a campaign. He met with local politicians, city councilors and directors from all the local councils on aging, gaining support from everyone he met. In 2015 Rainbow Seniors was born. The group meets twice a month, once at the Athenaeum in Pittsfield and also at the First Congregational Church in Williamstown, which has adopted the group. One meeting is strictly social, centered around a potluck; the other, social and educational, centered

around a speaker or program. Rainbow Seniors has over 150 members ranging from 56 to 88. Western Massachusetts may soon be known as the land of many rainbows. The Rainbow Elders Group entered the scene a few years earlier in 2012. Unlike the grassroots origins of it Berkshire’s counterpart, Rainbow Elders started from within a mainstream elder service agency. LifePath, formally Franklin County Home Care Corp., spent a number of years working with The LGBT Aging Project to deliver cultural competency training for its staff on LGBT aging issues. From the beginning, Executive Director Roseanne Martoccia was committed to reaching out to the LGBT older adults in LifePath’s catchment area, which includes Greenfield and surrounding communities. She approached Dave Gott, an older gay man and former activities director at the Greenfield Senior Center, to help develop a group within LifePath specifically for LGBT older adults. Now in its fifth year Rainbow Elders sponsors four annual events. In January, it hosts a breakfast for LGBT older adults, and in April, an intergenerational dinner with students from a local LGBTQ youth group and

MAR|APR 2017 | 15

students from five nearby colleges. There is a social picnic every July and the program is rounded out with an educational program in October. Rainbow Elders has a diverse membership of over 200 people. This may be related to the diversity of their steering committee, which includes gay man Dave Gott, lesbian J. R. Raphael, trans woman Leah Pronovost and retired bisexual woman Donna Liebl in addition to staff members from LifePath and allies.

Rainbow Elders senior picnic, July 12, 2016.

Lisa Middents [LEFT] and Kelly Richardson-Wright at LGBTIQA Intergenerational Gathering.

Ed Sedarbaum

It is not surprising that this growth is occurring in Massachusetts, given the support LGBT aging has received from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Massachusetts also has the distinction of being the first state to launch a federally funded LGBT congregate meal program. Ten years after that launch, there are now 17 LGBT community meals across the state, but until recently there were not any meal sites west of Worcester. Last November, after months of consultation with The LGBT Aging Project, WestMass Elder Services and The Holyoke Senior Center launched Western Mass’s first LGBT Community Meal Program, aptly named The Rainbow Supper Club. This monthly supper club meets on the first Wednesday of every month at The Holyoke Senior Center.

Meet our Homeowners

Forty-seven years later...a miracle happened Mary Decremer and Connie Tavanis tell their Seashore Point story.

OCCUPATION: Mary Decremer was a teacher, ran an ice cream store, and raised her twin sons. Connie Tavanis was a jr. high school art teacher and pursues her love of art, working in different mediums, especially clay, in her studio near Seashore Point. ORIGINS: Mary is from Upper Peninsula, Michigan; Connie is from Woburn, MA PASSIONS: Mary—being near her grandchildren; Connie—being near the ocean, being active and living in an all inclusive community.

Visit or call 508-487-0771 to learn why Seashore Point may just be the right choice for you.

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Mary and I knew each other in the 1960’s as Sisters of St. Joseph. While we each pursued different lives after leaving the convent, a notice about a mutual friend’s passing on Facebook brought us together again, 47 years later. We just picked up where we left off. We chose to move to The Residences at Seashore Point for many reasons, but mainly because it “frees” us and, more importantly our families from worry. This condominium community is a place where we are safe, intellectually challenged, socially active and respected. It is truly amazing that we are only two blocks from downtown with all the art openings, theater, movies, lectures, etc. We both like to give back to our community and can walk to our volunteer “jobs”. Our future here is set and if any extra care is needed it will be provided. The Residences, with its own wonderful programs, friendly staff and residents, make life what it should be for everyone —“FUN”!

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16 | BOSTON SPIRIT

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movie. For transgender older adults there are a number of groups in Western Mass such as The Franklin County Area Trans Support Group.This group was started by Leah Pronovost, also from Rainbow Elders, who got tired of driving into the city to connect with other trans people so started a group in Western Mass. Now in its second year, the group welcomes people of all ages and has over a dozen members. There is also a robust group of older gay men who meet weekly at the Northampton Senior Center. They are currently working with the Senior Center staff to host the first LGBT senior dance to coincide with Northampton Pride in May.

Herb Libby and Dave Gott [STANDING] at Rainbow Elders senior picnic In addition to all of these groups and organization there is another layer of informal social and support groups that host regular outings and potlucks for LGBT adults in the Pioneer Valley and the Berkshires. Some of these have been in existence for over 25 years.

In addition to these larger groups, there are a number of smaller organizations for specific audiences. The national organization, OLAC (Old Lesbians Organizing for Change) launched a chapter in the Pioneer Valley in 2012. Its chapter meets twice monthly, once for a organizational meeting and the other, a social gathering around a

There are even more programs on the horizon. This spring The Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging and The LGBT Aging Project will host a regional training and invite all Western Mass Senior Center Directors to a workshop to learn how to develop LGBT-friendly programing. So, if a quieter life is what you seek, just know that thanks to these amazing pioneers and their allies, you will be in good company in Western Massachusetts, the land of many rainbows!Â [x]

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SPOTLIGHT Youth STORY Scott Kearnan

The Kids Are All Right

Fenway Health Young Leaders Council Steering Committee. PHOTO The Danger Booth.

SEVEN-YEAR-OLD YOUTH COUNCIL RECEIVES FIRST ANNUAL AWARD If you listen to some of the more cynical voices within the older generations of LGBT activists—those who bravely steered the community through Stonewall, the AIDS crisis, and the fight for equal marriage—you might believe that younger queers are apathetic snowflakes who lack the feistiness and fight of their forebears. Wrong. The issues are different and so are the approaches, but younger LGBT activists are as engaged as ever. And one organization is introducing a new way honor them. At its seventh anniversary party in February, the Young Leaders Council (YLC) of Fenway Health offered its inaugural “Spirit of the YLC Award” to member Kate Moore. Moore has a long history in progressive politics: For the last four years she’s been the regional director for firebrand Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren, and she also served as deputy political director for Hillary for New Hampshire during the 2016 presidential campaign. Most of all, Moore embodies the passion— and yes, spirit—that is fueling a younger generation of LGBT leaders reeling from the advent of the Trump administration and the sudden fear that hard-won rights could now find themselves on the chopping block. “A fire has been lit,” says YLC co-chair Katelyn Dolan. “Over the recent years, our generation has seen a lot of positive change. And for the first time, we’re seeing

18 | BOSTON SPIRIT

that could be compromised. There’s a vulnerability that we haven’t experienced before. It’s been hard for us to imagine what the LGBT community had to go through 20-plus years ago.” “Now we’re faced with the biggest fight of our generation, to this point. It’s energizing. It can also be frustrating and scary. But we’re all up for the challenge.” Indeed, the ranks of the YLC are growing. Last year the YLC, which engages primarily twenty- and thirty-somethings in the mission of Fenway Health, America’s largest LGBT-focused healthcare facility, swelled to over 300 members. Besides building a young base of new philanthropists, the organization also galvanizes members around social justice issues that impact the LGBT community—including, of course, health care. “There are a lot of organizations out there that are worth getting behind, that affect our lives in different ways,” says YLC co-chair Jonathan Litt. “But whether it’s access to healthcare providers or research in public health, Fenway is uniquely positioned help advance and advocate for the health of our community.” Ensuring the health of Fenway itself is front-of-mind for YLC members, whose fundraising—which totaled over $115,000 in 2016 alone—goes to unrestricted funds for Fenway Health. That could be especially important in a

post-Trump era, should the administration make decisions impacting federal funds. “The YLC has always done well with engaging advocacy and awareness,” says Litt. “In the current political climate, we have no intent to roll that back. If anything, it’s going to be amped up.” To that end, the YLC is also working to address the importance of diversity and intersectionality, and making sure that all members of the LGBT community—particularly marginalized groups like transgender individuals, queer people of color and the economically disadvantaged—have access to a seat at the conference table or a spot on the party guest list. Last year the YLC launched an “engagement subcommittee” that is examining how everything from programming decisions to event venue choices can foster inclusiveness. For instance, last year the YLC hosted a TED Talk-style “Advocacy 11” event for Transgender Awareness Month, in partnership with the SparkBoston Council of Mayor Walsh’s office. February’s anniversary party was held at Villa Victoria Center for the Arts in the South End, a cornerstone within the city’s Latinx community. For a long time, the more mainstream agendas in the fight for LGBT rights prioritized the interests of heteronormative gay men, say some younger activists. “Our generation is looking back to Stonewall and realizing that a lot of people were left behind,” says YLC steering committee member Stephen Martyak. “It’s our responsibility to make sure all our communities are represented at the table.” [x]

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SPOTLIGHT Travel STORY Scott Kearnan

Portland Beckons MAINE LGBT‑FRIENDLY CITY IS A TRAVEL DESTINATION FOR ALL SEASONS Portland, Maine’s largest city, is a picturesque and very progressive enclave within the larger Pine Tree State. And as winter yields to spring, it’s the perfect time to explore the seaside locale in full, fabulous bloom. Here’s a quickie primer on lodging, dining and activities that are new, noteworthy or simply great picks for the LGBT traveler.

nominated for the country’s best new restaurant by the James Beard Foundation, the Oscars of food. Eventide Oyster Co., especially its brown butter lobster roll, is another favorite among in-the-know foodies. The fin fare-focused joint is opening a Boston location near Fenway this year, so it’s worth sailing by the original to see what all the fuss is about.

Where To Stay: Fellow fruits, check in to the Pomegranate Inn, a funky B&B from the folks behind Lark Hotels, a fast-growing collection of New England properties that bring urbane style to smaller destinations like Stowe, Vermont and Newport, Rhode Island. The eight-room Pomegranate, filled with gallery-worthy art by Maine artists, features a tapas-focused breakfast program and fireplace-equipped guestrooms outfitted in the shabby-chic style of that favorite aunt who “always knew you were different.”

If you’re looking to support some LGBT folks with your dining dollars, grab lunch at Wild Burritos, a popular gay-owned joint offering cheap and tasty Mexican grub. Not only can they sling a taco, they can pitch quite a parade: The team here has won “best of” awards for its Pride Portland float the last three consecutive years. For something sweet, head to Walter’s in the historic Old Port neighborhood. The eclectic dinner menu, which culls inspiration largely from Asian and Mediterranean traditions, is capped by desserts from buzz-worthy out pastry chef Gabrielle Michaud. Not only does she prepare creative Walter’s plates like mocha molasses donuts with maple ice cream and ginger crème brûlée, but she also runs a side pastry business, A Lil Suga, that turns out customized cakes, cookies and other treats.

Also consider The Chadwick Bed & Breakfast, a charming property owned by husbands Scot and Jason Fuller-Beatty. The intimate, eco-friendly inn has only four thoughtfully decorated guestrooms, all filled with sumptuous linens, and works with fellow Portland-area business owners—like century-old Haven’s Candies and contemporary floral shop Fiddleheads—to craft indulgent amenities. Clearly these hubby hosts take pride in keeping things personal. Where To Eat: Portland consistently nabs national notice for its food scene, which is fueled by a strong farm-to-table ethos. Book early to score a seat at Central Provisions, a savvy New American eatery recently

20 | BOSTON SPIRIT

Where To Play: Like most New England cities, Portland’s gay-specific scene has dwindled in recent years as LGBT assimilation becomes more widespread. Progress is great for equal rights, but a real bummer for gay bars. Still, Blackstone’s perseveres. Portland’s last true-blue gay bar, which was always one of its oldest, is a lo-fi den of

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cheap beer and dodgy glances, a throwback to more cruise-y days of yore. We like it that way. It’s not exclusively gay, but Bubba’s Sulky Lounge is a similarly endearing dive bar filled with vintage bric-a-brac, a glowing neon dance floor, pool table and lots of ‘60sera kitsch. It’s cool (the hipsters go there) and a little camp. And on Fridays, commit yourself to the Asylum. Below the upstairs sports bar is a subterranean nightclub which hosts the weekly party “Plague,” billed as Maine’s only Gothic-Industrial dance party. Naturally, you’ll find some kinky queers among the black leather-clad revelers. Where To Wander: Portland is home base for the team behind “Camp” Camp, a weeklong summer camp for LGBT adults that attracts over 200 diverse LGBT people annually. The campsite itself is located in the woods southwest of the city, and has all the activities you did as a kid: like adventure courses, hikes, canoeing, tie dying and pottery. Camp’s cabins are even named for famous LGBT people, so after a day of swimming you may dry off in Greg Louganis—or you could hit the hay in Ellen Degeneres after wowing the talent show audience. Throw in evening campfire parties, a barn dance and even a sanctioned skinny-dipping outing, and it equals a perfect summer vacation. Get more info and sign up now at campcamp.com. [x]

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Who are witches? What is a witch hunt? Dispel the myths at Salem’s most visited Museum. Open daily yearround with extended hours in July and August. Translations available. Museum Store. 19 1/2 Washington Sq. North Salem, MA 01970 978-744-1692

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SPOTLIGHT News STORY Kim Harris Stowell

Newsmakers | Rhode Island This Just in from Little Rhody

scissors and knives stabbed into tables. But what concerned him the most was a long noose hanging from the rafters. He recounted the incident in an expletiveheavy, passionate post on his Facebook page: “Maybe it was a prank, but IT IS NOT funny. But I don’t think it’s a joke, I think we were sent a CLEAR message. But here’s our message back: Sarath Suong, second from left. PHOTO courtesy Sarath Suong.

VANDALS HANG NOOSE IN LGBT CENTER Sarath Suong, executive director of Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM), came into his building Monday morning to find multiple things out of place including

F*ck you. You will not intimidate us, you will not steer us away from our mission, you will never dampen our spirit. You have only motivated us even more. We will continue to fight for justice and defend our community, our families, and our people. Oh, and f*ck you.” PrYSM works to confront violence, particularly against communities of color, and to create transformation by building safe

Representative David Cicilline. PHOTO courtesy cicilline.gov.

spaces that foster accountability, healing, and dialogue.

REP. CICILLINE INVITES LGBT COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO PRESIDENT’S SPEECH House Democrats rallied behind a plan to invite guests who will suffer under new White House policies to President Trump’s first speech before Congress. The idea was that Trump should face a crowd including ethnic minorities, LGBT people, undocumented immigrants, the disabled and others when he addressed a joint session on February 28.

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A letter signed by Cicilline and other representatives said in part, “It is our hope that their presence in the House Gallery will remind President Trump that he is not the arbiter of patriotism. This country belongs to all of us, and his rhetoric of intolerance will not stand.”

specific training aimed at helping officers become more aware of issues facing the LGBT community. Elorza says the training is a way to let the Providence community know the city supports it and is ready to respond to their needs. “Now, more than ever, it is important that every member of our community feels safe and protected,” Elorza said in a statement. Jodi Glass, coordinator of the Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice and Bias, says LGBT individuals are at greater risk for victimization and that data suggest hate crimes have risen since the November election.

STATE SEN. LOMBARDI WOULD ROLL BACK MARRIAGE EQUALITY EXTRA TRAINING FOR PROVIDENCE POLICE TO HELP OFFICERS INTERACT WITH THE LGBT COMMUNITY. Mayor Jorge Elorza and Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements say they’re dedicated to creating LGBT-inclusive policies for members of the department as well as

State Senator Frank Lombardi is a stalwart opponent of LGBTQ marriage, and abstains from all votes on marriage solemnization bills that come to the Senate Judiciary Committee or the full Senate. Marriage solemnization bills allow couples to choose an officiant who is not otherwise able to perform a marriage by law in Rhode Island. In both the House and the Senate, marriage solemnization bills are almost always

State Senator Frank Lombardi. PHOTO courtesy www.rilin.state.ri.us

conveniently “bundled” and passed as a group. However, some bills are carefully separated out and passed separately to allow Lombardi the opportunity to abstain.

IMPERIAL COURT OF RI TO HOST SILVER JUBILEE On March 30–April 2, the Imperial Court of Rhode Island at Providence will celebrate 25 years of service to the community with a three-day extravaganza, including a coronation and several very gay parties. Dress in your fanciest! Read more about it on page 42. [x]

MAR|APR 2017 | 23

SPOTLIGHT News STORY Natalie Nonken

Newsmakers | Connecticut Articles from The Constitution State

care for the elderly are inclusive and caring towards LGBT people. The goal is for elderly members of the LGBT community to feel safe and never feel discriminated against when being cared for. The nonprofit’s mission is to help elderly citizens receive care as an alternative to nursing homes.

MAJOR GRANT SERVES LGBT ELDERS For the third consecutive year, Connecticut Community Care received a significant grant from the John H. and Ethel G. Noble Charitable Trust. The $225,000 “Getting it Right: Creating an LGBT Responsive Organization” grant will help the organization continue helping create programs ensuring that those providing

BOY SCOUTS TRANSINCLUSIVE MEASURE WELCOMED WARILY As the Boy Scouts of America announced it’s now officially allowing transgender children to join as scouts, Stratford’s town council faced its own BSA-related issue. News of the new inclusive policy came out at the same time that Stratford was talking of having a “Scoutland” at a park called Short Beach. According an article in the

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Connecticut Post, the plan was for it to be a place for scouts to clean the beach and camp out. Council members expressed uncertainty about the idea. Scott FarringtonPosner, an openly gay member of the town council, took issue with using town property as a “Scouting facility.” Historically, many towns have questioned the Boy Scouts of America’s inclusiveness and were hesitant to allow the BSA use public areas for Scouting. With the “jury” apparently still out on just how inclusive and non-discriminatory the BSA organization truly is, many like Farrington-Posner, are still skeptical.

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After-screening soiree, Out Film CT. PHOTO courtesy Out Film CT. Greenwich Selectman Drew Marzullo. PHOTO courtesy

interview on WGCH on Thursday she said, ‘It sounds like the dark ages.’

“In a Feb. 1 letter to the Greenwich delegation,” reports the Greenwich Free Press, “Selectman Drew Marzullo asked Senator Frantz and Representatives Floren, Camillo and Bocchino to stand up for the rights of LGBT children and adolescents in Connecticut by adding their names to the co-sponsor list.

“Marzullo said conversion therapy has been scientifically proven to be ineffective, dangerous and unnecessary and described the legislation as potentially life-saving.”

Greenwich Democrats.

“An email to the Greenwich delegation was returned by State Rep Livvy Floren, who said, ‘Conversion therapy practice is hurtful and harmful, and I oppose it.’ In an

OUT FILM CT SEEKS SUBMISSIONS, VOLUNTEERS Every year, Out Film CT holds a film festival lasting nine days. 2017 marks the thirtieth year of the event, to be held in 2017 June 2–10.

The festival is now accepting films for consideration. Films can be submitted via email at outfilmct.org, or as hard copies sent to its mailing address, which can be found on the site. In addition, organizers are asking for volunteers to work at the festival and volunteers to screen and select films. Those interested in volunteering should also visit the site. According to the website, “Connecticut’s longest-running film festival holds a special place in our state’s cultural landscape, bringing the community together to introduce, celebrate and rediscover the ideas and values that make the LGBT community unique.” [x]

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SPOTLIGHT News STORY Alyssa Gillin & Rob Phelps

Newsmakers | New Hampshire Headlines from the Granite State PORTSMOUTH CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY SUPPORTS LGBT RIGHTS The Portsmouth City Council unanimously voted to support state equal rights legislation for transgender Granite State residents as well as the banning of conversion therapy for minors. According to SeacoastOnline, the motion was made by Assistant Mayor Jim Splaine to support the legislation, which is still being crafted. “New Hampshire has been a long leader in supporting equality for our citizens,” Splaine said at the meeting. “Portsmouth has been a longtime leader in supporting equality for our citizens.” Splaine acknowledged that the state legislature has rejected similar bills but affirmed that the show of support from Portsmouth should help move the legislation forward this time.

Portsmouth Mayor Jack Blalock praised the motion during the meeting. “I feel strongly that we should support this motion,” Blalock said.

DEPARTING CHAIR CALLS FOR GOP TO ACCEPT MARRIAGE EQUALITY At her last annual meeting of the Republican State Committee, outgoing Chairwoman Jennifer Horn of Nashua called for her state’s party to make “two promises,” according a the New Hampshire Union Leader. First, she asked them to reaffirm their opposition to abortion. And second, she surprised many by calling for an end to the party’s platform against same-sex marriage. “We must put an end to be a party that actively works to deny rights to a small group of people based on who we are,” Horn

Jim Splaine [CENTER] and fellow City Council Transparency Candidates. PHOTO courtesy portsmouthnow.org.

told the crowded room. “We are the party of equal rights for all, so let’s remove the language that is against the right for all people to marry.” A few dozen people stood to applaud Horn’s plea for inclusivity among the 368 in attendance; according to the Union Leader there was also a smattering of boos.

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Jennifer Horn. PHOTO courtesy nhpr.org. According to the Sun report, “While passing similar policies in New Hampshire has proven controversial for many school districts, in Gilford and at the Shaker Regional School District, where the policy was passed in 2015, there hasn’t been any public hue and cry.”

SCHOOL BOARDS ADOPT TRANS-FRIENDLY POLICY The Gilford school board became the second district in the Lakes Region area to adopt a policy that prevents discrimination against transgender and gender nonconforming students, according to the Laconia Daily Sun. At a full meeting of the school board, the policy sailed through a second reading without discussion. Plus the board also updated sex discrimination guidelines detailed in the 1972 education law referred to as Title IX to protect transgender students.

The policy provides regulations that let students use the bathroom “that corresponds to the gender identity consistently asserted at school.” Students also have the right to be addressed by the pronoun they identify with but are not required to change this in their official records. The school district must evaluate students’ locker room access on a case-by-case basis, provide equal access to physical education classes and ensure any need for a student’s increased privacy. All students also have the right to dress according to their gender identity, and schools cannot adopt dress codes that restrict clothing on the basis of gender.

The Concord Monitor reported conversion was among the issues in dispute during a tense public hearing “that lasted well into the State House’s closing hours” in early February. The purpose of the hearing was to review Republican Gov. Chris Sununu’s “unorthodox pick of to lead the state’s department of education,” former state representative Frank Edelblut. According to the Monitor, Edelblut was asked “to explain why he had testified against a bill that would have banned socalled conversion therapy, which purports help make gay people become straight. “Edelblut said he hadn’t been testifying for or against conversion therapy, but that he had simply questioned the scientific studies cited in the bill. “‘I believe that I may have referred to the underlying support for that position as being unsubstantiated,’ he said. “Conversion therapy has been disavowed and is considered potentially harmful by basically all major professional mental health organizations in the country.” [x]

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SPOTLIGHT News STORY Rob Phelps

Newsmakers | Maine

News from the Pine Tree State ADVOCATE QUESTIONS SENATOR COLLINS’S LGBT SUPPORT

Still, the Advocate says, “progressives cannot count on Collins to join the Senate’s Democratic minority to block Session’s appointment — and this action raises the question of how much she can be counted on to stand up to other excesses of the incoming administration.”

The Advocate magazine questioned Senator Susan Collins LGBT-”ally” creds given Collins’ support for Alambama Senator Jeff Sessions as the next U.S. attorney general. “He’s a decent individual with a strong commitment to the rule of law. He’s a leader of integrity,” Collins told The Washington Post. “I think the attacks against him are not well-founded and are unfair.” “Despite her support for Sessions,” reported the Advocate, Collins’ “policy positions are diametrically opposed to his. She has consistently scored in the 80s on the Human Rights Campaign’s Congressional Scorecard, a measure of where members of Congress stand on LGBT issues, while Sessions has racked up mostly zeroes.

“She supports marriage equality, although she did not do so publicly until 2014, when she was being challenged in her reelection race by Democrat Shenna Bellows, a longtime marriage equality activist. Collins won reelection, making her the first Republican senator to accomplish this after having endorsed equal marriage rights. Sessions is a staunch opponent of marriage equality and LGBT rights in general.”

BYSTANDER INTERVENTION WORKSHOPS

U.S. Senator Susan Collins. PHOTO collins.senate.gov

With elevated fears of post-election harassment against the LGBT community and other groups, the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine, partnering with other nonprofits, held a workshop called “Bystander Intervention Training” to teach people of all ages who witness such incidents to intervene safely and effectively. It was held at Food AND Medicine in Brewer.

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said. “We want to be prepared. People need to be ready to get involved, to speak out against harassment and hate crimes.” Additional trainings are scheduled at other sites around the state. For more information, contact the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine at (207) 942-9433.

BOY SCOUTS PLEDGE TO HELP PLACE TRANSGENDER KIDS

The Center’s Coordinator Karen Marysdaughter told the Bangor Daily News the idea grew from concern for the safety of minority groups in the area as well as for the safety of people who participate in public demonstrations, protests and vigils. “These concerns have grown in response to the recent elections,” she said, pointing to the ensuing increasing incidents in violent hate crimes. “There are incidents like this happening all over the country. We’re seeing a real uptick in hate speech and assault,” Marysdaughter

The announcement in late January that transgender children may enroll in the Boy Scouts of American—and in Cub Scout troops too—may prove a bit challenging for some in the state. According to the Bangor Daily News, the Scout’s Pine Tree Council, based in Portland and governing Maine’s 10 counties in southern Maine, adopted a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual orientation and advocacy several months before the national organization lifted the ban on gay youth in 2015. Efforts to reach the Pine Tree Council’s leader for comments about how the Pine Tree Council handled that policy change and this latest one were unsuccessful.

According to the Bangor Daily News, many troops meet in local houses of worship that might not support the Boy Scouts of America’s decision. However R. Scott Harvey, the Scout’s executive for the Katahdin Area Council, told the News, his region’s council is ready to help work with the new policy. “While religious partners will continue to have the right to make decisions based on religious beliefs,” he said, “we will work with families to find local Scouting units that are the best fit for their children,” Harvey said. “If there aren’t any local Scouting units in their area, we will work with the family to try and organize a unit in their area.” “We hope that the change in our approach in determining eligibility will enable us to bring the benefits of our programs to as many children, families and communities as possible, and we encourage all interested, eligible youth to apply.” The Katahdin Area Council governs packs, troops, crews, events and activities in six northern Maine Counties, including Aroostook, Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo and Washington. This region makes up two-thirds of the state and a third of its population. [x]

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Newsmakers | Vermont Green Mountain State Update SENATOR LEAHY BLASTS AG NOMINEE’S ANTI‑CIVIL RIGHTS RECORD

motivated by bias against race, religion and even disability.

“When I pushed in 2009 to advance the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act,” says Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy, “it was Sessions who sought to derail it.”

“Sessions has repeatedly stood in the way of efforts to promote and protect Americans’ civil rights. He did so even as other members of the Republican Party sought to work across the aisle to advance the cause of living up to our nation’s core values of equality and justice…

“Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions asserted at a Judiciary Committee hearing on the bill that he was ‘not sure women or people with different sexual orientations face that kind of discrimination,’” wrote Leahy in a January 8 Boston Globe editorial. In other words, Trump’s choice for U.S. Attorney General denied the existence of hate crimes targeting people on the basis of sexual orientation or gender. Sessions worked to fight a bill that offered protections against these crimes as well as those

Adds the Vermont Senator:

“If we are to continue being a great nation, then survivors of sexual assault and hate crimes and religious bigotry all deserve to know that their civil and human rights will be protected by the attorney general of the United States.”

Senator Patrick Leahy PHOTO courtesy leahy.senate.gov

‘UN-AUGURATION’ RALLY HELD AT STATEHOUSE About an hour after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president, the Vermont Democratic hosted an “un-auguration” rally at the steps of the state house. About 100 protestors attended the rally, where “Unaugural Rally” t-shirts were passed out. “The party needs to roll up its sleeves and become an activist party again,’ Conor Casey, the state’s Democratic Party executive director, told the crowd. “What few proposals [Trump] put forward [during the campaign] were a direct assault on what many of us spent our lives fighting for,” he said. “The Democratic Party nationally will need to redefine itself, but here in Vermont we don’t need to wait for that to

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PHOTO courtesy Winter Rendezvous Gay Ski Week what else did you expect,” said Stephen Jurnack of Burlington.

PHOTO courtesy Women’s March on Montpelier and Unity Rally happen. We need to do better as Democrats, get back to our roots, roll up our sleeves and become an activists party again.” The rally came one day before the city joined the world in protesting the Trump campaign platform and standing up for progressive values like LGBT rights at Montpelier’s Women’s March held the following day.

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According to the Vermont television station’s WCAX.com:

Five hundred-plus LGBT skiers, snowboarders and the people who love them met up for the 33rd annual Winter Rendezvous at Stowe.

“Two hours before the Women’s March in Vermont’s capital was scheduled to begin, crowds were already lining the sidewalks and parking lots at the Montpelier High School. A sea of pink surrounded the building,” reported WCAX. “It’s perfectly natural, I mean when you consider what we elected, who represents us now, this was going to happen. This was inevitably going to happen when you alienate half the population of the United States,

The five-day, late January event included a drag queen downhill costume-and-parade competition at Midway Lodge, performances by singer-songwriter Jimmy James and comedian Julie Goldman, parties at Spruce Camp, Midway Lodge and the Rusty Nail, a 3D laser blackout party at Backyard Tavern, an après-ski pool party at Trapp Family Lodge and a bonfire. [x]

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SPOTLIGHT News STORY Rob Phelps

From the Blogs released the same day: “If President Trump truly believes in uniting the country, now is the time to make clear whether he will be an ally to the LGBTQ community in our struggle for full equality. We are prepared to do whatever it takes to protect our community and our progress.” [Update: On January 31, the White House website added a statement that the Trump administration would continue to enforce President Obama’s order to protect LGBT rights in the workplace.]

STRONGER TOGETHER AT THE WOMEN’S MARCH “We can whimper. We can whine. Or we can fight back! We come here to stand shoulder to shoulder to make clear: We are here! We will not be silent! We will not play dead! We will fight for what we believe in!” U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren cried out these words to a cheering crowd, The Boston Globe estimated at more than 175,000 people strong. All told, the Boston Women’s March for American plus events all over New England, in the national’s capital and around the world brought together an estimated 4.5 million women, men and kids to stand up for shared progressive values and to protest the draconian party platform put forth by the Republican party under the Trump administration. Speakers at the Boston march also included Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey and Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. As Boston march organizers put it, the day was for everyone—“women, immigrants, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQIA … all of us.”

LGBT SUPPORT SCRUBBED FROM WHITE HOUSE WEBSITE Within hours of the January 20 presidential inauguration, the web page supporting the LGBT community—and all references to LGBT issues—disappeared from the White House website. Also removed: web pages supporting the national HIV/AIDS strategy, civil rights, climate change and the White House Council on Women and Girls. An archive of outgoing President Obama’s issue pages, including a list of advancements for LGBT rights achieved during his presidency, can still be found at obamawhitehouse.archives.gov. As the New York Times observed on January 21, “While it’s standard for the new administration to update the White House’s official website with its agenda as part of the transition, it is notable that the Trump administration did not choose to include anything about the LGBT community.” Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign, wrote this in a statement

32 | BOSTON SPIRIT

KERRY APOLOGIZES FOR STATE DEPT. HISTORY OF DISCRIMINATION A week before the Trump administration arrived in Washington, then U.S. Secretary of State and former Massachusetts Senator John Kerry apologized to the LGBT community on behalf of the State Department for decades of discrimination. “In the past as far back as the 1940s, but continuing for decades the Department of State was among many public and private employers that discriminated against employees and job applicants on the basis of perceived sexual orientation, forcing some employees to resign or refusing to hire certain applicants in the first place,” Kerry said in a statement. “On behalf of the Department, I apologize to those who were impacted by the practices of the past and reaffirm the Department’s steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion for all our employees, including members of the LGBTI community,” Kerry said.

In 2015, Kerry, “appointed the first special envoy for the human rights of LGBTI persons,” noted a January 9 Huffington Post report. “The issue [in question] is not Kerry’s commitment to the community. In 2015, President Barack Obama has also appointed a record number of openly gay ambassadors, and around the world, his administration has championed equality.”

Pittsfield mayor Lynda Tyer

NEW ENGLAND MAYORS JOIN NATIONAL ANTIDISCRIMINATION COALITION With anti-discrimination protections threatened at the national level, Americans are going local.

KERRY’S APOLOGY SCRUBBED FROM STATE DEPT. WEBSITE On January 30, the Human Rights Campaign released the following statement after former Secretary of State John Kerry’s apology to LGBT people (see previous newsmaker) was removed from the U.S. State Department’s website: “With each passing hour, the Trump administration continues to show the extent of their contempt for the enormous progress made over the past eight years,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Secretary Kerry’s apology to LGBTQ employees and their families who were targeted, harassed, and fired set the right tone for the State Department, even if it couldn’t undo the damage done decades ago. It is outrageous that the new administration would attempt to erase from the record this historic apology for witch hunts that destroyed the lives of innocent Americans. The apology, along with the other important LGBTQ content that has been removed, should immediately be restored, and President Trump should condemn such behavior at all departments and agencies.” Also scrubbed off the State Department’s website was content regarding LGBTQ pride month observances and the Special Envoy for the Human RIghts of LGBT Persons.

On January 18, two days before the presidential inauguration, 172 mayors from 42 states formed Mayors Against LGBT Discrimination. The bipartisan coalition aims to “secure LGBT nondiscrimination protections locally even if they’re not advancing federally.” In New England, Massachusetts leads the region with 12 cities’ leaders signed on. Connecticut, Rhode Island and Maine each have two. Mayors in New Hampshire and Vermont have yet to sign on. In Massachusetts, this includes: Joseph Curtatone, Somerville; Robert Dolan, Melrose; Kimberley Driscoll, Salem; Kevin Dumas, Attleboro; Jon Mitchell, New Bedford; Alex Morse, Holyoke; David Narkewicz, Northampton; Joseph Petty, Worcester; Domenic Sarno, Springfield; Linda Tyer, Pittsfield; Martin Walsh, Boston; and Setti Warren, Newton. In Rhode Island: Jorge Elorza, Providence, and Donald Grebien, Pawtucket. In Connecticut: Scott Kaupin, Enfield, and Michael Passero, New London. In Maine: Joseph Baldacci, Bangor, and Ethan Strimling, Portland. Those in cities not yet in the coalition can put their mayors in contact with a representative from the group by sending them to action.mayorslgbt.org.

BRUINS WOULD ACCEPT GAY TEAMMATE, “NO QUESTION”

Boston Bruin Brad Marchand’s that attacked him with a homophobic slur. Here’s what Marchand shot back to the tweeter: “This derogatory statement is offensive to so many people around the world, [you’re] the kind of kid parents are ashamed of.” When interviewed about the exchange by ESPN.com, Marchand said, “I want to stand up for what I believe in, and I don’t think it’s right when people say things or bash people because of their sexual orientation. … We’re in 2017, and things are a lot different than they were 100 years ago. We’re all evolving to be equal, and that’s the way things should be.” ESPN followed up by asking Marchand how accepting pro hockey players would be when a teammate came out. “Guys would accept that, no question,” replied Marchand. “We’re a team in the [dressing] room and a family. It doesn’t matter what different beliefs guys have, or where they come from, or whatever the case may be.” “One of the better two-way players in the league,” noted the January 17 ESPN report, “[Marchand] won a Stanley Cup with Boston in 2011 and the World Cup of Hockey with Team Canada last fall. This season, he has 11 points in his past six games, as the Bruins keep pace in the Atlantic Division playoff hunt.” [x]

Boston Bruin Brad Marchand’s social media swipe caught the attention of ESPN after Marchand responded to a Twitter message

MAR|APR 2017 | 33

FEATURE Politics STORY Scott Kearnan

Rufus Gifford. PHOTO Rasmus Degnbol/Redux

Welcome Home, Ambassador

Rufus Gifford, the out gay Obama-appointed ambassador to Denmark, returns to join the U.S. political debate Rufus Gifford is driving through the mountains of Norway. It’s early February, and he and husband Stephen DeVincent are enjoying their first true vacation since President Obama appointed Gifford U.S. Ambassador to Denmark in 2013. The ambassadorship was a hugely high-profile role for a charismatic, Kennedy-like Democratic figure still relatively new to the political fray: In 2004, Gifford, born and raised in the quaint Massachusetts enclave Manchester-by-the-Sea, left a career as a Hollywood exec for a series of increasingly significant roles as a cofferbuilder for Democratic candidates like John Kerry. Most significantly, he served as finance director for Obama’s 2012 campaign. Following President Trump’s inauguration, the now-former ambassador is using his vacation downtime to plot himself a new course, one that will see him respond to the divisive direction in which our

GOP-steered country is heading. He’s considering, but won’t confirm, a future run for some form of elected office. He knows it is a terrifying time for political progressives, but even as the Obama years begin to retreat in the rearview mirror, Gifford ultimately believes that through all the hairpin turns, peaks and valleys, America still has a bright road ahead. “I believe that we are,” says Gifford when asked if America could be ready to elect a first gay president. It’s hard to argue with that optimism. After all, during the Obama’s 2012 campaign Gifford built a $700 million war chest that helped ensure the reelection of America’s first black president. He firmly believes that some political boundaries are made to be broken. “When I first started working for Obama, one of the reasons was that I wanted to prove to the whole world that Americans could elect a black guy with the middle

“ Despite the fact that it would be incredibly difficult, if there was the right candidate, I absolutely believe that we are capable of electing a gay president. ” Rufus Gifford name Hussein,” says Gifford. “Despite the fact that it would be incredibly difficult, if there was the right candidate—the right person with the right ability to connect—I absolutely believe that we are capable of electing a gay president.” Not to rush him, but Gifford seems like he could someday be pretty well positioned to make history himself.

Rufus Gifford [RIGHT] with husband Stephen DeVincent. PHOTO courtesy Rufus Gifford. Connection seems to come easy to him. He has the telegenic handsomeness of an heir to Camelot, the breezy charm of an Obama disciple and, like both, a firm grasp on how to leverage the mass media of his time. Not only is Gifford very active on social media, where he is equally adept at tweeting political hot-takes and uploading Instagram photos from the beach, but he was the subject of an entire documentarystyle TV series, “I Am the Ambassador,” which covered both political and personal

On August 15, Secretary of State Kerry swore in Rufus Gifford as the new Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark. The ceremony took place at the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C. PHOTO courtesy Rufus Gifford.

terrain: from an awkward run-in with Mitt Romney to Gifford and DeVincent’s 2015 wedding at Copenhagen City Hall. The two-season show won the Danish equivalent of an Emmy award and helped turn Gifford into a much-loved and muchphotographed celebrity in Scandinavia. It recently arrived on Netflix too, so expect his stateside star to rise. Gifford knew that a television show about an ambassador was pretty

unconventional, and didn’t do it without hesitation. “The decision was not one we took lightly,” says Gifford. “There were three points of complete paranoia and terror around the project: First, just the nervousness of being filmed all the time. Second was the editing. We didn’t have editorial control, so we didn’t know what they’d put out and how we’d come across. Would this be the worst idea in the history of American diplomacy? And third, we didn’t know

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At the White House. PHOTO courtesy Rufus Gifford. how the Danes would respond, whether they’d pay attention and like it.” They certainly did. The show was a very well-received hit, especially among the Millennial viewers who Gifford particularly wanted to engage in diplomacy, an arena associated with boring, stiff suits. Gifford, young, affable and accessible, was a breath of fresh air. “Coming from the Obama campaign, and its success with modern outreach and communications, we wanted to figure out how to get to people where they are using things like social media and taking calculated risks like the TV show.” Nor is it lost on Gifford that “I Am the Ambassador” showed the world a positive portrayal of a married gay politico. “You can make a strong point through television,” says Gifford. “Think about the first time you saw a positive portrayal of a gay person on television—someone like Pedro from ‘The Real World’—and how much that representation really moved the needle.” Gifford’s biography is a poignant reminder of how far that needle has moved. He hails from the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage, was appointed ambassador under the administration that saw equal marriage extend

nationwide and wound up, of all places, in Denmark—the very first country to grant legal recognition to same-sex unions back

“ My biggest concern is that somehow apathy will set in. That somehow, time will normalize this administration. If we the people are so appalled by so many of the things going on in this country, can we stay focused? Can we stay committed?” Rufus Gifford

in 1989. It’s pretty poetic, especially since Gifford says being gay has been a major catalyst for the course of his career. “Growing up on the North Shore in a very traditional family, it wasn’t a culture where I fit in,” says Gifford. “It made me figure out who I was in this world. It made me work hard. It made me fight. It made me take risks. It made me want to leave home and see the world. It made me want to meet people who are different. In that way, my sexuality so much informed who I became professionally.” When he returns to Massachusetts in March, though, his future professional plans will be informed by our new political climate. The presidential election was a “game changer,” says Gifford. Under a President Clinton, he may have been tempted to settle into a less political career, “a nice job and a normal life,” he chuckles. But a Trump administration is “not the time to stand on the sidelines,” says Gifford, who intends to be “part of the political debate going forward.” He’s still not sure if that means a run for office, more media work, academia, or something else. But he takes seriously the “jarring overload” of daily headlines—from Muslin bans to border walls to tweeted attacks on federal judges and, um, department stores—that reflect an agenda which gives cause for grave concern. Apathy, though, is the single biggest threat of all, says Gifford. “My biggest concern is that somehow apathy will set in,” he says. “That somehow, time will normalize this administration. If we the people are so appalled by so many of the things going on in this country, can we stay focused? Can we stay committed?” So far, he says, he’s inspired by the marches, rallies, demonstrations and grassroots organizing that suggests Americans are ready to stand up to efforts to compromise our time-honored principles. “We’re seeing great examples in American activism,” says Gifford. “People are standing up and saying that things like the Muslim ban are inconsistent with our values, and we’re going to call you on it.” Add one more voice to the chorus. For a moment, Gifford will enjoy that fresh mountain air. But then, in some fashion or another, he is coming home to fight. [x]

FEATURE Politics STORY Rob Phelps

The New Activism

Emerge Class of 2017 at the Boston Women’s March for America. PHOTO courtesy of Gretchen Van Ness

Grassroots leaders’ tips for staying progressive in regressive times “If you’re disappointed in your elected officials,” President Obama said in his farewell address, “grab a clipboard, get some signatures and run for office yourself.” Of course not everyone wants to run for office. But it seems like just about everyone in the LGBT community is fired up to resist the regressive policies and actions of the Republican president and neo-cons in Congress, and many of us are looking for ways to make a positive difference. At least two New England political activists answered President Obama’s call literally, and their inspiring stories are full of ideas how each of us can make a difference in our own way.

Meet the Candidates The day after President Obama’s address, lifelong political activist Gretchen Van Ness—the first openly gay president of the Massachusetts Women’s Bar Association and cofounder of the national LGBT advocacy group Lambda Legal—applied to Emerge, an intensive six-month training program for Democratic women who plan to run for office or take a seat on a local board or commission. “After the horrible defeat on Election Day, I looked at their website and told myself I might as well do this now,” she says. “I’ve got to do something. We’ve all got to try to put ourselves in a place where we can be effective—whatever that means for each of us,” she says.

Grassroots community organizer Corey Dinopoulos also credits President Obama’s speech with his decision to enter a race. Dinopoulos has worked on successful campaigns ranging from Deval Patrick’s gubernatorial run to Julian Cyr’s recent state senatorial race to Beacon Hill. Now he’s running for city councilor for Boston’s District 2, which includes the South End, Bay Village, Chinatown, Downtown and South Boston. If he’s successful, Dinopoulos will be the first opening gay councilor to serve the city in 23 years. “I’d been mulling over the idea to run for office for a few years now, but after Hillary’s loss and Obama’s call to action, I’m ready to launch my campaign,” he says. “Definitely the election lit that fire in me.”

MAR|APR 2017 | 37

20th

ARY R S R E V I N TOU AN Gretchen Van Ness with Eric Jakkuri working the Human Rights Campaign “Get Out the Vote” phone bank. PHOTO courtesy of Gretchen Van Ness

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Dinopoulos’s advice to his fellow grassroots activists: get out there and follow what fires you up. Born in Dracut, Massachusetts, Dinopoulos admits he never really followed politics that much until he got involved in the Patrick campaign while studying graphic design at Mass College of Art and Design. “He got me really excited about being engaged in my community and in city and state politics, finding out what’s going on. I remember bringing a lot of my Mass Art friends from classes to one of his first rallies in Boston Common. None of them had been to a political rally before either. But we were all so fired up with his message. We started knocking on doors and canvassing for him and making calls at phone banks. That’s how I got my first taste of politics.” As a young art student, Dinopoulos saw his schoolwork morph into his political ambitions. “My thesis at Mass Art was to create a hypothetical Boston Olympic bid.” That thesis actually became the nonprofit that kicked off the city’s official Olympic campaign, which Dinopoulos

considers an incredible learning experience. “I gained an incredible understanding of the complexities of city government, including its capabilities and limitations. It was humbling to understand how things work and don’t work. We had a lot of great conversations that we wouldn’t have had otherwise.” Ultimately, he says, “we had organizations across the entire landscape, not just the city but the state, talking to one another for the first time in a long time. We also now have a privately funded master plan for the city, which can hopefully be put to use in the next couple of years.” Currently a mobile app and user experience designer for a financial company in the Back Bay, Dinopoulos has grown solid roots in the local gay community. A member of Boston Pride, he’s played for FLAG Flag Football league for six years now. “I played gay softball for three years, but it really wasn’t my thing,” he says with a laugh. This year, he’s also on the Fenway Men’s Event planning committee. Dinopoulos admits he could use a little help with his campaign. “You should see my calendar! I’d love to master all this myself, but it gets a little challenging,” he says. He’s hoping to find some kindred spirits who maybe worked on Hillary

or Bernie’s campaigns and are still fired up. “I mean, as long as their passionate about working with me and working in civic life.” If you’re interested in volunteering on his campaing, your can reach him at cdinopoulus @ gmail.com or www.coreyd.com.

“Bloom Where You’re Planted” “Bloom where you’re planted,” Van Ness advises emerging activists unsure where to begin. “Ask yourself, what is your life like already? What are the places that you touch, what touches you now, and how can you get more involved in those things?” The new face of activism can take a lot of different forms, she says. “I’ve seen a huge uptick in everyone looking around and asking what can we do to make our neighbors

Corey Dinopolous [FAR RIGHT] campaigning for Massachussetts State Senator Julian Cyr at the Fourth of July parade in Orleans, Massachusetts. PHOTO courtesy of Corey Dinopolous. feel safe and our communities be positive and welcoming places.” Take social media. “I think it’s cool how people can use it as a tool and connect with others in a really positive way,”

she says. “People don’t even understand how different this is from how we organized ourselves as activists in the past. Back when we would really have to stand out on the street corner and talk to

people—which we still need to do but in a much more productive way now.” Van Ness points to the sweeping success of the Women’s March, primarily organized through social

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media, and Pantsuit Nation, whose members leaped from 30 thousand to almost four million within a week before the election. She also points to websites like swingleft. org, where you can plug in your zip code and find nearby U.S. House districts won by slim margins in the last elections with “Let’s Get to Work” links to click on and find out where to go and what to do. (Hello, Rust Belt!) And indivisible.us, whose mission is “to train the next generation of civic-minded leaders, disrupt and reframe negative media discourse about government and create a network of champions to change the conversation about government in their communities.” “Another thing people have been doing is going to their local democratic meetings,” Van Ness says. “Their local ward, precinct and caucuses. People are just showing up at selectmen’s and other pubic meetings. I’m seeing this all over the country. One of my friends told me she went to her local town meeting and said, ‘It’s all old white guys. I had no idea!’ There seems to be a lot

Corey Dinopolous [FRONT ROW, THIRD FROM LEFT] volunteering with Boston’s FLAG Flag Football League at the Boston Living Center. of people saying, ‘I need to know what this is all about.’” Organizations like GLAD, ACLU and Planned Parenthood are reporting a flood of offers to volunteer. Local organizations like MassEquality, Freedom Massachusetts, AIDS Action, Victory Programs and their sister organizations in each of the other New England states are also great places to check in. “In terms of volunteering, there’s also animal shelters, food banks, things like

that,” Van Ness says. Subscribing to newspapers, supporting public radio and TV counts too, as does simply talking with neighbors, taking an active interest in one’s community—“stretching yourself, getting outside your comfort zones.” “I was raised by a mother who said, ‘A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.’ That was her life’s creed. She always talked to people she didn’t know. So that’s my pushback in my daily life as well. I will not permit fear and hatred to overtake us.”

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Van Ness grew up in a politically active family. In grade school, she went to protests against the Vietnam War with her sister and parents. She led an anti-war walkout from junior high and helped her parents advocate for school desegregation throughout her public school experience (she’s a strong supporter of public schools). As president of the student body at Wilson College, she brought a lawsuit against the small women’s school in Pennsylvania along with alumni and other supporters after the school’s board of trustees voted to close the college. For decades, it was the only case in the country where students and alumni were able to reverse a decision by trustees to close—until two years ago when Sweetbriar faced a similar case and used Wilson’s as precedent to prevail. In grad school, Van Ness cofounded the gay and lesbian law student group at Boston College Law School that evolved into Lambda Legal. She went on to advocate for clients with HIV/AIDS and later ran the marriage-equality task force that organized legal observers to oversee town halls

“ There are young women and old women, activists of every stripe and background, working class and educated. We still don’t have a lot of gay people in public life, so it’s really terrific to be with people who have chosen to be so inclusive. ” Gretchen Van Ness throughout the state as the first marriage same-sex marriage licenses were issued. Boston magazine calls her “the patron saint of underdogs.” These days she’s taking a break from the law. During the presidential campaign, she canvassed door to door in New Hampshire and helped the Human Rights Campaign set up its first Get Out the Vote phone banks, focusing on New Hampshire,

where “we got Maggie Hassan elected. She’s been a star as a brand new senator.” Van Ness isn’t sure precisely where Emerge will lead her. She just knows the public service training program has a lot to offer. “I’m very honored to have been selcted in the Emerge class of’17,” she says. “There are young women and old women, activists of every stripe and background, working class and educated. We still don’t have a lot of gay people in public life, so it’s really terrific to be with people who have chosen to be so inclusive.” “Emerge has really tried to step up and expand their offerings after the surgence of interest following this election,” Van Ness notes. “There are women in this group who want to run for their local human rights commission or their local school board all the way up to people wh want to run for state rep and Congress. This is the coolest thing about the new activism. People are looking at what we can do about the things we care about most.” [x]

MAR|APR 2017 | 41

FEATURE History STORY Kim Harris Stowell

Royalty Like No Other Imperial Court of Rhode Island dubbed “jewel in the crown” for charitable legacy and gender-bending fun In 1965, World War II veteran and pioneer among openly gay people running for public office José Sarria proclaimed herself the Empress of San Francisco. He added the surname “Widow Norton” as homage to the much celebrated Joshua Norton, who had declared himself Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico in 1859. Sarria’s pronouncement laid the groundwork for the formation of what is today the International Court System (ICS), a network of lords and ladies, empresses and emperors, with campy, self-generated names that might include anything from Fawcett-Majors or Sugarbaker to Bangkok and Halston. Organized into Courts, they work to build community around issues of LGBT equality, and raise funds for charitable causes through the production of gala events. With over 65 chapters in the United States, Canada and Mexico, ICS is one of the largest LGBT organizations in the world. Over the years, Courts have played a significant role in spearheading

AIDS fundraising and services and human rights advocacy, and have partnered with Egale Canada, the Matthew Shepard Foundation, the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), the International Gay Rodeo Association and the National LGBT Museum (Velvet Foundation). Their mission is to promote cooperation, create awareness and visibility, and preserve the legacy of the International Court System’s place in LGBT history. All while having a wonderful, gender-bending time. Right next door, we discovered a founding Court system, The Imperial Court of Rhode Island at Providence (ICRI). Originally the Member Court for all of New England, it was formed in 1992, and was dubbed “the jewel in the crown” by José herself. We sat down with Court members Gingah Rale, Justinius Phoenix, Roxiie Van Cartier and Belle Pellegrino to get the scoop. Gingah was Empress XV, having joined the group in 2005. “I was just so inspired by all the good works,” she said,

adding that everyone seemed to be having such a good time. She is now running a second time, to be Empress XXV. Roxiie is also running for the title of Empress, while Justinius is running for Emperor. Belle, who was the Court’s first biologically female Emperor, holds the title of Regent Emperor XXIV. Actually, her full title is The Lion King Emperor of Fetish and Pleasure, to which the Court adds Keeper of the Silver Jubilee in honor of the upcoming celebration of 25 years as a Court. They all have titles of their own devising—“We do try to keep them familyfriendly,” said Belle, “but beyond that, you can be as creative as you want.” They also have their own regalia, some sporting rows of medals and decorations and glittering sashes, while others wear tiaras and carry scepters. It’s all in good fun. I wondered aloud if the Court functions as a safe place for some people, and everyone nodded. “I come from a very strict upbringing,” said Roxiie. “I came out at 15, and the discussion around the table that night was like World War Five. This,” he said, looking around the table, “is the family that I really needed.” Roxiie joined the Court as a senior in high school, and was truly cared for by the other members. When, for example, folks found out his high school class was graduating on the day of the Pride Festival, they put the kibosh on his part in the drag performance planned for the main stage, insisting he attend his graduation instead. “I still made it back in time to join in the last number,” he recalled.

“I had the opposite experience,” said Justinius. “I was raised by a very openminded mom. She never actually joined the Court, but always came to events.” The service aspect of the organization is deeply important to all of them—they are deservedly proud of their efforts to raise

money for such worthy causes as autism research, domestic violence prevention, Alzheimer’s awareness and others. The Court offers a scholarship to all individuals that are high school graduates (or equivalent) and are interested in pursuing further studies from an accredited

school (college, community college, trade, technical, etc.). This individual must also identify as a member of the LGBTQ community or who has a parent or guardian who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community. The applicant must also live within ICRI’s boundaries (Rhode Island and Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth or Worcester counties in Massachusetts). Come April Fools day, they will have something else to celebrate, as they will host the Silver Jubilee. Beginning on Friday, March 31, the weekend-long event will feature drag shows, a ball, a brunch, lots of hospitality and, of course, Coronation XXV. Guests are expected to come from as far away as Alaska, Hawaii and Canada, and will be treated to all the pomp and circumstance that one might expect at such an event. At the end of our time together, Belle summed it up, saying, “There’s just something about this organization. We have our disagreements from time to time, but we just love each other. We truly care. There are lots of great organizations, but for me, it’s the Court.” [x]

icriprov.org

SEASONAL Financial STORY Rob Phelps

Show Us the Money LGBT financial specialists weigh in on benefits and challenges in the post-marriage-equality-ruling era When the U.S. Supreme Court delivered its landmark decision for Obergefell v. Hodges on June 26, 2015, the major civil rights victory not only fully recognized LGBT couples as we march down the proverbial aisle but ensured us thousands of legal and financial benefits on the state and federal levels. Health insurance, social security, child custody, retirement, estate planning, and the list goes on.

Major progress has been made on another front too. Socially responsible investing—which once meant using our money to stand together against Apartheid or tobacco companies or other precisely focused campaigns—has grown into a diverse and powerful assortment of investment products and tools. We now have a range of indices to evaluate and invest in companies doing good socially responsible business like the Workplace Equality Index,

Brian K. Gerhardson is a certified financial planner, private wealth advisor and franchise owner of South End Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. ameripriseadvisors.com/team/ south-end-wealth-management

Making the Most of Marriage Equality “Right now, a lot of the things I used to talk about in terms of financial and legal discriminations are much different for LGBT married couples because we now have state and federal recognition,” says certified financial planner and private wealth advisor Brian Gerhardson. “Today, many of

which holds its own against powerhouses like the S&P 500. Prudent financial planning in this post-marriage-equalityfight era is just as important as ever, especially given the greater financial freedom the Obergefell ruling provides. Over the years, Boston Spirit has worked with a number of ﬁnancial experts who specialize in LGBT concerns. We’ve asked them to weigh in on these fresh benefits and challenges as we move forward in this new era.

mindful of the challenges we would face once again.

Brian Gerhardson the discriminations that were there before are flat-out gone just because we have the ability to get married.” Given the results of the recent election, however, Gerhardson finds value in not forgetting those discriminations in case we were to lose same-sex equality in marriage. “It may be unlikely that existing marriages are revoked,” he says, but should same-sex marriages be denied the future, it would be important to stay

Gerhardson is not suggesting that marriage is the answer for every couple “just because it solves a lot of financial and legal discrepancies.” But many people may not understand the financial and legal implications of the decision, he says. Those who choose not to get married still need to take the precautions that now-legal “spouses” once took before the Supreme Court ruling. “I had two clients, a couple who had been together for about 40 years and never wanted to get married,” Gerhardson recalls. “They were also reluctant to create wills or do estate planning but eventually they did so, naming each other as beneficiaries, powers of attorney, healthcare proxy and so on. When one died, his survivor had to search for his

next of kin to sign the death certificate. Even if you have a will in Massachusetts the state requires the next of kin to sign this document. Eventually, the surviving partner found an aunt far removed from his spouse. Before she signed, she wanted to know where the money went. Luckily, the estate documents took care of the surviving partner. Without them, he could have been homeless.” Prior to the repeal of DOMA, partners in even a staterecognized marriage were not eligible for their late spouse’s social security survivor benefits. “I had clients who may now be able to get retroactive social security payments,” Gerhardson says. “In one case, there was a gay coupled, married legally in Massachusetts. One partner died and left behind a spouse who was not

able to work due to health issues and was living on social security benefits. After the repeal, that person was able to get back pay from the Social Security Administration as the surviving spouse.” Before another of his clientcouple’s marriage was recognized on the federal level, Gerhardson says couples had to be very careful when it came to issues like retirement. “If one provided more than $14,000 a year in support to anyone who was not their legal spouse, they would be subjected to a gift tax for every dollar above $14,000. So if one partner stopped working and paid for, say, a mortgage, utilities, groceries and other basic expenses, it would be easy to tip over that $14,000 limit.”

For those with estates worth more than 5.4 million dollars, 40% of every dollar above that 5.4 million is subject to federal estate tax, and everything about 1 million dollars is subject to state tax in Massachusetts. Of course not everyone is tipping over those levels, but those who do may not have any clue what a marriage license could solve in terms of taxes, Gerhardson points out. Many people might not realize this will be a concern for them. “When I look at people with professional salaries and are allowed as much as eight times their salary in life-insurance benefits, and you add money accumulated in retirement plans and home equity—you do the math.” [x]

Michele B. O’Connor is a

financial advisor with the Global Wealth Management Division of Morgan Stanley in Boston. morganstanleyfa.com/micheleo’connor

Leaving No Financial Stone Unturned “For starters, because of the Supreme Court Decision overturning the Defense of Marriage Act, my LGBT clients’ financial plans may require an update of the assumptions that were built into them, giving consideration to any assets, income and benefits to which they might now be entitled. What’s more, a review of their estate plan is recommended to determine if any assets should be re-titled and to look at specific strategies that can help reduce estate tax,” says financial advisor Michele O’Connor.

Michele O’Connor “Our team creates a wealth strategy outlining the essential details of my clients’ custom tailored financial plan. This comprehensive summary has become the hallmark of my practice and serves as the foundation for current and future wealth management decisions,” she says. “One of the best ways that our financial planning has helped our LGBT clients is to provide an in-depth review of their social security benefits from past marriages so that they can fully understand what benefits that they may be entitled to and what they may have to give up if they remarry. We were thrilled when

[CONTINUES 48]

LGBT BUYING POWER With annual LGBT purchasing power nearing a trillion dollars, no wonder the White House recently pledged to uphold workplace protections for LGBT people. Businesses heed these numbers too. Emerging investment tools like the Workplace Investment Index, which consists of publicly traded companies that support LGBT equality, are rivaling and even surpassing tried-and-true forecasters like the S&P 500. This kind of economic vitality puts some serious vigor behind “voting with our money.”

. TOTAL U.S UAL LGBT ANN OWER BUYING P

$917B

AND NEW ENGLOWER ING P LGBT BUY .78B

$34

CONNECTICUT

MASSACHUSETTS

$8.6B B 8 . 5 $1 43,039

POPULATION

445,239

TOTAL JOBS CREATED BY NGLCC-CERTIFIED EMPLOYERS1

33,000

MAINE

RHODE ISLAND

$3.2B

$2.5B

90,329

71,575

NEW HAMPSHIRE

VERMONT

$3.2B

$1.5B

89,520

42,550

LONGEVITY OF BUSINESSES NUMBER OF BUSINESS BY LONGEVITY

TOTAL NGLCC-CERTIFIED BUSINESSES

909

(AND GROWING)

242 210 229 135

AVERAGE LGBT-CERTIFIED BUSINESS EARNINGS

$2,47M 1 National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

46 | BOSTON SPIRIT

RS 2 YEA

2-5

6-10

11-20

>20

2016 QTR YTD 1 YR 3 YR 5 YR 10 YR Workplace Equality Index Quarter 6.38 17.09 17.09 9.83 18.72 8.49 S&P 500 Index 3.82 11.96 11.96 8.87 14.66 6.95

OWNERSHIP 66.6% gay owned 29.1% lesbian owned 2.3% bisexual-owned 2.0% transgender owned

80% Caucasian 5.5% Hispanic 4.3% African American 4.0% Other and Multi-Ethnic 3.3% Asian/Pacific Islander 0.6% Native American

S E AR

Legal | 40

Media | 43

1+2611+15+31+34=

BUSINESS TYPES

201 6

201 5

Events | 48

Consulting | 99

34.3% S-Corporation 30.6% LLC (Single Member) 14.8% LLC (Multiple Member) 10.6% Sole Proprietor 6.0% C-Corporation 2.3% Not Reported 1.4% Partnership

4 201

201 3

201 2

201 1

2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 Workplace Equality Index 17.09 -1.31 14.63 50.14 18.57 -5.58 16.58 S&P 500 Index 11.96 1.38 13.69 32.36 16.00 2.11 15.06

2010-2016

Professional Services | 81

ANNUALIZED RETURNS

Marketing | 90

EQUALITY INDEX V. S&P500

201 0

99+90+81+48+43+40

TOP BUSINESS INDUSTRIES

10 Y

WORKPLACE EQUALITY INDEX PERFORMANCE

E AR 5Y

E AR

1 YE

Note: Of the owners, 1.5% left their answer blank

Y TD

T ER

RACE AND ETHNICITY

MAR|APR 2017 | 47

[FROM 45] our process helped provide this information. In addition to its long-standing support of the LGBT community, Morgan Stanley is recognized for having one of the largest consulting group platforms in the industry, providing access to some of the world’s most highly regarded investment management firms, says O’Connor. “Moreover, the tactical and asset allocation recommendations of the Morgan Stanley Global Investment Committee are designed to help position its client’s portfolio so they may stay on the correct financial track. In essence, we strive to improve our clients financial life’s for the better so that they may give to the causes that mean most to them.” “Socially responsible investing in today’s world means to me that a portfolio invests in companies with sustainable business practices. This can be measured by a company’s efforts towards good environmental stewardship, diverse leadership and fair business practices. This long-term focus can be good for business and can improve investment returns,” O’Connor says. “In the past, the performance of socially responsible investing wasn’t as good; people had to give up growth of their assets for investing in things that were important to them. Now more companies are proactive about doing the right thing. It’s about good business practices. They’ve actually reinvented this whole category.” According to O’Connor, Morgan Stanley is one of 52 firms recognized in the 2017 Bloomberg Financial Services Gender-Equality Index (BFGEI). The index was created in 2016 to give investors and organizations a way to see certain standardized gender data and employee policies, genderconscious product offerings, and external community support and engagement. “I am proud to showcase to my LGBT clients our strong commitment to gender-equality and show that we strive to better understand the gender-equality related issues that our employees, clients and communities face.” [x]

48 | BOSTON SPIRIT

When we talk about financial planning for

Tom Kennedy

Randall E. Hall

Christopher G. Massey

Tom Kennedy is chief marketing officer at Northwestern Mutual Randall E. Hall, CFP, CLU, ChFC, CASL, RICP, is a wealth management advisor at Northwestern Mutual; www.randall-hall.com/team.htm

Christopher G. Massey, JD, CFP, ADPA, is director of financial planning at Northwestern Mutual Bruce M. Mozinski, CFP, CLU, ChFC, RICP, is a wealth management advisor at Northwestern Mutual; www.brucemozinski.com/team.htm

Putting Your Values to Work “When we talk about financial planning for the LGBT community, we have to do so in light of how far things have come but also how far still things have to go in terms of equality,” says Tom Kennedy, chief financial officer at Northwest Mutual. “But the first step is to educate and challenge people to think about financial planning in the proper way .” “By this I mean that strong financial planning, for individuals and couples alike, is all about shaping and customizing each unique plan around one’s personal circumstances and values. Start with this solid foundation. Regardless of where the market’s going, if you are focused on what is truly

important to you, ultimately whether it’s socially responsible investing or specifically supporting different charitable organizations, whatever this is should be grounded in that foundation,” Kennedy says. “Since I first started out in this business, says Bruce Mozinski, wealth management advisor at Northwestern, “I’ve found that whenever you’re talking to an individual, what they’re fundamentally looking for is the answer to the same question: ‘Am I going to be okay?’ “As a consequence, we take a values-based planning approach. We take the time to understand

Bruce M. Mozinski

each individual or couple’s concerns and make sure they’re aware of any special situation that may apply to them, or apply to them in a different way than it might to others,” Mozinski says. “One example that comes to mind is a couple that I began working with before Massachusetts passed marriage equality on the state level,” he says. “When we began working together the state’s bill was beginning to work its way through the legislature. My clients were in the process of trying to buy a home and finding it very difficult to have people see them as coming in and buying it as a couple as opposed to two individual owners. We had to explore that and also consider not only how would they address these issues but also help them protect one another if anything were to happen to either one or both. How do we handle ownership issues and issues related to them?” “Because we take time to talk through these issues, it brings a tremendous relief. And that’s the job of planning, in my opinion,” Mozinski says. “Planning is about truly taking the time to understand, taking a step back, asking the questions, talking about things that

the LGBT community, we have to do so in light of how far things have come but also how far still things have to go in terms of equality

sometimes aren’t comfortable to talk about but are important. On the other side of this conversation is where the stress relief comes in.” “Priorities change, goals change, your family situation can change, your relationship with loved ones changes. A good plan can adapt to that and it should be revisited over time,” notes Christopher G. Massey, director of financial planning at Northwestern. “Gay or straight, you have life events and you want your financial plan to be able to handle them,” Massey says. “At times a life event can be so dramatic it demands a full revamp of your plan. Take the major landmark Supreme Courts marriage equality case that dramatically changed the financial landscape. Well there’s an opportunity right there to reconnect with your advisor and make sure the issues that you’re concerned about are covered in your plan.” When it comes to issues like socially responsible investing, “It’s essential to find the right financial product and the right financial tool to not only meet the fundamental financial goals of the client but also to be sensitive to all of the issues each client cares about,” says

Northwestern Mutual wealth management advisor Randall E. Hall.

“In my experience, the LGBT community tends to be more sensitive to socially responsible elements because of their own personal experience, which in many cases tends to be broader. Some LGBT clients want to invest in socially responsible ways that have nothing to do directly with LGBT issues, particularly regarding ethical treatment of all employees,” he says. “It’s important to find the right product and the right tool to not only meet the fundamental financial needs of the client, but also to be sensitive to those kinds of issues.” “Everyone has to feel like they have their own plan and what may be right for them may or may not be right for others,” Kennedy adds. “Some people may say, as we approach retirement we’ll pivot and focus our finances more on social issues that matter most to them but for right now, for the next ten years, we’re going to have more diversity in their plan.” “First and foremost, you need to be in a strong, defensive position,” says Kennedy. “That means any financial plan needs to manage risk first. Once that’s secure, it’s all about the offensive strategy where you invest for the future. What does your future look like and what are you building towards? [x]

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SEASONAL Design STORY Scott Kearnan ART DIRECTION AND PHOTOGRAPHY Joel Benjamin

Artisans of Design Fresh details from fine furnishers LGBT people are builders by design. We build communities. We build movements. We build families. That impulse to create is perhaps most evident in the design sphere, the intersection of art and engineering. We spoke to six LGBT designers and artists—those who make beautiful objects for interior spaces—to discover how they express their stories through their work. From mobile sculptures to handcrafted ceramics, their mediums are many but their points of view are uniquely their own.

Dana Scinto Dana Scinto’s dad gave his daughter the tools she needed to succeed. Literally. When the New Haven-based founder of Dana Scinto Design Studios was just a little girl, she was more interested in home renovations than playing with dollhouses. Her dad was a professional toolmaker—and even before he gave Scinto her first real job in the biz, she was learning woodworking and manufacturing right beside him at the workbench. “We’d dive into projects together. He talked to me like I was his peer, not like I was a little girl,” says Scinto. Her parents weren’t concerned about enforcing traditional gender roles—everyone should know how to change a tire and iron a shirt, they’d say—so Scinto, unlike some other young girls, was never dissuaded from developing the engineering skills that eventually inspired her career. And what a career it has been. Scinto launched her fabrication business in 1999, and ever since she has been sought by countless customers to design all forms

52 | BOSTON SPIRIT

“THE THING I MOST LOVE TO DO—IS WHATEVER I DIDN’T DO YESTERDAY.” of unique, one-of-a-kind pieces: from rustic barn doors to midcentury-modern cabinets, from Lucite coffee tables to mini-golf holes. What unites her work, says Scinto, is the deep-seated desire to offer clients the tools they need to live and work more easily. “Solving problems is what I really love,” says Scinto, who dedicates as much time to building new machines, jigs and manufacturing gizmos that streamline her work as she does to creating the final product itself. “I like to look at a situation and design something that fills a need you have.”

table base topped with a Lucite slab carved to imitate the grains of wood. She’s a favorite of Boston-based interior designer Stephen Martyak, for whom Scinto has created tables out of reclaimed bowling alleys for Comix, a comedy club at Mohegan Sun casino and shuffleboard tables for Boston’s buzzy Financial District bar Battery Park. For homes, she’s worked on everything from cast concrete coffee tables to her now-signature “Spider Web Bench,” an eye-catching, curved seat of stacked maple plywood.

It doesn’t hurt that the end results also have an A-plus aesthetic. Scinto leans toward style influences from’ the ’60s and ’70s, preferring smooth arcs to sharp edges. She often opts for shiny veneers and design with a dash of humor, like a walnut coffee

Scinto’s works out of a studio in a historic warehouse that is the former factory of Erector Set toys, an appropriate setting for a fabricator who owes her design interest to childhood building projects—and, of course, supportive parents.

“My parents didn’t assign gender roles to anybody,” says Scinto. Coming out as gay received a nonplussed, “pass the peas”style reaction from her parents. She also has a gay brother. Whereas Scinto was a daddy’s girl, “he spent more time with my mother and ended up in the antiquing business.” That her parents were unbound to expectations clearly had an effect on Scinto, for change and exploration is the only constant to her work. “The thing I most love to do—is whatever I didn’t do yesterday,” laughs Scinto, always driven by the next tool that needs her attention. [x]

MAR|APR 2017 | 53

Eric Haydel Designer Eric Haydel has lived in Boston for nine years. But this Southern boy always keeps memories of his old home just underfoot. Haydel grew up amid the “bayous and plantations” of Thibodaux, Louisiana, a town outside of New Orleans, and the crackling, effervescent energy of The Big Easy is something he’s carried with him up north, where his firm Eric Haydel Design has its showroom in the Boston Design Center. There, visitors get a sense of the stunning sensibility that Haydel offers to clients who seek his interiors style: one that is approachable, authentic and a beautiful marriage of history and modernity. But they can also get a glimpse at the more autobiographical collection of rugs he has created for a long-term partnership with Dover Rug & Home.

“THAT’S WHAT MAKES EVERY ARTIST DIFFERENT: THE ABILITY TO TELL A STORY THAT IS UNIQUELY OUR OWN.”

54 | BOSTON SPIRIT

“As an interior designer, the goal is to create a space that tells my client’s story,” says Haydel. “The rugs are an opportunity to tell my own.” Haydel’s rug collection, Carnival, is homage to the sense of “celebration, community and rich history” that reverberates through Southern Louisiana, he says. Carnival contains three different designs in multiple color schemes. Streetcar features a pattern evocative of cobblestones. Second Line showcases “rhythmic striping” abstractly inspired by the way multiple instruments—like those in a Nola jazz band, for instance— coalesce into a single sonic imprint. Masquerade is a bold, beaded design that nods to Mardi Gras. The rugs aren’t the only reflection of his roots. Haydel also recently launched a line of candles hand-poured by a small family-owned business back in St. Francisville, Louisiana. Though it may surprise some Yankees, this gay designer has nothing but deep love for the Deep South where he grew up. He admits that for many years he did confront an “internal struggle” with his sexuality. “When you grow up in a traditional setting, you do feel this pressure that sexuality is a choice,” says Haydel, who dated girls through high school and college, where he joined a fraternity. But

he is grateful for an “amazingly supportive” and progressive family. Haydel takes particular pride in his father, a high school principal who stood up to the school board so that same-sex couples could attend prom for the first time. And in fact, once Haydel floated talk of marriage with a sorority sister, it was his parents who sat him down for the coming-out talk. “That was the moment they put their foot down and said, ‘let’s talk about this,’” says Haydel. He adds with a laugh, “I don’t think they wanted to pay for a marriage when they knew it wouldn’t last!” Though Haydel’s work will always capture his southern charm, the New England transplant is now increasingly inspired by his adopted home here. He sees especial beauty in the ripple of waves off the coast of Cape Cod, or the play of light and shadow during a sunset in Provincetown. Those influences may find their way into his expanding rug collection for Dover, or in an upcoming line of wall treatments he’s developing. “As artists, we get to build on who we are,” says Haydel. “That’s what makes every artist different: the ability to tell a story that is uniquely our own.” [x]

MAR|APR 2017 | 55

Who Takes on Your Death: Your Spouse/Partner or Your Children? When a family member passes away, the disposition of a loved one’s assets has the potential to cause family strife with an unpredictable outcome. Hurt feelings and bitter rivalries between surviving family members can last for generations, and legal battles can be an ugly and expensive. The potential for conflict exists even within the most traditional of family settings, but the potential for hard feelings and unfulfilled expectations are particularly heightened within non-traditional family settings.

NON-MARRIED COUPLES WITH CHILDREN FROM PRIOR RELATIONSHIPS Consider a non-married couple, each with children from prior relationships. At the death of one partner, in the absence of estate planning, the surviving partner (and the surviving partner’s children), would have no legal rights to the deceased partner’s estate assets. Although the

deceased partner’s children could make arrangements to provide for the surviving partner, there would be nothing (except for perhaps a moral obligation) requiring the children to offer support.

MARRIED COUPLES WITH CHILDREN FROM PRIOR RELATIONSHIPS Now consider a married couple, each with children from prior relationships. At the death of one spouse, in the absence of estate planning, Massachusetts law grants the surviving spouse certain rights (limited to the first $100,000 plus one-half of the balance) in the property of the deceased spouse. The balance of the deceased spouse’s property would pass only to the deceased spouse’s children. Similar to the example above involving a non-married couple, the surviving spouse might be left with inadequate resources and look to the deceased spouse’s children for help.

Given the absence of estate planning, under both of these circumstances, Massachusetts law dictates the decedent’s asset disposition, without any appreciation of the decedent’s wishes or unique family circumstances. This result can be especially troublesome in blended family situations.

SPOUSAL ELECTION RIGHTS Massachusetts law provides that a spouse is automatically entitled to a certain portion of a deceased spouse’s estate. For instance, if a spouse fails to provide for his or her spouse within their estate plan, the surviving spouse can “elect” against the Will of the deceased spouse. The election must be made within certain time constraints, and in cases where the decedent is survived by children, the surviving spouse’s share is limited to one-third (1/3) of all personal and real property of the decedent ($25,000 of this amount is

This communication provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. © 2016 Burns & Levinson LLP. All rights reserved.

56 | BOSTON SPIRIT

paid outright to the surviving spouse, and the balance is limited to a life estate with an income interest). A surviving spouse who is considering to make a spousal election should consult with legal counsel promptly following the death of his or her spouse.

spouses. In addition, when crafting an estate plan for both married and nonmarried couples, an estate planning attorney can highlight relevant gift and estate tax issues which become particularly relevant depending on the value of the couples’ individual and collective assets.

DE-FACTO PARENT STATUS In both of the scenarios above, a partner (or spouse) may consider the children of his or her partner as if they were his or her actual children, even though no biological or adopted relationship exists. A “parent” who has no biological or adopted relation to a child, but has participated in the child’s life as a member of the child’s family, is known as a de-facto parent. The defacto parent resides with the child and with the consent and encouragement of the legal parent, performs a share of caretaking functions at least as great as the legal parent. Currently, Massachusetts law does not grant inheritance rights in defacto parent situations. Massachusetts law is potentially evolving in this area; a recent legal case granted a de-facto parent custody of children that she jointly raised but never formally adopted during a same-sex relationship. Partanen v. Gallagher, 475 Mass. 632 (2016 Mass.). It is uncertain whether Massachusetts law regarding de-facto parent situations will be expanded to grant inheritance rights.

ESTATE PLANNING SOLUTIONS Working with an estate planning attorney to craft a comprehensive estate plan can help to alleviate many of the unique issues faced by nontraditional families when considering how to provide for loved ones upon a partner’s passing. The right attorney can help you identify unique solutions that would allow couples (both married and nonmarried) to provide for each other upon the first partner or spouse’s death, while incorporating mechanisms to provide for the couples’ collective children in a manner that meets the goals and wishes of both partners or

PRENUPTIAL AND POSTNUPTIAL AGREEMENTS Prenuptial (entered into before marriage) and postnuptial (entered into after marriage) agreements create contractual obligations between the parties with respect to property disposition upon divorce, and potentially upon the death of one of the spouses. Properly drafted, these agreements can help to promote unity among the family, serving to avoid potential litigation in the event of divorce or death of one spouse These agreements become particularly useful in second marriage situations where spouses desire to provide less to one another upon the first spouse’s passing, and instead provide for their individual children. As highlighted above, in Massachusetts, a spouse is legally entitled to a certain portion of a deceased spouse’s estate property, but if this is not the desired result of the couple, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements may be used to waive this elective right. These agreements require certain legal formalities in order to be effective and valid, and a family law or estate planning attorney should be retained to guide you through this particularized and often complex process.

NOW IS THE TIME TO PLAN Although it is never too late to address estate planning, the issues can become more complex or limited once either or both partners lose mental capacity, which could severely limit or eliminate planning options. Also, if a couple is considering marriage, it can be particularly important to consider, before the marriage is entered into, asset disposition upon the death or divorce of either spouse.

MEET THE AUTHORS Lisa M. Cukier Partner, Trusts & Estates Litigation and Divorce & Custody 617.345.3471 lcukier@burnslev.com Lisa specializes in custody/ parentage and divorce, guardianship/ conservatorship, estate & trust litigation, undue influence and financial exploitation matters, family asset disputes, and planning/ litigation for same-sex couples.

Bryce J. Helfer Associate, Private Client and Trusts & Estates 617.345.3372 bhelfer@burnslev.com Bryce focuses on estate planning and administration. Clients appreciate his experience with the disposition of their estates, including tax minimization techniques, disability planning strategies, and family wealth preservation.

MEET THE FIRM Burns & Levinson is a Bostonbased law firm with more than 125 attorneys. We work with entrepreneurs, emerging businesses, private and public companies and individuals in sophisticated business transactions, litigation and private client services. Our LGBT Group: Lisa Cukier Scott Moskol Deborah Peckham Laura Studen Donald Vaughan Ellen Zucker

burnslev.com

MAR|APR 2017 | 57

Federico Erebia There’s something anatomical about Erebia’s art. Through his custom furniture business, FEWorks, he creates gorgeous contemporary furnishings: from residential cabinetry and paneling to dining tables, beds and armoires. Yet from the insectlike framework of his signature Arania seat (named in reference to “araña,” the Spanish word for spider) to the prominent placement of hinges and joints, there’s a sense of structure—a strong emphasis on the interplay between parts—that runs throughout all his work. Maybe it’s less surprising, when you consider his past professional life as a doctor. “If you step away from morbid associations, you realize the skeleton is a beautiful work of art,” says Erebia. “Not just the human skeleton, but all animals and insects. There’s something beautiful about how every joint and piece serves a function, and I think my understanding of anatomy lets me see that in a different way.” Indeed, before Erebia officially launched his business in 2007, focusing largely on sleek and sophisticated custom-designed

furnishings and built-in cabinetry, he was a doctor of internal medicine at Fenway Health for over 20 years. One of his early childhood idols was the family doctor his mother exalted. For a gay boy growing up in less than supportive circumstances, a practical career in medicine seemed like a way to court the right kind of respect. In retrospect, though, Erebia admits he always had artistic urges too. “I knew being a doctor would make my mother proud. But to some extent, I think I missed out on earlier artistic opportunities for my creative energy.” Art, specifically woodworking, eventually became Erebia’s creative outlet amid the highpressure, high-stakes and frequently cheerless work of a doctor in the height of the AIDS crisis. “I started medical school in 1984, as we were finally talking about HIV,” says Erebia, who was motivated in his work by a passion for social justice and an urge to respond to the AIDS epidemic that was claiming lives around him. He lost his own gay brother to the disease.

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“BECAUSE I HAVE NO FORMAL TRAINING AS AN ARTIST, IT TOOK ME A LONG TIME TO EMBRACE THAT LABEL.” While in medical school at Brown, he took evening classes at Rhode Island School of Design—and by 1994, he was confident enough in his work to buy a dilapidated South End townhouse and renovate the five-floor building himself. Word-of-mouth spread of his skills, and he was soon creating clients gorgeous furnishings. His work frequently includes distinctive, wood-slatted structures in cherry, sapele and zebrawood. His medical background encourages ergonomic design with high functionality: Hinge and joints are displayed as attractive design elements, sometimes allowing pieces to collapse and flatten for storage. His current big project, though, harkens back to his first: A major

overhaul of the Malden home he just bought with his husband James, whom he married last year. From custom-built cabinetry to renovating a carriage house as a studio space, it’s a lot of work. And he minds every detail, right down to the custom wood and copper wind chimes he’s made, then treated with combinations of salt, vinegar and even Miracle-Gro to create a unique stain. Now retired from medicine, he’s able to give full attention to a creative passion that that has always been part of his DNA. “Because I have no formal training as an artist, it took me a long time to embrace that label,” says Erebia. But like a skeleton or the bones of a house, art is part of his foundation. [x]

MAR|APR 2017 | 59

Mark Davis For many LGBT young people, adolescence is haunted by heaviness. There is a sense of gravity in growing up, the burden of a secret struggle. Maybe that’s why Mark Davis was so entranced by mobile sculptures: Galaxy-like clusters of color that hang in mid-air, seemingly weightless and floating free. Though raised by “bohemian intellectual” parents, growing up in the Indiana “Bible belt” wasn’t always easy for Davis. “I was desperately shy, self-defeating and unhappy,” says Davis, whose cheery, sparkling disposition now bears zero resemblance to that once-sullen teen. His spirits began lifting at age 14, when he checked out a library book about moving sculpture artist Alexander Calder, credited as the originator of the mobile. The works entranced Davis, who built his own replica of Calder’s mobile “Snowflake” out of glue, aluminum and steel wire. “I loved the way mobiles floated in space, like constellations. To look at them felt like pointing at the stars,” says Davis. “It connected to a part of me that felt very primitive.” A creative fire had been lit. For a while, it seemed it would burn in a different direction. For about 15 years, Davis worked as a high fashion jeweler, selling into upscale shops like Saks while living an “earthy crunchy existence” in rustic, wood stoveheated home in a country town outside Worcester. “I remember sitting in the ‘Vogue’ offices, talking to all these fancy ladies, smelling the wood smoke on my jacket and wondering if they realized what a bumpkin I was,” chuckles Davis, now based in Boston.

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“I LOVED THE WAY MOBILES FLOATED IN SPACE, LIKE CONSTELLATIONS. TO LOOK AT THEM FELT LIKE POINTING AT THE STARS.” By the late ’80s his passion for mobile sculptures was reignited, first by creating bi-annual commissions for Tiffany & Co. window displays. His work eventually caught the attention of Boston’s Pucker Gallery, which has represented him for over 20 years. Last year the gallery even published a book that looks back on his life, career and art, titled “Ode to Joy: The Art of Mark Davis.” “Joy” is the key word. All Davis’s designs are radically different. He works with steel, brass and aluminum. His pieces are commissioned for commercial interiors, public spaces and private residences: one homeappropriate piece will be included in the art auction at the March Men’s Event for Fenway Health. Most of his work is abstract: like “Healing Waters,” a 70-foot-long mobile installation of LED-illuminated, wave-like carbon fiber plates that serve as a serene welcome to a Chicago children’s hospital. More rarely, they’re figurative: say, “Icarus” at Brockton’s Fuller Craft Museum, a fascinating representation of the Greek figure in free-fall from the sun. They come in all colors and shapes, vibrant, kinetic vignettes that evoke childlike wonder and awe. They are hanging and wall-mounted, influenced by artists from Matisse to Miro. But joy is definitely the adjective that dominates most descriptions of Davis’ work. “I believe people are born with more or less sensitivity to things,” says Davis. “Growing up, I was so quiet and didn’t fit in with people. So I would go inward, and create. That’s where I would find the true feeling of joy.” And it’s where he still finds it today. [x]

MAR|APR 2017 | 61

Don Carney & John Ross Patch NYC

In countless ways, collaboration has been the key to Patch NYC’s success. It starts with the couple, Carney and Ross, who launched it. Soon after they met in New York, the designers were inspired by a wool hat handmade by Ross’s mom to create their own collection. They followed it up with scarves and handbags, developing a signature style that mixes bold color palettes, vintage embroidery and embellishments, and a bit of Edwardian irreverence. As Patch NYC, they started selling through high-end stores like Barney’s and Bergdorf Goodman, and then settled in Boston’s South End with a shop and design space. There, guests can get a glimpse of their designs, which cover the gamut of interior décor: from handmade dining platters to pillows and throws, plus accessories like totes and handbags. But you may already have seen their work elsewhere, perhaps without processing it, thanks to successful collaborations with major names ranging from French design house Astier de Villatte, for whom Patch NYC created a line of illustrated ceramics, to retail giant Target, which plucked Patch and only three other designers across the

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country for a special collection highlighting independent artisans. For Anthropologie they created wallpaper and leather journals, for Barnes & Noble stationery, for West Elm pillows and prints— and so on.

“WHEN WE FIRST STARTED WORKING TOGETHER, STEP BY STEP WE REALIZED HOW SIMILAR OUR AESTHETICS ARE.”

The opportunities keep coming. They recently became the first American designers to create a wide-spanning collection—from pillows to tabletop pieces—for Monoprix, a 200 plus-location French retail chain. And they’ve just wrapped up concepts for their next West Elm collaboration, a fall 2017 garden-theme collection spanning wall coverings, terrariums and ceramics. “The industry is so different now,” says Ross. The couple sees collaborations like these as a unique challenge, a way to assert the specialness of their style to a broader audience, and a response to a general sea change in consumption. “You’re seeing people mix things in their home that come from more and less expensive stores.” It also offers a unique kind of creative reward to them. “I think because we’re so used to working together, just the two of us, it’s nice to have experiences when we’re working in real, collaborative environment with a lot of different people and opinions to work through,” says Ross. Even when it’s just the two of them working together, though, the synergy is spot-on. “When we first started working together, step by step we realized how similar our aesthetics are,” recalls Carney. “And it’s good to have someone that you trust totally. Maybe it would have been more difficult if we’d started later in life, when you’re already really established in your ways. But we haven’t known any different, and didn’t come with any expectations. This is something that we’ve learned about and grown into together.” And they still have on their inspiration board fabric remnants from their first handbag. “A buyer from Bergdorf saw our embroidered scarves, and asked us if we could do a handbag,” recalls Ross. “I said ‘of course.’ I’d never made a handbag in my life!” But they succeeded in spades, using fabric from a men’s suit they got at the Salvation Army. “To me, that captures our story,” says Ross. “It’s all about what you can do if you’re creative and you take a chance.” [x]

MAR|APR 2017 | 63

Gabrielle Schaffner Some artists imagine their work sitting untouched on a pedestal; others picture their work behind glass. For Schaffner, the greatest gratification in design comes from knowing that her work will be held, touched, used. She pours pieces of her life into each item, and so she wants it to be used for living. “I don’t want people to take what I do and put it on a shelf to just look at. If I wanted that, I’d be a painter,” says Schaffner. Instead, she’s a sculptor and ceramicist. Every since she was a little girl growing up in Brooklyn, she’s loved to play with clay, to work it with her hands and create something new. Now she makes handmade pieces for the home—much of it, owing to her passion for cooking, includes ceramic plates, mugs and serving platters—from her studio in Fort Point. Though it is increasingly booming with luxury high-rise developments and

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sleek, spacious restaurants, that Seaportadjacent neighborhood of Boston has historically teemed with artists in its streets of brick warehouses. Schaffner has been very active in Fort Point’s community organizations, and has lived for decades in a building that is the first live/work cooperative for artists built in Massachusetts. The neighborhood is still home to over 300 artists, according to the nonprofit Fort Point Arts Community. As someone so firmly ensconced in her community and space, perhaps it’s no surprise that Schaffner is always conscious of how her work will engage people in their own home settings. “When I throw my clay on the wheel, I’m thinking of how the piece will be used in a room,” says Schaffner. “I love making things to be used. I love when people tell me, ‘I use your cup every day.’ To me, it feels like

“TO ME, IT FEELS LIKE SUCH AN HONOR THAT SOMEONE WOULD PICK MY WORK AS A FAVORITE THING.” such an honor that someone would pick my work as a favorite thing.” She finds particular inspiration in illustration and the natural world. Having studied in Florence, she gravitates to Italian art, and she is also influenced by her longtime partner, book-artist Laura Davidson, with whom she raises a daughter. “We play off each other,” says Schaffner. “We fell in love after I saw her work. We’d hang out to talk about travel and art history.” Davidson’s family

members in Michigan are avid birders, and feathered creatures have subsequently become a recurring motif in Schaffner’s work. Schaffner remains motivated by reminders that her designs take on their own life once they leave her potter’s wheel. She particularly enjoys connecting with other designers on social media, and seeing fellow artisans share the ways in which they use each other’s work. It all goes back to that

foundational philosophy that deeply values design in its most tactile, functional forms. “When I’m sculpting, I’m thinking about how I want the rim of a cup to be just right, so it’ll feel good when you put your mouth against it for your morning cup of coffee,” says Schaffner. Other artists can let their work be for display. Schaffner gets her satisfaction out of breathing life into cold, hard clay. [x]

MAR|APR 2017 | 65

CULTURE Cinema STORY Loren King

Wicked Good A rough year produces a powerful program for Boston LGBT Film Festival For much of its nearly 30-plus years of existence, the Boston LGBT Film Festival’s organizers heard from skeptics who asked why such an event was necessary, especially over the past decade as more LGBT characters and storylines moved steadily into the mainstream. That’s not the case this year. “Nobody has asked us that question since November,” says Jared Vincent, the festival’s lead programmer. “2016 was a rough year for our community. Audiences and filmmakers are eager to engage.” “Wicked Queer 2017,” Boston’s annual LGBT Film Festival, runs March 30–April 9 at various venues around Boston and Cambrige including Emerson’s Paramount Theater, the MFA and the ICA, which hosts the fest’s opening night. Vincent notes that many of the wide range of fiction features, documentaries and short films submitted to Boston’s annual LGBT Film Festival dealt with resistance and grassroots political action. One of these is “Check It,” which Vincent calls “a wrenching and important film.” “Check It” is a timely and incisive portrait of The Check It, dubbed a “gay gang” by the media. Made up of more than 200 LGBT people of color ages 14–22 from inner city neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., most of these gay and transgender youth have experienced physical and sexual violence. Starting in 2009, they began fighting back with equal brutality. Led by an ex-convict

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named Mo, many of the gang members have criminal records that include charges of assault, armed robbery and drug dealing. Some see The Check It as a social menace; others say this is what happens when social institutions fail the most vulnerable citizens. “Check It” directors Dana Flor and Toby Oppenheimer, whose 2009 documentary “The Nine Lives of Marion Barry,” about the infamous former Mayor of Washington D.C., aired on HBO, spent more than three years documenting the lives of the gang’s members whose bonds help them to survive on the streets as many try to break out of the cycle of poverty, violence and oppression. Also notable in the festival is “Free CC,” a documentary about CeCe McDonald, a transgender woman of color who in 2011 fatally wounded an attacker who assaulted her and a group of friends in Minneapolis. Director Jac Gares’s film, which is produced by Laverne Cox, the trans activist and actress who stars in “Orange is the New Black,” examines the injustices many trans people face in prison. After McDonald pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter (in a plea bargain), she spent 19 months in a men’s prison and was frequently placed in solitary confinement, allegedly for her own protection. Another highlight is “The Guys Next Door,” a documentary from veteran Boston filmmakers Amy Geller and Allie

“Women Who Kill”, “Disco Limbo”, “Check It” and “The Guys Next Door” “Women Who Kill”

[OPPOSITE, FROM TOP] [BELOW]

Humenuk. Shot over three years, Geller and Humenuk tell the story, with humor and humanity, of Erik Mercer and husband Sandro Sechi and their daughters Eleonora and Rachel Maria, both conceived with Mercer’s college friend Rachel Segall and with full support of her husband, Tony. Together, these four adults and two kids have created an extended family with all the joys, tensions and moments big and small that define all families of all configurations. As the filmmakers followed their subjects from the Boston suburbs to Mercer and Sechi’s move to Portland, Maine, the film emerges as an intimate portrait of a modern family. “The Guys Next Door,” a hit on the national festival circuit

in 2016, may not be overtly political. But since the ascension of Trump, the very act of choosing to create and honor a loving family seems an act of courage and defiance. Among the festival’s many fiction features is Ingrid Jungermann’s satire “Women who Kill,” a hit at last year’s

Tribeca Film Festival and nominated for a Spirit Award. Jungermann’s debut feature follows up her popular web series “The Slope” and “F to the 7th.” “Women Who Kill” follows popular true-crime podcasters Morgan (Jungermann) and Jean (Ann Carr), a former couple who profile

female serial killers on their show. When Morgan meets the mysterious Simone during her Food Coop shift, she’s blinded by infatuation despite Jean’s warnings that her new love interest is practically a stranger. From Argentina comes the feature “Disco Limbo,” directed by Fredo Landaveri and Mariano Toledo. It’s described as a movie “about a boy who can’t stop thinking about the night he met another boy and so he loses himself in a whirlwind of memories of parties, mountains and karaokes.” It hasn’t screened much, so the LGBT festival showing is a rare chance for local audiences to see it. [x]

www.wickedqueer.org

Being yourself is just being human. Everywhere. Every day. We’re with you. We Bank Human and celebrate the LGBT community.

MAR|APR 2017 | 67

CULTURE Theater STORY Loren King

Wearing many hats Actor Maurice Emmanuel Parent reflects on a season of challenging roles It’s been a watershed year for popular and prolific Boston actor Maurice Emmanuel Parent. He’s currently starring in the Actors’ Shakespeare Project (ASP) production of Christopher Marlowe’s controversial and rarely seen “Edward II,” directed by David R. Gammons. Running to March 19 at the Charlestown Working Theater, the play reunites Parent and Gammons who worked together on SpeakEasy Stage Company’s “The Motherf**cker with the Hat” in 2012, a show that earned Parent IRNE and Elliot Norton nominations (he’s won three Elliot Norton Awards, Boston’s top stage honor.) “Edward II” is bold choice for the queeridentified Parent. “Edward II is the latest in the season of me doing disturbing plays,” he says, noting his work in Sarah Kane’s “Blasted,” under John Kuntz’s direction, for Off the Grid Theatre, which was followed by his role as Mr. Bones in SpeakEasy’s acclaimed production of the timely musical “The Scottsboro Boys.”

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“I think that things I’m scared of, I have to jump right into,” says Parent. “And [Edward II] is quite a doozy.” Under Gammons’ inventive direction, the setting will recall gay bathhouse culture and the rampant homophobia of the early 1980s but will also evoke Nazi Germany and the Elizabethan era in its tale of England’s notorious king who forsakes everything for his public and private passions including those for his male consorts before he comes to a dramatic reckoning. “I try not to go too far down the rabbit hole when researching historical characters, but Edward had a birthright monarchy; he was born into power but had no business [exercising] it. He was suspected of being gay, though it was not called ‘gay’ then … He was ruler, a despot, with no natural gift for leadership,” says Parent. “I was nervous and scared [to take on the role] but when that happens, I push myself, for better or worse. Sometimes it’s

been worse. Hopefully, this one will be for the better.” Rising to challenges seems to come naturally to Parent, who besides his busy stage career has two day jobs: he teaches kids in a Dorchester public school and college students at Boston University. He’s also the interim co-artistic director with actress/director Paula Plum of the Actor’s Shakespeare Project. Parent has been an ASP company member since 2011, appearing in many productions including “King John,” “Coriolanus,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Troilus and Cressida.” He says he owes ASP a large debt, personally and professionally. Parent had done a few shows in Boston with ASP but he was living in New York and making the rounds of auditions when, in 2011, an offer came to join the renowned company. “I asked myself, where will I be the happiest? Why am I struggling when I have this opportunity in Boston and I loved working with ASP. So I moved here to join ASP; it was a big impetus for me.” He holds a business degree from Carnegie Mellon University but admits, “I’m horrible at business. I skipped finance

Maurice Emmanuel Parent stars in the Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s production of Christopher Marlowe’s “Edward II.” PHOTO Joanne Barrett/JBPR [OPPOSITE] Maurice Emmanuel Parent. PHOTO Rishi Basu

classes to go to ballet” where his classmates included Megan Hilty and Leslie Odom. Parent later earned a graduate degree in performance from New York University. Arts leadership and administration is a

way to combine both skills. Parent, who makes his home in Roxbury’s Fort Hill, is also forming his own theater company in Central Square with the mission of telling the stories of underrepresented people. Not that his new roles will eclipse his

acting: he’ll be back onstage in “The Gift Horse” by Lydia R. Diamond (“Stick Fly,” “Smart People”) at New Rep Theater in Watertown April 22–May 14. “I feel so blessed. You just have to sit back and be grateful. I have the equivalent of two full-time jobs, so days off are rare. I’m single so that helps and I don’t know when that will change,” he laughs. “My desire is to push myself, to always be evolving and digging deeper. I did ‘The Convert’ by Danai Gurira [for Underground Railway Theatre in Central Square in 2016] and it was a reality-changing experience on the stage,” says Parent. “Everything I did [onstage this year] has shaken me to my core, which I like. It took me a long time to commit to theater as my life’s work. Now that I have, I don’t want to be complacent.” [x]

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CULTURE Music STORY Loren King Kristin Chenoweth PHOTO Bryan-Kasm

her stunning vocal range with Broadway, pop and American songbook classics. [SPIRIT] You have performed often in Boston and in Provincetown—is there something special about our local audiences or our concert venues that makes you want to return, luckily for us? [CHENOWETH] I think I’ve always

felt a kinship to Boston even though I’m from the South. I love the passion in the town for the arts. Boston has some of the best audiences in the world. And even though I’m a OKC Thunder fan, I’ve always liked the Celtics. Also, the Boston Pops and the Boston Symphony Orchestra are incredible. Two of the top in our country.

[SPIRIT] Your April 30 concert is called “Celebrating the Art of Elegance.” I assume you will be performing songs from your most recent CD, which is an amazing collection, beautifully done. What made you want to do a studio recording of these timeless classics? Have composers like Carmichael, Gershwin, Arlen, etc. always been favorites of yours?

Celebrating Kristin Chenoweth “Wicked” star and LGBT icon brings “Elegance” to new solo show Kristin Chenoweth has strong ties to Boston—not only has the Tony and Emmy winner performed in concert with the Boston Pops and at Symphony Hall numerous times, she was honored in April, 2016 with the “Giving Voice” award

for her mentoring work with young people as part of Boston Children’s Theatre’s annual gala. Chenoweth, who most recently starred on Broadway in “On the Twentieth Century,” won a Tony for her role as Sally

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[CHENOWETH] I cut my teeth on

in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and is probably best known for originating the role of Glinda in the smash hit “Wicked,” is a frequent and favorite performer in Provincetown, too. A native of Oklahoma, Chenoweth may be petite, but the classically trained soprano can belt like Merman or hold an audience rapt with the quietest of melodies. She’ll perform “An Evening with Kristin Chenoweth: Celebrating The Art of Elegance” April 30, 7 p.m., at Symphony Hall as part of the Celebrity Series of Boston. Boston Spirit interviewed Chenoweth via email in advance of her upcoming concert that will showcase

them in college. I’ve always related to the lyrics from that time. I’m just now starting to perform some of these songs live in concert and I’m so honored that I get to come to a town that will appreciate the classic standard. I love putting my own spin on songs like “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “I Get Along Without You Very Well,” and “Smile.” There’ll be other songs and other music because there are no rules when it comes to music. A good song is a good song.

[SPIRIT] You are such an icon in the LGBT community not just as a supreme and unique talent but for your support of equal rights including marriage. How has it been for you to balance your inclusive views with your personal faith in these divisive

“ My biggest regret is that I never got to meet Leonard Bernstein. Someday in heaven, I believe I will, and I’m going to thank him for writing that show. “Make Our Garden Grow” is the single most beautiful chorus song in the history of musicals or opera in my humble opinion. ” Kristin Chenoweth

(to put it mildly) times? Has there been any personal backlash from the more extreme conservatives since you are both an outspoken social liberal and a Christian? [CHENOWETH] Yes there has been

some backlash. Eventually though, you have to really understand and communicate what it is that you believe. I guess I just ask myself, “ What would Jesus do?” and He taught only love… not just tolerance, but acceptance. So if it works for Him, it’s good enough for me. And I really don’t care if people judge me for that. I don’t judge them or anyone else for their beliefs. It’s not my job to do so.

[SPIRIT] Besides what I mentioned above, why do you think you have connected so deeply with LGBT fans? There seems to be an authenticity and an integrity that “outsiders” respond to in you. Do you think that’s true or is it something else? [CHENOWETH] I’ve asked myself

that question many times. I don’t really know the answer. But the truth is I am drawn to the community and they are drawn to me. I can’t think of a better group of people.

[SPIRIT] I am a HUGE fan of your performance in “Candide” at Lincoln Center [Chenoweth played Cunegonde in the New York Philharmonic revival alongside Patti LuPone]. I go on YouTube

often to watch the finale, “Make Our Garden Grow” which to me is perfection. Is this a show and a role you’d like to do again? Were those concerts as memorable for you to perform (with that cast!) as it seems from the videos online? [CHENOWETH] To me, Candide

was in the top 3 performances of my career. It combined humor and soprano acrobatics which is right up my alley. My biggest regret is that I never got to meet Leonard Bernstein. Someday in heaven, I believe I will, and I’m going to thank him for writing that show. “Make Our Garden Grow” is the single most beautiful chorus song in the history of musicals or opera in my humble opinion. It’s coming up on his 100th birthday and I think I might pull out some music from Candide. Nothing but incredible joy than to remember the man who wrote that show.

[SPIRIT] Your Velma in the recent “Hairspray Live!” was a real treat. Are there any roles — musical or not — that you’d love to do on TV, on stage or in concert? I’m thinking of “bucket list” roles or shows. I can imagine that Dolly Levy was one for Bette Midler. What’s one of the big dream roles for you? [CHENOWETH] I wouldn’t mind

doing Dolly on tv. It’s iconic and she’s so lovable! I also love the idea of doing Mame. [x]

celebrityseries.org MAR|APR 2017 | 71

CULTURE Stage STORY Loren King

Fugitives Kinds The ART wrestles with damnation and redemption in revival of Tennessee Williams’ “The Night of the Iguana” Cambridge’s American Repertory Theater (ART) has done its part to keep great gay playwright Tennessee Williams on contemporary stages and in the public consciousness. “The Glass Menagerie” was a huge hit in 2013 before it transferred to Broadway and earned a batch of Tony nominations including one for its star, Cherry Jones. Now ART is hoping that “Menagerie” magic will strike again with another Williams play, the later, darker work “The Night of the Iguana,” running to March 18 at the at the Loeb

Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Cambridge. “This play is so rarely done because it’s difficult to cast and to realize,” says director Michael Wilson. “The ART has made a real mark, especially with ‘The Glass Menagerie’ revival, that caught the attention of the Williams estate which respects [efforts that offer] a deeper understanding of his work.” Wilson long wanted to do a revival of the play which he’d directed in 2003 at Hartford Stage where he was artistic director from 1998 to 2011

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James Earl Jones Tennessee Williams [TOP] Amanda Plummer [ABOVE]

[AT LEFT]

and staged many of Williams’s works. He calls it “kismet” that “Iguana” happens to be ART Artistic Director Diane Paulus’ favorite Williams play. The producers and Wilson began working more than a year ago on bringing this “Iguana” to Cambridge. For Wilson, best known for directing the 2013 Tony Award-winning revival of “The Trip to Bountiful” starring Cicely Tyson and the 2012 revival of Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man,” “The Night of the Iguana” is notable for its themes of damnation and salvation. Set in 1940s Mexico, the play opens with ex-minister Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon arriving with a group of tourists at a shabby coastal hotel run by an old friend, the earthy Maxine Faulk. Shannon has been ostracized by the

group when he’s accused of seducing 16-year-old Charlotte Goodall who is traveling with them. Spinster and painter Hannah Jelkes and her elderly grandfather, Nonno, also show up at the hotel and Shanon develops an infatuation with Hannah. These rebels, misfits and outcasts, says Wilson— what Williams called “fugitive kinds”—also includes Judith Fellowes, the “butch” teacher charged with Charlotte’s care during the trip and one of Williams’s few overtly lesbian characters. By 1961 when “Iguana” opened on Broadway, Williams was battling demons including alcoholism and drug use. “Williams is wrestling with two sides of human nature and putting a searchlight to them both,” says Wilson. He quotes one of Hannah’s lines from

“ Williams is wrestling with two sides of human nature and putting a searchlight to them both. ” Michael Wilson the play: “‘Nothing human disgusts me unless it’s unkind or violent.’ Williams was so far ahead of his time in embracing all of humanity. He was showing us people who exist on the margins—including LGBT— and saying we’re all human and deserve dignity and respect.” Wilson may be a star in his own right, but the cast, led by Elizabeth Ashley as Judith Fellowes, makes this “Iguana” one of the most anticipated theater events in Boston this season. For many, Ashley’s “Maggie” in the 1974 Broadway revival of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” which earned her a Tony nomination remains the definitive portrayal of one of Williams’ most iconic characters. With 10 productions of Williams’ plays to her credit, several of them with Wilson, Ashley is regarded as one of the foremost interpreters of the playwright’s work. Wilson cites Ashley’s “sensuality, her intelligence, her humor, the music of her voice, the understanding of Southern culture, her courage and insistence on being authentic and truthful on stage no matter what the cost” as reasons why, when she makes her entrance onstage, “there is a fierceness that enters the production” that raises the bar for everyone. The rest of the cast is pretty stellar, too: Tony-winner Amanda Plummer who starred in “The Glass Menagerie” with

Jessica Tandy and who worked with Wilson on several Williams plays for Hartford Stage including the one-act “The One Exception” in 2003 and “Summer and Smoke” in 2006, plays Hannah Jelkes, with Tony Award winner James Earl Jones, who worked with Wilson in “The Best Man,” as Nonno. Dana Delany, best known as the multiple Emmywinning star of the ABC series “China Beach,” is Maxine Faulk; and Bill Heck who appeared in the Roundabout Theater Company’s “Cabaret,” among other Broadway productions, plays Shannon. “The Night of the Iguana” was Williams’s last Broadway success. “American theater had forgotten him by the 1980s,” says Wilson, adding that the ART production allows audiences “to experience this play anew, with the transporting spell [Williams] casts through language, poetry and story.” Audiences may be more familiar with John Huston’s 1964 movie version of “The Night of the Iguana” starring Richard Burton as Shannon, Deborah Kerr as Hannah and Ava Gardner as Maxine. But Wilson says the play, especially performed in the intimate confines of the ART, is much more “dangerous and visceral.” [x]

www.americanrepertorytheater.org

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CULTURE Stage STORY Loren King

“ The play is a roller coaster ride and the audience will be uncomfortable but there will be so much to take from it and think about. ” Tony Travostino

Riveting Ride to Redemption World premiere provides out actor with another challenging role When an actor finds a writer whose work offers the chance to “go to a lot of different places and levels of transformation,” well, you just don’t say no. That’s why New York actor Tony Travostino has become a regular lead in plays by Boston playwright and director Jim Dalglish, whose latest drama “Lines in the Sand” has its world premiere March 9–26 at the Cotuit Center for the Arts (CCftA). “I would love to say he’s writing for me, but I suspect other actors feel that way, too,” says Travostino, an out actor who also starred in Dalglish’s “Unsafe” and “Bark Park.” Both plays, with strong LGBT themes, were produced at the CCftA. “Unsafe” also ran last May at the Plaza Theater of the Boston Center for the Arts. In “Lines in the Sand,” Travostino plays a middle-aged ex-con named Tom who’s

74 | BOSTON SPIRIT

recently been released from prison. Tom befriends a teenager, Billy (played by Nick Bucchianeri, a student at Sturgis Public Charter School in Hyannis), who’s being bullied at school. Although Tom seems to be the only adult who can offer Billy some understanding and compassion, this is no simple feel-good story. Without revealing the play’s twists and turns, Dalglish’s script tackles notions of masculinity, religious faith, law and order, and sexuality. The action builds to a revelation that pushes Billy—and the audience—to confront their own capacity for forgiveness and its necessity for redemption. “The play is a roller coaster ride and the audience will be uncomfortable but there will be so much to take from it and think about,” says Travostino. “You can come down on either side and that’s what I enjoy

about all Jim’s plays, and this one in particular. I hope the issues raised by the play start a discussion. I’m glad I’m playing a character rather than watching and trying to sort it out.” Travostino did some research for the role, talking to ex-convicts and visiting correctional facilities. He says he learned how convicts dealt with the drudgery and boredom of prison and how they coped with hopelessness and anger as well as the stigma of being labelled an ex-con once they were released. But the challenge of “giving birth to a character” in a world premiere play requires deeper resources than research. Mostly, Travostino says, he trusts Dalglish’s words and direction. “His one-acts are fantastic; devastating and funny all at once. Now that he’s working in long form, he can go to more sophisticated places,” says Travostino. The opportunity to be challenged and to learn about the world and himself is what appeals to him about acting at this point in his life, he says. “I never followed a career path as an actor. I’m not out there trying to make money or get cast in a Spielberg movie,” Travostino says. “So there’s a freedom to do things. The stakes are low for my career and in theater it’s different anyway.” A Missouri native who bolted from small town life to attend Northwestern University, Travostino, who’s married to his partner of nearly 30 years, has a “day job” with an Internet company and is also a private chef. He acted while a student—he recalls co-starring with Roman Polanski in a production Polanski

also directed of “Amadeus” in Paris—but decided to pursue law school. He worked as an entertainment lawyer in Hollywood before relocating to New York where he started taking acting classes again. After “Lines in the Sand” concludes its run on Cape Cod, Travostino will make his first visit to Dublin. “Lines in the Sand” will be featured in this year’s International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, running May 1–14. It will be Dalglish’s return engagement to the prestigious event. His two-character short play “Super Lubricated,” which Dalglish wrote with Provincetown actress and playwright Lynda Sturner, was featured in the Dublin festival last year. Travostino says that for him the reward comes from telling an important story. “There is no better feeling than being on stage with 15 people like in ‘Unsafe’ or with just one other person like Nick in ‘Lines in the Sand’ and communicating with the audience.” The power of that experience, he says, is aided by the intimacy of the theater at CCftA.

Nick Bucchianeri, a student of dramatic arts at Cape Cod’s Sturgis High School, rehearses a scene set in a diner at an actual diner.

“I remember performing this devastating monologue at the end of ‘Bark Park’ and looking right at the audience. ‘Lines in the Sand’ is a difficult play. In that intimate setting it will be so powerful, like a therapy session,” he says. Gardner12-10-12R2_Gardnr_Dec2012R2 12/11/12 2:15 PM Page“You 1 can’t look away. It’s

like the actors are in collusion with the audience. We all have to work through this together.” [x]

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CULTURE Music STORY Loren King

Band on the rise [ABOVE]

No/Hugs, fronted by Narcissus A-Ngel [CENTER]

LGBT and local favorite No/Hugs is making some noise The band may be called No/Hugs, but it’s generating a whole lotta love. Fronted by the queer-identified Narcissus A-Ngel (“It’s my preferred name since I was 12-years old,” she says), No/Hugs blends alternative rock, blues, pop and funk to create an original sound that’s earned the band a following since it formed in 2015, the same year that No/Hugs won the Boston Battle of the Bands. A native of Cypress, A-Ngel has been singing professionally since she was six years old (she also plays a dozen musical instruments). “Growing up, it was a dream of mine to come to the United States,” she says. At 16, she arrived in the United States. After visiting several major cities including Washington, D.C. and New York, she settled on Boston and was accepted on a scholarship to Berklee School of Music. There, A-Ngel met her fellow bandmates: Amaury Altmayer on electric guitar, Fernando Echeverry on drums, Jenn “The Red Man” on keys and Achal Murthy on electric bass. The musicians came together to jam for a required student project at Berklee. A-Ngel recalls that knowing the band would deliver a highdecibel performance, she gave the judge

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earplugs. After just one song, he stood up and yelled, “Awesome!” “It just sparked something and I wanted to pursue it,” she says. Realizing they had chemistry, the players christened themselves “No/Hugs” (for no particular reason other then they liked the novel name) and began playing gigs at area venues such as Middle East Upstairs, Oberon, O’Brien’s, Thunder Road, PA’s Lounge and the Milkyway. “No/Hugs” was the opening act for nationally acclaimed ’80s glam rock band “Faster Pussycat” at the Palladium in Worcester and also organized and completed their first indie East Coast tour, “Summer Circus,” in May, 2016 that took them from Boston to South Carolina. Besides headlining Salem’s Halloween Festival, “No/Hugs” released its first extended pay, “In Between,” in December 2016. With songs written by A-Ngel and featuring her powerhouse yet intimate and haunting vocal style, “In Between” has garnered national and international airplay since its release. The highlight of the band’s busy year was winning the competitive Boston Battle of the Bands. “You won if the audience cheered the loudest,” says A-Ngel who lives in Somerville. “We had amazing crowd interaction.”

Although she writes all the band’s songs, A-Ngel says each member has input and complements one another by bringing a variety of musical influences to the quality of the songs and the dynamic energy of the performances. One of the band’s high-profile shows was last year’s tribute to Queen frontman Freddie Mercury at Oberon. The Boston performance of “Freddie For a Day” benefitted the Mercury Phoenix Trust and the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts. Mercury died in 1991 from AIDS. Although No/Hugs performs all original material with influences that range from from Janis Joplin and Elvis Presley to modern bands Muse and The Mars Volta, for the Mercury tribute they covered several iconic Queen songs such as “Bohemian Rhapsody.” A-Ngel has high praise for her bandmates, no small thing in a business often dominated by male-only acts. “I’m highly opinionated and fortunate to work with guys who are respectful of me as a woman and as a queer woman,” she says. “Our music is inclusive. We want to be part of the queer community. Especially in this times, artists must promote love and nondiscrimination. At the end of the day, all you have is art.” [x]

nohugsband.com

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SCENE Conference PHOTOS Cassandra Storm

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Pride & Passion Benefit and Auction Thursday, April 27, 2017 6:00pm Boston Marriott Copley Place Supporting Greater Boston PFLAG Fostering LGBTQ-Inclusive Families, Schools and Communities

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HONORARY CHAIR Congresswoman Niki Tsongas

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EVENT CO-CHAIRS Tom Harvey & Manny Correia Beth & Rich Compson

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First Event 2017 Best Western Royal Plaza | Marlboro | January 25–29, 2017

With this year’s theme, “Let’s Make a Difference,” over 800 gender variant and questioning persons, their families, allies and professionals gathered to celebrate, meet old friends, make new ones, teach and learn from each other at one of the oldest and largest transgender conferences in the world. The keynote speaker was Louis Mitchell of Transfaith. At its Community Service Awards, First Event honored Mason Dunn of Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition and Grace Sterling Stowell of BAGLY. The conference featured 160 workshops, with “Our Youth and Family Program” alone attracting over 150 participants. Highlights also included a therapist training program, the popular Tiffany’s Closet and the annual fashion show.

On April 8, join 1,100+ lesbians, bisexual women, transgender people, and allies for the fundraiser of the year! The talented Lea DeLaria will MC an evening of fun and philanthropy, during which weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll honor trailblazer Ann Maguire with the Dr. Susan M. Love Award. Come out to support your community and have a blast! April 8, 2017 Boston Marriott Copley Place dinnerparty.org #FHDP17

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SCENE Demonstration PHOTOS Rob Phelps & Jim Dalglish

[FROM LEFT] Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren and Boston Mayor

Marty Walsh. PHOTO courtesy Boston Women’s March for America

Boston Women’s March for America Back Bay | Boston | Jaunary 21, 2017

LGBT rights—and progressive values for all people—made history at the Women’s March for America when millions came out for a nonviolent protest at events all over the country and around the world. According to the Boston Globe, more than 175,000 people joined the Boston Women’s March for America to stand up for shared progressive values and to protest the draconian platform of the Republican party just one day after Trump’s inauguration.

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MAR|APR 2017 | 81

SCENE Recreation PHOTOS Courtesy OutRyders

White Out Weekend Sunday River | Maine | February 5–8, 2017

OutRyders, New England’s largest ski and snowboard club, was among the LGBT groups who descended on Maine’s Sunday River ski resort in February for the seventh annual WOW weekend, which brings together LGBT snow bunnies for fun on the slopes, apres-ski parties and more wintertime revelry

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SCENE Volunteering PHOTOS Adam Vavrek

[FROM LEFT:] Ricky Magner, Paul Santos, Ching Yeo, Billy Carr, Adam Vavrek, Kenneth Westerman and Jason “JJ” Woods PHOTO Pine Street Inn staff

FLAG Flag Football Volunteering Pine Street Inn | Boston | January 29, 2017

A squad of volunteers from Boston FLAG Flag football league tackled kitchen duties at the Pine Street in as part of the squad’s ongoing commitment to, in the words of it’s own volunteering mission statement, “give back to the community that, through its strength and sheer determination, has truly inspired our participants to play with pride.” To find out more about all the league does on and off the playing field, check out flagflagfootball.com.

MAR|APR 2017 | 83

SCENE Recreation PHOTOS Brianne Paschen

Winter Rendezvous Gay Ski Week Stowe | Vermont | January 18–24, 2017

Every year, hundreds of LGBT ski and snowboard aficionados turn this picturesque mountain resort into New England’s epicenter of merry, gay fun, and this year proved no exception. Next year’s dates is already set for January 17–21.

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[CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT] Tim Kelleher, Josh Reed, Colin, Imtiyaz Hussein, Michael Wartofsky, Kalila, David Thornton, Olivia, Ferit Albukrek, Rob Forsberg, Katherine, Connor and Eric Forsberg.

SCENE Family PHOTOS Courtesy of Double Daddies

Double Daddies Go to St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands | St. Croix | January 2017

Four families—eight dads and five kids ranging in age from infant to four—took their first joint vacation in early 2017. The dads met back in 2014 through the social group Double Daddies. Watching their children play together in the sand and the sun, cooking for each other, launching impromptu kid dance parties, enjoying cameraderie and late night board games was all part of the making of memories to last a lifetime.

MAR|APR 2017 | 85

SCENE Good Will PHOTOS Art Nava and Todd Michael Hall

Valentine’s Card-making for Boston Elders Arlington Street Church | Boston | January 21, 2017

Led by those hardworking Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Gay for Good Boston volunteers crafted over 500 Valentine’s Day cards to be shared with elderly residents of Boston and Brookline. The cards were delivered by FriendshipWorks, a nonprofit elder service agency that’s helped more than 25,000 isolated elders in the area. Gays For Good Boston regularly selects local community groups, projects and organizations where volunteers donate their time for community service.

86 | BOSTON SPIRIT

SCENE Gala PHOTOS Michael Blanchard Photography

Boston Ballet’s Ball of Enchantment Park Plaza Castle | Boston | February 4, 2017

The black-tie event featured a cocktail hour, fine dining by Max Ultimate Food, live auctions and performances by Boston Ballet, capped off by music and a fabulous afterparty. Co-chaired by Hannah Grove and Alison Quirk, the fête raised $1.8 million for Boston Ballet and its community programs. The Paddle Auction supported programs that reach more than 4,000 children and adults through nationally recognized programs such as Citydance and Adaptive Dance. Guests’ generosity was a ringing endorsement of this world-class company vital to Boston and beyond.

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SCENE Festival PHOTOS Dom Wise Photography

Saint Sebastian Festival Villa Victoria | Boston | January 28, 2017

The Theater Offensive and Inquilinos Boricuas en Accion (IBA) presented Boston’s first-ever Saint Sebastian Festival (Festival de San Sebastian), an event full of folklore music, dancing, a community parade, “cabezudos” (giant dancing head puppets), theater, poetry, performance, artisan crafts, salsa music and a live Saint Sebastian installation. The festival brought Puerto Rican culture and flair to the South End, with a particular homage to Saint Sebastian’s gender fluid nature. A scene from “Sebastian Y Los Adoquines,” by Puerto Rican playwright Leo Cabranes-Grant.

A cabezudo, or traditional Puerto Rican costumed “big head,” of Abe Rybeck. TTO founder and executive director.

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SCENE Fête PHOTOS Colin Patrick Photography

Young Leaders Council Anniversary Villa Victoria | Boston | February 11, 2017

Over the past seven years, the Fenway Health Young Leaders Council has grown into one of the most vibrant communities of young philanthropists in the nation. In 2016 alone, the YLC contributed over $115,000 to support Fenway Health’s lifesaving programs and services and hosted over a thousand people at our events. Fenway fêted this philanthropic bunch with its seventh annual YLC party and the first annual YLC award recognizing one of the group’s outstanding members.

SCENE Music PHOTOS David Green

Matthew Shepard Oratorio Premiere Symphony Hall | Boston | February 5, 2017

Berklee College of Music hosted the Boston premiere of “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a three-part fusion oratorio composed by Craig Hella Johnson, who conducted the vocal ensemble Conspirare in the performance. Shepard’s mother, Judy, attended, seeing the production for the first time. Berklee President Roger Brown and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh made introductory remarks, welcoming Johnson and Conspirare to Boston. Berklee College of Music President Roger Brown, composer Craig Hella Johnson, and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.

MAR|APR 2017 | 89

CALENDAR

Dinnerfest RED Party + Auction Red: It’s the color of passion. And for decades now, Victory Programs has been passionate about caring for communities that others leave behind—from those battling homelessness and drug addiction to those living with HIV/AIDS. So it makes sense that the multi-service non-profit, which includes the Boston Living Center among its programs, would name its major annual benefit the R+ED Party + Auction. The event nods to the BLC’s inception as a series of community service dinners, and is now a major foodie draw for its silent auction, which features dozens of dining experiences culled from top restaurants around the city. You’ll also find hors d’oeuvres, a JetBlue airfare raffle, and a chance to rub elbows with restaurant VIPs like out “Top Chef” star Tiffani Faison, one of this year’s co-chairs. (Psst! Wear red to be entered in a special drawing.)

Wicked Queer: The Boston LGBT Film Festival

WHEN

WHERE

HOW

Sunday, April 23

Red Lantern, 39 Stanhope Street, Boston

vpi.org

Art has always been a vehicle for examining the issues and emotions that come with being LGBT, sharing our community’s experience, and moving hearts and minds. And Wicked Queer, Boston’s annual LGBT film fest, always curates a smart cinematic selection of flicks—this year, we’re sure, being no exception. Highlights will include “Presenting Princess Shaw,” a documentary about a queer New Orleans-based singer-turned-YouTube sensation, and “Born in Flames,” bisexual indie filmmaker Lizzie Borden’s 1983 work of feminist science-fiction. Plus: parties, panels and more. See related story on page 66. WHEN

WHERE

HOW

Thursday, March 30 — Sunday, April 9

Venues throughout Boston

wickedqueer.org

The Men’s Event & The Dinner Party Another year, another chance to fundraise for Fenway Health, America’s largest LGBT-focused health care organization, at these backto-back soirees full of sharp-dressed revelers that typically represents a real who’s-who of New England’s social scene. From the Men’s Event’s tuxedo-clad gents to the festive wear of the traditionally woman-focused Dinner Party, prepare to eat, drink, dance and raise your auction paddles high—because in a year when access to healthcare may get more difficult for many Americans, the life-saving and life-changing work of Fenway’s mission is more important than ever. WHEN

WHERE

HOW

March 11 (The Men’s Event) and April 8 (The Dinner Party)

Boston Marriott Copley Place

mensevent.org and womensdinnerparty.org

Taste of the South End When it comes to dining, Boston’s South End gay-borhood has generally been one of the trendiest (and tastiest) parts of town. If you’re looking for a chance to graze among all the gourmet delights, here’s your chance: Taste of the South End, a fundraiser for AIDS Action Committee. Over 40 restaurants will unite to dole out delicious dishes while local vineyards offer wine tastings to wash it all down. You’ll support the work of a vital organization while also narrowing down your picks for next weekend’s dining reservations. It’s a win-win, really. WHEN

WHERE

HOW

Tuesday, March 21

Boston Center for the Arts/ Cyclorama, 539 Tremont Street

aac.org

Rainbow Soul Though the LGBTQ community celebrates diversity, queer people of color are too often marginalized by social justice organizations—and the consequences can include important disparities around issues like healthcare access. Celebrate the full spectrum of the LGBT experience, and encourage social awareness and health education, at Rainbow Soul: an outdoor fair featuring picnic, barbecues and activities (like an Easter Egg hunt for the kiddies) designed to strengthen community bonds and promote positive attitudes toward LGBTQ people of color. WHEN

WHERE

HOW

Saturday, April 22

Keney Park Pond House, 383 Edgewood Street, Hartford, Connecticut

facebook.com/rainbowsoulCT

Beacons of Light 2017 MassEquality has played a pivotal role in advancing LGBT equality in the Bay State—and thus, beyond. But in a political climate when many are concerned that hard-won LGBT rights could be rolled back (and future progress impeded), its mission may be as important as ever. Show your support by attending the organization’s Beacons of Light benefit, which will this year bestow its “Political Icons Award” to Stan Rosenberg, the first Jewish and first openly gay legislator to serve as president of the Massachusetts Senate. Shine on, and let’s keep making history. WHEN

WHERE

Vanessa Carlton Bisexual singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton, the cooing voice behind piano-rock pop hits like “A Thousand Miles,” “Ordinary Day,” and “White Houses,” recently released her albums “Liberman,” an introspective record that was her first since becoming a wife a mother, and “Earlier Things Live,” a collection of recent live versions of her older songs. She’s supporting these albums with a national tour that includes a couple New England stops. Prepare for tinkling piano keys and several sing-a-longs. You know, we’d walk a thousand miles if we could just … see her … tonight.

HOW

The Courtyard Thursday, Boston massequality.org March 23 Downtown

WHEN

Monday, March 6

WHERE

HOW

The Sinclair in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Tuesday, March 7 vanessacarlton.com at The Iron Horse in Northampton, Massachusetts

HER Spring Party Guys have Grindr. Gals have HER, a chat and meet-up app for LGBTQ women with 1.3 million users worldwide. That’s a lot of dating potential—so if you’re single (or just looking to mingle), you may want to make it over to the HER team’s spring fling in Boston. You’ll get tunes from DJ WhySham, raffles, plenty of interactive games (two words: “Flirt Mail”) and the chance to get your groove on with your new best gal pals. WHEN

WHERE

HOW

Thursday, March 9

The Good Life Bar, 28 Kingston Street, Boston

Download the app at weareher.com

‘Rent’ Anniversary Tour On April 29, 1996 a musical opened on Broadway that looked and sounded unlike anything that had come before it. It told a powerful, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting story of young, impoverished New York artists who were seeking to make their way in the world, longing to connect and trying to survive the looming spectre of AIDS. The show, of course, was “Rent,” and it became a phenomenon. To celebrate the musical’s 20th anniversary, members of the original creative team have reunited for a national tour, enabling a new generation to discover why the show continues to have a profound effect on audiences. WHEN

WHERE

HOW

April 11—23

Shubert Theatre

citicenter.org

“The Freedom To Marry” It’s hard to believe that it’s been 13 years since Massachusetts became the first state in the country to legalize samesex marriage—and my, what progress we’ve made! But we can’t forget the people who paved the way: like Freedom to Marry founder Evan Wolfson and GLAD attorney Mary Bonauto, both profiled in “The Freedom to Marry,” a documentary that dives deep into the decades-long history of the equal marriage movement. This screening, part of the Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival, includes a panel discussion with Idit Klein, executive director of LGBT Jewish organization Keshet, Jennifer Levi, director of the Transgender Rights Project, and out politico Stan Rosenberg, president of the Massachusetts Senate. WHEN

WHERE

HOW

Saturday, March 25

Weinstein Auditorium at Smith College, Northampton

pvjff.org

Lez Zeppelin We’ve got a “Whole Lotta Love” for Lez Zeppelin, the all-female tribute band that has carved out a name all by itself. Tear up a concert tee and get ready to rock, because the four fierce ladies of Lez are trotting their act around the country—including a series of New England stops that will surely lure out plenty of Sapphic “Stairway to Heaven” fans for a night of grit, glam, and guitar licks. WHEN

WHERE

HOW

3 nights, March 30-April 1

Port City Music Hall in Portland, The Flying Monkey in Plymouth, New Hampshire, Middle East in Cambridge, Massachusetts

lezzeppelin.com

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Fertility Solutions

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The “boutique” styled all-inclusive fertility center allows patients to experience treatment in a smaller, more intimate environment, with absolute focus on the patient. Individualized treatment plans for each unique story and frequent physician contact at each visit is the exclusive difference for a patient at Fertility Solutions. The in-house, nationally recognized ART lab, ensures tighter controls and top-notch security for the best chance at successful treatment. We are “Your solution to Building a Family.” . 781-326-2451 fertilitysolutionsne.com

We offer exceptional dentistry in a caring, non-judgmental environment. Our LGBTQ supportive dentists and staff will ensure your comfort. www.osoriodentalboston.com

Seligman Dental Designs

Personalized dental care; healthy, beautiful smiles; comfortable, caring service in our state-of-the-art dental facility in the heart of the South End. It’s no secret that healthy teeth and a radiant smile can improve your appearance, your self-esteem and your overall health. Whether your goal is to restore your smile or maintain good oral health, you can benefit from Dr. James R. Seligman’s comprehensive approach to dental care. 617-451-0011 SouthEndDental.com

Your Weight. Your Life. Take Control. The country’s largest and most respected network of weight loss programs, includes an adults-only residential facility with upscale amenities, state-of-the art facilities, and chef prepared meals. or call us at 1-866-364-0808 wellspringweightloss.com

Invest in a future without cancer Include Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund in your estate plans to reach your financial goals and help fight cancer. 800-535-5577 Dana-Farber.org/spirit

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bright ideas begin at lucia Lucia Lighting & Design Our unique lighting store features 12 showrooms in 8,000 square feet of a lovingly restored mansion staffed with certified lighting specialists who are both educated and customer focused. Whether you want to visit our showroom or have one of our team visit you at your location in the Boston area, lucÃa lighting & design is the answer.

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The Outdoor Living Store For over 40 years, Seasons Four has been a destination for everyone in New England that values outdoor spaces. We are a trusted source for quality, heirloom furniture for your sunroom, porch, patio, deck, and garden. We also provide unique plant material, statuary, fountains and garden accessories to complete your outdoor room. 1265 Massachusetts Avenue Lexington, MA 781-861-1200 seasonsfour.com

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Furniture ... Made for Real Life Circle Furniture offers an eclectic selection of furniture for traditional and contemporary homes, fast delivery times for made-to-order items, corporate philanthropy, support of the regional economy, and most of all, fun. 31 St. James Ave. Boston, MA 617-778-0887 www.circlefurniture.com

Looking for a beautiful apartment with stunning views of the Boston Harbor, a building full of first-class amenities and a vibrant community to live in? Get it all at Portside at East Pier. Whether you want to relax in comfort at home, walk the waterfront, explore the outdoors or find some of the best food in Boston, there’s plenty of action to be had here. Plus, with convenient access to the T at Maverick Station, the rest of the city is just a short train ride away. Come experience a place where discovery lies around every corner. It’s East Boston. But when you live at Portside at East Pier, you’ll just call it home.

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www.GardnerMattress.com

Seasons Four

Planned Giving at DanaFarber Cancer Institute

GoEastPier.com

Gardner Mattress Corporation A New England favorite for generations, Gardner Mattress has been manufacturing quality custom-sized, odd-sized and handmade mattresses in their Salem factory for over 70 years! Though their landmark location is North of Boston in Salem, they also service satisfied customers throughout New England. At Gardner Mattress, you’ll find mattresses including lacetufted, layered latex, pocketed coil, quilted cotton and ivory plush, all handmade with natural materials. Located in Salem, Woburn and Newton, MA and Rye, NH.

311 Western Ave. (RT-107 Lynn, MA 781-595-0026 www.lucialighting.com

 COMMUNITY | NONPROFIT

Portside at East Pier

Gardner Mattress

Lucia Lighting

Wellspring Weight Loss

Circle Furniture

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New Showroom Now Open Dover Rug & Home Dover Rug & Home offers the largest selection of fine floor coverings and window treatments in New England. Visit their BRAND NEW location at 721 Worcester Street in Natick (RT-9) As the “Best of Boston Home 2011” recipient, their larger showroom has something for every budget. Dover Rug & Home is headquartered at 721 Worcester Road (Route 9), Natick, MA 508-651-3500. Dover-Boston is located at 390 Stuart Street in the Back Bay, Boston 617-266-3600. 721 Worcester Street (Route 9) Natick, MA 508-651-3500 www.doverrug.com

Osorio Dental Group

 HOME | GARDEN

Dover Rug

 PROFESSIONAL | SERVICES Burns & Levinson, LLP

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Burns & Levinson LLP, a leading mid-size law firm with a client-centric culture, has over 125 attorneys in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia. We work with entrepreneurs, emerging businesses, private and public companies and individuals in sophisticated business transactions, litigation and private client services—family law, trusts & estates, marriage and divorce law. 617-345-3000 www.burnslev.com

Harvard University Harvard University Careers If you can work, you can work at Harvard! We are so much more than just students and professors. We are the 5th largest private employer in Massachusetts, with over 16,000 employees. Almost any job you can think of exists at the University. employment.harvard.edu

UBS Financial Services, Inc.

Peter Hamilton Nee and Robert S. Edmunds UBS is proud to support Boston Spirit magazine, and salutes Fenway Health for their faithful service to our community. Please contact us any time. Peter Hamilton Nee, AIF, CRPC, VP, Investments and Robert S. Edmunds, CFP, CRPC ubs.com/team/neeedmunds.

Marriott Copley Place

Konditor Meister—Voted #1 Wedding Cakes in Boston Extraordinarily Beautiful & Elaborate Wedding Cakes & fine European pastries. Delicious Custom Holiday & Party Cakes for all occasions. 32 Wood Road (Just South of Boston) Braintree, MA 781-849-1970 KonditorMeister.com

Lombardo’s

Wellesley, MA 781-446-8918 or 800-828-0717 ubs.com/team/neeedmunds

 TRAVEL | ADVENTURE

Konditor Meister

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Great Location. Great Amenities. Boston Marriott Copley Place Located in the Back Bay and a few blocks from the South End, the Boston Marriott Copley Place is perfect for business or leisure travel. The hotel features deluxe rooms, Champions, Connexion Lounge, Starbucks, indoor pool, fitness center, 70,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and is minutes from top attractions. 110 Huntington Avenue (Boston) , MA 617-236-5800 goo.gl/soiy38

Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston

Spectacular city views, luxury accommodations, regional cuisine, and contemporary art All of our 400 well-appointed guest rooms and suites offer guests the comforts of home with first-class amenities and overlook the Charles River, Cambridge or Boston's stunning skyline. The Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston features both casual and elegant dining and delicious inspired cuisine in two highly acclaimed riverfront restaurants with seasonal patios, ArtBar and Restaurant Dante. 40 Edwin H. Land Boulevard Cambridge, MA 617-806-4200 www.sonesta.com/Boston/

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Lombardo’s has been providing the highest quality of hospitality and cuisine for over 50 years. From innovative menus to an upscale atmosphere, Lombardo’s ensures every wedding will exceed their client’s expectations. 781-986-5000 www.lombardos.com

Long's Jewelers

Your Source for Diamonds, Wedding Rings, Fine Jewelry & Watches Long's Jewelers has been in the business of happy moments since 1878. We're honored to help our customers celebrate milestones like engagements, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and retirements and not to mention "just because" moments! Whether you're looking for diamonds, wedding rings, fine jewelry, Swiss watches, awards, or corporate gifts, Long's has you covered. Boston, Braintree, Burlington, Natick, and Peabody, MA 877-845-6647 www.longsjewelers.com

Ptown Parties

Catering | Events The premier caterer on the lower cape, Ptown Parties is a full service catering and event planning company. Let them cater your next cocktail party, clambake or wedding, in your home, inn, rental condo or yacht. Let Ptown Parties take care of all the hassles, so you can enjoy a carefree day in Provincetown, and a great party that night! 508-487-6450 Ptownparties.com

 WEDDING | EVENTS Accent Limousine

WEDDING | EVENTS

LGBT Owned & Operated Accent Limousine & Car Service We provide professional transportation services throughout Greater Boston and the Metro-West. We grow our client base every year because we care for our clients as only a ‘Family’ business can. Our chauffeurs are professionally attired, knowledgeable, reliable, and friendly, and their professionalism and driving abilities will immediately earn your trust and confidence. We look forward to driving you on your next special occasion. www.accentlimo.com/spirit

DJ Mocha

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Affordable great music for your party! Boston Spirit’s official Cruise DJ for four years. Bringing, Great Music and Fun to your Events! All genres: pop, jazz, techno, world beat, swing, disco & more! 617-784-1663 MochaDJ.com

Gourmet Caterers

Peace of mind. Now that’s a wedding vow. This is a day when only perfection will do. GourmetCaterers’ attention to detail means peace of mind, so you can enjoy your wedding along with your guests. Whether your dream wedding is a large event or intimate affair, Gourmet’s team of innovative planners, chefs, stylists and servers will be by your side to ensure that everything is perfectly, uniquely, your own. GourmetCaterers.com

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CODA Stage STORY Scott Kearnan that ha permeated through all these centuries. It started with slavery and it’s still a fundamental thing: How do we get back to family? We watch as two brothers try to stay connected and to stay a family even though the pressure from the larger context really doesn’t allow for that to exist. [SPIRIT] In our current political climate, does it resonate in a different way?

Billy Porter PHOTO R. Cadiz, courtesy Sony Masterworks

Taking on ‘Topdog’ Tony-winner Billy Porter puts his political passion into powerful role Bill Porter is pissed. The Tony-winning actor, best known for originating the role of drag queen Lola in the hit musical “Kinky Boots,” married his longtime love in January. But there’s been no honeymoon period for his views on the new president, whose retrograde, authoritarian administration has this socially conscious artist fired up. Porter will pour that passion into the Huntington Theatre Company production of “Topdog/Underdog,” which he will direct for its March 10–April 9 engagement. Writer Suzan Lori-Parks became the first African-American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama with this deep, darkly funny fable about the deep bond and cavernous rift that exists between two brothers. And the show feels especially salient in the current political and cultural climate, says Porter. Politics even infiltrate Porter’s new album, “Billy Porter Presents the Soul of Richard Rodgers,” on which he interprets

selections from the famed composer’s songbook. Porter duets with guests like YouTube star Todrick Hall, who inherited the role of Lola in “Kinky” on Broadway. The first song released from the album was “Edelweiss,” the “Sound of Music” song about the resilient flower that flourishes in even the most hostile, oppressive conditions. Porter’s talents are in full bloom. [SPIRIT] You got married in January just 16 days into your engagement. Why so fast? [PORTER] We wanted to get married before Obama left office. Who knows what the f**k is going to happen? We’re here because a bunch of people wanted to throw the world into a tailspin, just so they can say they did it. I don’t know what’s happening or what the fight is going to be, but I know that I wanted to be there to fight it with the one I love by my side. [SPIRIT] What draws you to “Topdog/Underdog”? [PORTER] The story is about the continuing fracture that exists inside of the splintered families of the AfricanAmerican community. The goal from the beginning was always to divide and conquer, to split families up, and

[PORTER] There’s immediate resonance. I’m thinking about the 13th amendment, and the idea that being enslaved has never gone away—it’s just been rebranded and remarketed as something else. The Republican Party is good at that. The worst enslavement is when it camouflages itself as something else. What’s happening in this nation is that they’ve taken a grenade of division and divisiveness and thrown it out there and busted everything apart. As horrible as that is, black people have always said: It’s much easier when you know who the f**king racist is. It’s so much harder to get anything done when people are being politically correct. But once they stop, I can turn on my f**king camera phone and everyone can see it for themselves. [SPIRIT] From “Hamilton” to Meryl Streep, there’s been a backlash to artists speaking out. What’s your response to that? [PORTER] This is the most fertile time for artists. The time when change happens is when they want to shut us up—because we speak from the truth. We speak from the truth in a creative way, and that gets people thinking. And then we can create change; we always have. [SPIRIT] How have you reinterpreted some of those classic songs for your “Rodgers” album? [PORTER] There’s a political interpretation of “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” that is about the administration in a way that’s both sad and kitschy fun. I do it with Todrick Hall. He has the ear of the millennials—so maybe they’ll listen and engage now that they’ve seen all the shit they’ve taken for granted is going away. [SPIRIT] Some have said, maybe it needed to get this bad to wake up our complacency. [PORTER] We have to ask our liberal selves, “Am I engaging as best I can? Am I staying vigilant? Am I giving of my spirit to others?” [x]

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S P R I N G 2 017 CO L L E C T I O N

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