CommUNITY Vol 3 Issue 7 (September 2015)

Words that Are Transphobic and Why Handling Triggers & Thought Ruts
School Daze....Dignity in Policy...Help is Here For the Love of the Game

How To Be a Trans Ally
Hilton Albany
Friday, October 16
5:30 pm Reception
6:30 pm Dinner & Awards
Join us on a special night to benefit the Pride Center of the Capital Region and celebrate the important
contributions of this years awardees who work hard to empower the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) community.
This year we will be honoring the following community members:
Marielle McKasty-Stagg, Volunteer of the Year
John Prokop, Community Service Award
Bank of America, Business of the Year Award
Maria Westbrook, Paul Postiglione Youth Services Award
Mike Mitchell, Libby Post Council Leadership Award
Neil & Jane Golub, Nancy Burton Straight but not Narrow Award
Planned Parenthood- Mohawk Hudson (Saratoga location), Organization of the Year
Kenneth Mortensen Jr., Harvey Milk Award
Capital PRIDE Steering Committee- Ed Davis, Corey Polesel, Scott Levine, Special Recognition Award
Tickets and Information:

www.capitalpridecenter.org
FEATURES
Celebrate 45 Years as the Communitys Center
with a look at improved accessibility!
Lift Restored
pg. 5
Understanding Identities: Words

That Are Transphobic & Why pg. 8
We Asked....
pg. 9
September 2015
Volume 3, Issue 7
CONTENTS
COLUMNS
Ask the Lawyer
by
Geri Pomerantz pg. 17
Trans View
School Days...Dignity in Policy...Help is Here
by
Moonhawk Riverstone pg. 20
To Be a Blessing
Walking Forward
by
Louise Bower Bannister pg. 25
Ask Mark Your Tax Questions
by
Mark D. Witecki pg. 27
CommUNITY Intro
pg. 10
Triggers & Thought Ruts
pg. 10
Sex Ed Corner
pg. 13
The Fashionable and the Frivolous

School, Shoes, and Shame
by
Alan Bennet Ilagan pg. 28
pg. 14
Michael Cooks and You Can Too

A Taste of Italy
by
Michael Meade pg. 31
How To Be a Trans Ally
For The Love of The Game

by
Acey Mercer
pg. 21
"There is no
such thing as
a single-issue
struggle,
because we do
not live
single-issue
lives"
~Audre Lorde
Heres Guffman
Something About Mary
by

Patrick White pg. 33
NEWS,UPDATES
& INFORMATION
From the Editors Desk
Program Directors Corner
Quick Clips
Affiliates Calendar
Weekly Events Calendar
Special Events Calendar
CommUNITY Calendar
Advertisers Index
pg. 7
pg. 7
pg. 9
pg. 35
pg. 36
pg. 37
pg. 38
pg. 30
Lift Restored
The Pride Center of the Capital Region is pleased to announce the completion of our brand new Elevator Lift! After
nearly a year of preparation, stages of installation, and City inspections, full access has been restored to our Garden
Level for programs and events for all. We are thrilled to be able to offer complete access to the most used area of our
building once again. We are now working with the City of Albany to get an accessible parking only spot in front of the
Center and looking in to a curb-cut for easier access from the street.
This huge project would not have been possible without the generous support of:

The Carlilian Foundation

The Community Foundation of the Capital Region
William Tuthill & Greg Anderson
Dan McCoy:
An Ally to Albanys LGBT Community
Declared June Pride Month in Albany County

Within 6 months of taking office, Dan issued Executive Order 12-02
which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and
expression.
Actively speaks out on behalf of the LGBT community throughout
Albany County
Works closely with the Pride Centers Youth Support Program to
make Lawson Lake available without charge for the programs
Summer Leadership Camp
Works closely with LGBT organizations such as the Pride Center and
In Our Own Voices to develop trainings and seminars throughout the
county to combat bullying.
Authored one of the first bills to make cyber-bullying a crime
Increased awareness and assistance for alcohol and substance abuse
Dan McCoy believes government should mirror the community it serves,

he has appointed members of the LGBT community
to positions of leadership in Albany County government.
Re-Elect Dan McCoy, Albany County Executive.

Vote Thursday, September 10th in the Democratic Primary
Polls Open Noon to 9 p.m. For more info, www.danielpmccoy.com
Paid for by the Friends of Daniel P. McCoy
6

I love
the Fall. Temperatures
start to cool. Its the best
fashion season. Everyone comes back from
their summer vacations.
School is back in session!
I always got excited with
the start of the new school
year and the promise of
new adventures in learning.
Our Center Youth program will be soon kicking
off a new school year with
a new Center Youth Action team, going out into
our schools throughout
the Capital Region and
providing much
needed education and support. Of course
this comes after
having just held
our 3-day Youth
In Power Summer Leadership
Camp for 56
amazing young
folks.
Filled
w i t h fun workshops,
o u t - door activities,
a n dempowering
seminars, this is the culmination of months of
preparation. But the investment of time and energy is worth it when you
see the happy faces of 56
campers!
Looking ahead to this
Fall, we have a lot of exciting things to look forward to. On Saturday
September 26th, we will
participate in the final
AIDS Walk at Washington Park. On Friday October 16th, we will host
the horrific murder
of Tamara Dominguez, a 36 year old
woman who was run
over three times by
an SUV in front of
a church in Kansas
City.
18.
Transgender,
gender non-conforming
P R O G R A M and gender questionD I R E C T O R S C O R N E R ing members of our
by
R O S Y G A LVA community have to
think about how to
survive on a daily basis, while I write this

The number 18
keeps haunting me, ring- piece in the attempt to
ing in my head as I write convince you of the imthis piece. This morning I portance of allyship.
learned of the fatal stabbing of Jasmine Collins, 18 and counting.
the 18th Trans woman
murdered this year in Its past time for our
the United States (15 of movement to speak up
who were Trans women and out about these
of color). She was only atrocities, and to stand
32 years old. Jasmines up in a real, measurable
murder was preceded by way for Trans Lives. Will
our annual Pride Center

Gala at the Hilton Albany,
an evening to honor the
amazing work of people,
organizations and businesses making strides in
the LGBTQ community.
And then to cap off our
45th Anniversary year
celebration, the Troy Music Hall will be hosting
a benefit concert for us
starring Sandra Bernhard
on Saturday, November
21!
Let the celebration continue!!!
Be well and be empowered!
Michael Weidrich
Interim Executive Director
you continue to exclude

Trans people from gender specific groups? Will
you continue to chide
LGBTQ centers across
the country for making
space for the survival and
safety of all those in need
of our support? Will you
continue to sit back while
transgender people get
denied housing, medical
care, employment, safety,
life? Its time to stand on
the right side of history
and understand that no
one is free if others are
oppressed.
18.
If this number isnt
enough of a reason to
convince you of why your
allyship is desperately
important, you may want
to consider taking time to
reflect why it is that you
might value some lives
over others.
U n d e r s ta n d i n g I d e n t i t i e s : T r a n s p h o b i c T e r m s
*Trigger Warning: Language / Examples of Transphobia
Designed by Clinton Andor - Sourced from UC Davis LGBT Resource Center
We
asked:
What is the most important issue or challenge facing

the LGBTQ community (locally, nationally or globally)?"

QUICK CLIPS

We asked members of the Leadership Development Council, as emerging leaders in the movement, what they see as the current issues challenging our
community. Here's what a few members see as most important:
"As a nurse, I see the huge health disparities among the LGBTQ community
and want to take meaningful strides to close those gaps. The Capital Region
is in desperate need of culturally competent care for LGBTQ individuals. We
need a community health center. Especially for the often forgotten about and
Get Your Policy Right
medically neglected trans* and genderqueer individuals." - Nikki Alcala,
(Guidance for school dignity..for all on pg. 20)
Health & Wellness Coordinator, Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless
"I fear that LGBTQ Youth will continue to experience a lack of tolerance from
both family and peers. Children are emotionally ill-equipped to deal with
any kind of intolerance. Outreach to LGBTQ youth, to let them know its
okay to be who they are, I think is the most important issue facing the community. Pride Centers are the start, but it needs to come from home, schools
and organizations (like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts)." -David Connors, Financial Advisor, RBC Wealth Management
Trans Students...Take the Field!

"Audre Lorde said there is no thing such as a single-issue struggle, because (Acey's in it for the love of the game on pg. 21)
we do not live single-issue lives, and I agree its impossible to determine the
Most Important Issue facing the LGBTQ community. If I have to be narrow, I
think in New York we should be working on passing GENDA, improving educational and economic supports, enhancing transparency and accountability
with law enforcement, and promoting visibility for all of the people in our
community." - Lauren Ford, Education Specialist, Professional Development
Program, Rockefeller College, University at Albany
"Here in the U.S. our issues and challenges are nothing compared to other
parts of the world. Although our country has hit some pretty remarkable
milestones in the last few years in regards to equality and relationship recognition, LGBTQ youth health and homelessness are important and major
issues facing our communities. Homelessness disrupts the lives and development of these young people and can lead to significant negative outcomes in
mental and physical health, lower education attainment, and economic instability. " -Victor Ikeda-Wood
"Girl "Shoes!
(Past the shame and to the self on pg. 28)
"On a local and national level, I think trans* rights, education, and protection are the biggest issue we currently face as a community. Society as a whole
should be more aware of what's happening across the country, and globally,
with trans* people and the struggles they face. However, the LGBTQ community also has a lot to learn and a lot to fight for when it comes to this specific
group of individuals within the LGBTQ group." -Noel Letourneau,Marketing
Coordinator, ANS Advanced Network Services, LLC
The Leadership Development Council is a diverse group of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Allied professionals dedicated to the preservation and future growth of the Pride Center of the Capital Region. The councils
mission is to develop and empower young LGBTQ and allied professionals and
develop a new generation of leaders within the community.
Above, left to right: Nikki Alcala, David Connors, Lauren Ford, and Noel Letourneay. Not pictured: Viktor Ikeda-Wood.
Come Out...Find Something to Do

(Find an event in our community in the leading Capital Region LGBTQ Events calendars
starting on pg. 35)
LETTERS TO THE EDITORmweidrich@capitalpridecenter.org
Community Intro

Meet the new Pride Center 's
newest addition, Jeremy Hollon. Jeremy will work with the Pride Center
as a Program Assistant and Volunteer
Coordinator. He will be assisting the
Pride Center in its effort to develop
and expand its volunteer program.
This will be done by engaging community members with meaningful volunteer opportunities to help them build
transferable jobs skills and confidence.
5
Jeremy
Facts
Has a Bachelors of Science in
Music Education: "I received a B.S.
in Music Education with a focus in vocal music from The College of Saint
Rose in 2014."
Loves to attend concerts and
musicals: "I enjoy attending popular
musical events at places such as Proctors Theater, Park Playhouse, The Palace Theater, and Tanglewood. The
most recent events that I attended
were Singin' in the Rain and The Pajama Game at Park Playhouse in Washington Park, as well as Mahler's 8th
Symphony at Tanglewood in Massachusetts."
Triggers & Thought Ruts

Trauma, triggers, ruts in our thinking - they can be difficult to deal with and
keep us in an unhealthy state. Here are some tips on how to reframe your
thinking, respond when triggered and cope with trauma. If you or some you
know would like more help, consider one of the Pride Center's support groups.
Visit www.capitalpridecenter.org/programs-services/center-support/ for more.
CATASTROPHIZING TRUST
We imagine the worst possible outcome and maybe think it's the only
outcome.
We can honor our feelings in the

present without allowing ourselves to
predict the future. We can add
realistic odds, too.
SHOULD'S NON-STRIVING
We form strict rules and unrealistic

expectations.
We can practice flexibility and

forgiveness and release our expectations (for progress, for efficiency, etc.)
altogether.
FILTERING + MAGNIFYING LETTING GO
We filter out the positive and magnify We can practice holding our thoughts
the negative...like looking through
in attention and releasing them,
tinted binoculars.
instead of fixating on negatives.
EMOTIONAL REASONING PATIENCE
We decide that because something

feels true, it must be.
We can notice an emotion and

identify it as such, experience it, and
let it go.
POLARIZED THINKING
& LABELING NON-JUDGING
We make blanket positive / negative Try to step back instead of reacting to

assessments for whatever comes up. everything. To start, think in shades
of gray, spectrums or percentages.
We name call, to limit our perception
even further
Loves superhero movies and

television shows: "I love watching
superhero movies. My favorite superhero movies to date are Ant-Man and
Guardians of the Galaxy. Agents of
Shield is my favorite superhero TV
show."
Loves to bake: "I have enjoyed
baking since I was in middle school.
Some of my favorite things to bake are
snickerdoodle blondies, chocolate
fudge cake, and strawberry bread."
Travel Lover: "I visited several
different countries while I attended
The College of Saint Rose, including
Ireland, Costa Rica, Germany, and
France."
Read Jeremy's bio online:
www.capitalpridecenter.org/
about-us/staff/jeremy-m-hollon
10
HELPFUL COPING STRATEGIES

Acknowledge that you have been through traumatic events.
Connect with others, especially those who may have shared the stressful event
or experienced other trauma.
Exercise try jogging, aerobics, bicycling, or walking.
Relax try yoga, stretching, massage, mediation, deep muscle relaxation, etc.
Take up music, art, or other diversions.
Maintain balanced diet and sleep cycle.
Avoid over-using stimulants like caffeine, sugar, or nicotine.
Commit to something personally meaningful and important every day.
Write about your experience for yourself or to share with others.
Some material above was sourced from groundingyoga.com and The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare
Traditional & Holistic Psychotherapies

for Healing & Growth
Dedicated to inclusiveness & social justice

for the LGBTQ Community
First United Presbyterian Church

1915 Fifth Ave., Troy 12180
www.unitedprestroy.org
272-2771
Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity

Relationship & Parenting Issues
Healing Trauma & Abuse
Depression & Anxiety
You are warmly welcome

to join us!
10 AM Sunday Service
Relationship Violence
Addictions & Recovery
Living With HIV & Illness
Rainbow flags in the sanctuary & outside
Body Image & Eating Disorders

Homestudies & Adoption Services
hoices
Counseling Consulting
&
518-438-2222
Fax 438-7777
523 Western Avenue, Suite 2A (second floor) Albany, NY 12203

info@choicesconsulting.com www.choicesconsulting.com
5 x 7
Lifestyle Photography is... Your Everyday, Your Important Moments, Your

Once In A Lifetimes, Your Loved Ones.
Lifestyle Photography
for a Lifetime of Moments
www.Facebook.com/ZhangPhotography
www.JayZhangPhotography.com
JZPhotographicServices@gmail.com
11
My business is my life.
Place your ad in CommUNITY and expand your brand

awareness while directly reaching the important LGBTQ
market. For more information contact Steven at
518-462-6138 or sminchin@capitalpridecenter.org
Get more out of both.
The Living Balance Sheet can help you find
hidden value in your balance sheet. Learn
how to protect and grow your business and
make the most of untapped potential.
This revolutionary financial model lets you
see the big picture of your finances both
business and personal all in one place.
Helping you to adjust your strategies for optimal impact across the board, while
allowing you to maximize your opportunities and the value of your business.
Its worth it. Visit veronica_mangione@wagroupllc.com, or call
VERONICA MANGIONE at 518-867-3210 for more information on The
Living Balance Sheet .
Wealth Advisory Group

LLC
is an agency of:
The Living Balance Sheet and the Living Balance Sheet Logo are registered service marks of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY.
The graphics and text used herein are the exclusive property of Guardian and protected under U.S. and International copyright laws.
Copyright 2005 2013, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.
Registered Representative of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS) , . Securities products and services are offered through PAS. Financial Representative, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of
America, New York, NY (Guardian). PAS is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. This firm is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian.
|PAS is a member FINRA, SIPC|
VERONICA MANGIONE, Financial Representative Wealth Advisory Group LLC 255 WASHINGTON AVE EXT, SUITE 108 ALBANY, NY 12205
Pub5941
GEAR 2013-0972
Thomas J. Walling, CFP
INVESTMENT ADVISER REPRESENTATIVE
NY Insurance License #LA910069

235 Lark St., Suite 43
Albany, NY 12210
Direct: 518.878.1294
thomas.walling@ceteranetworks.com
Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC
Design Build
Renovations
Additions
Green Services
Decks
Porches
Carpentry
Providing All Your Residential,
Historic & Commercial Construction Needs!

Customized solutions to allow you to
maintain your independence.
www.scofieldsolutions.com
518-956-0345
12
P.O. Box 504

Delmar, NY 12054
Phone:
Fax:
admin@skylandsservices.com
www.skylandsservices.com
518.488.0506
518.439.1222
SEX ED CORNER
by
Lyndon Cudlitz
Sexpert, Lyndon Cudlitz, will bring you monthly helpful tips and stimulating information. To make your brain even
sexier and slicker, were kicking it off with information to help you decide which lube is best for your body and activities!
13
How To...
Don't Make Assumptions
Just as you shouldn't make assumptions about someone's sexual orientation, you also shouldn't make
assumptions about a person's gender or gender identity. Exploring gender (and sexuality) is a healthy
expression of growing and developing as a person. No one ever benefits from being labeled.
Create a Safe and Open Environment
Work toward creating an affirming environment where individual gender expression is supported and
where there is room for dialogue and discussion. Challenge homophobic and transphobic remarks
and jokes. Use inclusive, supportive, non-gender-specific language. Support others who challenge
inappropriate behavior. "What are you?" is not an ok question to ask. "What pronoun do you use?" is
an example of a better question.
Be Informed and Examine Your Own Biases
We are all products of a society with rigid gender roles. We are taught what is feminine and what is
masculine, female and male, and told not to blur these categories. Recognize your level of comfort
with the different types of gender expression, and see how this can affect your interactions with your
friends, classmates, co-workers, and others. Read reliable sources, attend workshops to educate
yourself about gender issues and talk to people in the know.
Understand What Gender Identity Means
Each person's gender identity is natural to that person. Gender may not be experienced solely as
female or male. Educate yourself about sexual identity and social stereotypes. Most importantly,
understand that sexuality and gender identity are only two aspects of a whole person.
Walk the Walk
Support your friend or family member's gender explorations and encourage healthy dialogue and
development. For many, accessing an LGBTQ youth community may be their first chance to explore
gender identity and nontraditional gender expression. Actions beyond creating safe space may be important in empowering people to ask for support with gender identity issues. Be personally accountable when mistakes are made and model active support for gender-nonconforming expression.
We all can learn how to be a better ally, and following the tips above are a good start. In the coming month
teacher's and student's will be getting to know a new class and may benefit from some additional pointers.....
14
...Be A Trans Ally

Ally Checklist For Students and Teachers
Familiarize yourself with the language and use preferred terms of the individual.
Use language that doesn't assume youth have a specific sexual orientation or gender identity.
Make yourself aware of the resources (both local and national) that exist.
Model behavior you wish to see in others.
Encourage the formation and/or success of a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA)
Promptly intervene when youth behave disrespectfully toward their peers based upon sexual orientation,
gender identity or other differences.
Ally Checklist For Teachers
Schedule ongoing trainings for teachers and students to equip them to support all students.
Display posters or other symbols indicating a trans friendly environment.
Discuss reporting procedures.
Encourage representation of all types of diversity - in hallways, classrooms, in curriculum, at events.
Enforce a zero tolerance policy for bias and transphobic language.
Consider non-discrimination policies that exceed the minimum state and federal regulations.
Bring in speakers to talk about their experiences as a trans person.
Treat youth fairly by avoiding double standards for trans students and cis students.
Learn more and make your organization, school, business, place of worship or medical practice become more trans inclusive and learn in depth how to be an ally and serve the community? Book a training
from the Pride Center and go far beyond the check list to effective ally-ship.
Training and education is an essential component in creating safer services and community spaces for LGBTQ people in the Capital Region. For over 20 years, the Pride Center of the Capital Region has delivered
comprehensive trainings and presentations for K-12 schools, colleges, businesses, organizations, and governmental agencies in our 10-county service area. In 2013 alone, we reached over 2,500 audience participants.
Our nationally-known trainers are experts in providing education and professional development trainings
for entities seeking to improve their services for LGBTQ individuals and community.
To learn more about the 40+ trainings the Pride Center offers visit: www.capitalpridecenter.org/trainingsservices or contact Lyndon Cudlitz, Training and Education Manager at (518) 462-6138 ext. 16
The Pride Center of the Capital Region is committed to sustaining an inclusive, welcoming community
characterized by dignity and sensitivity, representing
the cultural, ethnic and racial diversity of our region.
15
Your Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Com m unity Cente
Share your
commitment
Let us help you create the perfect wedding rings

to show the world your special commitment!
JOIN US ON
1675 Western Ave | Albany, NY 12203 | 518.464.9636 | www.druesanders.com
16
ASK THE LAWYER

by
Geri Pomerantz

Claims by the religious right
that religious liberty in America
is under siege, though ludicrous,
are occupying the resources of our
judiciary and some state legislatures.
The free birth control provision of the
Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been
challenged in more than 100 lawsuits
around the country since the passage
of the ACA five years ago. Meanwhile,
states seeking to allow public officials
and businesses to refuse to provide
services or take actions that could
be viewed as supportive of same sex
marriage are considering state level
religious freedom restoration acts
that extend into the public sphere
without a compelling state interest.
And at least one county clerk, in
Kentucky, has sued the governor over
her purported right as a public official
to refuse to issue marriage licenses
to same sex couples based on her
religious beliefs. The cases involving
the religious objections to the birth
control provisions of the ACA are of
course much farther along than the
cases following the Supreme Courts
June 2015 same sex marriage case. It is
likely that the US Supreme Court will
again take up the issue of the ACAs
contraceptive coverage mandate in
the next term.
The ACA requires employers with 50
or more full time employees to offer
group health insurance coverage
Religious
objectors can not be allowed to

impose the constraints of their beliefs on the
rest of the Nation. The rights conferred
by the First Amendment and the RFRA do not
include a right to have the government or
third parties behave in a manner that comports
with an individuals religious beliefs.
2nd Circuit Court of Appeals
providing
minimum
essential
coverage including preventative care
and screenings for females without
any cost sharing requirements (no
copays, deductibles or co-insurance).
Through regulations, federal agencies,
defined preventative care to include
amongst other things, all FDA
approved contraceptive methods for
women with reproductive capacity.
This is the contraceptive coverage
mandate at issue in these challenges
to the ACA.
The ACA includes exemptions
for religious employers, such as
churches and associations (such as
the Archdiocese of New York). Other
religious affiliated not for profit
organizations that hold themselves
out as a religious organization and
oppose providing the mandated
coverage based on religious objection,
are eligible for an accommodation to
opt out of providing the coverage.1
These eligible organizations can
opt out of paying for objectionable
medical services without denying
important services to the employees.
These eligible employers simply need
to notify the federal government
or their insurer, or third party
administrator if self-insured, that it
is eligible for the religious objection
to the contraceptive mandate, and
the employer will have no further
role in providing coverage for the
objectionable services. If the employer
chooses not to provide the coverage

for birth control, the insurer or third
party administrator (for self-insured
employers) will do so. The employer
does not pay any fee for this coverage,
and doesnt even have an obligation
to notify their employees about the
availability of such coverage. In other
words, the employer simply identifies
itself as a religious objector, and then
nothing further is required of it. A
third party then provides the coverage,
as required by the ACA, filling the gap
such that the insured individual is not
deprived of the benefits of coverage.
Hundreds of religious affiliated not
for profits have challenged the ACA
accommodation that allows them to
opt out of providing contraceptive
coverage, under the federal Religious
Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).
The RFRA was passed by Congress
in 1990 following the Supreme Court
decision in Dept. of Human Res of
Oregon v. Smith. Smith involved the
free exercise of religious clause of the
First Amendment. It held that the
first amendment does not prohibit
enforcement of valid laws of general
The Circuit courts have

held that the ACA does
not substantially burden

the practice of religion
Ask the Lawyer continued on pg. 18
LAW OFFICE OF GERI POMERANTZ, ESQ.

Proudly serving the LGBT community and our friends
Practice focused on family and matrimonial law
694 Columbia Turnpike

East Greenbush, NY
12061
Tel: 518-479-3713
http://pomerantzlaw.org/
17
Ask the Lawyer continued from pg. 17
Indeed, as the Second Circuit pointed

out, this is the accommodation that
right that religious liberty
was identified by the Supreme Court
in America is under siege,
in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores
though ludicrous, are
(holding amongst other things that
occupying the resources of
for profit corporations must also be
our judiciary and some state allowed to seek the accommodation)
to alleviate any substantial burden on
legislatures
religious expression.
Claims by the religious
application that incidentally burden

religious conduct. This created some
tension with prior case law, which
held that the first amendment is
violated if a challenged law imposes
a substantial burden on religious
practice and the burden is not justified
by a compelling government interest,
thus imposing stricter scrutiny. The
RFRA requires that the government
may only substantially burden a
persons exercise of religion if it is
demonstrated that the application of
the burden is in furtherance of a
compelling government interest and is
the least restrictive means of furthering
that compelling government interest.
The RFRA requires strict scrutiny of
laws where the incidental burden on
religious exercise is substantial.
Although the religious not for profits
succeeded over 80% of the time in
the federal trial courts in their RFRA
challenges to the ACA contraceptive
mandate and accommodation, those
cases were all reversed on appeal by
the federal circuit courts, including
most recently the second circuit court
of appeals in Catholic Health Care
Systems v. Burwell (decided 8/7/15).
Several cases have already been to the
Supreme Court, but there has not yet
been a final decision on the merits.
Those cases have been sent back
down to the lower courts for further
consideration. It is likely that at least
one of these cases will be on the
Supreme Courts calendar next term.
The Circuit courts have held that the
ACA does not substantially burden
the practice of religion, ending the
inquiry under the RFRA. By allowing
the employer to self-certify and opt
out of the birth control mandate, any
substantial burden is eliminated.
18
Although the court must generally

accept the rationality and significance
of the RFRA plaintiff s religious
beliefs, it is for the court, to assess the
magnitude of the burden of the law or
regulation on those beliefs. Requiring
the employer to fill out one little piece
of paper identifying itself as a religious
objector, is simply not substantial.
It is very different from those cases
in which, for example, a person was
denied unemployment benefits when
fired for refusing to work on her
Sabbath or because a religious pacifist
Hundreds of religious
affiliated not for profits
have challenged the ACA
accommodation that
allows them to opt out of
providing contraceptive
coverage, under the
federal Religious Freedom
Restoration Act (RFRA)
refused to work on the production

of armaments. In the ACA cases, no
government benefit is denied, nor is
the religious objector required to do
anything more than identify itself as a
religious objector.
The federal appeals courts have
denied the plaintiff religious not for
profit organizations claims that the
consequences of the religious objector
notification triggers a third party
to provide objectionable services,
in violation of plaintiff s rights. The
notification is simply a means to
identify and exempt the employer
from the mandate. The coverage is
then provided by third parties in spite
of the employer, not because of the
employer, and in no way impairs the
employers freedom to believe, express

or exercise religion. These religious
institutions do not have a right to
dictate the conduct of government to
comport with their religious beliefs.
As the second circuit held Religious
objectors can not be allowed to
impose the constraints of their beliefs
on the rest of the Nation. The rights
conferred by the First Amendment
and the RFRA do not include a right to
have the government or third parties
behave in a manner that comports
with an individuals religious beliefs.
1
In Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, 134 S. Ct. 2751 (2014). the

Supreme court inexplicably held, amongst other things, that the
RFRA applied to the for profit business, whose religious beliefs
were substantially burdened by the birth control mandate of the
ACA, without allowing it the accommodation given to not for profit
religious organizations.
The legal rights of LGBTQ families

are an ever-changing landscape, to be
addressed monthly in this column. The
material in this article is provided for
informational purposes only and is not
intended to give legal advice, and should
not substitute for the independent advice
of counsel. The views expressed in this
column are solely those of Ms. Pomerantz
and do not reflect the opinion of the Pride
Center.
The material in this article is provided for
informational purposes only and is not
intended to give legal advice, and should
not substitute for the independent advice
of counsel. The views expressed in this
column are solely those of Ms. Pomerantz
and do not reflect the opinion of the Pride
Center.
Geri Pomerantz is an
attorney in the capital
district with a practice
focused on family
and matrimonial law,
specifically including
LGBTQ families. Geri
conducts continuing
legal education training for other lawyers,
and conducts community education,
on issues of importance to the LGBTQ
community. She recently presented on
parentage issues at the LGBT law day at
Albany Law School. Geri is a member of
the Collaborative Divorce Association of
the Capital District.
She can be reached at
GPEsq@pomerantzlaw.org
Interim Healthcare
Providing Companions, Aides and Nurses
in the Home 2 to 24 Hours a Day So You
or a Loved One Can Stay in Your Home.
Call today (518) 452-3655

52 3655
www.interimhealthcare.com
Residential Commercial
Land & Development
Landlord / Tenant Representation
Brian Brosen & Reginald Monroe

Licensed Associate Real EstateBrokers
Are you searching for

a Financial Advisor?
Are you searching for

a Financial Advisor?
Are you unhappy with your current advisor?
Are your accounts receiving the service they deserve?
Are you struggling to manage your portfolio on your own?
Has your portfolio lived up to your expectations?
Experience the Wells Fargo Advisors difference. If you are

looking for a Financial Advisor who stands apart from the crowd,
come and see what makes us different. We offer comprehensive
Are youinvestment
unhappy advice,
with your
current
a broad
rangeadvisor?
of investment choices, and
dedicated
personal
service.
Are your
accounts
receiving
the service they deserve?
Are you struggling to manage your portfolio on your own?

Has your portfolio lived up to your expectations?
Experience
the
WellsKelleher
FargoWealth
Advisors
difference.
If Wells
you are
Meleco,
DiNallo,
Management
Group of
Fargo Advisors
looking for
a
Financial
Advisor
who
stands
apart
from
the
crowd,
CW Kelleher
President
come andVicesee
what- Investment
makes Officer
us different. We offer comprehensive
30 S Pearl St P-2
investment
advice, a broad range of investment choices, and
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 455-7461
dedicatedDirect:
personal
service.
cw.kelleher@wellsfargoadvisors.com
www.melecodinallokelleher.wfadv.com
Investment and Insurance Products: u NOT FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value
74034-v5 A1585
94171_4
Caring
Caregivers
Needed!
Wells Fargo Advisors,

LLC, Member
SIPC, isManagement
a registered broker-dealer
and a separate
non-bank
affiliate
of
Meleco, DiNallo,
Kelleher
Wealth
Group
of Wells
Fargo
Advisors
Wells Fargo & Company.
2013 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.
CW Kelleher
Vice President - Investment Officer
30 S Pearl St P-2
Albany, NY 12207
Direct: (518) 455-7461
cw.kelleher@wellsfargoadvisors.com
www.melecodinallokelleher.wfadv.com
0214-03393
19
TR A NS* V IEW
SCHOOL DAZE...DIGNITY IN POLICY...HELP IS HERE...

by
Previous years in September

columns I have alluded to the old advertising billboard and bumper stickers that said: Schools Open: Drive
Carefully. Well, how about this year
we try: Schools Open: Policy Carefully instead! Transgender students
need to stop being run over by the
lack of effective policies and administrative leadership in schools so that
they safely go to school and receive an
education.
Last year amid a huge brouhaha the
Shenendehowa School District passed
and instituted a policy purporting to
make it safe for transgender students
attending their schools. Would that
were the case. Colleagues and activists Ive spoken with said all along
that the school district resisted educational efforts by transgender experts,
had a fundamental lack of knowledge
of the issues and challenges transgender students face in the schools in
their districts. I can say from clinical experience that individual teachers and social workers get it but the
administration clearly does not. The
sensationalistic manner in which they
proposed and voted on the policy did
nothing but fan the flames of ignorance and bigotry and give transgender students a message that their district was not going to support them,
and it was not safe here. No one was
taking a moment to step into the shoes
of a transgender student or their family while all this hysteria was being
played out in the media. Then, when
one looked at the policy--and mind
you--Shenendehowa officials had
been exposed to what clear effective
policies look like, one found a very
very flawed likely illegal policy. Shen
school officials had been told the contents of the recent ruling by the federal
Department of Education with regard
to Title IX and transgender students
and what had been very clearly stated.
They ignored all that information and
instituted a policy directly in violation
of Title IX placing undue hardship on
transgender students, and requiring
the compulsory outing of a students
transgender status in order for the
student to be at school. It even included a statement that the student could
20
Moonhawk RiverStone
not transition gender at school if their

grades did not meet certain criteria!
Really?! So, if I have multiple sclerosis and I need to use a wheelchair to
get around school, you mean I need to
have a certain grade average in order
to use my chair??? Really? Since when
does is access to ones medical care
dependent upon ones grades? Apparently thats the policy at the Shenendehowa school district.
transgender
students need to
stop being run over
by the lack of
effective policies
and
administrative
leadership in
schools so that
they safely go to
school and receive
an education
Anyone wanting to put in place a

policy to support and protect transgender students need only to have
accessed model policies available online or through such folks as the New
York Civil Liberties Union, or reach
out to individual policy experts such
as myself who have been writing these
polices for over a decade. Now, its
even easier. When the Dignity for All
Students Act was passed in June 2011
it had a years delay to implementation until July 2012. Now 3 years in
place, we know while the law is great,
it has not stopped bullying--nor for
some populations like LGBT youth
even slowed it down. Within DASA
is a very clear guideline on the proper
treatment for transgender students. It
took NYS Dept. of Education 3 years
to write a policy that effectively outlines in excruciating detail what needs
to happen in school districts statewide
to protect transgender students and

give them equal access to a safe and
effective educational environment.
No school district needs to reinvent
the wheel here. No one needs to put
their own particular spin on transgender protections for student. All that
needs to be done is for school boards
to simply adopt the Dept. of Education policy as their own. Nice and
simple and easy. This is the law.
There is no need for hearings, no need
for sensationalistic press and shouting parents. Just do the business of
implementing state law into the running of the school district. During
the Shenendehowa hearings, I was reminded of my past experience--when
the federal government ordered busing to making school more racially
balanced and fair, and was reminded when we first racially integrated
schools the riots that ensued when the
law was being enforced. Eventually
most of social distress quieted down.
For a country founded on equality for
all, we are, at times, loath to share it
with other Americans. Transgender
students are now bearing the brunt
of this next extension of rights in the
public schools.
The time is now in school districts to
adopt, institute and implement the
New York State Dept. of Educations
policy: New York State Transgender
and Gender Nonconforming Students
Guidance Document. The second part
of that is to train all school board
members, administrators and teachers in exactly what this policy means
and how to enforce for the safety of
all students, not only transgender students.
The New York Civil Liberties Union
issued a report in June 2015 just prior
to the Dept. of Eds policy finalization detailing the horrific treatment
of transgender students under the
Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
and how the failure of school districts to effectively implement DASA
is causing deep and enduring distress
for transgender students and robbing
them of their right to an education.
For a country
founded on equality
for all, we are, at
times, loath to share
it with other
Americans.
Transgender
students are now
bearing the brunt of
this next extension
of rights in the
public schools
Below are some links. Share them

with your school districts. Make sure
school districts are fully aware of their
responsibility to protect and serve
transgender students. It is not the
responsibility of school districts to
demean, to out and to thwart transgender students at every turn. It is the
responsibility of schools to be model
citizens, not models of discrimination
and bigotry. Until next time...T

Links:
NYS Dept. of Education, July 2015 policy:
http://www.capitalpridecenter.org/?p=20426
GLSEN Model Policy:
NYCLU Dignity for All Transgender Report:
California Safe Schools Policy:
TRANS
VIEW
#135
Rev. Moonhawk River
Stone of Riverstone
Consulting is an
Interfaith Minister,
transgender activist,
writer, educator,
consultant, keynote
speaker and psychotherapist in private
practice for over 25
years with experience and extensive
expertise in all aspects of transgender
policy and health.
Trans Pride
Trans Pride
The Trans Pride program is dedicated to empowering trans* and

gender non-conforming people and their allies through social
opportunities, community building, resource sharing, and advocacy.
The Trans Pride program is dedicated to emDiscussion Group

Meet & Greet
powering
trans* and gender non-conforming
discussion group
informal social evening
peopleA and
their allies throughAnsocial
opportufocusing on issues
for trans* people to
nities, community building, resource sharing,
important to trans*
and advocacy. connect and build
people and community.
1st Tuesdays, 7-9PM
community.
3rd Tuesdays, 7-9PM
The Discussion Group and Meet & Greet are open to

all trans* people and those questioning their gender, ages 18+.
Trans* denotes a wide range of people including those who identify as transgender,
transsexual, two-spirit, genderqueer, gender-non-conforming, questioning their
gender, and more. We use the asterisk to help us remember that trans* identities and
experiences are diverse, while still sharing a common thread.
All meetings take place at the Pride Center, 332 Hudson Avenue, Albany
P: 518.462.6138 PROGRAMS@CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG
Discussion Group - A discussion group focusing on

issues important to trans* people and community.
1st Tuesdays, 7-9PM
Meet & Greet - An informal social evening for trans*
people to connect and build community.
3rd Tuesdays, 7-9PM
The Discussion Group and Meet & Greet are open to

all trans* people and those questioning their gender,
ages 18+.
Trans* denotes a wide range of people including those who
identify as transgender, transsexual, two-spirit, genderqueer,
gender-non-conforming, questioning their gender, and more.
We use the asterisk to help us remember that trans* identities
and experiences are diverse, while still sharing a common thread.
All meetings take place at the Pride Center, 332 Hudson Avenue, Albany
P: 518.462.6138 PROGRAMS@CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG
21
Your Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Com m unity Center since 1970
OUR PROGRAMS INCLUDE

Center Youth: Support, outreach & advocacy for
LGBTQA youth ages 18 and under. Programs include
regional groups, Albany Youth Organizing! (AYO!) Drop in
Space, HIV testing, the Center Youth Action Team,
opportunities with legislators, and annual events. We
support schools in 11 counties by providing training for
staff and students on how to support LGBTQA youth.
Trans Pride: Promoting the wellbeing of transgender

and gender non-conforming communities in a safe,
empowering space through social opportunities,
community building, peer support, resource sharing and
advocacy.
Vintage Pride: Connecting LGBTQ older adults to each

other and to the broader community with monthly social
Training & Education Services : Creating safer spaces gatherings, special events, educational and leadership
and services for LGBTQ people in the Capital Region by
opportunities, and celebrating their resilience and
offering comprehensive, high quality, individualized
community contributions.
trainings for mental health and medical providers,
Business Alliance: Business Alliance members gain
colleges, businesses, organizations, and any entity
exclusive visibility, ways to leverage customer allegiance &
seeking to improve services for LGBTQ individuals and
access to a dedicated consumer base. Monthly Mixers to
communities.
meet up with friends, distribute business cards, and make
Center Fam ilies: Helping LGBTQ headed families in the
Capital Region achieve their goals of building and
sustaining happy and healthy families through providing
ongoing social and community building opportunities.
Center Support: Offering low-cost counseling, and

peer support groups such as Mens Group, Womens
Group, and Family and Friends of LGBTQ people. Also
providing comprehensive and culturally specific referrals
for LGBTQ individuals. Rainbow Caf has been open since
1971 and is an open community space for recurring
events such as Game Nights & Supper Sunday.
Center Arts: Our Romaine Brooks Gallery is a creative
space and outlet for LGBTQ artists and themed work.
LGBTQ Book Club also meets monthly to discuss works
written by LGBTQ authors.
332 HUDSON AVE. ALBANY, NY 12210
important business contacts.

.
Capital PRIDE: As the producer of the largest annual

Capital Pride celebration in Upstate NY, the Pride Center
brings a record breaking 30,000 festival and parade
attendees, and 35,000 people celebrating throughout
PRIDE week each year.
Com m UNITY Magazine: The Pride Centers monthly
publication highlights & informs the larger Capital Region
on local LGBTQ news and events as well as supports
other LGBTQ organizations. Over 3,000 avid readers
reached per month across 10 counties.
CapitalPrideCenter1
CapitalPrideCtr
518-4 62-6138
W W W .CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG
Our m ission is to prom ote the w ell-being of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer
identified people and those affected by discrim ination based on gender identity and expression.
22
Traditional & Holistic

Psychotherapies
Traditional & Holistic Psychotherapies Traditional
Traditional
& Holistic
& Holistic
Psychotherapies
Psychotherapies
Traditional
& Holistic Psyc
FOR
THE
LOVE
OF
THE
GAME
for Healing
for Healing
& Growth
& Growth for Healing & Growth
for Healing & Grow
by
Acey Mercer
Sexual Orientation & Gender

Identity
Sexual Orientation
Sexual &
Orientation
Gender Identity
& Gender Identity
Sexual
Orientation & Gender I

RelationshipRelationship
& Parenting &
Issues
Parenting Issues
Relationship & ParentingRelationship

Issues
& Parenting Iss
T
raditional & Holistic Psychotherapies
T
T

Despite
theTrauma
rising& Abuse
attention snide whispers and
confused
remarks
do not have
Healingestablished
Trauma & Abusepolicies
Healing
Healing
Trauma
Healing
& Abuse
Trauma & or
Abuse
given to trans*Depression
issues, &opportunities
challenging my gender
and &participaand practices.Depression
Until sports'
programs
& Anxiety
Anxiety
Depression
Depression
Anxiety & Anxiety
for transgenderRelationship
and gender
noncon- tion in sports. Adults
and kids
alikeViolence
develop and Relationship
enforce policies
of in- Violence
Violence Relationship
Violence
Relationship
Relationship
Violence
forming students
involved
in
athletgave
double
takes,
long
stares,
snickclusion,
transgender
students
will & Recovery
hoices
hoices
hoices
C
CAddictions &Addictions
C
Addictions & Recovery Addictions
Recovery & Recovery
ics remain limited.
Some
transgender
ers
and
would
blatantly
point
at
me,
continue
to
be
denied
access
to
and
Living With HIV & Illness Living With HIV & Illness
Living With HIV
Living
& Illness
With HIV & Illness
students, like their non-transgender which typically coincided with vari- the benefits of athletic participation.
Body Image Body
& Eating
Image
Disorders
& Eating Disorders
Image & Eating Disord
peers, enjoy athletic competition and ous degrees of verbal response. "Why Transgender students shouldBody
have
the
Services
HomestudiesHomestudies
& Adoption Services
& Adoption Services Homestudies & Adoption
Homestudies
want to be part of a school sports team. is there a boy on the girls team, thats same right to participate and benefit& Adoption Se
Athletics are widely accepted as intefrom the positive aspects of athletics
gral parts of the school experience, yet
(and all other activities) as other stumany school sports
programs
do not
This is a Counseling
message&that
needs
to
Consulting
Counseling
Counseling &
Counseling
Consulting
Consulting
Counseling
& Consulting
&dents.
& Cons
Tr
a
di
t
i
o
nal
&
Hol
i
s
t
i
c
Psychot
h
er
a
pi
e
s
Tr
a
di
t
i
o
nal
&
Hol
i
s
t
i
c
Psychot
h
er
a
pi
e
s
Tr
a
di
t
i
o
nal
&
Hol
i
s
t
i
c
Psychot
h
er
pi
e
s
have policies or guidelines
in
place
to
be
strongly
communicated
and
sup518-438-2222
518-438-2222
518-438-2222
518-438-2222
518-438-2222
It is not uncommon
for
oversee the inclusion
of transgender
communities, Fax
and438-7777
Fax 438-7777
Fax 438-7777
Fax
438-7777
Fax
438-7777ported by families,
f
o
r
Heal
i
n
g
&
Gr
o
wt
h
f
o
r
Heal
i
n
g
&
Gr
o
wt
h
f
o
r
Heal
i
n
g
&
Gr
o
wt
h
youth to remain silent
student
athletes.
Without
constructive
schools.
A
fundamental
step
to
create
523
Western
Avenue, Suite 2A (second
floor)Avenue,
Albany,Suite
NY 12203
523 Western Avenue,
523 Western
Suite 2AAvenue,
Suite
floor)
2A Albany,
(secondNY
floor)
12203
Albany,
NY 12203
523 Western
2A (second floor) A
trans
* (second
identity
policy,info@choicesconsulting.com
most sports programs
are un- about their
thisinfo@choicesconsulting.com
change is to acknowledge
that www.choices
info@choicesconsulting.com
www.choicesconsulting.com
Sexual
Or
i
e
nt
a
t
i
o
n
&
Gender
I
d
ent
i
t
y
Sexual
Or
i
e
nt
a
t
i
o
n
&
Gender
I
d
ent
i
t
y
Sexual
Or
i
e
nt
a
t
i
o
n
&
Gender
I
d
ent
i
t
y
prepared to safely and appropriately
gender is a core part of everyones
in order to participate in
accommodate transgender and genidentity and it is more complex than
the sports they love.
der nonconforming athletes. Due to
our society suggests. We must reex3.75 x 5
3.75 x 5
x 5
3.75 x 5
3.75 x 5
U3.75nfortunately
the
traditional sex-segregated world
amine the narrow
belief that bodies
Depression & Anxiety , silence
alone
of athletics, transgender and gender
determine gender identity and cultiRelationship Violence
Relationship Violencedoes not
Relationship Violence always
nonconforming youth often feel disvate efforts to shift the paradigm to be
Addictionsfor
& Recovery
Addictions & Recovera
y safeAddictiohaven
ns & Recovery
offer
couraged and uncomfortable particimore expansive and encompassing of
Li
v
i
n
g
Wi
t
h
HI
V
&
I
l
n
ess
Li
v
i
n
g
Wi
t
h
HI
V
&
I
l
n
ess
Li
v
i
n
g
Wi
t
h
HI
V
&
I
l
n
ess
gender nonconforming
pating in athletic programs for their
various identities and the diverse bodBody Image & Eating Disorders
student athletes.
natal sex. Several studies show that
ies attached. Permitting transgender
Homestudies & Adoption Services Homestudies & Adoption Services
schools can be hostile places for transyouth to participate in sports in their
gender students and those who do
affirmed gender can provide an enornot conform to stereotypical gender
mous boost to their self-confidence
Psychot
Traditionalbeing
& HolCounselisintgic&Psychot
aditional & HolCounseisliexample.
Counseislintgic&During
Consultingherapies
ConsultingheraapiesTrmild
ntgic&Psychot
ConsultinghTreradipiteisonal & Hol
expectations. These students are often weird,
and self-esteem, while also providsubjected to peer bullying, which stig- travel fgames,
there
were
numerous
ing them with positive experiences
51
8
4
3
8
2
222
51
8
4
382
222
51
8
4
3
8
2
222
or Healing & Growth
for Healing & Growth for Healing & Growth
Fax 438-7777 out of that will help them in all other areas
438-7777 abruptly
Fax 438-7777 shooed
matizes and isolates them, thus con- times I Faxwas
tributing to higher incidences of low bathrooms
of their lives. It is imperative that as
(second floor) Albany, NY 12203 the
523 Western Avenue, Suite 2A (second flooror
) Albany, NY 12203directed
523 Western Avenue, Suite 2A (second floor) Albaway
any, NY 12203523 Western Avenue, Suite 2Afrom
& Gender
Identittiyng.com my
Orietnting.actomion www.
& Gender
IdentiDespite
ttiyng.com info@choiSexualcesconsulOrietnting.actomion www.&silence
Gender
Identittiyng.cominfo@choiSexualcesconsulOrietntinabout
g.actomion www.
choicesconsul
cesconsul
choicesconsul
choicesconsul
self-esteem, depression, and suicidal lockerinfo@choiSexualroom.
caregivers/parents, students and proRelationship &emerged
Parenting Issues
& Parenting Issues
Relsituations
ationship & Parenting Issues
ideation.
identity,Relationshipvarious
fessionals we challenge athletic proHealing Trauma & Abuse It was
ing Trauma & Abuse
ing Trauma & Abuse
leaving Healme
feeling Healdiscouraged.
grams dependence on sex and gender
n & Anxiety was
Depressionlove
& Anxiety
Deprthe
ession & Anxiety gameDepressiothat
It is not uncommon for youth to re- definitely
for
as dominant organizing indoctrina3.75 x 5
3.75 x 5
3.75 x 5
main silent about their trans* iden- a motivator
tion. Together we must compete to retionship Violence
Relationship Violence and fueled
Relationship Violence my Relaresiliency
tity in order to participate in the for others,
not
enough.
For construct the guiding principles in the
Addictions & Recovery it is just
Addictions & Recover
y
sports they love. Unfortunately, si- many transgender
world of sports to be more welcoming
Living With HIathletes,
V & Il ness
Living With HIV & Il ness
Living Withstudent
HIV & Il ness
lence alone does not always offer a competition
and coming
out
are seen and inclusive of trans* athletes.
safe haven for gender nonconform- as an Homesteither-or
proposition. Youth
udies & Adoption Services
Homestudies & Adoption Services Homestudies & Adoption Services
ing student athletes. Those who do may often feel forced to choose, benot conform to typical expectations lieving each aspect of their identity
of gender expression are notable tar- cannot comfortably coexist. As result,
Holistic Psychotherisapies
Traditional & Holistic PsychotherapiesTrAcey
aditional & HoliMercer,
stic PsychothTreradipiteisonal &MSW
Counseling &abstain
Consulting
Counseling & Consulting
Counsestudents
ling & Consulting
gets for uninformed assumptions and many transgender
a Family Therapist at
ridicule. Remembering back to ear- from sports
in518-4order
to
38-2222
518-438-2222 all together
518-438-2222
for Healing & GrowthChoices
for HealinCounseling
g & Growth for Healing & Gr&owth ConFax 438-7777 or unFax 438-7unwanted
777
Fax 438-7attention
777
lier years, I repeatedly experienced avoid any
sulting (www.choicescondue stress.
These
are
deliberate
523 Western Avenue, Suite 2A (second floor) Albany, NY 12203 523 Western Avenue, Suite 2A (second floor) Albany, NY 12203523 Western Avenue, Suite 2A (second floor) Albany, NY 12203sursulting.com)
and
Senior
Orientation & Gender
Identity
Sexual
Or
i
e
nt
a
t
i
o
n
&
Gender
I
d
ent
i
t
y
Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Sexual
choicesconsulting.com as
fo@choicesconsulting.com www.choicesconsulof
ting.com our
info@choicesconsulting.comyouth
www.choicesconsulting.cominfo@choicesconsul
vival intactics
toting.com www.exist
Consultant
forRelatthe
Traini
o
nshi
p
&
Par
e
nt
i
n
g
I
s
sues
Rel
a
t
i
o
nshi
p
&
Par
e
nt
i
n
g
I
s
sues
Rel
a
t
i
o
nshi
p
&
Par
e
nt
i
n
g
I
s
sues
best they can in unfair and unequal
ing Institute for Gender,
Heal
i
n
g
Tr
a
uma
&
Abuse
Heal
i
n
g
Tr
a
uma
&
Abuse
Heal
i
n
g
Tr
a
uma
&
Abuse
Tr
a
di
t
i
o
nal
&
Hol
i
s
t
i
c
Psychot
h
er
a
pi
e
s
Tr
a
di
t
i
o
nal
&
Hol
i
s
t
i
c
Psychot
h
er
a
pi
e
s
Tr
a
di
t
i
o
nal
&
Hol
i
s
t
i
c
Psychot
h
er
pi
e
s
settings.
For many transgender
Relationships, Identity, and
Traditional & Holistic Psychotherapies Traditional & Holistic PsychothTreradpiteisonal & Holistic Psychotherapies
C C
C
CC
for Healing & Growth for Healing & Growth for Healing & Growth
Addictions & Recover y
Homestudies & Adoption Ser vices
Fa x
Counseling
Fa x
438-7777
3.75
3.75
hoices
hoices
hoices
Depres ion & Anxiety

Choices Choices
Choices
fstudent
or Healing & Growth
for Healathletes
ing & Growth for Healing & Gr,owth
competition and coming

Sexual Orientan
ation & Gender Identity
Sexual
Orientation & Gender Idare
entity
Sexualseen
Orientation & Gender Identity as
out
Relationship & Parenting Issues-or Relproposition
ationship & Parenting Issues
either
438-7777
Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
Choices Choices Choices
Relationship & Parenting Is ues Relationship & Parenting Is ues
Relationship & Parenting Is ues
hoiceshoices
Fa x
438-7777

i n fo @ c h o i ce s co n s u l t i n g. co m w w w. c h o i ce s co n s u l t i n g. co m i n fo @ c h o i ce s co n s u l t i n g. co m w w w. c h o i ce s co n s u l t i n g. co m

i n fo @ c h o i ce s co n s u l t i n g. co m w w w. c h o i ce s co n s u l t i n g. co m

518-438-2222
& Consulting
518-438-2222
& Consulting
518-438-2222
Counseling
3.75

Negative stereotypes and fearful misconceptions about gender diversity

are perpetuated when athletic programs deny transgender students the
ability to participate in sports and/
3.75 x 5
3.75 x 5
3.75 x 5
Depression & Anxiet(www.

y
Depression & Anxiety Sexuality
Depression & Anxie(TIGRIS)
ty
trigrisinstitute.com)
or
RelationshiIfp Violeyou
nce
Relin
ationship VioAlbany.
lence
someoneAddictiyou
of
Addictionscounsel& Recovery
ons & Recovery know is
Addictioin
ns & Recoverneed
y
ing, advocacy,
or support
in anLiveducationing With HIV & Il ness
al setting please contact Acey at Acey@
choicesconsulting.com or (518) 438-2222.

ChoiBodyces ImageC&hoiEatces ing DiCsohoircdesers
23

Addictions & Recovery & Holistic
Traditional
Psychotherapies
for518-438-Healing
518-438-2222
2222
51&
8-438-2222 Growth
24
T O
B E
B L E S S I N G
Walking Forward by Louis Bower Bannister

This article is part of my current journey and is written partly in
response to a Pastoral Letter written
on 18 July by Bishop William Love of
the Episcopal Diocese of Albany following both the SCOTUS Marriage
Equality ruling and the actions of the
General Convention of The Episcopal
Church which is the governing body
of the national denomination held
every three years. His letter, for those
wishing to read it, may be found at:
www.albanyepiscopaldiocese.org.
In a recent meeting of liberal-minded

Episcopalians who live and worship
in the Episcopal Diocese of Albany,
Bishop William Love asked us who
we thought he was. This meeting was
held a short time after the SCOTUS
marriage equality ruling and after the
General Convention of The Episcopal
Church voted to introduce a gender
neutral marriage liturgy for trial use
by same sex couples throughout the
Episcopal Church.
I have thought a lot about the Bishop's
question over the past several weeks.
He is notoriously conservative in this
theology, particularly where GLBT
and women's issues are concerned.
It would have been easy for me to
answer, Homophobic, or Bigot,
or Narrow-minded. But I honestly
don't think that he is a bigot, and I
have come to realize that we are all
narrow-minded in some form or other.
My answer to the Bishop's question is
quite simple: We are very much the
same person.
What? How? We each grew up in the

church. We each love Jesus. We each
serve the church. We each pray daily.
We each seek to serve others in the
name of a loving God. We each read
our Books of Common Prayer. We
each devoutly read and try to live out
the word of the Bible. We each have
very strong and clear convictions
based on our interpretations of what
we read in the Bible.
But we differ fundamentally because
those interpretations vary, and in that
we are broken because of our separate
convictions.
I have struggled for seven years to
live as an active member of congregations in The Episcopal Diocese of
Albany. This struggle is new to me in
my 40 years of life because in every
other place I have ever lived I have
known my beloved church, The Episcopal Church, to be a brightly shining beacon of inclusive love and forward thinking that practices radical
hospitality and love to all who enter
through its doors. Who I am as a gay
man was never an issue for me in the
church because I was always deeply
aware that I was seen, honored and
loved completely as a child of God.
It is, I have realized, impossible for
me to be seen, honored or loved completely as a child of God in this diocese by its bishop or by a majority of
its clergy. Impossible because they
cannot see past my sexuality. They see
me not as a child of God but as someone who they consider to be an abhorrent sexual being that is not of
God and when they see me that way

they are not looking at me through
the eyes of Jesus. And to me, if they, as
members of the clergy and as human
beings who profess to be followers of
Jesus, cannot see me through the eyes
of Christ, then they have failed their
baptismal vows and their ministries in
the church.
What can I do about that while on my
journey?
I can continue to see them, honor
them, and love them as children of
God. I can pray that they might one
day have a change of heart that allows them to see me just as I see them.
And that we might all, together in
The Episcopal Diocese of Albany, be
witnesses of the inclusive and loving
Gospels that the overwhelming majority of The Episcopal Church lives in
the world through thought, word and
deed.
And now, for a time, my journey takes
me to worship in a neighboring diocese where I am, without exception, a
child of God. My departure from my
church home is not an admission of
defeat, but a way for me to continue
to love and serve the church and to
live into my full potential as a beautiful and spiritual being. I miss my beloved church family at The Cathedral
of All Saints in Albany, but, have come
to realize as I have discovered in my
heart...
I have not left. I have walked forward.
Louis Bower Bannister is a life-long Angli

can/Episcopalian who lives in Albany. He
is the proprietor of The Enchanted Florist
in downtown Albany. He can often be seen
his enthusiastic and delinquent
We Are Broken because of our separate convictions chasing
puppy, Oliver, through Washington Park.
This article is one of a series provided by Advocates for Welcoming Congregations, a Capital Region group that encourages the
welcoming of LGBT persons into the full life and leadership of communities of faith. The group also works to make visible for
members of the LGBT community opportunities for practicing their faith traditions.
25
Members
as of Aug. 19, 2015
Albany Medical Center

Albany.com/Mannix Marketing
Alliance for Positive Health
Aras Performance Group, Inc
Bank of America/ Merrill Lynch
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
BBL Hospitality
Trans*,Queer & Allied
Berkshire Bank Foundation
Professionals
Bomber's Burrito Bar
Networking Event
Buenau's Opticians
Canterbury Animal Hospital
Capital District YMCA
Casswood Insurance
CDPHP
Central Avenue BID
Classy Body Art
Connections Psychotherapy
Consumer Optical
Corey Jamison Consulting, LLC.
Deb Best Practices
Decrescente
Deja Vu
DiCarlo's
Ellis Medicine
Empire Merchants North
Experience and Creative Design, Ltd.
Geri Pomerantz, Esq
GP Fund Solutions LLC
HomoRadio
Interim Healthcare
James Leone State Farm
Janet Stein / Arbonne International
Jay Zhang Photography
Joseph Roche, Accounting
Journey United Church of Christ
Key Bank
LAX on Lark
Lucas Confectionery and Wine Bar
Mansion Inn
Mark D. Witecki, CPA
Mazzone Hospitality / Aperitivo Bistro
McGeary's
Mexican Radio Schenectady
Montgomery County Office for Aging
MVP Health Care
New York Life Insurance Company
Northeast Acura
NYSUT
Oh Bar
Olde English Pub
Save the Date for October!
Pecks Arcade
Price Chopper Supermarkets
Monday, Oct. 5th
Rain Modern Chinese
6-8 pm
RBC Wealth Management
Renaissance Albany Hotel
River Street Mens Club
ROCKS
Ronnie Mangione / Wealth Advisory Group
Samaritan Hospital
Spindles on Remsen
Scofield Access Solutions LLC
Security Plumbing & Heating Supply
241 Remsen St, Cohoes, 12047
Skylands Services, INC
$10 Suggested Donation
Spectrum 8 Theatre
donate in advance at
Sunrise Management and Consulting
TD Bank
The Desmond
The Grocery
Tri City Rentals
University at Albany Foundation
Waterworks Pub
Wells Fargo
Wolff s Biergarten, Schenectady
www.capitalpridecenter.org/events/octobernetworking
26
ASK MARK YO U R TA X Q U ESTI O N S
Welcome to the DEAR MARK column where

you can ask a tax question. Of course some
questions cannot be answered to due to the
limited space in this column or warrant more
facts due to specific circumstances of the taxpayer. Answers that apply to specific taxpayers
may not necessary apply to others. Changes in
tax law and rules may affect answers given at
any point. You can write Mark at Mark Witecki
CPA CFP(R) CFE, 3701 State St, Schenectady,
NY 12304
============================
Dear Mark W,
I received a notice from the IRS and
they are looking for a form 5500 for
me. It says something about a pension. What is that about? I do have a
pension plan for my business and I
am self employed with no employees
except myself.
Sign me,
Wondering
Dear Wondering,
Form 5500 is designed to report pension information for a pension plan.
Certain plans do not have to report
on Form 5500 but others do. If you are
self employed, and the value of your
pension during at the end of the year
is $ 250,000 or more, and you do not
choose to file Form 5500-SF electronically, then you can file Form 5500-EZ
and that return is filed on paper only,
unless it is the final year of the plan.
Please contact me as I need a lot more
information from you to adequately
answer your question.
Mark,
Mr. Witecki,
I just bought a brownstone and it

needs a lot of work. I have heard of
historical tax credits. How do they
work?
I recently sold a painting for 8700 dollars but I don't know what the cost is
because I inherited the painting. What
to do about taxes?
VTY, Adam
Yours Truly
Albany Al
Dear Adam,
It depends if the historical property
is commercial, residential rental or
commercial. There are a lot of rules,
such as those certifying your property
as a historical property and then other rules such as choosing to take the
credits during construction or at the
end, the percentage of exterior work
that will be done, etc. Contact me for
an appointment as the rules are complex.
============================
Dear Mark,
I received a notice from the Worker's
Compensation Board and the letter says I owe a lot of money over 20
thousand. I have a small corporation
and no other employees besides myself . I asked my accountant and she
does not know what to do. Help me.
Dear Help me,
One and two person employeeowners of corporations are not liable for worker's compensation unless
they have other employees. Worker's
Compensation should be advised of
that. There is also a similar rule for
NYS Short Term Disability Insurance which the Worker's Compensation Board regulates that may also be
sending you a notice.
Dear Albany Al,

Try and get the value of the painting
from an art appraiser on the date of
death of the person you inherited the
painting from. If an estate tax return
was done for the deceased, the painting's value might be listed on the return. The tax cost of the painting is the
Date of Death value from the person
you inherited the painting from.
Answers that apply to specific taxpayers may not necessary apply to others.
Changes in tax law and rules may affect answers given at any point. You
can write Mark at Mark Witecki CPA
CFP(R) CFE, 3701 State St, Schenectady, NY 12304. Mark D. Witecki specializes in small businesses and professional
individuals. Mr. Witecki has a B. S. in
Accounting from S. U. N. Y. Albany and
an M. S. in Accounting from Syracuse
University. Mark D. Witecki is a Certified Public Accountant, CERTIFIED
FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified
College Planning Specialist and is admitted to practice before the United States
Tax Court. Certified Financial Planner
Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP , CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and federally
registered CFP (with flame design) in the
U.S., which it awards to individuals who
successfully complete CFP Boards initial
and ongoing certification requirements.
Marks office is located at 3701 State
Street, Schenectady, New York
============================= ============================= =============================
Mark D. Witecki
Certified Public Accountant
Certified Financial Planner
Certified Fraud Examiner
Tax Preparation
3701 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12304
(518) 346-4000 f: (518) 346-5196
Certified
Financial
Planner
Board
of
Standards,
Inc.
owns
the
Certified
Marks
CFP
(c).
Certified
Financial
Planner
and
federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S. which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFPs initial and ongoing certification requirements
27
THE FASHIONABLE AND THE FRIVOLOUS by ALAN BENNET ILAGAN
SCHOOL,
SHOES
AND
SHAME
Show
Your
Pride
Online

When I was in third
grade, saddle shoes were all the rage.
At least I thought they were - the way
they contrasted so delightfully in and
of themselves, the way they sharpened
an outfit. I didn't pay much attention
to who exactly was wearing them, but
I loved the way they looked and soon
became obsessed with getting a pair.
At Buster Brown there was a pair of
saddle shoes - for boys in fact - and I
rejoiced as I slid them on my feet. Ahh,
the glory of a pair of shoes! These shone
in shiny black and white, beacons of
pride and joy, like tickling piano keys as
I walked. I marched around the store,
admiring them in the shoe mirrors.
They were bold, and at first my feet
were unaccustomed to something so
demanding of a second look. Could I
pull them off? Of course! How could I
not? I thought of those pretty little girls
parading around in their pristine saddle
shoes, topped by perfectly-white frilly
socks. How they glided along on dainty
footsteps, how they made it look so
effortlessly elegant and easy, and how I
wanted to do the same.
The first day I wore my saddle shoes
I felt like I was floating into school. I
was making my own black-and-white
checker-tiled dance-floor, Fred Astaire
and Ginger Rogers all rolled into one
(before I even heard their names in the
Vogue rap).
Yet the whispers upon my entering
class were not of awe or envy. I knew
those whispers even then. These were
whispers of confusion. These were the
whispers of discomfort. These were the
whispers of ridicule. I thought I heard
someone say they were girl shoes.
28
Then, sudden and swift and irrevocable,

the onslaught of shame. With reddened
face and panicky disposition, I seethed
in inner agony. I quickly took my seat
and swung my feet under my chair, away
from prying eyes. At heads-down time,
I peeked under the desks to study the

feet around me. Only girls were wearing
saddle shoes.
I shrunk in embarrassment. I cringed at
the monstrosities on my feet. I'd made
a fatal misstep. I who never faltered,
who never failed, now felt the hot flush
of being the almost-object of ridicule.
I felt myself teetering on the brink of
becoming ostracized from the only
people who seemed to matter. Yet I never
let on that those whispers bothered me,
or even made it to my ears. I never let
on how badly they crushed my ego and
destroyed the silly bit of joy I got in those
shoes. I never let on that when they tried
to break me, they had in fact succeeded.
I didn't wear the saddle shoes much
after that just a few more times so as
not to arouse the suspicion or ire of my
frugal parents for not making use of new
shoes. They went back into their box,
worn only at home or on vacation or
where I could be myself and not worry
about being chided for it.
Everything I do today, every strange,
questionable object I wear, is done in
honor of that little boy who was robbed
of such joy, held captive for the rest of his
boyhood by a gang of innocently cruel
children. They were taught by the world
to dress like a boy or a girl, and there was
never room for anything in-between.
Another line between innocence
and shame. Another demarcation of
growing up. The way we erase our
identities to fit in, to feel like we belong
I didnt know then that it was the very
way I would grow to hate myself. It
would take years before I returned to my
quirky style. Years of khakis and polos,
and jeans and sneakers, and trying
to be the boy everyone wanted me to
be. Years in which I pushed my lovely
saddle shoes into the dark recesses of
my closet, and the life-loving fun that
should comprise every childhood into
the hidden recesses of my heart.
Alan Bennett Ilagan is a
freelance writer and
amateur photographer who
resides in upstate New York
with his husband Andy. He
created the website www.
ALANILAGAN.com, which
contains a repository of his
work, as well as a daily blog;
the website recently celebrated its tenth
anniversary online. He was the manager of the
Romaine Brooks Gallery from 2008 to 2012. His
writing has appeared in Instinct, xy magazine,
Capitalmen, Q Northeast, the Windy City
Times, and the Boston Phoenix. Notable artistic
collaborations have been created with the likes
of Steven Underhill, Paul Richmond, Dennis
Dean, and Michael Breyette.
Welcoming Congregations
Join Us In Exploring Your Spiritual Side At One Of The Welcoming Congregations Below:
Community Congregational Church (UCC)
221 Columbia Tpke,
Rensselaer
www.clintonheightsucc.org
First Church in Albany

110 North Pearl Street, Albany
www.firstchurchinalbany.org
(518)463-4449
Community Reformed Church of Colonie

701 Sand Creek Road, Colonie
www.coloniereformed.org (518)869-5589
First Congregational Church of Albany

UCC & NACCC
405 Quail Street, Albany
www.firstcongregationalalbany.org
(518)482-4580
Congregation Agudat Achim (Conservative)

2117 Union Street,
Schenectady
www.agudatachim.org (518) 393-9211
First Lutheran Church

181 Western Avenue, Albany
www.FirstLutheranAlbany.org
(518)463-1326
Congregation Bnai Shalom (Reform)

420 Whitehall Road, Albany
www.bnaishalom.albany.ny.us
(518) 482-5283
First Presbyterian Church

362 State Street, Albany
www.firstpresalbany.org (518)449-7332
Congregation Berith Sholom (Reform)

167 Third Street, Troy
www.berithsholom.org
(518)272-8872
First Reformed Church

8 North Church Street,
Schenectady
www.1streformed.com
Congregation Beth Emeth (Reform)

100 Academy Road, Albany
www.bethemethalbany.org (518)436-9761
First Unitarian Society of Schenectady

1221 Wendell Avenue,
Schenectady
www.fussonline.org (518)374-4446
Congregation Gates of Heaven (Reform)

842 Ashmore Avenue,
Schenectady
www.cgoh.org
(518)374-8173
Congregation Ohav Shalom (Conservative)
113 New Krumkill Road, Albany
www.ohavshalom.org
Congregation Temple Sinai (Reform)
509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
www.templesinai-saratogasprings.org
(518) 584-8730
Delmar Presbyterian Church
585 Delaware Ave,
Delmar
www.delmarpres.org
Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church
943 Palmer Avenue,
Schenectady
www.easternparkway.weebly.com
(518)374-4306
St. Georges Episcopal Church
30 North Ferry St.,
Schenectady
www.stgeorgesschenectady.org
Emmanuel Baptist Church
275 State Street, Albany, NY
www.emmanuelalbany.net (518)465-5161
First Unitarian Universalist Society of

Albany
405 Washington Avenue, Albany
www.albanyuu.org
(518)463-7135
First United Methodist Church
603 State Street, Schenectady,
www.gbgm-umc.org/schenectady
(518)374-4403
First United Methodist Church, East
Greenbush
www.fumceg.org
First United Presbyterian Church
1915 Fifth Avenue, Troy
www.unitedprestroy.org (518)272-2771
Friends Meeting (Quaker)
727 Madison Avenue, Albany
(518) 436-8812
Presbyterian New England Congregational
Church,
Saratoga
http://pnecchurch.org/
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
501 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville
www.goodshepherdchurchloudonville.org
(518)458-1562
Holy Trinity National

Catholic Church
405 Washington Avenue, Albany
www.NCCofA.org/holytrin.html
(518)434-8861
Journey United
Church of Christ
500 Kenwood Blvd, Delmar
www.journeyucc.com
Saratoga Springs United
Methodist Church
175 Fifth Avenue,
Saratoga Springs
www.saratogaspringsumc.org (518)5843720
Saint Aelreds Priory and Retreat House
(National Catholic)
670 Bunker Hill Road,
Northville
staelredpriory@aol.com
(518) 863-8086 / (518) 434-8861
St. Andrews Episcopal Church
Main at Madison Avenue, Albany
www.standrewsalbany.org (518)489-4747
St. Johns Lutheran Church
160 Central Avenue, Albany
www.stjohnsalbany.org (518)465-7545
Temple Israel
600 New Scotland Avenue, Albany
www.tialbany.org
(518) 438-7858
Unitarian Universalist
Congregation of Saratoga
624 North Broadway,
Saratoga Springs
www.saratoga-uu.org (518)584-1555
Unity Church in Albany
21 King Avenue, Albany
www.unitychurchinalbany.org (518)4533603
Woodstock
Jewish Congregation
(Reconstructionist)
1682 Glasco Turnpike, Woodstock
www.wjcshul.org
(845)246-1671
Proud To
Be Open!
Affirming!
Welcoming!
Joyous!
29
Every WEDNESDAY
TRIVIA NIGHT
ng
7PM
Fun & Prizes!!

Every THURSDAY
50 WING NIGHT
Beer Specials
Check out our new Express Lunch - Only $599

Call 372-6024 for details
441 State Street, Schenectady, NY

(518) 372-6024
EVENTS THINGS TO DO CONTESTS
GAZETTE
Guide to the Capital Region
P I TA L R E G I O N
DINING NIGHTLIFE DIRECTORY

& MORE!
WWW.DAILYGAZETTE.COM
CAPITOL
FE Act
Cuomo
touts
tax
relief
Proudly continuing to serve as the voice
of the LGBT community after 22 years

Live every Sunday 10AM 2 PM
Advertisers Index
AIDS WAlk .....3
Albany.com.....30
Albany Gay Mens Chorus....35
Buenaus Opticians.....32
Canterbury Animal Hospital.....11
Choices Counseling & Consulting.....11
Congregation Agudat Achim.....38
Corey Jamison Consulting.....12
Drue Sanders Custom Jewelers.....16
First United Presbyterian Church.....11
Friends of Dan McCoy.....6
HomoRadio.....30
Interim Healthcare.....19
Jay Zhang Photography.....11
Law Office of Geri Pomerantz....17
Joseph Roche, Accountant.....29
Ronnie Mangione, Financial Advisor.....12
Nicos Rooftop Tavern.....30
Northeast Acura.....16
Presnyterian Rainbow.....34
Project Hope.....32
Queer Engineer.....34
Realty USA - The Capital Team.....19
RiverStone Consulting.....11
Saratoga Pride.....34
Scofield Access Solutions, LLC.....12
Security Plumbing and Heating Supply.....11
Skylands Services.....12
Spectrum 8 Theatre.....32
Tri City Rentals.....40
Welcoming Congregations.....29
Wells Fargo Advisors.....19
Thomas J. Walling, CFP / Cetera Advisor Networks.....12
Warner and Warner Attorneys at Law.....19
Mark Witecki CPA, CFP......27
Check us OUT: WRPI 91.5 FM or wrpi.org

518.276.6248
DODSON/GAZETTE PHOTOGRAPHER
r a photo Monday at Woodub in Guilderland.
30
homoradio.blogspot.com
Breaks eyed for

manufacturers,
For more information
contact Steven @ (518) 462-6138 or sminchin@capitalpridecenter.org
some homeowners
BY MICHAEL VIRTANEN
MICHAEL COOKS AND YOU CAN TOO by MICHAEL MEADE

Inspired by a couple of friends
who went to Rome this summer (and
came home five pounds heavier, raving about the cuisine), I thought that
this month wed take a vicarious tour
of Italy through a couple of classic
Italian pasta sauces.
meat for later. In the same pot, saut

the onion and garlic in the olive oil
& butter until the onions are translucent. Deglaze the pan with wine and
reduce by half. Puree the whole tomatoes and add them to the pot along
with the sliced carrots and reserved
meat. Simmer for about 1 1/2 hours.
(If the sauce becomes too dry add a
little water or chicken stock) Salt and
Pepper to taste.
In a big pot of salted boiling water,
cook pasta al dente. Serve sauce over
pasta with grated cheese.
Pasta Bolognese
Bolognese sauce (ragu alla Bolognese
in Italian, also known by its French
name, Sauce Bolognaise) is a meatbased pasta sauce originating in Bologna in the central Northern region of
Italy. Its one of the most famous Italian sauces and one that most Americans are familiar with. The people
of Bologna traditionally serve their
famous ragu with freshly-made tagliatelle (the Northern Italian name
for fettuccine). Less traditionally, the
sauce is served with rigatoni or used
as the stuffing for lasagna or cannelloni.
1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. ground veal or lamb
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 large onion, chopped
4 - 6 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup red wine
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 16 oz. can whole tomatoes with/ juice
Salt & pepper to taste
1 pound fettuccine or rigatoni
Parmesan cheese for grating on top
Have all your meats ready to go and

start a big pot of water boiling. Peel
and dice the onion. Then peel and
finely chop the garlic. Peel the carrots
and cut them into 1/2 inch pieces cutting across the carrot. In a large sauce
pot, brown the chopped beef and
(veal or lamb), drain fat and reserve
Fettuccine Alfredo
Alfredo is a sauce made from heavy
cream, butter, parsley and minced
garlic. It is most often served on fettuccine. Alfredo sauce was invented
in Rome in 1914 by restaurant owner
Alfredo di Lello. An earlier version
was a Roman dish known as Fettuccine al burro (fettuccine with butter),
prepared only with butter, Parmigiano
Reggiano and reserved cooking water
as a sauce. The butter was added both
before and after the fettuccine was
put into the serving bowl, a technique
known as doppio burro (double butter). Di Lillos original contribution
was to increase the amount of butter
and add cream to the recipe to create
a thicker, smoother (and even richer)
sauce.
Fettuccine Alfredo became extremely
popular and di Lello's restaurant attracted many celebrities. Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, two
silent screen stars whose marriage
created a media frenzy not equaled
until Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, fell
in love with the dish while on their
highly-publicized honeymoon in
1919. As a result, Fettuccine Alfredo
was introduced in the United States
and became for many Americans their
first taste of Italian cuisine. Today,
Fettuccine Alfredo is far more popular in the United States than in Italy,
where it is mostly served to American tourists (many Italians have never
even tried it). You can make any modification you like to the basic Fettuccine Alfredo, including cubed cooked
chicken, fresh or frozen peas or other
vegetables. It can also be served on
any type of pasta you like.
1/2 cup butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground
black pepper (or to taste)
1 pound fettuccine
Chopped fresh parsley for sprinkling
Additional freshly grated Parmesan
cheese for sprinkling
In a big pot of salted boiling water,

cook fettuccine al dente. While pasta
is cooking, melt butter in large skillet; brown the minced garlic in the
butter, then add cream, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer for a
few minutes uncovered to reduce and
thicken sauce. Remove from heat and
add cooked fettuccine and one cup
of Parmesan. Sprinkle with chopped
parsley. Toss to combine and serve
immediately with an extra sprinkling
of Parmesan cheese over the top, if
desired.
Michael Meade graduated
from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde
Park, New York, worked
at Jacks Oyster House in
Albany and is currently
sous-chef at Thunder
Mountain Curry in Troy.
Questions and comments are
welcome at
Michaelmeade1215@yahoo.com
31
HIS PROFILE PIC

DOESNT TELL YOU EVERYTHING
Ask if hes been tested for syphilis. Get yourself tested.
iSYPHY
syphilis has many profiles
Go to: r u b b a b o y z . n e t
32
HERES GUFFMAN by PATRICK WHITE
SOMETHING ABOUT MARY

My first encounter with Mary
Darcy was seeing her interview Stephen
Sondheim at HVCC a couple of years
ago. She was so poised, professional, engaging, knowledgeable and spontaneous,
I thought to myself who is this? I have
since seen her onstage as the housewife Muriel who breaks out of her shell
in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the jaded
Joanne in Mr. Sondheims Company
with LAGS and most recently as the
soothsayer/domestic [Cassandra]
in
Vanya and Sonia and Mash and Spike at
Curtain Call. It was also hard not to notice how many people were attracted to
Mary and attended her shows to see her.
I sat down with her recently to find out
something about Mary.

What do you do, Mary?
I write, edit, sell advertising and plan
events for All Over Albany which is a
website about the Capital Region-Albany, Schenectady, Troy all the hamlets in
between, things to do within the North,
South, East and West of us. I spend my
days writing about things people need to
know who live in the Capital region. Its
kind of the virtual water cooler for the
Capital region. What the news of the day
is, what do you want to do, where do you
want to go. What food is really good. We
just took 120 people down the Hudson
on a train and back up on a cruise. We
did tasting and tours. Its for curious people. People who have an omnivorous curiosity and are really engaged in the place
that they live. One of the things that they
are interested in is theater.
What interests you about the theater?
I write and sell that by dayWhat [do]
I really want to do? Is act. I have known
from the day I could walk and talk that
I wanted to tell stories. I tell them in
print. I tell them in improv with the Mop
& Bucket, Ive been working with them
for four years. My favorite place to tell
them is onstage. I just finished doing
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
and I had this little role. I walked on and
walked off. Its the easiest thing in the
world. You walk on, you make people
laugh and you walk off. I had this moment, Cassandra has this big speech in
the second act and I felt this give and
take with the audience and I felt this incrediblethey were coming with me on
a journey. It was this moment that even
as I was doing it I felt in the back of the
head This is so awesome. You are so
lucky and so blessed.
We have this limited amount of time,
this limited time on this earth which Ive
become conscious of recently because
Ive recently lost both of my parents and
Im rethinking what my priorities are in
life. And my priorities are-Im going to
do as much of this as Im going to fit into
my life! Not only do I get joy but I give
other people joy.
People have said to me that acting is

selfish. Look at me, look at me. Acting for
me has never been look at me. Its always
bout what can I do in service? What can
I do in service of the story? In service of
the play, in service of the audience? Paying attention to other people and other
peoples stories. If you find your niche in
life where you can share something, be
of service, which people are really enjoying, whatever it isif youre a doctor,
if youre a chef, if youre whatever it is,
if youve found it- Hallelujiah! Because
some people go through their whole lives
and never find it.
Whats your take on the state of theater
in the Capital Region?
Im excited about all these new companies. People will say Oh, we dont have
enough talent to handle all these companies. Last summer I was thrilled with
Avenue Q (put on by Family Players at
the GE Theatre directed by Jeffrey Hocking). Its not my favorite show but I could
close my eyes and think I was listening to
the cast album, it was that good.
The other thing is the sharing. It now
feels this theater community is stronger
than it ever has been. I see the community in community theater. There was Anything Goes in the Park by Not So Common and this year the show was stronger
than anything Not So Common has been
able to do before, I think, because of all
the sharing thats going on between theatres. This year they had a problem with
the set. This design was too large, it didnt
fit the stage and they put out a call- We
need to do this set, we have one weekend left and everything needs to be redone. Its like, everybody came to their
aid. Its this beautiful set. Someone said

it was like by Ikea. Everything folds and
fits into everything else. Its great and it
happened because this group put out this
call looking for help and this community
said yes. We are now saying Yes.
The other thing is all the programs for
kids. I grew up and there were three
places-ACT, SCP and SLOC. I grew up
in Saratoga and later there was Home
Made but not when I was a kid. When I
was a kid there was nothing. When I was
a kid, every day Id ride my bike or watch
TV and I felt something that I couldnt
name. Much later I knewacting is what
I should have been doing.
What are you excited about in the new
season?
I'm looking forward to so many things!
Mostly Sweeney Todd at SLOC, Clybourne Park at Schenectady Civic and
Glengarry Glen Ross at Curtain Call
and Angel Street at Albany Civic.
Angel Street
Albany Civic Theater
235 Second Ave.
Albany, NY 12209
September 4, 5, 6; 11, 12, 13, 2015
Sweeney Todd
Schenectady Light Opera Company
(SLOC)
427 Franklin Street
Schenectady, NY 12305
January 29 Feb 7, 2016
Glengarry Glen Ross
Curtain Call Theater
210 Old Loudon Rd.
Latham, NY 12110
February 19 - March 19
Clybourne Park
Schenectady Civic Players
12 S Church St,
Schenectady, NY 12305
(Auditions: March 1 & March 3@ 7:30PM)
May 6 8 and 11 15, 2016
Patrick White is a
Capital Region actor,
director and teacher
who will be in The
Night Alive at Curtain Call Theatre
10/16-11/7. He teaches an acting class
Saturday mornings in downtown Albany.
white.patrick1963@gmail.com
33
These Presbyterian Churches Welcome You

Where you can find a place ~ come as you are!
Albany
First Presbyterian
State & Willett Streets
www.firstpresalbany.org
Sunday Worship 8:30 am & 10:45 am
Hudson
369 Warren Street
FirstPresHudson.org
Sunday Worship 10:45 am
Spencertown
St. Peters Presbyterian Church
5219 County Route 7
SaintPetersPC.org
Albany
Westminster Presbyterian
262 State Street
www.WPCalbany.org
Hudson Falls
5 River Street
www.fpchudsonfalls.org
Stephentown
Stephentown Federated Church
1513 Garfield Road
StephentownFederatedChurch.org
Amsterdam
United Presbyterian Church
25 Church Street
www.upchurch25.org
Putnam Station
Putnam United Presbyterian Church
365 County Route 2
518-547-8378
Stillwater
Stillwater United Church
747 Hudson Avenue
StillwaterUnitedChurch.org
Sunday Worship 9:00 & 10:30 am
Colonie
Roessleville Presbyterian Church
Elmhurst and Central Avenue
518-459-2816
Rensselaer
34 Broadway
518-463-0894
Troy (Lansingburgh)
Cornerstone Community Church
570 3rd Avenue
www.cornerstoneccl.org
Delmar
Delmar Presbyterian Church
585 Delaware Avenue
www.delmarpres.org
Rensselaerville
Rensselaerville Presbyterian Church
1454 CR 351
rvillepres.org
Sunday Worship 11:00 am (Summer Only)
Troy
First United
1915 Fifth Avenue (downtown)
www.UnitedPresTroy.org
Glens Falls
400 Glen Street
Saratoga Springs
Presbyterian-New England Congregational
24 Circular Street
www.pnecchurch.org
Valatie
3212 Church Street
518-758-9658
FPCgf.org

Guilderland
Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church
2291 Western Avenue
Scotia-Glenville
Trinity Presbyterian Church
185 Swaggertown Rd.
HamiltonUnionPresbyterianChurch.org
www.ScotiaTrinity.org
Sunday Worship 8:30 am & 10:00 am Sunday Worship 10:00 am
West Charlton
West Charlton United Presbyterian
1331 Sacandaga Road
www.westcharltonUPC.org
QueerEngineer
age ad for September 2015 CommUnity
Get to know us & how you can support
LGBTQ* students in science, technology,
engineering, & mathematics.
/QueerEngineer
For any questions regarding this ad, please

contact Judy Moyer (518) 283-7663 or
Moyer.Judith@gmail.com.
Presbyterian Rainbow contract for 2015
@QueerEngineer
We are all Gods children ~ Come as you are!
34
A Pride Center of the Capital Region affiliate
Affiliate Events
CHORUS REHEARSAL
The Albany Gay Mens Chorus rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 6:45 to 9:00pm at the First Lutheran Church.
For more information: www.albanygmc.org, E-mail: albanygmc@yahoo.com, Voice-mail: (518) 459-7563 or join us
on Facebook at: Albany Gay Mens Chorus - AGMC.
MOVIE NIGHT-SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH

We will begin at 5PM at Harveys Pub, 14 Phila Street Saratoga Springs,. From there, we can decide who wants to see
what movies and leave accordingly for Bowtie Cinemas.
LESBIAN NETWORKING BREAKFAST

We meet on the third Thursday of each month, at the Country Corner Caf on Church Street in the upstairs dining room
at 7:30 am. Latecomers are welcome.
MONTHLY GLBTQ SUPPORT GROUP

Second Sunday of the Month
Fallstaff Building, Skidmore College
3-4:30pm.
Contact Caroline with questions:
518.857.9361
agmc
AGMC
is an affiliate of
agmc is an affiliate
agmc is an affiliate of
of
A
GMC
AGMC
AGMC
AGMC
AGMC
is looking
new
members
is lookingfor
for new
members
Albany
Gay
Chorus
Albany
Gay Mens
Mens Chorus
is looking for new members

Albany Gay Mens Chorus
Rehearsals
Tuesdays
Rehearsals are
are Tuesdays
6:45
- -9:00
pm
at
the
6:45
9:00 pm
at
the
First
Lutheran
Albany.
First
Lutheran Church
Church ofof
Albany.
For
more Information
Information
For
more
Website:w
www.albanygmc.org
Website:
w w.albanygmc.org
E-mail:
albanygmc@
yahoo.com
E-mail:
albanygmc
@
yahoo.com
Voice-mail: 518
518- 459-7563
Voice-mail:
- 459-7563
Join
usfacebook...
on facebook...
Albany Gay
Mens
Chorus
- agmc
Join us
on
Albany
Gay
Mens
Chorus
-
agmc
35
WEEKLY
EVENTS
SUNDAYS
EveryLGBTQ Alcoholics Anonymous

Sun.
in the Garden Level
7-8:30
**
of the month
nd
pm
of themonth
Game Night
in the Rainbow Cafe
6-9
Supper Sunday
on the 1st Floor
59
pm
of themonth
Mon..of themonth
Weds.
MONDAYS
Weds.
TUESDAYS
(ages 18 & under)
Saratoga Springs Library, Susman Room pm
49 Henry St, Saratoga Springs 4:30-6
Tues.
3rd
Capital Region Support Group

for Family & Friends
of LGBTQ People**
First Unitarian Society of Schenectady

1221 Wendel Ave, Schenectady
more info: Deborah Kenyon
7pm
deborahkenyon2@gmail.com, 518-584-4774 (C),
518-695-4117 (H)
Trans* Pride Meet & Greet

on the 1st Floor
7-9pm
Tues.
of themonth
th
Saratoga LGBTQA Youth Group
(ages 18 & under)

Saratoga Springs Library, Susman Room
49 Henry St, Saratoga Springs
Tues.
of themonth
4:30-6
7pm
Womens Group
on the 1st Floor
6-7pm
social hour
7-8pm discussion
(ages 18 & under)
Proctors Theater, Guild Room

432 State St., Schenectady
6-7:30pm
LGBTQ Narcotics Anonymous **

in the Garden Level
7:30-8:30pm
FRIDAYS
Saratoga LGBTQA Youth Group
of themonth
LGBTQ Book Club

on the 1st Floor
Schenectady LGBTQA Youth Group
of themonth
7pm
THURSDAYS
Trans* Pride Discussion Group

on the 1st Floor
7-9pm
nd
Live from the Livingroom

Poetry Open Mic**
in the Garden Level
of themonth
Mens Peer Support Group

on the 1st Floor
7-8:30pm
Tues.
6-7pm
social hour
7-8pm discussion
of themonth
Thurs.of themonth
Sun.
of themonth
- pm
Every
Last
Every
Womens Group
on the 1st Floor
Weds.
Sun.
1st
2
3rd
th
4
nd
WEDNESDAYS
AYO! Youth Drop in Space
Every
Friday
of the month
(ages 18 & under)

on 1st Floor & in the Garden Level
3-9pm
garden level only on 1st Fridays
Albany LGBTQA Youth Group

(ages 18 & under)
in the Garden Level
7-8:30pm
Special Artist Reception and Opening

in the Romaine Brooks Gallery
check out the artists at
www.capitalpridecenter.org/RBG
on the 1st Floor
5-9pm
Except where noted all events take place at

pm
The Pride Center

332 Hudson Ave
Albany, NY 12210
The Garden Level can be accessed from the street
through the door beneath the front steps
36
Anonymous meetings held at the Pride Center are non-affiliated, independent groups
**indicates
an outside group that meets at the Pride Center
Special Events
Friday September 4
Opening Reception for
Seeing Me: Archetypes of Beauty
Join us at the Romaine Brooks Gallery for a special 1st

Friday reception to celebrate the opening of Pilar ArthurSnead's solo show, Seeing Me: Archetypes of Beauty. Enjoy
complimentary refreshments and community as you visit
with the artist and her photographic installation.
Friday, August 7
Romaine Brooks Gallery
The Pride Center
332 Hudson Ave, Albany, 12210
5-9 pm
Free!
Tuesday, September 15
2015 U.S. Trans Survey-Taking Event!
The National Center for Trans Equality (NCTE) is
working with organizations across the country to provide access to complete the U.S. Trans Survey to those
who may not have computer access, who may need
assistance when taking the survey, or who may need a
safe place to take the survey. This will occur through
survey events throughout the country.
We are excited to announce that the Pride Center will
be hosting a survey taking event at September's Trans
Pride Meet and Greet!
We'll have snacks, laptops and WiFi available in the
Garden Level. The survey can be completed on a computer or on any web-enabled device, such as a tablet
or smart phone, and is available in English and Spanish. Group facilitators will also be present to help folks
navigate the site, or to help answer any questions!
The Meet and Greet will still occur on the 1st floor.
OPEN TO TRANS* AND GENDER-QUESTIONING
PEOPLE 18+ ONLY.
Thank you in advance to our cisgender (non-trans)
friends and partners for showing your allyship by respecting the survey space as a trans-only space.
Tuesday, September 15
Garden Level & Rainbow Cafe
The Pride Center
332 Hudson Ave, Albany, 12210
7-9 pm
Free!
The U.S. Trans Survey is now available to complete! If
you can not make the event or would like to complete
the survey at home visit: www.ustranssurvey.org
Saturday, September 26
2015 AIDS Walk
The 2015 Capital Region AIDSWalk will bring together our community
to celebrate the lives of friends, family, and our neighbors living with HIV/
AIDS.
Please join us for a fun filled day with food, entertainment, and awards to
support local organizations providing HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention
education, counseling, and healthcare services for those living with this
disease.
Proceeds benefit the men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS
served by the Pride Center and Capital Region AIDS organizations!
Saturday. September 26
Washington Park, Albany
11 am - Registration
12 am - Walk
Sunday, September 27
Apple Picking with Center Families
This annual, seasonal classic can only get better with friends!
Plan now and enjoy a special day picking apples with community and our little ones!
Center Families is program of the Pride Center dedicated to
empowering and celebrating LGBTQ headed families across
the Capital Region.
Sunday, September 27
Indian Ladder Farms
392 Altamont Road, Altamont, 12009
Time TDA
No Cost to Enter - Pay for What you Pick
LOOKING AHEAD :
Monday, October 5
LGBTQA Professionals Networking Event
The Regions Largest LGBTQA Monthly Event returns in October with it's first installment in Cohoes. Plan now to join us
and meet up with friends , distribute your business cards, and
make important business contacts.
Monday, October 5
6-8PM
Spindles on Remsen
241 Remsen St., Cohoes, 12047
$10 suggested donation
(May be donated beforehand, for your convenience at

www.capitalpridecenter.org/events/octobernetworking/)
Friday, October 16
2015 Pride Center Gala!
Friday, October 16
Hilton Albany
5:30 pm
Info: www.capitalpridecenter.org/2015-pride-center-gala
37
SPORTS / FUN & GAMES

Gay Skate - Tuesdays - An open skate
for the LGBTQ Community! $9.50 w.
Skate Rental / $6.50 w. your own skates.
For more info contact David at DB40@
AOL.com or (518) 573-3962 - 7-9:30pmRollarama Skating Center, 2710 Hamburg St., Schenectady
Geek and Gaymer Night -Thursdays
- 9pm- Rocks, 77 Central Ave, Albany
(518) 472-3588
Capital Area Pride Bowlers will be
starting the first half of their new season
on Sept 13th the Sunday till Nov 29th.
Then off for the holidays ! It is 15.00 per
week dues. For the first day of bowling
arrive by 5:30. Open to all. Sportsman Bowling Lanes, 1652 Crane St.
Schenectady. More info - Dimas (518)
894-1083.
K
Waterworks Pub - Mondays - 10pm

- 2am, No Cover. (18+) 76 Central Ave,
Albany, (518) 465-9079
Oh Bar - Thursdays - 10pm - 1am,
No Cover. (21+) 304 Lark St., Albany,
(518) 463-9004
Waterworks Pub - Fridays - 10pm
18+ (w. cover)- 76 Central Ave, Albany,
(518) 465-9079
ROCKS - Fridays - 9pm-12am 77
Central Ave, Albany, (518) 472-3588
Circus Cafe - Saturdays -10pm
- 2am, (21+) 392 Broadway, Saratoga,
(518) 583-1106
Center Square Pub - Saturdays
- 10pm - 2am, No Cover. 32 Dove St.,
Albany, (518) 729-2880
OPEN
MIC
/
LITERARY
Wednesday 8/ 12- Live from the
Livingroom monthly poetry open
mic- The Pride Center, Garden Level
332 Hudson Ave, Albany, (518) 4626138
Calendar
Open Minded Mic & Talent

Showcase (for all performers)- Every
1st & 3rd Thursday - sign up 8:30pm
start 9:00pm - Rocks, 77 Central Ave.,
Albany - (518) 472-3588
Variety Open Mic - Sundays - 10

pm - 12am - Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Avem Albany - (518) 465-9079
SOCIAL / SUPPORT GROUPS
Out of the Closet I Am (for
women who have sex with women): 1st
& 3rd Wednesdays- 6:30pm-8pm
Mens Empowerment Group: 1st
& 3rd Thursdays -6-7:30pm
Voices of Unity (for Transgender
people of color): 2nd & 4th Wednesday
of each month from 6pm-7:30pm
Groups listed above meet at In Our
Own Voices, 245 Lark St., Albany, (518)
432-4188
YouthPride! A student led meeting that centers around helping LGBTQ
students and allied students discuss
matters in our community, schools, and
in their Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs)
that they have in their schools. YouthPride provides leadership development
and an opportunity to help plan activities around GLSENs Days of Action and
Days of Support. 1st Friday of the month
6-9pm- Professor Javas Coffee Sanctuary, 217 Wolf Rd., Colonie
Trans Partners Group: provides
support for people to discuss and explore
their relationships with trans-identified
or gender non-conforming individuals.
Open to people currently in partnerships
with trans-people or people exploring
their gender identities. Monthly on Tuesdays at 5pm. Contact Faith Hoffman at
faith@choicesconsulting.com for more
information. Choices Counseling and
Consulting, 523 Western Ave. Suite 2A
Albany, NY 12203-1617, (518)438-2222
Calendar
Reach over 30,000 readers in the Capital Regions

LGBTQ and Allied community with your event. List
here, it in the leading printed and most widely
distributed LGBTQA calendar.
Send the details of your event and a brief description
to sminchin@capitalpridecenter.org by the 15th of
the month preceding your event.
38
*CommUNITY Magazine prints 10 issues a year, with double issues in Dec/Jan & June/
July
*event listings may be edited for space and content.
Live Trivia with Frieda- Tuesdays ROCKS - 8-10pm 77 Central Ave, Albany, (518) 472-3588
Oh Bar - Wednesdays - 9pm-12am
304 Lark St., Albany, (518) 463-9004
SPECIAL COMMUNITY EVENTS

The Gayly Bowl is a community
event from In Our Own Voices where
teams can engage in a number of athletic
challenges moving from novice to advance, all in the spirit of healthy competition. Food, prizes and swag items will be
provided to all who come and participate.
Additional team points and incentives
will be given for HIV testing. Sept. 19
1-4pm Six Mile Water Works Park (136
Fuller Rd) more info and to register:
gsantos@inourownvoices.org
BEAR ALBANY Celebrates 10 years
with INFAMOUS JOCK PARTY WEEKEND! Friday events include Cigar Night
on the Patio @ Eginma Co. in Troy and
BEAR e OKE! at Waterworks Pub. Saturday night: The Main Event! Bring your
JOCK to ROCKS. Clothes check available! Sunday: Brunch at McGeary's at
noon, later, Hot Boi Auction at ROCKS.
For complete schedule, hotel information and more visit: www.bearalbany.com
The Great Gay Geek Retreat! Free
Your Inner Geek! For the third year in a
row, gay geeks will be gathering at Easton
Mountain for a weekend of relaxation,
exploration, and geeky fun! Join us for
star talks, creative workshops, bonfires,
horror movies, outdoor games and more!
September 18-20 - Easton Mountain
Retreat Center - 31 Herrington Hill
Rd., Greenwhich, NY. For rates and additional information visit: www.eastonmountain.org
NON-PROFIT
US POSTAGE
P
AID
PERMIT #798
ALBANY, NY
332 Hudson Avenue

Albany, NY 12210
Distinguished Living...Successful Living...Gay Living

Tri City Rentals is a Proud Supporter of the LGBT Community
Visit one of our

24 Fine Capital District
Apartment Communities
www.TriCityRentals.com
518.862.6600

CommUNITY Vol 3 Issue 7 (September 2015)

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

CommUNITY Vol 3 Issue 7 (September 2015)

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Words that Are Transphobic and Why Handling Triggers & Thought Ruts

School Daze....Dignity in Policy...Help is Here For the Love of the Game

6:30 pm Dinner & Awards

Tickets and Information:

Understanding Identities: Words

Geri Pomerantz pg. 17

Triggers & Thought Ruts

The Fashionable and the Frivolous

Michael Cooks and You Can Too

How To Be a Trans Ally

For The Love of The Game

The Carlilian Foundation

Declared June Pride Month in Albany County

Dan McCoy believes government should mirror the community it serves,

Re-Elect Dan McCoy, Albany County Executive.

our annual Pride Center

you continue to exclude

*Trigger Warning: Language / Examples of Transphobia

Designed by Clinton Andor - Sourced from UC Davis LGBT Resource Center

What is the most important issue or challenge facing

Trans Students...Take the Field!

(Past the shame and to the self on pg. 28)

Come Out...Find Something to Do

LETTERS TO THE EDITORmweidrich@capitalpridecenter.org

Triggers & Thought Ruts

We can honor our feelings in the

We form strict rules and unrealistic

We can practice flexibility and

FILTERING + MAGNIFYING LETTING GO

EMOTIONAL REASONING PATIENCE

We decide that because something

We can notice an emotion and

We make blanket positive / negative Try to step back instead of reacting to

Loves superhero movies and

Read Jeremy's bio online:

HELPFUL COPING STRATEGIES

Traditional & Holistic Psychotherapies

Dedicated to inclusiveness & social justice

First United Presbyterian Church

Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity

You are warmly welcome

Rainbow flags in the sanctuary & outside

Body Image & Eating Disorders

523 Western Avenue, Suite 2A (second floor) Albany, NY 12203

Lifestyle Photography is... Your Everyday, Your Important Moments, Your

Place your ad in CommUNITY and expand your brand

Wealth Advisory Group

Thomas J. Walling, CFP

INVESTMENT ADVISER REPRESENTATIVE

NY Insurance License #LA910069

Providing All Your Residential,

Historic & Commercial Construction Needs!

P.O. Box 504

Create a Safe and Open Environment

Be Informed and Examine Your Own Biases

Understand What Gender Identity Means

Walk the Walk

...Be A Trans Ally

Let us help you create the perfect wedding rings

1675 Western Ave | Albany, NY 12203 | 518.464.9636 | www.druesanders.com

ASK THE LAWYER

objectors can not be allowed to

2nd Circuit Court of Appeals

chooses not to provide the coverage