Indholdsfortegnelse for August - September 2014 i The Advocate

While the advancement of trans-gender Americans has sometimes been viewed as dependent upon the success of the broader LGBT movement, workplace protections are one place where trans Americans are pioneering a whole new area of the law—and lesbians, gays, and bisexuals appear to be following their lead. In a series of court decisions over the past couple of decades, the definition of what constitutes “sex discrimination” under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has broadened considerably to include discrimination against transgender employees. But a new development in a case earlier this year could foretell a further evolution of Title VII to cover LGB workers as well. Since 2004, several federal courts have ruled in favor of trans plaintiffs making discrimination claims, but the first court of appeals…

By the time investigative reporter Jo Becker’s book Forcing the Spring: Inside the Fight for Marriage Equality was published on April 22, the following articles—and a dozen more like them—had already debunked it: “Jo Becker’s Troubling Travesty of Gay History,” by Andrew Sullivan, The Dish, April 16 (and follow-ups on April 17 and 18); “Critics Slam Jo Becker’s Gay History Book,” by Dylan Byers, Politico, April 17; “Jo Becker’s New Book Disparages Gay-Marriage Activists’ Years of Hard Work,” by Adam Teicholz, New Republic, April 17; “The New Book About the Marriage Equality Movement Gets the Big Things Wrong,” by Chris Geidner, BuzzFeed, April 21; “The Worst Problem With Jo Becker’s Book on ‘The Fight for Marriage Equality,’” by Michelangelo Signorile, Huffington Post, April 21; “New Book on Marriage Equality Assailed…

My education in what it means to be a working trans woman began in April 1997, the moment I told my boss that I planned to transition from male to female and would soon begin coming to work as a woman. One minute I was a trusted, reliable employee on the management promotion shortlist, the next I was an unwanted problem who had to be fired for insubordination. I contacted the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights but soon discovered that while being fired for being a member of a racial, ethnic, religious, or even sexual minority was against state law, there was no such law prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or expression, and firing an employee just for being transgender was completely legal. The coming out process had…

There’s a LGBT movement happening, not at the voting booth but at the box office: A quiet revolution that may be more threatening to far-right wingnuts than thought possible. It’s kids’ movies. From ParaNorman to Frozen, animated films aimed at children (but also enjoyed by adults) are shaping how kids think about LGBT issues without ever uttering the word “gay.” The latest threat: The Boxtrolls. It remains to be seen just how great this new animated film will be when it’s released Sept. 26, but the damage (or rather, the benefit) may have already been done. When the film’s studio, Laika—the team behind ParaNorman and Coraline—started promoting the film, they did so with a trailer that showed the many types of families that kids can have today (although the humans…

More magic is coming to Orlando’s theme parks with even more new attractions and must-see family entertainment. Here’s a preview of new experiences guests won’t want to miss during their visit in 2014: Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort will sparkle like diamonds as the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster comes to life at New Fantasyland. A new day-time parade, Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will have guests dancing and singing along with beloved characters. SeaWorld® Orlando kicks off a yearlong 50th Celebration with new interactive experiences and shows, even more up-close animal encounters and the SeaWorld “Surprise Squad” treating park guests with prizes and special experiences every day. Make a splash with a thrilling, new drop slide, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls™ at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™. For younger…

Shopping while on vacation in Orlando is about retail therapy that is never far from reach among a host of quaint boutiques and expansive shopping malls, all within a convenient 15-mile radius. And when the shopping is done, Orlando heats up after dark with music and entertainment to quench your thirst for a perfect night out that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you want to save money, find something unique or want some nighttime fun, with or without the kids, here are ways to make the most of your experience. Shopping Malls Designer brands and the hottest fashion trends are always in style at Orlando’s shopping malls, home to more than 1,000 stores, restaurants and movie theaters. Two popular options include The Mall at Millenia and The Florida Mall,…

FEBRUARY 8–MAY 31 (select nights) Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida ® universalorlando.com/Events/Mardi-Gras MARCH 20–23 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament ncaa.com/sports/basketball-men/ Gay Days® & Gay Orlando are registered trademarks of Gay Days Inc. MARCH 5–MAY 18 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at the Walt Disney World ®  Resort disneyworld.disney.go.com MAY 14–27 The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival orlandofringe.org JUNE 3–9 Gay Days ®  Orlando gaydays.com JUNE 5–9 Girls in Wonderland ® girlsinwonderland.com JUNE 6–8 One Magical Weekend onemagicalweekend.com JUNE 5 & 6 Orlando: On the flip side flipitorlando.com JULY 1–7 Inaugural Family Outfest™ familyoutfest.com SEPTEMBER 16–21 Global Peace Film Festival & Out In The Open Film Festival peacefilmfest.org outintheopen.org SEPTEMBER 19–21 Headdress Ball Weekend headdressball.org FALL 2014…

Q: My girlfriend and I are heading to Cleveland to see family. I know the Gay Games are taking place there, but we’re going to miss them. Does the city have any interesting, different sporting events that my girlfriend and I can enjoy while we are there? A: If the Gay Games inspired you to become an athletic supporter in Cleveland (but you’d rather watch contact sports with a beer in hand than from the field of play) the Burning River Roller Girls (BurningRiverRollerGirls.com) will fit the bill nicely. This roller derby organization is Cleveland’s first all-female, skater-owned, flat-track derby league. Hoots, hollers, and hip checks are par for the lightning fast course. The season runs February through July, so plan accordingly. Q: Is there an easier way to get…

In May, I journeyed to Dallas to spend a weekend of community building and love sharing with a group of black trans men, many of whom I call my chosen brothers, at the third annual Black Trans Advocacy Conference. As it is one of the few opportunities for black transgender people to collectively gather, each one of us traveled from different parts of the country with our significant others, with friends, or by ourselves to the annual gathering with the hopes of finding family. Outside of panels that covered topics such as self-awareness and relationship building, our chats turned into late-night discussions in each other’s hotel rooms. We openly shared our fears and insecurities around the expectations of black masculinity, the ways in which we are learning to accept our…

I loved my neighbors; we’d freely wander in and out of each other’s houses, and I would joke they were faster at calling me than an alarm company if someone unusual was nosing around the house. But then they moved away. As I sit in my backyard writing this, I realize I’m hoping the new neighbors don’t come outside, because the new neighbors never speak to me. I tried to be friendly when they moved in, introducing myself to the dad, but the mother so assiduously avoided being near enough to speak to me I wondered if she didn’t know English. Turns out it’s her native language, which just leaves me wondering why she went to such lengths to avoid talking to me. What does your mind go to in…

“Where’s our Bud?” “At the movies, of course.” If asked to name the greatest gay film ever made, I’d say, with no hesitation, The Long Day Closes (1992) written and directed by British auteur Terence Davies. It’s the first film explicitly featuring a gay child—and so it is about the innocent essence of all of us. It is also Davies’ self-portrait of his youth in 1950s Liverpool. The candor and emotionalism of Davies’ recall makes the movie resonate the most poignant parts of everyone’s gradual growing-up process, but especially that aspect of sexual awareness that comes early in life—though it’s usually confessed only in horny hetero teen movies. The young Davies character, who his mother and three older siblings call “Bud” (played by 16-year-old Leigh McCormick), is openly infatuated with…

Vacation Dreams Come True Here Welcome to Orlando, a destination where magical experiences touch your heart, adventure tingles your spine and excitement is heard in every giggle and scream. Orlando is where imagination and innovation intersect to create magical experiences for millions of visitors every year. Only in Orlando can you spend the day flying on gravity-defying roller coasters, immersing yourself in fantasy and diving into uncharted adventures at seven of the top theme parks in the world. For a more laid-back affair, indulge in our relaxing spas and resort pools, connect with Florida’s eco-attractions, savor the many flavors of the city’s James Beard-nominated chefs and restaurants or find incredible treasures among our inspiring arts and culture scene. There is so much to discover in Orlando – the place where…

Resort Spas Orlando’s luxury resorts offer a variety of treatments and diverse experiences that will make your visit even more enjoyable. From the 24,000-square-foot Waldorf Astoria Spa to the Indonesian-inspired Mandara Spa at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, you’ll discover a personalized service built on catering to your every need. The destination’s largest spa, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Orlando, Grande Lakes, features 40 treatment rooms, private heated outdoor pool, Carita salon, boutique and café. Located in the heart of Orlando’s eclectic College Park neighborhood is the LGBT owned and operated, The Spa, offering indulgent services and pampering treatments in a cozy and tranquil setting. Calling Nature Lovers Orlando’s natural attractions can be a respite for those weary of the usual vacation hustle and bustle. With nearly 100 state and local parks and…

At Downtown Disney, imagination and reality collide in a thrilling performance of Cirque Du Soleil’s, “La Nouba.” Savor world-class culinary creations at top restaurants: Wolfgang Puck, House of Blues and Raglan Road. Or grab your friends and get your bowl on at Splitsville. Be dazzled by Universal CityWalk’s multi-media theatrics of the world-renowned Blue Man Group. Dance the night away at the Red Coconut Club or escape to the islands with live reggae at Bob Marley-A Tribute. Pointe Orlando, in the heart of Orlando’s International Drive district, offers distinct sounds at BB Kings Restaurant and Blues Club in addition to a wide variety of shopping and nightlife options. And coming in 2014 is I-Drive Live – a new retail, dining and entertainment complex. Mix and Mingle in Downtown Orlando A…

ANNISE PARKER IS NOT GOING AWAY The conversation about our cover story profile of Annise Parker, the lesbian three-term mayor of Houston by contributor Tom Dart, was more robust on other outlets, to be perfectly frank. Perhaps commenters on Advocate.com were turned off by a religious zealot’s trolling and the several full-throated “back off”s from regular readers. There was some more actual dialogue about the story on Twitter. @FreckedNot-Ginge tweeted, “Great article, Tom. I suspect it’s another decade or so before Houston’s pragmatism (both socially/economically) is widely known.” @eholcomb had a political premonition: “I predict Mayor Parker’s next job will be Secretary of Commerce; the first LGBT cabinet officer.” In the story Dart quotes Parker as saying, “I talk to potential GLBT candidates and they’ll say things like, ‘My sexual…

This has not been a good year for the Milanese, who may be counting on the veracity of that old proverb that bad things come in threes. First the city’s beloved sons, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, were handed 18-month sentences for tax evasion, then prosecutors announced a probe into a massive bribery scandal involving Milan’s Expo 2015. And now the city’s preeminent hotel, the 87-year-old Principe di Savoiaassociated with a string of legendary guests from Josephine Baker and Eva Peron to Madonna and George Clooneyis facing a mass boycott in protest of the hotel’s owner, the sultan of Brunei. For a hotel that has long been the epicenter of the city’s fashion weeks, this is no small thing—losses from major fashion clients are likely to be in the tens…

In March, the preliminary findings of the PARTNER study were announced. The observational study found zero new infections in HIV-mixed, or serodiscordant, couples where the HIV-positive partner was receiving suppressive antiretroviral treatment. From 2010 to 2014, The PARTNER study was conducted in 75 different locations in 14 European countries and documented more than 30,000 sexual acts conducted by HIV-mixed couples. The study’s findings were presented at this year’s Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections by Dr. Alison Rodger of University College London. Only one-third of the couples who took part in the study were men who have sex with men. Two previous studies, the so-called Swiss Statement of 2008 and 2011’s HPTN 052, both suggested a very low risk of infection of an HIV-negative partner by an HIV-positive partner who…

The maibis, a community of women mediums in India’s northeast Manipur state, lead a mystical existence, acting as religious counselors and oracles to the human world from that of the Meitei gods. Devan, the subject of this photo series by Siddharth Haobijam, is one of about 1,000 maibis, and she’s also a part of Manipur’s transgender population known as the Nupi Maanbi. In April 2014 in a landmark decision, India’s supreme court ruled that people who are neither male nor female, by personal identification or societal consensus, must be legally recognized as belonging to a third gender. The court also directed local and state governments to grant legal recognition of people’s chosen gender identity, whether it is male, female or third gender. These photographs were taken for the Maruploi Foundation…

Hold on tight! There’s so much to see and do in the theme park capitol of the world. Daring thrill rides unlike anywhere else, immersive rides where your imagination takes flight and face-to-face animal encounters are just some of the adventures waiting for you in Orlando. Must See’s An array of exciting rides and even entire lands have been added to the roster of the theme park must do’s. You won’t want to miss your chance to step into a fairy tale at New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, enter the world of SeaWorld® Orlando’s Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin® or explore the thrills of two amazing theme parks – Universal Studios® and Universal’s Islands of Adventure® at Universal Orlando® Resort. For animal lovers, Discovery…

Dine Like a Celebrity The Orlando restaurant scene is thriving, complete with celebrity-owned establishments, top-rated restaurants and menus for every taste. You’re in for a treat in the destination where Wolfgang Puck, TV personality Emeril Lagasse, chef and cookbook author Norman Van Aken, TV host and restaurateur Todd English and famed Napa Valley chef and restaurateur Donna Scala, among others, all come together to deliver the most stunning variety of dining adventures your taste buds will enjoy. Dining Downtown With an impressive skyline anchored around beautiful Lake Eola, downtown Orlando has become a foodtropolis with a diverse collection of gastronomically pleasing options for dining. Inspired by the local flare, your taste buds will enjoy the handcrafted fresh food at Dexter’s Thornton Park, the unique atmosphere at White Wolf Café, made-to-order…