The Newsletter of Reading Pride Celebration

IN THIS EDITION

Little Things Can Mean a Lot ..........................2 Same Sex Adoption .............................................6 Moving Forward and Gaining Ground ..........3 RPC 2014 Selects Headliner and Theme .........7 Narrow Protections Exist .................................5 Majestic Florals ..................................................12

Right Back

Where We

Started

From!

The Gayzette A publication of Reading Pride Celebration

The Gayzette is a GLBT and allies publication serving the Greater Reading Pride area with the latest LGBT news, announcements, and more.

Our mission is to celebrate unity and diversity in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender com-

munity of Reading and Berks County. ______________________________

Spring 2014, Vol. 16 ______________________________

NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE CHAIR Richard T. Wagner

EDITING, DESIGN, AND LAYOUT Richard T. Wagner Kimberly Kalbach Stephanie Cyran

CONTRIBUTORS Thomas W. Beaver, Esq. Stephanie Cyran Jim Kuser Dewayne Messenger Jose LJ Novelli Ben Renkus Richard Spangler Richard T. Wagner

______________________________ DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Reading Pride Celebration.

From The Desk Of Our President

Some moments in history arent earth moving or so monumental that you will always remember we you were when it occurred. On Saturday, March 29, 2014 my husband Ben and I experienced one these moments in history. After 33 years to-gether and 3 years legally married we were filing our first joint federal tax return. We chose to have our taxes prepared by Berks Encore. The woman came out and identified herself as Brenda, and asked what she could do for us. I told her we were there to file our first joint tax return. She then proceeded to tell us that she had recently filed her and her wifes return. Somehow having an LGBT person filing out our return just made it per-fect. It was the first time in all our years together that we really felt that our relationship was valued and respected by our gov-ernment. At least our federal government. Who knows? Maybe by next year our state and local governments may catch up. This is something that straight couples have always had and dont think twice about. But for us it was history and another step to our full equality and besides it meant additional $800.00 in our bank account. Equality feels great!

Little Things Can Mean a Lot

by Richard Spangler

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Contributions are encouraged and must be submitted via email, CD, or flash drive. Article length should be approximately 350 words or less and are subject to editing or rejection. Deadline for Summer is June 30th, 2014.

Contact: rpcgayzette@gmail.com

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!

Tickets are now on sale for Reading Pride Celebrations annual An Evening at Stirling fundraiser. Being held on May 18th, 2014, presale tickets are available for $35 each until May 4th. Door price will be $35, so make sure you see a RPC mem-ber, or call Richard Spangler at 610-375-8209, to get your tickets early! Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter pages, and our website for auction details and performers who will be making an appearance.

Hope to see you there!

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While it may feel like little has changed here in Pennsylvania, there have been many advancements made in the LGBT community which we ought to celebrate. Consider that anti-gay marriage laws are being struck down by judges in several states. While it will still take time for those rulings to finally take effect, we can trust that progress is being made and it is now just a matter of time. As many of you know, I am a married gay man and my spouse and I have been together for over 20 years. My partner, Ray, retired after 34 years in the US Air Force. While we werent closeted, we did have to be careful not to be too out. When Ray was stationed in Prague, in the Czech Republic, we expected that our emails were being read so discretion was essential. At Rays retirement ceremony, the only way I was allowed to sit in the VIP guest section was to attend the ceremony as Rays Pastor. I was proud that in his retirement speech, Ray offered thanks for those supporters who were unnamed and unseen. Recently, Ray and I attended a retirement ceremony at the Pentagon for Gordon Tanner, a long-time friend of ours from Texas. Gordon was a civilian, but retired at the level equivalent of a 3-star General. Gordon, who was also a retired Air Force Reserve Colonel, re-entered civilian service at the Pentagon as an out gay man which was permissible thanks to the Executive Orders signed by President Obama. During the militarys debate regarding lifting the ban on gay and lesbian soldiers, Gordon spoke directly to 4-star General Norton Schwartz, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and his argument is what won the day. At Gordons retirement, Ray and I were amazed at the changes. Military ceremonies always look as if they were choreographed by gay folks anyway, but Gordons retirement went much further than normal. He had over 30 members of the Rock Creek Singers, the renown gay mens chorus of Washington, DC, there to sing. And the Pentagon escorts noted that Roberts retirement ceremony was one of the largest theyd ever had a testament to how well respected he is, among his family, in the military and in the gay community. The speakers spoke openly about Gordon and his spouse Robert, and Robert, was given a spouse certifi-cate signed by the Secretary of Defense. Rather than giving Gordon one more handsome plaque for his wall, his colleagues made a generous donation to the Human Rights Campaign in his honor. I freely admit that all throughout the time Ray was in the military, I had always felt leery about going on base because I knew I was not welcomed there. But times have definitely changed! Now, I am a card-carrying military dependent and now have spousal rights of my own. What makes things even more amaz-ing is that Ray was actually tasked with the responsibility to draft the Dont Ask, Dont Tell recruiting poli-cy for the Air Force Reserves under President Bill Clinton. And Gordon was the one to help get it over-turned some 20 years later.

We, as a people are moving on! We are gaining ground in the fight for equality. Lets not neglect to celebrate the changes that are taking place nor ever take them for granted. They have been hard won vic-tories and worthy of recognition. We ought to give thanks that Gods realm of inclusion and welcome and reconciliation is coming to fruition.

Moving Forward

and Gaining Ground

by Rev. Dewayne Messenger

@readingpride

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Every Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically. Enter numbers into the blank spaces so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9. Good luck!

Sudoku

WANT TO SHARE YOUR STORY?

Send us your submission! Must be sent via email, CD, or flash drive. Articles should be approximately 350 words or less, and are sub-ject to editing or rejection. Deadline for next edition is June 30th, 2014. Contact: rpcgayzette@gmail.com

Narrow Protections Against

LGBT Discrimination Do Exist

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Certain lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender employees are protected against discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity under several municipal ordinances, despite the lack of such protection under current state or federal law. The cities of Reading, Allentown, Lancaster, and Pittsburgh, along with numerous townships, provide that protection. In addition to such scattered mu-nicipal protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, school board policies in many public school districts in Berks County, and presumably elsewhere, protect employees and job applicants from discrimina-tion based on sexual. The means of enforcing rights under these ordinances and policies differ. Persons who believe they have been discriminated against in violation of Readings Human Relations Ordinance, for example, should contact the Human Relations Commission in city Hall. School district anti-discrimination employment poli-cies generally require a report of alleged discrimination be made to the districts Compliance Officer. All ordinances and school district policies follow a typical process of reporting, investigation, findings, and re-medial action. Remedial action will usually take the form of requiring the complaining party to be given whatever was unlawfully denied, such as a job, a promotion, etc. Money damages are not considered remedial, but may result from a negotiated settlement. The main hurdle for LGBT discrimination victims is proving they were discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This means that an employer must know of the indi-viduals sexual orientation or gender identity. This creates a dilemma for the LGBT who has not disclosed

his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. Thus, potentially adverse effects of disclosure must be weighed against the potential benefits of doing so in the face of imminent discrimination. Gaps in anti-LGBT discrimination rights abound. Municipalities that do not presently prohibit LGBT discrimination may need prodding from citizens, both LGBT and their allies, to pass appropriate legislation. Such efforts are already being made by state-wide and local organizations. Pending bills before the U.S. Con-gress and Pennsylvania legislature will also require relentless lobbying and similar activities in order to be-come law.

by Thomas W. Beaver, Esq. from the Law Firm of Rabenold Koestel Scheidt

Same Sex Adoption

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by Jose LJ Novelli

Jose LJ Novelli is 13 years old and is in the 8th grade at Vale Middle School. He is the proud son of Jose and Tony Novelli. The following piece was written by him for a school assignment. Please enjoy his story as much as we have.

Many kids yearn for a loving and affectionate family. Same sex adoption is one of the many ways to match kids to their forever home, and give them a future. Same sex families are an untapped potential population that can help alleviate the broken foster care system, and thousands of kids waiting for a forever home. By promoting same sex adoption, it helps children find their forever family. In my opinion I support same sex adoption. Adoption is a wonderful way to help kids find their special place with an affectionate family. States and many people not only discriminate against Gay adoption but adoption in general. The fact that the states and people are not in the shoes of those needing to be adopted, are missing the crucial reason of adoption, which is to help kids find a place they can call home and help them get a family. Even with adoption there are still a vast amount of kids who are still in search of finding their family and home. Same sex families are so eager and educated about the adoption process that they are willing to adopt the older and special needs kids to give them a bright future and loving home. The adoption process takes a lot of dedication, hard work, and commitment. To apply to become eligible to become an adoptive family requires many criteria. While there are many requirements to become a foster or adoptive home, same sex families are still discriminated. North Carolina is one of the states who do not support same sex adoption. Florida has laws that try to prohibit same sex adoption but not fostering.

However, these laws are unconstitutional because it violates the rights for equal protection of all people. A common misconception claimed by states or people about same sex adoption is that they do not bring an upbring-ing traditional family. I totally disagree with this concept be-cause I was adopted by two phenomenal dads in December 2004. I feel that I have the most caring and best parents in the world. I do not feel like I have a weird or odd family, I feel that I have a unique and superior family. Being adopted by my parents was like winning the lottery. I am extremely fortunate to have been adopted by my two dads because my life has been nothing but good experiences, and a loving affectionate home. Our family has also expanded by adopting my sister Ga-brielle in July 2012. The traditional family claim is also false for the reason being that heterosexual couples do not care for their children sometimes. There are many reports of kids being abandoned and even left in a dumpster. I am pretty sure that is not a traditional upbringing family. No offense to be taken, but sometimes a family were not intending to have a child. Same sex couples choose to have kids and are given an option. If same sex adoption is still not appealing and banned more and discriminated, then there will be even more kids needing and searching for their loving and affectionate home. The Novelli Family

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RPC 2014 Selects Headliner

and Theme for Festival

Maxine Nightingale is a British R&B and soul music sing-er. She is best known for her hits in the 1970s, with the million disc seller "Right Back Where We Started From", "Love Hit Me", and "Lead Me On". Maxine currently is performing at Resorts in Atlantic City. We first fell in love with Maxine when we booked her to perform at Reading Pride Celebration 2009, our third Pride Festival and our first with a headliner. With her endearing and spontaneous personality, she captured the hearts of many who were in attendance. We have always considered her a friend of Reading Pride Celebration (RPC) and a part of our history. There-fore, RPC has decided this year, due to many requests, to invite Maxine as our headliner for 2014. We have also selected her great-est hit as our theme, Right Back Where We Started From, a love song about getting back to the roots of that love. The LGBTA

community needs not to forget the freedoms and civil rights that we are guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States. Yes, progress has been made on the federal level, but in Pennsylvania and locally there are some elected officials who feel that we do not deserve equality despite a majority of voters now support-ing equal rights and marriage equality. Our only hope may be with the courts but we cannot give up the fight. Like the song states, We got to get right back to where we started from/A love like ours/Can never fade away. We cannot afford to sit back and do nothing; we cannot let a love like ours just fade away. We

must keep our fight for equality in the forefront. We encourage you to get involved with Pride and/or any number of advocacy groups. Like us on Facebook, or go to our website to sign up for e-mails including our newsletter, The Gayzette, to stay on top of whats happening in our region.

by Ben Renkus

JOIN US AT OUR NEXT READING PRIDE

CELEBRATION MEETING MONDAY, MAY 5TH, 2014

7:00 PM

AT CHEF ALANS AMERICAN BISTRO

6TH & PENN AVENUE WEST READING, PA

SEE YOU THERE!

SAVE THE DATES

This years Pre-Pride Party will be held on Friday, Ju-ly 18th at the Riveredge. Our annual Pride Festival will be held on Sunday, July 20th from 12pm to 6pm at Centre Park., and our After Pride Party will be held after at the Crowne Plaza. If you are interested in volunteering for our Pride Fes-tival, please contact Kimberly Kalbach at mustbekimmie@yahoo.com. Stay tuned to our Facebook page, our Twitter page, or our website for further details!

Hope to see you there!

by Jim Kuser

Come join us for a fun filled night at the Red Star Saloon at 10th & Penn Street in Reading, PA! The Red Star Saloon is one of the last gay bars in Reading. Come on in and have a drink; see Cory the bartender, and Charlie. The crowd is mixed, and a DJ plays music for the dance floor every Saturday night. Bring your friends! Cover is $3, and you get a coupon for your first drink.

Upcoming Theme Nights April 19th: Easter egg theme

May 17th: Armed Forces June 21st: To be announced

READING RAILMEN NEWS

THIS MONTH IN LGBT HISTORY

On April 25th, 1965, an estimated 150 people participate in a sit-in when the manager of Dew-eys restaurant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania refused service to several people he thought looked gay. Four people are arrested, in-cluding Homophile Movement leader Clark Polak of Philadel-phias Janus Society. All four are convicted of disorderly conduct. Members of the society also dis-tribute leaflets outside the restau-rant the following week and nego-tiate with the owners to bring an end to the denial of service.

URGENT We need your submissions!

The Gayzette is currently accepting sub-missions for the next edition! Submissions should be approximately 350 words in length. All submissions should be submitted via email, CD, or flash drive, and are subject to editing or rejection. Deadline for submissions is June 30, 2014. Contact: rpcgayzette@gmail.com

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Upcoming Events

May 5, 2014 7:00 PM Reading Pride Celebration General Membership Meeting Chef Alans American Bistro 525 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611

May 18, 2014 3:00 PM An Evening at Stirling 1120 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19601

May 19, 2014 7:00 PM Reading Pride Celebration General Membership Meeting Chef Alans American Bistro 525 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611

June 16, 2014 7:00 PM Reading Pride Celebration General Membership Meeting Chef Alans American Bistro 525 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611

Hope to see you there!

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In Memoriam

Arthur H. Bailey April 11, 1932 - March, 6, 2014 Arthur H. Bailey, 81, formerly of Shoemakersville, died Thursday, March 6, 2014 in Manor Care, West Reading. He was the husband of Mabel C. (Schittler) Bailey, who died May 25, 1977. Born in West Reading, he was the son of the late Clayton and Grace Ethel (Miller) Bailey. He worked for Wolfe Dye and Bleach, Shoemakersville, and Obie Sweaters, Reading. Arthur is survived by two sons: Robert C. Bailey, a member of Reading Pride Celebration, and James L. Bailey, both of Reading; two grandchildren: Becky and Jake Buckwalter; two brothers: Donald Bailey, Strausstown, and Lester Bailey, Kutztown; one sister, Irene Wes-ner, Kempton; and his companion: Shirley Stump, Muhlenberg Twp. He was predeceased by a daughter, Roberta E. (Bailey) Buckwalter and two sisters: Iva Kehl and Evelyn Rehrig. A graveside memorial service, led by the Rev. Fr. Dewayne Messinger of All Souls Ecumenical Catholic Church, was held at Birch Hill Cemetery, Perry Twp. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Leesport was in charge of arrangements.

Mary L. Boone May 6, 1947 March 24, 2014

Mary L. Boone, 66, of Reading passed away March 24, 2014 in St Joseph Hospital. She is sur-vived by her life partner, Mary Fortune. Mary was born in Reading on May 6, 1947, a daughter of the late Robert E. and Clara V. (Lyon) Boone. She was an Army veteran and was employed by Parish, later Dana Corp., as a welder for 32 years retiring there. She is also survived by her siblings, Barbara A. Hulshizer of Mohrsville, Walter D. Boone of Temple, Harold P. Boone of Wernersville, Nancy (Nanie) C. Boone of Laureldale, and Robert W. Boone of Mohrsville. Mary is also survived by her nieces, nephews, and 5 grandchildren: 2 at home, Olivia Velgara

and Isabel Velgara; 5 great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog, Bear. Services were in Auman's Inc Funeral Home, 390 W. Neversink Rd, Reiffton. Burial was in Forest Hills Memorial Park.

Candy Lee King April 15, 1958 March 18, 2014 Candy Lee King, 55, of Muhlenberg Twp., passed away in the evening hours Tuesday, March 18, 2014, of natural causes in St. Joseph Medical Center, where she had been a patient since Monday. Born April 15, 1958, in Reading, she was a daughter of the late Leon R. King and Fern (Bush) Katzaman, Shartlesville. She was employed by East Penn Manufacturing (Deka) for 29 years, last working March 13. In addition to her mother, Candy is survived by her son, Robert A., husband of Rebecca S. (Mull), Ruscombmanor Twp; her life partner, Donna M. Keller; and her siblings, Randy L. King, Cindy L. McCalicher, Barry L. King, Brenda L. Cordier, and Bamby L. Spence. Funeral Services were held from the Mae A. Stump Funeral Home, Inc., 117 W. Main St., Fleetwood, PA 19522, with the Rev. Paul Jones, officiating. The Mull Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Womelsdorf had charge.

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Alverta T. Wagner July 17, 1917 February 25, 2014

Alverta T. Wagner, 96, of West Lawn, passed away in the home of her grandson, Richard Todd Wagner, Vice President of Reading Pride Celebration, on February 25, 2014. Born July 17, 1917 in Reading, PA she was the daughter of the late Bertha V. (Faleski) and George J. Zem-ber. She was retired from the former Western Electric. She is survived by her daughter Joanne M. Wagner, Reading, sons, Dennis G. husband of Betty Lou (Behler), Spring Grove, PA; Ronald P. husband of Diana (Fisher), Downingtown, PA and Douglas M. husband of Joyce (Kissinger), Shoemakersville, PA. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Richard Wagner,

Gregory Wagner, Reading, PA; Christine (Keith) Dick, North Point, FL; Wendy (Logan) Bittner, East Ber-lin, PA; Michael Wagner, Shoemakersville, PA and Steven (Katie) Wagner, Boyertown, PA and 6 great grandchildren, Amber Miller, Lebanon, PA; Joshua and Jordan Dick, North Point, FL; Lydia, Katy and Brook Bittner, East Berlin, PA. There are also several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her brothers, Edmund V., Henry G. and Gerald S. Zember. Services were private at the convenience of the family. Henninger Funeral Home, Inc. was in charge of arrangements.

If you should have knowledge of the passing of someone in our community, please let us know by email at info@readingpridecelebration.com. Also remember that we are a 501C(3) charitable organization and accept Memorial Donations in honor of a deceased member of our community. For fur-ther information call Rich Spangler or Ben Renkus at 610-375-8209.

Majestic Florals

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When you walk in Majestic Florals, located at 554 Lancaster Ave in Reading, it is like walk-ing into a beautiful Victorian store from years gone past. The setup is small and beautiful. Mickey Nagel has owned and operated his flower shop for 23 years. I sat down with Mickey for 2 hours talking to him about more than the shop, but the good old days. Last year Mickey was one of our proud sponsors of our 2013 Miss Reading Pride Celebration Pageant. He provided the flowers we gave to our queen and the runners up. Mickey also did the flowers for our queen who was stepping down at the time, Whitley Nycole DeAire. The flowers were the most beautiful arrangements I have ever seen. I could not stop talking about them and showing them to people before they were presented. Looking around Mickeys shop you will be amazed to see who he has worked with. He has worked with Cher, Isabel Sanford aka Louise Jefferson as well as Carol Channing, and Diana Ross. I do not think you will find any other business in Reading that has worked with so many famous people. When looking for a great and one of a kind florist, Mickey is the guy you are looking for. At Majestic Florals you get what you pay for.

by Richard Wagner

Peanut Butter Striped Delight

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Super-Easy Chicken Manicotti

In The Kitchen

Both of this editions recipes are courtesy of Stephanie Cyran. Bon apptit!

Ingredients 1 25.5 oz jar of your favorite pasta sauce 3/4 cup of water 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1 1/2 lbs. uncooked, unbreaded chicken breast tenders 14 uncooked manicotti shells (8 oz.) 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz.) Chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired Preparation 1. Heat oven to 350F. In medium bowl, mix pasta sauce and water. Spread about 1/3 of the pasta sauce mixture in ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. 2. Sprinkle garlic salt on chicken. Insert chicken into uncooked manicotti shells, stuffing from each end of shell to fill if necessary. Place shells on pasta sauce in baking dish. Pour remaining pasta sauce evenly over shells, covering completely. Cover with foil. 3. Bake about 1 hour or until chicken is no longer pink in center and shells are tender. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with basil and serve.

Ingredients 35 Oreo cookies, finely crushed (about 3 cups) 6 Tbsp. butter, melted 8 oz. Cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup sugar 3 cups plus 2 Tbsp. cold milk, divided 8 oz. Cool Whip, thawed

2 packeges (3.4 oz. each) Vanilla instant pudding 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter Preparation 1. Mix cookie crumbs and butter; press into bottom of 13x9-inch dish. Refrigerate 10 minutes. Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, sugar, and 2 Tbsp. milk in medium bowl with mixer until blended. Add 1-1/4 cups Cool Whip; mix well and spread over crust. 2. Beat pudding mixes and remaining milk in separate bowl with whisk for 2 minutes. Add peanut butter; mix well. Spread over cream cheese layer. Let stand 5 minutes or until thickened. Cover with remaining Cool Whip. 3. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm.

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Proud Sponsors of Reading Pride Celebration

Chef Alans American Bistro 525 Penn Ave. West Reading, PA 19611

Crowne Plaza 1741 Paper Mill Rd. Wyomissing, PA 19610

Red Star Saloon 11 South 10th St. Reading, PA 19602

The Gayzette is currently accepting literary contributions for the newsletters summer edition. If you would like your work included, please submit your item by way of email, CD, or flash drive. Articles should be approximately 350 words or less in length. Any submission will be subject to editing and possible rejection. Deadline for article submis-sion is June 30, 2014. Questions and submissions may be directed to our email address: rpcgayzette@gmail.com.

Birthday Celebrations

Cortney Hurley April 10th

Conrad Lightcap, Jr. April 18th

Tadd Casner April 18th

Jerry Schearer May 4th

Richard Spangler June 8th

Robert Schmoyer May 27th

Brian Pinto

May 6

Kyle Blankenbiller May 28th

Bret Miller June 4th

Bill Eck June 10th

David Frees June 10th