The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Attorney General Martha Coakley have filed a federal challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”), which denies thousands of married same-sex couples in Massachusetts access to over 1,000 federal protections, benefits and obligations.

This lawsuit, which names the United States and the Secretaries and Departments of Veterans Affairs and Health and Human Services as defendants, marks the first time that a state has challenged the federal government’s discriminatory treatment of its LGBT citizens.

The complaint in Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Department of Health and Human Services et al points out that discrimination against same-sex married couples bears no nexus to the purposes of federal programs like Medicaid.

“The Commonwealth has presented the court with the stark facts of discrimination that should finally spell the end of DOMA,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Excluding our families from equal protections never had anything to do with promoting a legitimate interest, and has everything to do with discrimination.

“DOMA was wrong, discriminatory and mean-spirited when it was enacted in 1996, and today it stands between thousands of married couples and the equal protections they deserve,” Solmonese said. “We applaud the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for stepping forward on behalf of these families and saying, in essence, ‘enough is enough.’ Now it is time for the federal government to take affirmative steps to challenge and repeal this discriminatory law that causes real harm to loving married couples and their children.”

Massachusetts was the first state to recognize equal marriage rights for same-sex couples, granting licenses starting in May 2004. Although thousands of same-sex couples have married in Massachusetts, and are fully equal under the Commonwealth’s laws, they are denied such essential benefits as equal Social Security benefits for surviving spouses, joint tax filing, equal family and medical leave, and many more. Although these couples and all Massachusetts citizens pay equal federal taxes, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts can only receive funding for such programs as Medicaid and veterans cemeteries if it creates two separate classes of married people – those who receive equal access and those who do not.

People For the American Way President Michael B. Keegan issued the following statement:

“I was very pleased to see that Massachusetts is doing right by all its citizens and demanding that the federal government stop discriminating against gay and lesbian couples. Attorney General Coakley is absolutely correct to be pushing this lawsuit, and the courts should treat it with the seriousness it deserves.

“Of course, the courts are not the only branch of government that can rectify this problem. President Obama has voiced his support for a full repeal of DOMA. Congress has the ability to pass legislation ending DOMA, and they should do so as soon as possible.

“This lawsuit makes clear that DOMA isn’t just about discriminating against gay people. It discriminates against states that have made the decision to stop prohibiting committed same-sex couples from obtaining the protections that only marriage can afford. The Defense of Marriage Act is on very thin ice, and we’re seeing more cracks every day.”

by Rev. Irene Monroe

At Michael Jackson’s memorial service, the Rev. Al Sharpton gave a rousing speech that had the congregation at the Staple Center rise to their feet at times with shouts of Amen.

Sharpton made one particular statement in his speech to MJ’s three children, addressing the reasons for Jackson’s eccentricities when he said, “I want his children to know there was nothing strange about your daddy, it was strange what your daddy had to deal with, but he dealt with it anyway.”

While clearly Sharpton’s statement hinted at the racism Michael Jackson endured in the music industry as an African American entertainer trying to be a crossover success, Sharpton’s statement totally ignored, much as the black community has in their tribute to Jackson, the homophobia too, from us and the music industry.

Diagnosed with vitiligo, a skin disorder that causes depigmentation in patches of his skin, Jackson bleached his skin, not as a denunciation of his blackness, but rather, as he said, as a way to cosmetically have a more even skin tone.

Just as Michael was black, he was also queer, because he did not conform to our society’s heterosexist norms. And as the man in the mirror faded from black to white, so too did his staged gender performance, from cute straight boy lead singer of the Jackson 5 to an effeminate male solo artist donning outfits in sequins.

And as the consummate drag performer he was, not only a singer and dancer, Jackson was also a shape-shifter.

Jackson transitioned himself first into looking like Diana Ross and then later into looking like his baby sister Janet and then later he transitioned himself into something, well, inhumanly ghastly, as he became more ghostly looking.

Jackson’s gender blending was as transgressive, tabooed, and subversive as his skin bleaching.

He wore many masks until the masks became him.

Jackson’s costumes and accessories range from various signature wigs to his hypermasculine look with his military/marching band outfits, or his classic red (faux) leather look from the “Beat It,” to his more softer look with his white nylon socks that were always prominently displayed beneath his black dress pants when he was doing his famous moonwalk.

Whereas Jackson couldn’t be on the down low about his skin bleaching, he could be and had to be on the down low about his sexuality.

With an entertainment industry that forced Rock Hudson, a movie idol, in the closet until his death, and with a black community that still has light years to go in accepting its own lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer population, Jackson concealed his desire to grow up by donning an asexual Peter Pan image.

But when rumors abounded, nonetheless, that Jackson was gay, so too did rumors that Jackson was a serial pedophile who beguiled young impressionable boys into his bed using the Neverland Ranch as a lure.

Although Jackson was acquitted of all charges, the strangeness Jackson had to deal with that Sharpton did not speak about at Jackson’s memorial was homophobic bigotry, a bigotry that’s predicated on the stereotype that one’s gayness, or perceived gayness, is not only deviant but it is also innately criminal.

“Every time they knocked Michael down he got back up. Every time they counted him out he got back in,” Sharpton said at the tribute.

The child sexual abuse charges not only knocked Jackson down but shocked his fan base. And with the potential of his multimillion dollar recording industry collapsing under false allegations, Jackson had to go into action.

When Jackson tied the knot first with Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis’s daughter, in 1994, following the first child molestation charges in 1993, everyone knew that Jackson was in damage control mode. And with his second marriage, rumored to be not consummated, in 1997 to Debbie Rowe, who is the mother of two of Jackson’s three children, you get to see how compulsory heterosexuality exacted a toll on his life.

“We will never understand what he endured … being judged, ridiculed. How much pain can one take? Maybe, now, Michael, they will leave you alone.” Marlon Jackson stated at his brother’s tribute.

And maybe Marlon is right.

Jackson was unquestionably eccentric, and his masks did not always protect him or liberate him because he always had to don them within the restricted boundaries of both race and sexual discrimination.

Perhaps Jackson’s queerness was more a function of society’s homophobia than it was of his own?

By Susan Jordan
The U.S. Conference of Mayors on June 15 passed a resolution in support of ending the exclusion of gay couples from marriage.

The resolution, titled “Equality and Civil Rights for Gay and Lesbian Americans,” included support for the freedom to marry along with endorsement of federal bills such as Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, the Uniting American Families Act, and the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

The mayor who proposed the resolution was none other than Mayor Robert Duffy of Rochester.

Duffy told The Empty Closet, “I chair the Crime and Social Justice Committee for the U.S. Conference of Mayors. A resolution passed unanimously in my committee supporting full marriage equality rights. The resolution was presented to the entire membership last Monday morning in Providence and passed without debate.

“A similar resolution was tabled four or five years ago after much debate. It passed without debate this year. While this resolution is symbolic in nature, it sends a powerful message that our nation’s mayors support full marriage equality rights.”

“By passing this resolution, America’s mayors spoke for the families they know and serve in communities across the country, and said that excluding those families from the freedom to marry must stop,” said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry and author of “Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality and Gay People’s Right to Marry”. “The mayors have their fingers on the pulse of the country, and their voices today said loud and clear that ending discrimination in marriage is the way to go.”

In reference to the freedom to marry, the resolution stated, “BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors supports marriage equality for same-sex couples, and the recognition and extension of full equal rights to such unions, including family and medical leave, tax equity, and insurance and retirement benefits, and opposes the enshrinement of discrimination in the federal or state constitutions.”

“The nation’s mayors are proud to take the lead in recognizing the importance of protecting all our citizens equally. It is now time for state legislatures and our federal government to enact the same protections for all our nation’s citizens,” said U.S. Conference of Mayors President Greg Nickels, Mayor of Seattle.

“The mayors’ leadership reaffirms that the freedom to marry should not be partisan or political, but rather is part of the security and respect all couples who’ve made a commitment to care for one another and who are dealing with life’s ups and downs should have, especially in these challenging economic times,” said Wolfson. “Now the New York State Senate should be the next to lead the nation on the path to equality by swiftly passing the freedom to marry bill into law.”

View the Resolution: http://www.freedomtomarry.org/pdfs/Mayors_Resolution.pdf
Read Online: http://www.freedomtomarry.org/press_center/u.s._conference_of_mayor_passes_resolution.php

By Susan Jordan
The Gay Alliance presented awards and introduced new board members at its annual meeting, held on June 3 at the Youth Center. Around 50 people attended.

The Vinnie and Vicki Awards, given to the man and woman who have done the most for the lgbt community in the past year, were given to Peter Mohr and Judy Cranston.

Mohr, owner of the Bachelor Forum, was described by GAGV Board president Tom Ferrarese as “caring, compassionate and supportive.” Ferrarese said that Mohr has volunteered as a buddy at AIDS Rochester, served on the Corn Hill Association board, volunteered at the HIV Vaccine Trials Unit, and is currently “a major factor behind this year’s Pride”. Mohr’s talents, strength and determination, Ferrarese said, mean that “we are lucky to have him in our community today.”

The late Arnie Pegish, the first owner of the Bachelor Forum, created the Vinnie and Vicki Awards, so the presentation of the Vinnie Award to Peter Mohr was especially meaningful.

Peter Mohr told The Empty Closet, “As the owner of the Bachelor Forum it was an honor to receive the Vinnie Cup award from the GAGV. The evening brought to life the commitment the Gay Alliance has to the Rochester community in the ongoing fight to support the rights of all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation. I know that Arnie Pegish would have been inspired listening to the stories from the young adults who spoke from the heart with confidence and pride about the impact the GAGV has brought to their lives. I’m proud to support and be affiliated with an organization that cultivates an environment of inclusivity for all. I hope that my success continues so that I may continue my support to the GAGV.”

Board member Judy Cranston received the Vicki Award. Cranston, head of the Development Committee, is in charge of arranging corporate sponsorships. Tom Ferrarese praised her energetic, successful fundraising and noted, “Judy pushed us all really hard, and that was good… Without people like Judy and the contributions she has made, we couldn’t do the kind of programs we do.”

Cranston told the EC, “I am honored to receive the Vicki Cup for 2009. The GAGV has provided so much to our community for over three decades. When I had the opportunity to run for a seat on the GAGV board, I saw it as my time to finally give back more substantially than in just my annual membership dues, United Way Funds and event participation. My time on the board has allowed me to better understand all the programs the GAGV offers and find ways to get the word out to more people, with the ultimate goal of increasing donations to the agency. I’m happy to have achieved some level of success in this area.”

Jim Anderson is graphic designer for the Gay Alliance, responsible for formatting The Empty Closet and for creating the many fliers, brochures and other items needed by the agency, including the 2009 Pride Guide. Of Swedish descent, Anderson has lived in Sweden and as a young graphic designer he designed the Absolut vodka bottle – only one element of a long career.

Program Director Scott Fearing said of him, “We wanted to acknowledge this incredible ally.” He paid tribute to Anderson’s passion for social justice issues, saying, “He cares about people and the world and bringing us together.”

Anderson was given the second Arnie Pegish Award, for volunteers and staff who have made the greatest contribution to the Gay Alliance.

Scott Fearing and staff members Kelly Clark and Jess Cohen spoke movingly about the people they serve every day as Gay Alliance staff, and three Youth Group members talked about what the Group has meant to them.

Their comments included: “When I first came to the Youth Center… I was terrified… being here really helped me find myself and come out and I have met many of my best friends…”; “I had no idea what to expect… It didn’t take me long to realize that people were friendly and I quickly lost that shyness…”; “At first I came for the popcorn but soon it became much more.”

Cohen described her fears for the safety of lgbt youth in what is still a homophobic, violent society. She added that joy and fun are also part of the Youth Group experience, citing the Big Gay Prom “lock-in” and how they were “making s’mores at 4:30 a.m.”

Kelly Clark spoke about the Community Safety Program and the Anti Violence Project, which have thrived and grown enormously in the past year. The AVP got five calls in one day in late May; confidential services are provided to everyone who calls, Clark said.

Some of the problems and challenges lgbt community members bring daily to the Gay Alliance include harassing and menacing neighbors, hate crimes, sexual assault and domestic violence. The AVP, administered by Kelly Baumgartner, works with crime victims, offering support including help with court procedures, medical caregivers and victims’ compensation, while the Community Safety Program’s focus on education and prevention encourages behaviors to keep everyone safe and works with the justice system to increase awareness of homophobia and sensitivity to the needs of the lgbt community. Clark said the program’s recent series of Conversations on Forgiveness was one of the most moving experiences she has had; more Conversations are planned for the future.

Ferrarese introduced the full board and said that the financial difficulties experienced by the non-profit agency due to the turbulent economy have largely been solved, and that the Gay Alliance now has a “good budget” and financial stability. The annual report is available on the Alliance website at www.gayalliance.org.

In a powerful public statement on June 15, former Majority Leader Joe Bruno expressed his support for marriage equality for same-sex couples and called for the NYS Senate leadership (whoever that might be) to “allow this bill to move forward.”

In his statement, Joe Bruno said, “This is America and we have unalienable rights. Let everyone decide how to pursue their own happiness. I understand that this issue stirs great passion in many people… However, my instincts tell me that homosexuals who wish to enter into the union of marriage are just like the rest of us and they ought to be free to enter into it.”

“The Pride Agenda thanks former Majority Leader Bruno for standing with our families on this important human rights issue at this critical time in New York,” said Empire State Pride Agenda Executive Director Alan Van Capelle.

As Majority Leader, Senator Bruno, a Republican, worked with the Pride Agenda to pass more than a dozen pieces of legislation important to New York’s LGBT community, including hate crimes legislation in 2000, the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) in 2002, a bill providing hospital visitation privileges to same-sex partners in 2004 and a bill extending control of partner remains authority in 2005.

“The former Majority Leader has indicated his support today for marriage equality as part of an evolution in his thinking about the issue,” said Van Capelle. “We are grateful for his thoughtful consideration on something that is so important to so many New Yorkers. When former Senator Bruno led the Senate we saw this same careful deliberation and thinking about hate crimes, SONDA and other pieces of legislation that were important to our community. His support and leadership were critical to their passage. We hope his support for marriage equality will help others in the Senate reflect on what he was able to do, and that it will help them in their thinking as they continue to learn about the issue and examine what their position should be.”

By Susan Jordan
June was full of weird happenings. For instance, the Obama administration argued for the Defense of Marriage Act before the Supreme Court, using many of the evil Bush arguments, i.e. that being gay is comparable to incest. Have aliens taken over their bodies?

We also witnessed the strange sight of Republicans like Joe Bruno and Dick Cheney announcing their support for marriage equality. Presumably Cheney wants his daughter and daughter-in-law to get those 1,300 benefits. Meanwhile, our progressive president, who describes himself as a “fierce advocate” for lgbt rights, although he has never supported our right to marry, is still using conservative terms like “marriage is between a man and a woman”. Anyone feel confused yet?

Republicans applauded the refusal by the California court to overturn the small majority vote for Prop 8: the voters’ word is final! In New York, though, they blithely undid the will of the voters, as expressed last November, to turn control of the state Senate over to the Democrats. The voters’ word isn’t final! Seems a bit inconsistent.

On June 8, when, rumor has it, GENDA was about to come to the floor for a vote, and stood a good chance of passing, the Republican caucus decided to stage their coup. Tough luck, transgendered citizens!

As for the marriage bill, according to Jacob Gershman in New York magazine for June 29, “Both sides agree that if gay marriage were actually voted on today, it could very well pass… But as of press time, it’s not clear that the session will be extended, letting the measure come to a vote… Albany lives by its own rules. As one Gill (Foundation) aide said, ‘This is the most dysfunctional government in the country. It’s an insane system.’”

Somehow, though, both parties in the sandbox squabble managed to reach a bipartisan agreement on their own salaries. Some things are a higher priority than others.

Life has been imitating science fiction all summer. June was like one long trailer for the latest sequel to “Star Wars” – or should we say, “Corner Office Wars”?

Cue intro crawl: Episode XXXVII: The Empire Strikes Back! Our story: The Intergalactic Senate Republican Caucus stages a power coup, lead by Skelos the Evil Emperor, aided by his new lieutenant(s) who have come over to the Dark Side of the Force: Espada Ducus and Monserrate Maul (who then went back again).

Can the Dark Side take back the Intergalactic Senate? Will the Republican Caucus retrieve its lost computers, staffs and corner offices? Malcolm Obi Wan of the Jedi falls victim to the power coup; can Governor Yoda save him from being hurled helplessly into space? Will the Jedi lose their computers, staffs and corner offices?

And what is the role of the sinister Darth Golisano and his Death Star, as it leaves orbit of the Tax Haven Planet and heads for the Albanian corridors of power? Stay tuned for Episode XXXVIII: Revenge of the Empire State Pride Agenda!!!

By Sue Cowell
EDUCATE, ADVOCATE AND CELEBRATE!

The words are easy to remember and are at the heart of everything the Gay Alliance does. Since 1973 we have been driven to educate and advocate for LGBT equality.

While it may seem that Pride is all about Celebration, we also have the opportunity to educate and advocate. This year you will see increased visibility of Rochester Pride, though the Pride Guide supplement to The Empty Closet, posters, fliers, postcards and more mention in local media. We will educate the entire Rochester community that LGBT people ARE here and that we do have many allies and broad community support. We know that a person who is educated about LGBT issues is far more likely to advocate for our full equality.

This year, Rainbow Flag Raising carries special significance because Mayor Robert Duffy will be addressing the crowd in the atrium of City Hall. In recent months Mayor Duffy has become a visible advocate for the community. In May he wrote a powerful and moving editorial for the Democrat and Chronicle stating his support for full marriage equality. (Posted at www.gayalliance.org)

But the Mayor’s advocacy did not end there. What many do not know is that while attending the recent U.S. Conference of Mayors (Mayors of U.S. cities with a population of 30,000 or more), Mayor Duffy brought forth a resolution asking the organization to support full marriage equality. Ultimately a comprehensive resolution was passed supporting full marriage equality and more. For more information, visit www.freedomtomarry.org.

I want to invite you to participate in the Rainbow Flag Raising which will happen at Rochester City Hall (30 Church St.) on Sunday, July 12 at 3 p.m. Hosted by WHAM 13’s Norma Holland, this important event is where the City of Rochester acknowledges the LGBT community in a very public way.

This year’s Flag Raising will provide additional cause for celebration, since 1986 the LGBT communities have enjoyed continual openly gay representation on the Rochester City Council, first by Tim Mains and then by Bill Pritchard. Bill will be retiring from City Council after his current term expires and he deserves a big show of community support. Please join us at Rochester City Hall as we celebrate the advocacy of these two great leaders.

I want to offer a personal introduction to the 2009 Rochester Pride Grand Marshalls. First, near and dear to me is the Honorary Grand Marshall, Susan Jordan. Susan is celebrating her 20th year as editor of The Empty Closet newspaper. Her tireless leadership has helped to ensure that The Empty Closet remains the oldest continuously published LGBT Community newspaper in the State of New York.

The Pride Grand Marshalls are Russ Shaner and Rich Schroedel, often known as the “Outlandish guys.” Beyond being the owners of OUTLANDISH, Russ and Rich are shining examples of generosity as they support many organizations and events in the LGBT community.

When it became apparent that this year we would need to replace the official, giant rainbow pride flag that will hang in City Hall, these two offered to purchase and donate the flag to the community!

So please come OUT and celebrate at Rochester Pride 2009, and remember that while there is plenty to celebrate, we still have a lot of education and advocacy to do – pride goes on after PRIDE.

Hear My Story
The Gay Alliance was approached to find a diverse mix of LGBT community members to participate in the StoryCorps project during their recording stop in Rochester this summer. Working with the StoryCorps leadership, we were able to identify and secure four recording sessions that will include members of the Native Two Spirit community, a straight ally, a trans-man and a Deaf gay man who will participate in conversations. The recordings will happen in July, and WXXI will air selected stories in the late summer and early fall. For more details go to www.storycorps.org or www.WXXI.org.

SpeakOut, Speak Back
The Gay Alliance recognizes that it takes many reasoned voices to respond to the often overwhelming voices that propagate stereotypes and anti-LGBT sentiment. To encourage more reasoned and caring voices the Gay Alliance will be hosting, SpeakOUT: Effective LGBT Education workshop.

This workshop is perfect for anyone who wants to enhance their ability to speak out against the myths, stereotypes and lies. “We often feel frozen in fear or disbelief when we hear these things,” says Scott Fearing facilitator of the training, “this workshop is meant to provide participants with tools to engage in a useful discussion to dispel misinformation.”

The SpeakOUT training will be Aug. 14 and 15, registration is $35 and includes lunch on Saturday. For more information, look at the Speakers Bureau page at www.GayAlliance.org or contact 585-2448640 x20 or speakout@gayalliance.org.

Youth Pride Dance and Pageant
On Monday, July 13, the Youth Program is hosting its annual Youth Pride Dance and Pageant at Muthers. The event is open to any one 13-23 years old, runs from 5-9 p.m. and there is a $5 cover.

In addition to dancing, the evening includes a show put on by members of the youth group and culminates in the coronation of the Youth Pride King and Queen. The King and Queen will be featured in the 2009 Rochester Pride Parade.

Queerapalooza
During July the Youth Program intern Janet Epstein is working with the Youth Advisory board to coordinate a month of challenges and activities for the program participants. Youth participants will be divided into two teams, Team Dumbledore and Team Ellen. They will earn points for their team by participating in a wide variety of activities, from helping to clean the youth center to visiting an LGBT business.

AVP on the Streets
Throughout the summer, Anti-Violence Project volunteers will be out and about to engage the community in discussions about the importance of reporting hate and bias crimes as well as domestic violence incidents that occur in our community.
The Gay Alliance understands that for a number of reasons crimes against our community go under-reported, and this needs to change. You can get AVP information from Street Team members at bar crawls or at the Public Market (Saturday mornings), community festivals, and pride activities. To volunteer to join the Street team, visit the Community Safety program link at www.gayalliance.org.

Join us on Facebook
The Gay Alliance and a number of its programs now have a presence on FaceBook! Please search for us, and become a “Fan” of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or our Anti-Violence Project, CampusOUT or Youth Program. Fans will quick get news, updates, event and program happenings.

By Marc Strong
Every spring the Tulsa Two Spirit Gathering is held in Osage Hills State Park, Oklahoma. It is one of three major national gatherings every year.

This year, members of the Rochester Two Spirit Society took the trip down to network and connect with other two spirit people, as well as have some fun!

With the advent of Christianity in the Americas, the presence of two spirit people became hidden. Eventually a growing acceptance of Christianity’s moral codes and worldview within Indian societies led to the devaluation and suppression of two spirit people in many communities.

During the 1960s and ‘70s, however, Indian people entered into a period of vocally reclaiming our own understandings and visions. Part of this journey has been for two spirit people to reclaim their place in the circle.

There was variability in how Indian nations understood gender and sexuality, and still is. Most nations knew that there are more than two genders and each nation has its own words for this. The term two spirit was coined in 1990 at a gathering of GLBT Natives in an effort to provide an inter-tribal word to describe ourselves. But being two spirit isn’t the same as being a gay Indian. It’s a cultural role that is more about gender than sexual orientation.

When someone calls themselves Two Spirit they are making a statement about their cultural role and responsibilities. This is a culturally specific identity within individual American Indian nations as defined by ceremonial and cultural roles and responsibilities.

Two spirit people have served in many capacities within their nations. We are healers, visionaries, spiritual advisors, caregivers and much more.

Gatherings like the one in Tulsa serve many purposes. For people raised outside their culture, it can serve as a place to clarify their role, to de-assimilate from the dominant culture and find a place to belong — but regardless of one’s upbringing, it is a place to draw strength and healing.

It is also a place to network with people from all over the Americas and find out what other groups are doing… and much of that time together is spent hanging out with friends, having fun.

The Two Spirit Society of Rochester meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave.

The MOCHA Project will celebrate its 13th anniversary this year with its traditional week of events during the first week in August.

Aug. 6: Open House Community Discussion. MOCHA Center, 107 Liberty Pole Way, 4-8 p.m.

Aug. 7: “Free 2 Be Me” Youth dance, Muthers, 40 S. Union St., 4-7 p.m. (under 24 only).

“Grown & Sexy Reception”, Equal=Grounds Coffeehouse, 750 South Ave., 7-10 p.m.

Aug. 8, Health & Wellness Day, MOCHA Center, 1-4 p.m.

All-White Attire Affair, Muthers, 40 S. Union St., 9-Midnight, 18 & over with valid ID.

Aug. 9, Finding Your Truth Community Forum, MOCHA Center, 1-4 p.m.

The Glamorous Life Ball, Tilt Nightclub & Lounge, 444 Central Ave. Doors open 7 pm; Ball starts 8 p.m. (18 & over with valid ID.)

Event partners for MOCHA Week are AIDS Rochester Inc., the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Club Muthers, Equal=Grounds, NYSDOH, Tawa Pano UFC, Tilt.