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Centerline
Vol. 4, Iss. 2
June/July 2021 MAGAZINE
Connecticut's LGBTQ+ Magazine A Publication of the New Haven Pride Center
Twilight World
Continued efforts to reach
LGBTQ+ youth during the
pandemic yield mixed results,
but work continues to add
more resources, online and off
PLUS:
• Gender Stereotypes Get in the Way
• Doctors: Trans Youth Health a Right
• LGBTQ+ Topics Needed in Schools
• Lipsticks, Lashes and Lies Turns 3
• Chez Legends All Stars Red Carpet
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021 1
2 CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021
PAGE PAGE
10 20
Photo by RahVisions Photo by Joshua O'Connell
In This Issue
Reaching Youth Online Peek at Y2Y New Haven
Q Plus founder Mel Cordner, seen above, In the upcoming months, Y2Y New Haven
has found themself now managing virtual will open its doors. Lucy Gellman takes a
programming for youth for over a year. They look at how it's coming together. 32
share the opportunities and challenges. 6
Lipstick, Lashes & Lies
Becoming Yourself Despite a pandemic, the drag show at
Ace Ricker, also seen above, shares how Mohegan Sun's Comix Roadhouse thrives,
gender stereotypes can get in the way of the recently celebrating three years on the
ability for trans people to be themselves. 18 comedy stage. Photos 20, Article 22
PLUS: Viewpoints, Photos from Around Connecticut, and MORE!
Centerline
MAGAZINE Editor in Chief and Designer
Joshua O'Connell
Editor Patrick J Dunn
Contributors: Matt Allen Photography,
Susan D. Boulware, Mel Cordner,
Centerline Magazine is published six times a year by the New Haven Pride
Nick Dionne,Kelly Carpenter,
Center. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher Lucy Gellman, Christy L. Olezeski,
or of Centerline but of the writers. We welcome a variety of viewpoints Anisha D. Patel, RahVisions,
and encourage submissions. Complete or partial reproduction of any Ace Ricker, Stuart A. Weinzimer
advertisement, news article, feature or photography without written Cover photo: Pexels/Lukas Rychvalsky
consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Send advertising inquiries
to mleonardo@newhavenpridecenter.org ©2021 New Haven Pride Center. Printed by TCI Press
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021 3
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2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month
10a-12p and 4p-6p
View our current openings by going to:
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skills, community integration and socialization as well
as health services, quality of life events, behavioral,
financial, benefit and educational supports.
Connecticut magazine’s
2021 Best of
Greater New Haven
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READERS’ POLL
FINALIST
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CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021
photo: Megan McGory-Gleason
FRONT OF THE LINE
Joshua O'Connell
Interconnection
When putting this edition of Centerline progress.
together, we didn't purposefully intend We also
on the interconnected themes that came have a follow-
together, but what a happy accident it up piece from
turned out to be! Q Plus founder Mel Cordner on the
The content inside largely revolves continuing challenges and opportunities of
around four core themes: virtual programming for youth during the
1. Trans Issues pandemic. While it can unlock access for
2. Health Issues some, it can create fresh hurdles for others,
3. Youth Issues especially when you begin to explore adults
4. Drag Performances providing permission and Internet access
On trans issues, we have a wonderful to the various programming opportunities
piece from Ace Ricker on gender that for many youth is a critical lifeline to
stereotypes and how they seep into the stay connected. Cordner's been doing this
trans identity, to the point where it can all along, and as one of the released staff
be an obstacle in someone simply being from True Colors that we covered this year,
themselves. Ace shares some great they've thrown themselves into these needs
anecdotes and stories that help illustrate the head on through Q Plus.
challenge, and offers some advice on how to Finally, we have drag performances.
navigate this. During a challenging year and beyond of
We also have a piece in this issue the pandemic, drag has been one area that
featuring the viewpoint of five doctors who has managed to keep going in modified
affirm trans healthcare for youth is a right form. We take a look at Lipstick, Lashes and
and is essential, and they share why this is Lies, a show that recently reached its three
so important. year anniversary at Comix Roadhouse at
For health issues, we have that piece, as Mohegan Sun. I spoke with the co-owner of
well as items from two of our local youth Comix, and host Mia E Z'Lay, to take a look at
talking about the importance of LGBTQ+ what's making that successful.
topics and conversations in health class, not Another successful franchise is Chez
only to ensure the proper education of these Legends, and their recent annual All Stars
issues, but to help normalize talking about event took place to great success. Natalia
LGBTQ+ topics in general. There's a number Fiercé beat out Kalysta Kaykes in what was
of aspects to this, and they get into it in an epic competition, and we've got not
depth. only the details, but some of the red carpet
These pieces cover some of the youth photos.
connection, but also we cover an important As always, we'd love to hear from you and
development in New Haven with the find out what you think of the latest edition.
approaching arrival of Y2Y New Haven, an Email your thoughts to us at
LGBTQ+-focused shelter that should bring centerline@newhavenpridecenter.org - we
some critical infrastructure and resources appreciate all feedback, whether positive or
to help those ages 18-24, an age group negative, as we continue to grow and evolve
commonly left behind when it comes to the magazine.
homelessness and needs, and in particular Thanks for picking up a copy, and we'll
the LGBTQ+ population. Lucy Gellman see you in a couple of months with our next
provides some great reporting on their issue. Until then, have fun and stay safe.
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021 5
VIRTUALLY SPEAKING
The Challenges & Bonuses of
LGBTQ+ Youth Programming
and Outreach in a Pandemic
by Mel Cordner the obvious accessibility take turns reading the chat
issue we all face: you need aloud and even describe
I spend at least ten reliable internet and a on-screen images that are
hours a week on Zoom functional device to get shared so that no one misses
with teenagers. The time online. As a minor, you also what’s being discussed.
might be spent in planning need reliable PERMISSION to They will greet and say
meetings, support groups, access those things. When goodbye to youth who ‘lurk’
game nights, activities, with youth are grounded from or attend via chat only as
guest speakers, or one-on- attending group or forced to enthusiastically as they do
one. I wish everyone could leave early for curfews, their the on-camera members,
see what I’ve seen over the mental health suffers. Adults carefully and emphatically
last year. dismiss it as “just” online using their chosen names
Virtual youth programming, especially as out loud. It sounds like a
programming is a mixed schools reopen, but many small thing, but it FEELS
bag like anything else. The queer young people don’t like finding a key to a world
challenges have been more have close friendships you’ve been locked out of
outlandish than I imagined with students in their own for your whole life — a world
they could be; I’ve seen schools or towns. Being cut that sees you as yourself.
grown adults ‘zoom bomb’ off from online friendships Oddly (or not), access
children with violent or can mean complete and adults are the biggest
pornagraphic videos, and isolation, which is especially challenges I face in running
had suicidal teenagers unhealthy for developing youth programming online
wordlessly disappear from young people. as well. I’d long ago resigned
groups for weeks at a time. In our case, access myself to having to deal
The bonuses have been just and isolation are further with “that’s not a real job”
as intense: I’ve become good complicated by the queer and “you don’t know my
friends with adults I never closet. Some entirely kid” from adults for the
would have met otherwise, closeted group members rest of my life, so that
and seen ‘disappeared’ teens attend without their part isn’t new. What I’ve
rejoin group from a new parents’ knowledge. They thankfully not had to deal
home out of state because might put headphones in with before is queerphobic
they were homesick for a and appear to be listening adults attacking queer
Zoom meeting. to music to any parents youth in space that is built
checking in, while actually specifically for them. Our
ACCESS & ADULTS engaging in the only queer- Zoom links have been
focused activity they’ve ever shared by conservative
The biggest challenges attended. The way the rest of twitter profiles with calls for
youth run into regarding the group adjusts to include action multiple times. When
online programming are youth who attend this way is support or game groups
access and adults. There’s almost automatic. Youth will are zoom bombed, youth
6
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021
Pexels/August de Richelieu
Access and adults are two of the more challenging aspects of ensuring youth can access
critical programming online that is specifically designed to help them.
attendees never know; the been genuinely traumatic media creation and sharing
waiting room fills with new to someone else. I’ll never than I ever thought I’d care
names containing sexual understand why some to know. There’s no space to
innuendos or insults, but people find joy in attacking be afraid of technology in a
only the Zoom host ever sees children. global pandemic.
the waiting room. Open mic Technology reliance is a
zoom bombers are harder to separate challenge. I didn’t ONLINE CRISIS
deal with. Performers invite even pay for internet before MANAGEMENT
audience members, so I the pandemic; I only ever
admit appropriately named went home to sleep so there I’ve been talking teens
strangers. The bombers that wasn’t a point. Now, I have through crises since I was
jump in screaming slurs paid for membership on a teen in crisis myself, and
or playing pornography multiple gaming websites in have dealt firshand with
are instantly removed. The order to host enough players everything from self harm
sneakier ones wait for a to accommodate my entire to suicide to addiction
while before attacking. I’ve group. to assault. I’ve never felt
had folks spam the chat I’ve become an expert on helpless in those situations
with derogatory rants and handling Zoom controls — — as long as the person was
drown out the performers which is pretty impressive in front of me, I knew they
with static. Once, someone if you know that I used to were safe for that moment,
staged a fake home invasion refuse to even turn the and all we had to do was get
on their screen — I thought television on during in- through each moment after
I’d kicked them out quickly person movie nights for fear that. Online, it’s different.
enough, until our youngest of somehow “breaking the Online, there is no tether of
attendee complimented technology.” I’ve crashed and reality keeping that person
how realistic their fake revived multiple devices over with me. If they decide a
guns were. It was funny the last year, and learned conversation is over, all they
to him, but it could have more about animation and have to do is sign off.
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021 7
The thing that really haunts me about With online groups, I’ve come to expect a
those situations is that I’m entirely helpless much faster and more honest reconnection
to reach them any other way. I can’t because online anonymity removes me from
walk someone outside to chat with their that system. When online group members
guardian. I can’t call home. I can’t be sure move states away or check themselves
of a young person’s legal name or town into hospitals, they tend to be back two
of residence, so I can’t track them down weeks later — along with two or three new
at school. I can’t follow up or even google friends from the new program or location,
them. If the worst happens, I’ll literally never who didn’t have a community until they
know. found us online. I can’t track them down
on my own anymore, but I can offer a safe,
ANONYMOUS AUTHENTICITY consequence-free home to come back to no
matter what else is going on — something
While that easily-severed connection that was entirely missing for many youth
is terrifying to me as an adult, it’s actually before the pandemic.
experienced as a form of safety by many The anonymity afforded by online
young people. I can’t alert local authorities meetups allows all youth attendees to be
when I have no idea what “local” means, more authentic, in crisis or not. Youth can
and from a youth perspective that makes engage entirely in chat without cameras
me a safe adult to be honest with because or microphones, which allows them to
they don’t risk “getting in trouble.” When circumvent appearance-based assumptions
in-person group members changed homes, of others as well as their own dysphoria.
went inpatient, or ran away, I knew not to They can use the names and pronouns
expect so much as an “I survived” email for they choose without ever being “clocked” by
months — if ever — because I was part of their voice or face. They can attend groups
the system, whether I liked it or not. as who they are, not as who the adults
around them tell them they have to be.
They can also start at any time; new group
members are accepted into the group in
the same way new players are accepted into
our RPG campaign: seamlessly, as if they’ve
always been part of the story.
The most common critique of online
programming — that it isn’t “real” socializing
— is also its greatest strength. Youth can
control how they are perceived online, which
negates tons of social pressure. Online
events allow youth to access social spaces
on their own sensory terms as well; teens
can control the brightness and volume of
their interactions, and guarantee that they
will not be accosted by strong scents or
unexpected touch. Events can be accessed
without the overstimulation and anxiety of
physical travel, and can be attended without
any worries about eye contact, posture,
fidgeting, or other social norms. Virtual
programming is accessible to depressed,
anxious, neurodivergent, and otherwise
sensitive youth in a way that no in-person
event can be.
The same applies to accessibility from a
8 CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021
physical perspective. Virtual continue, no matter for their online friends more
programming does not how much in-person than once. Every single
require any physical mobility programming returns. one of them has grown in
or transportation. There’s no some way, be it through self
need to ask about ramp or VIRTUAL REALITY discovery, conversation and
bathroom access or seating conflict mediation practice,
availability for an online I never want to hear or even coming out.
event, and no risk of germ another person say internet I miss the magic of in-
exposure to chronically ill friendships aren’t “real” person programming as
or immunocompromised ever again. With all the much as anyone else. I
people. Youth with busy complications of attending know just about everyone is
schedules or from rural in-person events out of the looking forward to more in-
areas no longer have way, focus and energy are person human interaction.
to juggle their options freed to dedicate to content I also know we can never
trying to sort out travel and genuine connection. go back to ignoring the
plans. Hundreds of young Most of our group members life-saving connection that
people across the state have never met each other virtual programming offers
who were not being in person, but the groups to countless people who
reached are suddenly part are more tight-knit than any have until now been left
of our audience — and in-person group I’ve ever behind.
their lives are changing facilitated because they’ve Mel Cordner is the
because of it. There can all become one another’s founder of Q Plus, a
be no forcing those youth lifelines. Youth have been community organization
back into isolation; virtual moved to tears in group that creates space for queer
programming MUST while professing their love youth to be themselves.
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10 CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021 11
COMPETITION
Chez Legends
The annual Chez Legends All Stars competition took
place earlier this spring, with a red carpet hosted by Joan
Rivers, played by Loosey LaDuca. Natalia Fiercé took the
win, but Kalysta Kaykes put up an amazing performance
in the competition as well.
Photos by RahVisions
12
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021PERFORMANCE
Coming Up
Chez Legends Crowns The Chez Legends
Latest All Star Winner
competition returns
to the Chez stage
in June for its 7th
by Patrick J Dunn Fiercé joining her and season, where drag
snapping photos under entertainers of all types
Glitter and confetti her photography company will showcase their
fluttered from the ceiling, RahVisions. talents and via for a
the crowd roared with joy, The two spent the next chance to compete
and a glistening crown two hours greeting the 70 for the crown. Season.
adorned the head of a guests, posing questions like 8 will begin in the fall.
beautiful Latina diva. “I did “Who did your hair?” and Chez Legends All Stars
it” she said at the top of her “Is your dress from Amazon is scheduled for May
lungs. That was the scene too?” The red carpet was also 2022 and will feature
at the 3rd Annual Chez live streamed onto the Chez the winners of Season 7
Legends All Stars Finale. Est’s facebook page. and 8.
Attended by a limited Once inside guests
number of pre-sold ticket were met by other Chez Est portray celebrities. Kalysta’s
buyers, the room was filled headliners – Giganta Smalls portrayal of Britney Spears
with socially distant and and Kiki Lucia – and Chez Est was unexpected, a fun
masked fans of both of this title holders – Bebe Gallini, surprise for the audience
years’ competitors, Natalia Lady Tatianna, Chez Legends that might try to put
Fiercé and Kalysta Kaykes. 2019 Winner Mz October them in the box of being a
Throughout the May Lay and Chez Legends more political or “darker”
pandemic, the Chez has 2020 Winner Ray Decorazón. performer. Though in true
been a beacon of light in Staff in Chez Est t-shirts Kalysta style, they shocked
the sea of darkness for and matching black masks the audience when they
LGBTQ+ artists. Their walls escorted folks to their tables, ripped off their wig and
are decorated with paintings which would be their safety started shaving their head
and photography by local bubble for the next few on stage.
visual artists, their stage has hours as Natalia and Kalysta When Natalia entered
been open to performance battled for the crown. Food the stage as Janet Jackson,
artists of all types – drag, and drinks made their way the room exploded. You
musicians, singers – and to the tables throughout would have sworn that it
their kitchen sends out some the evening, featuring was the actual Jackson on
of the best culinary delights, classic Chez favourites and the stage followed in tow by
and yes food is art, that some special dishes for the three backup dancers. The
rivals any bar & restaurant evening. only thing missing was an
space in the area. The Chez This year, slightly “accidental” nip slip.
Legends All Star Finale was different from previous Act 2, Kalysta again
no exception. years, each act was thought outside the box
As guests began to arrive, introduced by a different portraying themselves as
they were greeted on the Chez Headliner alongside the Zodiac killer for the Act
Red Carpet by Chez Est event host and producer 2 category “Zodiac.” Their
Headliner Loosey LaDuca Mia E Z’Lay, who stunning performance included a
in her best Joan Rivers on the audience in a gorgeous moving body bag (with Chez
the red carpet look, with green gown. Est favourite Frizzie Borden
Chez Est Headliner Robin Act 1 saw the contestants hiding inside) and some
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021 13blood. Natalia approached the
category with a more traditional
look, wearing a beautiful
headpiece to represent her
sunsign and performing her
heart out.
Final Act was Evening Gown
Extravaganza, which also gave
each performer the opportunity
to present their version of a
show stopper performance.
Kalysta kicked off the act with
a nail biting performance that
included their signature of using
fire, lighting up part of their
costume as they delivered their
best performance of the evening.
It was both heartbreaking and
inspiring at the same time.
Natalia delivered a beautiful
performance that had many in
the audience in tears by the end,
including having pieces of white
fabric descend from the ceiling
and attach to her dress.
By the end of the act, the
audience was in full discussion
about who would win – my guess
is it came down to a one or two
vote difference.
While votes were tallied,
guests enjoyed performances
by all of the Chez Est Headliners
and title holders, including
the final performance of Mx
Chez Est 2020 Ray Decorozón.
Each performance reflected
on the vast diversity that the
Chez attracts in their line-ups –
from campy comedy to fierce
nerdiness to empowering and
political.
In the final moments of the
evening, the audience watched
on pins and needles, holding
their breath wanting their
favourite to win. There was a
moment where it was like the
world stood still and hostess Mia
Photo by Nick Dionne E Z’Lay called out “The winner
Natalia Fiercé celebrates after being crowned at the of Chez Legends is . . . Natalia
3rd Annual Chez Legends All Stars Finale. Fiercééééééééééééé”
14
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021YOUTH VOICES
LGBTQ+ Health Education
in Schools is Essential
Assata Johnson, Class of these topics on their own student at a school going
2022 at Hill Regional Ca- which can lead to more through transitioning. Even
reer High School harm than good sometimes. after copious amounts of
The point of school is to research, some things can
The average health teach students everything slip through the cracks.
class is supposed to teach about life and that includes There are many health
students healthy ways LGBTQ students as well. risks that can come with
of living: How to prevent Topics that need to be transgender health like
things, what to do and talked about and why: an increased risk of HIV,
what not to do, and how to hormone issues, blood clots,
cure any disease you may GENDER IDENTITY AND liver damage and more.
encounter outside of high TRANS HEALTH Outside of health risks
school life. All the health and things, we should also
curriculum is “Don’t drink There are more than 2 try making school more
and drive, drugs are bad, genders. Whether or not gender neutral.
eat healthy and the only people want to accept that Many times in PE have I
way to prevent STDs/STIs/ is up to them, but there heard the phrase “Boys over
Pregnancy is contraception are students and people here, girls over there.” Well
and abstinence” Boom! I just out in the world who do what about the students
summed up an entire year’s not conform to just “male” who don’t feel like they
worth of learning in one or “female.” I mean even resonate with either binary
sentence. some people, even though gender? Will a teacher look
The health program is its a small percentage, at the female presenting
very flawed, and not many are born “intersex”, student and tell them “look,
students take away anything meaning they don’t have just go stand with the girls”
from the class other than sex characteristics that fit and discredit their feelings
what I just summarized. into either binary gender. or tell a male presenting
From middle school to high This includes the person’s student “Its fine its just
school, me and many of chromosomes and genitals. for today anyway.” Well
my peers see no change or But there is also “non- it’s not just for today. It’s
any depth put into either binary” that can be talked their whole lives they have
curriculum from what we about. “Non-binary” is a been told they are “boy” or
already knew. Not only person who doesn’t truly “girl” and they finally find
that, but there is barely any identify with either of the something that makes them
mention of LGBTQ health binary genders and just comfortable and it’s just
topics at all. simply wants to exist as a going to be disregarded for a
Schools can teach gender person, not male or female. grade?
indentity, trans health, how Then there’s also We should also have
to practice safe sex, and so transgender people who just more gender neutral
much more but they don’t aren’t really mentioned at bathrooms for this reason.
do that. Instead LGBTQ all. This can be dangerous A non-binary or gender
students are left to research because say there is a fluid student should not
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021 15Pexels/Pixabay
Health class can feel quite empty without inclusion of LGBTQ+-specific topics.
have to go to great lengths and be talking about the
to explain themselves 4. Show that they care diseases that can spread
to a teacher, principal or about their health and between women, like HPV,
security as to why they don’t safety. bacterial vaginosis , and
feel comfortable using a trichomoniasis in addition
gendered bathroom and Teaching students about to the other STDs/STIs that
have to spend time going gender identity can be an can be spread.
back and forth with that eye opener so that they There's also health risks
adult just to be told “Its fine, are more respectful and with gay sex as well. Gay
just use either bathroom.” knowledgeable about these men have a higher risk
That completely defeats the topics for if they encounter of dying from prostate,
whole purpose. this at any point and time. testicular and colon cancers.
I feel like it is a school’s We need to talk and teach
duty to talk about these SAFE SEX about these topics because
things and expose students straight sex isn’t the only
to this to: Yes we know about thing in the world right now.
condoms, and yes we know Matter of fact it never was.
1. Open their eyes to the about abstinence. But what There are many LGBTQ
real world, about Lesbians and Bisexual people who had to go
2. Make school more women? A regular store- through and experience
comfortable for these bought condom could be these things so that we as
students, effective in some ways, but the future didn’t have to.
3. Introduce the gender they would probably need So that we as the future
spectrum to kids something a little different. generation can know and
that don’t feel here Female condoms are an prevent these diseases.
nor there but can’t option, and they dont just Therefore not teaching safe
describe it and teach exist for lesbian and bisexual sex outside of a straight
students how to be women either. couple does more harm than
respectful of them, We should also good.
16
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021KEEPING THE COMMUNITY SAFE Elisa Cruz, Class of 2022 at Hill Regional
Career High School
Homophobia and transphobia are very
serious topics in the LGBTQ community. My experience with high school health
People are hurt and killed over just trying was definitely not of the ordinary since
to be their true selves and it’s revolting that midway through, COVID-19 had hit. At that
this community has to hide this part of point, work started to become optional
themselves to stay alive, homophobic and and ‘light’ in order to accommodate every
transphobic tendencies are taught. You are students’ needs, while dealing with the
not “born” these things. They are taught these pandemic. As for that year, we did not
things by the people who raise them and are start the new unit on sexual education/
around them. Talking about LGBTQ anything the topic of sexuality. In my own personal
whether it be what the acronym means, experience, I never even received a sexual
what gender is, what sexuality is can start a education as a middle schooler since I
conversation between people. It can open the went to a parochial school. However, I am
eyes of those who are younger that not every able to easily anticipate how high school
couple is “man and woman.” We can break sexual education would have been taught
the idea in which straight is “default” and to me. The curriculum would have focused
“normal.” If we teach students that straight on heteronormative sex precautions, not
is not “the normal" then we can have more mention other seuxalities, and briefly go
students feel more proud and open about over consent.
being LGBTQ belonging rather than them The negligence to the LGBTQ+
feeling like they don’t belong or that they community when it comes to seuxality and
will be attacked because of it. Opening the sexual education is simply depriving the
eyes of these students can show them that youth- either LGBTQ+ or not- of an enriching
being a part of the LGBTQ community is education opportunity.
okay and that even though they themselves If the LGBTQ+ youth only learns about
may not feel they are LGBTQ belgoning how to practice safe sexual education in
that they should still be respectful of them. a a heterosexual relationship, it just gives
Being a part of the LGBTQ community isn’t them knowledge that is not useful for them.
some disease. If a LGBTQ person touches Even moreso, we do live in a heternormative
a straight person, the straight person isn’t society and gaining knowledge about safe
going to magically become a part of the heteroseuxal sex is not inaccessible. In
LGBTQ community. Talking about the LGBTQ comparison, it is more difficult to gain more
community also wouldn’t make a person gay knowledge about safe LGBTQ+ sex.
either. The school curriculum needs to stop What better place to learn more about a
walking on eggshells around this topic and topic than school itself? More importantly,
try to avoid it because schools are excluding by treating LGBTQ+ sex as equal to
your LGBTQ students and not helping them heterosexual sex, it allows for even more
at all. LGBTQ students shouldn’t have to wait normalization of the LGBTQ+ community.
to experience something in their lifetime Another positive outcome in making the
without knowledge of it while straight people curriculum more LGBTQ+ affirming, is that
learn about it every single day. I understand this can easily be a way a school can provide
that not every topic I said here can be talked support for their LGBTQ+ students without
about because of time restraints, but we can having to out the students themselves. It
atleast learn about the gender spectrum and just allows for the LGBTQ+ youth to be more
safe sex for the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ educated in their own community without
topics shouldn’t be left up to the media the pressure of having to out themselves
and for LGBTQ belonging students to have — if they are not ready — in order to gain a
to research. We should at least learn a little more sophisticated education.
something more other than “LGBTQ people
exist.”
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021 17VIEWPOINT
Adhering to Gender
Stereotypes Won’t Help
You Become Yourself
by Ace Ricker enforce conformity that or not) try to fit a societal
tries to make everyone norm so that we finally feel
Cis or trans, we live in a the same. Conforming that space of acceptance
gender-obsessed society. to gender roles ignores or safety that was missing
Whether it be pink, blue, diversity and differences so before we transitioned.
feminine, masculine; hurdles ignorant individuals can be The simplest sad but true
upon hurdles are thrown at comfortable without having example of safety being an
each of us since the day we to question their beliefs. issue linked to gender norms
are born. We are inundated One reason we get backlash is bathroom access. Like
with messages about what for breaking through these most trans people, I have
we should look like, what boxes is that others also faced verbal and physical
activities we play or watch, want to do so but feel they violence in a restroom for
and more; even the words can’t, or because it brings a simply going to a space
we use to describe ourselves sense of discomfort to not that I identified with. I was
or inanimate objects have a cookie cutter right perceived as a threat, when I
are often unnecessarily or wrong answer for every really just had to pee.
gendered. Society has so question. Since we’re born Before transitioning,
many boxes that have been we are constantly being it seems like we’re always
labeled pink or blue, girls or confronted with messages combating stereotypes
boys, and the repercussions about how we should act of the gender we were
of sticking your middle or look or exist, and when assigned; transitioning
finger up and paving your you question these ‘rules’ changes the challenge to
own path tend to include you threaten their power start adhering to stereotypes
turmoil and ridicule due to over you. As a young trans of the gender we actually
not following the “rules.” person, I would try to follow identify as. It feels as if
Many of us find ourselves these ‘rules’ to feel and be we will be looked at as
accepting these gender accepted as a “real man” somehow lesser if we don’t
boxes because it’s easier to when there truly isn’t a “How follow the gender ‘rules’
just fit into them than to To Be A Man For Dummies” associated with that group.
constantly question them. book out there. We might even become
As I grew into my Because of all this, many our own bullies by pushing
adolescence I started trans people step into their ourselves to follow a new set
realizing that we’re always gender transition believing of stereotypes.
seeking approval by fitting that their goal is to fit into a These stereotypes
into these gender norms, new set of stereotypes. can shape and limit our
when truthfully gender is As trans individuals, transitions. Among trans
just a construct used to sometimes we (consciously men, it is a common belief
18
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021that trans men “must”
have low voices and heavy
facial hair. They may feel
like they can’t show “too
much” emotion. Many trans
men feel uncomfortable
using the stall in a men’s
bathroom, as if that makes
them “less of a man.” As a
trans man, I even find that
others in the community
will not use certain words so
they don’t get questioned
on their manliness! I know
trans men who will not say
“PJs” for pajamas, or call the
cloth under the Christmas
tree a “skirt” because that’s I was seen as one of the express myself as myself.
too feminine. I’ve even met guys… but second, I found Why should anyone, trans
men who use a coffee app to myself still treated as an or not, have to go through
order their drink with extra outcast because I was used being pushed and pulled
caramel because they feel to diminish the masculinity in and out of pink and blue
they would be ridiculed as a of other men who were boxes they don’t even want
man ordering extra caramel playing the sport. At that to fit into? There isn’t a book
out loud. It took me some point in my life I didn’t to give you all the answers,
time of hearing and seeing understand that I still wasn’t but a blank canvas to paint
these things, and even doing accepted, I was just being what you want the pages of
them myself at times, for used in a different way. I had that book to look like.
me to learn that fitting the to learn that whether I do Sometimes even in
stereotypes doesn’t help us something to fit the “norm” spaces we think we’ll be
at all; if anything it takes of being a man or not, accepted, we find pushback.
away our uniqueness. people are going to perceive We’ll always find pushback.
In high school I played me however they want to. The positive thing out of
co-ed basketball. Being seen I looked for the “right that is that you can choose
as a young girl, I was already way” to be a guy in messages your life path based on that
outcasted because girls from society, social media, pushback in a way. You can
“shouldn’t” play with boys, and more, for years. When choose your friends and
let alone play “aggressive” it came to fitting into the family. You can focus on
sports because they were boxes, I found that I didn’t the pushback you will grow
“violent” or “dangerous.” feel comfortable there; it from, and walk away from
The only way I was accepted wasn’t me. As I grew up the pushback that will shove
within that league was and wasn’t obsessed with you back into that pink or
to defy gender norms. I sex, violence, or power, that blue box.
blocked a cis boy opponent didn’t make me less of a Transitioning isn’t
who thought he could man; if anything it made me about fitting new gender
plow through me. He failed get to understand myself as stereotypes, it’s about
miserably, and because I a person even deeper than I figuring out who you are and
showed physical strength in would have otherwise. Trying how you want to share that
the “man’s world” two things to conform to what someone with the world. Transitioning
happened. First, I gained else chose as the ‘right’ way isn’t about doing gender
acceptance into the men’s to be a guy took away my right, it’s about being
league of basketball because freedom to be who I was and yourself right.
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021 19COMEDY
Lipstick, Lashes & Lies
Turn the page to read about the Lipstick, Lashes and Lies
show at Comix Roadhouse at Mohegan Sun, which is
running twice a week at the venue. Each show features a
rotating line-up of drag performers providing an eclectic
array of entertainment
Photos by Matthew Allen Photography
20
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CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021 21Safe Protocols,
Edgy Comedy
Lipstick, Lashes and Lies
Keeps the Laughter Going
at Comix Roadhouse
Inside Mohegan Sun
by Joshua O'Connell
22
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021“We’ve got a reporter
here tonight!” Mia E Z’Lay
noted on the mic between
Showtimes and Tickets
performances during a Lipstick, Lashes and Lies takes place twice weekly at Comix
recent Lipstick, Lashes and Roadhouse at Mohegan Sun. At press time the schedule
Lies show at Mohegan Sun’s was Fridays at 9 pm and Sundays at 6 pm. Due to evolving
Comix Comedy Club, located COVID policies the exact timing will change in June 2021.
inside the Comix Roadhouse. Tickets are $15 each for general seating and $35 each for
“Let’s make sure he talks VIP seating; a food and drink minimum of $10 per person
about my bodacious bosom,” is also required during the show, standard for comedy
the host of the night’s shows. For the latest scheduling and to order tickets, visit
festivities added to the comixroadhouse.com
audience’s delight. Mia, you
got your wish.
For me, it was my first live singing doesn’t make night, Z’Lay cracks jokes,
time seeing live drag Robin special. Something does crowd work and keeps
performance in over a year, that makes someone in the audience energized. In
and the night’s events, the audience happy, may that way, she’s not unlike
which coincided with the make another person not other comedians and
three year anniversary of the as happy. So we have very performers who grace the
first show at Comix in April diverse talent on the stage” Comix stage throughout the
2018, featured a talented cast so there’s something for weekend.
that consisted of Z’Lay, Robin everyone. Marc Wiesenthal is the
Fiercé, Sparkle A. Diamond Z’Lay envisioned the co-owner of Comix and
and Angelina D’Amor. show as having more of noted that this success
Within that line-up a Vegas-style format of a follows in the pattern of
there was live singing longer performance and other successful shows at
(Fiercé), throwback crowd interaction with each the venue, which originated
energy (Diamond), performer, (that interaction at Foxwoods in 2010,
acrobatics (D’Amor), and has been temporarily shifted to Mohegan Sun in
more comedic-focused paused to maintain social 2015 and then added the
performances (Z’Lay). Each distancing). Comix Roadhouse in 2018.
brought a unique element During the set I saw, Lipstick, Lashes and Lies
to the show, an intentional which is a standard format, was originally one of a few
decision, according to Z’Lay each performer does two ideas to generate some fresh
during a conversation after numbers, and then there’s concepts for their late night
the show. a group number at the end. line-up.
“When I book the show, The result is a tight hour- “We were looking
I think of a cast of diverse ish variety show with a lot for something different.
talents,” Z’Lay said “It’s not of moving parts, and the Something more engaging
going to be 100 percent diversity of performances than a traditional standup
comedy or how would I keeps things engaging. comedy show.” Wiesenthal
be special? 100 percent Z’Lay said, “Each time said. “We wanted a new
there’s a new audience, and format for our Friday night
At left, Mia E Z'Lay works they get to see our best time slot. We had been
up the crowd at the onset numbers, very Vegas-y. A doing a number of different
of the Lipstick, Lashes and little audience interaction concepts, but they just didn’t
Lies show on April 18 at really fills the 30 seconds stick like Lipstick, Lashes and
Comix Comedy Club, inside between a joke or the next Lies does.” They were initially
Comix Roadhouse at song.” piloting concepts, each on a
Mohegan Sun in Ledyard. As the host and once-a-month basis, including
Photo by Joshua O'Connell connecting tissue of the Men in Motion Male Revue.
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021 23Z’Lay noted the main change was the
crowd interaction had to be curtailed for
safety.
“We’re unable to go off stage,” she said.
“Safety is my number one. Angelina had
to cancel a show earlier on as she thought
she had been around someone who was
sick. I’ve kicked girls off the show for not
following safety precautions. If I catch you
getting off stage without a mask you’re
gone.” All of this is to ensure the guests’
safety and comfort.
In November, rules changed yet again
and a 10 pm curfew was initiated. That
made the ability to do a Friday night
show no longer viable. They decided to
try a Sunday afternoon slot, which proved
successful.
When the curfew was later reduced, they
brought back Friday nights, and have since
been offering shows twice a week. Since
then they have done shows Friday nights at
9 pm (which was 10 pm pre-pandemic), and
Photo by Joshua O'Connell
6 pm on Sundays.
Sparkle A. Diamond performs during the
Both Z’Lay and Wiesenthal said the
Lipstick, Lashes and Lies show on April 18
expansion has largely proven a success.
at Comix Comedy Club, inside Comix Road-
“We were somewhat concerned about
house at Mohegan Sun in Ledyard.
doing two shows a week, would it stretch
Among the early successes in that our audience too thin? We found that it
rotation was Lipstick, Lashes and Lies, and didn’t. Not only do we have our regulars
before long its once a month had expanded have a choice between 8 shows per month,
to twice a month, and then three times a we’re able to attract new customers who
month. Then the pandemic hit. may not have been able to make a Friday
Z’Lay, who has made drag performing a night show.”
full-time career, was stressed by the initial Z’Lay concurred. “We said we’ll try two
shutdowns, but worked with Wiesenthal shows a week and it’s been selling. We are
and Comix to adapt the show to socially very lucky. We have a good cast.”
distanced times. Wiesenthal said that ability Z’Lay has been sharing hosting duties
to adapt allowed the show to return more with Kenya Mone Heart, her roommate,
quickly than others. since the expansion, to ensure the show
“Mia’s show was more adaptable to remains fresh and because of Z’Lay’s
COVID and social distancing than some of availability. Heart hosts most of the Friday
our other audience participation-driven shows, whereas Z’Lay mostly hosts the
shows,” Wiesenthal said. “Mia made the Sunday shows.
modifications with the show and worked One thing that was important to both
with the performers so we could be Wiesenthal and Z’Lay was the general
compliant with those rules.” concentration of local talent. This is an
“We moved forward with the socially aspect that Comix has held important for a
distant show and we’re glad we did. We variety of their shows, whether it be comedy
found that customers had been missing it… showcases, Spinnato’s Comedy Magic Show,
a lot. The demand for a weekly show was or other programs regularly on the Comix
there.” calendar.
24
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021“We build our
programming around both
local and regional talent as
well as finding comedians
in those communities who
aren’t the usual comedy
suspects (aka white cis
males). We’re an inclusive
club and want to support the
communities our performers
and guests care about.”
He added, “What we aim
to do with all of our shows
is put out a good, quality
product. If a random patron
is looking for a show, they’ll
be happy even if they don’t
know that performer. The
brand they’re trusting is
Comix Roadhouse. We’re Photo by Joshua O'Connell
also working with local Robin Fiercé performs during the Lipstick, Lashes and
performers who also have a Lies show on April 18 at Comix Comedy Club, inside Comix
local fan base network. We Roadhouse at Mohegan Sun in Ledyard.
appreciate the support of
those fans coming out as performers and talent that Connecticut. People can say
much as the comedians do.” comes from being able to what they want but don’t
Wiesenthal was book a local show with local sleep on Connecticut drag
connected to Z’Lay through performers. because you’re missing out.”
a friend, a degree of “I think it’s great that I The performers at the
separation scenario that’s get to put jobs for queer show I attended all had
led to a great working talent in Connecticut and great things to say about the
relationship. Z’Lay is equally that I get to put money Comix audience and what
excited to get to showcase in queer entertainers’ they can do with their art for
local talent. pockets and get to spread the shows.
Z’Lay said, “99 percent us around the state,” Z’Lay Robin Fiercé, a regular
of the show is Connecticut- said. “Obviously I have the in the Connecticut drag
based drag performances. bar down the street from community who does both
On rare occasions we include me and get to act a fool. I lip syncing and live singing,
people from Massachusetts. get to bring people all over said, “It’s almost a different
These are people who Connecticut and perform at audience each time. A lot of
regularly perform and come a safe and fun show where a the time it’s their first drag
out to shows. It is people variety of talent gets to get show if not in our immediate
who come to Connecticut, shown off. community. We get to share
and people you recognize She added, “It might our art with new people
from Connecticut. These are be in a certain area of and introduce people to a
drag entertainers that love Connecticut and they’re new form of art that they
the art of drag, want to do used to seeing drag ABC. didn’t expect, and get to be
drag, want to support drag, Then you come here [to amazed by it for the first
and part of the Connecticut Comix], and you get to see time.”
scene that have fan bases.” A J F and X drag because Sparkle A. Diamond
Z’Lay appreciates the there’s a lot of different said she enjoys “being able
ability to support local queer styles and drag around to bring back nostalgia
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021 25and then often become
regulars.”
Z’Lay added, “The best
part of a show, is if we can
get 10% of the tickets sold
to queer family, it helps the
rest of the crowd who’s new.
Tonight was a good show.
‘Where are the gays?’ I asked
and there were woos. It’s not
a straight only venue,” but of
course the shows get their
fair share of bachelorette
parties and other straight-
supporting fans.
The end result,
Wiesenthal said, is the ability
for Comix and the Lipstick,
Lashes and Lies show to be
Photo by Joshua O'Connell a source of joy and laughter
Angelina D'Amor does a headstand during the Lipstick, during a challenging period
Lashes and Lies show on April 18 at Comix Comedy Club, for many, and bringing
inside Comix Roadhouse at Mohegan Sun in Ledyard. back a chance to see
entertainment for those like
from the audience. I like to art, my talent, my drag, my myself, who had not been
do a lot of diva and older community.” out to a show in a year.
numbers. I like to see people Both Z’Lay and “We’ve heard that from
reminisce back when they Wiesenthal emphasized customers on an ongoing
were when that song came the unique diversity of both basis,” he said. “We feel that
back out for instance.” the cast and the audience, is both an honor and an
While watching the which work together to keep obligation to deliver great
show, it was very clear that the show fresh years into its content in a safe format.”
Diamond was connecting run. Both Wiesenthal and
in just that way with certain “What we find is our Z’Lay are excited to continue
audience members, who customers for this show are forward, and return to
got quite excited to hear the Mia and the performers’ normalcy.
numbers she was bringing fans, fans of drag in “We’re lucky to have
to the stage. general, our comedy show partners like Mia and
Meanwhile, Angelina customers, and frankly a Mohegan Sun that have
D’Amor, who was doing all fairly good contribution allowed us to adapt our
sorts of acrobatics during of casino regulars that venues to be able to operate
her numbers, said she see on the marquee out safely since we reopened
appreciates how the show front or on our website,” back in June,” Wiesenthal
lets her “have fun with my Wiesenthal said. “They said. “We’ve worked hard
sisters in my community, my may see drag shows at all with our staff and our
drag sisters.” But she also the major markets, at the customers to maintain a safe
appreciates “the way the casinos, and would love to and healthy environment
audience reacts to my drag see one here. I think it’s a for everyone. We’re looking
and my heart; the high and credit to the shows as we forward to that return to
the hype. It’s not about me pull them together that normalcy that will allow
enjoying the show. It’s about those customers want to people to have more
the people enjoying me, my come back after seeing one, engagement. It’s easier to
26
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021Photo by Joshua O'Connell
From left, Angelina D'Amor, Sparkle A. Diamond, Robin Fiercé and Mia E Z'Lay perform
during the finale of the Lipstick, Lashes and Lies show on April 18 at Comix Comedy
Club, inside Comix Roadhouse at Mohegan Sun in Ledyard.
feel more comfortable with your server when you in the audience I’ll give you a booking. I
you’re not masked and they’re not masked. want to see CT Drag grow.
“The casino has done a great job of “The better and harder they work, it
maintaining a safe environment. This is a makes us want to work harder. I’m self
solid foundation that we’ve been able to obsessed. When I see someone doing great
build on since the beginning of the year. We work, it makes me work harder and want
feel we’re well on the road to ‘normal’.” to do better. As queer people we’re used
Z’Lay concurred. “I look forward to to having to show that we’re better on a
continuing an amazing show, working with regular basis. It’s nice to show we can go
fantastic entertainers. I hope to meet more above/beyond that too. We have to fight
and book more. I meet a lot of queer people for stuff people aren’t used to fighting for.
that want to do drag. When I feel they’re Whether it’s rights or having to beat another
ready, I say, ‘Hey, come to a show.’ If I see bottom for a top.”
CENTERLINE JUNE/JULY 2021 27VIEWPOINT
Trans Youth are Under Siege
Healthcare for Transgender Youth is
Medically Necessary, Not a Political Tool
by Christy L. Olezeski, PhD; individuals aged 3 to 25 who researchers, we know
Susan D. Boulware, MD; identify as transgender and/ care for transgender and
Kelly Carpenter, MA; Ani- or nonbinary, we understand nonbinary folks is not
sha D. Patel, DO; Stuart A. everyone’s gender journey is new. We know puberty
Weinzimer, MD unique. Some children start blockers are safe and not
to recognize their gender as experimental. We are not
Trans Rights are Human incongruent from their sex “chemically castrating”
Rights. This refrain keeps assigned at birth as early people or sending children
playing on repeat in our as 2 years of age. Other to surgeons prior to age
minds. However, as we saw children don’t notice an of consent (or without
in Arkansas (where gender incongruence until puberty, caregiver consent). Multiple
affirming medical treatment as they watch their bodies studies have shown that
was banned for transgender develop secondary sexual when youth are supported
and gender expansive characteristics that don’t in their identities and are
youth) and are witnessing fit with their true identities. able to obtain the necessary
in multiple other states Still others don’t quite medical care (including
(including proposed bans understand why they feel puberty blockers and cross
on medical care in at least uncomfortable until they hormone treatments), they
7 other states and sports learn the language that are less likely to engage in
bans in 30 states), some assists them in exploring self-injurious behaviors or
lawmakers do not agree. and understanding their attempt suicide. Medical
Legislation to make medical identities. In each of these decision-making is a process
intervention illegal, to ban cases, patients need to that occurs collaboratively
adolescent trans athletes have care-givers who can with youth, their caregivers
from playing on sports provide education and and their teams of providers.
teams that align with their medical intervention, and Having lawmakers decide
identities, and to remove they need supports in the what medical care should be
discussion of gender identity systems in which they are prescribed is dangerous and
development in healthcare required to interact (schools, misguided.
education makes it clear medical systems, religious In addition, youth
that some legislators do not institutions, residential who have a supportive
think trans and nonbinary placements, etc.). community (such as
youth have the right to be There has been a extracurricular activities,
themselves. As medical surplus of conjecture about support groups, GSAs or
providers, we believe these transgender healthcare sports teams) have greater
bills are rooted in ignorance based on fear, which self-esteem and lower rates
and fear, not in science. appears to be guiding the of depression and substance
Working in an state bans on medical use. They are also more likely
interdisciplinary academic care for transgender to report a better quality of
medical setting with youth. As clinicians and life. Inclusive spaces where
28
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