Welcome to "The Scene RI"!
Welcome to “The Scene”, APRI’s dedicated space for gay men, built by gay men…specifically, you!
We brought together gay men from across our State to survey them for information about resources that are particularly welcoming to men who have sex with men (MSM). We asked them who the most affirming and welcoming faith communities, doctors, therapists, and other providers are.
In this space you can also find information about upcoming events, public health alerts, and more. Our goal is to assist gay men in Rhode Island in their efforts to stay healthy physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally!
To be a part of our work, and make a contribution to our space, use the link at the bottom of the page!
Welcome to “the Scene”!
Announcements & Events
From the Department of Health
- From 2012-2021, the State of Rhode Island saw a 382% increase in infectious syphilis cases, from 68 cases in 2012 to 328 cases in 2021. Check out the State’s 2021 HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Viral Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis Surveillance Report.
LGBTQIA + Community Event at Channing Memorial Church, Newport, 3/1/24
- A play reading and panel discussion focused on AIDs/HIV education. The play, titled “262 Stones,” was written by Channing member Gayle Hanrahan. The story takes place in 1981 when the “gay plague” first appeared. A young man is dying alone in a hospital room when a visit from a stranger changes everything. The panel discussion that follows will focus on the current state of HIV/AIDs diagnosis and treatment. Speakers are David Martins, AIDS Project RI, and Stephen Hogan, AIDS CARE Ocean State, and Dr. Joseph Garland, The Miriam Hospital. Q&A will follow. Rodney Davis from the United Way and Pride RI will be the moderator for the evening. $10 suggested donation.
Considering Matthew Shepard, WaterFire Arts Center, Providence, 3/9/24
- This presentation of the three-part oratorio by Craig Hella Johnson will be presented to us by the Providence Singers and the Rhode Island Gay Men’s Chorus. Doors open at 6:30 for networking followed by the concert at 7:00PM. Ticket Information: www.providencesingers.org
Drag Bingo, AIDS Care Ocean State
- AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS) has launched it’s 26th Drag Bingo Season at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Held on the third Thursday of the month, at 7:00PM, doors open at 5:00PM. For more information, check out the ACOS website!
AIDS Run/Walk for Life, Pierce Memorial Field, East Providence, 5/4/24
- APRI’s primary fundraising event for the year! Join us for music, food, and fun at our annual Run/Walk. For more information about the event, you can visit our dedicated Run/Walk website. You can also register as a runner/walker, or establish a team!
The Gala PVD, The Graduate Hotel, 11/15/24
- The Stable’s annual fundraising event. This year’s beneficiary will be the ACLU! This creative, Black-tie affair includes a three-course meal, dancing, and an incredible Drag Show. For tickets, or more information, visit the Gala PVD Website.
Faith Communities
Saint Raymond’s Roman Catholic Church
St. Ray’s is a Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Providence that is known for it’s “All Are Welcome” perspective. The community was very welcoming to my partner and I, and so was the Pastor. Although the Parish cannot officiate at same sex marriages, nor will they say things that are blatantly contrary to the teachings of the Church, They are uniquely welcoming and affirming.
1280 North Main Street, Providence
Mass Schedule: Saturday at 4pm | Sunday at 8am and 10am
The Episcopal Church
The Episcopal Church is ta member church in the world wide Anglican Communion. Contrary to some other members, the Episcopal Church voted to be fully inclusive in 1976. Two documents in 2015 codified within Episcopal Theology that gender neutral and same sex marriage ceremonies are allowed with a formal Church liturgy. In 2018 this rite was established for all Episcopal Diocese’.
Visit the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island’s Website to find an Episcopal Parish near you in Rhode Island.
Temple Emanu-El
“Temple Emanu-El is an exciting Conservative congregation that has been a strong Jewish community in Providence, Rhode Island for nearly one hundred years. We take pride in our long history of being a traditional and progressive inclusive community; a community of people of all genders, sexual orientation, and multi-faith families.”
The Temple holds more then 10 services between Friday and Saturday, visit their website to see the various sorts of services offered, and their respective times.
Sexual Health & STI Testing
AIDS Project Rhode Island
HIV & Hep C Testing, free & anonymous. No appointment needed, with your results in 20 minutes.
Walk-In Testing: Wednesdays from 5-7pm | Fridays from 9am-4pm
55 Hope Street
You can also make an appointment to come in for testing at your convenience by calling (401) 831-5522
AIDS Care Ocean State
ACOS provides HIV and Hep C testing. The ACOS Prevention Center is open Monday-Friday from 9am-1pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays it is also open from 6-8pm.
You can also make an appointment outside of those hours by calling (401) 781-0665. Same day appointments are available.
Open Door Community Health
Open Door is Rhode Island’s only LGBTQIA+ specific primary and preventative care health center. Not only can you get a full battery of STI testing done here, you also can pursue primary care with one of their incredible staff.
You can call Open Door at (401) 648-4700 to make an appointment or come to the clinic for walk-in screening and treatment hours.
Mondays: 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Tuesdays: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Wednesdays: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Thursdays: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Fridays: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Providence Bathhouses
APRI conducts testing at the Megaplex the 1st Sunday, 3rd Friday, and 4th Saturday of the month.
ACOS conducts testing at the Eagle’s Nest multiple times a week.
The Miriam Hospital STI Clinic
Appointments for STI testing are required. A live agent is available to assist with scheduling appointments, test results, or any other questions Monday- Friday, from 8am-4:30pm.
Clinic Hours are:
Wednesdays: 9:30am-5pm (closed for lunch, 11:30am-12:30pm)
Thursdays: 12:30pm-4:30pm
Fridays: 9am-2pm
The clinic is located at 180 Corliss Street, Suite F, Providence.
Mental Health Resources
Robert Sheridan, LICSW
- “Bob was an amazing therapist. Although not gay himself, I found his compassion and care to be perfectly welcoming and affirming when I was going through some major relationship changes. I felt perfectly comfortable being open and honest with him and would highly recommend him to any gay man looking to work towards change in his life.”
- You can find Robert Sheridan’s contact information on Psychology Today.
Support Groups
Gay Men’s Support Group
- Support group for gay men impacted by HIV
- Sponsored/hosted by AIDS Care Ocean State
- Wednesdays, 1:30pm-3:00pm
- Email for more information, and the location
Brothers in Sobriety
- Gay men’s meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous
- In-person, open, discussion meeting
- Saturdays, 6:30pm-7:30pm
- St. Martin Church, 50 Orchard Ave., Providence
RIGAL
- LGBTQIA+ meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous
- In-person, open, discussion meeting
- Tuesdays, 7:00pm-8:00pm
- Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell Street, Providence
LGBTQ + Allies
- LGBTQIA + affirming meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous
- In-person, closed, discussion meeting
- Wednesdays, 7:00pm-8:00pm
- St. Mary’s Church, 795 Dartmouth St., Dartmouth, MA
Submit Resources
Help keep our directory full of the best resources around.
Do you and your partner have a restaurant that you love going to because of how welcoming and affirming they are? Do you attend worship services with a particular congregation because of their stance on LGBTQ issues? Is there a certain clinic you use for STI testing because of how comfortable they make you feel as a gay man? Is there a realtor, therapist, dentist, doctor, or small business owner that has succeeded in creating a comfortable setting for gay men to access their services?
Submit your recommendations below!