ACCESSline, The Heartland's LGBT+ Newspaper, June 2012 Issue, Volume 26 No 6

Get to Know Idina Obama Affirms Mike Ruiz Menzel Interview by Same-Sex Marriage Arthur Breur

Idina Menzel is a Broadway sensation known best for playing two larger-than-life characters in Broadway’s “Rent” and “Wicked”, though she is known most recently for her performances on the hit TV series, Glee. In Idina Menzel an interview with The ACCESSline’s Arthur Breur, she promised that the performances will include great scope (including a wide variety of music and a full orchestra!) but will also be very intimate and personal. Speaking in person, Idina Menzel has the kind of immediately likeable personality that makes you very much want to get to know her better.

Fortunately, her current and future fans in the Midwest will have that opportunity during her musical tour this summer, which will include performances throughout the heartland: St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Des Moines, Iowa; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Highland Park, Illinois.

“I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married.” ~President Barack Obama in an interview with Robin Roberts of ABC’s “Good Morning America” May 9th 2012.

TTIDINA MENZEL story on page 34

First Friday Breakfast Club Scholarship

Nine seniors from high schools across Iowa are recognized by the First Friday Breakfast Club (FFBC) for their efforts to provide education and understanding of LGBT students and related issues and counter homophobia. Students will each receive a $2,500 scholarship to be used to help pay educational costs at any post secondary education institution. The FFBC Scholarship Award Committee has identified the following students as contributing the greatest efforts toward addressing LGBT issues in their schools and communities.

Throughout the month of May, Scholarship Award Committee members traveled to each of the student’s schools to present indication of the award. This was presented before fellow students, school staff, parents and community members at each school’s award ceremony. Official scholarship awards will be made at FFBC’s Scholarship Award Ceremony on June 1st.

Scholarship winners are:

TTFFBC continued page 4

Page 3

Page 11

TTHEARTLAND NEWS story on page 3

Ortega to Perform at Capital City Pride interview by Angela Geno-Stumme

S i n g e r, s o n g - w r i t e r, and Iowa native Mark Ortega is opening for Beverly McClellan at Capital City Pride, June 9th-10th in Des Moines, Iowa.

How do Mark Ortega and dancer Donte Rogerson to his right. Photo courtesy of Mark Ortega. you feel about coming back to your home state of Iowa as Beverly McClellan’s opening act at Capital City Pride?

I am extremely excited and honored to be opening for Beverly. I had the pleasure of meeting her in April at Chicago’s Red Dress Party and she was way cool! She is exceptionally talented and I know she will put on a great show.

As far as coming back home to Des Moines to perform, I am feeling a wide spectrum of emotions. I am intensely proud, yet humble. I feel a little anxious too as some of my friends have not seen me perform since high school…

TTORTEGA story on page 38

Page 14

TTInterview page 11

What’s Inside:

Section 1: News & Politics

Advertising rates 3 Heartland News 3 2012 University of Iowa Rainbow Graduation 4 Remarkables by Jonathan Wilson 5 A Call to Rewrite...the Gender Drama by W. Blumenfeld 6 Minor Details: “We Look Like Mississippi” by R. Minor 7 Father to Son by Tony E. Hansen 7 Just Sayin’ by Beau Fodor 8 Digging Deeper interview by Amber Dunham 8 Inside Out: Nostalgic for Leadership by Ellen Krug 9 Creep of the Week by D’Anne Witkowski 10

Section 2: Fun Guide

Entertainment Picks for the Month 11 The Real Mike Ruiz Interview by Chris Azzopardi 11 Wired This Way by Rachel Eliason 12 National HIV Testing Day 13 Elements, Ltd. Puts Pride in Their Work by Sheena Thomas 14 Out of Town: A Provincetown Primer by Andrew Collins 15 Your Iowa Wedding Awaits 16 I.C. Kings Double Drag King Shows & Pride Events 17 From The Heart by Rev. Kathy Love, D.D. 18 Take Pride in Taking Care of Yourself by Dr. Jill Meadows 18 Hear Me Out by Chris Azzopardi 24 Deep Inside Hollywood by Romeo San Vicente 24 The Bookworm Sez by Terri Schlichenmeyer 26 Comics and Crossword Puzzle 26-27

Section 3: Community

FFBC : Scott Schoettes by Bruce Carr 29 CHAIN Launches Campaign 29 From the Pastor’s Pen by Rev. Jonathan Page 30 A Healthier and Progressive Pride by Royal Bush 30 Imperial Court of Nebraska By David “Chippy” Allen 31 One Iowa Pride Ride And Run 31 AIDS Project of Central Iowa 31 Ask Lambda Legal : Out at Work by Kenneth Upton 32 Black & Lou Pride Ball in St. Louis 32 Business Directory 35-36 The Outfield by Dan Woog 37 Black ministers follow Obama by Rev. Irene Monroe 38

Page 21

Page 24

JUNE 2012

PUBLICATION INFORMATION Copyright © 2012, All rights reserved.

ACCESSline

P.O. Box 396

Des Moines, IA 50302-0396 (712) 560-1807

www.ACCESSlineAMERICA.com editor@ACCESSlineIOWA.com

ACCESSline is a monthly publication by

Breur Media Corporation. The paper was

founded in 1986 by the non-profit organi-

zation ACCESS (A Concerned Community for Education, Safer-sex and Support) in Northeast Iowa.

Arthur Breur, Editor in Chief Angela Geno-Stumme, Managing Editor

Publication of the name, photograph or

likeness of any person, business or organization in ACCESSline is not to be construed as any indication of sexual orientation. Opinions

expressed by columnists do not necessarily

reflect the opinions of ACCESSline or the LGBT+ community. Letters to the editor may

be published. We cannot be responsible for errors in advertising copy.

We welcome the submission of origi-

nal materials, including line drawings and

cartoons, news stories, poems, essays. They should be clearly labeled with author/artist

name, address, and phone number. We

reserve the right to edit letters and other material for reasons of profanity, space, or

clarity. Materials will not be returned. A

writer’s guide is available for those wishing to submit original work.

Advertising rates and deadlines are

available at ACCESSlineAMERICA.com. All ads must be approved by ACCESSline’s editorial board.

Section 1: News & Politics SScontinued from page 1

HEARTLAND NEWS

Briefs Filed in Iowa Birth Certificate Appeal Lambda Legal filed a brief to the Iowa Supreme Court on Monday, May 21 2012 in the case of Melissa and Heather Gartner, to have both of their names listed on the birth certificate of their daughter, MacKenzie.

MacKenzie was born to Heather Gartner in 2009, but the Iowa Department of Public Health originally refused to list Melissa— who is married to Heather under Iowa law—on the birth certificate.

In May 2010, Lambda Legal filed suit, pointing out that Iowa law requires providing same-sex couples the same legal consideration as opposite-sex couples, and arguing that denying the children of samesex couples an accurate birth certificate was denying them equal protection: As a result of Lambda Legal’s marriage equality lawsuit Varnum v. Brien, same-sex couples have married in Iowa since April 2009. Under Iowa law, a child born to a married couple is presumed the legitimate child of both spouses. This presumption applies equally to children of same-sex and different-sex married parents. In accordance with this presumption, Iowa law requires the Iowa Department of Public Health to list both spouses as a child’s parents on the child’s birth certificate regardless of whether the child bears a genetic relationship to both spouses, and even in cases where it is impossible for the child to be genetically related to both spouses. However, the Iowa Department of Public Health has refused to apply this law equally to the children of same-sex couples, denying them—and only them—accurate birth certificates until their married parents perform a costly and

intrusive adoption proceeding.

In January 2012, District Judge Eliza Ovrom ruled that the birth certificate be issued to Melissa and Heather Gartner, but the Branstad administration appealed the ruling the following month.

ACCESSline Page 3 where one may sit on a bus.”

Ratliff is a member of the NAACP board, but he did not attend the meeting at which the statement for marriage equality was ratified.

Minnesota For Marriage Iowa/Nebraska NAACP promotes falsehoods president reconsiders role The NAACP board announced in May that it fully supports marriage equality as a civil right, and issued the following statement: The NAACP Constitution affirmatively states our objective to ensure the “political, educational, social and economic equality” of all people. Therefore, the NAACP has opposed and will continue to oppose any national, state, local policy or legislative initiative that seeks to codify discrimination or hatred into the law or to remove the Constitutional rights of LGBT citizens. We support marriage equality consistent with equal protection under the law provided under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Further, we strongly affirm the religious freedoms of all people as protected by the First Amendment.

Keith Ratliff Sr., President of the Iowa/ Nebraska NAACP and reverend of the Maple Street Missionary Baptist Church in Des Moines, told the Des Moines Register that the board’s decision has led him to consider leaving the organization.

Ratliff has been an outspoken opponent of civil rights for gays and has disparaged the comparison of LGBT civil rights to racial civil rights. In 2011 he spoke in a rally at the Iowa Capitol Building, saying, “…deviant behavior is not the same thing as being denied the right to vote because of the color of one’s skin … not the same thing as being denied

The Minnesota anti-marriage-equality group “Minnesota For Marriage” has released a video of various “people on the street” speaking about why they disagree with marriage equality for same-gender couples. However, as David Badash of The New Civil Rights Movement pointed out in an article on May 24, 2012, most of the statements are false or misleading: • “…research overwhelmingly shows that when children are raised in a home with a father and a mother they become the best, most productive citizens of our country and community.” (False: Research has indicated that children do best with two parents—most likely because the parents share the great responsibilities associated with childrearing—however, research has shown the gender of the parents is not a significant factor.)

• “Since the beginning of time God has established that marriage is between a man and a woman.” (False: Today in much of the world, as well as historically— including within the Christian Bible— marriage laws have allowed, among other things, men to marry multiple women simultaneously.)

• One man, one woman marriage “strengthens democracy.” (Misleading: This claim may allege that allowing citizens to vote on a civil rights issue provides more a more “popular vote” democratic process, but it does nothing to strengthen

TTHEARTLAND NEWS cont’d page 34

ACCESSline Wants To Hear From You!

Send in photos and stories about your events... especially benefits, pageants. and conferences!

Please send us information on any of the following: Corrections to articles • Stories of LGBT or HIV+ interest • Letters to the editor Editorials or opinion pieces • Engagement and wedding ceremony announcements or photos Questions on any topic we print • Photos and writeups about shows, events, pageants, and fundraisers Please email us at Editor@ACCESSlineIOWA.com. You may also contact us at our regular address, ACCESSline, P.O. Box 396, Des Moines, IA 50302-0396 ACCESSline reserves the right to print letters to the editor and other feedback at the editor’s discretion.

Subscribe to ACCESSline

Thank you for reading ACCESSline, the Heartland’s LGBT+ monthly newspaper. Our goal continues to be to keep the community informed about gay organizations, events, HIV/AIDS news, politics, national and international news, and other critical issues. Don’t miss it! $42 for 12 issues. Subscribe at: ACCESSlineAMERICA.com Send this completed form with check or money order for $42 for a one year subscription (12 issues) or RENEW for $36. Send to:

ACCESSline, P.O. Box 396, Des Moines, IA 50302-0396 and we’ll send you ACCESSline in a plain brown envelope!

Good for the $42 annual rate or $36 renewal!

Name:________________________________________________________________ Address:_ ____________________________________________________________ City:______________________________ State:_ _____ Zip:_ _____________

ACCESSline Page 4

Section 1: News & Politics

2012 University of Iowa Rainbow Graduation

Sally Mason, President, The University of Iowa. Photo courtesy of Jefri Palermo.

More than 100 people attended the 2012 Rainbow Graduation Celebration on May 8th at the Old Capitol Museum Senate Chambers. Seventeen graduating students were honored with rainbow and triangle stoles. LGBTQ students who won scholarships and special awards were recognized.

President Sally Mason addressed the audience and praised the accomplishments of the students and thanked them for their contributions to the university. Rainbow Graduation has been in existence at Iowa since 2000 and occurred informally for many years prior to that year. This year the event was sponsored by the Chief Diversity Office, The LGBTQ Staff and Faculty Association, GLBTAU and the Center for Student Leadership and Involvement.

SScontinued from page 1

FFBC

Logun Buckley: Alden, Iowa FallsAlden High School

Claire Boeke, Ames High School

High School activities include: Spearheaded effort to stage LGBT- alternative prom, now an annual event; Three-year member of gay-straight alliance (GSA) Higher education plans: Grinnell College

Alexander Brown: Abraham Lincoln High School, Council Bluffs

High School activities include: Initiated and continued as sole organizer of National Day of Silence Activities, for three years; serves on various committees for United in Pride, Omaha’s gay pride festival Higher education plans: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

ABOVE: The Quire. BELOW: 2012 University of Iowa Rainbow Graduates: Andrew Greenberg, Claire Wofford,Thomas Arce, Elizabeth Beemsterboer, Rachel Hughes, Ryan Landi, Xavier Woodson, Amanda Kupris, Hsiao-Ying (Vicki) Chang, Spring Chen, Azar Aliyev, Nery Chapeton-Lamas, Yasir Mohsin, Rebecca Mae Alper, Rebecca Larew, Trisha Spence, and David Kruger. Photos courtesy of Jefri Palermo.

JUNE 2012

High School activities include: Assisted with fundraising, HIV awareness and Diversity Day for his gay-straight alliance; Day of Silence participant; Diversity Club member Higher education plans: Iowa Central Community College, followed by University of Northern Iowa

Arianna Dahlin: Answorth, City High, Iowa City

High School activities include: Created, produced and distributed antibullying t-shirts in wake of bullyingrelated suicides; Organized Day of Silence; Co-president of her GSA Higher education plans: Kirkwood, then University of Iowa

TTFFBC cont’d page 17

The NAACP Constitution affirmatively states our objective to ensure the “political, educational, social and economic equality” of all people. Therefore, the NAACP has opposed and will continue to oppose any national, state, local policy or legislative initiative that seeks to codify discrimination or hatred into the law or to remove the Constitutional rights of LGBT citizens. We support marriage equality consistent with equal protection under the law provided under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Further, we strongly affirm the religious freedoms of all people as protected by the First Amendment.”

— NAACP Board of Directors, May 19, 2012

JUNE 2012

Section 1: News & Politics

ACCESSline Page 5

Remarkables by Jonathan Wilson Saggy Baggy the Elephant

When I was a kid my parents bought me various books from the Golden Book series.

Some were better than others and some carried a meaning beyond the obvious. As an adult who struggled but finally came out as an unapologetic, gay man, I have reflected on one of those books and gained some insight that escaped me as a child—The Saggy Baggy Elephant.

As I recall it, it’s about an orphaned little elephant, alone in the jungle, and perfectly content and happy. Life was good. As with people, the little elephant was born without a discriminatory bone in his body. As with people, he would have to learn about that pernicious trait.

While prancing merrily along, his reverie is interrupted by a shrieking, colorful parrot. The bird commences to berate the little elephant, commenting derisively on his appearance. He had clumpy legs/feet, a l-oo-o-o-n-g nose, floppy ears, and his skin—his skin was a drab gray and all wrinkled. It was saggy and baggy, and the parrot decided to call him Saggy Baggy.

The little elephant looked at his reflection in the lake and confirmed what the parrot said was true. He was ashamed and miserable. He tried all sorts of things amusing to a child, like filling his belly with food or water to stretch the skin tighter and make himself more acceptable. It didn’t last, of course, and he was right back where he began with nothing really changed. He chose then to hide himself in a dark cave; elephants don’t have closets.

Shortly, a hungry lion happened along and fancied the little elephant for his lunch.

I’ve been to Africa and can tell you that tiny elephants are a favorite menu item for lions. The little elephant, sensing the danger, began to run for dear life. The hungry lion was right on his tail. Just before the lion was about to catch him, the little elephant stumbled and went roly-poly through a thicket into the midst of a huge herd of full grown elephants. They made short work of the lion and sent him on his way. I’ve seen that happen in the wilds of Africa as well.

The little elephant then picked himself up, dusted himself off, realized that he was safe, and he…looked… up…at…these…magnificent…full-grown… elephants that surrounded him. For the first time the little elephant was able to see the truth; he was beautiful without making any changes whatsoever. To hell with ignorant, bigoted parrots (read: right wing-nuts).

He was an elephant and rightly proud of it.

With time, he’d become as magnificent as the ones who had saved him. That bird had been reading the wrong book about what is and isn’t beautiful.

The First Friday Breakfast Club provides a unique “Saggy Baggy the Elephant” experience for those who attend, particularly for those who are still struggling through the coming out process. It can be a grueling and protracted process. It requires folks to

shed the shame they have been conditioned to feel growing up in a heterosexist society.

That shame has been aggravated for centuries by institutional churches still touting a First Century view of human sexuality, and the implicit belief that all of God’s children are straight. Not so. I am a gay man; I am decidedly not a straight man merely acting out or, worse, “sinning.”

The First Friday Breakfast Club provides exposure to well-adjusted, productive, successful, intelligent, spiritual, accomplished, compassionate, and unapologetic gay men. Real men. Straight forward, but not straight. Those who attend can draw confidence, strength, and direction from those who have previously traveled the same road.

The First Friday Breakfast Club does one more important thing. It affords the opportunity for those well-adjusted gay men who are members to “thank” those who have gone before them. You see, those who have gone before us don’t need our help. In fact, many are nameless or already deceased. The only thanks they would want—could want— would be for each of us to help others who are coming along behind. And the road grows ever smoother for future generations.

Gay men don’t have to lift a finger other than turning off the alarm and showing up once a month to participate in the First Friday Breakfast Club. When they do, they

To hell with ignorant, bigoted parrots (read: right wing-nuts). He was an elephant and rightly proud of it.

Jonathan Wilson is an attorney at the Davis Brown Law Firm in Des Moines, and chairs the First Friday Breakfast Club (ffbciowa.org), an educational, non-profit corporation for gay men in Iowa who gather on the first Friday of every month to provide mutual support, to be educated on community affairs, and to further educate community opinion leaders with more positive images of gay men.

It is the largest breakfast club in the state of Iowa. He can be contacted at JonathanWilson@DavisBrownLaw.com. are—perhaps unwittingly—an important part of that monthly “Saggy Bag the Elephant” experience for others. By simply warming a chair, a service is done for others who are now where so many of us fearfully have been.

ACCESSline Page 6

Section 1: News & Politics

JUNE 2012

A Call to Rewrite the Scripts in the Gender Drama by Warren J. Blumenfeld Rev. Sean Harris of Berean Baptist Church of Fayetteville, North Carolina loudly and vehemently lectured during his Sunday sermon (April 29, 2012) that parent’s must enforce strict gender role behaviors, their duty before God, on their children.

“Dads,” Harris commanded, “the second you see your son dropping the limp wrist, you walk over there and you crack that wrist. Man up! Give him a good punch.” He directed fathers to say to their sons: “Okay? You’re not going to act like that. You were made

by God to be a male and you are going to be a male.” He also instructed that parents should be “squashing that like a cockroach.” He warned that “the word of God makes it clear that effeminate behavior is ungodly.”

And to parents directing their daughters, Harris shouted and flailed: “And when your daughter starts acting too butch, you rein her in, and you say, oh, no. oh, no, sweetheart. You can play sports. Play them. Play them to the glory of God. But sometimes you’re going to act like a girl, and walk like a girl, and talk like a girl, and smell like a girl, and that means you’re going to be beautiful.

You’re going to be attractive. You’re going to dress yourself up!”

Though he later retracted and apologized for the tenor of his arguments, he reiterated his basic premise “that parents have a responsibility to maintain the gender distinction that God created in them.” This, he said, is a message for which he will never apologize.

Though extreme in his language and tone, Harris promotes what most of us have been very consciously and carefully taught throughout our lives.

Gender roles (sometimes called sex role) include the set of socially-defined roles and behaviors assigned to the sex we are assigned at birth. This can and does vary from culture to culture. Our society recognizes basically two distinct gender roles. One is the “masculine,” having the qualities and characteristics attributed to males. The other is the “feminine,” having the qualities and characteristics attributed to females. A third gender role, rarely condoned in our society, at least for those assigned “male” at birth, is “androgyny” combining assumed male (andro) and female (gyne) qualities.

A fairly simple way to remember the differences between “sex” and “gender” is to consider “sex” as a noun and “gender” as a verb (a repeated action). According to social theorist Judith Butler in her 1990 book Gender Trouble: Feminism and the

Harris...inadvertently highlight[s] the social construction of gender roles and how we as social actors need to continually pass on the roles, the scripts, using applause or jeers, to future generations.

Subversion of Identity, “The act that one does, the act that one performs, is, in a sense, an act that has been going on before one arrived on the scene. Hence, gender is an act, which has been rehearsed, much as a script survives the particular actors who make use of it, but which requires individual actors in order to be actualized and reproduced as reality once again” (p.

272).

Paradoxically, while Rev. Harris attests to “gender distinctions” as God given, he betrays his own assertion by demanding that parents break their children early of any forms of gender transgression. Harris clearly demonstrates his role as director of this drama by inadvertently highlighting the social construction of gender roles and how we as social actors need to continually pass on the roles, the scripts, using applause or jeers, to future generations.

This all conjures up images of the Hollywood movie “The Truman Show” starring Jim Carry in the lead role as Truman Burbank. The film documents a man who for most of his life remains unaware that he lives within a human-made artificial set of a reality television show, broadcast 24 hours a day to billions of people around the world. The show’s executive producer and director, Christof, placed Truman at birth in the fictitious town of Seahaven, and manipulates every aspect of his life. (I will leave it up to you to analyze why the director of this farce has been given the name “Christof.”)

To dissuade Truman from exploring past the limits of the constructed set, Christof pretends to kill Truman’s father in a fabricated storm to teach him to fear the water. In addition, actors playing the part of TV news reporters warn of the dangers of travel, and promote the benefits of staying home. However, stemming from some unforeseen glitches in the scenery and unexplained and habitual coincidences in the placement of the actors around him, Truman becomes suspicions until he discovers the truth about the artificiality, manipulation, and control Christof has perpetrated on him for the past 30 years.

Truman eventually outwits Christof and escapes the fabricated set into the warmth and brightness of a true sun, and the coolness and wetness of natural rain.

Rev. Sean Harris simply serves as an extreme and fanatical example of a director in the larger coercive societal battalions bent on destroying all signs of gender transgressions in young and old alike, and in the maintenance of gender scripts. Most of us function as conscious and unconscious co-directors in this drama each time we enforce gender-role conformity in others, and each time we relegate our critical consciousness by failing to rewrite or destroy the scripts in ways that operate integrally to us.

Those who bully often fulfill the social “function” of establishing and reinforcing the socially constructed scripts handed them when they entered the play of life.

Imagine you are a young person on the elementary school playground. There you see a young girl who wears her hair short and cropped. She wears jeans and a T-shirt, and plays rough and tumble games with the boys. She loves to climb trees, and

Warren J. Blumenfeld is associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. He is editor of Homophobia: How We All Pay the Price (Beacon Press), and co-editor of Readings for Diversity and Social Justice (Routledge) and Investigating Christian Privilege and Religious Oppression in the United States (Sense). www.warrenblumenfeld.com comes home with torn and dirty clothing.

Up to a certain age, this may be taken as “acceptable” within her gender script as currently written. However, as she ages, possibly by the time she reaches her teen years, her peers and adults direct her to “grow out of this stage,” and label her with various terms.

Originally, when she was younger, people may have called her one of the most common labels, “tomboy,” but as she ages, others more often begin calling her “dyke” or “lezzy,” regardless of her actual emerging sexual identity. Basically, because others perceive her as not conforming to her “feminine” gender role, they call her sexuality into question. In so doing, they attempt to ensure that she performs her role as written. In actuality, this direction functions as the basis in the establishment and maintenance of a patriarchal system of domination, control, and oppression.

Now imagine you are standing on that same elementary schoolyard. You witness a young boy who likes to jump rope with the girls, and who prefers not to join in sports activities with the boys. Recently he began learning to play the violin, and he wants one day to perform in a symphony orchestra. When other students call him names like “sissy, “fag,” “momma’s boy,” and “queer” because they perceive him as not reciting his gender script properly, he often cries and isolates from other students.

Again, because he does not conform to his expected “masculine” gender role, his peers and adults taunt, harass, and abuse him equating the ways he expresses his gender by questioning his assumed sexuality. In so doing, they are attempting to ensure that he conforms to his requisite gender script, which is the basis of sexism and the operative apparatus maintaining a patriarchal system of male domination.

With this in mind, each time we rewrite the scripts so as to give an honest and true performance of life, each time we work toward lifting the ban against our transcending and obliterating the gender status quo by continually questioning and challenging standard conceptualization of gender roles, only then will we begin as individuals and as a society to experience what Truman experienced after he lifted himself from the manufactured dome of artificiality: the warmth and brightness of a true sun, and the coolness and wetness of natural rain.

Section 1: News & Politics

JUNE 2012

ACCESSline Page 7

Minor Details: “We Look Like Mississippi” by Robert N Minor In a Greenville NBC affiliate interview, North Carolina’s outgoing Democratic governor Beverly Perdue said: “People around the country are watching us, and they’re really confused. To have been such a progressive, forward-thinking, economically driven state that invested in education and that stood up for the civil rights of people, including the civil rights marches back in the ‘50s and ‘60s and ‘70s — folks are saying, ‘What in the world is going on in North Carolina?’ We look like Mississippi.”

Perdue was reacting to North Carolina’s 62 to 38 percent approval of a constitutional amendment to ban nonheterosexual marriage. On May 8, it became the 29th state to do so and the last of the Southern states—including Mississippi.

Fair criticism? I don’t know. After all, she didn’t say: “We look as bad as the Magnolia State.”

I live in Missouri, a former slave state that passed such an amendment by an even greater margin. Here state legislators scramble to outdo themselves for crazy. They just gave gun owners a protected status, legislated the constitutional right of citizens to participate in rodeos, and erected a bust of Rush Limbaugh in the statehouse, while maintaining every discrimination possible against LGBT people.

Such comparisons are politically common, though. How often have we heard conservatives believe they were criticizing Democrats for having “San Francisco values?”

But, unlike San Francisco, down in Jackson, Mississippi, Governor Phil Bryant didn’t take kindly to the comparison at all, as if being likened to his state on marriage

equality were an insult: “She’s a very nice lady. It’s just disappointing. To be able to use Mississippi in a disparaging way on a popular vote in her own state is, I think, something that’s certainly petty and something I think she will reflect on, and hopefully apologize for those types of remarks.”

To hear someone label one’s state “backward,” I guess, evokes defensiveness even if Mississippi earned its reputation as last in so many measures. It’s dead last in median family income, nest egg savings, students who complete high school, per capita visits to the dentist, best states to live, public transportation, and seatbelt use—and near the bottom in numerous measures such as people who’ve completed bachelor’s degrees, numbers of library visits, grade 8 math scores, overall child health, divorce rates, and total number of roller coasters.

If one were really conservative, I’d think being considered backward against the cultural tide would be a compliment.

Wasn’t Mississippi the state where the war on women folks believed it was so backward that voting on an amendment last year to define a person as beginning a conception should be a shoe-in? Well then, even Mississippi couldn’t buy that.

The good news for Mississippi and North Carolina is that they can stand proudly with other “red states,” in the Deep South and some bluer ones further north. The bad news, I guess, is that they stand with what much of the world does label “backward.”

And maybe people in Mississippi don’t like that label. On the other hand, Kansas seems proud to be labeled the most politically

conservative state in the union as measured by its congressional delegation, which isn’t much different.

“Conservative” has come to mean regressive, moving backward while the world moves in the opposite direction. It no longer means what “conservation” of natural resources or voting for Richard Nixon meant. It’s so negative that politicians had to assure us that they were “compassionate” conservatives.

The movement of culture as it opens equal opportunities to new groups is today’s conservative enemy. Conservatives proudly look back to some good old days where their nostalgia fantasizes things as so much better.

It’s a badge of honor to prevent what they consider a degradation of some ideal they read into the past. As the culture moves on, they’re gazing into fogged-up rearview mirrors.

Meanwhile science has left them behind.

Meanwhile, younger generations are moving on, progressing in their support for marriage and women’s equality and leaving backward religious institutions.

Meanwhile, the general public is moving on. A March poll showed 52% of Americans favor allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry compared with about 40% in 2006—74% among those aged 18-29 now favor it.

Meanwhile, religious people are now found on both sides of marriage equality. Strong majorities of Jews (81%) and the religiously unaffiliated (77%) support samesex marriage, in addition to 59% of Roman Catholics and a solid majority (56%) of white mainline Protestants.

Meanwhile, six states—all in the Northeast except Iowa—and the District of Columbia allow same sex marriages.

During high school, I was introduced to a poem by Langston Hughes entitled “Mother to Son” where the mother explains to her son about some of life’s unpleasant realities through a metaphorical approach of stairs.

The lessons being taught in this poem are similar to what I am poised to illustrate to my own son because “…life ain’t been no crystal stair.” As my son turns sixteen, I suddenly found myself with a discussion about what it means to be a-or to have a-gay parent with all of the goofy “taboos” surrounding this. Thus, I pen this open letter to him.

Son, life can be tough and sometimes not so great. We are given many things in life for which we have no choice (e.g. our parents, our siblings, our athletic ability, our intelligence, our ethnicity, or our sexuality.) Some would decry these as reminders of the inequalities of life through miserable feelings about how we have been treated unfairly or destructively.

Yet, I say we can find these as examples of our diverse natures and how we can embrace those differences while learning to enjoy them with a little laugh. Thankfully, we have differences because life would be considerably boring if we were all vanilla.

If we look at everything given to us as a tragedy, then our whole outlook is founded in negativity, and then, how people perceive us, in

turn, will ultimately be negative. Interestingly, similar-minded people tend to congregate together and reinforce those ugly dimensions of life upon each other rather than looking at circumstances as learning opportunities or even realizing the shear comedy of our lives.

The thing is that this idea took a long time for me to understand because I felt that I was missing good role models in my life. Yet, I cannot sit and stew about what did or did not happen.

When I found people with good nature in their hearts and learned different philosophies of life, I found an appreciation for the present moment. In that, we do not know the eventual outcome of many paths in our lives, but things do happen for a reason, whatever that might be. We cannot worry ourselves about the past since there is literally nothing we can do about that except to acknowledge our part and learn. There are many things in life that we wish we could undo or decisions we may have done differently for potentially better outcomes. We cannot agonize over what may happen in the future or what people may think since that is only a possibility. We can wait for things to happen, we can wait for that perfect opportunity, we can wait until there is more time to do something, or we can fret over the possibility of something going wrong. Yet, at those points, we are not living today because

our focus is not here and now.

Instead, get busy living! You can focus your effort on the present moment, and you can do good in the present moment. This does not mean, however, to forgo planning or to always be reckless about the present moment.

Good things will reveal themselves to us if we are willing to plan, to do good, to look at the whole picture, and to do that with a smile. You could worry about someone’s opinion, wait for someone to act or even agree with someone.

Ultimately, you have to decide what you are willing to do and if that action is appropriate. No one else can do more for your own happiness, your own future, your own work, and your own family than yourself. That is neither selfish, nor egoistic, nor inconsiderate because with compassionate heart and action, you are promoting positive influences upon people all around you and beyond. The rest will take care of itself.

You have to decide what you are going to do to make your world a better place despite the “…splinters and boards torn up” along the way. Keep moving forward and climbing, even when life gets tough. Be proud and look up. Believe in the moment because you are destined to be in that moment, and only you can make the most of what you have here and now. Learn, grow, have compassion, work diligently, and trust in yourself. Consider what Steve Jobs said: “be a yardstick of quality” and “if today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” If

I live in Missouri...Here state legislators scramble to outdo themselves for crazy.

Father to Son by Tony E. Hansen

If we look at everything given to us as a tragedy, then our whole outlook is founded in negativity...

Robert N. Minor, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at the University of Kansas, is author of When Religion Is an Addiction; Scared Straight: Why It’s So Hard to Accept Gay People and Why It’s So Hard to Be Human and Gay & Healthy in a Sick Society. Contact him at www.FairnessProject.org.

All this makes cultural conservatism even more desperate. If they want to make the world feel safer for their increasingly outdated beliefs, they’re going to have to legislate them now, not tomorrow.

They’re going to have to “enshrine” them in constitutions. They’re going to have to make it as difficult as possible for the future to change.

Patriarchal male bishops are going to have to haul “disobedient” sisters back under their influence. It’s no wonder American bishops incited a Vatican crackdown on the Leadership Conference on Women Religious.

The problem with those nuns, the Vatican proclaimed, was “the prevalence of certain

TTMINOR DETAILS cont’d page 14

Tony E Hansen is a web developer, organizer, researcher, writer, martial artist, and vocalist from Des Moines. For more information go to tigersndragons.com. you can affirm the first and if you can answer positively to the latter, then no matter what anyone else says, you can say today that you are your best (and the rest will fall where they may.)

I am proud that you are my son!

Congratulations on your birthday and may you continue to enjoy life with a good heart and good mind.

With loving kindness, Dad

ACCESSline Page 8

Section 1: News & Politics

JUNE 2012

Just Sayin’ by Beau Fodor Gay Pride: More Than a Parade

In June 2012, the GLBT community is observing its 42nd year of Pride. The first annual celebration of Gay Pride took place in New York a year after the Stonewall Riots of June 1969. Movement pioneer Craig Rodwell, who founded the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop, took the lead in organizing the Christopher Street Liberation Day Committee to commemorate the first anniversary of Stonewall. The celebration centered on the Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade, held in New York on June 28, 1970. Although they could not have known it at the time, the 1970 march would give rise to “GLBT Pride” worldwide, which millions celebrate each year. My first participation in a Pride Parade was in 1980 and our “Gay world” was such a different place.

I have been thinking a lot about what gay pride means to me personally... especially with turning 50 and ready for another “reinvention” starting!

Certainly it is fun to partake in the parades and festivals that celebrate the historic Stonewall revolt. But for me gay pride goes much deeper. Being an activist and now a writer for ACCESSline, I

believe that gay pride is more important than an annual parade and street party.

Gay pride means staying informed about the issues that impact our community, overcoming the complacency that things are okay the way they are and not giving in to inertia by standing up for our rights rather than waiting for somebody else to do so for us.

Gay pride means making sure that the next generation has an easier time in school than we did, has families more accepting of their sexual orientation and gender identity than our families were. Gay pride means changing laws so that same– sex couples receive the same rights and benefits as heterosexual couples and that gays are safe from bashing and can’t be fired from our jobs. Gays have made tremendous progress since the late 60s but we still have a long way to go. Pride is continuing the process of coming out to friends, family, and coworkers. Straight people who know gay people are more supportive of our rights than people who don’t.

Right–wing fundamentalist organizations are out en mass fighting against us.

The opposition to abortion and gay rights is their rallying cry for raising money and gaining power. We are up against mighty

Gays don’t usually choose our own battles. Please! The battles typically pick us.

opponents; none of us has the luxury of complacency.

And, by the way, gays don’t usually choose our own battles. Please! The battles typically pick us. Every battle that arises is critical to all of us! Any win is a step towards acceptance. Any loss empowers our foes to gain power and take on yet other limitations of our rights!

Take advantage of the power of your keyboard. Email a letter to the editor of your local newspaper to put a face on gay rights, especially this month! And move more readers to accept us.

Gay pride goes even further than participating in the electoral process and writing letters to the editor. Civil rights are typically granted in the workplace before working their way into judicial decisions and legislation. Presently 88% of the Fortune 500 companies include sexual orientation in their non–discrimination policies. More than half of the Fortune 500 companies now provide domestic partner health benefits, which represents a 250% increase in just 7 years! Companies haven’t made these changes out of the goodness of their corporate hearts.

They know that happy employees are more productive.

So, that being said, at this point in my life, especially after the past three and a half years of national media exposure as Iowa’s Gay Wedding Planner, filming

Digging Deeper interview by Amber Dunham

Beau Fodor, owner of Gay Weddings with PANACHE, is an Iowa wedding planner who focuses specifically on weddings for the LGBT community. iowasgayweddingplanner.com or gayweddingswithpanache.com. dozens of Gay Weddings, recently joining forces and consulting with the iconic MTV for an upcoming reality show called “Young & Married” which focuses on the 18-25 year old demographic, well I feel like life is finally coming full circle for me.

My personal “Gay Pride” journey continues, as I now feel it’s time to be true to myself, and follow the road less trav-

TTJUST SAYIN’ cont’d page 17

In 2010, high school student Amber Dunham participated in a class assignment to ask someone 20 questions for an LGBT essay. The person Amber chose to ask was Alexis, a transgendered woman from the Iowa City area. This is the second portion of The Interview and will include questions from several individuals. Most of these people have already read

the first interview, and I have asked them to think about more questions they might want answers to. Some are again from Amber. Some of the other questions have simply unintentionally come up in ordinary conversations with people and were completely unplanned or unsolicited, but I consider them worthy of additional comment. Others simply seek more in-depth information on one of the previous 20 questions. Any questions or comments for Alexis can be sent care of this publication to Editor@ACCESSlineIOWA.com.

2) When it comes to your birthday, do you celebrate your actual birth date when you were born or do you celebrate the birth of the transition of Alexis?

Well, I guess that I enjoy the birthday of Alexis the most, but I can’t really forget the other birthday, either. Both are a part of me. I guess the reason the date of the transition means the most to me is that it acknowledges who I am now. And on top of that, it’s much more fun to tell people that I will be nine years old in 2012, rather than give my real age. Yet if you look at it from another perspective, my real birthday falls in the sign of Pisces, which I think is pretty cool. Alexis’ birthday falls under the sign of Taurus, and I certainly have no problem with that either, but I do still tend to be more of a Pisces even today.

And when it comes to birthdays in

general, I struggle with them. It is something that I have carried with me since my days in high school. There is a close relationship with my feelings on birthdays and my feelings on Christmas. Back when I was in high school, I began to write letters to the editor of the local newspaper about various things, including the increasing superficiality of Christmas. I had basically noticed people making comments such as “I spent $20 on her last year, and what she gave me couldn’t have cost her over $5.”

Or someone, including my mother, saying something like “We haven’t gotten a card from Steve and Mary for two years now, I think I’ll just stop sending them one this year.” I could also see this extending into birthdays, and even wedding gifts. In my wedding (when I was still trying to be male), my wife and I had decided on a small

“Why not get out from behind the fakery and do something...for someone else from whom you expect nothing in return? If this were done, maybe the world would be a happier...place to live in. Then, as we wish at this time every year, Bob Hope and others like him could spend Christmas at home.”

—One of Alexis’s idealistic writings from the Mason City Globe Gazette during my high school days.

wedding—until our parents began making lists for us to send cards to. And one of the more common themes here went, “I’ve given presents to her three kids when they got married, so it’s time to get something from them…”

So that’s why I actually try to evade questions as to when my birthday is (either one of them, to be honest). It appears to me to be a time when people have come to “expect” a gift, and to me that isn’t right.

Personally, though I buy few gifts, I generally try to make them spontaneous and unexpected, for I think people appreciate them more when you do that.

3) Most women naturally do not have much control over the size of their breasts. When you had your breast implants, how did you determine the size that you wanted to be? I guess what I am referring to is—did you consider this an ideal size for a female breast?

My situation was complicated by an operation that I had undergone in the early 1970’s. One day I noticed that I was developing a lump or hardness under my left nipple. I watched it for several days, feeling that maybe it would disappear on its own.

When that didn’t seem to be happening, I went to see my family physician at that time. He checked it out, and I think was confused as to what it was, but he decided that it should be removed. So about a week later I checked into the hospital one night,

and the next day the surgery was done. No more lump, but I couldn’t use my left arm for a while. In retrospect, I wish I would have waited and tried to find out more what it actually was, because the surgery and the ensuing stitches resulted in some alteration to the actual look of the left breast in relation to the right breast.

So, when I went to the plastic surgeon to discuss implants, we had a discussion as to the size of the implants, and it basically came down to me agreeing to let him put in the largest implants that he could, basing his decision on that previous surgery and how thin I was at the time. It is amazing the number of photos that were taken from various angles for him to study prior to the surgery. So I actually ended up with one size implant on the right side, and another on the left side. I could deal with that since many women rarely have two identical breasts. Did I really have a choice as to my ideal size? Was that my ideal size for a female breast? No, as the years have gone on, I do wish now that I had the money for another implant surgery. I’m not anyone who is looking for a DD or anything like that. I would simply like to increase the left one by about 15-17%, and the right one by about 10-12%. In the meantime, I can live with the sizes I have now. They beat the old breast inserts I had to use in the past, simply because they don’t come off at night.

Section 1: News & Politics

JUNE 2012

ACCESSline Page 9

Inside Out: Nostalgic for Leadership by Ellen Krug What does it mean to be a leader? To actually advocate for something without worrying about the repercussions?

I’ve been thinking about leadership recently. It started with several memories from my childhood. One memory was the night of Martin Luther King’s death. I was eleven yours old in April 1968, living in New Jersey, and somewhat familiar with the world at large. By then, John Kennedy had been dead close to five years. The Vietnam War was on the television every night— Tet had happened barely two months before.

Student sit-ins protesting the war and much of everything else were becoming common.

The country was drifting and, unfortunately, more bad things were yet to unfold.

The news report about King being shot to death interrupted Bat Man. I had been enamored with King, and I didn’t need an adult to tell me the significance of his death. I was in my pajamas, fifteen minutes from bedtime, watching as someone— Cronkite or Brinkley or Huntley, I don’t remember—said the word, killed.

I shook. I knew that King was someone great. Now he was dead.

Later that night—my parents let me stay up—there was another news report.

This time, it was a live broadcast from Indianapolis. The other Kennedy—Bobby— had planned to speak at a campaign event.

Instead, he went to the worst part of Indianapolis, its poorest ghetto, and stood on the back of a flatbed truck where he broke the news about King’s death. Mindful of Watts burning in ’65, and riots in Newark and Detroit in ’67, he knew the situation could be volatile.

With eloquence not seen or heard in politics since, Bobby spoke about violence in his own family, one of the first times he’d ever talked about John’s death. He said King had attempted to replace violence with “an effort to understand with compassion and love.”

Bobby quoted a poem by the Greek philosopher Aeschylus—someone I’d never heard of—words that tugged at my emotional heart:

What does it mean to be a leader? To actually advocate for something without worrying about the repercussions?

Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.

He closed with powerful words: “What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness, but love

and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice towards those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or whether they be black.”

Mesmerized in front of the TV, I cried.

Yes, maybe I was a precocious eleven-yearold.

Two months later, we packed up the house for a move to Iowa. In the last week of school, the entire fifth grade visited the Philadelphia science museum. The night before the class trip, Sirhan Sirhan got to Bobby. Still, hours later, Bobby hung on; maybe there was hope. The bus driver left the radio on for news reports.

By the time we got to Philadelphia, Bobby, just like King, was gone.

I found a corner in the noisy museum, not far from the dinosaur bones, and let go with more tears.

A couple years later, the lime-green walls of my bedroom in Cedar Rapids hosted three icons. One was a realtor’s placard with the cutout figure of a man holding a “Sold” sign, which I ripped off from some neighbor’s lawn one night when carousing with the guys. Another was a black-light poster of bombs falling from a B-52 with the tag line, “Chicken Little Was Right.”

Most prized was a crookedly clipped picture of Bobby Kennedy taken during the 1968 campaign, torn from an Esquire Magazine. It showed Bobby on yet another flatbed truck reaching toward a thousand outstretched hands, a crowd also in love with him. Rosie Grier’s arms—wrapped around Bobby’s waist—kept my Bobby upright from the sea of humanity.

Idealism. The power of well-chosen words. Emotion. Longing for something better. Believing that you could make a difference.

After a few hundred looks at Bobby on that truck—the picture was next to my bed—I knew what I would do with my life.

I’d be a lawyer. Just like him.

Nice story, Ellie, but what does this have to do with being GLBTQA? In a phrase, a lot.

We have a President who suddenly believes in gay marriage. He’s not a King or a Kennedy, nor do the names McCarthy, or even Humphrey, fit him. I know, I’m referring to many famous dead people. Frankly, that’s the point: those people, real leaders, pursued courses that weren’t all that predetermined. They took risks and spoke from their hearts. Most of all, they led. Even as a

Ellen Krug, writer, lawyer, human, is presently completing her memoir, “Getting to Ellen: Crossing the Great Gender Divide,” which will be published in 2012. She lives in Minneapolis and works as the executive director of a nonprofit serving the underrepresented.

She welcomes your comments at ellenkrug75@gmail.com. young boy caught in the wrong gender, I understood this.

For sure, I want Obama reelected.

Certainly, I want him to advocate for gay marriage. But let’s be honest: he got there only because it was expedient. And because he’s got a vice president who doesn’t know how to keep his mouth shut.

Thank you, Joe Biden.

Obama, despite his wonderful speaking ability, doesn’t follow through with action.

He simply shows up, wanting all of us to get along. In this political climate—dominated by haters—it’s impossible to get along. He hasn’t figured that out yet.

After all, have you seen what the haters want to do to women’s health care? Forget about women’s choice.

As a country, we’ve lost our Bobby Kennedys and Martin Luther Kings. We’re stuck with division and fear and polarization. We don’t have anyone who can transcend that. Obama’s too weak, notwithstanding his public support for GLBT people.

He lacks the guts.

Still, a weak president for us is better than no president. Maybe things would be different if a ’68 Esquire Magazine picture was taped to the wall of the Lincoln bedroom.

ACCESSline Page 10

Section 1: News & Politics

JUNE 2012

Creep of the Week by D’Anne Witkowski Mitt Romney

As you surely already know, President Obama came out of the closet last week as totally gay—for gay marriage, anyway.

Obama’s support for marriage equality had been, let’s face it, an open secret of sorts. I mean, everybody knew that he supported it, but he pretended to be all conflicted about the issue, going so far as to say he believed marriage was a one-man one-woman operation.

This, in spite of the fact that back in 1996 he told Outlines, a gay newspaper, “I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages.” Needless to say, Obama’s painfully slow “evolution” on the issue was a sore spot for many lesbian

and gay folks.

Hell, even after he said publicly and on purpose into a TV camera that marriage equality is cool with him, it’s still a sore spot for some. The Log Cabin Republicans were quick to piss all over the announcement and the Internet was atwitter with grumblings about the whole thing being too little, too late.

But I say, screw all that. The bottom line is, for the first time in history we have a sitting president who acknowledges that our families not only exist, but they are valid and should be afforded equal treatment enshrined in law.

And this is huge.

Oh, but that Newsweek cover with the neon rainbow halo over Obama’s head with the headline, “The First Gay President?” That sh*t is crazy. Obama is no more gay than Bill Clinton is black.

Still, with Obama giving the thumbs up to marriage equality and talking about repealing the Defense of Marriage Act, the choice between him and Mitt Romney is starker than ever.

After Obama’s pro-gay marriage announcement, Romney told the audience during a commencement address at Liberty University, “Culture matters. As fundamental as these principles are, they may become topics of democratic debate. So it is today with the enduring institution of marriage.

Marriage is a relationship between one man and one woman.”

On May 10 Romney said, “And if two people of the same gender want to live together, want to have a loving relationship, or even

to adopt a child—in my state individuals of the same sex were able to adopt children. In my view, that’s something that people have a right to do. But to call that marriage is something that in my view is a departure from the real meaning of that word.”

The very next day Romney backpedaled, saying that he was just saying that same-sex couples adopting kids together was something that does happen, not something that should.

And then there’s that horrifying Washington Post report about Romney bullying a kid everybody thought was gay in high school, complete with an episode recalled by “five students, who gave their accounts independently of one another.” Evoking that terrifying scene from Mommie Dearest, Romney hacked

the kid’s hair off with scissors while Romney’s friends held him down.

Oh, and don’t forget that Romney’s foreign policy advisor, Richard Grenell, was given the ol’ heave ho after right-wing conservatives pitched a fit because Grenell is a homo.

It’s no wonder that Bill White, a “wellknown, openly gay supporter of Mitt Romney” according to CNN, switched teams. White, who now supports Obama, even demanded Romney refund his big campaign contribution. Ouch.

My guess is that White isn’t the only LGBT defector. And with good reason. Even this early in the 2012 election, it’s pretty clear that any LGBT person who votes Romney might as well beat themselves with a wire hanger.

ACCESSline’s fun guide

Our Picks for June 6/1, Community Choice Credit Union, Des Moines, Iowa, Matthew Shepard Scholarship Awards Dinner, eychanerfoundation.org 6/1-3, Heartland of America Park, Omaha, Nebraska, Taste of Omaha, showofficeonline.com 6/1-3, National Motorcycle Museum, Anamosa, Iowa, Vintage Rally, nationalmcmuseum.org 6/2-3, Millers Landing, Omaha, Nebraska, Nebraska State Chili Cook-Off, chilicookoff.com 6/7-10, Clarinda, Iowa, Glenn Miller Festival, glennmiller.org 6/12-6/17, Okoboji Summer Theater, Spirit Lake, Iowa, The Marvelous Wonderettes, stephens.edu 6/15-6/24, Grand Opera House, Dubuque, Iowa,

The Real Mike Ruiz Interview

by Chris Azzopardi

Annie, thegrandoperahouse.com

6/15-6/24, Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts, Fairfield, Iowa, The Music Man, thefairfieldacc.com 6/15-7/28, Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse, Rock Island, Illinois, Legally Blonde The Musical, circa212.com 6/17, Peabody Opera House, St. Louis, Missouri, Idina Menzel, Live, idinamenzel.com 6/19-6/24, Okoboji Summer Theater, Spirit Lake, Iowa, Book of Days by Lanford Wilson , stephens.edu 6/19, The Midland by AMC, Kansas City, Missouri, Idina Menzel, Live, idinamenzel.com 6/20, Marcus Center for the Perf Arts: Uihlein Hall, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Idina Menzel, Live, idinamenzel.com 6/22, Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, Des Moines, Iowa, Idina Menzel, Live, idinamenzel.com 6/28, Orpheum, Sioux City, Iowa, The rock band, Chicago, orpheumlive.com

...and July

7/6-7/28, Theatre Cedar Rapids: Hairspray, theatrecr.com 7/6-7/15, Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts, Fairfield, IA: The Wizard of Oz, thefairfieldacc.com 7/7, Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Idina Menzel, Live , idinamenzel.com 7/8, Ravinia Festival: Pavilion, Highland Park, Illinois, Idina

Menzel, Live, idinamenzel.com

Photos courtesy of Mike Ruiz.

Photographer to the stars opens up about turning his fantasy childhood into a career catalyst

A child imagines life outside reality by creating a wild, monster-inhabited world of escapism in Pan’s Labyrinth, a stylistic fantasy-art film released in 2006 from Guillermo del Toro. That world, or at least a version of it, is very familiar to Mike Ruiz.

As a kid, growing up as one of few ethnic people in Quebec, he envisioned an alternate reality that transcended his drab real life. Little did he know that years later he’d be implementing it into real life: he’s famous for his celebrity photographs, capturing the who’s-who of Hollywood in another light.

He’s also part of another reality— reality TV. Aside from Logo’s The A-List: New York, which he left last year after two seasons of the tawdry show, he’s also been seen on RuPaul’s Drag Race and America’s Next Top Model. With Pretty Masculine, the first in a series of books released late last year, he’s focusing on photography, which includes an upcoming shoot with Martha Wash—and a storm of beefcakes— to celebrate the 30th anniversary of “It’s Raining Men.”

Ruiz phoned us recently to talk about his break from reality TV (and to defend A-List), his new series of books, and how childhood transcendence inspired his photography career.

How are you able to balance a partner, photography, TV and charity work—all the while maintaining the muscles?

I think it’s just my perception. I chose to perceive things differently, so my life just seems so much more manageable and calmer so far this year than it was in 2011.

Not doing reality TV probably helps?

That’s probably the main reason.

(Laughs) It’s not so much that it occupied a lot of time; it occupied a lot of my mental energy.

Wait. Reality TV? (Laughs) Imagine that!

What about it?

I don’t know. Honestly, I can’t put my finger on it. It’s just a lot of effort and a lot of work. You have all these hopes and expectations for the outcome, and you’re kind of white knuckling it because you have no control over anything, so you just do your best and hope for the best. It’s just too taxing for too little pay off.

TTMARK RUIZ cont’d page 23

The Fun Guide

ACCESSline Page 12

JUNE 2012

Wired This Way by Rachel Eliason

“Clicktivism” : Can social media change the world?

“Share if you support Marriage Equality” “This person wants to end bullying” “Like if you agree, repost if you dare” We’ve all seen them. Sometimes they are simple facebook posts, other times they are pictures. Occasionally they include links to sites. They are memes, a cultural idea or symbol that can be spread or shared. More often than not they express a political or social viewpoint. But do they work?

In this series of articles I hope to look at social media activism and it’s relation to the real world change we hope it will bring. To what extent does posting your support for a cause online really help that cause? In an attempt to answer this question I have not only done research online, I’ve sat done and discussed the issue with activist who have worked on the front line of many LGBT causes and gotten a ground level view of how social media are changing activism here in Iowa. But first a little background.

In April of this year a little known charity organization The Invisible Children launched a new campaign and a slick Youtube video “Kony 2012”. The video

went viral and within a week the twenty minute documentary about Ugandan Warlord Joseph Kony had become one of the most view YouTube videos ever.

The backlash was almost as quick.

World aide organizations denounced the video saying it over-simplified a complex situation. African political groups condemned what they saw as another example of Americans thinking they can solve Africa’s problems, with little regard for what the Africans themselves are already doing. Established aide groups were leery of money going to a new, little known, group. So were watchdog groups. LGBT watchdog, Truth Wins Out discovered the Invisible Children had ties to conservative missionary groups that pushed for the death penalty for gays in Uganda. In Uganda itself attempts to air the film led to rioting in several places.

In the end the broader and perhaps deeper impact of the Kony 2012 was to raise the whole question of what social media is, and is not, capable of. How many viewers actually thought that sharing a YouTube video was going to help catch an African warlord?

The website Clicktivism.org is harshly critical of online activism. “Clicktivism” is a derogatory term for activism that

Does online activism dampen people’s enthusiasm for real world work?

is confined to clicking a mouse on the computer; liking pages, sharing memes and links on facebook, twitter and google+.

Micah White, the man behind clicktivism. org says in a Guardian article (reprinted on his website) that “In promoting the illusion that surfing the web can change the world, clicktivism is to activism as McDonalds is to a slow-cooked meal.” Online activism dampens the enthusiasm of individual activist and leads organizations to over rely on metrics, measurements of clicks, likes and shares, that don’t accurately measure support.

Does online activism dampen people’s enthusiasm for real world work? Matt Skuya Interim Deputy Director of One Iowa doesn’t think so. “People take their activism wherever they go” he said in an interview. “I know a lot of people who are activists who are also active online, promoting their activism.” Even something as simple as liking a post is a great way to get information out he explains. Anything you like shows up in your friends ticker. A certain percentage will click on the link to see what it was you liked. Some friends may like or share the post themselves. For every like or share there is an exponentially large number of people (friends of friends) that will see the post.

Sharing information between activists is vital, but what about change? “Our personal stories are the most powerful

TTWIRED THIS WAY cont’d page 32

Rachel Eliason is a forty two year old Transsexual woman. She was given her first computer, a Commodore Vic-20 when she was twelve and she has been fascinated by technology ever since. In the thirty years since that first computer she has watched in awe as the Internet has transformed the LGBT community. Her collumn, Wired That Way discusses how technology has fueled and propelled the LGBT community.

In addition to her column, Rachel has published a collection of short stories, Tales the Wind Told Me and is currently working on her debut novel, Run, Clarissa, Run. Rachel can be found all over the web, including on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Goodreads.

Someone you

Someone you know needs know needs health health care care without without judgment. judgment.

A Planned Parenthood of the Heartland Health Center

200 Army Post Rd., Ste. 26 Des Moines, Iowa 515.953.7560

Visit one of 23 Iowa locations! | 1.877.811.7526 | www.ppheartland.org

JUNE 2012

The Fun Guide

ACCESSline Page 13

ACCESSline Page 14

The Fun Guide SScontinued from page 7

MINOR DETAILS radical feminist themes incompatible with the Catholic faith,” especially their lack of outspokenness on issues of marriage equality, contraception, and abortion.

Conservatism is fear based, after all. The more afraid people get, the more they fear what they’ll lose, and the more they need to cling onto their own stuff.

Germany’s Third Reich knew this. They

JUNE 2012 argued to the middle class that unless you voted for them, you were likely to lose the little you still had—you might not have much, but others are going to take it from you unless you embrace Fascism.

In movies where the knight makes his final, ultimately victorious stand against the great dragon, just before the beast dies, there’s one final, more-deadly-than-ever swoop of the tail to confront. That moment is at hand in the struggle and those progressives down in Mississippi know it too.

Elements, Ltd. Puts Pride in Their Work by Sheena Thomas Elements, Ltd. is a designer jewelry studio and gallery owned and operated by its founding goldsmith/designers, Marta Jones-Couch, Melanie Parks and Sheena Thomas. The company was incorporated in 1995 when Jean Sampel of Jean Sampel Studio/Gallery retired and closed her business, and the three of us who had worked for her for years decided to open our own business.

Marta Jones-Couch came from a background in the jewelry business having apprenticed to several well-known jewelers in the area working her way to master craftswoman in benchworking skills.

Melanie Parks and Sheena Thomas came from art backgrounds in high school and college. Melanie has a BA in Craft Design from Iowa State and Sheena has a BA in Studio Art from Grinnell College and an MFA in Jewelry Design and Silversmithing from Indiana University.

Each of us has complementary skills and expertise so that we can fulfill the myriad requests demanded by our clientele.

Each of us designs in our own way, but we can collaborate or exchange jobs according to our areas of expertise. For example, smithing and enameling will go to Sheena, while bead and pearl stringing go to Marta or Melanie. Also in terms of running the business, Mel is our bookkeeper and designer of the gallery and its case displays; Marta is our studio manager and gem dealer; Sheena focuses on marketing and advertising.

Besides making designed jewelry for our cases and as commissions, we represent the work of regional and national jewelers and other fine craft artists—so many it is difficult to name any one artist. Sydney Lynch, David Luck, and Donna Burdic

have been with us since our beginning.

Myung Urso is a new artist whose fame has sprung up overnight. Having a variety of artists allows for a wide array of designs and techniques to be displayed. We pride ourselves on picking well-crafted, contemporary work.

We use gold, silver, platinum and other nonferrous metals, colored gemstones and diamonds, but many of our artists employ metals like stainless steel, meteorite, and a techniques like mokume-gane (Japanese for “wood-grain metal”) and damascus-like folded forged steel, both of which are old sword-making techniques requiring much skill. Many of our wedding bands show those techniques and metals.

Right now we feature the fabric and sterling work of Myung Urso, wall pieces and bracelets of David Luck, a very fun 18k and gemstone “Sputnik” pin by Petra Class, and several of our own pieces.

We have had many challenging orders, some from very exacting architects, one from a Warlock, and a wedding band order on the theme of “a teddy bear that can’t be cute”.

When we do custom designing the designing part can take days or weeks, but once finalized, we can accomplish it anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on its complexity and on our caster’s time frame. Large, expensive or fragile stones can take a full day to set very carefully. Diamonds tend to be the easiest to set because of their innate durability, but even they need to be treated with great care in the setting process.

One of our favorite clients loves to shower his family with gifts and will come

TTELEMENTS cont’d page 31

JUNE 2012

The Fun Guide

ACCESSline Page 15

Out of Town: A Provincetown Primer by Andrew Collins There’s nothing quite like late spring in Provincetown, when seasonal businesses have all completed their refurbishments and new paint jobs, and the loyal fans of this idyllic gay resort town at the tip of Cape Cod have begun filtering back, predominantly over long weekends in May and June, and then in significant numbers of every day of the week throughout summer.

If you’re more about quiet beach strolls, saving a little money, and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow travelers without overpowering crowds, plan a trip here in spring, or wait until the beautiful autumn months of September and October. If you’re more about partying and hobnobbing, head here in summer—just keep in mind that rates are at their highest then, as are waits for tables at top restaurants. And many hotels and inns require minimum stays of three to as many as seven nights during this period. Be aware, too, that Provincetown has a number of very fun yearly events that draw big crowds, from Carnival to Holly Folly to Cabaret Fest—you can view the full rundown at the excellent website produced by the GLBT Provincetown Business Guild (ptown.org), which also gives comprehensive lists of attractions, lodgings, bars, restaurants, shops, galleries, and more.

At whatever time you come, here are some key Provincetown (ptownchamber. com) recommendations on where to sample delicious food, mingle with friends at bars, and snuggle up in bed for the night: A couple of terrific restaurants opened in Provincetown last season and immediately began earning raves. In an elegant Victorian mansion, Dalla Cucina serves artfully plated fine Italian fare—it was named “Best Italian Restaurant in New England” in 2011 by Yankee Magazine. The other newish notable is Ten Tables, which has earlier-established branches in Cambridge and Boston’s LGBTpopular Jamaica Plain neighborhood. This intimate, romantic eatery sources ingredients from local fishermen and the restaurant’s own garden. Chef-owner Krista Kranyak dazzles diners with creative dishes like braised pork shank with grilled romaine, sun chokes, and orange.

Long-running P-town favorites are still turning out terrific food, including the uber-romantic, rather fancy Red Inn, which occupies beautiful early-19th-century house in the West End and serves first-rate coastal New England fare, and the informally elegant Mews, which offers great live entertainment as

well as tasty food. The casual upstairs bistro has lighter fare (burgers, salads, etc.), and the downstairs dining room more elaborate options, like lobster risotto with roastedbutternut squash. In light and airy yellow house in the West End, Victor’s serves deftly prepared modern American cuisine, including some of the best breakfast fare in town. Cute and inviting Devon’s is another great option both for breakfast and dinner, serving such internationally inspired victuals as lemonchicken tagine with almond-apricot-greenolive couscous in the evening, and hearty Portuguese omelets to start the day.

In an intimate second-floor space with stunning harbor views, Ross’s Grill earns kudos for its well-chosen wine list, tantalizing raw bar, and inventive American cuisine. For authentic Mexican food, head to Lorraine’s, where crab enchiladas and roasted duck star on the menu. Right on the water in the East End, Fanizzi offers up fresh bountiful dinner salads, seafood pastas, and other casual but well-executed meals (at reasonable prices)— it’s a favorite with locals.

For lighter noshing, Aquarium Marketplace is home to several fun take-out spots, including Big Daddy’s Burritos, Batata (which serves Belgian-inspired treats like super-crisp fries with unusual dipping sauces, and addictively good short-rib sliders), and the fabulous Aqua Bar, which has seating overlooking Provincetown Harbor and serves exceptional seafood and cocktails. Frappo 66, beside Art House Cinema, serves healthy, world-beat cuisine, including seared tuna tataki, and warm and welcoming Cafe Heaven is a top spot for decadent breakfast fare. For late-night post-bar noshing, head for Spiritus Pizza, a longtime tradition for people-watching. You and check your e-mail and perk up with a cup of potent java at Wired Puppy coffeehouse.

And be sure to stop by the Provincetown Portuguese Bakery to sample the delicious meat pies, pastries, rolls, and breads.

When it comes time to trade in your knife and fork for a mug of beer or an icy cocktail, head for historic Atlantic House (aka A-House), which contains both a hopping gay bar and a disco. The other big player in town, noted for its pulsing weekend circuit parties, is the Crown & Anchor resort, which also has a festive video lounge and a cruisy leather bar.

The Gifford House hotel is home to Purgatory, a small, sexually charged basement dance club.

In the East End, check out the lesbian-oriented Vixen, an attractive bar and dance floor with

Ten Tables, which opened in 2011, has quickly become one of Provincetown’s hottest culinary destinations. Photo by Andrew Collins live shows on many nights.

All summer long, poseurs and party creatures mingle and cruise during the Boatslip’s legendary tea dances. The crowd usually moves on to the Pied Piper, which has a small but fun dance floor, off of which is one of the loveliest decks in town, a great spot to watch the sun sink over the bay. Bayside Betsy’s is a wonderfully dishy spot for early-evening cocktails, and Monkey Bar is an enjoyable place to sip martinis and watch the world go by. Fans of the grape should check out Joonbar, a natty wine boite with a mixed clientele, while Nor’East Beer Garden is a cool openair hangout with an exceptional selection of interesting ales.

Provincetown has more than 70 inns

and guest houses with a gay following, most of them welcoming a mix of men and women, gay and straight (the exact breakdown of clientele typically varies throughout the year).

Arguably the town’s premier accommodation, the superbly sumptuous 40-room Crowne Pointe (crownepointe.com) occupies a regal setting on a bluff in the center of town. Cushy in-room amenities abound—pima-cotton bathrobes, gas fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, TVs with DVD players. The inn’s stunning Shui Spa is a top-notch facility with a professional yet low-keyed staff, and the inn’s restaurant serves tantalizingly good contemporary American fare.

The team behind Crowne Pointe also

TTOUT OF TOWN cont’d page 27

ACCESSline Page 16

The Fun Guide

JUNE 2012

The Fun Guide

JUNE 2012

I.C. Kings Double Drag King Shows & Pride Events The I.C. Kings have pride to spare for the month of June!

I.C. Kings will be performing at Cedar Rapids PrideFest Saturday, June 1st and Iowa City Pride on Saturday, June 16th.

While at Iowa City Pride, come to the Ped Mall and see the I.C. Kings at their booth.

Also, at Studio 13 in Iowa City you can see Double Drag King Shows, Thursday, June 14th for their Pride Show and Thursday, June 28th for their Country Show. Both shows starts at 9 PM with a different show at 10:30PM, 19+ until 10 PM.

Who am I? Why is there hair there? And why do I have a sock in my pants?

— I.C. Kings

SScontinued from page 4

FFBC

Ruth Ann Riedl: City High, Iowa City

ACCESSline Page 17

Fabio Vidal: Abraham Lincoln High School, Des Moines

Chanse Dunn: Sioux City West High School

High School activities include: Vice President of his GSA; Served on advisory panel for teachers to implement GSA’s; Coordinated initiative to stop anti-gay slurs Higher education plans: Iowa State University

Sarah Henderson: Wilton Jr/Sr High School

High School activities include: Co-founded People Advocating Love, a student diversity group; Helped organize Hate-Free Week Higher education plans: Grinnell College

High School activities include: Four year member of gay-straight alliance; Helped organize numerous activities for school’s GSA; Led student panels on topics of bullying and homophobia Higher education plans: Grinnell College

Derek Steinauer: Linn-Mar High School, Cedar Rapids

First openly gay male cheerleader; Active in GSA, from 2009 through his senior year; Led efforts to bring gay-straight alliances to area middle schools Higher education plans: University of Iowa

School activities include: Helped re-create Lincoln’s GSA; Participates in outreach for Iowa Pride Network and Iowa Safe Schools; Performer for Hope! Drama Troupe, a child abuse prevention program Higher education plans: University of Iowa

SScontinued from page 8

JUST SAYIN’

eled. My passions have led me to taking a step back from the spotlight and focusing on something a little more “organic”: to learn more about human kindness (being both), working in holistic health, aromatherapy, and organic gardening. My close friends in Alma, Wisconsin, on the Mississippi River, are opening a Spa and I will be consulting on that project this summer as well. I also will be pursing more education in Garden Design, as well as “raising the bar” for outdoor entertaining here in our great state of Iowa!

However you choose to celebrate your Gay Pride, well, that’s up to you. Just know you have the opportunity to make our world a better place. And that’s it’s so much more than Parade floats, street parties and cute (or no) outfits.

ACCESSline Page 18

The Fun Guide

JUNE 2012

From The Heart by Rev. Kathy Love, D.D. Take Pride in Taking Care of That’s Iowa Pride!

Yourself by Dr. Jill Meadows

Tim and Calvin’s baseball cap themed cake.

It’s Pride Month, and I am so happy that our wedding chapel plays such a big part in this milestone in history, where we can legally marry same sex couples!

So many lives of people from all over the country have touched ours and we are proud and honored to be a part of these special moments.

Some people ask, does that little piece of paper really make a difference? On behalf of a couple from Independence, MO, I answer that with ‘yes’!

Tim and Calvin were married on April 28th. They have been together for eight and a half years. When talking with Tim

about this article, I asked him if they felt differently, now that they are married. He said that he was actually surprised, and that yes, they did! They both felt a sense of peace in the household. He said that things just felt a little more secure and settled, and that they were very happy. To know that Iowa had something to do with that feeling of peace and security for a couple from Missouri – that’s Iowa pride!

Tim and Calvin were intent on having their wedding reflect who they are, and neither of them is ever seen without wearing a baseball cap. Thus, the theme of the wedding was, yes, baseball caps. They are not formal people and did not want a formal wedding, but they chose several things to include in their ceremony that were very meaningful and important.

The part that I liked best was how they included Tim’s daughters. They presented each of the two daughters with a necklace, and the pendant was a puzzle piece. Each one of them, including Tim and Calvin, had a similar necklace with a different piece, and when all of the pieces are laid down and put together, it formed one, complete puzzle. What a fabulous unity ceremony idea. Life can be such a puzzle, but when you go through it together, you are whole.

Rev. Kathy Love can be reached at dmweddingchapel@aol.com or www.iowasamesexweddings.com The Wedding Chapel is located at 8421 University, Suite K-1, Clive, Iowa.

Tim and Calvin. Courtesy of the Wedding Chapel.

Taking care of ourselves is something we all too often seem to forget about. This month we are taking pride in ourselves and our sexual diversity. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our spirit and individuality. The best way to celebrate being you, is by taking care of your personal health.

Regardless of your sexual orientation everyone needs annual health services to stay strong and healthy. Across our state, and the country, there are health disparities among the LGBT community.

Members of the LGBT community are at increased risk for a number of health threats when compared to their heterosexual peers. Many of these health issues can be prevented with basic, routine preventive health care.

Skipping routine exams has become all too common. While LGBT patients may have concerns about receiving basic care in their community; it’s vitally important to receive preventive health services at least once a year. For women, a simple breast exam, pelvic exam or pap test could detect an abnormality before it becomes a serious health concern, For men, an

annual testicular exam is important and for everyone, regular STI and HIV testing is a must.

At Planned Parenthood we treat health care as a basic human right. At our health center’s it’s dispensed freely without judgment to every person. Most importantly, we offer comprehensive health care, education and support in a safe welcoming environment. We provide basic care including annual exams, vaccinations, cancer screenings, STI and HIV testing, male health services, and more.

Our staff is specially trained to work with LGBT patients to meet their health care needs. Planned Parenthood also offers transgender services and education including blood work, hormone therapy and other reproductive services to individuals beginning a physical transition.

Many LGBT patients have concerns that other patients may not. There is no more important reason to seek good health than your personal well being.

This month is about recognizing your spirit, personality and pride. It’s about

TTMEADOWS cont’d page 31

JUNE 2012

The Fun Guide

ACCESSline Page 19

ACCESSline Page 20

The Fun Guide

JUNE 2012

JUNE 2012

The Fun Guide

ACCESSline Page 21

ACCESSline Page 22

The Fun Guide

JUNE 2012

JUNE 2012

The Fun Guide

SScontinued from page 11

MIKE RUIZ Why did you do The A-List: New York in the first place?

I did A-List for very specific reasons, and it was not to hang my dirty laundry out.

I did it because I wanted to be more visible in the community so I could do positive things in the community. You never know— those guys on Jersey Shore probably never thought they’d be making $7, $8 million a year; there’s always the hope that it’s going to become this pop culture phenomenon and you’re going to ride the wave and it’ll be great, but fundamentally, I just wanted to do something responsible.

If my goal was to become a Jersey Shore kind of character, I would’ve been way more reckless on TV. I feel like I conducted myself in a very responsible way. That was my goal, and I do it in life, as well. It’s important for me to put my best foot forward to set a good example, so I’m certainly not going to go on TV and get wasted and puke all over my other cast members. (Laughs) In general, do you think the show gives gay people a bad name?

It shouldn’t give anybody a bad name.

It’s not meant to be a representation of anybody. It’s five or six people that they cast very specifically to make it an entertaining show, and for all intents and purposes it was very entertaining to a pretty big audience.

It wasn’t meant to be responsible; it wasn’t meant to portray anybody in any kind of light. Most things on TV aren’t meant to be responsible. It was never fair to hold a few random people accountable for a whole community.

If you were to take a poll, a negligible percentage even gave a crap. But sadly, the 10 people who did were vocal enough about it to make it seem like there was this blanket of negativity over this show when that’s really unrealistic.

How much of these reality TV shows are actually reality?

These days, honestly, none of it is reality. I’ve done everybody’s show, and I love them, but it’s no secret. I’ve worked with Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian and I’m like, “This is so put on. None of this stuff is real.” It’s all fabricated for TV. Something may happen but then, from a producer’s standpoint, they think, “How am I gonna spin it into a whole storyline?”

That’s when the artificiality comes in. So reality TV is not real.

How did the idea for the book Pretty Masculine come to you?

I don’t typically shoot men a lot and

Photos courtesy of Mike Ruiz. being a gay man I was thinking, “Why haven’t I shot men much?” I wanted to figure out a way to do something that wasn’t gratuitously homoerotic—that stuff doesn’t appeal to me. Because of my whole outlook on life, and everything being very fantasy-driven with me, I wanted to carry that over into this book and do something super stylized and take hyper-masculine men and soften them up a bit and portray them out of context. It just grew into this book to buck the stereotype of what people think masculinity is.

I’m working on a second edition that’s gone into a whole other direction; it’s a little bit of that and it’s also just about pop art and using these men as canvases for other artists. It’s become this huge collaborative thing between me and all these body painters. Some of them are spectacular.

The book, called Pretty Masculine Too, is going to be interactive; there will be a digital version for the iPad, and there will be video footage showing the making of it and some of the makeup application from beginning to end. I’m really excited about this second reincarnation.

This idea of an alternate reality has always interested you, right?

I was always a sci-fi geek and before that, I loved musicals from the ’40s and ’50s where everything was Technicolor and everyone’s hair was perfect. That’s kind of where I needed to live when I was a kid, because my childhood was very gray and dingy. It started out as just as a very rich fantasy life as a kid, but then it eventually manifested into a tactile thing; I actually had to start creating this for myself.

You know, I used to see things on TV—we had three channels because we didn’t have cable back then—and every once

in a while we’d get a news clip from Studio 54 and that would fuel me. I just needed to see a 30-second clip from Studio 54 and I would have months of daydreams fabricated around it. (Laughs).

When did you start applying that to photography?

I got the camera when I was around 30, and that’s when I started my photography career—but I started implementing the idea of creating a more beautiful reality around me much before; as soon as I was able to leave home is when it kind of happened. I was a model and my childhood was very tumultuous, so I always had to create a very serene, calm sort of vibe around me, and I was pretty successful at creating, on the surface anyway, this much happier and calmer environment.

It just started as simple as my environment. I’d make my apartment, wherever I lived, really beautiful and then I started modeling, traveling and getting the inkling to get creative and expressive. When I got that camera, it became the spigot for everything that I had to say; it was a way for me to create this alternate reality in a real, tangible way.

How do you come up with the concepts for your celebrity subjects?

It’s such a weird, organic thing and it’s so second nature, so I don’t know. There’s always something about a person that I feel, however I decide to portray them, is not completely alien to them; it’s something that I think resides in them but hasn’t been brought to the surface yet. I don’t do it for shock and awe, and I don’t do it to make them uncomfortable. It’s all aspiration. I want to create a different and perfected version of themselves. I’m not interested in capturing the reality of people, like a life-

ACCESSline Page 23 style sitting-on-the-couch-drinking-coffee thing. I like to create this impression that you’re looking at a painting. It’s a perfected version of reality.

And that all goes back to your childhood, right?

It all goes back to that. Fortunately, I had that to rely on instead of drugs and alcohol, but I struggled emotionally. It wasn’t easy.

I left home and everything wasn’t hunkydory. I had a lot of stuff to work through. I was a pretty tortured young adult, and then I just kind of figured some stuff out—and then I figured out how to figure out more stuff—and it’s been smooth sailing for the past six years.

You’ve shot Kathy Griffin, Ricky Martin and Zac Efron, to name just a few.

Who’s been particularly memorable?

When I work with somebody it’s like a catharsis. I work with them and get everything out and move on from that. I don’t stay in one place; once something is done, I’m onto the next thing, so I don’t really have favorites. Basically whoever the last person I worked with is my favorite. I just worked with Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty, who’s such a sweetheart. I jacked her up and I did my thing and she looks so spectacularly beautiful in the shots that we did.

I’m really proud of that shoot. It was simple because it was for a magazine’s June cover, so I couldn’t go too crazy, but they allowed me to take it up a few notches.

So your body—how do you maintain that?

Photoshop. (Laughs) It’s all part of my childhood thing. I was a heavy, unhealthy kid and I had anemia and other health problems—not major but minor—and I was just tired of it. When I was a kid I used to fantasize about hot, hunky guys, so I thought the only way I’m going to be in that arena is if I take care of myself. And it started out as that, that was my motivation, but then it grew into just feeling better. And I continue to do it.

How does it feel to be engaged? And what’re your wedding plans?

Being engaged, I don’t know. I’m connected to Martin emotionally and spiritually in a way that transcends the need to have a ring or anything like that. The tradition of it doesn’t really mean anything to me, but the fact that we are afforded that right in the state of New York, I just wanted to exercise it mostly from a legal standpoint so we’re both protected under the law.

But I love Martin. He’s everything to me.

He’s a sweet, kind, gentle, compassionate man. We still fall asleep looking into each other’s eyes every night. It’s hokey, but it’s really wonderful being in the same room with him.

You donated all the proceeds from the first 500 copies of Pretty Masculine to Gay Men’s Health Crisis, and you’ve supported many other charities. Why is charity work so important to you?

I always knew the moment I had the capacity to do something I wanted to be helpful in the community. Most of my adult life was spent trying to get my sh*t together, but I always told myself, “The minute you have a platform and you’re capable and you’re financially secure, you’re going to do something beyond you, something that’s not completely self-serving.” So I’ve always had that in the back of my mind, and in the past few years with my visibility growing, it’s just given me a platform to do something.

ACCESSline Page 24

The Fun Guide

JUNE 2012

Hear Me Out by Chris Azzopardi Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

which completely goes off into clubland.

“Starships,” redundant-by-way-of-KatyPerry, breaks into a hooky chorus that embraces the flying-things-are-inspiring motif. Yeah, it’s awesomely bad. And so much of the album’s conventional last half—a scattered collection of hit hopefuls that rip off pop-queens du jour—falls into the same black hole. Roman Reloaded is a hot mess of the highest order.

Grade: C+

Bonnie Raitt, Slipstream Nicki Minaj botched her Grammy performance so bad earlier this year, when she weirdly channeled The Exorcist while hawking new single “Roman Holiday,” that even that desperate attempt at shock couldn’t be “saved.” Her sophomore outing is just as confused and ridiculous and stupid. And it’s also completely addictive.

Named after Minaj’s alter ego, the rapper launches on that schizo lead single with some snappy flair and fierce flow, swapping personalities like wigs and shoehorning “O Come All Ye Faithful” into the spastic mix. She keeps the crazy coming on “Come on a Cone,” hilariously cutting into a cappella, and then swags out on punchy boaster “HOV Lane.” By the end of the unintentionally comical “Sex in the Lounge,” it seems that Roman’s been exorcised—at least by the sound of the disjointed disc,

Seven years have passed since Bonnie Raitt released an album, but don’t expect her to catch up to the trends just to give us something to talk about. Slipstream falls back on the veteran’s longstanding hybrid of blues, rock and weepies, out to prove nothing but her place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. No song does that

better than the sad stunner “Not Cause I Wanted To,” a touching breakup ballad that has Raitt baring her heartache in a devastating gesture of closure—the flip side of her iconic lament “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Raitt’s sound hasn’t progressed much since the release of that masterpiece over 20 years ago, more than halfway into her career—and, because of her timelessness, that’s just fine. “Right Down the Line” offers a delicious reggae change-up on the Gerry Rafferty classic (FYI: The video features gay and lesbian couples in love); “You Can’t Fail Me Now” emphasizes the snuggly warmth of her voice over a gospel-tinged track; and “Ain’t Gonna Let You Go” is a six-minute jam session—a showcase for her bang-up slide guitar skills. Her biting commentary on celebrity, “Marriage Made in Hollywood,” serves both as a pointed reflection on society and the tragic effects of addiction.

And she goes out on a high note: “God Only Knows,” a life-affirming prayer sung over a few piano notes. It makes you wish Raitt would come around more often.

Grade: B+

Also Out

Morgan Page, In the Air The most impressive bit on A-list mixer Morgan Page’s third full-length is with talented singer-songwriter Greg Laswell: “Addicted,” a lingering heartbreaker. Not to say that the other 12 tracks, featuring an eclectic lineup of known-names

Deep Inside Hollywood by Romeo San Vicente Steel Magnolias: the TV movie

demographic boundaries. This is probably going to call for a girls night in when it finally hits the airwaves.

News is going to get a lot of mileage out of it.

Glee’s Brittany S. Pierce

and underground artists, don’t cut it; all are particularly strong. Tegan and Sara return to the dance floor for the pulsating innuendo of “Body Work,” and again on “Video,” the stronger—and more original—of the two. The title track, featuring a soothing vocal from Angela McCluskey, stands out for its evocative sense of freespiritedness—hey, xylophone!—gracing the driving house beat. These flourishes elevate an album that, though listenable and quite innovative, circles itself one too many times.

Katy Perry, Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection Katy Perry’s ubiquitous sophomore disc had enough ear candy on it to cause a cavity, from pop-doozy “Teenage Dream” to the galvanizing “Firework.” And it even got creative with whipped cream. But once was enough. Her Lolita shtick on “Dressin’ Up” doesn’t “come alive” as she promises, and the same goes for “Wide Awake,” a forgettable mid-tempo. Both are so last Friday night. “Part of Me” is far from any teenage dream, but it’s not a bad fist-raising breakup anthem. Better, as far as special-edition tracks, is the acoustic makeover of “The One that Got Away.”

Sure, it’s no “Hummingbird Heartbeat,” an overlooked Teenage Dream track, but then again, not much beats suggestive bird references set to an ’80s chirp.

Chris Azzopardi is the editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service. Reach him via his website at www.chris-azzopardi.com.

Liars regular Ashley Benson. Get ready, tweens, Harmony Korine is coming to corrupt you.

The Butler’s conservative meets Kids’ Harmony Korine Let’s start the boycott of icon: Jane Fonda Ender’s Game now

Dolly Parton courtesy of Van Redin.

If you never saw the original 1989 film version of Steel Magnolias with Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts then you’ve got a little catching up to do on the subjects of Southern idiosyncrasy, female bonding, the trouble with men, the fragility of life and the importance of a good hairstyle (it’s all centered around a beauty salon).

A huge hit and an enduring touchstone of gay culture, it was, therefore, a no-brainer that Lifetime would want to get behind a small-screen remake. Even smarter?

Executive producer Queen Latifah (still not an official lesbian, for the record) has assembled an all-black cast filled with beloved names like Phylicia Rashad, Jill Scott, Latifah herself and newcomers like lesbian indie film Pariah’s breakout star Adepero Oduye. Talk about crossing

Jane Fonda has spent her entire life working for liberal causes when she wasn’t busy building a career as one of our most acclaimed actresses. And if you’re old enough to remember the era when she was disparagingly referred to as “Hanoi Jane,” you’ll know that she wasn’t afraid to court controversy and right-wing scorn in the process.

Now, in her eighth decade, she’s going to court a little more by playing Nancy Reagan in gay director Lee Daniels’ (Precious) new film The Butler. A biopic of White House butler Eugene Allen, who worked for a string of Presidents from 1952 to 1986, Daniels is currently in talks with Forest Whitaker to take on the title role.

And with an African-American filmmaker in charge of a production about a black man in a domestic service position, here’s hoping the finished product can avoid the kind of negative press that followed last year’s The Help. Of course, no matter how the movie turns out, Fox

Indie filmmaker Harmony Korine is no stranger to the weird. He’s built an outsider-cool reputation thanks to his early script for the ’90s drama Kids and his later increasingly bizarre films Gummo (about trailer park Americana), Mister Lonely (about a commune populated by celebrity impersonators who live each day as their chosen alter ego) and Trash Humpers (about…well, the title explains it). So what’s next for the daring director? How about a spring break action-comedy featuring America’s favorite teenage lesbian cheerleader? Glee’s Heather Morris has joined the cast of Korine’s Spring Breakers, a head-scratching detour about four college girls who rob a restaurant to fund their spring break vacation, only to fall in with a gang of drug and arms dealers who want them to work full time on the opposite side of the law. And Morris isn’t the only stunt-casting move here. Rounding out the cast is James Franco, Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez and Pretty Little

How about a spring break action-comedy featuring America’s favorite teenage lesbian cheerleader?

Sci-fi author Orson Scott Card hates gays. That’s the first thing you should know. Like, he really hates gays. Just Google some of the things he’s said about us. It’s Santorum-level stuff. He actively fights civil rights laws. He’s on the board of the anti-gay group, the National Organization for Marriage. And that’s why it’s more than a little disconcerting to report that his most famous novel, Ender’s Game, a modern sci-fi classic, is about to get the big-budget, big screen treatment from X-Men Origins: Wolverine director Gavin Hood. It will star Hugo’s Asa Butterfield as Ender, Harrison Ford, Viola Davis, Abigail Breslin, Hailee Steinfeld and Sir Ben Kingsley. Expect hardcore sci-fi fans to geek out and look the other way, gay sci-fi fans to feel conflicted, Card apologists to lecture you on how to separate the art from the artist and Hollywood to pretend like they haven’t just bankrolled Maggie Gallagher a little more. Coming soon to a multiplex near you.

Romeo San Vicente likes science fiction best when its creators respect science. He can be reached care of this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com.

JUNE 2012

The Fun Guide

ACCESSline Page 25

ACCESSline Page 26

The Fun Guide

JUNE 2012

The Bookworm Sez by Terri Schlichenmeyer “A Queer and Pleasant Danger” by Kate Bornstein, c.2012, Beacon Press, $25.95 / $30.00 Canada, 288 pages You are a pretty tame human being.

Oh, sure, you break out sometimes and go a little wild, but overall, you’re no threat to most people. You were domesticated years ago, you know when to hide your claws, and you stopped biting in preschool. You’re even housebroken.

But uncivilized? Hardly.

Menacing? Never!

Author Kate Bornstein isn’t, either, but there’s a significant group of people that, she says, have labeled her as a “potential trouble source.” In her new book “A Queer

and Pleasant Danger,” she explains how she got to be so hazardous.

At four-and-a-half years old, most kids are just learning their ABCs, but Albert Bornstein knew at that age that he wasn’t a boy, so he must be a girl. He also knew that wasn’t what people wanted to hear, so he never spilled his secret; instead, he grew up wanting to be Audrey Hepburn—and if not Hepburn, there were other choices.

He always loved women. There were so many he could imagine being.

It was mid-1970 when Bornstein— twenty-something, anorexic, altruistic, and seeking spiritual meaning—started a cross-country pilgrimage that landed him

in Colorado. There, while looking for new boots, he found a Scientology center.

He entered… and stayed.

Happy in his newly-embraced “applied religious philosophy,” Bornstein became the perfect Scientologist: charming and silver-tongued, he quickly developed into a top-performing salesman of high rank. Two years after joining the organization, he was married; a year after that, he was a father.

He also began acting upon his girlish urges, but wasn’t bothered by it. Scientology taught that humans were spiritual beings called thetans, and thetans had no gender… so what was the harm in wearing women’s clothing and sleeping with men? His inner

woman seemed unstoppable.

Then, twelve years after joining, when everything came crashing down (due to a still-dizzying misunderstanding), Bornstein was cast out of the community he’d embraced for a third of his life. Feeling bereft, and overwhelmed by his increasingly feminine notions, he sought therapy and a community of a different sort.

What he found was the person she was all along…

There are a lot of adjectives that one can use to describe “A Queer and Pleasant Danger:” snarky, funny, anguished, frightening. Heartbreaking. Brave. Honest.

Author Kate Bornstein worked six years on this memoir that she started for her daughter (whom Bornstein assumes will never read it), and for the teenage grandchildren who will likewise be denied the story because they’re Scientologists and Bornstein is essentially dead to them.

What Bornstein doesn’t say about Scientology, in fact, is more chilling than what she does say.

In writing this memoir, Bornstein puts on a certain bravado that doesn’t last in the presence of the vulnerability she often displays. This is a softer, sometimes

TTBOOKWORM SEZ cont’d page 27

Across

1 Four-posters for foreplay, for some 5 Deep throat sound 9 Astronaut Schirra 14 Carbon compound 15 Soft drink favorite 16 Homer-erotic tale?

17 Barry Humphries’ Dame 18 One that attacks the fly with the tongue 19 Fruit of Greek myth 20 With 55-Across, short title of the History of a Lesbian Community coauthored by 36-Across 23 JFK info 24 Angular opening 25 Bad-mouthed 27 Like some porn 29 Brought into alignment 31 Request to Sajak 32 “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” mountain 34 Son of Prince Valiant 35 “Beatle Bailey” dog 36 Teacher of the first course on lesbianism in the US 40 New York college 41 Mandela org.

42 P. Hearst’s kidnappers 43 One that’s hairy and has a master 44 Some are urban 46 Hispanic family org.

50 Robin Williams’ Photo 52 Simpson case judge 54 Nuts or bananas 55 See 20-Across

Q-PUZZLE: “First Lesbian”

58 Chew the *ss of 59 Edible pocket 60 Bit to split 61 Long in the past?

62 Tops a cupcake 63 Wang in fashion 64 Transvestite boast?

65 Pub projectile 66 Biblical garden

Down

1 Director Kidron of Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit 2 Agnes Moorehead role

3 Anonymous dads for some lesbian families 4 Supporter of bedroom activity 5 One who gets screwed by an agent?

6 Go on foot 7 Jerusalem server 8 Took no chances 9 Needed some Viagra?

10 Honolulu hello 11 Patricia Highsmith and others 12 Playwright Arthur 13 Ft. trios 21 Concern of Todd Oldham 22 Changes, as the Constitution 26 To God, to Caesar 28 Syllables of triumph 30 Dressing type 33 Pretend to have an erection?

35 Track shape 36 It can’t go long enough to get to Uranus 37 She played tomb raider Lara 38 Having balls 39 Me (Lily Tomlin movie) 40 Illegal same-sex vow, in most states 44 Cheap wheels 45 She doesn’t have sex with men 47 Chewed the scenery 48 Aplenty 49 One who’s out 51 Makes oneself hard to find 53 Say “Bottoms up!”

56 Costa 57 Became a donor 58 Cost-of-living meas.

• SOLUTION ON PAGE 32

JUNE 2012

The Fun Guide

ACCESSline Page 27

Under Construction : ACCESSline’s Heartland Recurring Events List

ACCESSline’s Recurring Events List is and has been provided by ACCESSline readers. With the added communities of ACCESSline’s Heartland Newspaper, the list is need of a large overhaul. We need readers to continue to help and update the list.

Please submit recurring events to ManagingEditor@ ACCESSlineIowa.com.

SScontinued from page 26

BOOKWORM SEZ sorrowful, side of the always-outspoken Kate Bornstein, and I loved it.

Be aware that there are painfully graphic scenes in this book, and some that are brutally blunt. If you can stand those (appropriate-to-this-memoir) paragraphs, though, “A Queer and Pleasant Danger” is a wildly wonderful read.

SScontinued from page 15

OUT OF TOWN runs the exceptional Brass Key (brasskey.com) which was the first Provincetown guest house to offer a level of service and amenities comparable to a world-class luxury hotel, and this splendid resort still excels in every category. The staff at hip and cozy Somerset House Inn (somersethouseinn.com) has set the standard in Provincetown when it comes to hospitality, capturing the chic ambience of an urbane boutique hotel, with its mod furnishings, L’Occitane bath amenities, and plush beds with luxuriant linens. The lesbian-owned Inn at Cook Street (innatcookstreet.com) is handsome, smartly furnished Greek Revival house and two cottages on a quiet block on the East End—it’s ideal for a peaceful getaway.

One of the best addresses for gay guesthouses is Johnson Street, home to the reasonably priced, attractively furnished Christopher’s by the Bay, which occupies a towering Victorian house with a lush and cheerful patio in back - proprietors Dave and Jim are two of the nicest and most helpful innkeepers in town. Across the street, the sleek and stylish White Porch Inn (whiteporchinn.com) contains nine natty guestrooms named for Cape Cod lighthouses—each unit has a flat-screen TV with DVD player and an MP3 dock, and quite a few have deep tubs and fireplaces. Just a few doors down, the similarly romantic Carpe Diem (carpediemguesthouse.com) is sophisticated yet quite social, with rooms named for famous poets and writers (from Rilke to Cocteau).

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll find countless other great properties around town - the cheap and cheerful Heritage House (heritageh.com), ideal if you don’t mind shared baths; the sumptuous Benchmark Inn (benchmarkinn.com), a Greek Revival beauty with sun-filled rooms; the friendly and moderately priced Ampersand Guesthouse (ampersandguesthouse.com), nestled in the quiet West End; and the tranquil Secret Garden Inn (secretgardenptown.com), set down a narrow alley off of Commercial Street and surrounded by fragrant gardens and redbrick patios.

Andrew Collins covers gay travel for the New York Timesowned website GayTravel.About.com and is the author of Fodor’s Gay Guide to the USA. He can be reached care of this publication or at OutofTown@qsyndicate.com.

ACCESSline Page 28

The Fun Guide

JUNE 2012

JUNE 2012

Section 3: Community

First Friday Breakfast Club : Scott Schoettes by Bruce Carr

Scott Schoettes Our guest speaker on Friday morning, May 4, was lawyer Scott Schoettes, HIV Project Director for Lambda Legal. His presentation outlined the concerns and the work of the Positive Justice Project (PJP) of the Center for HIV Law and Policy (CHLP), a national legal and policy resource and strategy center for people with HIV and their advocates. Schoettes began with a truly alarming summary of our criminal justice systems’ prosecutory attitudes and practices toward persons living with HIV, as outlined in PJP’s HIV Criminalization Fact Sheet (you can download the full document from http://hivlawandpolicy.org/resources/ view/560): Currently there are 36 states and two U.S. territories that explicitly criminalize HIV exposure through sex, shared needles, and in some jurisdictions, through “bodily fluids,” including saliva.

At least 39 states have singled out people who have tested positive for HIV for criminal prosecution or enhanced sentences, either under HIV-specific criminal laws or under general criminal laws governing crimes such as assault, attempted murder, or reckless endangerment.

In these cases, neither proof of the intent to transmit HIV nor actual transmission is required. (Sentences for HIV-positive persons convicted of HIV exposure are typically very harsh and disproportionate to the actual or potential harm presented by the facts of the case, perpetuating the stigma that HIVpositive people are toxic and dangerous.)

And yet: Studies show that these HIV-specific statutes and prosecutions have absolutely no effect on behavior and, in fact, they undermine public health goals.

The goal of the Positive Justice Project is to repeal these HIV criminalization statutes and to end HIV-specific prosecutions, increased punishment, and governmentsponsored discrimination against people with HIV in the criminal justice systems.

Schoettes detailed some of the negative effects of the statutes: • They don’t change behavior • They encourage non-disclosure of HIV status • They “chill” doctor-patient relationships, and Because the statues generally state that if you don’t know your status you can’t be prosecuted for these “crimes,” they discourage even getting tested.

And, in fact, he concluded, more hopefully, getting tested and publicly declaring one’s status is one of the best public-health practices we know. As Schoettes—who is himself publicly HIV-positive—blogged two months ago for Huffington Post: “Antiretroviral medications (ARVs) provide us with the opportunity to seriously impede progression of the disease, especially when it is discovered in a timely fashion, to prevent most of the complications and poor health outcomes associated with an AIDS diagnosis, and to dramatically reduce the number of AIDS-related deaths each year.

For those with access to consistent, quality care and treatment, HIV can now be a chronic, manageable condition—akin to diabetes or high blood pressure.

“What’s more, quality care and effective treatment for those currently living with HIV will significantly curtail the further spread of HIV. ARVs work by reducing the level of virus in a person’s blood to extremely low levels—and the less virus in the blood, the lower the chances of transmitting the disease.

Recent studies show that the already-lowerthan-generally-realized risk of contracting HIV sexually is reduced by up to 96 percent when a person’s viral load is suppressed to undetectable levels. Not only is near-universal access to quality health care good for people living with HIV, but it is also one of the best prevention tools we have.”

Scott Schoettes is the HIV Project Director for Lambda Legal, the oldest and largest national legal organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and people with HIV. Shortly after being diagnosed as HIVpositive in 1999, Schoettes left a decadelong career in the theater and began his legal studies at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. While in law school, Schoettes was an associate editor of the Georgetown Law Journal, served as co-chair of Outlaw (the LGBT student group at Georgetown Law School), completed a fellowship with the Human Rights Campaign, and volunteered as a counselor in the wills department at Whitman-Walker Clinic. After graduating magna cum laude in 2002, he clerked for the Honorable J. Frederick Motz in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.

Prior to joining Lambda Legal in October 2007, Schoettes spent four years litigating a wide variety of matters from the Chicago office of Latham & Watkins— primarily working on class action, employment discrimination, and political asylum cases. His pro bono work during that time continued to address matters involving the intersection of sexual orientation and the law. In his position at Lambda Legal, Schoettes focuses on cases and issues affecting individuals with HIV. He can be reached at Lambda Legal in Chicago (312-663-4413).

The Center for HIV Law and Policy and Positive Peace Project can be found online at: http://www.hivlawandpolicy.org/ public/initiatives/positivejusticeproject.

ACCESSline Page 29

CHAIN Launches Campaign 2012 Education and Mobilization Efforts to Modernize Iowa’s HIV Criminalization Statute

Community HIV/Hepatitis Advocates of Iowa Network (CHAIN) announced the launch of a new education mobilization campaign to modernize Iowa’s Code 709c “Criminal Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus”. The statute is considered harmful to public health and amongst the most stigmatizing and punitive in the nation.

Originally intended to reduce the spread of HIV, the statute has become a barrier to HIV prevention efforts in the state by discouraging HIV testing and stigmatizing people with HIV, which makes it more difficult to disclose one’s HIV status and seek treatment.

“The National HIV/AIDS Strategy introduced in 2010 asks state legislatures to reconsider criminalization laws that may serve as barriers to public health prevention goals and may interfere with public health strategies to reduce transmission of HIV/AIDS,” noted Randy Mayer, chief of the Bureau of HIV, STD, and Hepatitis at the Iowa Department of Public Health.

“An updated statute could better support

public health objectives, such as reducing stigma, facilitating HIV testing, following the guidance of medical and public health officials, and promoting adherence to effective treatment regimens.”

Longtime HIV/AIDS advocate Tami Haught, of Nashua, has been appointed CHAIN’s Community Organizer to lead this effort. In 2006, Tami joined other Iowans with HIV or hepatitis to launch CHAIN. Their mission is to advocate for the prevention of HIV and hepatitis and for access to quality care to improve health outcomes for all Iowans who have or are affected by HIV or hepatitis.

Advocates note that criminal statutes work against existing public health measures, like HIV testing, partner services and case management, which require trust in public health officials to keep information about behaviors, partners, and potential exposure confidential.

Public health experts believe criminal statutes should avoid stigmatizing or singling out a specific disease, such as HIV, especially when the evidence is clear that these statutes do not decrease the risk of transmission or increase the rate of disclosure. Iowa’s “HIV-specific” statute treats HIV differently than transmission of other serious communicable diseases such as

Iowa’s “HIV-specific” statute treats HIV differently than transmission of other serious communicable diseases...

TTCHAIN cont’d page 30

ACCESSline Page 30

Section 3: Community

JUNE 2012

From the Pastor’s Pen by Rev. Jonathan Page The Challenge of the Early Church

When we think of church, most of us picture a building on Main Street with pews and an organ. We envision people showing up every Sunday morning dressed in their best clothes to sing old hymns and mutter, “Amen,” in response to pastor-led prayers.

Others of us might picture a contemporary church with a stage, rock band, and spotlights.

It can be hard to think of what the church was like in its earliest days when churches met in people’s houses and attendance was radical and could get you in trouble. Yet, it is in the context of early Christianity where most queer people find church most hospitable and welcoming.

The early church could not have been more different than church life today. For starters, the first Christians had no New Testament. The New Testament, as we have it today, did not come about until the fourth century and the oldest book in the New Testament, 1 Thessalonians, was written in 49 or 50, nearly twenty years after Jesus died. These early communities of believers relied on stories, liturgies, and the working of the Holy Spirit as they worshipped God together. Since scrolls were expensive, many Christian churches would have had only some of the Hebrew Bible from which to read aloud. There were no well-thumbed

Bibles lying around to use for harmful prooftexting and exclusion. The dogmatism and Biblical literalism that dominate so much of evangelical Christianity today had no place in the early church. Church life was much more free form.

Not surprisingly, early Christians got into a lot of arguments about what the faith was all about. The most divisive debate of the early church was over the inclusion of nonJews into the Christian fold. Could a non-Jew become a true follower of the Christ? Did he or she have to conform to Jewish laws and practices in order to do so? Paul of Tarsus was the leading proponent of expanding the scope of Christianity beyond Judaism, while James and Peter and those in Jerusalem opposed it. Paul argued that the presence of the Holy Spirit should trump any legalistic definitions of what it meant to be Christian. Christianity should be open to all. Queer people could not agree more. The legalistic exclusion of gays and lesbians from the church is reminiscent of the insistence that Christians be Jews in order to be fully accepted Christians. What if gay people experience the power of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ? Using Paul’s logic, should not that supersede a heterosexist reading of a few fringe texts that supposedly condemn gays? Without a doubt.

The early church was remarkable for its inclusion of different people within the Christian community. Paul wrote emphatically,

“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28) Despite living in a shockingly patriarchal society, women played a key role in the early church. In Romans 16, Paul names some thirty-five different people in the Christian church, ten of whom are women. He calls Phoebe a deacon or minister, and Junia, another woman, is mentioned as an apostle.

Most of the male names that Paul lists in Romans 16 have no female name along with them, which likely indicates that they were unmarried since Paul coupled the names of married persons together. How many of the unmarried men were gay?

We also know that the early Christian community included slaves and freed slaves, a fact which is most explicit in Paul’s letter to Philemon when he commends Onesimus, a former slave, as a partner in Christ’s work.

We find another example of radical inclusion in the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8). Not only was the eunuch of a different race and ethnicity than Philip, but his status as a eunuch excluded him from full participation in the Jewish cult (see Deuteronomy 23:1-2). Yet, the Holy Spirit inspires Philip to reach out and include him. Again and again, the early church violated the commonly accepted rules of the day to welcome different people to the Christian fold. A church that embraces gays and lesbians is proudly

A Healthier and Progressive Pride

by Royal Bush, Multifaith Chaplain Pride can be described as an inwardly directed emotion that carries two common meanings. With a negative connotation, pride can refer to an inflated sense of one’s personal status or accomplishments. With a positive connotation, pride refers to a satisfied sense of attachment toward one’s own or another’s choices and actions, or toward a whole group of people, and is a product of praise, independent selfreflection, or a fulfilled feeling of belonging; thank you, Wikipedia.

Each year many cities, states, and communities celebrate their pride. For some it is in the form of Saint Patrick’s Day, for some it is a Labor Day celebration, for many in the United States July 4th has a special spirit of pride. In 1969 in a tiny bar in New York City some brave people banded together to face brutality, injustice, harassment, and inequality. Many U.S. cities choose June to celebrate their pride activities, which coincide with the Stonewall riots, in New York City in 1969.

My particular view on LGBT pride events is controversial. I think there needs to be a healthier and progressive way that we approach pride in the United States. It should focus on individuals, couples and families. It should focus on involving allies, mainstream businesses and organizations. It should focus on a unified national message or theme (perhaps marriage equality, GLBT youth issues, adoption

issues, repealing DOMA, etc.)

If there is a “gay agenda” it might be best described as total equality in pursuit of life in America. That will never happen if we do not build relationships with our allies and embrace them, involve them, and work with them. We need their money. We need their support. We need their votes.

We need them to raise children who are not closed minded.

We will not achieve equality by simply waving rainbow flags, shouting cute chants, throwing a fabulous party and getting drunk.

We don’t need groups, businesses, organizations and people to tear us down.

We do that within the GLBT community to ourselves without their guidance. We can be so divisive in pursuit of agendas, egos and attention (both as individuals and as groups.) If we could harness the talent, the cash and the passion the GLBT has; those trying to tear us down would never stand a chance.

I can envision a United States that each Pride in each community is on target with a similar message or theme for the year that they have spent the last year sharing with their communities, families, friends and allies. And year by year we build more allies, more friends and when it comes time to voting for politicians and policies and issues…more people remember the faces, the stories and experiences of their friends, their family members, and

If there is a “gay agenda” it might be best described as total equality in pursuit of life in America.

Multifaith Chaplain Royal D. Bush serves Inclusive Life, Council Bluffs, IA & Omaha, NE. He studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and with the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling. Chaplain Royal is available in Omaha for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching and pastoral care. In Iowa and Nebraska he is available for marriage ceremonies, end of life planning and funerals. their allies! It is about each of us coming out, and giving a face to equality. One person, one vote, one community, one state at a time!

We can be the change that we want for our lives, for our communities and for this nation. We can experience and have equality in our lifetime. What will it take? Pride.

FFBC member Jonathan Page is senior pastor of the Ames United Church of Christ, 217 6th Street, Ames, Iowa. Sunday service at 10:45. He can be reached at jon@Amesucc.org. following that Biblical example.

Surveying this brief look at the shape of the early church, I cannot help but wonder how we can recapture some of the radical spirit of those Christian communities. How can we be more inclusive of those who do not feel welcome now? It might just be that welcoming gay Christians opens up the possibility for a whole new way of being the church, a way of being the church that is truer to its roots.

SScontinued from page 29

CHAIN hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, SARS, syphilis, and typhoid.

“I was the elected prosecutor in Polk County (Des Moines) when the statute was first passed and I thought that the statute made some sense, even though I am a gay man. HIV+ people ought not to go around exposing others to the virus”, stated Dan Johnston. “However, as we’ve learned more about the real routes and risks of HIV transmission, and the epidemic has changed, I am convinced that the statute does much more harm than good. For one thing, there remains sufficient bias against gay people and people with HIV that it is hard to get a fair trial in court and a reasonable sentence. And, sexually active people should assume that any prospective partner may be infected, and take reasonable precautions, not just relying upon the law to require people to disclose their infectious status.”

Tami Haught has been living with HIV for 18 years; she is a single mother with a teenage son. Her husband passed away shortly before their child was born. For six years, Tami and family members told everyone that her husband had cancer.

She finally disclosed her own HIV-positive status when her son was in preschool.

“Living in rural Iowa where there are not many people living with HIV or at least not many disclosing their status, creates isolation, fear, and discrimination. I fought that by going public about my HIV status” says Haught.

To join CHAIN’s listserve or get involved with CHAIN and the education and mobilization campaign, contact tami.haught2012@gmail.com,641-715-4182 or follow CHAIN on Facebook.

JUNE 2012 SScontinued from page 14

ELEMENTS into the shop going from case to case, picking out the most unique jewelry he can find and saying “I’ll take that and that and that” until he reaches his own quota without regard to cost. He is a wonderful person as well, and we enjoy many enriching conversations with him whenever he stops in. Another has a large family and loves having us make family birthstone jewelry as new in-laws and grandchildren come along. If our shop had ten like them, we would be set.

We have had orders from same-sex couples at least since the 1980’s. Each time is special, because it is a chance to build new relationships as well as confirming relationships. Before 2009, it felt like a significant act of rebellion or at least activism. Now it is just a pleasure to be a participant.

Elements, Ltd. is located at 837 42nd Street, Des Moines, Iowa. For more information call 515-277-7421 or go to elementslimited.com.

SScontinued from page 18

MEADOWS bringing our community together, and building comradery and friendship. It’s about spreading good nature and good health, and it starts with you.

We’re here to provide you with health services you need to stay strong and healthy and the education to make safe, smart decisions. We’re here as a community resource, support system, and friend.

Our pride is seeing you be happy, healthy and strong.

Section 3: Community

Imperial Court of Nebraska

By David “Chippy” Allen, Emperor 30 & VP The Imperial Court of Nebraska, a 501c3 organization, has served the LGBTS community of Nebraska for over 30 years. Since Its inception on July 15, 1980, ICON has raised well over one million dollars for charities.

ICON proudly continues dynamic efforts to raise money through various fundraising events each year to benefit organizations such as the Nebraska AIDS Project, American Cancer Society, River City Gender Alliance, Rainbow Outreach Resource Center, Pediatric AIDS, P-FLAG and Proud Horizons.

The whole center of the ICON universe is the art of royalty. Every year, through a community wide vote, we elect a new Emperor and Empress, basically a King and Queen if you will. With the help of their Royale Family, they hold many events throughout the year to raise money for those in need.

Each year in the summer we hold an annual coronation to celebrate the previous’ “reign” success, this year it will be July 14th.

Held in the Doubletree downtown Omaha, the event features many people from around the country, including those from Nebraska.

The event also features an open bar. The highlight of the night is the crowning of the new Emperor and Empress at the end of the night.

This year, we celebrate the successful reign of Emperor 31, Todd Pacas and Empress 31, Chandler Chubbs. There is a full weekend of events, including a bar tour, and hospitality in our host hotel.

We encourage everyone near and far to check out our website, imperialcourtofnebraska.org, and to attend one of our many events.

To celebrate the 2012 Capital City Pride Festival, The AIDS Project of Central Iowa, in collaboration with the Polk County Health Department, will administer free and confidential HIV and STI screenings on Sunday, June 10th, from 2-5 PM. The booth will be located on the northeast corner of East 5th Street and Locust Street.

A raffle will be held, giving participants a chance to win either a romantic gift package which includes Fleur Cinema tickets; wine

tasting at Jasper Winery; and a gift card to Splash, or party package that includes tickets to Gay Day at Adventureland, 80/35 tickets, and a bar tab at The Blazing Saddle. In addition to the raffle, giveaways such as t-shirts, bracelets, condoms, and lube will be distributed.

The Project hosted-events include an interactive social media photography stand on the evening of Saturday, June 9th, and a much-anticipated lube wrestling competition featuring local celebrities on Sunday, June 10th, following the parade.

AIDS Project of Central Iowa

ACCESSline Page 31

One Iowa Pride Ride And Run

Saturday, June 16th, One Iowa is hosting a 20-mile bike route, a 5-mile family bike route, and a 5k for runners. Athletes will run a route through Water Works Park with fellow One Iowa supporters for a day of health and equality.

“One Iowa is excited and proud to host the third annual Pride Ride & Run. We are always looking for new ways to get our supporters involved and engaged with our work and the Pride Ride & Run is a healthy and fun way to get involved! We invite you to join us for a day of exercise, sunshine, and equality. All proceeds benefit One Iowa’s work for full equality for LGBT Iowans. We hope to see you there!” Molly Tafoya, One Iowa Communications Director.

Registration is at 8:30 am with the Pride Ride & Run beginning at 9 am. This is not a race, and participants are encouraged to bring their families. Later that day everyone is welcome to a Family Picnic at 11 am.

The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for kids to participate with all proceeds benefiting One Iowa’s mission of full equality for all.

You also have the option to gather a team and pledge to raise money for One Iowa. One individual and one team will be awarded the One Iowa Health, Wellness, and Equality Award.

In order to compete, individuals and teams must turn in their pledges by June 15th at 5 pm. For more information contact Matt at 515-288-4019 x203 or email matt@ oneiowa.org.

ACCESSline Page 32

Section 3: Community

JUNE 2012

Ask Lambda Legal : Out at Work by Kenneth Upton I just applied for a new job, and am not sure if I should be “out” during the interview process. I don’t think my state protects employees from being discriminated against based on their sexual orientation. Can I be out at my interview or at work without risk of being rejected or fired?

It depends. Currently many states lack laws that protect lesbian and gay employees from being treated differently from their co-workers by private employers. And federal statutes do not provide such protection currently. However, the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution contains the Equal Protection Clause, which prohibits public employers from discriminating based on someone’s actual or perceived sexual orientation.

A public employee is someone who is employed by a municipality, a county, state, or federal agency, or state college or university or hospital.

Lambda Legal currently is litigating on behalf of Jacqueline Gill, who was denied employment as a professor at Tarrant County College in Texas because it was believed that she was a lesbian. Gill was hired in August 2009 as a full-time temporary professor at Tarrant County College’s (TCC’s) Northeast Campus in Hurst. At the time, she was informed

SScontinued from page 12

WIRED THIS WAY agent for change we have” Matt says.

There can be no better proof of what Matt is saying than Louis Marinelli. The former NOM staffer who drove the bus for the 2010 Summer For Marriage tour. During the tour Marinelli says, “the lesbian and gay people whom I made a profession out of opposing became real people for me”.

The realization that real people, people he could empathize with, were being hurt by his opposition to marriage equality led to a change of heart for Marinelli, who intends to be leading another tour this year, this time in favor of same sex marriage.

Liking a post can share information but it doesn’t share our personal story.

Even if we take the time to share our reasons for support a cause and share our story, “With technology there is a layer between you and the other person” Matt says. Our personal stories may lack the immediacy and emotional impact that caused Marinelli and others like him to change their opinion on an issue like marriage equality. That said, sharing our views online may create an opportunity to have one of those personal conversations.

Sharing our support of marriage equality, or an end to bullying, might lead friends and family into a conversation about why you support the cause, what it means to

that it was customary to hire full-time instructors on a temporary basis first, and that teachers who complete the one-year contract term successfully are uniformly hired when the positions are made permanent. Gill received high praise from colleagues, superiors, parents and teachers while at TCC, and had every reason to believe that she would be hired as a professor Unfortunately, a student who had been disciplined for academic dishonesty by Gill, retaliated by falsely claiming that Gill flirted with girls during class. Gill was then subjected to a lengthy diatribe about “homosexuals” and about how “Texas and Tarrant County College do not like homosexuals”

by English Department Chair Eric Devlin.

Then, in June 2010, Gill was the only contract teacher who applied for a full time permanent teaching position who was not permitted even to interview, and was not hired. In September 2011, Lambda Legal filed suit on behalf of Gill, claiming that it was a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution to refuse to

permit Gill to interview for a permanent teaching position based on their perception that she is a lesbian. The case, Gill v.

Devlin and Howell, is ongoing, and you can read more about it here: http://lambdalegal.org/in-court/ cases/gill-v-devlinand-howell Although there are a growing number of state law protections there is currently no federal law that explicitly forbids sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in private-sector (nongovernment) jobs. It is crucial that Congress pass the Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA) which would provide a clear federal standard prohibiting workplace discrimination for LGBT people.

Workplace discrimination remains the number one complaint among callers to our Legal Help Desk. If you have any questions, or feel you have been discriminated against because of your sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, please contact our help desk at 1-866-542-8336 or visit www.lambdalegal.org/help

There is currently no federal law that explicitly forbids sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in private-sector (nongovernment) jobs.

you. And that might tip someone else’s view on the same issue.

“Organizations are still learning” Matt says, “How to best utilize these media”. It is hard to predict exactly how much online activism will translate into real support and it can vary greatly from issue to issue and even according to what action you are working on. Facebook, for example, is a phenomenal tool for planning events.

Matt says, “In the past hosting a rally involved making lots of calls, putting out flyers, advertising on radio or TV. That’s really time consuming and expensive to do. However you can do a facebook event and get the word out to a lot more interested people faster and cheaper.” But when asking people to meet directly with legislatures, Matt concludes turn out has been very low from facebook.

Why facebook works well for one type of event and not for another is just part of the learning curve for organizations like One Iowa and there is no definite answer yet. The single most important question for marriage equality also remains unanswered, will online support translate into votes? There are no restrictions on facebook, Matt points out. Many people

on facebook may not be voting age, or may live in other countries. Voters must be registered, they must go to the polls on election day and show ID. Unless highly motivated, each step is going to stop a few people from voting.

This is a critically important issue for many liberal causes because republicans traditionally have a smaller but more highly motivated voting bloc. This explains why surveys increasingly show that the average American favors same sex marriage (by a slim margin) but marriage equality consistently fails at the polls.

Getting people to polls means getting them to care about the issues at a deeper level. “It goes back to that personal story” Matt says. The online media may not be the best way to share those personal stories or get that personal commitment.

It’s clear that neither Matt Skuya or One Iowa is over relying on social media but they aren’t under estimating it either.

“It’s a tool,” Matt says. It’s a fast paced and rapidly changing landscape, and activists need to be constantly learning how to use these new tools to further their work. “You have to respond and be on the front of the curve. Sometimes on facebook, the news is getting out there ahead of the networks.”

For better or worse, social media is here to stay and as we all spend more and more time on them, our activism will follow suit. You can be sure that activist like Matt will be busy learning how to utilize these new tools to help them make the world a better place.

Kenneth D. Upton, Jr. is Supervising Senior Staff Attorney in the South Central Regional Office of Lambda Legal, the oldest and largest national legal organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and people with HIV. With more than 20 years of trial and appellate experience in state and federal courts across the country, Ken is based in Dallas and supervises attorneys in Lambda Legal’s Midwest Regional Office in Chicago.

He has served on the governing council of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification Issues Section of the State Bar of Texas and, in 2008, was the recipient of that section’s Norman W. Black Award in recognition of his significant contributions to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and HIV legal issues.

Black & Lou Pride Ball in St. Louis

Indeed—this isn’t your mama’s Pride event. On Friday, June 15th, the second annual Black and Lou Pride Ball takes over JJ’s Clubhouse to benefit Pride St. Louis, Inc. Party goers are strongly encouraged to don leather, gear or fetish wear. The evening dubbed “The Darker Side of Pride” will feature the Mr/Ms St. Louis Black & Lou Competition.

The winners of the contest will ride in the St. Louis PrideFest Parade.

This one-of-a-kind event was organized as a vehicle to raise money for the annual Gateway City LGBT Pride celebration as well as to better include the St. Louis area leather and fetish communities in Pride.

“Back in the 1980s and 1990s we had the wildly popular Mr. and later Ms. St. Louis Leather Pride Competition produced

by Clementines,” explained event organizer Terry Laupp, Mr. Missouri Leather 2010. “The leather community is a vital part of our tribe and has a rich history in St. Louis. June is Pride month and the time of year for all of us to come together and celebrate our diversity.”

Admission for the Black and Lou Pride Ball is $5 with the event kicking off at 9p.m.

Show up late and you may be punished. Street legal attire is required at all times.

“I just wanted to make sure if I could get one student to not go home, go home from being bullied and hurt themselves, or worse yet, possibly take their own lives, I think I’ve done my job as a state representative.” ~Missouri State Rep. Zach Wyatt (R)

JUNE 2012

Section 3: Community

ACCESSline Page 33

ACCESSline Page 34 SScontinued from page 1

IDINA MENZEL What should people expect from your performance when they come to see you live?

They should expect to have a lot of fun, with the full orchestra and myself, but they’ll really get to know me. I like to really be personal and intimate with the audience. Also, they’ll get a wide spectrum of music—some songs that they wouldn’t expect me to sing and some other surprises. But the biggest thing is to expect that I’m very personal with my audience. I don’t think it would be worth getting up there if my audience walked away without feeling like they got to know me a little bit.

What’s it like performing with a full orchestra on a touring show like this?

It’s thrilling. It’s incredible. It makes me raise my game and feels very natural for me, and theatrical. It’s a very exhilarating feeling standing before so many musicians like that and making music together.

Speaking of theatrical, you got your start playing a character in “Rent”, and became even more famous playing the character Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, in the Broadway musical “Wicked”—both stories about outsiders. What did you relate to in the characters that you played?

Well, they took place in different times in my life and I was exploring different issues. It’s really wonderful about these projects, they each came at a time in my life where I needed to learn something specific within my life and I learned that within the character. Yes, there’s a common

Section 3: Community theme about them being outsiders, but for me they’re about harnessing a power in myself as a woman. In “Rent” I was a very confident, larger-than-life character.

In “Wicked” I was not as confident but had all these powers and wasn’t sure how to use them without alienating the people around me. That’s something I deal with in life as a woman, particularly the more successful you get, how to present yourself and how to be a force without alienating people. So that was a personal connection from me.

Are you familiar with the “It Gets Better” videos—videos on YouTube being made for kids who are thinking about suicide—by people who have felt those overwhelming lonely feelings but went on and now have happy lives—that they need to hang on and that things will get better?

“It Gets Better?” I should be shouldn’t I? I know there’s been a lot of bullying, but [that sounds] amazing.

What do you think Elphaba (the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West) would say to someone who had been bullied or felt life was no longer worth living?

She’d say something like: “Please don’t feel alone. I know how it feels to be misunderstood. Celebrate what makes you unique. Please hold on just a little bit longer, embrace who you are and believe in those things that make you unique, because they will be celebrated. If you can just try to get through this loneliness, there’s always a possibility that you could pick up a broom one day and absolutely fly.”

SScontinued from page 3

HEARTLAND NEWS the state or country’s “constitutional” democracy—which protects the civil rights of its minorities from the vote of a majority.

Missouri Republican comes out

On May 2, 2012, Republican Missouri state representative Zach Wyatt came out to members of the Missouri legislature, inspired to do so because of a “don’t say gay” bill that would have affected public schools

JUNE 2012 in the state.

“I will not lie to myself anymore about my own sexuality—I’m still the same person that I was when I woke up this morning and I will be the same person when I go to bed tonight,” he said later, at a press conference.

“Today I ask you to stand with me as a proud Republican, a proud veteran, and a proud gay man who wants to protect all kids addressing bullying in our schools.”

The bill was one of many being proposed around the country that would limit what subjects can be discussed when discussing sexual education, and had already garnered national attention when it became the subject of discussion on the Stephen Colbert show on April 30th (http://huff.to/IEKVvt).

JUNE 2012 DIRECTORY NOTICE

The ACCESSline community directory is updated each issue. LISTINGS ARE FREE but are limited by space.

Free online listings are available at www.ACCESSlineAMERICA.com. Information about new listings must contain a phone number for publication and a contact (e-mail address, land address, or website) for our records. For more information or to provide corrections, please contact Editor@ACCESSlineAMERICA.com or call (712) 560-1807.

The ACCESSline is expanding our resource directory to include heartland resources outside of Iowa. Please bear with us as we continue improving our resource directory.

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Breur Media Corporation : Website Consultation, Design, Programming, and Hosting.

HIV and STD Testing Sites near You, including places where you can get tested for free: hivtest.org/ Crisis or Suicide National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: suicidepreventionlifeline.org Information on Mental Health National Alliance on Mental Illness: nami.org Counseling, Information and Resources about Sexual Orientation GLBT National Help Center: glnh.org or 1-888-843-4564 Information on Mental Health for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender nami.org Information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health, cdc.gov Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund 1133 15th Street NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20005, victoryfund.org 202-VICTORY [842-8679] Human Rights Campaign, National political organization, lobbies congress for lesbian & gay issues, political training state and local, hrc.org, 1-800-777HRCF[4723] Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund I I E. Adams, Suite 1008, Chicago, IL 60603 lambdalegal.org, 312-663-4413 National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) - ngltf.org - taskforce.org 1325 Massachusetts Ave NW, Ste 600, Washington, DC, 20005 National Organization for Women (NOW) 733 15th ST NW, 2nd Floor Washington, DC 20005, now.org 202-628-8669 PFLAG National Offices 1133 15th Street NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20005, info@pflag.org - pflag.org, 202-467-8180 The Trevor Lifeline |Crisis and suicide prevention lifeline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. (866) 4-U-TREVOR - (866) 488-7386 Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All calls are toll-free and confidential - thetrevorproject.org/

Iowa ORGANIZATIONS

Equality Iowa P.O. Box 18, Indianola, IA 50125, equalityiowa.org - 515-537-3126 Faithful Voices Interfaith Alliance of Iowa’s marriage equality project. faithfulvoices.org Imperial Court of Iowa Non-profit fundraising & social, statewide organization with members from across the State of Iowa.

PO Box 1491, Des Moines, IA 50306-1491 imperialcourtofiowa.org Iowa Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) Janis Bowden, President, IA NOW janleebow@aol.com PO Box 41114, Des Moines, IA 503111

Section 3: Community Iowa Gay Rodeo Association (IAGRA) 921 Diagonal Rd, Malcom, IA 50157 polebender60@yahoo.com 641-990-1411 Iowa PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gay) State Council, PO Box 18, Indianola, IA 50125 http://community.pflag.org/Page. aspx?pid=194&srcid=-2 515-537-3126 or 641-583-2024 Iowa Pride Network 777 Third Street, Suite 312, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 - Iowapridenetwork.org, Executive Director: 515-471-8062, Outreach Coordinator: 515-471-8063 LGBT Youth in Iowa Schools Task Force PO Box 1997, Des Moines, 50306 515-243-1221 One Iowa 500 East Locust St, Ste 300, Des Moines, IA 50309 - 515-288-4019 - OneIowa.org The Quire Eastern Iowa’s GLBT chorus, thequire.org

NEBRASKA ORGANIZATIONS (LIST in progress)

Citizens For Equal Protection-402-398-3027 1105 Howard St, Suite #2, Omaha, NE 68102. cfep-ne.org - info@cfep-ne.org The Imperial Court of Nebraska Meets the third Monday of Every month at the Rainbow Outreach Resource Center at 17th and Leavenworth in Omaha, NE. Meetings start at 6pm and are open to the public.

PO Box 3772, Omaha, NE 68103 Nebraska AIDS Project Omaha Office (Home Office) 250 South 77th Street Suite A Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 552-9260 - Email us: info@nap.org (also serving Southwest Iowa)

Ames, Iowa

First United Methodist Church 516 Kellogg Ave, Ames, IA 50010, Contemporary worship Sat 5:30; Sun 8:30 & 11am acswebnetworks.com/firstunitedmcames/ 515-232-2750 ISU LGBTA Alliance GLBT Support, Activism, Social Events, Newsletter - 515-344-4478 L East Student Office Space,2229 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014-7163, alliance@ iastate.edu - alliance.stuorg.iastate.edu Living with HIV Program 226 SE 16th Street, Ames, IA 50010, Ask for Janelle (Coordinator), 515-956-3312 ext 106 or 800-890-8230 Lord of Life Lutheran - 515-233-2350 2126 Gable Lane, Ames 50014, Services Sundays at 9:00a.m.; Wed. 7:00pm.

PFLAG Ames Youth and Shelter Services Offices, 2328 Bristol Drive, Ames, IA 5001, 2nd Tuesday, 7pm - pflagames.org 515-291-3607 Romantics Pleasure Palace 117 Kellogg Street, Ames, IA 50010-3315 romantixonline.com 515-232-7717 United Church of Christ-Congregational 6th & Kellogg, Ames, 50010, Sunday Continental Breakfast, 9:00am; Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship 10:45am. uccames@ midiowa.net 515-232-9323 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames 1015 Hyland Ave. Services: 9:30 am and 11:30 am, Sunday, uufames.org uufa@ aol.com 515-292-5960 Unity Church of Ames - unityofames.com 226 9th St, Ames, IA 50010-6210, Sunday service and Sunday school 10:30am.

Wednesday mediation 6:30pm Daily dial-a-blessing 515-233-1613

Arnolds Park, Okoboji, Spencer, Spirit Lake, Iowa

The Royal Wedding Chapel 504 Church Street, Royal, IA 51357 712-933-2223 TheRoyalWeddingChapel.com Wilson Resource Center An Iowa Great Lakes area gay-owned, nonprofit community based organization.

PO Box 486, 597 W. Okoboji Rd., Arnolds Park IA 51331-0486 - 712-332-5043 F.JosephWilson@aol.com. wilsonresource.org

BURLINGTON, Iowa

Arrowhead Motel - arrowheadia.com 2520 Mount Pleasant St, Burlington, IA 52601-2118 - 319-752-6353 Faith Lutheran Church E L C A 3109 Sunnyside Ave, Burlington, IA 52601

HIV/AIDS Screening @ Des Moines County Health Department in Burlington, 522 N 3rd By appointment between 8:00am to 4:30 319-753-8217 Confidential RISQUES IV (adult store) 421 Dry Creek Ave, West Burlington, IA 52601 (319) 753-5455, Sun - Wed 8am-Midnight Thurs - Sat Open 24 Hours, LoversPlayground.com Steve’s Place 852 Washington St, Burlington, 319-7545868 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Services start at 10:30 am, 625 N 6th St, Burlington, IA 52601-5032, (319) 753-1895 - uuburlington.org

Cedar Falls - Waterloo, Iowa

Adult Cinema 315 E 4th St, Waterloo, IA 50703-4703, (319) 234-7459 Black Hawk Co. Health Department Free HIV testing (donations accepted); MW, 1:00pm to 3:00pm; Thurs, 1:00pm to 4:45pm 1407 Independence Ave. (5th fl), Waterloo 50703 319-291 -2413 Cedar AIDS Support System (CASS) Service, support groups & trained volunteers for persons with HIV/AIDS in Waterloo/CF call Elizabeth or Karla, 319-272AIDS(2437). cvhospice@forbin.net Cedar Valley Counseling Services Promoting personal growth and development in a strengths-based environment, Joan E. Farstad, MA, Director. 319-2404615, cvcounseling.com farstd@cvcounseling.com.

Cedar Valley Episcopal Campus Ministry.

In Lutheran Center, 2616 College St, Cedar Falls, IA - 319-415-5747, mcdinoiwa@aol. com, episcopalcampus.org Community AIDS Assistance Project (CAAP) - PO Box 36, Waterloo, IA 50704 LGBTA Support Group at Hawkeye Community College, Call Carol at 319-296-4014 or carol.hedberg@hawkeyecollege.edu Iowa Legal Aid Free civil legal service available to low income persons who qualify under income/ asset guidelines.

607 Sycamore, #206, Waterloo, IA 50703 1-800-772-0039 or 319-235-7008 Kings & Queens 304 W. 4th St, Waterloo, IA, 319-232-3001 Romantix Waterloo (Adult Emporium) 1507 La Porte Rd, Waterloo, IA 50702 319-234-9340, romantixonline.com Stellas Guesthouse 324 Summit Ave, Waterloo, IA Private B&B, Overnight accommodations for adults only. 319-232-2122 St. Lukes Episcopal Church - 319-277-8520 2410 Melrose Dr, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Services: Sunday 8:00 & 10:15, Thurs 11:30 - st-lukes-episcopal.org St. Timothys United Methodist Church 3220 Terrace Drive, Cedar Falls, 50613 sttims-umc.org, 319-266-0464, info@sttimsumc-org, “Welcome of all persons, including those of all sexual orientations and gender identities.”

Together For Youth 233 Vold Dr, Waterloo, IA 50703, TogetherForYouth.net 319-274-6768 UNI-LGBTA Alliance-Student Organization, 244A Bartlet Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls 50613 - lgbta@uni.edu 319-222-0003 United Church of Christ Cedar Falls 9204 University Avenue, Cedar Falls 319-366-9686 Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk County - 319-266-5640 3912 Cedar Heights Dr, Cedar Falls, IA

Cedar Rapids/marion, Iowa

Adult Shop 630 66th Ave SW, 319-362-4939 Adult Shop North 5539 Crane Lane, 319-294-5360 Cedar Rapids Unity (formerly GLRC of Cedar Rapids) Social activities, non-profit Pride festival organization. PO Box 1643 Cedar Rapids 52406-1643 - cedarrapidsunity.com

Christ Episcopal Church “We have a place for you.” 220 40th Street NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-363-2029 - ChristEpiscopal.org Belle’s Basix - 319-363-3194 Open 5pm to 2am M-F, Sat & Sun 3pm-2am 3916 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids Club CO2, A GLBTQA Nightclub, 616 2nd Ave SE, 319-365-0225, Open 7 days a week 4-2pm, Happy hour from 4-8 pm, club-co2.com Coe Alliance GLBTQ and straight students, staff and people from the community. Coe College, 1220 First Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. coealliance@coe.edu or Erica Geers, faculty advisor at 319-8616025 Community Health Free Clinic 947 14th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 - 319-363-0416 - communityhfc.org Free Medical Services provided for the uninsured and underserved patients of Cedar Rapids, Marion and the surrounding areas in Eastern Iowa.

CSPS Legion Arts Contemporary Arts Center - 319-364-1580 1103 3rd St. SE, info@legionarts.org Eden United Church of Christ 351 8th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 (319) 362-7805 Sunday School 9am - Worship 10:15am Foundation 2 Crisis Counseling 24-hour telephone crisis counseling. f2crisis@aol.com or www.f2online.org 1540 2nd Ave. SE Cedar Rapids, IA 319-362-2174 or 800-332-4224 Linn County Public Health 501 13th NW, Free confidential HIV testing, 319-892-6000 Linn County Stonewall Democrats For more info, contact linnstonewall@ gmail.com People’s Church Unitarian Universalist A welcoming congregation. 4980 Gordon Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 11am Sunday.

319-362-9827 - peoplesuu.org PFLAG CR, Linn Co and Beyond Support Group meets on the 4th Thursday at 7pm except for Nov Dec - call for details.

319-431-0673, pflaglcb@gmail.com The Linn County Stonewall Democrats Meet 2nd Wednesdays, Blue Strawberry, 118 2nd St SE in Cedar Rapids, IA. Contact Harvey S. Ross, HRoss007@aol.com.

Tri-ess, Iota Kappa Phi Chapter P.O. Box 8605, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52408 We are a transgendered organization supporting crossdressers, their families, and friends. - ri-ess.org, 319-390-6376, georgia523@yahoo.com - marlenemarschel@yahoo.com Unity Center of Cedar Rapids “A center of positive, practical Christianity.”

4980 Gordon NE, Cedar Rapids unitycr.org - (319) 393-5422

CLINTON, Iowa

18 and Beyond (aka ABC Books), 135 5th Ave South, 563-242-7687 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clinton 309 30th Avenue North, Clinton, IA 52732 (563) 242-4972 - uuclinton.org, Sunday services at 10:30 (year-round), Where YOUR spiritual and ethical journey is welcome!

Rev. Ruby Nancy, minister

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Council Bluffs NOW PO Box 3325, Omaha, NE 68103-0325 Romantix Council Bluffs (North) (Adult Emporium) 3216 1st Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501-3353-romantixonline.com515-955-9756 Romantix Council Bluffs (South) (Romantix After Dark) 50662 189th St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 romantixonline.com, 712-366-1764

Decorah, Iowa

Decorah Human Rights Commission Contact: City Clerk, 400 Clairborne Dr, Decorah, 563-382-3651, Meetings: First Tuesdays, 5:30pm Luther College Student Congregation Contact Office for College Ministry 700 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101, 563387-1040.

Luther College PRIDE-Diversity Center, 700 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101 Contact Charles 563-210-6570

ACCESSline Page 35 PFLAG Northeast IA (Waukon/Decorah) Beginning May 23rd: meeting at Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center, 119 Winnebago Street, Decorah, IA (lower level), corner of Winnebago and Main Street, Meetings: 4th Mondays, 7pm-9pm Call Jean @ 563-535-7680 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Meets alternating Sundays at 10:30am, Decorah Senior Center, 806 River St, Call Bill at 563-382-3458.

Des Moines, Iowa

AIDS Project of Central Iowa Free HIV testing, prevention supplies, care services, food pantry, information. 711 E. 2nd, Des Moines, IA 50309, 515-284-0245 Blazing Saddle 416 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA theblazingsaddle.com - 515-246-1299 Buddies Corral 418 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA - 515-244-7140 Church of the Holy Spirit-MCC, Pastor Pat Esperanza - Sunday service 10:30am at the 1st Christian Church 2500 University, Des Moines, chsmccdmia@aol.com 515-287-9787 Des Moines Diversity Chorus [A gay-friendly mixed chorus] Rehearsals on Mondays at 7 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Beaver Ave. at Franklin St., Des Moines.

All are welcome, no auditions.

PO Box 65312, West Des Moines, IA 50265, Julie Murphy, Artistic Director jahmurphy@hotmail.com, 515-255-3576, desmoinesdiversitychorus.org Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus 515-953-1540, 4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines - administrator@dmgmc.org Des Moines Pride Center @ One Iowa (temporary location) 419 SW, 8th St., Des Moines, IA 50309 Family Practice Center - 515-953-7560 Safe, supportive LGBT health care. 200 Army Post Road, Ste 26, ppgi.org First Friday Breakfast Club Educational breakfast club for gay/bisexual men. Meets first Friday of each month.

Contact Jonathan Wilson for meeting topic and place. 515-288-2500 info@ffbciowa.org ffbciowa.org First Unitarian Church 1800 Bell Avenue, Services Sundays at 9:30 & 11am - 515-244-8603, ucdsm.org The Gallery (adult store) 1000 Cherry St, Des Moines, IA 503094227 - (515) 244-2916 Open 24 Hrs, LoversPlayground.com The Garden 112 SE 4th Des Moines, IA, 515-243-3965 Wed-Sun. 8pm-2am grdn.com Gay & Lesbian AA & AI-Anonymous Mon 7pm; Tue-Thu 6pm; Sat. 5:30pm, at Drake Ministries in Ed. Bldg. 28th & University Gay and Lesbian Issues Committee 4211 Grand Avenue, Level-3, Des Moines, IA 50312 - 515-277-1117 Lavender Victory Fund Financial assistance for women in need for medical emergencies. lavendervf@aol.com Le Boi Bar 508 Indianola Rd, Des Moines, IA Liberty Gifts 333 E. Grand Ave, Loft 105, Des Moines, IA Gay owned specialty clothing, jewelry, home decor. 515-508-0825 MINX Show Palace - 515-266-2744 1510 NE Broadway, Des Moines, IA 50313 North Star Gay Rodeo Association of IGRA, Iowa Division of North Star, NSGRA@ NSGRA.org or 612-82-RODEO Primary Health Care Inc., David Yurdin, 2353 SE 14th St., Des Moines, 503020, Works with GLBT ages 16 to geriatric, 25 years of experience. 515-248-1427 Rainbow Union, Drake University ru@drake.edu PFLAG Des Moines - 515-243-0313 1300 Locust , Des Moines, IA 50312 Plymouth Congregational UCC Church and the Plymouth GLBT Community 4126 Ingersoll Ave. 515-255-3149 Services at 9am & I lam Sunday. PlymouthGLBT.com Polk County Health Department Free STD, HIV, and Hepatitis B & C testing.

HIV. Rapid testing also offered. 1907 Carpenter, Des Moines, IA, 515-286-3798.

TTDIRECTORY cont’d page 36

ACCESSline Page 36 SScontinued from page 35

DIRECTORY

Pride Alliance, AIB College of Business Gay and straight students celebrating diversity. Contact: Mike Smith, Advisor, PrideAlliance@aib.edu - aib.edu/pride Pride Bowling League for GLBT & Supporters - Every Wednesday, 7 PM, Air Lanes Bowling Center 4200 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321-2389. Email pridebowlingleague@gmail.com or 515-447-2977.

Raccoon River Resort Accommodations for men, women, or mixed in campgrounds, lodge, Teepees or Treehouses. Reservations: 515-996-2829 or 515-279-7312 Ritual Café - ritualcafe.com On 13th between Grand and Locust.

Gay owned, great music, awesome food & coffee. 515-288-4872 ritualcafe@aol.com Romantix North Des Moines Iowa (Bachelor’s Library) 2020 E Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317, romantixonline.com 515-266-7992 Spouses of Lesbians & Gays Support group for spouses of gays and lesbians. 515-277-7754 St. John’s Lutheran Church 600 6th Ave “A Church for All People.”

Services Sat 5pm, Sun 7:45, 8:45 & 11am.

See web page for other services.

515-243-7691 - StJohnsDSM.org TransformationsIOWA Monthly meetings for the female to male, male to female, transgender community, cross dressers, gender queer, questioning, and their significant others. For location and info, email at r.eliason@hotmail.com or call 515-979-6959 Trinity United Methodist Church 1548 Eighth Street - 515-288-4056 Services Sundays 10am, trinityumcdm.org Urbandale UCC - An open & affirming congregation. 3530 70th St., Urbandale, IA 50322, 515-276-0625, urbucc.org Walnut Hills UMC Join us at 8:30 or 10:45am for Sunday worship. Sunday classes & group studies at 9:30am. 515-270-9226, 12321 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50323, whumc.org Westminster Presbyterian Church 4114 Allison Ave - WestPres.org Sunday services 8:45 and 11am. Of note is their GAY-LESBIAN-STRAIGHT AFFIRMATION GROUP, GLSA 515-274-1534 Women’s Culture Collective (WCC) A lesbian social group. Des Moines, IA iowawcc.org Word of God Ministries, Sunday service: 3:00pm, at 3120 E 24th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50317, Gay, lesbian & straight affirmation 515-707-5947.

Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure Open daily. Gay-friendly, 515-244-7694 2723 Ingersoll, Des Moines, IA

Dubuque, Iowa

Adult Warehouse - 563-588-9184 975 Jackson St, Dubuque, IA Dubuque Friends Worship Group (Quakers) Join us at an unprogrammed worship service on Sunday at 10am. Welcoming and Affirming, 563-582-9388 St. Mark’s Community Center, 1201 White Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001 PFLAG Dubuque/Tri-State Carnegie Stout Library, 3rd Floor Conference Room, 360 W. 11th St. 3rd Tuesday, 7pm 563-581-4606 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Dubuque - “The uncommon denomination.” general services at 10am. 1699 Iowa St, Dubuque, IA uuf-dbq.org 563-583-9910

ELKADER, Iowa

Bethany Church (ELCA) - 563-245-1856 307 3rd St NE, Elkader IA 52043 Pastor Jim Klosterboer. Inclusive. Welcoming. A “Reconciling in Christ” congregation of LC/NA. alpinecom.net/~bethanychurch bethanychurch@alpinecom.net, Schera’s Restaurant & Bar 107 S Main St, Elkader, IA 52043, Scheras.com, E-mail: info@scheras.com Fine dining featuring Algerian & American Cuisine. 563-245-1992

Section 3: Community Fort Dodge, Iowa

Romantix Fort Dodge (Mini Cinema) Sun-Thu 10am-12am, Fri & Sat 10am-2am 15 N. 5th St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501-3801 RomantixOnline.com - 515-955-9756

Grinnell, Iowa

Broadviewwildflowerseed.com, Broad View Wildflower Seed, 428 Hamilton Ave., Grinnell, Iowa 50112, Manager/Owner: John C., chicoski7@yahoo.com Saints Ephrem & Macrina Sunday services at 10am. (Affiliated with the Orthodox-Catholic Church of America.)

Divine Liturgy is served Sundays during the College academic year 1:30 p.m., Herrick Chapel, Grinnell College Campus, 1226 Broad Street, Grinnell, IA, 641-236-0936 Stonewall Resource Center Open 4:30pm to 11:30pm, Sun through Thurs and by Appointment., Grinnell College, 1210 Park Street PO Box B-1, Grinnell, IA, 50112, srcenter@ grinnell.edu 641-269-3327 United Church of Christ-Congregational, ‘An open and affirming church.’ 902 Broad St, 641-236-3111

INDIANOLA, iowa

Crossroads United Church of Christ (UCC) An Open & affirming congregation. Services: Sunday 10:30am, Summer worship: June, July, Aug, @ 9:30 am, worshiping in the Lounge at Smith Chapel, Simpson College, corner of Buxton and Clinton. Mailing address: P.O. Box 811, Indianola, IA 50125 515-961-9370. crossroadsucc.org

Iowa City, iowa

AA (GLBT) 319-338-9111 Meetings Sundays 5 - 6pm at First Baptist Church, 500 North Clinton Street. For more info, call IC Intergroup Answering Service, Congregational Church UCC An Open and Affirming Congregation, Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m.

30 N Clinton St (across from Ul Pentacrest) 319-337-4301 - uiccic.org Counseling Clinic 319-354-6238 Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender sensitive and supportive counseling for individuals, couples, families and groups.

Sliding Fee. 505 E Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 Counseling and Health Center Client-centered therapy. Les-Bi-Gay-Trans always welcome. 616 Bloomington St, Iowa City, IA - 319-337-1679 Crisis Center 319-351-0140 1121 Gilbert Ct, Iowa City, 52240 Emma Goldman Clinic 227 N. Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52245 319-337-2111or 1-800-848-7684.

Faith United Church of Christ An open and affirming congregation.

1609 Deforest Street, Iowa City, 52240 Sunday Worship 9:30 AM 319-338-5238 bob.faithucc@g.com, faithucciowacity.org GLBTAU-U of lA Student support system and resource center, info, activism, events, and other community involvements.

203 IMU, University of IA, Iowa City, IA 52242-1317 - 319-335-3251 (voice mail) glbtau@uiowa.edu Hope United Methodist Church Worship Service at 9:30am. 2929 E. Court St., Iowa City, IA - Contact Rev. Sherry Lohman. 319-338-9865 Human Rights Commission (City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission) 319-356-5022; 391-356-5015; 319-356-5014 Fax 319-887-6213 humanrights@iowa-city.org ICARE (Iowa Center for AIDS Resources & Education) Practical & emotional support, youth programs, information, referrals and support groups. 319-338-2135 3211 E 1st Iowa City, IA 52240-4703 Iowa City Free Medical Clinic Free & strictly confidential HIV Testing.

2440 Towncrest Dr Iowa City, Call for appointment 319-337-4459 Iowa City NOW PO Box 2944, Iowa City, IA 52244 Iowa Women’s Music Festival P.O. Box 3411, Iowa City, IA 52244 319-335-1486 Men Supporting Men 319-356-6038, Ext 2 HIV prevention program. Discussion Groups, Educational Series, Safer Sex Workshops, Book Club. Andy Weigel, email: aweigel@co.johnson.ia.us

New Song Episcopal Church 912 20th Ave, Coralville, IA. Sunday services at 10am.

Rev. Elizabeth Coulter, Pastor. Rev. John Harper, Associate. 319-351-3577 Pride Committee WRAC, 130 N Madison, Iowa City, IA 52242 Bridget Malone - 319-338-0512 Charles Howes - 319-335-1486 Romantix Iowa City - 319-351-9444 (Pleasure Palace I) 315 Kirkwood Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240-4722 - romantixonline.com Studio 13 13 S. Linn St. (in the Alley) Iowa City, IA Open 7pm ‘til 2am, daily 319-338-7145 U of I Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Staff & Faculty Association, c/o WRAC, 130 N Madison, Iowa City, IA 52242, 319-335-1486 Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City Inclusive & free religious community nurturing intellectual & spiritual growth & fostering ethical & social responsibility. uusic.org 10 S. Gilbert, Iowa City, IA Sunday services: 9:30am & 11:15am. 319-337-3443 United Action for Youth (UAY) A GLBTQA youth group providing support and counseling for teenagers and young adults processing sexual identity issues.

Meets Mondays 7-9pm at UAY 410 Iowa Ave. Iowa City, IA. 319-338-7518 or Teen Line, 319-338-0559.

The Ursine Group Bear Events in the Midwest. PO Box 1143, Iowa City, IA 52244-1143 - 319-338-5810 Women’s Resource Action Center (WRAC) Leads & collaborates on projects that serve U of l and the greater community, offers social & support services, including LGBT Coming Out Group.

University of Iowa, 130 N Madison, Iowa City, IA 52242 - 319-335-1486

Lucky Shamrock 313 20th St, Rock Island, IL - 309-788-7426 An Irish Pub open to all types.

Mary’s On 2nd 563-884-8014 832 W. 2nd St. Davenport, IA MCC Quad Cities - Svcs Sun 11am, Bible study Wed 7pm 563-324-8281, 3019 N Harrison, Davenport, IA 52803 Men’s Coming Out/Being Out Group Meets 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7pm.

QCAD.OutForGood@GMail.com 309786-2580 PFLAG Quad Cities 563-285-4173 Eldridge United Methodist Church 604 S.2nd St., Eldridge 1st Monday, 6:30 pm Prism (Augustana College) 309-794-7406 Augustana Gay-Straight Alliance, Augustana Library - 639 38th St, Rock Island, IL, Contact Tom Bengston Quad Citians Affirming Diversity (QCAD) Social & support groups for lesbian, bi, and gay teens, adults, friends & families; newsletter. 309-786-2580 - Community Center located at 1608 2nd Ave, Rock Island.

Quad Cities Pride Chorus (Call Don at 563324-0215) At the MCC Church in D’port, 7pm Wed. qcswede64@aol.com Rainbow Gifts www.rainbowgifts.net - 309-764-0559 T.R. Video Adult books & video, 3727 Hickory Grove Rd, Davenport, IA. 563-386-7914 Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities, Rev Jay Wolin, Sunday Service 11am - 563-359-0816 3707 Eastern Avenue, Davenport, IA 52807 Venus News (Adult) 902 W 3rd St, Davenport, IA. 563-322-7576

Marshalltown, iowa

First Congregational United Church of Christ (open and affirming) - 712-623-2794 608 E Reed St, Red Oak, IA 51566 Rev. Elizabeth Dilley, Pastor uccwebsites.net/firstcongredoakia.html firstconguccredoak@yahoo.com

Adult Odyssey (Adult Video Store) 907 Iowa Ave E - 641-752-6550 Domestic Violence Alternatives/ Sexual Assault Center, Inc., 132 W Main St. 24 hour Crisis Line: 641-753-3513 or (instate only) 800-779-3512

MASON CITY, iowa

Cerro Gordo County Dept. of Public Health 22 N. Georgia Ave, Ste 300 Mason City, IA 50401. Free confidential AIDS testing.

641-421-9321 PFLAG North Iowa Chapter 641-583-2848, pflagmcni@yahoo.com, Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican Cafe @ 7 p.m. Wed.

Mount Vernon, Iowa

Alliance Cornell College 810 Commons Cir # 2035 - alliance@ cornellcollege.edu - orgs.cornellcollege. edu/alliance/

Pella, iowa

Common Ground (Central College) Support group for GLBT students and allies. Contact: Brandyn Woodard, Director of Intercultural Life woodardb@central.edu 641-628-5134

Quad Cities, iowa

AIDS Project Quad Cities Info, education & support. Davenport, IA 52804, www.apqc4life.org 319-762-LIFE Black Hawk College Unity Alliance Serving GLBT community at Black Hawk College. 6600 34th Ave, Rock Island, IL 309-716-0542.

Connections Nightclub 563-322-1121 822 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802 DeLaCerda House 309-786-7386 Provides housing & supportive services, advocacy and referrals for people living with HIV/AIDS. P.O. Box 4551, Rock Island, Il. 61201 Good Samaritan Free Clinic 309-797-4688 Provides free primary medical care to patients age 16-64 who are working but have no medical insurance. gsfc@mchsi.com 602 35th Ave, Moline, IL GoodSamaritanFreeClinic.org The Hole-In-The-Wall 309-289-2375 A Private Membership Men’s Club, Located 3 miles east of Galesburg, IL. just north of I-74 at Exit 51. HoleInTheWallMensClub.org Holy Spirit Catholic Faith Community Meets one Sunday per month for Mass at 6:30pm at MCC-QC, 3019 N. Harrison St, Davenport, IA Mailing: PO Box 192 East Moline, IL 61244 For more info, call 309-278-3359

Red Oak, Iowa

SHENANDOAH, Iowa

PFLAG Shenandoah 1002 South Elm Street - 712-246-2824

Sioux City, IOWA

Am. Business & Professional Guild.

Gay Businessmen. Meets last Sat. of the month; ABPG, P. O. BOX 72, Sioux City, 51102 - abpguild@yahoo.com Grace United Methodist Church 1735 Morningside Avenue - 712-276-3452.

Jones Street Station (Bar) 712-258-6922 412 Jones St., Nightly 6:00pm to 2:00am.

Mayflower Congregational Church 1407 West 18th St - 712-258-8278.

Morningside College Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Alliance Contact Professor Gail Dooley, Advisor Morningside College GSA. 1501 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106-1717 dooley@morningside.edu - 712-274-5208 PFLAG Siouxland PO Box 1311, Sioux City, IA 51102 siouxlandPFLAG@aol.com Romantix Sioux City 712-277-8566 511 Pearl St, Sioux City, IA 51101-1217 St. Thomas Episcopal Church Service Sun 10:30am 406 12th St, Waverly, IA Rev Mary Christopher - 712-258-0141 Western Iowa Tech. GSA widemal@juno.com for info.

Zaner’s Bar - 712-277-9575 -3103 N Hwy 75, Sioux City, IA 51105. Monthly drag shows & events; hometown bar for Imperial Court of Iowa’s Western Chapter zaners-sioux-city@hotmail.com

Sioux falls, south dakota

Toppers, 1213 N Cliff Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57103, (605) 339-7686, Su-Tu 7:00pm Close : We-Sa 3:00pm - 2:00am, sdtoppers. com Center for Equality, 406 S Second Avenue in Sioux Falls, 605-331-1153, centersforequalitysd.org

Waverly, Iowa

Cedar Valley Episcopal Campus Ministry.

717 W. Bremer, (St. Andrew’s Episcopal) episcoplcampus.org - 319-415-5747 Gay, Lesbian Bisexual Student Alliance Wartburg College, Waverly, IA 50677.

Contact Susan Vallem - 319-352-8250

JUNE 2012 St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 717 W. Bremer. We welcome all to worship with us on Sunday at 10:30am. Bible discussion Wed. 6:45pm 319-352-1489 Rev. Maureen Doherty, Pastor

NEBRASKA (CONTENT IN PROGRESS) HASTINGS, NEBRASKA

PFLAG Hastings - pat@datacc.net

Lincoln, Nebraska

Club Q Lincoln 226 South 9th street Lincoln, NE 68508 (402) 475-2269 Nebraska AIDS Project (Lincoln Office) 1921 South 17th Street, Lincoln, NE 68502 (402) 476-7000 - nap.org Panic 200 S 18th St, Lincoln, NE 68508 402-435-8764 PFLAG Cornhusker Chapter PO Box 82034, Lincoln, NE 68501 Meetings 4th Tuesday, Unitarian Church of Lincoln, 6300 A St, 7-9pm The Unitarian Church of Lincoln 6300 A Street, Lincoln, NE 68510-5097 (402) 483-2213 - unitarianlincoln.org Sunday from 10am to 11am

Omaha, Nebraska

AIDS Interfaith Network 100 N. 62nd, Omaha, NE Call Br. Wm. Woeger, 402-558-3100 Citizens For Equal Protection-402-398-3027 1105 Howard St, Suite #2, Omaha, NE 68102. cfep-ne.org - info@cfep-ne.org DC’s Saloon - (western/levi/leather) The Midwest’s hottest GLBT Country & Dance Bar! 610 S 14th St, Omaha, NE, Open everyday 2pm-1am Front Runners/Front Walkers Walking/jogging club. P.O. Box 4583, Omaha, NE 68104, 402-804-8720, frontrunners.org GLBT Rainbow Outreach Omaha Serving GLBT community in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. Also office for Imperial court of Nebraska. 1719 Leavenworth St, Omaha, NE, rocc.org 402-341-0330 Heartland Gay Rodeo Association (HGRA) (Midwest Division of the International Gay Rodeo Association) PO Box 3354, Omaha, NE 68103, hgra.net - 402-203-4680, Serves Iowa and Nebraska Imperial Court of Nebraska P.O. Box 3772, Omaha, NE 68103, 402556-9907 Inclusive Life “Religious and Non religious care, services and ceremonies for all!”, 105 S. 49 Street, Suite E, Omaha, NE 68132, (402) 5757006, inclusifelife.org The Max 1417 Jackson at 15th, Omaha, NE 68102 6 bars in 1 - 402-346-4110 MCC Omaha 819 South 22nd, Omaha, NE 68103, Sun 9:30AM & 11:15 AM. Wednesday “ReCharge” Worship, Wed 7pm - 402-345-2563 PFLAG Omaha Mead Hall, First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St. (Omaha), 2nd Thursday, 7, 6:30 Social, 402-291-6781 River City Gender Alliance Peer support, friendship, and understanding for crossdressers, transgenderists, and transsexuals. PO Box 4083 Omaha, NE 68104, 402-291-6781, info@rcga.us - rcga.us River City Mixed Chorus Gay/lesbian chorus, PO Box 3267, Omaha, NE 68103, Call Stan Brown, 402-341-7464 Tri-ess Chapter, Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter, Omaha, NE 68107, Transgendered organization supporting crossdressers, their families, and friends. tri-ess.org, 402-9609696, Judy marlenemarschel@yahoo.com Youth Support Group for GLBT Youth 13-21, meets twice monthly. Omaha, NE - 402-291- 6781

JUNE 2012

Section 3: Community

ACCESSline Page 37

The Outfield by Dan Woog

Akil Patterson’s project

When University of Nebraska assistant football coach Ron Brown made anti-gay comments recently—among other things, he threatened the Omaha city council with eternal damnation if it passed a bill prohibiting businesses from firing workers because they’re gay—many people were outraged.

Akil Patterson was too. But he understood better than many others where Brown was coming from. Patterson is a former Division I football player. Like Brown, he’s African American.

But Patterson’s life path has been very different. A gay man, Patterson is dedicating his life to making sure that young athletes do not get bullied or harassed for any reason. Particularly for being gay.

Patterson began his collegiate football career at the University of Maryland. He “adored” the school. Yet he did not feel the same warmth toward the people he was around—primarily football players and coaches. “It was a dark period,” he recalls.

“I was always on the defensive.”

Deeply closeted—feeling estranged from other gay men and women, and with no black gay role models—he became a binge drinker. He transferred to California University of Pennsylvania, where he continued to party but earned a degree.

He played briefly with the United Indoor Football League’s semipro Billings Outlaws in Montana. He’d already started to come to terms with himself, thanks to

an eye-opening trip to Europe. Yet not until he returned to his real love—he’d been a state high school wrestling champion—did he feel confident enough to come out, and truly begin to live.

“I’ve made a lot of mistakes,” Patterson says. “That weighs heavily on your soul.

I want to be at peace, be around people who uplift me.”

He found that place, surprisingly, back in College Park, Md. Now an assistant wrestling coach there, he’s surrounded by people—coaches and athletes—who understand and embrace him. They’re like a family to him. Around them, Patterson talks about his life and his relationships.

It’s an openness he never felt before. That openness has enabled him to reach out to others, through something he calls The Patterson Project.

“It’s a mission of love,” he says. Through it—by blogging, speaking and serving as a role model—Patterson educates whoever will listen, from elementary school youth through college students, about the importance of being true to yourself.

“The Patterson Project offers a different spin on the life of LGBT athletes, because it doesn’t just focus on sexuality,” he says. He emphasizes the mental, physical, social and psychological aspects of living life with integrity. He learned many of those skills while working in youth

detention centers and courts. With his imposing size (he’s 6-foot-3-inches) and athletic accomplishments (he’s still a highly ranked Greco-Roman grappler), Patterson has vowed to counter the destructive influences of people like Ron Brown.

As a big, strong athlete, he knows he does not fit the stereotype of a gay man. He could easily “pass” as a straight jock—he did for years, all through college. But Patterson says that would not serve anyone well. Not him, and not young athletes who need role models.

“It’s like years ago, during a previous era, when light-skinned black people could pass as white,” he explains. “But that wouldn’t achieve equality. If gay people want to be equal, we have to show who we are. We’re coaches, teachers, lawyers, doctors. We’re people.”

In his second stint at Maryland, he says, he’s now seen as “a person.” In part, that’s because 2012 is a different time than just 10 years ago. In part, it’s a reflection of the difference between the wrestling and football cultures.

Though wrestling demands mental and physical toughness, Patterson calls it

Patterson has vowed to counter the destructive influences of people like Ron Brown.

a “humbling” sport. “You’re not going to make a million dollars” as a wrestler or coach, he says.

Because they compete individually, Patterson says, wrestlers—like gymnasts and swimmers—must have incredible fortitude to succeed. Wrestling helped give him the confidence and fortitude to come out.

But all gay athletes, whether participating in an individual or team sport, must contend with something others don’t: the conflict between their identity as an athlete, and as an LGBT person.

Patterson walks the walk of an athlete.

He talks the talk. He’s grown up in the black community, and understands the culture that allows Ron Brown to say it would be an “honor” to be fired for his stance.

That’s why it’s so important for Akil Patterson to speak not about religion or politics, but about humanity, whenever he talks about his life journey as a black gay athlete.

Or simply, his life journey as a human being.

Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, soccer coach, gay activist, and author of the “Jocks” series of books on gay male athletes.

Visit his website at www.danwoog.com. He can be reached care of this publication or at OutField@qsyndicate.com.

“If gay people want to be equal, we have to show who we are. We’re coaches, teachers, lawyers, doctors. We’re people.” ~ Akil Patterson, The Patterson Project

Section 3: Community

ACCESSline Page 38

JUNE 2012

Black ministers follow Obama by Rev. Irene Monroe African-American ministers have come out for, and against, Obama’s stance on marriage equality.

LGBTQ activists of African descent have pondered what would be the catalyst to rally those African-American Christian ministers to support same-sex marriage and engage the black community in a nationwide discussion.

Last week the answer arrived in President Barack Obama’s support of marriage equality.

“We are both practicing Christians, and obviously this position may be considered to put us at odds with the views of others, but, you know, when we think about our faith, the thing at root that we think about is, not only Christ sacrificing himself on our behalf, but it’s also the Golden Rule, you know: treat others the way you would want to be treated…I figure the most consistent I can be in being true to those precepts…” Obama told Good Morning America’s news anchor Robin Roberts in an exclusive interview.

Just as Obama could no longer shrewdly fence-sit on the issue while winking a stealth nod to LGBTQ voters, black ministers, who quietly professed to be an ally to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community, could no longer stay closeted from their congregations.

For these African-American ministers, the liability of Obama losing his 2012 re-election bid is far greater than being publicly outed for not being in lockstep with their homophobic brethren.

“The institution of marriage is not under attack because of the President’s words,” Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago told his church on Sunday.

Moss is the successor of President Obama’s

former and infamous pastor, Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright.

But for many African American ministers in opposition to Obama’s stance on marriage equality the institution of marriage, at least within the black family, is under assault, and LGBTQ people further exacerbate the problem.

These ministers, some who are allies for LGBTQ civil rights, but draw the line on samesex marriage. Espousing their opposition to same-sex marriage as a prophylactic measure to combat the epidemic level of fatherlessness in black families.

In scape goating the LGBTQ community, these clerics are ignoring the social ills behind black fatherlessness such as the systematic disenfranchisement of both African-American men and women, high unemployment, high incarceration, and poor education, to name a few.

In his homily Moss also stated, “Gay people have never been the enemy, and when we use rhetoric to suggest they are the source of all our problems, we lie on God and cause tears to fall from the eyes of Christ… We must stay in dialogue and not allow our personal emotional prejudices or doctrines to prevent us from clearly seeing the possibility of the beloved community….”

Immediately following Obama’s public support for marriage equality, a coalition of African American civil rights leaders signed their names to an OPEN LETTER affirming their solidarity with President Barack Obama on marriage equality. Signees include Dr. Joseph Lowreyy, of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; Melanie Campbell, of the National Coalition for Black Civic Engagement; Julian Bond, of the NAACP; and Rev. Al Sharpton.

In scape goating the LGBTQ community, these clerics are ignoring the social ills behind black fatherlessness...

SScontinued from page 1

ORTEGA and even less have heard me sing—not to mention seeing me as a confident gay man. I wasn’t out in high school. Catholic school tends to do that. Let’s just say parts of my show, although in good taste, will be considered controversial by some who attend.

How would you describe your style of music?

Well, I have two musical “alter egos.”

I love singing songs by Michael Bublé, Frank Sinatra, and Elton John. I also love performing my original electronic dance music as well. My show at Capital City Pride will feature heavily my original electronic “party” music but I will be including a cover song or two with just piano and voice.

Who are your influences?

Madonna, Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, Michael Bublé, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, and Ricky Martin…just to name a few. And I have to include the guys I have dated who also inspired me to write songs about our break ups.

I would have to include my Dad too.

He introduced me to Dixieland and Big Band music at a young age. And last but not least, Danny Macarthur in L.A. is my musical muse. He pulls the pop songs out

of me.

Mark Ortega.

How did you get started as a singersongwriter?

I actually started out playing the piano first. My older brother was taking lessons and one day I went up to the piano and could play everything he was practicing.

I was in second grade. My parents looked at each other and thought they better give me lessons. I also liked to sing in church when I was an altar boy.

I didn’t find my “voice” until later when I studied music composition and

Since Obama has come out with his support many in the black community are working tirelessly to counter the barrage of attacks the he has received from opposing black clerics.

For example, Dr. Pamela R. Lightsey, Associate Dean of Community Life and Lifelong Learning at Boston University School of Theology has a petition going around the country asking African American clergy and scholars for their support on behalf the president’s stance to counter the stereotype that, “black folks are against homosexuality and gay marriage.”

Another petition going around the country aimed at reaching and informing African American voters, particularly black Christian voters, about wedge strategies to divide the community this 2012 election year is NoWedge2012.com In stressing that the black religious community is not theologically monolithic the petition states “There is a great diversity in Black America on the cultural and theological understanding of sexual orientation than the media or popular culture give credence (recent polls show that African Americans are equally divided on marriage equality). We acknowledge that it was President Obama’s faith that guided his shift in embracing marriage equality. Our community has the ability to hold different positions and not demonize what is perceived to be the “other.”

In light of this complexity Black America should hear from candidates with policy positions that are holistically beneficial for our community as a family.”

Right wing organizations like National Organization for Marriage (NOM), which support presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, are actively courting black churches for their strategic 2012 election game plan to drive a wedge between LGBTQ and African American voters. And the black community mustn’t fall prey to.

took voice lessons while pursuing a music degree at the University of North Texas and the University of Iowa. It was at those two universities where I started to put the pieces together on songwriting.

How is the LGBT Community important to you and what causes do you advocate?

My community is everything to me. I owe almost all of my musical influences to my LGBT friends. They were the ones who introduced me to the music of Madonna, The Pet Shop Boys and Erasure. I want to keep as much of my original music “within the family” from my gay co-songwriters, producers, out singer friends, and even my dancers.

The Trevor Project is the national organization I support. It is so important for our young LGBTQ people to have resources available when their coming out process potentially becomes a devastating crisis. I have held benefit shows in Chicago that raised donations and awareness specifically for The Trevor Project.

I also support organizations who help people living with HIV/AIDS. I unfortunately lost my best friend from college to it.

He never told me his status until just before he passed away. I vow to help eliminate the stigmas attached to people living with HIV/ AIDS and try to help break down barriers.

Rev. Irene Monroe is a graduate from Wellesley College and Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University, and she has served as a pastor at an AfricanAmerican church before coming to Harvard Divinity School for her doctorate as Ford Fellow. She is a syndicated queer religion columnist who tries to inform the public of the role religion plays in discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. Her website is irenemonroe.com.

And the thought of the first AfricanAmerican president losing his re-election bid because of homophobic views on marriage equality led by black pastors will be tragic.

And their action will be remembered through history.

Obama is president of the United States and not pastor of the United States. He’s president of all the people, not some of the people.

And as African-Americans who have battled for centuries against racial discrimination, we have always relied on our president and his administration to fight for and uphold our civil rights, because too many pastors across the country and throughout centuries wouldn’t.

My musical showcases in Chicago have supported Test Positive Aware Network, Howard Brown Health Center, and Team To End AIDS. Where can people go to purchases your new single “Take Me Now”?

Search Mark Ortega on iTunes, Amazon, Zune, MP3.com and most recently Spotify. “Take Me Now” is my first official single. Also available is my EP “The Love Chronicles-The Early Years.”

Look for my newest single “Boystown” to be released in June and I will debut it at Capital City Pride. My hometown will be the first to hear and see “Boystown” performed!

Where else will you be performing this summer?

I am in the studio for most of the summer and I am currently organizing a release party and video shoot for “Boystown.” And the party will be at a club on Halsted in Chicago.

Who knows? Maybe I will come back to Iowa and perform in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City or Des Moines again?

We shall see.

Like my facebook page or friend or twitter me for the latest updates.

Facebook.com/MarkOrtegaEntertainment or Facebook.com/HiTeckMark or @ HiTeckMark.

JUNE 2012

Section 3: Community

ACCESSline Page 39