Zach Wahls Interview by Angela Geno-Stumme
Rock On
Zach Wahls came to fame when his 2011 speech in front of the Iowa House we n t v i ra l . Since then he has continued his activism on behalf of the LGBT community. Presently he is speaking for the Obama & Biden campaign as well as Scouts for Equality, and promoting his Zach Wahls speaking at Capital City book, My Two Pride 2012, Des Moines, Iowa. Photo courtesy of Gregory Photography. Moms. What brought you to Obama/Biden’s campaign? Back in 2007, when this whole thing was getting off the ground, I had a lot of friends that worked for the Obama campaign. But I didn’t jump on the band wagon until a little bit later. When it came to this re-election campaign, I don’t think the choice could be any more clear. On one hand is a
candidate who in 1994 said he was going to run to the left of Ted Kennedy with LGBT rights, and today is actually to the right of George W. Bush. So in terms of what’s best—for folks like my moms, or the LGBT community—we have the choice between President Obama, who has been the single most successful president in terms of advancing LGBT rights, and is the first President to endorse marriage equality. Then you have a guy who doesn’t really know where he stands, and will stand where it is politically convenient to be. And knowing that we have that kind of choice, I knew if there was anything that I could do to support the President, I was down. Are you doing speaking just in Iowa, for the Iowa campaign, or are you doing national speaking engagements? No, just this past Saturday I was in Columbus, Ohio, at the second largest Pride out there. And I am going to be in Chicago this weekend for their Pride. What do you think Obama will do for the LGBT community and to further equality if he is re-elected? A large part of that is going to come down to the extent in which Congress is willing to play nice. Unfortunately that’s something we’ve obviously seen has not been the case since 2010. I think if President Obama is re-elected, the single largest thing that he can do for the community is making sure we have a Supreme Court that is not packed with right-
Paula Poundstone will be performing in Iowa City on July 20th at the Englert. Her past performances in Iowa include April 3, 2009, on which date she opened her show with congratulations on a now-famous decision announced that day by the Iowa Supreme Court. Poundstone is known for her ability to quickly and ingeniously riff on current Paula Poundstone events and on the lives of her audience members, embracing and celebrating what is both commonplace and yet surprisingly ridiculous. She is also famous for proudly and valiantly leading her own nontraditional family, which currently consists of herself as a single adoptive mom and foster parent, her children, sixteen cats, two German shepherds, and a very active travel schedule. You’re going to be performing at the Englert in Iowa
City on July 20th? Am I? That sounds good. You’re going from a bunch of performances in Maine, then way over to Iowa City, then back over to New York and New Hampshire... Yeah, yeah. I don’t believe in routing, so I just… go. I just get on an airplane and go, wherever I’m supposed to go. But I love Iowa, so I’m looking forward to it. So what’s new and exciting in the life of Paula Poundstone? Oh, gosh. New and exciting. Well, I don’t know about that. Let’s see. My daughter just graduated from high school, and my son finished middle school today—mercifully!—and my first foster son graduated last Friday. So I have heard a lot of commencement speeches. I know that it’s going to be a bright future, because I’ve heard it several times now. I’m feeling motivated myself, I really am. I’m looking forward to summer. I’m working on a book, although incredibly slowly. And mostly I fly around the country telling my jokes, taking care of my kids, and sifting litterboxes so much that I have a callus on my hand from doing it. Sift litterboxes? I have, um, sixteen cats, and four litterboxes. It’s actually
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What’s Inside:
Section 1: News & Politics
Letter From The Editor 3 Advertising rates 3 Ryan Sallans to Speak at Heartland Pride, Omaha NE 4 Prime Timers Worldwide by Angela Geno-Stumme 4 Who Will? by Royal Bush, Multifaith Chaplain 6 Remarkables by Jonathan Wilson 6 Why We Should “Occupy” by Tony E. Hansen 7 Just Sayin’ by Beau Fodor 8 Digging Deeper interview by Amber Dunham 8 South Africa’s “corrective rape” of lesbians by Rev. Monroe 10
Section 2: Fun Guide
TTWAHLS continued page 5
Paula Poundstone Interview by Arthur Breur
Page 4
TTInterview page 11
TTPOUNDSTONE continued page 9
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Entertainment Picks for the Month 11 Rock On Interview by Chris Azzopardi 11 Wired This Way by Rachel Eliason 12 Star City Pride Advertisement 13 Once A Pawn to Perform at Star City Pride 14 Cocktail Chatter by Ed Sikov 14 Inside Out: Normal by Ellen Krug 15 A Special Day Celebrated With PRIDE by B. Hansen, 16 Honoring Our LGBT Troops Advertisement 18 Minor Details by Robert N Minor 19 Out of Town: Summer in Seattle by Andrew Collins 21 Hear Me Out by Chris Azzopardi 22 Deep Inside Hollywood by Romeo San Vicente 22 The Bookworm Sez by Terri Schlichenmeyer 24 Comics and Crossword Puzzle 24-25
Section 3: Community
FFBC:Rabbi David Horowitz by Bruce Carr 26 Proud Horizons, Omaha NE 26 I.C. Kings Drag King Show 26 Men with Rounded Corners by Loren A. Olson MD 26 From the Pastor’s Pen by Rev. Jonathan Page 27 Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus Performs Pride! 27 Inclusive Life Community Foundation Established 28 Iowa Republicans for Freedom Celebrates Anniversary 28 IML…Love It or Leave It by Mike Prater 29 Nine Students Receive FFBC Scholarships 29 Quaker Oats EQUAL interview by Angela Geno-Stumme 30 QC Pride Gives to Area Nonprofit Organizations 30 Business Directory 31-32 Capital City Pride 2012 Des Moines, IA 34 St. Louis Rope Social 34 Black ministers follow Obama by Rev. Irene Monroe 38
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H E A R T L A N D
P R I D E
P R E S E N T S
SATURDAY JUNE 30, 2012 AT STINSON PARK IN AKSARBEN VILLAGE
PRIDE SCHEDULE
JULY 2012
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Section 1: News & Politics
ACCESSline Page 3
From The Editor I have been finding it difficult to write the editorial this month, as we decided the topic needed to be the Wilson Resource Center in Arnolds Park, Iowa. In particular, the topic is the recent arrest of Frederick Joseph “Joe” Wilson, founder of the Center. To be blunt, Joe was arrested on May 7, 2012 in a child sex sting. He is accused of using a computer to solicit a parent to commit sex acts on a child, and travelling to solicit a child to commit sex acts. We must remember that the law of our country holds a person innocent until they are proven guilty, but it is hard not to immediately turn our backs on a person in such a situation, especially considering the sensitivity surrounding children and sex crimes. In the interest of providing full disclosure, Joe has written numerous articles and entertainment reviews which have been published in The ACCESSline and on our website. Unlike The Dickinson County News, which included a blog of Joe’s writing, we currently have no intention of removing Joe’s content from our web site or online issues, regardless of the outcome of his arrest. Still, this is a painful and uncomfortable situation, not only for us at The ACCESSline, but also for the heartland’s LGBT community. Clearly this is an opportunity for social conservatives or fundamentalist Christians to claim yet again that gay people are all pedophiles. Let me repeat clearly and emphatically that this is not the case, and that LGBT people as a community are every bit as invested in the protection of children as the rest of our society. Frustratingly, some people in northeast Iowa may have no other local figure to represent the LGBT community in their minds, and this may forever in their minds connect a gay person with the subject of child abuse. To turn the idea around, we should not assume that all Christians use crystal meth and hire male prostitutes just because Ted
Haggard did. But people will be people and will assume the worst about LGBT people because they see Joe Wilson accused of sex crimes against children. So how do we proceed? First of all, we can’t stick our heads in the sand and ignore it, pretending the situation doesn’t exist. Denial only fuels speculation and accusation. As for Joe, we have to wait for the Florida legal system to deal with the accusations and decide his legal guilt or innocence. Even if he is found innocent, many people would still have trouble disconnecting him with the arrest and the stigma involved. Even if he is found guilty, our culture is one strongly based on forgiveness and recovery—never to forget, but to be willing to reach out a hand to those who have fallen. As to the Wilson Resource Center, Joe’s recent months spent living in Florida have already impacted its benefit to the community. However, we hope that someone will step up who has benefitted from the good that has
Editor-in-Chief, Arthur Breur been provided by the Center. We hope that the vacuum left behind will be filled with efforts by those in the community who know better than to associate every person in a group with a single specimen, and who know better than to paint the failings of one person on all others they consider to be like him.
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ACCESSline Page 4
Section 1: News & Politics
JULY 2012
Ryan Sallans to Speak at Prime Timers Worldwide Heartland Pride, Omaha NE Interview by Angela Geno-Stumme Where he will be offering his memoir, Second Son, for sale and also hopes to hear from others about their own journeys. In April of this year his memoir, Second Son: Transitioning Toward My Destiny, Love and Life was released. Second Son is a story that intimately explores the transition experience of Ryan Sallans, born Kimberly Ann Sallans. The reader is pulled through Ryan’s Speaker and author Ryan Sallans pictured with his book, Second transition from Son. Photo courtesy of Ryan Sallans. infant to child, child to bodyRyan Sallans will be speaking at obsessed teenage girl, teenage girl to opening ceremonies at Heartland Pride. eating-disordered young woman, female He is an LGBTQ Inclusion Consultant, to male, daughter to son, and finally a Educator, and Author. beloved partner to a cherished fiancé’. Sallans will speak to the Pride attendRyan Sallans began his transition from ees about overcoming challenges and female to male in 2005. He is a nationally pushing past the adversaries that exist sought speaker, sharing his journey from in everyone’s life. Either internal, family female to male-bodied and his struggles and close friends, or the institutions that with an eating disorder. Ryan works as a surround us. He also hopes to instill hope diversity trainer, consultant and author. and a new energy in the crowd, espe- He received a Master of Arts degree in cially with the shifts that we are seeing English and educational psychology from politically—both nation-wide and within the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Ryan the state of Nebraska. was born and raised in Nebraska. You can Sallans will also be available at learn more about the book by visiting its his vendor booth throughout the day. website: secondsonmemoir.com.
Loren A Olson took some time to discuss his experience with Prime Timers Worldwide. PTWW is a social organization for older gay or bisexual men (and younger men who admire mature men). Olson is a PTWW member and is looking for interested parties to start a PTWW chapter in Iowa. As well as an author, Olson is a Board Certified, Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and Named “Exemplary Psychiatrist” by National Alliance on Mental Illness. What is Prime Timers Worldwide? Prime Timers World Wide is a social organization for mature gay and bisexual men. It was founded by Woody Baldwin in 1987 for mature men as an option for men who face ageism, even within the LGBT community. Many have grown tired of or feel out of place in gay bars and Woody felt there was a need for older men to have more choices. There are now 73 chapters throughout the world, the most recent international chapter established in China. Many of the chapters where there are larger communities of gay men have various social activities going on each month. I heard one 82 year old Primetimer in Houston say, “This is the best time of my life.” Yet there are many older gay men who have lost partners or are alone for other reasons, and they often are quite isolated. The Primetimers message is that you don’t need to be alone. Primetimers provide them with a social network, and these networks are an essential ingredient in healthy aging. Primetimers are also young men who are attracted to intergenerational relationships, so it isn’t all men who are “past their expiration date.” How did you become involved in the organization?
Since there is no local chapter, I am an independent member. For many years, I didn’t know Primetimers existed, but came across their newsletter at a gathering and decided to look into it. I found that I loved the men I met; they are so enthusiastic about the remaining years of their life. They are engaged and quite supportive of one another. After I wrote Finally Out: Letting Go of Living Straight, a Psychiatrist’s Own Story, I began to have interest from various groups to present on the topic of coming out as mature men and how it is different from coming out as a young person. Many of the men in Primetimers have been married before (some even are still married) and some consider themselves bisexual. Since many have lived “heterosexual” life, Primetimers allows them an opportunity, some for the first time, to live openly and authentically as a gay or bisexual man. They can be seen as they are and accepted for it; in the process they improve their acceptance of themselves. What makes Prime Timers Worldwide unique as a gay community? For one thing, it is not driven by a political agenda. Many of the men involved have “paid their dues” in social activism and are ready to relinquish that to a younger and more energetic part of the LGBT community. Although many remain politically active, the primary purpose is for socialization and support in a world that has been harshly discriminatory against them and an LGBT world that isn’t always welcoming or appreciative of the contributions older men have made toward the freedoms we now have. What are the perks of being a member? The value of being a member is that
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Section 1: News & Politics
JULY 2012 SScontinued from page 1
WAHLS wing Conservatives. Obviously he’s appointed Justice Sotomayor and Justice Kagan, and if any of the five conservative Justices step down, that would be the best opportunity to bring the court back to a more moderate judicial stance. That’s going to be really important, simply because of the number of cases that have been working their way through U.S. Circuit Courts, and that are headed to the Supreme Court. Do you think Obama will be a champion to legalize same-sex marriage federally? That’s a good question. I’m not sure. Obviously he was a Constitutional Law professor before he ran for office, he probably has a better sense of whether or not you can, on a legal level, push for something like that. What I can tell you for sure is what he has done compared to all of his predecessors. One example is declaring DOMA an unconstitutional law, which was a law signed into law by a Democratic President. I think [working for] DOMA’s repeal is a testament to how far, as a party, Democrats have come, and much more indicative of how further into the main stream LGBT issues have come as well. Can you talk a little about his platform for health care and women’s health? I think the President has already enacted the bulk of his health care agenda, with the American Health Care Act. In terms of what else he would do, in the future, I am not sure there is a whole lot more for him to do. Essentially what we are waiting for is all these big reforms which are scheduled in 2014 to go ahead and get fired up. Obviously, the
President has come out in support of contraception being covered by health insurance, and more health insurance companies are required to cover their patients in 2014, when the Mitchell mandate kicks in. It will have a huge positive impact for women throughout the country. Again, you have a very clear choice. You have on one hand, a candidate who when he was Governor and running for the Senate in 1994, claimed to be pro choice. But today, so far as rights and abortion, we’re not actually sure where he thinks the cutoff should be. Whether or not it should be applied to cases of incest or rape—and it’s quite possible that we won’t give an answer before the election. It seems to me, a very real possibility that we won’t really know what Mitt Romney stands for. With the possibility of a republican controlled Congress is putting bills on his desk if he is elected. Your level of celebrity has really changed since speaking in front of the Iowa House. Personally, how does it feel, and how do you deal with it? It’s been a heck of a ride this last year and half. I travel a lot and I get to interact with all kinds of amazing people on a day to day basis. These are people who I find to be personally inspiring. These are folks who’ve had very personal experiences when it comes to the effect that I’ve had either on them or their family. I find myself still constantly, a year and half later, amazed and shocked at the effect that the video has and continues to have.
For an example, I was in Michigan, at their state university. After I was done talking that evening, after the Q&A and after the meet and greet, this woman (my age) 20 years old comes up to me and says, “Thank you,” and says “I’ve only recently come to terms that I am homosexual.” Which to me is like a big red flag, because not a whole lot of LGBT folks, or gay people, refer to themselves as a homosexual. Then she says, “Ever since I was a little girl, all I wanted to do was be a mom. But I always knew that homosexuals couldn’t be parents. That’s what my church always taught me. That’s what my parents always said. But after listening to you tonight, I know that I can be a mom.” So, at that point, she’s got some tears running down her face and I’m getting a little choked up. It was just an incredibly powerful example of the impact of sharing our stories can have on the lives of others. And as we stood there just hugging for a moment, I was just really blown away by what kind of effect my words might have on the future. If she does go ahead and have kids, all the lives who that kid will touch. It’s just something special. There’s a huge positive impact. Even though there’s a ton of travel and it can be really exhausting at times, it’s moments like that that really keep me going. In terms of how it affects my life on a day-to-day basis when I’m back here in Iowa City, things aren’t a whole lot different. I still work quite a bit, go out and have a good time. It hasn’t really put a damper on my personal life in
I find myself still constantly, a year and half later, amazed and shocked at the effect that the video has and continues to have.
ACCESSline Page 5 that respect. You’re an Eagle Scout, and you’ve been doing some work with petitions with Boy Scouts of America. Can you comment on what’s that been about and what you hope to accomplish? On April 17th, Jennifer Tyrrell, was fired from being a den mother in her son’s Cub Scout pack. And the reason that was the case was because she was a lesbian woman. When I heard about this story, it blew up online, and she started a petition that got 300,000 signatures. I actually got the chance to meet her in New York City when I was promoting my book. I told her point blank, “If there was anything I can do, don’t hesitate to tell me.” When the Change.org petition got to the point when they were ready to deliver it, they needed someone to actually make the delivery. They went ahead and got in touch with me and I said, “Yes, definitely”. I went down to Florida, to the Boy Scouts of America national meeting and delivered this petition with nearly 300,000 signatures. After that happened, I got this incredibly positive response from my fellow Scouts, that I went ahead and started a group called Scouts for Equality. We have a website you can check out: www.scoutsforequality.org. Essentially, we are acting as a hub for Scouts who are opposed to this policy. To come to the website and organize at a very local level. We’re going to be working with other Eagle Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Scout leaders, to mobilize at the local level, troops and councils, to really build support for ending this policy that the Boy Scouts have on the books. The fact is, something like 80% of all people under the age of 26 support the freedom to marry, and ending
TTWAHLS cont’d page 19
ACCESSline Page 6
Section 1: News & Politics
JULY 2012
Who Will? by Royal Bush, Multifaith Chaplain On Tuesday, June 12th HRC hosted a community celebration in Omaha to promote awareness and celebrate the protection ordinances (sexual orientation and gender identity) that cities of both Omaha and Lincoln recently passed. I enjoyed seeing many people from our communities that I have known for many years, and dignitaries. Former City Counsel Person and State Senator Brenda Council, Douglas Country Treasurer and Senate candidate (against Lee Terry) John Ewing (and his wife), the new HRC Director Chad Griffin, and City Councilman Ben Gray (the sponsor of the ordinance in Omaha) spoke. Councilman Gray said that “this” could not have been achieved if we didn’t work together, all of us. His words rang clear and true in my heart. “WE” (the GLBT communities) will not achieve equality if we do not continue to build relationships and reach out to our allies…like we never have before. Their support, their votes, their relationships are needed right now. As I talked with Chad Griffin I shared with him a bit of Omaha history and shared a few stories about people who have helped make life better. The one person who I shared a bit about was Don Randolph. Don is well known both in
Omaha, this region, and on a national level. He was instrumental in helping create what is known today as the Nebraska AIDS Project. Don also served on one of the first HRC Committee’s as a representative from the heartland. He could be counted on for sharing his knowledge, his wisdom and certainly his opinion. Don still volunteers with various organizations in Omaha today! What a great example for many to follow. I found it interesting that I got a bit emotional while sharing Don’s story with Chad. As I looked around the room I realized that I was in the midst of other people who will go on to make similar life-long commitments to the communities they live in; many from all walks of life, some from the GLBT community and many who are our allies. Just as we need allies to remember “us” when they are put to the task of voting on equality issues, we need each other. We need to promote each other, celebrate each other and realize that this is the time that we need not to tear each other down, but build each other up. There are too many
others in this world that work hard at oppressing equality and human rights. Perhaps there has never been a more important time for people to come out of the closet; people to engage co-workers, families, neighbors, and friends; people to volunteer and get involved; people to share resources (yes that means time, talents and money people!); people to realize that your equality is directly related to what you do right now… June is a month that many communities celebrate pride events. I challenge each person who reads this to celebrate pride, diversity and your life each day. You can be the change that you seek in your community, your state and this world. We know that diversity is something you can’t see, it is something that we can; talk about, promote, celebrate and encourage. I am grateful for the many people who continue to work tirelessly on efforts in my city, my state, this country and in the world on behalf of equality and human rights. I am left with one question, if you don’t do something now, who will?
The “Don’s” of our communities will not live forever. We need YOU now!
lifetime of both participants. As he advocates for a constitutional amendment restricting civil marriage to one man and one woman based on the Bible, intellectual honesty would require the companion limitation of one time only. Put that to a vote and see what happens. Go ahead; bring it on; we can then be done at least with that silliness and move on to issues that are actually important. Even more “traditional,” and with Biblical support, is polygamy. That’s undeniable. Go ahead; read the Good Book. It’s there and without condemnation. Do Ratliff-thinkers believe, as honesty would appear to require, that the Mormons had it right after all? While they’re looking for traditional things that can find Biblical support, how about the tradition of arranged marriages and the traditional role of women as property? Mere chattel? No different than cattle? How about the traditional belief that the earth is the center of the created Universe with the moon and sun revolving around it? That notion has Biblical support and long had the support of the church. Would Ratliff-thinkers join in condemning Copernicus for insisting otherwise? How about the tradition of marriage being confined to people of the same race
that was codified in the civil and criminal law, with church support, until Loving v. Virginia in 1967? That may seem like a long time ago to some readers; I was twenty-two years old already in that year. And while they’re at it, how about good-old-fashioned, “traditional” slavery? There’s no question that the institution of slavery found Biblical support and was even countenanced by Jesus. Matthew 10:24. It’s apparent to anyone familiar with the origins of the Southern Methodist and Southern Baptist churches that too many in the church were on the wrong side of that Biblical “tradition,” and history as well. For my money, I think Ratliff-thinkers would do well to re-read the apostle Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. The question posed to Paul was whether non-Jews being asked to become Christians would be required to submit to circumcision in conformity with Jewish law (tradition). Paul answers unequivocally, “No.” Any contrary answer would have nipped in the bud, so to speak, the evangelical efforts of the early Christian church. Paul concludes that, if one has the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—there is no law whatsoever that applies. Galatians 5:22. If they don’t find that compelling, perhaps Ratliff-thinkers would do well to re-read the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. or the mission of the NAACP. After that re-reading, augmented with a bit of prayer, perhaps they can then get busy formulating an apology to the LGBT children of God in the grand “tradition” of many before them who got the real Truth in the Bible hurtfully wrong and have later apologized to the
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. victims. It was not I who brought religious dogma into the public square; it was the likes of Ratliff and Vander Plaats. Once it gets there, it becomes fair game for fair criticism to which it has not, unfortunately, been subjected within the confines of Ratliff’s church congregation. And the question is: how much should the demonstrably mistaken, First Century thinking of the Biblical writers guide our civil rights today? Prayerful or not, the answer to that one should be easy.
“WE” (the GLBT communities) will not achieve equality if we do not continue to build relationships and reach out to our allies
Remarkables by Jonathan Wilson Biblical Traditions Revisited
Keith Ratliff recently resigned as a member of the national NAACP Board of Directors and as president of the IowaNebraska Conference of the NAACP because of the parent organization’s courageous stance in favor of marriage equality. Before those resignations, Keith and his views on whatever subject were seen as synonymous with the NAACP. In interviews he correctly noted that there has long been a strong religious influence in guiding the mission of the NAACP. For him, as a pastor, the marriage equality stance was a bridge too far, and the all-important distinction between religious dogma and civil rights of law-abiding citizens couldn’t salvage his long relationship with the organization. Prayerfully he concluded that the “Biblical tradition” supposedly favoring marriage only between a man and a woman must trump all else. He’s to be respected for the commitment to his religious principles even though everyone knows that the mere strength of commitment doesn’t validate the principles. One has to wonder just how far Ratliff and others who agree with him want to go in supporting “traditional” things that have arguable support in the Bible. For starters, the tradition of marriage being exclusively between one man and one woman contemplated such unions only one time during the
Do Ratliff-thinkers believe, as honesty would appear to require, that the Mormons had it right after all?
“I certainly hope that people don’t amend our constitution to stop gay marriage because, number one, the constitution is there to protect people — not oppress them.” ~Former Minnesota Governor, Jesse Ventura
Multifaith Chaplain Royal D. Bush serves Inclusive Life, Council Bluffs, IA & Omaha, NE. He holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary. He holds a current certificate of spiritual counseling with the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling. He can be reached by phone at (402) 575-7006, by email at chaplainroyal@inclusivelife.org, and at inclusivelife.org.
Section 1: News & Politics
JULY 2012
ACCESSline Page 7
Why We Should “Occupy” by Tony E. Hansen
The recent protests, called “Occupy”, or the 99%, have echoed a chord with people in this country. Occupy needs to go beyond the protest into a viable reform movement. For decades, powers have been able to sidestep issues and pacify people into believing marketing campaigns and rhetorical nonsense. Some are all too willing to accept the rhetoric and deceptions as part of a “gospel” of capitalism being good for all Americans. Remember capitalism is essentially justification to exploit resources and inequalities in society. Something needs to change or our democracy faces potential unraveling on a grand scale because all boats do not, in fact, raise when more water is given only to the 1%. Due, in part, to the supposed gospel of capitalism, we have seen the rapid disintegration of faith in government and public sector institutions while corporations have become multi-national, “too-big-to-fail” behemoths with a corollary increase in power and influence upon public policy. The only recourse that the public has against these powers is through the public institutions, but, with the deregulation, as well as revolving doors between government and Wall Street, we can see why so many people have lost faith in the public institutions that
were created to protect the little guy from those big guys. Yet, Americans are willing to allow private firms, beholden only to their shareholders, manage public institutions with a belief that these private firms will do a better job. Further, these corporations want the public taxpayers to pick up the tab to build supporting infrastructure or insist upon tax breaks because they are “job creators.” If government is made of people and private companies are made of people, where do we see improvement? Perpetuation of economic inequality and gross over glorification of corporate power is central grief raised by the Occupy movement. With the pervasive influence of corporations upon public policy, Americans feel excluded from the process that is supposed to include them. This coincides with research I did with my dissertation. Regulations and the tax code are rigged so that only corporations can take advantage of capitalism rather than the individual entrepreneurs. Both political parties are willing to give corporations and the wealthy bailouts and tax breaks, but they balk at the idea of helping people forgive student loan debt or stay in houses. People may have made “poor decisions” to get the loans and houses, but the wealthy made money from accepting those decisions.
I guess you have to be a millionaire before you “deserve” government assistance.
Yet, they do not want to be responsible for their part in those decisions. I guess you have to be a millionaire before you “deserve” government assistance. Education is supposed to be a means to achieve social status: a social power equalizer. A simple high school education is no longer enough to sustain a person into the working world. Increasingly, employers are looking for people with expensive college degrees, and with that requirement, many Americans also build up substantial debt when they cannot pay for school costs up front. Thus, people want to get high paying jobs with “stable” companies and banks, but we have to rack up large amounts of debt to get the credentials that may get a job (let alone a well-paying one). This is one of the big issues being echoed in the Occupy protests: that of the crippling costs of education loans. Debt obligates people to creditors; in this case, the creditors are the banks. The banks barely service the loan but instead just shuffle papers with a guarantee by the federal government. One should wonder how we can allow young adults to rack up education loan debt without a job and with no way to discharge, and yet, no bank will loan the same people money for a mortgage without jobs or resources. Banks should not even be involved. Increasing debt levels will not help stimulate the economy. There is an increasing unwillingness
Tony E Hansen is a web developer, organizer, researcher, writer, martial artist, and vocalist from Des Moines. For more information go to tigersndragons.com. of people to compromise, especially from the TEA Party. There is increasing unwillingness to allow alternative opinions, and there is even growing willingness to profess complete falsehoods in the name of policy positions that service only the most able in this country (e.g. supply-side economics, military build-ups, defund public schools, unregulated health care and financial systems). Ironically, there is a complete
TTTONY HANSEN continued page 27
ACCESSline Page 8
Section 1: News & Politics
JULY 2012
Just Sayin’ by Beau Fodor Last summer, gays in the military dared not admit their sexual orientation. This summer, the Pentagon will salute and celebrate it. In the latest remarkable sign of change since the military repealed the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, the Defense Department will soon hold its first event to recognize gay and lesbian troops. It comes nine months after repeal of the policy that had banned gay troops from serving openly and forced more than 13,500 service members out of the armed forces. Details are still being worked out, but officials say Defense Secretary Leon Panetta wants to honor the contributions of gay service members. “Now that we’ve repealed `don’t ask, don’t tell,’ he feels it’s important to find a way this month to recognize the service and professionalism of gay and lesbian troops,” said Navy Capt. John Kirby, a spokesman. This month’s event will follow a long tradition in the Pentagon of recognizing diversity in America’s armed forces. Hallway
displays and activities, for example, have marked Black History Month and AsianPacific American Heritage Month. Before the repeal, gay troops could serve but couldn’t reveal their orientation. If they did, they would be discharged. At the same time, a commanding officer was prohibited from asking a service member if he or she was gay. Although some feared repeal of the ban on serving openly would cause problems in the ranks, officials and gay advocacy groups say no big issues have materialized— aside from what advocacy groups criticize as slow implementation of some changes, such as benefit entitlements to troops in same-sex marriages. Basic changes have come rapidly since repeal—the biggest that gay and lesbian soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines no longer have to hide their sexuality in order to serve. They can put photos on their office desk without fear of being outed, attend social events with their partners and openly
While heterosexual military families sacrifice so much in service to our country, gay military families sacrifice even more because they are denied the support they need.
join advocacy groups looking out for their interests. OutServe, a once-clandestine professional association for gay service members, has nearly doubled in size to more than 5,500 members. It held its first national convention of gay service members in Las Vegas last fall, then a conference on family issues this year in Washington. At West Point, the alumni gay advocacy group Knights Out was able to hold the first installment in March of what is intended to be an annual dinner in recognition of gay and lesbian graduates and Army cadets. Gay students at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis were able to take same-sex dates to the academy’s Ring Dance for third-year midshipmen. Panetta said last month that military leaders had concluded that the repeal had not affected morale or readiness. A report to Panetta with assessments from the individual military service branches said that as of May 1st they had seen no ill effects. “I don’t think it’s just moving along smoothly, I think it’s accelerating faster than we even thought the military would as far as progress goes,” said Air Force 1st Lt. Josh Seefried, a finance officer and co-director of OutServe.
Digging Deeper interview by Amber Dunham
While the Defense of Marriage Act Beau Fodor, E-3 Hospital Corpsman in 1984, before his Honorable Discharge He is also owner of PANACHE, is an Iowa wedding planner who focuses specifically on weddings for the LGBT community. He can be reached at iowasgayweddingplanner.com or his blog PANACHE Points. (DOMA) currently prevents some benefits from being provided, out-of-date Defense Department regulations are also preventing benefits and support services (that are vital to family and military readiness) from being offered to these families, and this second
TTJUST SAYIN’ cont’d page 29
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. 4) Can you explain what happens to your body hair, including pubic hair during the sex reassignment surgery process? This question could easily have been touched on earlier when I was explaining the process of the SRS surgery. Most M-F transsexuals need to find a way to remove any hair from their bodies that would be in areas where natural girls do not have hair. This is primarily because the majority of females do not have a lot of hair, aside from on the head. If you, as the new girl, wants to blend in, you need to look like you don’t either. How much of an effort and how much time is required will vary from individual to individual. I was very fortunate in that I only grew very minimal hairs on my back and chest, and the hair on my arms was light in shade and fine in texture. For me, the main efforts were directed to the face, neck and private areas. According to the therapist that I went to, I was not a candidate for laser hair removal (mostly because my hair was so light in color) so we resorted to electrolysis for the job. Ouch!! Finding a professional who will do all of the hair removal, be it an electrolysis clinic or physician, is not necessarily easy, as some simply refuse to do the pubic area. I found that out at the first clinic I contacted regarding a hair removal problem. They would do the hair removal on any area of the body, except for that area. Luckily, I was able to find someone locally who would take care of all of it, and fortunately she even had prior experience with other prospective M-F surgery candidates. That was a plus for me, as there is a need to remove all the unwanted hair, but leave enough to look natural after the surgery. The priority here is
to make certain that any hair growing on the skin that will end up inside the neo-vagina is gone since it might look a little strange if hair kept growing from inside there. For me, electrolysis on the face and neck was painful, yet tolerable if the therapist did not stay in one small area too long. As long as she moved the needle from place to place during our sessions, which usually lasted 30 minutes, I would just bite my teeth together and try not to look too uncomfortable. The removal of the pubic hair was an experience I would rather not remember. To say that it hurt would be a mild understatement, despite the fact that I would actually show up about an hour early so that a numbing cream could be applied to the area. It didn’t really feel that the numbing cream was very effective for me, but maybe it would have been even more painful had it not been used. As each treatment would go on, she could see that I was in pain, and would offer to stop for the session, yet I generally had her continue for the total time since I just wanted to get it over with as soon as possible. But the skin would remain irritated for a couple days after each treatment. In the end, the electrolysis was completed, except for a few more sessions that still could be done on the face. I have to touch that area up every few days, but until I find more money, I can live with it. The lower hair came out well. I had no work done on my legs, and I continue to shave them like most females do, though I am very fortunate that the hair there grows very slowly. And I do touch up the arms every week or two with a razor simply because I like them to look smooth.
5) Ok, Alexis….You have spoken about how many people, such as yourself, begin to feel different about themselves early in their lives. I think that you said something about first noticing this uniqueness when you were about age 4 or age 5. Were you able to express those feelings to anyone, and if so, how did it go? No, I did not have the nerve to say anything to my parents, other relatives or anyone by that time, or for many years to come. I just took advantage of any opportunity I could find to dress in the clothing of a young girl. Yet though I wanted to do this, I also knew that if I was to get caught doing this, I would probably be in trouble. As I was growing up, there still remained the traditional male and female roles. Though things have changed some as the years have progressed, gender roles were fairly rigid then. Boys simply were expected to do certain things because they were boys, and there were similar expectations for the girls. So whenever I would dress, I would feel happy for a while, and then as I knew my parents would be coming back soon, I would masturbate, clean myself up, and act like everything was fine. But “fine” is not how I felt. I knew this was not normal behavior, for either a boy or a girl, and I spent many years feeling that there had to be something wrong with me. I simply did not know where to fit in. Playing baseball or football with the boys wasn’t enjoyable, because when they chose teams I was almost always about the last person picked, and was relegated to the sidelines or right field so I wouldn’t cause problems. I couldn’t catch that well, didn’t throw that far, and was lucky to get a hit. Besides, I would rather have been
spending time with the girls. I began to spend more time at home, and learned a variety of ways in which to entertain myself. But I could never find a way to talk with anyone about my situation because I was raised to be good and not rock the boat—to make people proud of me, get good grades, and so on. The isolation grew even worse as the years went on. I could go to work, and get done what needed to be done, but when I went home after work, it was rare when anyone came over. This became especially true after my divorce. I did reach out at one time when I was talking with my mother on the telephone one evening. I told her that I wanted to be a girl, and being my mother, didn’t start lecturing or condemning me. I recall that she simply said that she would go to the library and check out a couple of books on the subject. This would have been somewhere in the late 1980’s. What she found, I do not know, since neither one of us ever brought the topic up again—until I passed out my letter in early April of 2003 that let everyone know what I was going to be doing. All the years I spent keeping my secret from others really did not give me any big satisfaction, but it did keep my secret safe. When I first began opening up, it was over the telephone to counselors at various crisis lines—two of which helped me immensely. Toward the end the girl in me wanted to emerge so much I did begin to talk it over with other people in person. And while that helped immensely, it also increased my desire to become a girl. I knew then that I had to do something to release myself soon, or I would have to decide if I still wanted to live or not.
JULY 2012
Section 1: News & Politics SScontinued from page 1
POUNDSTONE a full-time job. You’re involved with a cat charity, now, yes? Actually, I believe that I lent my name to a feral cat organization of some sort, but in truth I don’t know much about it, other than it’s a good idea to trap feral cats and spay and neuter them. Because 60% of cats are feral, and their genetic chain grows ridiculously fast. I feel that in the area of taking in cats I’ve done slightly more than my share. (They’ve about shoved me out on the edge, quite honestly.) But I also have two German shepherd mix dogs, which I only have because if you tell people you have sixteen cats they think you’re a crazy cat lady. Whereas if you have sixteen cats and two German shepherd mix dogs, you’re an animal lover. So really, the dogs are just beards. Your show is very improvised, but with plenty of current events thrown in. What are some of the things you’re talking about in your show nowadays? Well, I talk about raising a house full of kids and animals. And I talk about paying attention to the news enough to be able to cast a halfway decent vote. I talk about public schools, and about the sad state of broadcast news. But my favorite part of the night is I do the time-honored “where are you from, what do you do for a living,” and in this way, little biographies of people emerge from people in the audience, and I kind of decide what to talk about and how to “set my sails” based on that. And so far, it works pretty good. Have you ever had a “what do you do” that didn’t turn out to be entertaining? I have, actually. Any time somebody tells me they program computers or they design software I tend to glaze over ever so slightly. I hate computers. But generally speaking in that case I just sort of side step to, you know, “So what do you do on the weekends?” How are you feeling about the state of politics this year? Well it sure has been good for me. It’s been very, very entertaining. I already miss Newt Gingrich, and I think Herman Cain’s concession was a huge blow to stand up comedy. But they’re all back! They’re all back stumping for Romney. Isn’t that funny? Yeah, they are, you’re right, they’re like Beetlejuice, you just can’t keep them under the ground. It’s funny, because it all took place within this last year and it seems like it went on forever, and it seems also like it was a long time ago—such
ACCESSline Page 9 a long time since we’ve seen them. I’ll say the one good thing that Newt Gingrich has done: a lot of kids who want to study history and their parents tell them, “You know you can’t earn money with a history degree,” but Newt Gingrich blew that out of the water being a “historian” for Freddie Mac where he made 1.6 or 1.8 million. Not lobbying. Right. He brought the study of history into the Forbes 500 category. Oh, I wanted to congratulate you on the number of times you win on [the NPR news quiz show] “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me!” Well, thank you very much! I am on a bit of a roll right now. Actually, I’m on this coming weekend and I’m already feeling the pressure. It may well be though that my co-panelists are throwing the match. I wouldn’t put it past them. You know that I do hold the record for losses. Not by design. A lot of people ask me if I’m really seriously trying to win, and I find that an insulting question, because yes I am! Well, your answers, even when they are not the right answers, are very entertaining. So I think some people just assume you’re going for the entertaining answer rather than the correct answer. People might not be accusing you of not knowing the answers but of just trying to be funny. I was accused of that through my entire education and it’s never been so. So is there anything people might not know about you that they should? I always like people to know that I’m an avid “Twitterer” because when someone first introduced me to Twitter—which was a few years back now—it was like when Davey Jones kissed Marsha Brady. It was such a match made in heaven. I try to generate a few jokes a day for the old Twitter feed, so I encourage folks to jump on there (@PaulaPoundstone). Following you on Twitter, 140 characters seems to be plenty for you to make a very funny joke. It is a challenge. What I usually do is I write a joke, then I start taking out the least necessary parts, and I try to make punctuation the last thing to go—because I’m a big believer in punctuation, not that I’m necessarily all that good at it. Yeah, it’s a challenge, but it’s a fun challenge. I am looking forward to coming to Iowa. I love it there. I think in a lot of the country people don’t know how educated and great it is there. And you’re going to be in Iowa City with the University of Iowa. Yeah, so it’s even the high end of the high end!
ACCESSline Page 10
Section 1: News & Politics
JULY 2012
South Africa’s “corrective rape” of lesbians by Rev. Irene Monroe To hear of human rights abuses of Uganda’s LGBTQ population is not new, sadly. Gay activist David Kato was the father of the Uganda’s LGBTQ rights movement. To many of his fellow countrymen Kato was a dead man walking once his homosexuality became public. The country’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill dubbed “Kill the Gays bill” criminalizes same-sex relations. And depending on which category your homosexual behavior is classified as—”aggravated homosexual” or “the offense of homosexuality”—you’ll either received the death penalty or if you’re lucky life imprisonment. Kato didn’t live to receive either punishment. On a list of 100 LGBTQ Ugandans whose names and photos were published in an October 2010 tabloid newspaper calling for their execution, Kato was murdered in January 2011. Throughout the African continent there are stories of homophobic bullying, bashing and abuses of its LGBTQ population. None of us will forget Zimbabwe’s despot Robert Mugabe, who treated his LGBTQ citizens with torturous action, has yet to be brought to justice. Mugabe’s condemnation of his LGBTQ population is that they are the cause of Zimbabwe’s problems and he views homosexuality as an “un-African” and an immoral culture brought by colonists and practiced by only ‘a few whites’ in his country.” However, the one country you don’t expect to hear anti- LGBTQ rhetoric and human rights abuses from is South Africa. South Africa is the first African country to openly support LGBTQ civil rights. In 2004 its Supreme Court ruled that the common-law definition of marriage included same-sex unions. And in 2005, South Africa’s Constitutional Court “made any inferior status imposed on same-sex partners unconstitu-
tional.” But South Africa has a serious problem with its LGBTQ population, and especially with lesbians. Its method to remedy its problem with lesbian is “corrective rape.” On any given day in South Africa lesbians are twice more likely to be sexually molested, raped, gang-raped than heterosexual women. A reported estimate of at least 500 lesbians is victims of “corrective rape” per year. And in Western Cape, a province in the south west of South Africa, a report put out by the Triangle Project in 2008 stated that as many as 86 percent of its lesbian population live in fear of being raped. And their fear is not unfounded. “Lesbians get raped and killed because it is accepted by our community and by our culture” a South African man told New York Times reporter Lee Middleton. Corrective rape is the South African version of “reparative therapy.” Its intended objective is to rectify the sexual orientation of women who are lesbians or perceived to be lesbians to that of heterosexual. The term “corrective rape” was coined and first identified in South Africa after well-known cases of corrective rapes of lesbians like Eudy Simelane and Zoliswa Nkonyana became public internationally. Because of the stigma associated with homosexuality and gender non-conforming behavior, members of the women’s family or their local village sometimes supervise these rapes. Corrective Rape is a hate crime that for the most part goes unreported and unprosecuted in South Africa. These rapes are the major contributor to HIV/AIDs epidemic among South African lesbians. To many South African men who
hunt down lesbians or happened upon them “corrective rape” is seen neither as a hate crime nor as a sexual assault. South African men are sexually entitled to do them. And it’s just what patriotic men are expected to do for their country and tribe in a culture that upholds violent heterosexual patriarchal views at penis point. In depicting a double rape, hers and that of her friend’s, Lungile Cleopatra Dladla shared with The New Yorker reporter Charlayne Hunter-Gault how matter-of-factly their rapist was with them. “An armed man, wearing a hooded sweatshirt, came up behind them and directed them to a field. Then he undressed us. He tied us, and then he was going, ‘Ja, today I want to show you that you’re girls. He raped [us] both. And then, immediately after, he dressed and untied my friend’s hand and then untied my feet and then he walked… From a distance, he shouted, “Now you can dress and go.” Dubbed as the “Rape Capitol of the World” (A study by Interpol, the international police agency, has revealed that South Africa leads the world in rapes) sexual violence is a problem throughout South Africa from the highest man in office to the goat herder in a small village. According to South Africa’s rape statistics for 2011”it is estimated that a woman born in South Africa has a greater chance of being raped than learning how to read.” In 2011 a woman was raped in South Africa every 17 seconds. 1 in 4 men admit to having rape and “of South African men who knew somebody who had been raped, 16 percent believed that the rape survivor had enjoyed the experience and had asked for it”. For example, South African President Jacob Zuma is a celebrated and acquitted rapist. He raped the daughter of a family friend. “He said that the woman in question had provoked him, by wearing a skirt and
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. sitting with her legs uncrossed, and that it was his duty, as a Zulu man, to satisfy a sexually aroused woman, “Hunter-Gault reported. And “baby rape,” not a new phenomenon in South Africa, has come out of the closet. It’s the belief that having sex with a baby girl or virgin girl child cures AIDS. But what’s not being talked about in “corrective rape” is how it too can be seen as a cure for AIDS. For these men who are feeling the societal pressures and scorn of raping babies and young girls, lesbians are the next best choice. With both population of females believed to be virgins, “corrective rape” can convince a rapist that he’s doing his manly duty and he’s being rewarded by being cured of AIDS, too.
against any and all humanity afforded to homos. Invariably Perkins spews misinformation. Sadly, his statements often go unchallenged. Ideally you shouldn’t be able to go on TV and make claims that have absolutely no support without bullsh*t being called. But that’s not the world we live in, which is why people like Perkins are interviewed at all. So bravo to CNN’s Brooke Baldwin for not allowing her on-air time with Perkins to be monopolized by his baseless rhetoric. On May 24, Baldwin interviewed Perkins regarding President Obama and Colin Powell declaring that they were cool with marriage equality. Perkins is, unsurprisingly, not happy about two prominent black men saying such things. After all, the largely white evangelical right wing that Perkins speaks for tries very hard to bond with black religious leaders through a mutual dislike of homosexuals. In fact, the first thing Perkins mentions to Baldwin is that he’s in D.C. with a bunch of pissedoff black pastors. He says, “A lot of these African American pastors are saying look,
‘Marriage is very clearly described in the Bible.’ The president has basically drawn a line in the sand and said, ‘Hey, are you gonna cross it?’ And these pastors are gonna cross it.” Perkins goes on to say it doesn’t matter what Obama said because Americans are squarely against him on this issue “based on the polling data.” Baldwin then points out that, actually, the most recent polling data puts support for marriage equality at 53%. “Most people in the country don’t agree with you,” she says. Perkins dismisses it all outright. The only number that really matters, he says, is 30: the number of states that have passed anti-gay marriage amendments. Except that isn’t the only number that matters. The lesbian and gay civil rights movement is moving so rapidly that the number of people who support equality rises daily. Were we to “do over” many of the statewide votes that resulted in antigay “victories” we wouldn’t win them all, mind you, but the number of people voting against equality would be much lower. So when Perkins points to the number 30 he’s
staking his claim on a moving target. I’m no Nate Silver, but it’s important to look at who votes in many of these elections. Marriage equality brings out people with strong feelings. Especially on the anti-gay side. The voice that isn’t counted, however, belongs to the “don’tgive-a-sh*ts,” sometimes referred to in classier circles as the “moveable middle.” I strongly suspect that folks who don’t feel like they have any skin in this game (literally) would be much more inclined to tell a pollster that marriage equality should be legal than rush out on their lunch break to their polling place to fill out a ballot. The most telling part of the Baldwin/ Perkins exchange is when she asks him if he’s ever been in the home of a married gay couple. He says no. She then asks what he would say to such a couple re: his views that their marriage harms society. Perkins dodges the question, basically saying that this issue is about public policy, not people. If this sounds strange, it should. After all, without people you wouldn’t be able to make, nor would you need to make, public policy. It’s just that Perkins doesn’t count lesbians and gays as people.
Mugabe’s condemnation of his LGBTQ population is that they are the cause of Zimbabwe’s problems...
Creep of the Week by D’Anne Witkowski Tony Perkins
I wince every time I see Tony Perkins’s face on TV. Perkins, the president of the vehemently anti-gay Family Research Council, often has a microphone shoved in his face whenever there’s a marriage equality story. It’s as if newsrooms across the country feel compelled to “balance” these stories by calling Perkins to argue
ACCESSline’s fun guide
Our Picks for July
7/6, Legion Arts, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Voicebox Performance Poetry Showcase, legionarts.org 7/6, The Garden Nightclub, Des Moines, Iowa, Mr & Miss Red, White & Blue Iowa USofA, missgayiowa.com 7/6-7, Des Moines, Iowa, 80/35 Music Festival, 80-35.com 7/6-7/28, Theatre Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Hairspray, theatrecr.com 7/6-7/15, Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts, Fairfield, Iowa, 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 7/11, House of Loom, Omaha, Nebraska, Nicolay of Foreign Exchange, house ofloom.com 7/12, Flixx Lounge & Cabaret Show Bar, Omaha, Nebraska, ICON Show, imperialcourtofnebraska.org 7/12, Omaha Performing Arts Center, Omaha, Nebraska, Mike Gurciullo, omahaperformingarts.org 7/13, Clear Lake, Iowa, Iowa Independent Film Festival, iowaindie.org 7/13-15, Iowa City, Iowa, Iowa City Book Festival, iowacitybookfestival.org 7/14, Bad Dog Bar & Grill, Saint Louis, Missouri, Dark Carnival, baddogstl.com 7/14-15, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Grand Opening Festival, ncsml.org 7/15, Bad Dog Bar & Grill, Saint Louis, Missouri, Saint Louis Rope Social, baddogstl.com 7/20, Englert Theatre, Iowa City, Iowa, Paula Poundstone. Englert.org 7/21, Club CO2, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Imperial Court of Iowa show, imperialcourtofiowa.org 7/26, Omaha Performing Arts Center, Omaha, Nebraska, Kathy Kosins, omahaperformingarts.org 7/28, Legion Arts, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Bonnie Koloc, legionarts.org
Rock On Interview by Chris Azzopardi
Director Adam Shankman speaks with the cast of Rock of Ages. Photos credit Warner Bros.
Director Adam Shankman and cast talk big-screen musical… and the gay kiss
How do you come off a musical that has John Travolta doing drag? You make sure the next one, Rock of Ages, gets Tom Cruise in butt-baring chaps. “I thought we would cover it up with mesh or underwear,” recalls director Adam Shankman, “and I was like, ‘You do know that when I’m shooting, we’re gonna see your ass? He said, ‘Well, how is it?’ And I go, ‘It’s fantastic.’” Tom’s response? “Then let’s shoot it.” The all-star cast of Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand, Catherine Zeta-Jones and romantic leads Julianne Hough and newcomer Diego Boneta, already a famed heartthrob in Mexico, had a similar no-holds-barred attitude for the big-screen adaptation of the Broadway musical homage to the crazy ’80s. From a suite at The London West Hollywood,
...and August
8/17, Englert Theatre, Iowa City Iowa, Hugh Laurie with the Copper Bottom Band, englert.org 8/21, Omaha Performing Arts Center, Omaha, Nebraska, Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, omahaperformingarts.org
close to the Sunset Strip where the film takes place, Shankman told us why: “It’s my conviction that it’s all good, clean fun. You can’t tell a joke halfway and get away with it—you have to go for it. You can’t be afraid. Go big or go home.” Rock of Ages goes big every chance it has: Cruise, in grunge-rocker mode as Stacee Jaxx, and co-star Malin Akerman, the nosy Rolling Stone reporter, have a cheeky rendezvous to “I Want to Know What Love Is”; Zeta-Jones, a closeted rocker who tries to take down the demoralizing genre, goes back to her musical roots for her hammedup take on “Hit Me with Your Best Shot.” And then there’s the lovey-dovey Baldwin-Brand montage…that ends in a kiss. “It’s sweet,” Shankman says of the scene, set to REO Speedwagon’s “I Can’t Fight This Feeling.” “People want them to get together. People are proud that we live in a world where that can happen, and I’m not trying to sell anything. I’m just expressing this relationship; in their dark moment they find each other, and that bolsters them as characters. I wouldn’t know how to tell that story without it going to that place.” The creators of the original musical didn’t see their bond the same as Shankman. To them, it was just two dudes who really, really like each other. A lot. “Interestingly, on the surface, it actually does not veer from the play—but I was told by the creators of the play that they, in fact, never saw them as falling in love,” Shankman says. “They just said it was the ultimate bromance and I said, ‘That is the ultimate bromance—them falling in love.’ Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand are singing ‘…I can’t fight this feeling anymore.’ I don’t think guys fight the feeling of being friends.” The mini-golf flashback, though? That was all Shankman. “Standing behind the other and teaching him how to putt and sinking a ball into a hole is…something,” he laughs. “All puns intended.”
Casting a diva Mary J Blige in Rock of Ages. Photos credit Warner Bros.
Though Tom Cruise is getting the
TTROCK ON cont’d page 23
The Fun Guide
ACCESSline Page 12
JULY 2012
Wired This Way by Rachel Eliason
In the Garden of Rupert Murdoch
Rupert Murdoch does not like Google. He recently bashed the web giant for privacy infractions related to its Google map van, which was ‘accidentally’ recording information off people’s wifi signals as it drove along. Google, and many others on Twitter, shot back. For the News of the World phone hacking scandal mogul to criticize anyone’s privacy practices is a little bit laughable. This was hardly the first time Murdoch has shown his dislike for Google. Google and Murdoch have lined up on opposite sides of the entire SOPA and PIPA debates about internet privacy. Google opposes any restrictions on the Internet as an attack on free speech. As CEO of News Corporation, a company whose holdings range from 20th Century Fox to the Wall Street Journal, Murdoch’s views on privacy take a back seat to his views on piracy. And for Murdoch anything that takes money out of his pocket is piracy. But Murdoch’s real tiff with Google is older even than this debate. To understand his beef with the Internet giant we have to go back to 2009. In 2009 Rupert Murdoch was discussing putting one of his most
lucrative investments, Fox News, behind a pay wall. That’s right; he wanted users to pay a small monthly fee to access Fox News online. Wiser heads prevailed. Pay walls have not fared well in the marketplace. Fox News instead continued with the tried and true approach for making money, advertising. Advertising works, but not as well as it needs to. Almost every major media outlet, from print to TV, has seen smaller and smaller profit margins with each passing year. Cutbacks, layoffs and downsizing have become the norm throughout publishing, journalism and many media outlets. They have tried everything to stem the flow. The tried and true way to make money from news is the sale of advertising space in papers, on shows and websites. The golden child in the fight is targeted advertising. Targeted advertising tries to match the ad to the consumer to increase response. It’s a strategy that Google is very good at. There are two critical reasons why it works great for Google and not so well for anyone else. The first is that Google is, at its heart, one of the top market research firms out there. You search the web via Google’s search engine. You think it’s giving you information. Google on the other hand
It doesn’t matter if Google or Bing is the dominant search engine but it does matter where Fox is seen.
thinks of this as getting information. They are gathering mountains of data on your every click. People who search (blank) also search (blank). People who search (blank) generally click on (blank). This allows them to fine tune their targeted advertising in ways that other websites can only dream about. The other reason that this strategy works for Google is far more direct. They don’t pay for content. As a search engine they draw their content from other sites. This is what really burns Murdoch’s butt about Google. Fox pays to produce content and it benefits Google. Murdoch wanted Google to pay for the privilege of linking to Fox content. Google laughed the deal off as preposterous. Microsoft on the other hand was glad to hand over the nominal fee of $100,000 to get into an exclusive contract with Fox. One tech blogger compared the fee to paying the remaining Beatles $3,000 to do a reunion concert. It’s a ludicrously small sum. But that’s missing the point. It’s not about the money. It’s about dominance. Both Microsoft and Fox are hoping that by integrating Fox content with Microsoft’s Bing search engine they will take a bite out of Google’s dominance. What does any of this have to do with the LGBT community? It doesn’t matter if Google or Bing is the dominant search engine but it does matter where Fox is
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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.
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Once A Pawn to Perform at Star City Pride
Once A Pawn, Balta, Eric Scrivens, and Michael Flowers. Photo courtesy of Once A Pawn.
The local band Once A Pawn is set to play at Star City Pride, Friday, July 13th in Lincoln, NE. The Nebraska band includes; Catherine Balta, Eric Scrivens, and Michael Flowers. Catherine Balta states, “Our performance at Star City Pride will be full
of energy and get folks moving. We’ll be playing some favorites off of each album.” Look for them at their booth after their performance where you can meet the band, as well as; buy their music, t-shirts, stickers, and other merchandise. Once a Pawn’s Catherine Balta and Eric Scrivens has been a formidable pair since their days as gym class badminton champions at Lincoln High School in Lincoln, Nebraska. Their success with the racquet and shuttlecock catapulted them into a fast friendship and toward propitiously forming a band, uniting around Eric’s affinity for political punk (a la Bad Religion and AFI), Catherine’s inclination toward 90′s R&B and hip-hop (including a particular fondness for Missy Elliot & Common) and appreciation for her parents’ extensive Country catalogue, and
Cocktail Chatter by Ed Sikov One for the Flamers
It was inevitable. How could I not flambé something? What’s more dramatic than strolling mock-casually into the dining room with a platter of something on fire? Flames catch guests’ attention better than anything, with the exception of Brad Pitt showing up at your party with no clothes on. I caution you: flaming cocktails are dangerous, because you can broil your nose if you’re too eager, and a trip to the emergency room is no fun. Flaming drinks turn out to be dull as well, since most if not all of the alcohol burns away. You create a beautiful display but a drink with no kick. What’s the point? This is as good a time as any to announce an expansion of Cocktail Chatter’s mission statement. I still vow to help the mixologically needy, those wretched souls who panic when tending bar, but I’ll be writing a bit more about entertainment in general for Season 3. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but I’ll be more like Martha Stewart, only gay and male and without the money and the rap sheet. We opened the beach house a few weeks ago, and last Saturday, Dan and I and our housemates decided we should get better acquainted with our new neighbors. Sure, they don’t even nod when they walk past us on the boardwalk. But they’re all right out of central
casting’s flat-stomach-round-rump department. So I succumbed to my housemates’ entreaties (some of which were downright embarrassing—picture Craig on the floor licking my toes), and we invited them. I prepared something I’d thought up out of the blue: a combination of ceviche, sashimi and seared salmon. It would be sashimi like in that it wouldn’t be cooked. It would resemble ceviche in that it would be preserved in a liquid for a day or two before being served, and the liquid would perform the “cooking” function; mine would soak for a day in vodka. And it would be lightly seared by its own dramatic presentation: I would set my masterpiece ablaze. I don’t mean to be sexist here, but to employ a well-used folk myth to describe my decision to create this specially for the boys next door: It took balls to try this dish for company without doing a dry run first. Had the dish been anything less than a complete success, we could kiss our hot neighbors’ asses on their way out the door and be the subjects of ridicule for the rest of the summer. But it worked. Try it the next time you’re having some folks over for drinks and dinner. Either serve Drunken Flaming Salmon with the drinks (with toothpicks) or as a first course (with knives and forks).
ultimately coalescing around a mutual love of all things riot grrrl. They soon began creating their own contributions to the canon, building their sound around Catherine’s intricate pounding beats and Marissa-Paternoster-chewsup-Justin-Bieber vocals, and Eric’s biting swirling guitar riffs. With a set of pipes that have drawn comparisons to Gabby Glasser (Luscious Jackson) and Rebecca Gates (The Spinanes), and songs that bring to mind Sleater Kinney, Tegan & Sara, and The White Stripes, Balta echoes a common refrain when she describes the band as “energetic, raw, and genuine“. Others have offered that they “rock with a simple and engaging grace carried by a heavier edge and conscious lyrics,” and that they have an “innocent-yet-ballistic intensity” when performing their “soundly written pop structured tunes.” In 2005, Once a Pawn released their first EP This Way, produced by Ian Aiello of Eagle*Seagull, and began making a name for themselves throughout their native Southeast Nebraska. Shortly after self-releasing their debut album Do You Feel Like This? (2008), they caught the attention of San Francisco’s Queer Control Records. The partnership with QCR has been a great fit for Once a Pawn, as they’d been active in facilitating a strong LGBT community in Lincoln for years. Catherine started and curates a bi-annual Open Drag Night and was crowned Mr. Q 2009 (the beau of the Lincoln drag king pageant) as her King persona C-Styles (C-Styles leans ‘sensitive indie heartthrob’, and by all accounts, Balta totally breaks hearts). She also recently celebrated 4 years of charming the ladies of Lincoln as a member of the boi band Crush. LGBT
Drunken Flaming Salmon • 1 salmon filet (not a steak!) • Absolut Premium vodka • Fennel seeds—1 TBS • Salt-packed capers, unrinsed—1 TBS 1. A day before serving, place the salmon in a container just large enough to hold it, cover with vodka, add fennel and capers, and seal it. 2. Just before serving, remove salmon from
issues matter to Eric too. “I think that it is important for more straight people like myself to be involved in the queer community,” said Scrivens. “It is about human rights, dignity, and standing up for those who are being oppressed. “ Balta helped organize Star City Pride, and Once a Pawn regularly performs at Lincoln and Omaha Pride events. Once a Pawn added Michael Flowers on bass in August of last year, and he fills out their sound with simple and solid low end. The band is finishing up their 3rd fulllength this summer and will be hitting the road with their new material in the fall. Scrivens is “excited about our evolution in songwriting. It is still OAP, but the songs are more dramatic in their composition. The highs are higher and the lows are lower.” In a recent KZUM podcast, interviewer Hilary Stohs-Krause suggests that the band has “moved into a more complex rock sound, experimenting with tempo and melody.” No strangers to touring, OAP have been honing their road chops since 2006 and will be showcasing their new material on the road in October, eager to share their particular style of infectious indie pop with multifarious audiences, whether Lincoln or New York, Cornhuskers or Queers. They’re active and outspoken on behalf of the LGBT community and their music embraces those themes, yet they have an undeniable appeal to all types of music lovers, as evidenced by the fervent fandom that they inspire from their solidly heartof-the-heartland Plains state. You can find more information on Once A Pawn on facebook or at onceapawn.com and Orchidpromotion.com/once-a-pawn/. And information for Star City Pride events can be found at StarCityPride.org.
vodka, slice sharply on the bias (leaving skin), and place on a fireproof serving plate along with fennel and capers. 3. Heat ¼ cup vodka in a small saucepan until warm. 4. Bring the salmon into the living or dining room, turn off the lights, return to the kitchen for the warm vodka, ignite it in front of your guests, pour it over the salmon. 5. Add salt, pepper and lemon juice to taste.
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Inside Out: Normal by Ellen Krug
Just outside the front door of Macy’s on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, there’s a bronze statue of Mary Tyler Moore, or more precisely, a statue of her television character, Mary Richards. It’s an iconic pose, with Mary’s signature hat toss. Whenever I walk past that statue, I think of Mary Richards in 1970, breaking television ground as a single woman in a Midwestern city, trying to make her mark and a happy life for herself. Forty two years later, I’m trying to do the same thing. Like Mary, I’ve explored the Twin Cities and made many new friends. Unlike Mary, I’m transgender and at fiftyfive, a newly-minted woman. I suspect that if Mary Richards re-appeared en flesh outside Macy’s, she’d find quite a different city than the Minneapolis she knew. In particular, the Twin Cities turned into one the country’s great gay meccas. Two years ago, Advocate Magazine ranked us No. 1 on its gayness scale. (Most recently, Salt Lake City—are you kidding me?—took first place.) The subject of “homosexuals”—if not by use of a derogatory term, that’s what they called LGBT people it in Mary’s day—was referenced only indirectly once on the TV show, in an episode entitled, My Brother’s Keeper. (I’ll award ten bonus points to any reader who knew that bit of trivia.) Today, the only thing indirect about LGBT folks here is whether they’re vegetarian or vegan. By the time you read this, the Cities— as we’re so fond of saying—will have marked their 40th Pride celebration. Festivities will include a parade featuring 125 floats and marching units, spanning ten city blocks. Pride Weekend takes over Loring Park, a huge lake and trees enclave in the heart of Minneapolis. Pride will feature four music stages and fireworks. It’s one of those rare events where bare-chested men collectively outnumber shirt-covered attendees 3 to 1. There are so many gay men in this city that my default with every new man I meet is to ask how long he’s been partnered. Lesbians, too, seem to be everywhere (that is, except in my bedroom). Multiple corporations and the city of Minneapolis offer same sex partner benefits. Human Rights Campaign bumper stickers abound. The transgender community— something absolutely positively never mentioned on The Mary Tyle Moore Show or, for that matter, any other television show until this century—has a voice that’s slowly strengthening. We have our own bar, the Townhouse, in Saint Paul. There are numerous transgender-serving nonprofits, all of which post transgenders as executive directors. I also have been lucky enough to snag an executive director’s job for a legal system-related nonprofit, one that actually has nothing to do with LGBT causes. Yes, people here are open-minded enough to hire a transgender who passes until she opens her mouth. Recently, the federal court in Minneapolis gave transgenders a boost by
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. declaring that a transwoman who had fully transitioned (including changing her birth certificate) had the right to marry a straight man. It was a groundbreaking ruling with wide-ranging implications for the entire country. We have gayborhoods where the sight of two men or two women with strollers and snotty-nosed children is reason to yawn. On a weekend, you’ll find as many gay or lesbian couples in Uptown or Lower Town as you will find straight. It’s gotten to the point where in some parts of town, straight people are the minority. In a word, if you’re LGBT, the Cities of 2012 is a wonderful place to live. It’s the new normal. As normal should be. I’m such a Cities booster that I’ve campaigned for my Iowa LGBT friends to move here. I think I’ve convinced one dear friend to relocate. The deal may have been sealed when I took Joe to a leather bar where he line-danced with some dude named Rawhide who wore a kiddie cowboy hat. Go figure. Still, in the interests of full disclosure, elements of a 1970’s Mary Tyler Moore Show society persist, giving reason to wonder if all the progress is real. As I’ve written previously, there’s a huge push to pass what I and others call the “anti-marriage amendment”—a literal attempt to write into Minnesota’s state constitution the definition of “marriage” as the union of one man and one woman. Never mind that there’s already a state law mandating that only opposing-gender people can marry. Proponents of traditional marriage (read Catholic Church) want the state constitution amended to ensure that same sex marriage can’t happen at some future date without their first being a statewide referendum. The LGBT community is hopeful about
I suspect that if Mary Richards re-appeared en flesh outside Macy’s, she’d find quite a different city than the Minneapolis she knew.
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PTWW one can be a part of a loving community of men who accepts them as they are. Men who are retired and have the resources often attend “gatherings” throughout the country. Others with more limited means have somewhere locally to go and have someone to go with. Also, one of the perks of Prime Timers is that those men who are men who come out late may have never had anything but hook up sex. This gives these men an opportunity to meet new men and perhaps for the first time to begin dating as gay men. Interaction is encouraged between chapters; can you discuss in what ways that is done? Through travel, chapter visitors, conventions, etc? Every two years there is an international gathering hosted by one of the chapters. The last was held last fall in Palm Springs with several hundred men attending. Regional meetings are also held. The last I attended and presented to was in Las Vegas with around 150 attending. One can also travel to other parts of the world or United States and have a connection with other men through their local chapters. Primetimers have sponsored cruises throughout the world so you can always travel with old and new friends. As I have traveled to speak, I have been hosted by wonderful men who have welcomed me into their homes and treated me to exceptional hospitality. You always feel welcome. Who can be part of Prime Timers
ACCESSline Page 15 Worldwide? What are the acceptance guidelines? Most of the men are fifty or older, but it is not a requirement. Usually men younger than that are either in a relationship with an older man or would like to be. Otherwise there are no restrictions to joining, and if there is no local chapter, an independent membership will keep you informed of what’s planned and what has been happening. You are trying to put together a chapter in Central Iowa; can you discuss who would be eligible for this? What goes into starting a chapter of PTWW? Any mature man who identifies as gay or bisexual would be welcome to join. I think “maturity” is a state of mind, not an age. Joining the Iowa group would also include a commitment to respect confidentiality. We tend to think of being “out” as black and white, but many men who have led “heterosexual” lives may come out in only limited ways and over a period of time. Once we have a nucleus of interested people, either the president of PTWW or the VP in charge of new chapters will visit us and guide us in the process of getting started. How can you be contacted if people want more information? I can be reached through my blog www. MagneticFire.com or my book website www.FinallyOutBook.com. Finally, I can be reached on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as LorenAOlsonMD. More information on PTWW can be found on their website primetimersww.org.
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A Special Day Celebrated With PRIDE by Brandon J Hansen, NW Iowa Wedding and Event The Wedding from the Wedding Planner’s View
In late 2011 Saraethea and T.K. contacted me to be the wedding planner for their wedding. I was very excited to work with these lovely ladies on their special day and very honored that they wanted me to be a part of history—not just in their lives, but also in their family’s lives. The day Saraethea and T.K. said “I DO” on June 9, 2012 will forever be a memory in their hearts and in the loved ones that celebrated the day with them. The ceremony took place in the Lobby of the Embassy Suites in Downtown Des Moines with the reception to follow shortly after in the ballroom. Following the ceremony T.K., Saraethea, the photography Maggie Bishop (friend of Saraethea) and I headed to the steps of the Capitol for a picture that speaks a thousand words. Then the reception began and all in attendance enjoyed themselves very much with gourmet cuisine, entertainment, customized fruit display, beverages and
delicious cake and cupcakes. When the reception ended a little around mid evening the wedding party and guests headed down the street to the PRIDE festivities which were just a few blocks from the hotel.
How We Met: Saraethea & T.K.
They were both making transitions in
their lives after experiencing break-ups. It was May 22, 2009, in Memphis, Tennessee when they first saw one another. T.K. was at a friend’s house and Saraethea arrived at the same house with her mom. They both spoke to one another but kept it short and blunt. Later, they ended up at Beale Street together just hanging out in a group. Neither of them had the courage to approach the other one with conversation. They just admired each other from a distance. A week went by before they actually made verbal contact with one another. During this time, Saraethea liked to just text everyone she talked to but T.K., on the other hand, did not like to talk through text. T.K. texted Saraethea saying, “I’m not going to talk to you unless you call me.” Saraethea called and they talked for hours at time. This went on for days! Every conversation grew longer and more intense. They started to wake up and go to sleep on the phone with each other daily. After all this talking, Saraethea decided to drive to visit T.K. At this time, they lived three hours away from one another! Saraethea came to visit the first weekend in June which was the 4th-7th of 2009. That weekend was by far one of the best and most memorable nights they have had and that weekend paved the way for their September 4, 2009 Engagement.
Our Wedding Date being Our Anniversary
The date of their wedding also marked
Saraethea and T.K.. Photos courtesy of Northwest Iowa Wedding and Event.
Brandon J Hansen is the owner of Northwest Iowa Wedding and Event with years of experience in the event industry. For more information you can find Northwest Iowa Wedding and Event on Facebook or at nwiaweddingandevent.com. their third year anniversary of being a couple. It was June 9, 2009 when they decided to become an “official” couple. They found the date to be meaningful because it symbolized a new beginning for them both, as well as a new journey together that some fear and dare to take. I want to say a special thanks to Saraethea and T.K. for asking Northwest Iowa Wedding and Event to be with them during this momentous occasion. I would also like to thank Jessica Johnson of the Embassy Suites in Downtown Des Moines, Jason Grinnen (DJ and Officiant), Kay Kakes of Spencer, IA and Maggie Bishop (photographer) for all their efforts in making this moment for the brides a memorable one!
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Minor Details by Robert N Minor Class, Race, and Addicts Who Prefer Eliminating LGBT People
In response to the President publicly supporting marriage equality, its open season for right-wing pastors to publicly preach violence toward LGBT people. Brown University political scientist Michael Tesler has previously shown, as in a recent issue of The American Journal of Political Science, that President Obama has such an affect on race-conscious voters that they adjust their positions on health care reform, taxes, Supreme Court justices, and even a president’s dog because of him. Tesler’s recent analysis of surveys on marriage equality (“The Spillover of Racialization into Marriage Equality”) demonstrates that Obama’s support pulls blacks toward equality, but also pushes white “racial conservatives” away. The most rabid of them feel free to spout the same hatred toward LGBT people as they do toward the not-white president. On May 6th at Berean Baptist Church in Fayetteville, NC, Pastor Sean Hayes’ sermon recommended maiming: “Dads, the second you see your son dropping the limp wrist, you walk over there and crack that wrist…Man up—give him a good punch.” Later he added: “When your daughter starts acting too butch, you rein her in.” On May 10th, Mississippi state Rep. Andy Gipson, a Baptist minister, posted Leviticus 20:13 on his Facebook page in response to the President: “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them
have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.” In the ensuing uproar Gipson stood firm: “To be clear, I want the world to know that I do not, cannot, and will not apologize for the inspired truth of God’s Word.” On May 27th Dennis Leatherman of Mountain Lake Baptist Church in Oakland, Maryland in a fifty-minute sermon proclaimed: “we need to put them all in prisons and we ought to fence them in.” He’d prefer worse, but the Bible constrains him from his fleshly desire to kill: “ To … h a ve a tendency to be effeminate or homosexual is just as wicked as to have a tendency to be a womanizer. Sinful nature does not justify sinful behavior…First of all, there is a danger of reacting in the flesh, of responding not in a scriptural, spiritual way, but in a fleshly way. Kill them all. Right? I will be very honest with you. My flesh kind of likes that idea. But it grieves the Holy Spirit. It violates Scripture.” Charles L. Worley of Providence Road Baptist Church in Maiden, North Carolina in his May 13th sermon preferred elimination of homosexuals in concentration camps. “Build a great, big, large fence—150 or 100 mile long—put all the lesbians in there…Do the same thing for the queers and the homosexuals and have that fence electrified so they can’t get out…and you know what, in a few years, they’ll die out…do you know why? They can’t
reproduce!” Worley’s flesh spoke too: “It makes me pukin’ sick to think about—I don’t even know whether or not to say this in the pulpit—can you imagine kissing some man?” Pastor Curtis Knapp of Seneca, Kansas’ New Hope Baptist Church, however, found no biblical basis to refrain from execution. After referencing Leviticus, he added: “They should be put to death. Oh, so you’re saying we should go out and start killing them? No. I’m saying the government should. They won’t, but they should.” These pastors must be competing for attention for their indistinguishable lives and ministries with Topeka’s notorious Fred Phelps clan. They’re like drug-pushers who need buyers to stay in business, followers to make them feel like Big Daddies. It’s as if they can’t help being obsessed with LGBT people. They have a personal, inexpressible stake, which begs the question of their security in their own sexual attractions. It’s coupled with coming out against the one they’ve turned into the face of darkness, Barack Obama. For they’re the religiously addicted. They feel so righteous in their cause that they have no feelings about blunting their bigotry, hatred, destructiveness, violence, and inhumanity. They’re heavily addicted users desperate for the “high” that preaching righteousness gives them especially when they feel threatened, feel their lives are accomplishing so little. Remember, John Bradshaw: “The high of righteousness is the same as the high of cocaine.” They have no interest in your arguments about what the Bible, god, or history actually says. They must cling desperately to their interpretations as unquestionable truth. Meanwhile an increasingly pro-LGBT culture, now including a black president, acts as if their drug is past its expiration date and no basis for feeling they’re on the side of History or Justice. Rev. Mel White, veteran activist against religious oppression recently warned columnist Chris Hedges (“The War on Gays”) that classism and LGBT oppression are intertwined.
For they’re the religiously addicted. They feel so righteous in their cause that they have no feelings about blunting their bigotry, hatred, destructiveness, violence, and inhumanity.
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WAHLS discrimination against LGBT people. I have to imagine, for Boy Scouts, that number might be just a little bit lower, but there is no doubt in my mind that it is well over 50, probably even over 60%. So, the question is, if we can send this clear message to the Boy Scouts of America’s leadership about their members’ support in ending this policy. That we could actually get it done. You just recently published a book that’s out. Where can people pick that up, and what’s that about? The book is My Two Moms: Lessons of Love, Strength, and What Makes a Family. You can pick it up at Barnes and Noble, or
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. “The culture of hate feeds off the frustrations and feelings of betrayal among the impoverished, the unemployed, the underemployed and the hopeless…As the economy unravels, as hundreds of millions of Americans confront the fact that things will not get better, life for those targeted by this culture of hate will become increasingly difficult.” LGBT oppression is also used to maintain racism, and not just since President Obama embraced marriage equality. We learned in March from internal board memos that the leading group opposing marriage equality, the very white-led National Organization for Marriage, exploits black people for their purposes. “The strategic goal of the project is to drive a wedge between gays and blacks—two key Democratic constituencies,” a memo says. This would: “provoke the gay marriage base into responding by denouncing these [black] spokesmen and women as bigots.” When ministers of color invoke “traditional family values” to collude in LGBT oppression, they’ve ignored white criticism of families of color and promote an image our culture pictures as a very white, suburban, family of privilege in 1950s nostalgia. Oppressive systems function by encouraging groups they oppress to join in the oppression of others rather than upset the system. Thereby the privileged who benefit from keeping others down aren’t threatened themselves.
anywhere most books are sold. Or if you can’t find it at a bookstore, you can get it on Amazon. It wasn’t actually my idea. That was one of the crazy things that happened after the video blew up. I was contacted by all kinds of people and one was a literary agent who thought that there would be potential for a book. It’s part memoir, explaining what it was like growing up with Jackie and Terry, my two moms, and part of it is like a position statement, almost an analysis of LGBT rights and where they stand, and how they move forward in this country. If people wanted more information, or wanted to get in touch with Obama’s campaign, where could they go? A link for folks here in Iowa: www.barackobama.com/ia
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Out of Town: Summer in Seattle by Andrew Collins This city sculpted by Puget Sound and Lake Washington and crowned with leafy hills abounds with lively diversions, both indoor and outside. Plus a sunny and mild climate from June through well into October, makes it one of the country’s most enchanting summer destinations. It’s actually a cool getaway with year-round popularity (yes, even during the grayer, wetter winter months,) with superb restaurants, offbeat shops, and a mix of accommodations for all budgets. Downtown—with its dashing, postmodern skyline—contains a mix of enticing museums, historic blocks, and trendy retail-entertainment strips. The city’s many visiting gays and lesbians are often drawn to Seattle’s LGBT hub, Capitol Hill. Students, dot-comers, latter-day hippies, and young families of all persuasions live in this lofty neighborhood, a 20-minute walk or short cab ride east of downtown. Cutting-edge music, liberal politics, coffeehouses and microbreweries, computer technology, and environmentalism are among the ties that bind Capitol Hill’s disparate populations. The best way to enjoy Seattle is to set aside a few hours each day, and focus on a particular neighborhood and its corresponding draws. Start by touring downtown, with its landmark Pike Place Market, a sprawling 1907 structure abuzz with fishmongers and food marketers of every ilk. If you love to eat or cook, the halls of gourmet goodies are reason alone to while away an afternoon here. You’ll also find scads of genuinely interesting shops, such as art galleries, bath and beauty shops, clothiers, jewelry and crafts makers, and indie booksellers. Other appealing attractions downtown include the Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center and the Seattle Aquarium, which are down along Puget Sound’s salt-aired piers, and the acclaimed Seattle Art Museum. North of downtown you’ll find the loftstyle galleries, restaurants, and music clubs of Belltown, and beyond that, the 600-foot Space Needle, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2012, and ranks among the nation’s most distinctive buildings—you can take an elevator to the top for breathtaking views of the skyline, Puget Sound, and the surrounding Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. The Capitol Hill neighborhood has few
formal attractions, but several commercial pockets are excellent for shopping, club hopping, distinctive dining, and peoplewatching. Pine and Pike streets hold many gay bars, plus some live-music halls and coffeehouses, and Broadway Avenue bustles with a youthful mix of straight and gaypopular businesses. Set aside some time to explore verdant Volunteer Park, home to an exotic-plant-filled conservatory, a 75-foot water tower affording panoramic city views, and the outstanding Seattle Asian Art Museum. Make a point of checking out some of the city’s enchanting off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, such as Madison Park, with its gay-popular beach along Lake Washington as well as the University of Washington Arboretum; the University of Washington-dominated U District; Fremont, a former hippie haven that’s now home to a mix of creative spirits and young professionals; and Ballard, whose roots as a Scandinavian fishing community are still very much evident (it’s a great neighborhood for seafood dining). This latter area has become one of the top Seattle neighborhoods outside downtown for edgy dining and diverting indie retail. One theme that unites virtually all of the city’s most intriguing districts is delicious food - Seattleites take eating seriously, and restaurants here strive to feature local—often farm-to-table—produce, cheeses, seafood, meats, wines, and jams and honeys. Two of the nation’s most celebrated openly lesbian chefs, Christine Keff and Tamara Murphy, are based here. In South Lake Union, Keff dazzles foodies with her fresh, artful creations in Flying Fish, a festive and contemporary seafood joint serving such knockout fare as spearfish with maple-sherry glaze and sautéed kale. Murphy runs Lower Capitol Hill’s muchheralded Terra Plata, which opened in late 2011 and is a fine place to sample creative, beautifully prepared market-driven dishes like sea scallops with smoked tomato vinaigrette, and roast pig with chorizo, clams, and smoked paprika. Another of the city’s highly regarded chefs is Tom Douglas, who runs a powerful mini-empire comprising several acclaimed eateries, from diminutive Dahlia Bakery— which is perfect for artisan breads, divine sandwiches, and tempting tarts—to the
Seattle’s skyline, with Mt. Rainier in the background. Photo courtesy of Andrew Collins. more substantial Lola, whose updated Mediterranean fare (such as braised younggoat tagine with artichokes and fava beans) dazzles gourmands. Capitol Hill has several notable restaurant faves, among them openly gay rising-star chef Jason Stratton’s Cascina Spinasse, a stellar neighborhood trattoria serving boldly flavorful Piemontese cuisine; welcoming Poco Wine Room is scoring high marks for its terrific wine list and well-conceived American cooking; and the gastropub Quinn’s, which can be counted on for tasty, modern takes on stick-to-your-ribs classics, like crispy-skin half chicken served with a toasted brioche, wild mushrooms, spinach, and chicken-liver mousse. Grill on Broadway has for years been a gay tradition for brunch, afternoon cocktails, and late-night dining on eclectic American cuisine. Just down the hill in Madison Valley, stylish Cafe Flora virtually redefines vegetarian food with its complex, sophisticated cooking. Most of the city’s gay nightspots are in lively Capitol Hill, including the ultrapopular and brand-new (in May 2012) Social nightclub, a swanky gay dance club that adjoins a stylish restaurant and lounge called Evo. Longtime mainstays of the gay scene include R Place, great for dancing and drag shows; the cruise-y Cuff Complex, which draws a masculine, bear-ish bunch; the leather-themed Seattle Eagle; and Neighbours, a favorite dance club. Lesbians favor the Wildrose Tavern, a spacious bar with DJs and dancing that’s been going strong since the mid-’80s. A quirky, retro-glam hole in the wall, Pony plays fun music and attracts a diverse bunch, from gay hipsters to students to older dudes who appreciate the throwbackto-the-’70s gay-bar aesthetic. CC Attle’s, which moved to a handsome new space in 2011, is a friendly spot drawing an eclectic, mostly 35-and-older crowd, and cozy and fun Diesel is Seattle’s newest bear bar. The stylish, mod Lobby Bar is a top happy-hour pick with a kitchen turning out tasty victuals, as is trendy and new-ish Saint John’s Bar, which serves drinks all evening and dinner late, plus an excellent brunch. Accommodations in Seattle include a high number of spirited, avant-garde boutique hotels. Among these, consider the
playful, art-themed Hotel Max (hotelmaxseattle.com), a snazzy yet moderately priced hotel whose public areas and guest rooms feature the artwork of more than three dozen provocative Pacific Northwest artists. On the ground floor, the Max’s restaurant, Red Fin, can be counted on for expertly prepared sushi and tasty Pan-Asian cuisine. The intimate Hotel 1000 (hotel1000seattle. com), with its verdant rooftop garden and minimalist, high-tech rooms done in tranquil, muted hues, has quickly is a magnet among travelers. Just a 10-minute walk from the gay-bar scene on Capitol Hill, the discreetly elegant Hotel Sorrento (hotelsorrento.com) is one of the Northwest’s grande dames. The ornately decorated Italianate Revival building contains 76 rooms, each with a different layout and décor, the live music, readings, and similarly arts-minded events are staged regularly in the classic wood-paneled lobby. In up-and-coming South Lake Union, a short walk from the Space Needle, the stunningly designed Pan Pacific Seattle (panpacific. com) has spacious rooms with tall windows, HD Plasma TVs, and deep soaking tubs; it’s in a modern complex with a Whole Foods, the super Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar, and the full-service Vida Spa. Many of the city’s gay visitors regularly stay at one of the three properties downtown run by the hip and GLBT-support Kimpton brand, including the whimsically decorated Hotel Monaco (monaco-seattle. com), the plush Alexis Hotel (alexishotel. com), and the wine-themed Hotel Vintage Park (hotelvintagepark.com). The Hyatt Olive 8 (olive8.hyatt.com), a soaring ecofriendly tower at the base of Capitol Hill, has alluringly modern rooms and beautiful fitness center, 65-foot saline pool, and spa. A more affordable but quite hip option is the Ace Hotel (acehotel.com/seattle), a fun and frugal, Euro-inspired lodging with futuristic-looking rooms—it’s one of the best, and gay-friendliest, bargains in the Pacific Northwest. Andrew Collins covers gay travel for the New York Times-owned 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.
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Hear Me Out by Chris Azzopardi Adam Lambert, Trespassing
Adam Lambert isn’t just here “for your entertainment”—the mission statement, and title, of the Idol grad’s debut, a perfunctory music cherry-popper that entertained but shied away from any bold assertions. A lot changes in three years, though, and the wild rebel—on and off stage, as demonstrated by turning an awards performance into a sex simulation and, you know, by just being gay—wants more than to show you a good time. So, Lambert’s getting down to business: quiet come-down “Outlaws of Love,” reserved for the ballad-heavy second half, is a powerful cry for equality wonderfully sung in a near-whisper (his own “Mad World”); “Underneath” gets to his core, where there’s “no apologies”; and the brazen catwalk-made, Pharrell Williamsproduced title track screams fierce, like some kind of Queen update, and further casts Adam as the queerest bad boy (or girl) on the pop block. His rabble-rousing spills over into “Cuckoo,” where he takes full advantage of his right to “turn it up and get down”—two things you’ll find yourself guilty of. Basically, with the album’s best hook, it’s hot enough to melt the eyeliner off his face. Trespassing is certainly more conceptualized than his debut, but it’s not a perfect album: “Never Close Our Eyes” is Dance Music for Dummies, and the intentionally darker half drags. Let’s just call those growing pains on his glittery path to greatness.
Grade: B
Santigold, Master of My Make-Believe
There’s nothing stopping Santigold, and that’s not just because the Philly native sets off the long-gestating follow-up to her 2008 debut with the strutting bravado of “GO!” Stuttering into a raving cheer like some made-for-roller-skating song out of the ’80s, and featuring dance-queen Karen O, the thrillingly schizo song is just the start of a dynamic cross-genre work that’s ultraabsorbing in its sharp observations on the socio-political climate—and, best of all, always ear-worming. Hopelessness all of a sudden dissipates in the encouraging illusion of “Disparate Youth,” an empowering anthem of freedom, unification and determination filtered through an evocatively
torched rhythmic recipe. Two standouts, “This Isn’t Our Parade” and “The Riot’s Gone,” could be addressing a relationship as much as a revolution. Her intention is clearer on the album’s best cut, “The Keepers,” a sure declaration of madness: “While we sleep in America, our house is burning down.” The song’s drum rush offers a contradiction that runs through much of Master of My Make-Believe: beats that bounce on songs that are considerably bleak. Only a few times, with the aggressively effective but less compelling “Look at These Hoes” and “Freak Like Me,” does she reverse that incongruity for mindlessness. Otherwise, her message seems to be: bad things happen, but keep on moving. With Make-Believe, that shouldn’t be a problem. Grade: B+
...casts Adam [Lambert] as the queerest bad boy (or girl) on the pop block.
Also Out
Neon Trees, Picture Show On the alt-rock, all-Mormon band’s second LP, it’s Tyler Glenn against the world. With “Teenage Sounds,” after suggesting he’s a switch-hitter, he drops this bomb: “I’m sick of being called fag because I’m queer.” It’s an angry rant, particularly lambasting fame whores, that bites down hard with a feverish rebellion that snarls at anyone who ever pissed him off. If you have, his menacing howl will
Deep Inside Hollywood by Romeo San Vicente Dustin Lance Black’s 8 gets bigger
he reads courtroom transcripts might be exciting for the privileged attendees, but multiplex audiences need a little more to grab onto besides their popcorn. When it all finally comes together, expect Milk and Brokeback Mountain levels of attention from a political climate where same-sex marriage makes the daily news almost as often as the weather forecast. The iron’s hotter than it’s ever been. Time to strike, Hollywood!
Bomb Girls blowing up soon
8, Dustin Lance Black’s all-star benefit stage play (George Clooney! Brad Pitt!) about the successful court battle against California’s Proposition 8, the law that repealed marriage equality in that state, is moving closer to a big screen adaptation thanks to director Rob Reiner (When Harry Met Sally). Reiner’s production company, Castle Rock, is working with Black on the script phase, which, according to Black, will expand the courtroom drama to include more personal information about the plaintiffs. Smart move, because sitting 20 feet away from a live benefit performance featuring Clooney as
Sexy lesbians working in a World War II-era bomb factory? Yes, it happened, there just haven’t been a lot of Steven Spielberg movies made about the subject. Because while the heroism of those who served during World War II is the subject of countless movies, books and TV shows, there are simply fewer stories told about the courage of those on the home front. Bomb Girls looks to fill in a bit of that gap. A Canadian TV drama that already aired there earlier this year, Bomb Girls tells the stories of a group of women who work in a munitions factory during the war and co-stars Academy Award nominee Meg Tilly (Agnes of God). Meanwhile, in keeping with the real social upheaval caused
sting you. Then, there’s “Mad Love,” a sweet ’80s-leaned duet with drummer Elaine Bradley—it’s an easy-going moment not at all like Glenn’s temper tantrum. Though more contrived as it moves along, the ironically titled “Hooray for Hollywood” is the band’s low. The song’s a discombobulated, pretentiously arty cautionary tale that, like “Vogue,” name drops dead celebs. Teenage sounds of love and angst serve Neon Trees so much better. Rye Rye, Go! Pop! Bang! My introduction to the Maryland rapper wasn’t off to a great start: though not bad, sampling Robyn on first-single “Never Will Be Mine” felt like an unnecessary, gay-baiting move, a song that would’ve been nothing without the Swede’s contribution. But Rye Rye’s debut, postponed due to pregnancy, is finally out—and our musical relationship is on the mend. Love is in the air on summer-sounding “Crazy Bitch,” a…uh…cute duet with Akon about two psychotic lovers; “Boom Boom” is so stupid, and the kind of the song that won’t leave your ear hole. And how about the other sample? Rolling Annie Get Your Gun music into “Better Than You” is so genius that you start to believe that anything you can do, she can do better. Chris Azzopardi is the editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service. Reach him via his website at chris-azzopardi.com.
by the mass influx of women into the American wartime workforce, the series will indeed feature a lesbian character (played by Canadian TV star Ali Liebert) and her relationship with a co-worker (Charlotte Hegele). Already picked up for a 12-episode second season in Canada, the six-episode first season will debut this fall on cable’s ReelzChannel.
Much ado about Sean Maher
Hey everybody, guess what Sean Maher’s doing next? That’s right, he’s going to co-star in the new Joss Whedon (The Avengers) movie, a modern-day adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Oh, wait, you have no idea who Sean Maher is? Well, that’s your own fault, but here’s a quick recap: he’s the cool, openly gay character actor, already a household name in nerdy, Whedon-following, Firefly and Serenity-obsessed households, who’s been off the radar for a bit thanks to two years of stay-at-home Dad detail. So a return to work is welcome for both him and audiences who appreciate the everyday working actors out there who don’t let their sexuality turn into an endless tabloidbased wild goose chase (*cough* LatifahTravolta). Most importantly, though, it’ll be
Sexy lesbians working in a World War II-era bomb factory? Yes, it happened...
refreshing to see what the witty Whedon does with Shakespeare, and the film will also star Firefly colleague Nathan Fillion, so the news on this one just keeps getting better.
The best rumor of right now: a Downton Abbey movie
As the third season of Downton Abbey shoots, gearing up for a fall telecast in the U.K. and a January bow on America’s PBS, the hottest Emmy-hoarding British import on television is now the subject of rumor after rumor, most of them false. The most frightening one, of course, was the cruel idea that one-liner machine Maggie Smith would soon depart the series (untrue, says Smith and creator Julian Fellowes). But here’s the best one: a theatrical film, probably capping the series’ eventual end on TV (those Brit shows never wear out their welcome with too many seasons, a lesson American series could stand to learn). Fellowes, of course, isn’t confirming but he’s also not denying, choosing instead to address the issue with vague talk of “talks.” In other words, it could happen. So where’s the Facebook petition? We’ll sign it. Romeo San Vicente understands that Mr. Bates is the sweetest, most gentle convicted murderer on TV, but, truth be told, it’s really all about Lord Grantham. He can be reached care of this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com.
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JULY 2012
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ROCK ON most buzz for his rock-god role, Shankman started with a musician who has, oh, just nine Grammys to her name: Mary J. Blige. The soul diva was approached nearly two years ago at a housewarming party for Jennifer Lopez that both were attending. Shankman said he wanted her in his movie; Blige thought he was full of crap. “People say things,” she says, “but they don’t deliver. Six months later he showed up with this script. He believed in me.” His other reasons? “Because I’m a gay man and she’s Mary J.” Blige plays nurturing strip club owner Justice, the mother hen of the movie that has a bigger wardrobe—and more wigs—than an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race. “The giant hair, the braids, the beads, just the freedom and expression,” Blige says of why gays will dig her role. “The gay community is about freedom and expression. They hold nothing back; they just are what they are, and that’s what I believe they will take away from seeing Justice.” For the role, she threw on a Mississippi accent and completely reimagined her character so she could get outside herself. As someone who’s overcome plenty of drama in her own life, Blige had a lot to work from already. “I didn’t want her to be Mary, but I used Mary’s life experiences and who Mary is in real life to build her character, which is this woman who always encourages other women to feel better, be better and just be an example and kind of mother the younger women.” On set, that “example” was Shankman, who was so dedicated to his work that he was always working from a choreography warehouse with no air conditioning—just a table and a folding chair. Boneta doesn’t recall ever seeing him at the swanky production office. “That’s how involved he was,” Boneta says. “He was in the trenches, working, just as much as anyone else was. When you have
Director Adam Shankman of Rock of Ages. Photos credit Warner Bros. someone like that directing you, you can see that onscreen.”
Somehow, too, Shankman does it all with an infectious smile. On this morning, after an emotional night at a Trevor Project screening of the film, it’s surprising to see Shankman so chirpy. “He looks like a bird when he walks, and I love it,” says Hough, looking at Diego and laughing. “He’s so happy, though, and he really loves what he does and that just translates to his work— but also to us. Everybody has to be around him every single day, and to have that kind of energy is pretty great.”
The crazy ’80s
Rock of Ages. Photos credit Warner Bros.
Acid wash, mullets, parachute pants— the jokes in Rock of Ages write themselves. “The period makes fun of itself, for god’s sake,” Shankman says. “You don’t have to go out and try to make fun of the period. Shoulder pads – come on!” That was his advice to Baldwin and Brand, who were told to acknowledge their relationship not as a joke but as if they actually were falling madly for each other. “What am I gonna have them do? Hug at the end of that (scene)? That would be so anti-climatic,” he says. “It’s one of the most innocent kisses ever seen—certainly the most innocent gay kiss ever seen in a movie.” Part of the reason he went all the way with it—further than the original musical,
ACCESSline Page 23 anyway—is because of John Waters. In fact, many of the liberties Shankman took with Rock of Ages are because of the iconic filmmaker. When Shankman was originally commissioned to do Hairspray, casting John Travolta in the role of Edna Turnblad for the 2007 movie, he asked for Waters’ blessing. After some email correspondence, the two met up in Waters’ hometown of Baltimore, where Shankman was filming Step Up, and Shankman remembers his advice: “You have to tell the story through your own filter, otherwise it will be a disaster. You can change anything as long as you make a good movie.” “The courage to do it all came from John Waters,” says Shankman, noting that both Hairspray and Rock of Ages beat from the same heart. “What the movies share at their fundamental core are a couple of things: nothing is worth anything without love; not comprising yourself, and consequences to comprising yourself; and you can’t stop the beat—no matter what, you can’t stop people from expressing themselves creatively. They’re strangely kindred.” But Rock of Ages doesn’t stop there: It’s also about reckless abandon, and the music of that time is a nostalgic reminder of how hang-loose people were. The 47-year-old director, who grew up in L.A., graduated in 1982 and, though this generation will find it hard to believe, couldn’t escape MTV’s constant looping of actual music videos: “Hot for Teacher,” “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and Whitesnake songs among them. “Whether or not you had them in your Walkman, they were everywhere,” he recalls. “I watched MTV News; that was my go-to news channel. This music is so entrenched in our lives that I wanted to honor that.” Not just the music, but also the fact that people were so blithely unconcerned about … everything. Talk about an age that rocked. “That period was the last time this friggin’ country was innocent,” he continues, “because you had all the sex you wanted, there was no AIDS; you could do all the drugs you wanted, there was no rehab; you could throw TVs out of windows of hotels and people loved it.” Shankman’s upcoming projects won’t be so happy-go-lucky: The novel-based This Is Where I Leave You reteams the director with Zac Efron, who starred in Hairspray, as a deceptive bad guy. The director said the film, also featuring Jason Bateman and Goldie Hawn, was his calling. “It’s the most beautiful script I’ve ever gotten,” he says. “I had to wrestle it out of another director’s hand, literally. I needed to make this movie.” The So You Think You Can Dance guest judge is also adapting The Nutcracker into a journey of self-discovery seen through the dark-fantasy lens of Tim Burton. His other project might not ever surface: “I’ve outlined and started to write a movie on all my gay experiences in a 48-hour period. If it never sees the light of day, so be it, but I’m feeling the need to write it. It’s me continuing to wrestle with whatever gay demons I have and needing to explore them and put them on the page.” If it does, the big question is: Who can top Tom Cruise? Chris Azzopardi is the editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service. Reach him via his website at chris-azzopardi.com.
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The Fun Guide
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The Bookworm Sez by Terri Schlichenmeyer “Outlaw Marriages”
by Rodger Streitmatter c.2012, Beacon Press, $26.95 / $32.00 Canada, 224 pages The groom looks nervous. Maybe because he never thought this day would come. He never believed that he’d ever fall in love and because of that, he couldn’t imagine this day. The other groom looks nervous, too. He knows how much work goes into a wedding, and that’s doubly true for a wedding like this. He never thought this day would come, either. He didn’t think the law would ever allow it. Something old, something new? More of the first, as you’ll see in the new book “Outlaw
Across 1 Strap-on for a diver 6 NG: Give relief to a thief 10 Digital-rectal, for example 14 NG: Sports 15 Cole Porter’s Indiana hometown 16 NG: Painter Magritte 17 He often screws actors 18 “Sodomy” musical 19 Tight-assed 20 With 35- and 49-Across, “If all the girls who attended the Yale prom “ 23 Refused to submit, with “out” 24 NG: Specimen for the lab 27 Like sourballs 29 Longtime lesbian couples often do this 31 NG: Mao’s successor 32 NG: “Can you little faster?” 33 NG: Part of a religious title 34 NG: Kid of jazz 35 See 20-Across 39 NG: TLC specialists 40 NG: Full of good cheer 41 Lubricant 42 Much About Nothing 43 Three Tall Women, for one 44 NG: Fine mist 46 1973 Number one hit of Elton John 48 NG: Just right 49 See 20-Across 55 Exclusion of gays from the military, and more 57 NG: Creole veggie 58 De-Lovely star Kevin
Marriages” by Rodger Streitmatter. For more years than you care to count, you’ve been fighting for the right to marry the one you love. It seems lately, though, that the only progress you’re making is backwards, and that’s disheartening. But years ago, gay men and lesbian women didn’t let a little discouragement stop them from enjoying “sub-rosa marriages.” Instead, they boldly “flouted convention.” In 1865, for instance, 45-year-old Walt Whitman fell in love with a handsome 21-yearold streetcar conductor. Until that time, Whitman had a hard time getting his poetry noticed, but falling in love had a “powerful impact” on his work. Peter Doyle became
the older man’s muse and was devoted to Whitman until the poet died. Ned Warren and John Marshall were kindred spirits, too. Both were obsessed with antiquities and had a passion for procuring them for U.S. museums. But though Warren loved Marshall, he didn’t want to be monogamous and then Marshall was forced to marry a woman. Mary Bliss-Marshall knew the score, though, and was happy to let her husband share his bed with Ned Warren. She was also happy to join the two men in procuring more antiques. But, as with any modern union, things didn’t always go well in an Outlaw Marriage. Sometimes, break-ups were inevitable…
Q-PUZZLE: “Friends of Dorothy”
59 NG: Do a critic’s job 60 NG: Turntable spinner 61 NG: The British Museum’s Marbles 62 NG: Grp. or org. 63 NG: Singer Anita 64 Ready for action
Down 1 NG: Clarinetist Artie 2 La aux Folles 3 Friendly opening 4 Nitwit, or the tip of his erection? 5 Half a rack
Greta Garbo was a diamond-in-the-rough when Mercedes de Acosta met the new starlet but under de Acosta’s tutelage, Garbo learned manners and poise, flourished, and succeeded. As a screenwriter, de Acosta did everything to ensure that her lover got good roles and major accolades. The problem was that de Acosta couldn’t keep anything to herself, and she blabbed their secrets in a tell-all book. That was when Garbo coldly told de Acosta to get lost. Let’s start with the bad news: at just over 200 pages, “Outlaw Marriages” is barely longer than a Kardashian wedding. The good news is that it’s just as rich. Mixing history, some old-fashioned scandal, and plenty of star-power, author Rodger Streitmatter not only gives readers a sense of the times in which these “outlaws” lived, but also—and this is pretty amazing—an idea of the tolerance that they enjoyed. In some cases, the media kept mum about the marriage (which, technically, in all cases in this book, were not strictly “marriages”) and in other cases, the situation was public knowledge but few seemed to care. “Outlaw Marriages” is the kind of book you’ll be disappointed to see end because it’s so much fun. And do I recommend it…? I do
6 One that sucks some sap 7 NG: Necklace bauble 8 NG: Buffalo’s lake 9 Edna of Hairspray 10 Muse for Millay 11 Fear of people on Uranus 12 Latina writer Castillo 13 Rev. White of Soulforce 21 Vestment for Mychal Judge 22 NG: Knocked off 25 NG: “ you jest!” 26 NG: Cheer word 27 NG: Plan of action 28 What’s left after a vowel movement? 29 NG: Show host Povich 30 Cousin of Jethro and Jethrine 33 NG: Explorer of Nickelodeon 36 Philip Johnson contemporary 37 Having loads 38 NG: Nacho base 39 NG: Way cool 44 Pacifier 45 Dorothy, source of this puzzle’s quip 47 NG: “Hedda Gabler” playwright Henrik 48 Madonna flick, with Dick 50 NG: Lose control on the road 51 Bear that may be a minor 52 Express love manually, perhaps 53 NG: City near Tulsa 54 NG: Claim innocence of 55 NG: Cover for headlights 56 Some sex-toy batteries
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The Fun Guide
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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.
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WIRED THAT WAY
seen. It matters for two reasons. The Internet is a walled garden. It shows us what we want to see. It reflects our own values and ideas back on us. It hides and obscures any contradictory points of view. Much of this is our own fault. There is a huge and diverse world on the web, but we only see the portion we search for. Social Media is no better. We friend people who share our views. I have over five hundred friend on Facebook and I’ve yet to see a single post attacking marriage equality. Smart searches and targeted ads strengthen this effect. Now our search engine tries to predict what we want to see and after a very short time becomes surprisingly good at it. We live in an increasingly divided society. We are red or blue, Republican or Democrat, Conservative or Liberal. Politics have always been contentious, but never has the nation been so strongly divided on so many issues. There are those that would point the finger at Rupert Murdoch and Fox News. Conservative leaning, sensationalized and prioritizing ratings over integrity critics say Fox has fostered an atmosphere of partisan politics. Whether they are to blame or merely a sign of the times, Fox is certainly a big part of the current political field. Like it or not acceptance of LGBT individuals is also part of this divide. Moderate conservatives are held hostage to social conservatives who have made opposing the LGBT community their number one priority. Right wing pundits use the so called ‘gay agenda’ to raise fear among conservative voters. This is why we must care. If Fox News becomes exclusive on Bing, a few liberal Google users might breathe a sigh of relief. But it threatens to strengthen the walled garden and increase the political divide. Now we have another level of the divide, with Bing users being given a very different set of news stories then Google users. Our choice of search engines is not a political decision but it could have political consequences. The danger lies in the fact that the average person is unaware that the news they are seeing online might be slanted towards one source. The danger for the LGBT community is not that we will miss Fox news but that their viewers will miss seeing us. Progress on LGBT issues will not be achieved by staying in our own walled garden. Change comes when we reach across the lines, when we risk exposing ourselves to those we call enemies. When they know us and we know them real acceptance becomes possible. This is why we cannot let men like Rupert Murdoch create their own walled gardens. We must always be vigilant and find new ways to reach out to conservatives. If they come to see us first and foremost as human beings, no different from them, then they will see our rights and human rights.
Section 3: Community
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JULY 2012
First Friday Breakfast Club : Proud Horizons, Omaha NE Rabbi David Horowitz by Bruce Carr
Rabbi David M Horrowitz Our guest speaker on Friday morning, June 1, was Rabbi David M. Horowitz, national president of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). “We PFLAG folks will always continue to tell our stories and offer support wherever and whenever we are needed,” he said. “That’s one of the things we do best!” Rabbi Horowitz delivered his own story in a highly amusing—even standup—fashion that connected directly with his audience: when his daughter came out to them as a lesbian (on the eve of her college graduation), he and his wife “cried all night! I was sure I was the only parent in the world who had a gay child. (I don’t know who I thought birthed gay children.) I believed I was the only clergy person to be so afflicted. “[But] PFLAG introduced me to people who were just like me; parents and even clergy parents. Still, I moved forward with some fear. What would people think? What would the members of my congregation think? “But on the course of my personal journey, something incredible happened. As I came out as the parent of a lesbian daughter, so did more than 200 families in
my congregation who had a close connection to the LGBT community. As I learned more and found myself around this new and expanding family, I became comfortable… and was able to reach out to others. That ability to connect with people—especially those in the very start of their own learning and acceptance process—keeps me an active part of my local chapter today.” Rabbi Horowitz emphasized that “we are no longer your parents’ or grandparents’ PFLAG. We began in the 1970s basically as a support group. But times are changing. We’re way past that basic “PFLAG-101” model. It’s time for us to move on to “PFLAG201” with increased focus on education and advocacy. Anti-gay groups like “Focus on the Family” are now spreading dangerous misinformation about our families and community. It’s time for us to join together in raising our own voices, to tell the world that PFLAG truly understands what real family values are all about.”
David M. Horowitz is rabbi emeritus of Temple Israel, Akron, Ohio; he served that congregation from 1983 to 2001. Prior to that post, he served congregations in Indianapolis and Hammond, Indiana; in retirement, he also served a congregation in Gold Coast, Australia. Horowitz has been a part of PFLAG Akron, Ohio, since 1990, and he joined PFLAG’s National Board of Directors 2002. Horowitz’s work was the topic of a chapter entitled “Every Day the Rabbi Helps Gays,” in Dan Woog’s Friends and Family/ True Stories of Gay America’s Straight Allies, and he wrote the chapter “David” in A Family and Friends Guide to Sexual Orientation, ed. Bob Powers and Alan Ellis. Rabbi Horowitz has been married to his wife, Toby, since 1963 and they have two children, Wendy (married—by her rabbi father—to her life partner Julian, a transgender man) and Daniel, and three grandchildren. He can be reached at pflagpresident@aol.com.
Men with Rounded Corners by Loren A. Olson MD A while back a young man told me he liked older men because “they have all their corners rounded off.” I liked that metaphor so much I used it as the title of a subchapter in my book, Finally Out: Letting Go of Living Straight, a Psychiatrist’s Own Story (FinallyOutBook.com). Most of our world doesn’t think of older men as being sexual, particularly not as being sexual with other men, and even within the LGBT community, older men are often not acknowledged. At Des Moines Gay Pride events I heard one young man say, “Thirty four? That’s OLD!” But I see older men as men with scratches and patina that add to their quality, just as they do on a valued antique. Older men have different issues than younger men, especially older men who wait until later in their lives to come out or perhaps find it impossible to come out at all. That is the reason the editors have asked me to write this monthly column.
I will be addressing issues of older gay men, at least those older than thirty four, unless of course you’re a younger man who likes vintage men. In that case, I’m happy to address your issues, too. As an older gay man, a psychiatrist who came out later, having been married to a woman and having kids and grandkids, and now married to a man who’s been my partner for 25 years, I’ve lived a lot and what I haven’t lived, I’ve heard about. So send your questions addressed to Loren Olson MD at managingeditor@accesslineiowa.com and I’ll address them in future columns. Chances are good someone else has the same question or a similar one. You need not feel alone. Loren A Olson MD is Board Certified, Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and Named “Exemplary Psychiatrist” by National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Proud Horizons is a support group for youth and young adults between 13 and 23 years old who are: gay, queer, lesbian, bisexual, questioning, non-identity, transgender, gender queer, and gay supportive. As a support group they encourage connection, sharing and laughter. They deal head-on with issues and support individuals whether they are out and loud, in the closet, or somewhere in between. Confidentiality and safety are strictly enforced, with no limits on what is controversial for discussion. Proud Horizons offer the following
resources: a peer support network, advice on coming out issues, honest and accurate information, and a print/media library. They also host a few events which include the Tom Mahony Pride Prom, advocacy and volunteer opportunities, and occasional videos and pizza. Proud Horizons meets every Saturday from 4-6 PM at First United Methodist Church at 7020 Cass Street, Omaha NE. For more information call 402-291-6781 or email at proudhorizons@yahoo.com or visit them on Facebook or proudhorizons.com.
I.C. Kings Drag King Show
19+ ‘til 10PM and Studio 13 will have drink specials. It’s the most fun you can have on a Thursday night! I.C. Kings are drag kings from the Iowa City/ Cedar Rapids, IA area, who put on fabulous shows I.C. Kings at their table at Iowa City Pride. Courtesy of I.C. Kings. at various The I.C. Kings will be performing Thurs- venues. The members change depending day, July 26th at Studio 13 in Iowa City, IA. on availability. Show starts at 9PM with a second For more information go to their face(different!) show at 10:30PM. The show is book page, facebook.com/I.C.Kings.
Section 3: Community
JULY 2012
ACCESSline Page 27
From the Pastor’s Pen by Rev. Jonathan Page Like many of you, I had the pleasure of attending some of the gay pride festivities in Des Moines this month. As the sun baked my tender bleach-white skin, I listened to one of this year’s honorees recall the struggles of the gay rights movement and rejoice at the progress that had been made. Glancing around the crowd, I realized that many were not paying attention to this moving testimony. Lube wrestling, beer, and potential liaisons were grabbing attention away from the speaker. Being at that point sober, I got to thinking, specifically about H.R. Niebuhr’s classic work The Meaning of Revelation. I am a bit of a dork, after all. In that book, Niebuhr argued that although discrete historical events occur, we cannot describe history objectively. All history, all events, are filtered through a person’s perspective. There must be a person who views, experiences, and then interprets an event. Therefore, while objective history might exist, all accounts of history are subjective. We recount what we experience and what we see, rather than what actually happened in some reified sense.
When we interpret events in our life, we try to fit each occurrence into a logical framework, a narrative that makes sense of the event in our own larger context. Each of us has many narratives that make up our self-identity, and sometimes these narratives are conflicting, but we still fit them together so that we have a sense of who we are. What is true of individuals is also true of communities. Communities have governing narratives and they fit events into those larger contexts. According to Niebuhr, the Bible is the attempt of the people of Israel, and later Christians, to fit events into the larger narrative of God’s role in their collective life. For example, when the Israelites crossed the Red, or Reed, Sea, they experienced the hand of God delivering them from their captivity in Egypt. It fit into the larger narrative of Israel as God’s chosen people, destined to inhabit their own land. No doubt the Egyptians interpreted events differently. The Israelites told and retold this story, and it likely changed over time. Eventually, the story of the Exodus became a crucial part of Israel’s narrative—of Israel’s experience with God in the world.
Here is the key point for the gays: each community has its own narrative, its own story.
Here is the key point for the gays: each community has its own narrative, its own story. Events in that community’s history get placed within that narrative, and then get re-enacted in the ritual life of the community. How well an event is embodied in a community’s ritual helps to determine how central that event is in a community’s self-identity. Every time a person gives a testimony or participates in a ritual, he or she recounts a narrative and places certain events within that larger story. This is true for individuals and for communities, both religious and secular. I could not help but be struck by how the Capital City Pride celebrations in Des Moines are used to ritualize and remember the communal narrative of gays and lesbians in our society. Pride parades happen every June to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall Inn riot of 1969. This yearly celebration has two effects: it magnifies the role of Stonewall within the larger struggle for gay rights, and it shapes the way the community tells its own story and embodies its own communal reality. This is where religious people can teach the gay rights movement a thing or two. Several years ago, I had the pleasure of hearing Timothy McCarthy, an activist and Harvard faculty member, deliver the Papadopoulos Lecture at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. The
Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus Performs Pride!
ABOVE: Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus, RIGHT: Wyatt Reicherts, Tenor Soloist during the production HarMENy. BOTTOM: York Taenzer, Tenor Soloist during the Finale of “Proud”. Courtesy of Gregory Photography. DMGMC performed their concert Pride! June 16th at Sheslow Auditorium in Des Moines, IA. It was a “one night only” concert with content to be sung at GALA 2012, the international festival of GLBT choruses, held in Denver this July 7-11th. Members include: Greg Gross, Ken Hanson, Kim Jones, Tim Burgess, J. Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer, Bill Nolan, Chuck Jordan, Doyle Monsma, Jim Torsky, Justin Jarrell, Keith Meendering, Matthew Ellinwood, Russ Kruse, James Vacca, Mark Dickerson, Rick Miller, Tom Vance, Erick Olmscheid, Hal Thompson, Charles Carnes, Craig Otto, Friedhelm Brinkhaus, Joe Freund, TY MC Cubbin, and Directors Dr Rebecca Gruber and Ben Hagen. The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus is dedicated to promoting harmony among all while advancing a positive image of gay people through outstanding musicianship, creative programming, and community outreach.
Originally known as the Des Moines Men’s Chorus from 1985 to 1992, the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus (DMGMC) reorganized in 2001 under the guidance of Artistic Director and Conductor, Dr. Randal A. Buikema. In 2005, the chorus found new leadership under Dr. Rebecca Gruber, the current Artistic Director and Conductor. The chorus has an extensive history of performances and honors. Newly reformed, the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus gave its first performance in May 2001, thanks to the dedication of supportive members of the community. The chorus now presents a three-concert season and performs at various events in the community. For more information on DMGMC go to dmgmc.org. For more information on Gregory Photography contact Gregory at greg@gregoryphotography.com or 641-691-4734.
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. lecture, entitled “Stonewall’s Children,” lambasted the gay community for its own historical amnesia. Younger gays simply do not know much about gay history. The more accepting that society has become, the less relevant the history of the gay rights struggle is to younger gays. McCarthy, in my mind justifiably, sees this as a big problem for the community. Those who have greater acceptance, whites
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TONY HANSEN disregard for the concept of frugality (a core conservative value) with a perpetuation of gluttonous appetites for all things material through a vain, and an adolescent, boastful, selfish claim “It’s mine”. This is incivility at its core, and is a primary objection raised by many of the Occupy. There is an ugly and heavy hand of religion being deployed into public policy. Respect for religion has morphed into an idolatry of religion, specifically EvangelicalProtestant sects, as a framework for public policy. There is little room for alternative ideas about religion in the media or public arena with the heavy pronouncement by the various religious zealots despite the Constitutional limitations upon American government with respect to religion. Religious fundamentalists are among the worst with respect to compromise since they consider their “marvelous superior” position, or cause, as a calling rather than a simple viewpoint. All other opinions cannot possibly matter because the apparent “will of God” is on their side, and thus a forgone conclusion of other opinions being inferior, regardless of just nature or destruction that the zealots’ opinion may justify. The late author Ray Bradbury stated, “we insure the future by doing it”. Thus, if we do not want to see the rollback of programs and services that protect Americans, we should occupy. If we want civility in government rather than adolescence, we should occupy! If we want respect for religion rather than religious law, we should occupy! If we want to restore faith in the society as an aggregation of the individual goods, we should occupy! If we want government for the 99% instead of the 1%, we should demand accountability from lawmakers, occupy and VOTE!
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Section 3: Community
Inclusive Life Community Foundation Established Urgent Care the Mind, Crisis Refuge, Counseling and Advocacy is being established in Omaha and Council Bluffs by the formation of the Inclusive Life Community Foundation Inclusive Life announces the formation of the Inclusive Life Community Foundation, a 501c3 organization. The foundation resolves to fulfill a need that is not being fulfilled in our communities. Our mission is to help people who need Urgent Care for the Mind, Crisis Refuge, Counseling and Advocacy. It is common knowledge that human services in Nebraska and Iowa are receiving failing grades. Right now the reality is, the rules and regulations created by governmental and private agencies exclude many people who “fall through the cracks.” Some people need urgent care, food, or shelter. Some need to set up periodic counseling. Some need an advocate to help navigate the changing health care system and make the most of the benefits available to them. The Inclusive Life Community Foundation is resolved to include all people in our community. Urgent Care for the Mind FACT: Crisis care is limited to those who are suicidal and/or homicidal. Our counselors provide immediate screening, assessment, and counseling for urgent but non-life threatening mental health conditions. Crisis Refuge FACT: Individuals, Couples
and Families are being denied shelter in our communities every day. Our Crisis Refuge program will serve individuals, couples and families that are not traditionally served by existing programs. Counseling FACT: Every distressing condition is treatable. We know what to do to relieve people’s suffering. We integrate substance abuse and mental health counseling with clinical research and teaching, to provide continuously improving leading edge care. Advocacy FACT: Many people fall through the cracks when referred to agencies and professionals if they hit a roadblock. We integrate our counseling services with advocacy and case management. We provide hands on assistance and care by collaborating with existing agencies and professionals. About Inclusive Life: An independentmultifaith-nonprofit organization that has been providing ordained clergy to provide services and care to those who are religious-nonreligious and spiritual, since 2009. For more information, visit us on the web at www.inclusivelife.org or call (402) 575-7006. About the Clearview Center: Since 2006, Bob has provided leading edge substance abuse and mental health counseling, along with career and relationship success coaching. For more information, visit FaceBook or theclearviewcenter.com or call (402) 612-2516.
JULY 2012
Iowa Republicans for Freedom Celebrates Anniversary The conservative group Iowa Republicans for Freedom (IRFF) celebrated one year since its founding in June 2011. A year ago, former Iowa State Senator Jeff Angelo launched the group with the mission of protecting individual liberty, limiting government intrusion, and increasing conservative support for marriage for same-sex couples in Iowa. “In its first year, Iowa Republicans for Freedom has given voice to Iowans who believe that conservative values of smaller government should keep government out of the private lives of all citizens, including gay and lesbian Iowans,” said Senator Angelo. Senator Angelo started the organization after publishing an opinion piece in which he detailed his journey from sponsoring an amendment in the Iowa Legislature that would have banned marriage for same-sex couples, to supporting full marriage equality. Since the group launched, 130 new members have joined, and five prominent Iowa Republicans signed on to be a part of the advisory board, including City Council members Jason Gordon of Davenport, Craig Patterson of Grimes, Matt Walsh of Council Bluffs, and Linn County Republican Chair Kathy Potts. “Since joining Iowa Republicans for Freedom, I have received so much positive feedback from conservatives in Iowa and around the country. Marriage equality is truly a conservative issue,” said Potts. “I believe in the American dream of individual liberty, and what could be more antithetical to that
dream than barring someone from marrying the person they love? I know that there are many conservatives who hold the values of fairness and freedom and we need to stand up and make our voices heard. That is why I joined Iowa Republicans for Freedom.” Conservative support for marriage is growing. Last year, four Republicans in the New York state legislature were crucial votes in the passage of New York’s marriage equality law. Just a few months later, a Republican majority in the New Hampshire House of Representatives defeated an amendment that would have repealed New Hampshire’s marriage equality law. Prominent Republicans have also voiced their support for the freedom to marry, including former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Bush Administration Solicitor General Ted Olson, first daughter Laura Bush, and former Vice President Dick Cheney. In December, 2011 a New York Times poll found that a majority—58%—of likely Iowa Republican caucus-goers supported some form of relationship recognition for same-sex couples. “Looking ahead, I see great things for this organization,” continued Angelo. “I know that the future of marriage equality in this country rests with conservatives as we saw in New York and New Hampshire and here in Iowa. I invite conservatives who truly believe in small government and in individual freedom to stand with us in support of our fellow Iowans.”
JULY 2012
Section 3: Community
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International Mister Leather…Love It or Leave It by Mike Prater
Mike Prater at IML 2012 International Mister Leather (IML) is an international conference and contest of Leathermen held annually in May since 1979 in Chicago, Illinois. The International Mister Leather conference spans several days, and includes the International Mister Leather competition, as well as other events, such as speakers, socials, themed dance parties and a leather market. Most, but far from all, attendees are gay men and BDSM enthusiasts also have a presence at the event. Many people think of IML (International
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JUST SAYIN’ tier of benefits does not require a change in law. Whether it is, access to on-base housing or access to vital family readiness programs or even a basic ID card to be able to get on base. The committed partners and spouses of gay troops are simply denied support based solely on the grounds that they are not the opposite sex of their spouse. Let’s be clear. DOMA must be repealed or declared unconstitutional for full equality in benefits and support. However, in the mean time, the Defense Department must update the out-of-date policies in order to support gay military families where allowed by law. While the rest of the federal government has updated numerous policies to include the same-sex partners and spouses of their employees, the Department of Defense continues to fail at meeting its obligations to support all military families by updating their policies. The benefits and support that can be updated have been pointed out repeatedly to the Pentagon, thanks to gay rights groups. However, action has still not been taken. The only response continues to be they are “studying” the issue (it has been more than two years since the Comprehensive Review Working Group first started studying the issue). This has put an enormous strain upon the families of gay and lesbian service members.
Mister Leather) as another beauty pageant. I can see that! But, that is not what I believe. I was asked to run again (I received first place the previous year) for Mr. Midwest Leather in 2011. Now, I had won a leather contest in Lexington, KY (Crossings-Lexington Leather 2010) and took the title to different places doing fundraisers. Community involvement has been in my blood for the past 30 years. So when I started doing the leather contest, I just added the sash. I was now being called a sash queen. When I won Mr. Midwest Leather 2011, I began to wonder where this fit into the scheme of things in the leather community. After a drive across Missouri with a friend he set me on the path I needed to be. As a title holder, you should have a platform (something you want to get across) of what you believe. I did! I became an ambassador for my community and I was taking this on the road. Speaking to whoever would listen about leather and what we do. Leather is simple! We started out with just fulfilling our sexual desires in whatever manner we wanted. There was order to this madness, rules we lived by. Through time and the AIDS crisis we stepped up to help our brothers/sisters in need. We began to have fundraisers for people living with HIV/AIDS. Now, please understand that we still fulfill our sexual desires, but we also added the process While heterosexual military families sacrifice so much in service to our country, gay military families sacrifice even more because they are denied the support they need. Unlike heterosexual families, gay military families are forced to live separately when the service member is stationed at a duty station outside of the United States because they are not “command sponsored”. Unlike heterosexual families, gay military families are denied access to on-base housing and denied compensation for the costs of more expensive off-base housing. Unlike heterosexual families, gay military families are denied the ability to access much needed on-base counseling services designed to deal with deployments and military life. Unlike heterosexual families, gay military families continue to sacrifice an enormous amount in service to our great nation; all while being treated as if somehow they are second-class. The time is now to support all military families. As we honor the service of gay service members, remember that they have families who should be honored as well. Denying these families the same support and benefits as their heterosexual counterparts is not the way to do it. It is time for action.
of giving. I would like to add that Leather equals Kink/BDSM. Yes, there is a kinky side to me, but there is a sense of pride to give back. I can’t explain it, but people love the sash. My platform is very simple…anti-bullying through mutual respect. We as Leathermen/ women understand mutual respect through play. If it is bondage, flogging, spanking, breathe control, to name a few—we and our partners must work together, or it is out of sorts. The same way when meeting someone different than yourself, you use the same mutual respect used with your play partners. There would no longer have racism, bullying, or rape (just to mention a few things) because of new found respect of the individual. Going to IML was a special treat for me because I have been around the block several times so I was fully aware of the contest. What I was not aware of was the production it is. There was a closeness I felt with all the other contestants that is still with me, the bond we have is hard to describe. They kept telling us “To Breathe” and to “Buckle Up”, because it was going to be a hell of a ride. I didn’t get it at first, and then all hell broke loose. As the ride started, I almost forgot to breathe. From Wednesday, when I arrived in Chicago, to Sunday, when the competition was over, the ride went on. There were rehearsals every day (stand here not there and exit over here), interviews
(what do you think about this or that); photo shoots (what will you wear and how will you stand). At the same time please stay buckled and don’t forget to breathe. Also don’t forget to sign 100 posters. Remember smile, they want to see you smile. This is all a lead up to the big night. Who will make the top 20 and the top 3? Unfortunately I did not make it to the top 20, much less the top 3. I can say I did my best and came back with my head held high. There is a sense that those who did not make top 20 somehow disappointed their community, I hope not. Not placing or winning does not define us/me, but I will say that I became a stronger Leatherman. Some will say we don’t need the leather contest, I say do one and then tell me what you feel afterwards. There is a bond between the leather community that is so strong, so emotional, and some would say pure. As for IML, “take it or leave it”, I will take it. I do not know what number I placed in and not sure I want to know. I may just wait until my last dying breathe and call for the envelope, rip it open, and go “SH@T”. Mr midwest leather is a male leather contest, which has had a transgender contestant in 2010. Mike Prater is CrossingsLexington Leather 2010 and Mr Midwest Leather 2011. He can be reached at email mustatbehr@yahoo.com.
Nine Students Receive FFBC Scholarships
FFBC’s 2012 Scholarship Recipients BACK ROW, L-R: National PFLAG President Rabbi David Horowitz, Logun Buckley, Chanse Dunn, Fabio Vidal and Derek Steinauer. FRONT ROW, L-R: Alexander Brown, Arianna Dahlin, Ruth Reidl, Sarah Henderson, Claire Boeke, FFBC Scholarship Chair Allen Vander Linden Nine recent Iowa high school graduates were awarded First Friday Breakfast Club (FFBC) Scholarships for their efforts in fighting homophobia. The scholarships are worth $2,500 each. The nine recipients were: Claire Boecke, Ames; Alexander Brown, Council Bluffs; Logun Buckley, Alden; Arianna Dahlin, Ainsworth; Chanse Dunn, Sioux City; Sarah Henderson, Wilton; Ruth Ann Riedl, Iowa City; Derek Steinauer, Cedar Rapids; and Fabio Vidal, Des Moines. “These students demonstrated significant leadership in reducing homophobia and raising awareness of LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] issues in their schools and communities,” said FFBC President Jonathan Wilson. “I expect we’ll be seeing even more contributions from them through their college years and beyond.” The recipients were involved with a variety of activities including: establishing gay-straight alliances (GSA’s); staging alternative proms; volunteering for Iowa Safe
Schools and LGBT organizations Iowa Pride Network and One Iowa; and organizing LGBT events in their schools like the National Day of Silence, Diversity Day, AIDS Awareness Day and LGBT History Month. The ceremony was held June 1st at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines. Rabbi David Horowitz, National President of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), addressed the scholars. He noted how the students’ efforts contributed to the inevitability of full LGBT equality. Since 1997, FFBC has awarded $140,000 in scholarships to Iowa high school seniors planning on post-secondary education. FFBC is an educational, non-profit Des Moines breakfast group for gay, bisexual and transgender men. It is Iowa’s largest breakfast club. The group meets monthly. FFBC works to reduce prejudice and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The group strives to provide opinion leaders and the general community with positive images of LGBT people.
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PASTOR’S PEN who self-identify as gay or lesbian in major metropolitan areas, no longer see their links with those still in the midst of the struggle, racial and ethnic minorities, those who are non-gender conforming, and those in rural areas. The question is how can we use ritual, like pride parades, to retell our story in ways that promote further liberation and action on behalf of those who need it? Obviously, pride celebrations need to be fun. They need to attract people and make it worthwhile to come. But they also need to maintain their edge. How can those within the gay community who feel marginalized celebrate themselves in the parade alongside more staid groups like churches and PFLAG? The moment you lose leather and whips, you begin to lose something important. Can the stage performances maintain their edginess as well? Can they also recall history and retell the story in empowering ways? Overall, I was impressed with the balance that Des Moines Pride maintained between fun, personal expression, pride, and activism. But if we want to carry on the struggle, we need to ensure that our yearly rituals maintain their power in forming communal identity. Religious groups do this well. Can the gays?
The moment you lose leather and whips, you begin to lose something important. ~Rev Jonathan Page
QC Pride gives to Area nonprofit organizations Just as they did during the 2011 festival, Pridefest guests had the opportunity to donate one dollar of every $5.00 entry to the festival to one of the participating nonprofit organizations in attendance. Canisters representing each organization were available at the gates and guests were given one ticket for each admission which they deposited into the canister of their choice. Checks have been issued to the following nonprofit organizations: Davenport Chapter NAACP $25.00 DeLaCerda House $135.00 Equality IL Education Project $197.00 Lambda Legal $129.00 Metropolitan Community Church $267.00 One Iowa $163.00 Planned Parenthood of the Heartland $327.00 Quad City Botanical Center $176.00 Quad Citians Affirming Diversity $260.00 QC Pride Inc $449.00 The Project Quad Cities $276.00 Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the QC $116.00
Section 3: Community
JULY 2012
Quaker Oats EQUAL interview by Angela Geno-Stumme
Quaker Oats EQUAL at Iowa City Pride 2012. Members : Phil Johnson, David Miller, Jamie Schumacher, and Kitty Edwards (left to right). Courtesy of Quaker Oats EQUAL. David Miller is the Chair of Quaker Oats Equal Cedar Rapids, which is part of an EQUAL network within PepsiCo. He spoke of what his group is, who can be a part of it, what PepsiCo does for their LGBT employees, and what his group has done for the local LGBT community. How did Quaker Oats Equal get started? Is it part of a national corporate group or was it started locally? EQUAL is an employee resource group of PepsiCo, the parent company of Quaker Oats. Most PepsiCo locations have an EQUAL network and all PepsiCo locations have the ability to start an EQUAL network. How have Quaker Oats and its parent company PepsiCo helped support LGBT employees and Quaker Oats Equal? PepsiCo is a huge supporter of our LGBT employees. We offer 100% parity across employee benefits for LGBT couples regardless if the state the couple resides in allows gay marriage. This means LGBT couples, whether married, in a civil union, or a declared domestic partnership, are offered the same employee benefits as heterosexual married couples. PepsiCo also conducts LGBT diversity training, has a strong LGBT recruiting effort, and we sponsor many LGBT events with our corporate peers. Is Quaker Oats Equal specifically for LGBT individuals? Who can be a part of Equal? EQUAL is an LGBT and ally employee resource group that is focused on increasing the awareness of the issues affecting our LGBT and ally workforce and community. We focus on educating our workforce, as well as advocating for and supporting our LGBT and ally associates. EQUAL membership is open to all PepsiCo associates, anyone who wants to support PepsiCo’s diversity and inclusion mission may join. What events or group activities do you hold? EQUAL Cedar Rapids holds many in plant and community events. Our biggest
event this year was Cedar Rapids pride. Quaker Oats EQUAL set up a vendor booth giving away Quaker products and had Cap’n Crunch on location for pictures with attendees. We held a “breaking the silence” pizza party to celebrate the end of the Day of Silence, for the Linn Mar High School GSA, and plan to sponsor a National Coming Out Day pizza party at another local High
School GSA in October. In plant, we have held anti-bullying seminars, plan to hold a lunch and learn with Iowa Pride Network and local High School GSA leaders, and have awareness events which include a poster campaign and a Quaker Closed Circuit Television campaign, which is broadcasted throughout the plant. These awareness events include celebrating the National Day of Silence, National Coming Out Day, gay history month, the anniversary of the DADT repeal, and World AIDS Day. You donate and sponsor events in the LGBT community, which events have you been involved in? This year, we have been a sponsor of Miss Gay Iowa USofA, Iowa Pride Network, and Cedar Rapids Unity (Cedar Rapids Gay Pride). We have participated in an Iowa Pride Network ERG conference with Principal, John Deere, and Pioneer, sharing ideas around further development of our respective employee resource groups, and held a vendor booth with product giveaways and a Cap’n Crunch meet and greet at the Cedar Rapids Gay Pride Festival. You mentioned a fundraising event for World AIDS Day, is that still in the works? Can you tell me more about it? We plan to hold a door donation campaign on Friday November 30th. Our members will be placed with donation buckets at all plant entrances and ask for donations from associates. All donations will be donated to AIDS research. If people want more information who can the contact? They may contact David Miller, chair of Quaker Oats EQUAL Cedar Rapids by emailing david.miller2@pepsico.com.
David Miller, Chair of Quaker Oats EQUAL and members of the Spectrum GSA at Linn Mar High School in Marion, IA. Courtesy of Quaker Oats EQUAL.
JULY 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 4PM-2AM, 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 31 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.
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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
JULY 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
JULY 2012
Section 3: Community
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Section 3: Community
Capital City Pride 2012 Des Moines, IA
Photos courtesy of Gregory Photography, greg@gregoryphotography.com.
St. Louis Rope Social Come “fling some string” at the St. Louis Rope Social, an organic free form gathering of rope bondage enthusiasts. We come together to share the joys of rope bondage in a casual setting. All experience levels of rope riggers are welcome. Show others what you know, feel free to ask questions, learn a new tie, or just hang out and watch. The rope social is open and accepting of people of all sexual persuasions and orientations. It is a non-sexual, alcohol free, and smoke free event for friends age
21 and older. We require all attendees to remain clothed. Fetish wear is more than welcome, just keep it street legal. This event occurs each month at Bad Dog Bar & Grill, 3960 Chouteau Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110. The next gathering will be on Sunday, July 15th, 2012 from 3 to 7 pm. A $5 suggested donation is appreciated but no one will be turned away. Bring a bondage buddy or come by yourself, and let’s have fun!
JULY 2012 SScontinued from page 15
INSIDE OUT defeating the anti-marriage amendment. Stay tuned. I’m sure you’ll hear more about this from me come November. Apart from some screwed-up politics, the Cities offer things that many LGBT people consider crucial, like countless kitchen supply stores. There’s also world class theatre (the Guthrie), museums (the Walker) and music (First Avenue). We’ve even got the first progressive rock public radio station, known as The Current, 98.3 FM (you can even stream it). I lose track of the number of restaurants and farmer’s markets, other offerings crucial to a happy LGBT existence. Then there are the LGBT organizations: a gay chamber of commerce known as Quorum. A gay lawyers organization, Minnesota Lavender Bar Association. and, of course, there’s the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, 120 singers strong. If you think about it, it’s fairly amazing how Minneapolis has changed since Mary Richards threw her beret at the corner of Eighth Street and Nicollet. In my opinion, it’s proof of humanity’s near inevitable movement forward, over or around obstacles like the church or small-minded people and institutions. To paraphrase the signature line from The Mary Tyler Moore Show: LGBT people everywhere—but in the Cities in particular—You’re gonna make it after all. I invite you. Come visit. Come live here. Enjoy a place where you’re considered normal.
JULY 2012
Section 3: Community
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