CHAIN Day on the Heartland News Inaugural Address Hill, Feb. 7, 2013 Historic by President Obama
Senator Bill Dix takes time to listen to the comments and concerns of CHAIN advocates: L to R: Tami Haught, Sen. Bill Dix, Roger Fisher, Nick Rhoades, and Evelyn Thompson. Community HIV/Hepatitis Advocates of Iowa Network (CHAIN) announced the launch of a new education mobilization campaign to modernize Iowa’s Code 709c “Criminal Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus”. The statute
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LGBT Mental Health: Anxiety and Depression
by Angela Geno-Stumme
President Obama was sworn in for a second term as the 44th President of the United States. During his speech, the president stated: “Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law. For if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.” President Obama also acknowledged the Stonewall riots that were widely viewed as the beginning of the modern day struggle for LGBT equality. Statement from One Iowa Executive Director Donna Red Wing: “Today’s speech by President Obama as he was sworn in for a second term was nothing short of historic. For the first time in history, a President spoke openly about gay and lesbian Americans, honored the courage and heroism of our brothers and sisters at Stonewall, and embraced a very basic principle: love is love. In May 2012, President Obama became the first president to endorse marriage equality, and his support,
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Meet the Men of Iowa Leather’s Fetish February
by Angela Geno-Stumme
Mental health is important to everyone; however, those of us within the LGBT community have more considerations when it comes to mental health. This month we will take a look at anxiety and depression and how it impacts lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered individuals. The National Institute of Mental Health states that in a given year Anxiety Disorders affect about 40 million American adults, age 18 years and older, which is about 18% of the population. There is a difference between anxiety and Anxiety Disorders. Mild anxiety is a brief occurrence of fearfulness and uncertainty which can be caused by a stressful event, such as public speaking. Anxiety disorders last at least 6 months and can get worse if not treated. Depression is another mental illness that affects individuals, sometimes along with other mental
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Iowa Leather has grown from a contest into an organization that seeks to bring the community more opportunities and education, beginning this year with Fetish February Events starting Friday, February 1st. They have created quarterly events to keep the community engaged by providing Mr. Midwest Leather Matt Hengle. new and exciting expePhoto by John Shumate. riences, in addition to
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Deborah Cox
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What’s Inside:
Section 1: News & Politics
Advertising rates Vanessa Taylor Recaps MGI CRPrideFest Logo and Slogan Chosen One Iowa Goals for 2013 Remarkables by Jonathan Wilson From the Heartland by Donna Red Wing Stonewall… by Warren J. Blumenfeld A Flat World by Tony Dillon-Hansen Selma to Stonewall by Rev. Irene Monroe Minor Details by Robert Minor Just Sayin’ by Beau Fodor Creep of the Week by D’Anne Witkowski
Section 2: Fun Guide
3 4 5 5 6 6 7 8 8 9 10 10
Entertainment Picks for the Month Deborah Cox interview by Arthur Breur Inside Out by Ellen Krug New Kings on the Block Wired This Way by Rachel Eliason Honor your body… by Davey Wavey Leather History interview by Angela Geno-Stumme Help Support LGBT Families I.C. Kings Comics and Crossword Puzzle The Bookworm Sez by Terri Schlichenmeyer Body Geographic tells a Midwest Tale BLUEBARN Theatre in Omaha
11 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 16 22-23 22 23 24
Senator Mike Gronstal by Bruce Carr Prime Timers of Central Iowa Greater Omaha GLBT Network Calendar PITCH Calendar 2013 PITCH Conference Call Working Together by Royal Bush The Project of the Quad Cities Calendar From the Pastor’s Pen by Rev. Jonathan Page MAL 2013 by Mark Turnage Business Directory Rates of HIV+ Syphilis is Making a Comeback ICON: February Fun Times Your Voice Matters
25 25 25 25 25 26 26 27 27 28-29 32 32 33 33
Section 3: Community
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FEBRUARY 2013
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Section 1: News & Politics
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HEARTLAND NEWS combined with a growing majority of Americans who now support the freedom to marry signals that our country is truly turning a corner. While we have seen incredible progress in 2012, we know that 2013 will require vigilance and a steadfast commitment to protect our hard-fought and hardwon gains. One Iowa will continue the ongoing struggle for equality and will hold our leaders, including President Obama, accountable. We will continue to fight for the day when our families and our very lives are valued as equal, as true, and as fundamental to the American experience as all other realities.”
Nebraska Senator introduces antidiscrimination bill
Senator Danielle Conrad of Lincoln introduced bill LB 485 that would prohibit employers from discrimination against potential workers based on sexual orientation. Sen. Conrad said her bill would “just provide those same set of equal rights to people under the basis of sexual orientation that exist to those other classifications.”
One Iowa and Lambda Legal Respond to Justice Cady’s Address
Iowa State Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady delivered the State of the Judiciary address in Des Moines. Together, One Iowa and Lambda Legal have worked towards full equality for LGBT
people and their families, have fought to preserve Iowa’s proud tradition of fair and impartial courts, and have countered against any attempts to politicize our courts through public education and advocacy. In response to Justice Cady’s remarks, equality groups One Iowa and Lambda Legal’s Fair Courts Project issued the following statements: Statement from One Iowa Executive Director Donna Red Wing: Today, Justice Mark Cady delivered the State of the Judiciary address and it is clear that the integrity of our courts is strong. Last November, Iowa voters sent a message that using marriage equality and the lives of LGBT Iowans as a wedge issue to politicize our courts is not only shameful, but is no longer a winning strategy. However, we know we have a lot of work to do to continue to ensure that all Iowans have access to justice. Judicial vacancies, furloughs, and delays are an impediment to justice and while legislators continue to play politics, the people lose. Our courts matter, and One Iowa will fight to ensure full access to a fair and impartial judiciary. Statement from Lambda Legal’s Fair Courts Project Manager Eric Lesh: With spending in judicial races reaching unprecedented levels, it is often easy to blur the line between justice and politics. But today we are reminded of the important role that courts serve in our constitutional democracy. In 2009, in a unanimous decision in Lambda Legal’s lawsuit, Varnum v. Brien, the Iowa Supreme Court struck down the state’s discriminatory marriage ban and extended the freedom to marry to loving same-sex couples. In so doing, the justices served with integrity by defending the rights of individuals from a law that was
at odds with the guarantee of equality in Iowa’s Constitution. This is the role of the courts. But maintaining an independent judiciary takes work, and Lambda Legal will continue to make the case for equality while fighting to preserve fair courts and equal access to justice for all. One Iowa is the state’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) advocacy group. Our mission is to support full equality for LGBT individuals living in Iowa through grassroots efforts and education. For more information, visit www.oneiowa.org Lambda Legal’s Fair Courts Project provides tools and information to counter harmful attacks on the courts that threaten LGBT and HIV-related civil rights and jeopardize the ability of our courts to make decisions based on constitutional and legal principles—not politics or popular opinion. Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. For more information, visit: www.lambdalegal.org
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FETISH FEBRUARY the Iowa Leather contest held the second weekend of October. This February begins their Fetish February, four weeks of different kink themed events with International Leather titleholders participating and hosting. Events include, but are not limited to: a Gear Bar Crawl, Kink U with a series of educational demos and social time, Monthly Gear Night at Blazing Saddle, Corn Haulers Monthly Beer Bust and Jock Strap Auction, Mr. Friendly goes to Mardi Gras at Garden Night Club, and The Imperial Court of Iowa and Iowa Leather host The Red and Black Ball. The events are hosted in Des Moines, Iowa at Blazing Saddle, Buddy’s Corral, Lime Lounge, The Garden, and Le Boi Bar. International Leather titleholders to be in attendance are: International Mr. Leather–Woody Woodruff, Mr. Iowa Leather 2013–Mark Turnage, Great Lakes Leather Sir–Papa Bear, Mr. Minneapolis Eagle–Ryan Brown, Mr. Midwest Leather– Matt Hengle, International Puppy 2012Luckey, International Trainer 2012-Don, Central Plains Leather Sir-Robb Lapp, Midwest Puppy-Pup Hercules with past titleholders in attendance.
Ryan Brown, Mr. Minneapolis Eagle 2013
Section 1: News & Politics within the community, the competitions you’ve been in, and your life as a Leatherman? My interest in leather goes back many years, but it took me a while to make connections within the community. I didn’t know how. Slowly, I started to meet other people who shared similar interests. When I attended my first gear night at the EagleBoltBar in Minneapolis, I knew I was right where I belonged. I discovered a brotherhood—first local, then national, then international. Friends began to encourage me to run for a title a couple of years ago. This year, I felt like I was ready and entered the Mr. Minneapolis Eagle contest in November. And here I am, an ambassador, an educator, an organizer– to lead and serve the community that embraced me. How will you be participating in the Fetish February Events? I’m excited to be part of the first weekend of Fetish February. The Gear Bar Crawl on Friday night will be a great way to meet people, including those who may have had little exposure to leather. Kink U on Saturday will give people to opportunity to explore and learn. The presenters are top notch. Don’t be surprised if I’m tied up assisting them, literally. Since it is February, are the concepts of fetish and romance connected for you? If so, how? It’s probably not a good idea to ask an English literature major about the concept of romance! I could write an essay. Joking aside, incorporating kink into your love life is like adding cayenne pepper in your chili. The extra kick may deepen your appreciation for those moments that aren’t as spicy and/or you might find it sparks new interests. Instead of a bouquet of flowers this Valentine’s Day, consider surprising your partner with a blindfold or dildo. It just might be the ingredient you need to perfect your recipe for love.
Pup Hercules
Mr. Minneapolis Eagle 2013 Ryan Brown loves giving bear hugs. Grr! Photo courtesy of Richard Yates Photography. Could you discuss your experience
Could you discuss your experience within the community, the competitions you’ve been in, and your life as a pup? I am kind of new to getting involved with this community, but looking forward to getting more into it. So far the community has been great to me! I have met some
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FEBRUARY 2013
Vanessa Taylor Recaps MGI USofA 2013 Competition interview by Angela Geno-Stumme Miss Gay Iowa USofA owner/promoter Vanessa Taylor spoke of the competition for the crowning of MGI USofA 2013 this past December in Des Moines, Iowa. She discussed the contestants, judges, surprises of the night, and MGI USofA 2013 Chanel Savage. The final night of Miss Gay Iowa USofA 2013 was Sunday, December 2nd in Des Moines, Iowa. Who were the top 10 contestants of the night? In no particular order (name and city they reside): Alexandria Steele- Des Moines, Giselle Curtis- Des Moines, Veronica Kennedy- Sioux Falls, SD, Madison Cavalier- West Des Moines, Evian WatersDes Moines, Jade Fox- Des Moines, Chanel Savage- Omaha, NE, Roxy Steele- Iowa City, Chanel Cavalier-VanCartier- Waterloo, and Jewetta BeaverhausenDes Moines. Discuss the competition that night; who were the judges, what were the judging categories and which performances stood out that night? The judges were as followed: Krista Versace from St Louis, MO; Antoine Smith from New
York, NY; Joe Tish from Long Beach, CA; Alexis Principle from St Louis, MO; Simba Hall from Las Vegas, NV (Former Mr Gay USofA); Layla LaRue from Dallas, TX (former Miss Gay USofA & reigning Miss Gay USofA Classic); and Bryan Vasquez from Minneapolis, MN. The judged categories were: Personal Interview, Evening Gown, and Talent. We had 2 amazing live singers this year, which is something we didn’t have last year, and that added variety to the talent competition. A big stand out in my opinion was Alexandria Steele’s “Wicked” talent. She had props, characters, and a makeup changes—she went all out. Sure, it wasn’t a big dance number but it was still very entertaining. Another stand out was,
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FEBRUARY 2013
Section 1: News & Politics
CRPrideFest Logo and Slogan Chosen Cedar Rapids, Iowa Alana Hyatt of Cedar Rapids was chosen the winner of CRPrideFest 2013 Logo/Slogan contest. Her logo and slogan were chosen from 16 high quality entries to grace the advertising, apparel, and Pride Guide booklet for this year’s Pride festival being held in Greene Square Park in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Saturday, June 1st 2013. Another exiting development for CRPrideFest is a soon to be released, total website makeover occurring soon. Ben McDonnell of McDonnell Photography & Design (www.designwithmcdonnell.com) has taken up the challenge to redesign the website to give it fresh new look that will offer information for the GLBTQA community in the Cedar Rapids area.
The Board of Directors for CRPrideFest is excited for these new developments that support our mission of providing a celebration of Pride and Diversity here in Cedar Rapids. For those of you looking to get more involved in your Cedar Rapids Pride Fest, visit our website at www.crpridefest.com or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/pages/CRPrideFest/20050672341513 8?fref=ts. CRPrideFest is a volunteer, 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Alana’s art and designs can be viewed at http://www.slipintoacoma.deviantart. com/ and purchased online at https://www. facebook.com/AlanasArtwork.
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LGBT MENTAL HEALTH illnesses. Depression is not a short-term period of feeling sad or having the blues. Depression interferes with daily life and causes pain for the individual and those whom they care about. The National Institute of Mental Health states that: depression is a common but serious illness that many people never seek treatment for. There are several forms of depressive disorders that range from Major to Minor depression. Major depressive disorder, or major depression, interferes with a person’s ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. Major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally. Dysthymic disorder, or dysthymia, is having symptoms for 2 years or longer, that may not be severe enough to disable a person but can prevent normal functioning or feeling well. Minor depression is characterized by having symptoms for 2 weeks or longer that do not meet full criteria for major depression. Some forms of depression are slightly different, or they may develop under unique circumstances, however depression is a common but serious illness. Most who experience depression need treatment to get better. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that most research suggests that LGBT people are likely to be at higher risk for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. “In a national study comparing [LGB] and heterosexual groups, researchers found that gay and bisexual men were more likely to report major depression and panic disorder in the previous twelve month period. Lesbian and bisexual women were more than three times as likely to have experienced generalized anxiety disorder. The reason for these disparities is most likely related to the societal stigma and resulting prejudice and discrimination that [LGBT] face on a regular basis, from society at large, but also from family members, peers, co-workers and classmates.” These disparities or considerations can include dual or double stigma, family support, violence and internalized homophobia. The dual stigma is based on the fact that mental illness is still stigmatized in our society, and so is being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered. Therefore, an LGBT person with mental illness may have to contend with both stigmas. This can be seen in daily life, when dealing with a
ACCESSline Page 5 health care system that is not educated or comfortable with issues related to sexual orientation. Also, people with mental illness often rely on family for support; however, some families are not accepting of sexual orientation or gender identity and, therefore, are not accepting of LGBT individuals. This can lead to a lack of support for LGBT individuals and make it harder for them to acknowledge mental health problems and find treatment. And most LGBT individuals have either experienced discrimination personally or know of someone who has. Discrimination can lead to violence, verbal or physical, which can lead to more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress. “Homophobia” refers to irrational fear or hatred of gay people, and sometimes LGBT people turn that inward and internalize it. This affects psychological well-being and can have consequences for healthy development, particularly among youth. LGBT people do not by definition have a mental illness, but they have to contend with societal stigma and negative experiences that likely contribute to an increased vulnerability to mental illness. It is important to note, however, that despite this, most LGBT people ultimately live happy and healthy lives. When looking at the LGBT community, the effects of prejudice on LGBT youth must be considered when discussing mental health. The National Alliance on Mental Illness found one study that stated gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth ages 14-21 were significantly more likely to report depression and anxiety than heterosexual peers. “An even more serious concern is the issue of suicide and GLBT youth. Though it is nearly impossible to tell if more [LGBT] youth than heterosexual youth commit suicide, many studies show that [LGBT] youth are more likely to attempt suicide. A recent review of the literature suggests that rates of suicide attempted among [LGB] youth are 20—40% higher than among [non-LGB] youth. When thinking about why these differences exist, most researchers agree that it is not because LGBT youth are more likely to have a mental illness per se. Rather, it is a function of such things as negotiating coming out, fear of or actual familial disapproval and rejection, victimization by peers, and the chronic stress associated with having a stigmatized identity.” All ages deal with mental health and each generation has unique considerations when it comes to depression and anxiety. I spoke with Loren A. Olson, MD about his research on older gay men who came out later in life. Dr Olson graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in 1968 and is the author of Finally Out: Letting Go of Living Straight, a Psychiatrist’s Own Story. We discussed his definition of that age group, his research, depression, isolation, and warning signs and symptoms. Your research is with older gay men who came
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Section 1: News & Politics
FEBRUARY 2013
Remarkables by Jonathan Wilson Just Add Water
I lived in Australia for a couple of years. Nice place. And big. It’s nearly the size of the continental United States. It’s only habitable around the edges. The interior, affectionately referred to as the outback, is hot and desolate. The Australian weather service has recently added bright purple to the weather forecast maps in order to indicate temperatures above 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Now that’s hot! Australia has already posted hot temperatures beyond anything in recorded human history. Hobart, Tasmania, an island state immediately south of the Australian continent that bills itself as the Gateway to the Antarctic, has recorded a temperature of 107 degrees Fahrenheit. A Gateway like that the Antarctic doesn’t need. Add water and you could turn Australia into a veritable Garden of Eden. (Same is true of hell.) Add water and you would not only enable vegetation to survive and even flourish, but you would trigger an evaporation and rain cycle that could materially and even permanently change the climate of the entire continent and areas beyond. Although Australia sits on top of the largest subterranean aquifer known to exist in the world, that vast quantity of water is too calcified to use for irrigation. It’s not that there is any shortage of water in the world. Two-thirds of the earth’s surface is covered by the stuff. With the
melting of the polar icecaps, more is on the way. Sea water, like over-calcified water, however, cannot be used for irrigation. The answer for those ambitious enough to want irrigation for the bulk of the Australian outback is the development of commercially feasible desalination of sea water. Of that answer, it’s not the desalination part that’s a problem. It’s the commercially feasible part. United States aircraft carriers routinely desalinate sea water for use by those who ride the boats and for people in world trouble spots where aircraft carriers are occasionally sent. As with other elements of the US military, cost is not a matter of concern. Heck, you can desalinate salty water in your kitchen with a teapot and condensing tube. Irrigating the Australian outback is an understandable item for a tree hugger’s wish list. More pressing is the phenomenon of global warming and drought. Potable water is increasingly in short supply in population centers around the world. The drainage basin for the Mississippi River has been so drought stricken that barge traffic on the river is being halted. On the present course, there are going to be wars over water. We’ll be spilling blood for water on a par with the blood that has already been spilled in exchange
for oil supplies. It doesn’t have to be that way. It is not inevitable or beyond our control. All that is needed is the political resolve to invest in desalination technologies, maybe using the sun—the ultimate renewable resource. Developing those technologies can be accomplished in the relative short term, could transform the United States as well as Australia and other hot spots in the world, and could completely avoid the otherwise inevitable water wars from our future. If you want both national security and peace, we collectively need to turn our attention away from silly issues like who should or shouldn’t marry whom and the moral decay of humankind that generations of old people have observed in the next generation for time immemorial. Our collective focus needs to be on matters of substance that will make a real difference in preserving the quality of life on this planet. Commercially feasible desalination of sea water is such an issue, it’s doable, and it can be done and make a significant difference in short order. When that shift in focus is made to happen, I recommend that you and your same-sex spouse buy some land in the Australian outback; it’s going to be beautiful and generate an unbelievable return on your investment.
discrimination based on sexual orientation in the executive branch. The measure also prohibited any job protection for gay people in state government. In 1990 the OCA began its attempt to splay open the state’s constitution to create a second-class citizenship for anyone who was considered gay or lesbian. Ballot Measure 9, if passed, would force the state to recognize homosexuality as “abnormal, wrong, unnatural, and perverse,” and would link it to pedophilia. This was not politics as usual. For more than two years our community was under siege. Violence escalated, churches were attacked and desecrated, a home was burned to the ground, and people were harassed and hurt and murdered. Finally, after devastating a community, the measure was defeated, in 1992, 56 percent to 44 percent. Marge Work Lunan, a great PFLAG warrior, was in her early seventies when we fought the good fight together. This elegant, gracious lady would stand in any church, town hall, or public square and declare her alliance with us. She would stop complete strangers, in those dangerous days, and say, “Let me tell you about my beautiful gay son.” She stood toe-to-toe against the OCA’s Scott Lively who was just beginning to cut his anti-gay activist teeth in Oregon. He would go on to become a leader in the
ex-gay ministries and has called for the criminalization of the public advocacy of homosexuality. (Lively is directly linked to possible legislation in Uganda, which would punish homosexuals with lengthy prison sentence or death.) I remember, after one televised debate, as they walked down a long flight of stairs, Marge just blocked him, stopped him and gave him a piece of her mind—the piece that could not be televised. When my Mom died right in the middle of this battle for the heart and soul of Oregon, Marge became not just my PFLAG ally but also my family. She made room for my partner Sumitra and me in her heart and in her home. So, let me tell you a little more about Marge. In her early seventies she reconnected with her beau of more than fifties years before, Howard Lunan, They fell in love all over again, eloped and married in the little chapel they had chosen a lifetime ago. They settled in Independence, Iowa where Marge connected with the Waterloo PFLAG chapter and started her own group in Independence. She taught Howard about LGBT equality and rights and he became a staunch supporter. Friends and neighbors came out to them, in Independence, as family members of LGBT people, or as LGBT persons. A few years later they moved into a senior living community in Oregon, where they were just pulled back into LGBT activism. Howard became an ardent supporter of LGBT equality. They placed a bright rainbow flag on their apartment door so that everyone who walked by understood where they stood. When Howard died,
On the present course, there are going to be wars over water.
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.
From the Heartland by Donna Red Wing, Executive Director One Iowa A Valentine to Marge
Do you remember Mister Rogers and his story about Josephine, the ShortNecked Giraffe? In this beautiful tale Josephine feels ‘odd’ and ‘different’ about her short neck until she attends the Westwood School for Growing. It is there Josephine meets an introverted boy giraffe. He overcomes his shyness by helping Josephine accept and celebrate her differences. The story ends with everyone singing, “I’m Glad The Way I Am.” Fred Rogers wrote a very special part in the story and music—that of Josephine’s mother— for the character and the voice of my friend, and his, Marge Work Lunan. Years later Marge would encounter another ‘different’ child—her gay son, Paul. While she loved her son, she knew that his dream of becoming a Presbyterian minister would not be realized. And she was saddened that this extraordinary child of hers would never be a father. Marge would go on to become a leader in the early days of PFLAG (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and a fierce advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ communities. I met Marge in 1990. We were both fighting the Oregon Citizen’s Alliance (OCA), an organization that enjoyed its first political success with Measure 8 repealing an executive order that banned
For more than two years our community was under siege. Violence escalated, churches were attacked and desecrated, a home was burned to the ground, and people were harassed and hurt and murdered.
Donna Red Wing is the Executive Director of One Iowa. She served as Executive Director of Grassroots Leadership, as Chief of Staff at Interfaith Alliance, she was a member of the Obama’s kitchen cabinet on LGBT concerns, and was Howard Dean’s outreach liaison to the LGBT communities. Red Wing was the first recipient of the Walter Cronkite Award for Faith & Freedom. Red Wing serves on the national board of the Velvet Foundation, which is building the national LGBT museum in Washington, DC. Contact Donna at OneIowa.org or donna@oneiowa.org. Marge made arrangements for a Scottish bagpiper, in honor of Howard’s cultural heritage. The bagpiper, whose music would help the family say goodbye, turned out to be a transgender person. Howard would have loved that. Today, Marge is 91 years old. She is our adopted mother, a fierce and loving advocate for justice. She is no longer able to get around as well as she would like
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FEBRUARY 2013
Section 1: News & Politics
ACCESSline Page 7
Stonewall Is U.S. History by Warren J. Blumenfeld “We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths—that all of us are created equal—is the star that guides us still, just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall.” President Barack Obama, Second Inaugural Speech, January 21, 2013 What was true four years ago is no less true today that a great new day is at hand now with the reelection of President Barack Obama. Four years ago, I felt as if we had come out of a bad dream with real hope for the first time in a very long time for genuine progressive social change. The President confirmed this once again in his second inaugural address by placing the expansion of civil and human rights as a cornerstone of his political agenda, and by positioning lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights and history in its rightful place firmly as an integral part of U.S. history. Some listening to his speech may not have been familiar of the name “Stonewall”—and for that matter “Seneca Falls” and even “Selma”—in any historical sense. Seneca Falls is significant because there in upstate New York in 1848 a group of committed women and some men came together in convention for the first time to organize for women’s rights and women’s equality, including the right to vote. Participants passed their Declaration of Sentiments based on the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Selma, Alabama is particularly notable as a site of three marches in the struggle for civil rights when in 1965 activists protested the death of Jimmie Lee Jackson and the denial of voting rights for African American citizens, but were met with violence by state and local police officers. There are moments in history when conditions come together to create the impetus for great social change. Many historians and activists place the beginning of the modern movement for LGBT equality at the Stonewall Inn, a small bar frequented by LGBT people, students, and
others of all races located at 53 Christopher Street in New York City’s Greenwich Village. At approximately 1:20 on the morning of June 28, 1969, New York City Police officers conducted a routine raid on the bar on the charge that the owners had been selling alcohol without a license. Feeling they had been harassed far too long, people challenged police officers on this morning lasting with varying intensity over the next five nights by flinging bottles, rocks, bricks, trash cans, and parking meters used at battering rams. In reality, even before these historic events at the Stonewall Inn, a littleknown action preceded Stonewall by nearly three years. In August 1966, at Gene Compton’s Cafeteria, in what is known as the Tenderloin District of San Francisco, transgender people, sex workers, and others joined in fighting police harassment and oppression. Police, conducting one of their numerous raids, entered Compton’s and began physically harassing the clientele. People fought back by hurling coffee at the officers and heaving cups, dishes, and trays around the cafeteria. Police retreated outside as customers smashed windows. Over the course of the next night, people gathered to picket the cafeteria, which refused to allow transgender people back inside. Out of the ashes of Compton’s Cafeteria and the Stonewall Inn, people, primarily young, formed a number of groups to advance human rights for LGBT people. Unfortunately, U.S. schools do not generally include and educators do not teach the complex and important history and contributions of LGBT people. In my position as a professor in a large Midwestern university, I teach an LGBT Studies course. A few years ago, during
the first week of class as I outlined the course syllabus, in passing I used the term “Stonewall,” at which point a young man raised his hand and asked me, “What is a ‘Stonewall?’” I explained the importance of the Stonewall Inn demonstrations, and the student thanked me. He then stated that he was a first-year college student, and although he is gay, he had never heard about Stonewall or anything else associated with LGBT history while attending high school. As he said this, I thought to myself that though we have made progress over the years, conditions remain very difficult for LGBT and questioning youth today caused in part by the fact that they are not taught their history, part of U.S.-American history, throughout their schooling. In my own high school years during the 1960s, LGBT topics rarely surfaced, and then only in a negative context. Once my health education teacher talked about the technique of electro-shock treatment for “homosexuals” to alter their sexual desires. In senior English class, the teacher stated that “even though Andre Gide was a homosexual, he was a good author in spite of it.” These references (within the overarching Heterosexual Studies curriculum at my high school) and the utter lack of any discussions at all about the lives of transgender people, forced me to hide deeper into myself, thereby further damaging my self-esteem and identity. I consider, therefore, the half-truths, the misinformation, the deletions, the omissions, the distortions, and the overall censorship of LGBT history, literature, and culture in the schools as a form of assault upon all students, regardless of their sexual and gender identities, and as a failure of our educational system to provide students with a multidimensional view of history and culture. When President Obama invoked the name of Stonewall before millions watching and listening throughout the planet, chills radiated down my spine, and I felt the excitement that comes with the prospect of righting a wrong. California got it right in April 2011 when the state legislature passed and Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law SB48, the first in the nation requiring the state Board of Education and local school districts to adopt textbooks and other teaching materials in social studies courses that include the contributions of LGBT people. The law is due to be implemented during the 2013-2014 school year. I am certain not everyone feels as excited and hopeful as I do by President Obama’s momentous speech and by the forward-thinking actions transpiring in California. While surfing the cable news channels following the inaugural address, I chanced upon an interview by Greta Van Susteren on the Fox News network of Patrick Buchanan. During the interview, Van Susteren asked Buchanan about his thoughts on the President’s speech.
Unfortunately, U.S. schools do not generally include and educators do not teach the complex and important history and contributions of LGBT people.
Any step a gay person takes to hide their identity that they wouldn’t take to hide the fact that they’re, say, Irish, vegetarian or left-handed is probably not a neutral quest for privacy but reflects their own doubt about just how OK it is to be gay. Foster’s reluctance to just pull an Ellen (‘Yep, I’m gay’), and her tortured speech, with its resentful tone and its ultimate avoidance of the ‘L’ word, made being gay and coming out seem tortured things in themselves. Still, gay people are born with the unique burden of disclosure, one that is supremely unfair. Coming out is never just a single act but a constant obligation if one is to assure that people don’t assume that they’re straight. We’re always encountering new people who won’t know, hence stuffing us back into the closet and reimposing the burden of coming out. And for years the world has berated and punished us not only for being gay but for being honest. [snip] How hard it is to get it perfect. If there’s one thing LGBT people should agree on, it’s the importance of compassion, and of not bullying our own. ~ Nathaniel Frank, writing for the Huffington Post.
Warren J. Blumenfeld is associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. He is editor of Homophobia: How We All Pay the Price (Beacon Press), and co-editor of Readings for Diversity and Social Justice (Routledge) and Investigating Christian Privilege and Religious Oppression in the United States (Sense). www.warrenblumenfeld.com Though predictable, Buchanan’s response was none-the-less exasperating when he answered: “Look, they usually talk about what? When I was a kid, Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill. What was he talking about? Stonewall! That’s a barroom brawl in Greenwich Village in 1969, when the cops are hassling gays in their bar and the gays fought back and threw them all out! Does that belong in a presidential inaugural?” Well, I would answer Buchanan and others who question the suitability of referencing LGBT-inspired events during major addresses by asserting that contrary to their apparent beliefs, some of us have a vision that one day in the not-to-distant future, LGBT people, indeed, people of all currently marginalized groups will achieve full rights and step out of the socially constructed and enforced stigma that often shrouds our lives, maybe even seeing one of us as president, openly and proudly leading our nation. President Barack Obama during his address envisioned a journey, one which we all may travel to arrive at a better place, a journey where all women will earn equal pay for equal work, where barriers to voting will finally fall, where people from other lands hopeful to find their place among us will find welcome, where our young people will be protected from harm. He continued: “Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law—for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.” This is part of the larger vision many of us involved in civil and human rights have and continually fight for on a daily basis. For my extensive PowerPoint presentation on LGBT history, go to public.iastate.edu/~wblumen then click onto: “AnLGBTQHistoryOne” and “AnLGBTQHistoryTwo” Warren J. Blumenfeld is author of Warren’s Words: Smart Commentary on Social Justice (Purple Press); editor of Homophobia: How We All Pay the Price (Beacon Press), and co-editor of Readings for Diversity and Social Justice (Routledge) and Investigating Christian Privilege and Religious Oppression in the United States (Sense).
ACCESSline Page 8
Section 1: News & Politics
FEBRUARY 2013
A Flat World by Tony Dillon-Hansen There are many people who like to describe the world as “flat”, notably New York Times columnist, Thomas Friedman. This is supposed to describe globalization as a measure of the growing competitiveness and interdependence between cultures and countries of the world that has been a feature of modern society. This supposedly indicates that cultures are working together more, relegating national borders to mere dots on a map. In contrast, others suggest that these claims are quite exaggerated compared to actual data. Their assertion is that there are relatively small interactions between cultures and countries. This presents an interesting discussion about the nature of globalization and cultural interactions both globally and locally, because we do not have to look far to see that true global interaction is a long way from realized. The points made by Mr. Friedman’s allies have been readily absorbed by many in academics, economics and politicians. With some empirical observation and interviews with a few entrepreneurs, we can see the world through the eyes of those who work on a global level. Through these, we see how some markets have changed from local to supra-national markets that span “Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development” (“OECD”) countries as well as some non-OECD countries. We can see vast supply chains that stretch across the globe, whereas the
previous generation tended to keep those supply chains within domestic borders. These long supply chains require a consideration of foreign disruptions, competitions, and government policies that differ from local markets. American companies (doing business overseas) along with government had to change how they managed competition and economics due to the rapid expanse of foreign companies and governments. We should find this to be curious when capital markets have spread the chain (or web) across unfriendly and competitive regions of the globe when the ultimate sale is local. The supply chain may be spread across the globe, however, the places people go to buy the finished product are local, and conversations we have are with our selected communities. Friedman, using his showcase stories, argues that the current globalization trend is driven by individuals creating and collaborating primarily using a “common” flat technology platform spanning vast networks. With the explosion of social media, interactivity and connections span multiple continents between billions of people that previously were unable to connect. There is reason to believe that people are much more connected globally as well as locally. This is a bit of overstatement and generalization based upon perceptions. The exaggerated perception shows
in how Americans perceive larger budget portions dedicated to foreign aid versus actual figures or even in comparison to domestic aid and spending. We can see the changes in news reporting over the years that contain dwindling amounts of international news (unless you listen to NPR). As well, we can consider the quick action of making a connection via social media versus actually having a conversation with someone from across the ocean. Is that connection just based upon a profitable network opportunity or are we truly seeking to learns different ideas? We may be crossing the globalization threshold espoused by Mr. Friedman’s allies if we are willing to learn from others especially regardless if we agree or comprehend the premise of their ideas. Yet, the West is more likely to visit and to discuss news from the West, as opposed to say Central Africa, based upon distorted notions of technical and philosophical growth. This limits our own ingenuity, resourcefulness and expansion to ideas of supposedly superior cultural growth and assumptions. We can see the result of this in the rejection of the West by Arabic countries. There are divergent opinions and priorities between people in different parts of the country, the state, and even between churches that claim the same denomination within a few blocks of each other. The LGBT community cannot understand why some do not see the connection of marriage as love between people rather than an exclusive tradition. People who have never understood the feeling of
President Barack Obama’s inaugural address was the most inclusive speech a president has ever given. It was delivered on the 27th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and the President honored King’s legacy when he eloquently spoke of how the many U.S. liberation movements, both current and historic, are interconnected. “We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths—that all of us are created equal—is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall.” As an African American lesbian, whose identity is linked to all three movements, I felt affirmed. I applaud the president’s courageous pronouncement. Some African Americans, however, felt “dissed” by the President’s speech. The linkage of their civil rights struggle to that of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) Americans did nothing to quell their dislike of the comparison. The fact that it was spoken by this president made it sting more. New York Times reporter Richard Stevenson picks up the tension where he wrote in his recent article “Speech Reveals an Evolved and Unapologetic President” that Obama “After spending much of his first term ‘evolving’ on the question of same-sex and doing too little in the eyes of many African-Americans to address
poverty and civil rights, he invoked “Seneca Falls and Selma and Stonewall.” For many African Americans, especially those male ministers who “professed” to have marched with Martin Luther King, Jr., the reason they scoff at comparing the black civil right struggle to today’s LGBTQ civil rights struggle is because of the persistent nature of racism in the lives of black people and the little gains accomplished supposedly on behalf of racial and economic equality. They expected more gains under the first African American president. Also, many African Americans contest that civil rights gains have come faster for LGBTQ Americans, from the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City to the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010. The gains in the LGBGT movement, many African Americans both straight and LGBTQ will contend, is largely because of the structural and cultural exclusion of people of color. The LGBTQ movement has no doubt
made some tremendous gains into mainstream society, a reality that has not been afforded to African Americans as a disenfranchised group, leaving many of them asking, especially after hearing President Obama’s now second inaugural address the question, “What’s really in this American Dream for us?” Many African Americans ministers try to answer that question by either coming out for or against Obama’s stance on marriage equality. Civil rights struggles in this country have primarily been understood, reported on and advocated within the context of African American struggles—past and present—against both individual and systematic racism. Consequently, civil rights struggles of women, LGBTQ Americans, Native Americans, and other minorities in this country have been eclipsed, ignored and even trivialized while educating the American public of other forms of existing oppressions. While it is also true that employing a narrow understanding that all oppressions
Globalization can teach us much about ourselves and our expectations, but how do we go beyond our own perceptions?
Tony E Hansen is a web developer, organizer, researcher, writer, martial artist, and vocalist from Des Moines. For more information go to tigersndragons.com. being considered second-class do not understand the pride of wanting to be part of the promised-land that is equality. We may live in a world that enjoys accessibility to ideas, but we are comforted when contained within our own familiar realm of thinking, sometimes deliberately. Whether it is called the “big sort” or “wisdom of the flock”, people tend to get their desired information and opinions from the selected sources and people. Technology can help to overcome supposed localizations and physical limitations that people have built over time (e.g. nation-state, religion, high schools,
Obama linking Selma to Stonewall by Rev. Irene Monroe Civil rights struggles in this country have primarily been understood, reported on and advocated within the context of African American struggles— past and present— against both individual and systematic racism.
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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. are interconnected ignores the salient points about differences within oppressed groups, it is also true that ignoring how
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Section 1: News & Politics
FEBRUARY 2013
ACCESSline Page 9
Minor Details by Robert Minor Love and Sex on Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day encourages a whole season of love, whatever that means in American culture. At least it means that the new year begins with stores overflowing with candy, flowers, cards, stuffed animals, jewelry, and other paraphernalia needed to show how buying proves we’re in love. Valentine’s Day is a patterned American written and oral exam, testing whether you really do love someone and whether you’re really loved by someone. If they truly love you, they’ll show it through the day’s products. It’s not all bad. If it is a reminder to take the time in a busy life to express love, how can that in itself hurt? Yes, someone shouldn’t need a special day to do this, but the commercialism that defines the Day also restricts how regularly we get the space to celebrate love. The problem is that instead of celebrating love between two people just as they are as human beings, the Day is more a celebration of culturally defined patterns that are not only meant to sell products and services but that also tell us how and what love should be. As a part of that, a lot of other words that could relate to love have been usurped by our society to actually mean sex, because sex sells even better than patterned love. We would expect that, since we’re a society that’s very sick about both. There are, for example, those religious people who claim that the Model of perfect love in the universe includes allowing the children this Divine Model is supposed to love to suffer eternal child abuse, lovingly teaching that his children actually deserve the most despicable and endless suffering this Model can come up with unless they follow some formula the religion sets out to in order to save them from it. All along the claim continues that that is real love. Then we use words that do not mean sex, but could designate more, to mean sex: Are you two intimate? Have you slept together? Are you two close? Have you made love? Are you two lovers? What do you think of polyamory? All societies fall when they practice immorality? Did you hear that she lost her virtue?
Though none of the above words means sex, we spontaneously take them to refer to it. And that too reflects the cultural confusion over sex as well as love, intimacy, closeness, immorality, and virtue. Then in our confused discussions of “love” we talk about different kinds of it. One’s love for one’s children “is not the same” as one’s love for one’s lover or one’s love for one’s pet or country as if we are clear about what the nature of love is and as if we are not talking about whether or not we are having sex with someone or something. It was among a bunch of progressive theologians that I suggested that the government should have no business telling an adult who or what they can or cannot love. “Oh,” the response came back, “then it would be okay for someone to fall in love with their horse.” I frankly don’t care whether someone loves their pets, but that response was the problem. They had assumed that “falling in love” meant falling into a sexual act. And imagine if we actually spoke of someone “sleeping with their horse” as cowpokes did in the old West. Why would someone jump to the conclusion that that meant sexual activity was involved? Yet, that’s where we go because we haven’t reconciled ourselves either to love or sex culturally. Sometimes it’s done for the best of reasons. In the Hebrew Scriptures, David and Jonathan have a close, intimate, same-sex relationship. It even involves a same-sex covenant between them. And when Jonathan dies, David publicly mourns, saying: “Oh, Jonathan, my love for you was more than for women.” Now, there’s nothing in all that that indicates their close same-sex friendship involved sexual activity between them. The fact is, we just don’t know. And in a less homophobic culture than ours, such same-sex friendships were almost expected. But to argue either that they must have been sexual or that they couldn’t have been sexual, represents a confusion about intimacy and sex that was depicted in another form in the 1989
I frankly don’t care whether someone loves their pets, but that response was the problem. They had assumed that “falling in love” meant falling into a sexual act.
“Good people need to be actively engaged in our democracy [to make it work]. “ ~GeorgeTakei
romantic comedy “When Harry Met Sally.” Harry’s thoroughly culturally patterned claim was that a man and woman can’t have a close friendship without sexual activity being involved. The film concluded that Harry was right. But is he right? Or is this just the confusion of being brought up in a culture that says sex is the means to express close, intimate love. If that is so, then Will could not have loved Grace. We will not be able to understand the intimate bonds that can exist between a gay man and a heterosexual woman (which we might even demean with the words “fag hag” and all that connotes), or between a lesbian and a gay man. If love is really understood as an unconditional relationship, then sex cannot be made necessary for it. That would add a condition, just as any statement such as “If you love me, then…” indicates that there are really conditions and expectations attached to what we are calling love. If love is a commitment to the best of another, and a decision to stand by and with that other in life, then that love is as true for a father and his son, a mother and her daughter, or any other mutually agreed upon human relationship. But, even more, unconditional love cannot have as a condition the requirement that the other will love one back.
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MONROE oppressed groups can work together truncated the possibility for full and equal rights for all Americans. LGBTQ activists of African descent, like myself, have long pondered what would be the catalyst to rally those African American Christian ministers to support same-sex marriage and engage the black community in a nationwide discussion. Such a discussion would certainly assist them in seeing the link between Selma and Stonewall. The very link that President Obama so eloquently pointed out. There were hopes that Obama’s expression in May 2012 of his support of marriage equality would begin talks—allowing those black ministers, who quietly professed to be an ally to LGBTQ community, to come out in favor of LGBT rights
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TONY DILLON-HANSEN neighborhoods, political parties). Yet, to claim that people are using technology to actively reach across various barriers is muted if less than 10% do the stretching. One only has to look at your own social media to see with whom you interact, the events and the places you go. Even more, consider how many conversations with people outside of your community (whether LGBT, local city, school or family) that you have participated. We self-select, intentionally or not, what places we go and with whom we interact. We have to question Mr. Friedman’s ideas because the idea of a flat world cannot be realized when most people do
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. And how that love is expressed will differ in any loving relationship for that very reason. Sex, then, becomes one of the ways to express love that does so if mutually agreed upon. But there are hundreds of other ways to express love, closeness, and intimacy. And all of them are choices human beings can make. to their congregations. And, no doubt, for these African-American ministers, they saw the liability of Obama losing his 2012 re-election bid was far greater than being publicly outed for not being in lockstep with their homophobic brethren. With the second and final term before him, Obama can be both unapologetically and unabashedly for marriage equality. I thank God with an enormous sigh of relief that Obama no longer has to do a delicate dance with a deeply divided black populace on the issue. He has momentum on his side whether black ministers and community activists side with him or not. The momentum in support of samesex marriage in the African American community is seen nowadays along generational lines. It is ironically divided between—the black civil rights era of MLK and post-black civil rights era of Obama.
not go beyond their realms, regardless of a global web or the few entrepreneurs. There are issues with global impacts like climate change, oil supply, and expansion of technology. Still, we prefer to hear solutions from people like us. Those global problems require global cooperation and discussions rather than simply giving orders and expecting everyone to fall in-line. Those issues require more drastic actions than a button click. Globalization can teach us much about ourselves and our expectations, but how do we go beyond our own perceptions? The technology and capacity is ready if we are willing to expand. Of this I agree with Mr. Friedman, we should do what we think is possible, however improbable, because someone somewhere will do it.
ACCESSline Page 10
Section 1: News & Politics
FEBRUARY 2013
Just Sayin’ by Beau Fodor
Season Five: And so it begins.....
This change in passion comes with the addition of two more states proving marriage equality, (Maine and Maryland) and a huge political movement behind us. Well, the Wedding bells are ringing loudly—very loudly! Especially at the Washington National Cathedral — the seat of the Episcopal Church, one of the world’s largest cathedrals and the host of the official prayer service for the presidential inauguration— has decided to start hosting same-sex weddings. Weddings are VERY special events and weddings at the National Cathedral are a whole different affair. With its history of celebration and national mourning, nuptials at the grand, neo-gothic structure take on elevated importance. To say “I do” there is to also to say “I’ve arrived.” Now that heart-trilling experience will be felt by same-sex couples in the seat of the
Episcopal Church. When it comes to gays and recognition of our humanity, no major mainstream religious order has been more welcoming than the Episcopal Church. It has long ordained gay men and lesbians into its clergy. In 2003, Gene Robinson was elected as a bishop, the first openly gay priest to achieve such heights. This past summer it approved a rite for same-sex marriages. As Boorstein reports, churches in the Washington diocese have overseen blessings for same-sex couples since the 1980s. None of these advances came easily, especially Robinson’s election. But the church did what was right, true to its teachings and reflective of the world it wants to see. “Some won’t like the Washington National Cathedral’s announcement about opening its doors
you say, “You know what? No. I will not be supporting a group that denigrates my family and practices shameless discrimination. F*ck them to the max.” According to SFGate.com, the “Boy Scouts of America’s ban on membership for gays [was] officially recognized in 1991, upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2002 and strongly reiterated by the organization in a July ruling.” In other words, this is a firmly entrenched policy that isn’t going to just magically go away. While my potential conflict is hypothetical at this point, this anti-gay policy does detrimentally impact actual kids for whom being in this organization means an awful lot. Kids who do all of the work and have been “trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent” in accordance with the Scout Law, and yet have it all come crashing down at the end of their Scouting career just because they’re gay. That’s what happened to Ryan Andresen, an 18-year-old in California who was supposed to receive the organization’s prized Eagle Scout award, but didn’t. Because Andresen is gay. Not because he didn’t fulfill the requirements. Not because he wasn’t “helpful” or “friendly” or “brave” enough. But because he likes guys. According to the Huffington post, Andresen’s own local scoutmaster, someone who apparently knew he was gay, was the first to block the Scout Master status. An appeal board looked at Andresen’s case and unanimously agreed that the kid should get the award. “The Board reviewed all of Ryan’s scouting history, his advancement records, his Eagle project and his spiritual beliefs, and we are convinced that Ryan has more than demonstrated that he deserves the award,” district advancement chairwoman Bonnie Hazarabedian said in a statement. But when that appeal was submitted, Boy
Scouts of America said, “Take a hike, homo.” Andresen is not the first kid the Scouts have hurt, and he won’t be the last. While the Boy Scouts claim their mission is to prepare
The Washington National Cathedral — the seat of the Episcopal Church, one of the world’s largest cathedrals and the host of the official prayer service for the presidential inauguration— has decided to start hosting same-sex weddings.
Washington National Cathedral More than ever before, I find myself more passionate and motivated for this up-coming Events and Weddings Season. For me this is a surprising change, because I was just SO over it right before the Holidays.
TTBEAU FODOR continued page 30
Beau Fodor is the owner of PANACHE, 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 at blogspot.com. Photo courtesy of Billy Porter.
Creep of the Week by D’Anne Witkowski The Boy Scouts of America
Look, I’m no Boy Scout and I never have been. Like, literally. I’m not a boy, for one. I’m also an “avowed homosexual,” which means the Boy Scouts don’t like me as a matter of official policy. Now, this has not had a huge impact on me personally. As I said, I’m not a boy and never have been. My younger brother was in Boy Scouts (Cub Scouts, actually. I don’t know if he made it to Boy Scouts or not. Sorry, bro), but he’s not gay so that wasn’t an issue that ever came up. But now I have a son of my own and I worry that one day he’ll want to be in the Boy Scouts and I’ll have to find a very tactful way of saying, “Hell no, Buddy. Boy Scouts hate your moms.” Granted, I could vow to change the organization from the inside, Log Cabin Republican style. In fact, I had a conversation with a woman who, when I voiced my fear that my son would one day want to be a Boy Scout, advocated this very thing. She said that’s what she would do in my situation because she was kind of a rebel. She is also Jewish and, though I didn’t say this at the time, I doubt that she would be signing her kids up for a group that included blatant anti-Semitism in their official polices. I mean, there has to be a point where
young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes, what we’re really talking about is an organization that discriminates against gay kids. Let’s not forget that.
ACCESSline’s
fun guide
Our Picks for February Deborah Cox interview by Arthur Breur 2/4, Stephens Auditorium, Ames, IA, West Side Story, IAState.edu 2/6, Gallagher Bluedorn, Cedar Falls, IA, USAF Brass in Blue, gbpac.com 2/7-2/9, Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines, IA, Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody, HoytSherman.org 2/8-2/10, Gallagher Bluedorn, Cedar Falls, IA, West Side Story, gbpac.com 2/8, Club CO2, Cedar Rapids, IA, New Kings on the Block: Love is a Battlefield, Club-CO2.com 2/9, Orpheum Theatre, Sioux City, IA, Sioux City Symphony: Simply Sinatra, OrpheumLive.com 2/9, Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, Garth Fagan Dance, CivicCenter.org 2/9, Adler Theatre, Davenport, IA, Quad City Symphony Orchestra, AdlerTheatre.com 2/13, Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, America’s Got Talent Live, CivicCenter.org 2/13, The Mill, Iowa City, IA, Les Dames du Burlesque & I.C. Kings Present: Bow Chicka Wow Wow, ICMill.com 2/17, Club CO2, Cedar Rapids, IA, Miss Sweetheart FFI, Club-CO2.com 2/18, Adler Theatre, Davenport, IA, West Side Story, AdlerTheatre.com 2/20, Orpheum Theatre, Sioux City, Shrek the Musical, orpheumlive.com 2/20-3/3, Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, The Second City, CivicCenter.org 2/23, Lied Center, Lincoln, NE, Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, LSO Russian Romantics, liedcenter.org 2/26-2/27, Gallagher Bluedorn, Cedar Falls, IA, Circus Oz, gbpac.com
...and March
3/2, Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts, Fairfield, Iowa, The New Shanghai Circus, FairfieldACC.com 3/3, Omaha Performing Arts, Slosburg Hall, Omaha, NE, Joffrey Ballet, Le Sacre du Printemps - The Rite of Spring 100th Anniversary, omahaperformingarts.org 3/5-3/10, Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, Deborah Cox in Jekyll & Hyde, CivicCenter.org 3/16, Gallagher Bluedorn, Cedar Falls, IA, Dream Girls, gbpac.com
Constantine Maroulis and Deborah Cox in “Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical.” Photo: Smallz & Raskind There’s a new Jekyll and Hyde coming to Broadway, by way of a national tour which includes Midwest performances in Des Moines (March 5-10, 2013) and Chicago (March 12-24, 2013). Starring in the production are rock singer Constantine Maroulis in the title role and award-winning R&B artist Deborah Cox as Lucy. In anticipation of their Midwest appearances, Arthur Breur had a chance to talk to Deborah Cox about her career, her focus on human rights, and the new “dark, alluring, and modern” production of Jekyll and Hyde. Tell us about this touring production of Jekyll and Hyde, on its way to a new run on Broadway. I’d like to say that it’s a revival. It’s not the same show that was on Broadway before. This is a completely new take on the show, under the direction of Jeff Calhoun. This show is a little darker, a little more suspenseful and thrilling. We’ve kept the same foundation as far as the integrity of the story, written by Robert Louis Stevenson. But the approach of this production is also Victorian, so we’ve kept it pretty much the same in that respect, but the music, the instrumentation, and the orchestrations of the songs have been tailor made for my voice and Constantine’s voice.
The set design is a lot more modern and we’ve infused some audiovisual along with the sets, as well. So it’s very different. So even fans of the original Broadway production will still find something new in this production? Yes. Original “Jekkies” who have seen the show have commented that it is a completely different show but they love it just the same. So we’ve been very fortunate to have a tremendous amount of support for this new revival. You play the character “Lucy”—tell us about her. Lucy is a very complex, sultry woman. She is a lady of the night. She is this harlot with a heart who really is looking for love. She’s very hopeful throughout the show— when she meets Henry Jekyll for the first time, a man who treats her with respect—to have a new life and get out of the circumstances she’s in. What did you bring from your life into the character of Lucy, and what has playing Lucy put into your life? I don’t judge the characters that I play. Even though it is not a lifestyle I would lead, I understand Lucy’s perspective and where
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Inside Out: Hope by Ellen Krug A couple years ago, I authored a column titled “Reflections on 100 Dates.” When I meet new people, many Google me. Most often, my “100 Dates” column comes up. Certainly, my new friends—including potential suitors—seem to focus on it. “Really, a hundred dates?” one meetand-greet asked, partly in awe and partly terrified. “Yes,” I answered. “I’m very good at time management.” Alas, another Valentine’s Day will soon arrive. Alas, I remain single—I haven’t been in a long-term relationship for almost five years. (Ahem. “Long-term” for me is something more than four months. In that same vein, a “date” sometimes amounts to a nice conversation with a stranger while standing in line at Starbucks.) You get the idea. Yes, “desperate” is an appropriate adjective. Trust me, it’s not like I haven’t tried to find a real relationship. I went the modern route and placed an ad on Match.com under “Women Seeking Men.” Men? Yes, dear gentle readers, in case you hadn’t figured it out by now, I’m bisexual. It works for me and I make no apologies. Match.com doesn’t have a category for bisexual people. And as for transgender folks like me seeking to date? There’s nothing for us, either. Still, I tried my best with Match.com. The very first sentence of my profile advised, “Please read this entire profile before responding.” Six paragraphs later—after trying to be witty and interesting—I revealed that I’m transgender. “It’s not for everyone,” I wrote, “but I think I’m worth the trouble.” Several men responded along the lines, “I love what you have to say, and I like your picture too.” We’d exchange some messages, spiking my hopes. Eventually, however, things
came crashing down when the man would write something like, “Oh, I just went back to Match.com and read your entire profile for the first time. Sorry, I didn’t understand that you’re transgender. It’s too much for me.” You guessed it—men being men, they simply looked at my Match.com picture and age. I had forgotten that most males don’t follow directions especially well. I gave up on Match. com and went to OK Cupid. At least OKC allows for a “bisexual” posting. Again, I wrote at my profile’s end that I was transgender. Again, the men never read through the entire profile. Eventually, I wouldn’t answer OKC messages until the man confirmed that he had read my entire profile, which in turn meant that I was pretty dateless. Women, at least, didn’t need to be prompted to read all of my OKC profile. For most women, my being transgender wasn’t as much a problem as was being bisexual. “My girlfriend just left me for a man,” one lesbian wrote. “I can’t take the chance again.” Let me share a secret: being bisexual doesn’t mean that I can’t commit to the right person. Sure, I can play equally well for both teams, but I’m not hopelessly confused about what team I want. As they say, “it’s all about the person.” Quit laughing to yourself. It’s true. I’m simply seeking a personality. The gender that goes with it really doesn’t matter. Failing at Match.com and OKC, two months ago I threw a Hail Mary pass: Craig’s List. At least CL recognizes that transgender and bisexual folk actually exist in the world. In “Miscellaneous Relationships” under “T4M,” I posted that I wanted a long term relationship and not some casual sex
hook-up. Readers saw that I was single, relatively smart, stable (well, actually that’s quite debatable but let’s sidestep the issue for now), and creative. Anyone responding needed to be the same. The Craig’s List personal generated a dozen responses. I skipped the married men and three-wordresponders, and settled on a man who liked Van Gogh and the Minnesota Institute of Art. We had several dates, and he turned out to be one of the nicest people I’ve ever dated. He wanted to continue, but there wasn’t the requisite “spark” for me. At fifty-six, I’ve seen enough personality types to know what turns me on. I need something more than “nice.” My pick must be able to make gentle fun of me while also being smart and brave. Throw in that he/ she needs to be fit and fairly attractive, and I’d say that I just wrote myself out of 99% of the population. Yes, I’m a bit picky. Hence, the word, “alone,” will probably stay in my vocabulary. But I digress. I understand that with Craig’s List, I need to be careful. If you’re trans and seeking to date, there aren’t many options, as the above reflects. While there are some trans-specific dating sites, most get back to the question of sexual hook-ups. At my age, hooking-up is the absolute last thing on my mind. I want someone to talk to, hang out with, and love. In the end, isn’t that what most of us want? I tell my longtime friends—and anyone else who will listen—that twenty years from now, being transgender or bisexual won’t be a big deal. By then, more and more people will be comfortable with living genuine lives, including wherever their sexuality takes
Let me share a secret: being bisexual doesn’t mean that I can’t commit to the right person.
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. them. Gone will be the sexual and gender repression that today’s society so easily seeks to impose on all of us. That world of twenty years hence will be pretty cool, I’m just sure. I envy all you youngsters who will get to enjoy it. As for me, I have to live in the now. It isn’t easy, but at least I’ve got some options, some reason to hope. That’s way better than what anyone could have said twenty years ago. This month Ellen Krug is launching her inaugural book, Getting to Ellen: A Memoir about Love, Honesty and Gender Change. Look for it on Amazon and in select local bookstores. It chronicles her “gender journey” from male to female, and the life choices involved in finding one’s true self. We hope you enjoy it!
New Kings on the Block Bring Surprises this February
Tatem Trick from the New Kings on the Block performs at the Queens vs. Kings show January 18 at Belle’s Basix. Photo by Jill Kennedy The New Kings on the Block performed despite having four members out sick with the flu January 11th at Club CO2, located at 616 2nd Ave SE Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Group creator Jill Kennedy helped MC the event with Jazmine Fritz since Chelsea Lob was one of those out with the flu. Two members of the New Kings on the Block performed at Belle’s Basix in Cedar Rapids on Friday, January 18th for the Queens vs. Kings drag show. Tatem Trick and Jayden Knight represented the Kings well and look forward to future collaborations with local drag queens.
Friday, February 8th, 2013 will be your next chance to catch the New Kings on the Block perform at Club CO2 with their show entitled: Love is a Battlefield. Cover is $5, and the show will start at 10 pm. This show will celebrate love and loss with several special guests and surprises in store. Partnering with the New Kings on the Block will be the Tool Box, a woman oriented, sex positive Justin Cider knows how to entertain the crowd by running and sliding across the stage. Courtesy of Alana Hyatt.
Honey Love performs a backbend during her performance at Belle’s Basix during the Queens vs. Kings drag show on January 18. Photo by Jill Kennedy
shop in Iowa City. The merchandise booth at the show will feature items for sale from the Tool Box. Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase at the show for a chance to win items from the Tool Box as well as artwork from Alana Hyatt. Other big surprises and announcements are expected at the show, including the three year drag anniversary of Jayden Knight and a marriage proposal by one of the performers. Local singer Rachel Stickley will also have a special birthday performance featuring members of the New Kings on the Block.
Charlie Diamond celebrated his birthday at the Jan 11th show. Photo courtesy of Alana Hyatt. Marketing Director Alana Hyatt recently was announced the winner of the 2013 Cedar Rapids Pridefest logo. Her artwork is available for sale at the merchandise booth at the New Kings on the Block shows and prints are available online through her facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ AlanasArtwork The New Kings on the Block have also welcomed a new drag performer to the group: Jacques Straap who was formerly with the I.C. Kings.
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Wired This Way by Rachel Eliason
Are you a Facebook Poweruser?
In tech lingo a computer “power user” is someone who uses their computer’s advanced features on a regular basis. You don’t have to be a programmer or IT specialist to be a power user. Think about the last time you installed new programs, configured a new printer or setup a new internet connection. Who in your household or circle of friends was the one who did those tasks? They are your power user. (If you did it yourself, congratulations you are a power user.) Social media sites like Facebook have power users too. And again, you don’t have to be a programmer or developer to be one of them. Just being on Facebook a lot isn’t enough however. You have to understand the core functions of Facebook. Between 20-30% of Facebook users are power users. Facebook’s core functions are friend requests, liking, commenting, tagging, messaging and of course, posting status updates. None of these functions are exactly rocket science and most users know how to do these things. But they don’t always understand the importance of doing them. Power user’s grasp of these basic functions are incredibly important to Facebook’s appeal. Why Facebook cares about power users. Facebook paired with the PEW research group to study power users. They found that the average Facebook user receives more likes than they give, at a ratio of 20 likes received for every 14 given. The same dynamic occurs across most of the core functions. The average user gets more comments then they give, receives more messages than they send and are more likely to receive a friend request then send one. How can that be? It comes down to the power
users. They are far more likely to “like” something, comment on what they see and share their own posts. They are also more likely to initiate contact in the form of friend requests and private messages. In short power users are driving most of the activity on the site. In the days before social media blogging was the big craze. But blogging can be a lonely pastime. At first there is freedom in being able to speak your mind about any issue you want online. As time goes by its hard not to wonder if anyone is reading your posts. Does anyone care? Then came social media. Now you see a “like” or a “share” and you know you have been read by someone. You read a comment and you have feedback. You are in a conversation. It’s called engagement. It’s the magic that drives the online world. When users are engaged they keep coming back, drawn by the lure of one more “like”. They log in to see if anyone sent them a private message. They check their Facebook page obsessively to see if anyone else commented on their post. This engagement is critical to Facebook because it keeps their users coming back. It’s also critical because they are an ad-driven business. How do you think they keep a “free” website that big up and running? Advertisers pay according to how much traffic a site gets and engagement means traffic, lots of it. Should you become a Facebook power user? Facebook power users do more than create marketing opportunities for advertisers. They create and drive conversations. They promote ideas and causes they support. They can influence friends on a range of issues. Should you try to be a power user? (Assuming you aren’t already.) That depends a lot on your reason for being on Facebook to begin with. I am a writer (and a public speaker). For me Facebook is a vital promotional tool. Becom-
ing a power user is necessary for anyone trying to self-promote in the 21st century. Even if you are not hoping to become the next best-selling author, every Accessline reader has one good reason to become a Facebook power user. It gives you the chance to become an agent for change. When I interviewed Matt Skuya of One Iowa a few months back he said the best weapon we have in the fight for marriage equality is our stories. It has long been known that the best antidote to any stereotype is exposure to the reality. Nowhere is this more true than with the LGBT community. Knowing someone who is gay, bi or transgender goes a long way to ending the stereotypes about our community. Seeing LGBT people doing ordinary things helps people to understand we are just fellow human beings, more like them than different. The stories we share might seem trivial to us. A gay man posts about staying home and cuddling with his partner. A trans woman celebrates her son going off to college. A lesbian worries about her partner’s health. For us these are everyday common occurrences. For people with little exposure to the LGBT community everyday things might be revelations. They may have never thought about one of “us” having friends, family and loves. One story might be the seed that lead to them questioning the legal discrimination many of us still face in areas like marriage, health care and work. How to become a power user. You already know the answer to this. There are six core functions, posting, liking, tagging, commenting, messaging and friending. Start using them. A lot of people wonder what the proper etiquette is for friend requests. My answer is that it’s social media. Not sending out friend requests is like going to a cocktail party and then hiding in the corner. If you see a name you recognize in the suggested friends column don’t hesitate to reach out to them. As far as liking and commenting, just do it. Most people love the sense of engagement even if your comment is “I hate that too” or
want to increase the amount of mass on your body, you need to take in a greater number of calories than you burn. The surplus calories can be put to work building new muscle mass. Of course, this assumes that you’re exercising and engaged in a workout program that promotes muscle growth (i.e., heavy weights, train to muscle failure, etc.). If you’re sedentary and spending your time watching TV, then those surplus calories will build fat—not muscle. And even if you are hitting the gym, it doesn’t mean that your training necessarily targets gains in muscle size. In other words, make sure your workout is on point. If you’re looking to build muscle, the recommended calorie surplus is 250—500 calories. So, calculate your recommended
calorie intake—and then add 250—500 calories to it. Doing frequent and intense steadystate cardio makes it harder to build muscle because you burn many more calories than the rest of us. Whereas I could gain muscle by eating around 3,150 calories, your requirement may be considerably higher—and difficult to achieve. This is why, for many people, frequent and intense cardio sessions can cannibalize their muscle gains. If you can’t cut back on the amount or duration of cardio, then it just means you’ll have to top your plate a little higher—a problem that most of us would love having! Love, Davey P.S. It’s worth noting that high inten-
Even if you are not hoping to become the next best-selling author, every Accessline reader has one good reason to become a Facebook power user.
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. 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. “good insight”. Posting takes a little more finesse, as one ill worded rant can land you in the middle of a whole bunch of online drama. Jokes are notoriously challenging online. Without being able to hear your tone of voice or knowing the context, many jokes get misinterpreted online. Using emoticons like the smiley face :-) helps but it pays to be extra careful when sharing your latest piece of wit. Posting while angry or emotional is best avoided. Calm down and think the situation through before posting about it online. That’s about all there is to it. Get online and get to work. If you don’t have me (Rachel Eliason) as a facebook friend feel free to start by sending me a friend request or liking my author’s page. You’ll soon see how easy it can be. Just don’t forget to have some fun along the way.
Honor your body. Honor you. by Davey Wavey, AFPA certified personal trainer Too Much Cardio to Build Muscle?
Dear Davey, For a little while now I have been trying to put on some muscle mass (I’m a fairly skinny guy), but have been having a hard time. I have been told by a few people that it is because I do too much cardio. I’m a cycling instructor here in Canada and I teach 3—5 cycling classes a week. Is there a way to gain muscle mass even though I do a large amount of intense cardio on weekly basis? Thanks, Jason Hey Jason, The real story here isn’t cardio—it’s calories. In order to build muscle, you need to create a calorie surplus. That is, you need to take in more calories than you burn. If you take in fewer calories than you burn, you’ll lose weight and mass. If you take in the same amount of calories that you burn, you’ll stay the same. But if you
If you are hitting the gym, it doesn’t mean that your training necessarily targets gains in muscle size. In other words, make sure your workout is on point.
Davey Wavey is an AFPA certified personal trainer shares his passion for and knowledge of fitness, exercise, health and nutrition with the world. For more information go to DaveyWaveyFitness.com. sity interval training is the type of cardio recommended for individuals who are trying to build muscle. High intensity interval training is more anabolic in nature and better for muscle retention.
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A Future Built on Leather History interview by Angela Geno-Stumme Mr. Missouri Leather 2012 Scott O’Brien
Scott O’Brien discusses his view of the Leather community, his competition for Mr. Missouri Leather 2012, modeling for Behind the Sash calendar 2013, and the people who have helped him along the way. Scott’s reflection comes at the end of his year as Mr. MO Leather 2012, with the 2013 Mr. MO Leather competition being held March 1-3rd. What inspired you to compete for Mr. Missouri Leather 2012? I first got interested in the Leather/ Fetish community through the fetish wear seen in the “Goth” culture and fetish photography. I’ve always loved the way a man looks in leather. I connected with a former Mr. Missouri Leather competitor via Manhunt. com. We talked about the competition, since it was mentioned in his profile, and it sounded like fun. Shortly afterwards, I started going to JJ’s Clubhouse & Bad Dog (leather bars in St. Louis, Missouri) on a regular basis, got involved in the St. Louis Leather community, and found my new family. Tell us about the experience of being in the competition and what it was like to win. I actually competed three times before I earned my title. The first two years, I didn’t even place in the top three, though I received a lot of encouragement. The competition(s) were a lot of fun. I have made new brothers, lifelong friendships, and I especially enjoyed my alone time with the judges. To clarify, I’m talking about the interview portion of the competition. This is where the judges REALLY get to know the contestants. Most people are nervous about the interview, but it’s my favorite part. I’m a student, so I prepared for the contests like I would a test; studying leather history and getting more involved in the leather community (learning from experience). Three years of studying and community involvement (locally and nationally) paid off. I became the 29th Mr. Missouri Leather, and was on my way to compete for International Mr. Leather. What did you accomplish while holding your title and what did you give back to the community?
As the 2013 Mr. MO Leather competition approaches (March 1-3, 2013) I ask myself this question more and more frequently. I was honored to become part of “Mama’s Family” (Mamasfamily.org) at IML as “Mama’s Favorite SOB.” I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel around the country to different fundraisers, events, and competitions. While traveling, I’ve had two main goals: 1) Help out my IML Brothers in any way I can. 2) Share my sex-positive attitude and life motto “Know Your Self. Know Your Status.” ...all while representing and promoting the Missouri leather community. Volunteering to help raise money for charity organizations like C.L.A.W. and St. Louis Effort for AIDS Knowing Your Self: what you are AND aren’t into is an important way of playing safer, by playing smarter... with the confidence to explore your kink and to say NO when someone wants to do something you don’t. Knowing Your Status: regular and frequent STD (not just HIV) testing is important, and empowers us to make smarter decisions in the bedroom, backroom, or playroom (no matter what your status is). I’ve had free STD testing at every event I’ve helped organize and encouraged it at every event I’ve volunteered for. Getting tested and knowing your status is key in reducing the spread of ALL STDs. People fear what they don’t understand. Exposing people to the BDSM lifestyle has had some interesting results. Helping create the “Black & Lou Ball” -PRIDE St. Louis’s Fetish Ball, has been a major step in making the fetish community more visible in St. Louis. I’m proud of my title, and there are now plenty of college kids in my small town (not involved in the BDSM community) that recognize me as “Mr. MO Leather” and have an idea of what that actually means. What do you feel are the most important philosophies within the Leather Community? And how do you try to live by those? Brotherhood and consent are the most important philosophies within the Leather Community, in my opinion. The Leather Community is a family, and we mean it when we refer to the major international events as our “family reunions.” Anyone who has competed at the international level makes bonds, during that process, that are stronger than a lot of people will ever understand. Afterwards, that family or network stretches across the globe. Early Leather/Motorcycle Clubs were among the first to start AIDS foundations/relief. Though sex is definitely a part of the Leather Community, the general public doesn’t realize how much money the Leather Community raises annually to help charities. Mama’s Family alone, raises over two million dollars annually. You are Mr. March in the 2013 Behind the Sash Calendar; how does it feel to be a pin up? I was happy that they used my picture for March, since that’s the month of the Mr. Missouri Leather competition. This year is the 30th Mr. Missouri Leather competition and we have some big things in store. As far as being a ‘pin up’ goes, my main fetish
is exhibition/voyeur-ism. So, it was great! Plus, working with Richard Yates is always amazing. He took the photos used for the back of my business cards (and took full advantage of my exhibitionist nature). What have you learned during your past year as Mr. Missouri Leather? It’s hard to put into words, and I don’t know that I should even try. I’ve learned a lot about myself... what is and isn’t important, and about the relationships I have with people. What words of wisdom would you give the new Mr. Missouri Leather 2013? Know your history! The Leather Community has a rich history with many great men and women who have come before us. Even so, we are all just people, and you should never be afraid to talk to someone because they have a title, status, or are “out of your league.” Is there anyone you want to thank? Yes, there are many people who’ve played a role in my leather journey that I’d like to thank. First I’d like to thank the leather community, especially the Missouri Leather Community for all their support. More specifically, I’d like to thank: Terry Laupp (MML2010) and his husband Chad Carroll, brothers and mentors who have helped make me the person I am today. G a t e way MC: for sponsoring my journey to IML and beyond. JJ’s Clubhouse: for all you do for the St. Louis leather community and being a place for Leathermen to be themselves.
My leather makers: Randy Oppold made a title sash that rivals any other. Jerry Miller sponsored me for MML & IML... bringing my ideas to life and creating one of a kind pieces of his own, just for me. All of the Judges who have sat across that table, or next to me. I’ve learned something from each one of you, whether you realize it or not. All of my IML & MML Brothers: Specifically Jeremy Morris, Ron Kautz, Sam Clemons, Ron Moser, Mike Prater, Steve Hedrick, DJ Kaiser, Mike Lunter, and Scott Fausz who’ve played a more personal role in my leather journey. Finally, I’d like to thank my (bio) family, and co-workers: It meant the world to me to have them at the competition when I won, and at my send off parties. I’ll never forget the day I came into work, and the computer showed me as “Mr. MO Leather” when I logged in. For more information about the 30th Anniversary Mr. Missouri Leather competition can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/events/466518 216729979/?fref=ts, gatewaymc.org, and jjsclubhouse.com. Behind the Sash calendars are on sale now and can be purchased at: www.behindthesashcalendar.com.
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The I.C. Kings have two fabulous shows in February! On Wednesday, February 13th the vivacious vixens of va-va voom, Les Dames Du Burlesque and the sultry sexy sirs of I.C. Kings are back together again for “Bow Chicka Wow Wow”! The show is at The Mill in Iowa City, Iowa. Doors open at 10 pm and the sexy performances will start at 11 pm. Cover is $6 and this is a 21+ event. You’ll laugh! You’ll cry! You’ll pitch a tent! Hey, you might even fall in love! On Thursday, February 28th the I.C. Kings are putting on “The Dating Game” at Studio 13 in Iowa City, Iowa. Showtime is 9 pm. Cover: $5. Special guests are under wraps for now. To whet your appetite for this event, members of I.C. Kings have submitted dating profiles. Enjoy!
Miss Kitty
Julius Fever
Franky D. Lover
you free this weekend? The most private thing I’m willing to admit: I talk to my cat using a ridiculous “cat voice”, which makes me sound like a tiny schoolgirl. But, she is worth it. Wittle kitty witty!
Hugh Jindapants “Penultimate Douchebag”
Courtesy of Julius Fever. I’m really good at: Magnets. The first thing people usually notice about me: I do not know any women who are taller than me. The women who are taller than me are lesbians, for whom 1969 was a very momentous year. Turn ons: Exotic cheeses. Turn offs: I am told this is not possible. Dream Date: Cocktails followed by a foreign film. With luck, she will end up trying something foreign in the back of the theater. The most private thing I’m willing to admit: Many girls want to be carnal with me because I’m such a premium dancer.
JT Amore
Courtesy of I.C. Kings. I’m really good at: Purring into your ears at the I.C. Kings shows and collecting photos of Dolly Parton. The first thing people usually notice about me: My sparkling eyes or my shimmying assets. Turn ons: Mustaches on women, crisp dollar bills, lounging on bear skin rugs, and posing for Glamour Shots. Turn offs: Flat hair Dream Date: Riding in a pink limousine with an I.C. King, drinking champagne out of a gold flute and ending the evening with a long walk on a beach. The most private thing I’m willing to admit: I own more than 50 pairs of underwear.
Turn ons: Shaking it... like a Polaroid picture. Turn offs: Drama Queens. Dream Date: Enjoying a nice Italian meal followed by moonlight dancing. Now that’s Amore. The most private thing I’m willing to admit: I prefer boxers over briefs.
Courtesy of I.C. Kings. I’m really good at: Making my booty bounce. The first thing people usually notice about me: booty bounce... booty bounce.
Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law—for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. ~ President Obama said in his inauguration speech.
Courtesy of Paranoid Peachezz. I’m really good at: Everything. Ha, not really. I’m great at cooking, kinging, mixing cocktails, creating badass music playlists/ CDs and making ladies swoon. The first thing people usually notice about me: Three-way tie: eyes, smile, booty. Turn ons: Smart women, sincerity, Scotch, home-cooked meals, records, garters and long walks on the beach. Turn offs: Hugh Jindapants and goats (together). Dream Date: We’d start with a swanky dinner out, hit up a blues club for some dancing, and then finish up at my place with dessert and records. Miss Kitty, are
Courtesy of I.C. Kings. I’m really good at: Everything your ex wasn’t. The first thing people usually notice about me: My dreamy sidechops and wellendowed lower half. Turn ons: Mirrors and chicks fighting (over me). Turn offs: Lawsuits. Dream Date: Me, 3-5 hot chicks, Hugh Jindapants Brand Douche Juice (see your server), and a healthy dose of Diplomatic Immunity. The most private thing I’m willing to admit: It’s even bigger than you think.
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MGI USOFA 2013 of course, the winner of talent…Chanel Savage with her live vocal performance of Adele’s “Someone Like You”. Were there any surprises that night? I think the biggest surprise was that the winner was a live vocalist. This is the first time that a “live” talent has won since Anjila Richards-Cavalier won in 1999 when she played the piano. Who were the top three contestants at the end of the night? Winner: Chanel Savage 1st Alt: Chanel Cavalier-VanCartier 2nd Alt: Giselle Curtis Chanel Savage is Miss Gay Iowa USofA 2013, what is next for her? What are her duties as MGI USofA 2013? The next step for both Chanel Savage and Chanel Cavalier-VanCartier is preparing for Miss Gay USofA in Dallas, TX. It’s a week-long event and is pretty expensive. The both received a cash prize, but we will also have benefit shows and events to help them raise money for their trip. Chanel Savage’s duties as Miss Gay Iowa USofA include, helping recruit contestants for our preliminary pageants this year and help find quality preliminary promoters to build our pageant system. She, also, attends each preliminary pageant to represent the title and promote Miss Gay Iowa USofA. Vanessa, how was the competition this year? What are your plans for next year for MGI? Even though the number of contes-
Top 5 from left to right: Giselle Curtis, Chanel Cavalier-VanCartier, Chanel Savage, Evian Waters, Madison Cavalier. Photo courtesy Jerri Valentine.
tants was a bit smaller than last year, we still had a great group of girls who put their best foot forward and put on a great show for the audience. Next year is the 25th Anniversary or Miss Gay Iowa USofA and the 20 year Anniversary of Taryn Powers and the 10 year Anniversary of Ebony Love (the girl who crowned me), so we are planning a big event for next year. What should people know about competition for MGI USofA 2014? And where can people go for more information? One thing I think people should know that sets Miss Gay Iowa USofA apart from
other pageant systems is that we have a 24 year history of being the best at what we do. This system has always set the standard. There have been a few different promoters over the years but no matter who was the promoter at the time, Iowa USofA has always been the leader. Other pageant systems have come and gone over the years and that will continue to happen now and in the future, but Miss Gay Iowa
ACCESSline Page 21 USofA will continue to be the leader as long as I am the promoter. Is there anyone you would like to thank? Our preliminary promoters! They are the backbone of Miss Gay Iowa USofA. I do my absolute best to take care of them and make them feel appreciated. Having dedicated preliminary promoters is a huge part of what makes Miss Gay Iowa USofA a success and I cannot thank them enough. Another person I need to thank is Ross Wallace, our State Pageant Director. He works very hard during our state pageant weekends (Miss, Mr, and Miss at-Large) and takes a lot of weight off of my shoulders. He is a very important part of our behind the scenes. I would also like to thank Cy and Tony of The Garden Nightclub for their dedication over the past 2 years and Wooly’s for providing an amazing venue for Final Night this year. Finally, I would like to thank Tajma Hall for always having my back and coming here from Chicago to emcee all of our state pageants. Taj makes sure that the entire weekend runs smoothly and professionally. I could not ask for a better emcee to host our state pageants. For more information on MGI USofA you can go to www.missgayiowa.com or www.mrgayiowa.com. You can also find us on Facebook: Iowa USofA Pageantry.
Crowning of Miss Gay Iowa USofA 2013 Chanel Savage. Photo courtesy of Jerri Valentine
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The Fun Guide
FEBRUARY 2013
The Bookworm Sez by Terri Schlichenmeyer “Astray” by Emma Donoghue c.2012, Little, Brown and Company, $25.99 / $29.99 Canada, 275 pages The lady in the picture was wearing the biggest scowl you’d ever seen. The photo was taken long ago and it made you wonder what happened that day to make her so snarly. Was there a death, lost crops, an accident, bad weather, or did the photographer make her angry? You’ll never know but you wonder, just like the portrait makes you wonder about her life. And in the new book “Astray” a collection of short stories by Emma Donoghue, imagination becomes possibility. Perhaps the woman in the picture had just gotten out of bed. It was her third time rising that day, but she had to do what she could to keep a roof over her head and food in her child’s belly. Not even thirty years old, she felt worn, detesting her situation, loving her family. She hated her life but “she wouldn’t swap it for any other.” Or, as you’ll see in “The Widow’s Cruse,” the scowling woman could’ve been on her way to meet her lawyer. Newly widowed by a smallpox plague, she was frightened and unsure. She feared destitution. Her lawyer should have feared her. Maybe the woman was escaping. In the photograph, she appeared to be white, but that doesn’t mean anything. A man who’s cruel to his slaves can be cruel to his wife, too. Or perhaps she was escaping to another country, making a journey with her children to join a husband who was never going to meet her at any pier. It’s possible, too, that the woman was scowling because she met a man who’d never love her. When men team up to seek fortune and pan for gold, they often forget
Across 1 The Wizard of Oz dropout Buddy 6 In stitches, to Edith Head 10 Brandy bottle letters 14 Mazda model 15 Dixie Chicks, e.g. 16 Cry after getting the shaft 17 Singer tapped to play 39-Across 20 Penetrated 21 Church leader 22 The Name of the Rose writer 23 Little Caesar gangster 25 Heads-up 28 He comes once a year 31 “My bad” 33 Neighbor of Neb. 34 Mountain in 64-Across 36 Tobias pseudonym 38 Club for GIs 39 Former nun in 64-Across 43 Bonheur bathed in it 44 Like McKellen’s Magneto 45 Where buoy meets gull 46 Windshield feature 48 Gardner of mystery 50 “It has ___ of it’s own” (phallocentric saying) 54 Some opera queens 56 Explorer Vasco da ___ 58 Turkish title 59 Baghdad resident 61 War Requiem composer Benjamin 64 Classic to be remade for NBC by Meron & Zadan 67 Spread it and lick it 68 Shows on TV
that Yukon winters can be long and ferociously cold. Men do things to stay warm and sane. When that happens, women are mostly forgotten. And then again, that woman you see scowling in the picture? There’s something about her that you just can’t quite figure out. Maybe—just maybe, as you’ll see in “Daddy’s Girl”—she’s not really a woman, down deep. “Astray” is written with a great premise: take an old newspaper article, story, fictional tale, or even a passing mention from any source, and imagine how that single episode in someone’s life might have actually happened. It sounds like a seventh-grade writing assignment, but in author Emma Donoghue’s hands, it works to a level of impressiveness. Moving through the centuries with her short stories, Donoghue turns everyday situations and periodpiece slice-of-life situations into something of which O. Henry and Paul Harvey would be proud. Indeed, some
of these tales start with a little sleight of word, poking our emotions in one way, then slowly twisting them into another direction before giving us the real story. You never know where these tales will end, and that’s a good thing. My only complaint about this book is that it didn’t last long enough. I wanted more, and if that’s the kind of book you have to have, then “Astray” is one to picture yourself reading.
69 Absinthe flavoring 70 Precious stones 71 Ginsberg’s “Nagasaki ___” 72 Lincoln bas reliefs Down 1 Ryan Seacrest, and others
2 Othello courtesan 3 Poet-novelist May 4 To be, in Toulon 5 Depilatory product 6 54, in a Ryan Phillippe flick 7 Soaring seafood lover
Maybe—just maybe, as you’ll see in “Daddy’s Girl”—she’s not really a woman, down deep.
Q-PUZZLE: Nun of the Above
8 Like welcoming thighs 9 French Christmas 10 Alphabet quintet 11 Fortified like Dinah? 12 The Plastic ___ Band 13 Place to take a pea 18 Racket extension 19 Cereal box no. 24 Toyota model 26 Sound like Harvey Fierstein 27 Boxing ref’s end to a butt-whipping 29 It gets laid in the street 30 “That’s ___ and you know it!” 32 Poses for Bruce Weber 35 Smooth the way 37 De Matteo of Desperate Housewives 39 Chains around a knight 40 Dorothy Gale lived with her 41 State named for a queen who wasn’t sexually active 42 “That was good, honey!” 43 Announcement from the cockpit 47 Trunks of Mapplethorpe’s photos 49 Do relief work 51 Avoids waiters 52 Senior snubber 53 Emulates Isadora Duncan 55 Saint, in Rio 57 Sandy’s sound in Annie 60 Muscle Mary’s pride 62 Apple of a sort 63 Bring to proper pitch 64 Get dressed, with “up” 65 Abbr. on old maps 66 In need of a lube
• SOLUTION ON PAGE 30
FEBRUARY 2013
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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 ManagingEditor@ACCESSlineIowa.com.
events
to
Body Geographic tells a Midwest Tale
A memoir from the award-winning author of My Lesbian Husband, Barrie Jean Borich’s Body Geographic turns personal history into an inspired reflection on the points where place and person intersect, where running away meets running toward, and where dislocation means finding oneself. One coordinate of Borich’s story is Chicago, the prototypical Great Lakes port city built by immigrants like her great-grandfather Big Petar, and the other is her own port of immigration, Minneapolis, the combined skylines of these two cities tattooed on Borich’s own back. Between Chicago and Minneapolis Borich maps her own Midwest, a true heartland in which she measures the distance between the dreams and realities of her own life, her family’s, and her fellow travelers’ in the endless American migration. Covering rough terrain— from the hardships of her immigrant ancestors to the travails of her often-drunk young self, longing to be madly awake in the world, from the changing demographics of midwestern cities to the personal transformations of coming out and living as a lesbian—Body Geographic is cartography of high literary order, plotting routes, real and imagined, and putting an alternate landscape on the map. “Body Geographic is as astonishingly original as it is profoundly humane. Barrie Jean Borich writes of the body, the psyche, the land, and real life with a reach so grand and a mastery so definitive it clutches the heart. This is a beautiful, bold, blow-your-mind book.”—Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild About the Author: Barrie Jean Borich teaches creative writing in the English Department and the MA in Writing and Publishing program at Chicago’s DePaul University and splits her time between Minneapolis and Chicago. About the University of Nebraska Press: Founded in 1941, the University of Nebraska Press is a nonprofit scholarly and general interest press that publishes 160 new and reprint titles annually under the Nebraska and Bison Books imprint respectively, along with 20 journals. As the largest and most diversified university press between Chicago and California, with nearly 3,000 books in print, the University of Nebraska Press is best known for publishing works in Indigenous studies, history and literature of the American West, translated literature, and sports history. For more information, visit www.nebraskapress.unl.edu.
Q: “Why do you write these strong female characters?” A: “Because you’re still asking me that question.” ~ Joss Whedon
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FEBRUARY 2013
Expansion comes to The BLUEBARN Theatre in Omaha Interview by Angela Geno-Stumme
Designs for the new BLUEBARN Theatre. Courtesy of BLUEBARN Theatre. Kevin Mahler discusses BLUEBARN Theatre and their upcoming expansion in Omaha, Nebraska. The BLUEBARN Theatre began in the late 1980’s with graduates from the Professional Theatre Training Conservatory at the State University of New York at Purchase. Seeking to continue the deeply shared artistic aesthetic and practice that they had developed over their four years of conservatory training, and also to create theatre outside the constraints of New York City’s commercial market, they joined forces with the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and produced their first play: America in Pieces, three one-acts by David Mamet, Spalding Grey, and Sam Shepard. The first production was produced with $75 and two white sheets and performed in the middle of a bitter cold February. The response to the work was overwhelming, and the BLUEBARN was born. In the Fall of 1990, after working for two seasons at the Bemis Foundation, the BLUEBARN renovated an empty storefront building on 13th street in downtown Omaha, creating a small black box performance space that was to be the BLUEBARN home for the next six years. Now in its 24th season, the BLUEBARN has established itself as Omaha’s premier professional theatre. After producing over 80 plays since 1989, the BLUEBARN’s reputation for high-quality entertainment and pursuit of stories that challenge both the theatre artists and patrons is solid. Today, the BLUEBARN’s primary goals are to bring in more professional actors and designers from around the country and to increase awareness of the BLUEBARN in Omaha and surrounding communities. What does BLUEBARN bring to Omaha? And how does it stand out as a professional theatre? BLUEBARN produces boundarybreaking professional theatre using local and national talent. The BLUEBARN presents progressive works of contemporary theatre that have won prestigious awards and critical acclaim.
Since its inception nearly 25 years ago in 1989, The BLUEBARN has employed the finest artistic talent in all areas of theatre— from its professionally trained founders to “Equity” actors to the most accomplished community talent. Currently, most shows at The BLUEBARN are directed by The BLUEBARN’s producing artistic director, Susan Clement-Toberer, who was trained at The Conservatory at the State University of New York at Purchase and has won numerous Omaha Entertainment Awards and Theatre Arts Guild Awards since moving to Omaha in 1991. Why is BLUEBARN building a standalone theater? As Omaha’s creative class expands, the cultural institutions that incubate Omaha’s artistic leaders must grow to meet their needs. Omaha’s most established artists are attracted to work at The BLUEBARN; a stand-alone space will expand the depth and breadth of BLUEBARN’s function as a
nurturer of Omaha’s artistic talent. With the enthusiastic backing of our loyal patrons, donors and the larger Omaha philanthropic community, the future home of The BLUEBARN will propel the organization forward for the next 25 years of truth, beauty, and artistic progression. The BLUEBARN’s stand-alone theater will be the first new theatre built in Omaha in a decade. What phase is the project in at present? The project is currently in the design phase and fundraising is underway. We will break ground in 2014. What elements will be included in the new space? What goals do you have for it? The most exciting thing about the future home of The BLUEBARN is the flexible stage space that allows the back of the stage to open up to an outdoor courtyard, that we call our “porch yard.” This flexibil-
BLUEBARN produces boundary-breaking professional theatre using local and national talent.
ity will allow new creative possibilities in scenic design, as well as outdoor seating for select performances and events. Once completed, the new theatre will help position The BLUEBARN for the next 25 years (and beyond) of growth and will accommodate an increase in our seating capacity from 86 to 99 seats while giving us much needed space for rehearsal, scenic construction, staff offices and storage. The new theatre will feature much improved backstage areas for our actors and artists, appropriate restrooms, handicapped access, comfortable lobby and public spaces for our audience, along with energy-efficient and quieter heating and cooling systems. The BLUEBARN’s future home on 10th and Pacific will have a catalytic effect on the urban renewal happening along Omaha’s South Old Market cultural district of South 10th Street. What will happen to the current space at 614 South 11th Street? Mercer Management , the owner of The BLUEBARN’s current space, will determine how it will be used when it is vacated. How much has the BLUEBARN fundraised at present? How can people contribute to this project? The BLUEBARN has raised more than $3.1 million toward its goal of $7 million. Gifts at the $25,000 level and above will be acknowledged with naming rights for various aspects of the theatre (stage space, dressing rooms, lobby, etc.) Gifts can be fulfilled over3 to 5 years, depending on the donor’s wishes. What events are coming up at BLUEBARN and where can people purchase tickets? A Behanding in Spokane starts February 21, 2013 and The 39 Steps starts May 9, 2013. Go to our website for more details. If you are interested in contributing to the campaign, please contact The BLUEBARN through our website, www.bluebarn.org, or call us at 402-3451576.
Designs for the new BLUEBARN Theatre. Courtesy of BLUEBARN Theatre.
FEBRUARY 2013
Section 3: Community
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FFBC: Mike Gronstal by Bruce Carr Prime Timers of Central Iowa agenda this term, he said, is increasing employment opportunities for Iowans. Iowa has no shortage of workers; we have a shortage of skills. We need to focus on—allocate dollars for—the training of women and men for meaningful work, for example in the building trades. He hopes to facilitate the creation of up to 500,000 jobs within the next six years, one-half of which would require education past the high school diploma but not necessarily as far as a bachelor’s degree. And we are well poised to do just that. “I have a remarkable group of 26 Iowa Democrats in the Senate,” he said, “and I think I’m the luckiest majority leader in the U.S.”
Mike Gronstal Our guest speaker at the January 4 meeting of the First Friday Breakfast Club was Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal who last spoke to us in March 2007. Introduced as in 2007 by his fellow senator (and FFBC member) Matt McCoy, Gronstal was greeted with a standing ovation for his leadership in preventing legislators from the anti-equality side of the aisle from introducing a constitutional amendment that would deny marriage rights to gay couples. Indeed, as he noted later in his talk, this is a non-issue for him henceforth; last November he was resoundingly re-elected by his Council Bluffs constituency despite over $1 million spent by nationwide opponents of marriage equality trying to unseat him. “We’re not gonna have to focus on your issues this session,” he told us. “It’s done.” Uppermost on Gronstal’s legislative
Mike Gronstal has served in the Iowa Senate since 1985 and was a member of the Iowa House for one term prior to that. He represents Senate District 50, which includes Council Bluffs and Carter Lake on the western border. Besides serving as Senate Majority Leader, he is chair of the Rules & Administration Committee. Mike is recognized by his colleagues for his dedicated work and knowledge of complex issues in the insurance and utilities business. During his years in the Legislature, Mike has worked to make Iowa the nation’s leader in renewable fuels and to bring more biotechnology jobs and businesses to Iowa. He has led the effort to restore funding to Iowa’s community colleges and school districts. Mike is a graduate of Council Bluffs’ St. Albert High School and of Antioch College in Ohio. He also attended Loyola University in Chicago. He and his wife, Connie, have two daughters: Kate and Sara. He can be contacted at mike.gronstal@legis.iowa.gov.
PITCH Calendar 2013 Positive Iowans Taking Charge (PITCH) is a volunteer-run non-profit organization, founded in 2007, their goal is to provide social networking and support to Iowans living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS. Their mission is to create an atmosphere where HIV+ people can unite, advocate, and assist other HIV+ people for better health and wellness. More information can be found at pitchiowa.org or call Tami Haught at 641-715-4182.
February 6,13,20, & 27: Des Moines Open Support Group 5pm-6pm (Wednesdays) 7,14,21, & 28: Thursday Group 2pm-3pm (Thursdays) 14 & 28: Waterloo PITCH Support Group 6pm-8pm (Every other week) 13 & 27: Wednesday Evening Group 5:30pm-6:30pm (Every other week)
PITCH Conference Call Support Group Meeting
Positive Iowans Taking Charge will be having a Conference Call Support Group meeting, February 27th at 7 PM. This Support Group Meeting is open to those outside of Iowa. The meeting is to provide emotional, social, and educational opportunities for Iowans across the state. The Agenda is as follows: welcome and introduction from
7-7:30 PM, topic discussion from 7:30-8 PM, non-topic time for everyone to share how they are doing from 8-8:30 PM. Times are adjusted depending on the needs of the people on the call. The number to call is 949-812-4500 and the Pin number is 684713 that everyone will use the same code. For more information go to pitchiowa.org or find them on facebook.
Prime Timers of Central Iowa met for their monthly dinner gathering on January 13th. Many members are new to CIPT, so a mixer based on the “speed dating” model of questioning acquainted members with each other is being planned. A permanent board was elected and has met to plan a full schedule of activities for the coming year. Next scheduled general meeting will
be held on Sun., Feb 17th at 5:30. We continue to receive inquiries from across much of Iowa from mature gay/bi men who are looking for new opportunities for socialization and support. Fo l l o w us on Fa c e b o o k (Prime Timers of Central Iowa) or email us for more information (PrimeTimersIowa@gmail.com).
Greater Omaha GLBT Network Calendar
The mission of GOglbt is to advance growth and equality for its members, businesses and allies by providing educational, networking and community-building opportunities. We typically meet the first Thursday every month at a traveling location to see the community and be seen. For more information or to be included on the e-newsletter list, please email us at info@goglbt.org or go to their website www.goglbt.org. GoGLBT Meeting Council Bluffs Community Alliance Wednesday, February 3, 2013, 5:30pm (CBCA) Weekly Meeting-Iowa - 7:00pm TBA Council Bluffs Community Alliance CBCA also meets at Barleys, 114 W. (CBCA) Biweekly Meeting-Iowa Broadway in Council Bluffs every other Friday, February 8 & 22, 2013, 5:30pm Friday at 5:30 PM - 8:00. - 8:00pm The Wimmins Show Council Bluffs Community Alliance Every Sunday, 11:30am - 1:00pm (CBCA) promotes the city of Council The Wimmins Show online at kzum. Bluffs as a developing gay, lesbian, org, or if you live in Lincoln, on 89.1. The bisexual and transgender family commu- Wimmins Show focuses on music by, for, nity, and to assure the equality of all and about women, featuring lesbian and Council Bluffs’ residents. Please email feminist artists. Hosted by Deb Anderson councilbuffscommunityalliance@yahoo.com and other guest programmers. or visit their Facebook page.
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Section 3: Community
Working Together “Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law” said President Barack Obama at his second inaugural address. It seems, to me, that words like gay, lesbian, transgender, queer, and equality are no longer owned by “us” that are. Those words are being used by so many now, openly. My how times are changing that we have a President that uses them often, almost make them a common place for every household. I have believed for a long time that equality in this country, particularly in rural and conservative states, would be about “our” integration with main stream society. Involving ourselves and not being segregated. Too many times LGBT communities are segregated enough within their own communities, how can we expect the greater community to accept us and involve us if we don’t work and play together to begin with. I believe we are all children of the same universe. I believe it takes a village to raise a child, and I am a 45 year old child!
FEBRUARY 2013
by Royal Bush, Multifaith Chaplain
We all need a family to help us along, and the LGBT community probably has that skill set more than any other segment of our nation. For years we have been outcasts from our given families and we have formed our own groups of families. Today, more than ever, it is time that we call on all of our families (given and chosen) to remember our faces, our love and our light as we vote to elect political officials, create policies and rights (that many others take for granted.) As other countries add equality measures to their lands, more states in the US prepare to add marriage equality to their states laws, equality for the LGBT people of this nation is within reach during my lifetime. I close with a quote from our Nation’s
foremost civil rights leader “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is the time for you to become involved in your community. LGBT organizations need your time, money and talents right now! In the back of the ACCESSline you will find a list of many LGBT organizations in both Iowa and Nebraska that need you. Reach out and make a difference in your own life, and your community today.
Too many times LGBT communities are segregated enough within their own communities, how can we expect the greater community to accept us and involve us if we don’t work and play together to begin with.
LGBT Americans have finally broken through a glass ceiling that held firm for more than two centuries. This is real progress – a victory for us all. And this is a moment to smile, celebrate and raise a glass to toast a record number of out federal lawmakers. ~ Chuck Wolfe of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund about Tammy Baldwin Senate oath.
Multifaith Chaplain Royal D. Bush serves Inclusive Life, 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.
The Project of the Quad Cities Calendar
Founded in 1986, The Project of the Quad Cities is a non-profit HIV/STI/AIDS Service Organization that provides support to persons living with HIV/STI/AIDS as well as their families and friends in Iowa and Illinois. www.apqc4life.org Symptom Management Group—Every Wednesday from 1-2:30 pm Life Skills Group—Every other Wednesday from 10-11:30 am Coffee Hour—10-11:30 am on Wednesdays when the Life Skills Group does not meet; A relaxed and casual atmosphere Groups meet at our Moline office. We also offer free HIV testing Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm. For more information call Susie or Mollie at 309-762-5433
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FEBRUARY 2013
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From the Pastor’s Pen by Rev. Jonathan Page God, We have a Situation
“Umm, Reverend...” Dawson Taylor, a minister at Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, looked at the head deacon leaning over his shoulder. “Yes?” “We have a situation in the narthex.” “A situation? We are just about to begin Easter worship.” Dawson gestured to the thousand-person congregation filling the sanctuary. “I know,” the deacon said, “but I think you had better come this way, Reverend.” Dawson could see from the deacon’s expression that he did not have much choice. “Okay,” he replied. Rising in a liturgical fashion, he calmly made his way past the senior minister, whispering to her as he passed, “There is a situation I have to take care of. I’ll be back.” The senior minister merely nodded that she had heard, her anxiety rising. This has to happen on Easter Sunday! Making his way out to the narthex, Dawson caught sight of a drag queen dressed in a white wedding gown with a member of staff standing close beside her. Wow, he thought to himself. “Oh, Reverend Taylor! It’s good to see you! Happy Easter!” Dawson immediately recognized one of the congregation’s more colorful characters, Kevin aka Darla. This time it was definitely Darla. “Darla, honey, what ARE you doing in that wedding gown? It’s Easter Sunday.” “Exactly,” Darla said in response. “I woke up this morning with a whole new perspective on life. I’m done with men! Forever! I’m here to marry JESUS! Do I look like a good bride?” Darla swung into her best Marilyn Monroe flirty pose, with
her hands on her knees, fake eyelashes fluttering. “Yes, but white? Really, Darla?” “Oh please, Reverend! A lady is allowed SOME liberty on her wedding day!” Dawson couldn’t help but crack a smile. “Darla, I want to be clear. You are welcome here, as is everyone who comes in a spirit of worship. But, you must promise me not to make a scene. This is a worship space for everyone. If you disturb the service, we will have to escort you out.” Darla nodded her assent with her veil flapping above her head. Forty minutes later, Dawson and the other clergy at Cathedral of Hope were welcoming all to the communion table. Darla was true to her word and participated without incident. That Easter morning Darla and several thousand people shared the bread and the cup of the Eucharist, a symbol of their spiritual communion with one another and with God. Listening to Dawson’s story last week at a conference in Florida, I kept seeing a drag queen in a wedding dress, in the midst of personal turmoil, sharing communion with a thousand complete strangers. What a great image of what the church can and should be! Curious, I asked Dawson to send me the communion liturgy that they use at Cathedral of Hope. Cathedral of Hope
was founded as a Metropolitan Community Church, and to this day approximately 90% of its members identify as a sexual minority. What is striking about their liturgy is how traditionally Christian it is. The clergy begin with the Sursum Corda (“Lift up your hearts!”) and continue with the Great Thanksgiving. The congregation sings the Sanctus before hearing the Institution Narrative, the retelling of the Last Supper. There is a prayer of invocation and the elements are distributed by intinction. The words draw on ancient Christian themes like the experience of being lost in the wilderness and the liberation of Israel. There is the promise of new life in communion with Christ, language that is reminiscent of the earliest communion liturgies, the Didache and The Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus. Every Sunday around the communion table, Cathedral of Hope reclaims the Christian tradition on behalf of love and radical welcome. Cathedral of Hope and its many ministries are a potent reminder that Christianity can transcend words of hatred and work for the good of all. The recent anti-gay tendencies within the church are merely one example of a long list of flaws in Christian history. What is heartwarming to me is that in spite of its troubled history, the true church still manages to break through
I kept seeing a drag queen in a wedding dress, in the midst of personal turmoil, sharing communion with a thousand complete strangers. What a great image of what the church can and should be!
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. and inspire people to new life, including a drag queen in a wedding dress. The Didache, a second century document of Christian teaching, contains the earliest extant instruction on the Eucharist outside the New Testament. After describing the proper communion procedure, it concludes with a prayer, “Remember, Lord, your Church, to save it from all evil and to make it perfect by your love.” Regardless of your religious affiliation, I think it is a prayer that we can all share. It shows that even in the days of the early church, there was recognition that it was a human institution and therefore bound to err. But, thankfully, the best of the church also endures and, I believe, in the end, love wins.
MAL 2013: A Guide to Leather Weekends and Contests by Mark Turnage, Mr. Iowa Leather 2013 This weekend was my first Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend (MAL) 2013, held at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, D.C. on Capitol Hill. I had a great time telling people what the kink community is like in Iowa (“come visit and see for yourself!”) while learning more about myself, what I’m into, and what leather means to people all across the country and the world. A leather weekend can be a different, unfamiliar world to most. But it’s no reason not to experience one for yourself if you’d like to explore what BDSM is like outside your state, meet sexy people who you might not have the chance to see in person, and experience a part of leather culture. The contest is the centerpiece of the leather weekend. In this instance, it was the competition for the title of Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2013—with competitors Bryce Caine (Mr. Pittsburgh Leather), Josh Pennington (Mr. Double L Leather) and KJ Nichols (Mr. Connecticut Leather) as the contestants. This was the 29th Leather Weekend of the Centaur Motorcycle Club, and featured a full vendor
mart, meet-and-greet, and cocktail party where men from all over the U.S. and the world represented their individual titles. Contests are held not only to preserve leather heritage and ensure a continuing legacy for a leather community, but also to provide state or regional representatives for larger, nationwide or international contests to compete in. One such contest is International Mister Leather, which I will be competing for in May this year and is the thirty-fifth anniversary of the competition. The public contest for Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather was divided into four different sections. Prior to the competition, the judges rigorously interview each contestant privately to determine who might best exemplify the title. In the first public portion, Bar Wear, the competitor wears the leathers they would choose to express themselves with on a typical bar night. It also functions as an introduction of the competitor to the audience. During Pecs and Personality, the competitor shows off their comfort and confidence wearing only boots and a jockstrap
You find out the gorgeous guy you’ve been eyeing all night is into licking boots, and that’s not your thing. Say so, don’t insult his tastes, and explore other options. You might find a connection on a different level.
then are asked a kinky question by the judges to give the audience an idea of their character. The last category, Formals, is what the contestant wears to epitomize their idea of what a Leatherman means to them. All three contestants competed extremely well for the title, but it was Mr. Caine who was sashed the new Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2013, making him the third consecutive MAL winner who is a Pittsburgh titleholder. Many states hold their own contests. Iowa Leather Weekend, for example, has been around in one form or another for over 25 years. Though the titles and the contest it leads up to have changed, the spirit of leather camaraderie and continuing the legacy of Iowa leather culture remain very much the same, thanks to the Blazing Saddle, the Cornhaulers Leather and Levis Club, and the Titans of the Midwest. Other contests from around the country also include a “Fantasy” portion of the competition, such as Mr. Atlanta Eagle or Mr. SECC (SouthEast Community of Clubs), in which you are given a prop, a person (celebrity or otherwise) and a location to enact a threeminute scene that best expresses your erotic persona and capabilities. But what if you’re there to enjoy the weekend not as a competitor, but as an attendee? First, book your hotel and register as early as you can! All kidding aside, whether
you’re going alone or with friends, whether it’s your first time or your thirty-fifth, here’s a few simple thoughts to keep in mind. 1. Explore. You’re walking into a room full of strangers, but you’re going to leave with more friends than you started if you’re genuine. Extrovert or introvert, making a good impression is always important, but sincerity is the value
TTMARK TURNAGE cont’d page 30
ACCESSline Page 28 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, 202467-8180 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 Iowa Gay Rodeo Association (IAGRA) 921 Diagonal Rd, Malcom, IA 50157 polebender60@yahoo.com 641-990-1411
Section 3: Community 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, 319-272-AIDS(2437). cvhospice@forbin.net Cedar Valley Counseling Services Promoting personal growth and development in a strengths-based environment, Joan E. Farstad, MA, Director. 319-240-4615, 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 CRPrideFest (formerly Cedar Rapids Unity) Social activities, non-profit Pride festival organization. PO Box 1643 Cedar Rapids 52406-1643 - CRPrideFest.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 4PM2AM, 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 Diversity Focus, 222 2nd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401, 319-363-3707, DiversityFocus.org, Lead in the promotion of diversity, cultural awareness, and inclusion in the Corridor community. 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. 319362-9827 - 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 Community Alliance “…will promote the city of Council Bluffs as a developing gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender family community, & to assure the equality of all Council Bluffs’ residents.” CouncilBluffsCommunityAlliance.org 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, 563-3871040. Luther College PRIDE-Diversity Center, 700 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101 Contact Charles 563-210-6570 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.
FEBRUARY 2013 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 Franklin Family Practice Dr. Joe Freund, MD 4908 Franklin Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310 515-280-4930, ucsinformation@ucsdsm.org, UCSOnline.org/FranklinFamilyPractice The Gallery (adult store) 1000 Cherry St, Des Moines, IA 50309-4227 - (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. 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
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FEBRUARY 2013 SScontinued from page 28
DIRECTORY
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 515266-7992 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 Rainbow Pride support and socialization group. For members of the LGBT+ community who want to expand their social circle, get support for LGBT specific issues, & help with advocacy. Meets Mondays at 1pm Hillcrest Wellness Center 225 W 6th St., Dubuque, IA 563-690-1239 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
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
Section 3: Community 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 522421317 - 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 - 319-337-4459 Free & strictly confidential HIV Testing. 2440 Towncrest Dr Iowa City, Call for appointment 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. Jennifer Masada, Jane Stewart, and John Greve. 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
Marshalltown, iowa
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. 641421-9321 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 309716-0542. 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 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 309-786-2580 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
Red Oak, 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
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 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 - 402-475-2269 226 South 9th St, Lincoln, NE 68508 Indigo Bridge Books The Creamery Building, 701 P St, Ste 102, Lincoln, NE 68508 - 402-477 7770 “Indigo Bridge Books strives to provide a solid, relevant Gender Studies section with a focus on LGBT titles. indigobridgebooks.com Nebraska AIDS Project (Lincoln Office) 1921 South 17th Street, Lincoln, NE 68502 (402) 476-7000 - nap.org OUTLinc - outlinc.org Bringing Lincoln’s LGBT Community Together Panic - 402-435-8764 200 S 18th St, Lincoln, NE 68508 PFLAG Cornhusker Chapter PO Box 82034, Lincoln, NE 68501 Meetings 4th Tuesday, Unitarian Church of Lincoln, 6300 A St, 7-9pm pflagcornhusker.org PFLAG Helpline: 402-434-9880 - Confidential Support & Information - We’re Here For You !
ACCESSline Page 29 Planned Parenthood of the Heartland Sexual and Reproductive Health Care, Transgender Care - (402) 441-3302 2246 O St, Lincoln, NE 68510 The Rainbow Clinic in the UNL Psychological Consultation Center “…a specialty outreach service to the GLBTQ community. Psychological services, including individual, couples & family therapy, are provided within the UNL Psychological Consultation Center by regular PCC staff…open year round; day & evening appointments available. $10 for intake & $25 for therapy sessions. Application can be made for reduced fees based on federal poverty guidelines. 325 Burnett Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588 402-472-2351 unl.edu/psypage/pcc/ Star City Pride starcitypride.org - info@starcitypride.org 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 Greater Omaha GLBT Network - goglbt.org “…to advance growth & equality for its members, businesses & allies by providing educational, networking & community-building opportunities. Meetings 1st Thursday every month locations at a traveling location to see the community and be seen. For more info or to be included on the e-newsletter list, please email us at info@goglbt.org. 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 Heartland Pride ”…to develop a high impact and relevant cultural festival & events annually that promotes equality & unity for the LGBTQ & Allies Communities of Western Iowa and Greater Nebraska. heartlandpride.org Imperial Court of Nebraska 402-556-9907 P.O. Box 3772, Omaha, NE 68103 Inclusive Life - inclusivelife.org “Religious and Non religious care, services and ceremonies for all!”, 105 S. 49 Street, Suite E, Omaha, NE 68132, (402) 575-7006, 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, 402-960-9696, Judy marlenemarschel@yahoo.com Youth Support Group for GLBT Youth 13-21, meets twice monthly. Omaha, NE - 402-291- 6781
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MARK TURNAGE prized above all else. See a gorgeous guy but don’t know what to say? Start a conversation with a ‘woof,’ or just say hello. Curious about rope bondage but don’t know where to start? Ask the guy getting tied up, or find someone wearing a gray hanky in their left or right pocket (left: I will tie you up, right: You tie me down). Most of the time (unless they’re clearly ‘occupied,’) demonstration participants will be happy to answer your questions. Some leather weekends have vendor marts that include a wide variety of literature on the subject you want to learn more about. If you want to know, ask. Don’t misrepresent your experience or lack thereof. Both are attractive in the right circumstances. 2. Be Respectful. You find out the gorgeous guy you’ve been eyeing all night is into licking boots, and that’s not your thing. Say so, don’t insult his tastes, and explore other options. You might find a connection on a different level. A second example: Another guy is very interested in you, and wants to add his SIR into the mix. Asking more questions, you find out that whatever the SIR says—goes. No limits, no refusals. You may reconsider or politely decline—it’s a hard decision, but one that needs to be true to yourself. Weigh your options carefully and then proceed. But know that once the scene starts, it’s no-holds-barred. Everything beforehand can be negotiated. As a rule: Don’t touch covers (“hats”) or collars. Simple and straightforward. 3. Smile and Have fun! You define your leather weekend. If it’s about finding more personal connections than
Section 3: Community physical ones, that’s okay! Sometimes a week of asking questions leads to four more weeks of fun later on in the year! A leather weekend will almost always surprise you somehow—in a good way. It may be learning something new about yourself or your sexuality, or a different aspect of BDSM you never considered before. Be open to new experiences and opportunities, and at the same time, if something makes you feel uncomfortable, speak up and address it before it becomes an issue. You define your limits and expectations, but know that you’re among friends who have been through what you have (and possibly more). Here’s hoping you’ll join me, or that I’ll see you there! Mark ran for Mr. Iowa Leather 2013 in October 2012, and since winning his goal is to further kink education, exploration and interest both inside and outside the community. Upcoming events for Mark include Fetish February and Kink University in Des Moines, Iowa providing a wide array of participatory demos and discussion on the spectrum of leather culture and fetishes. Mark participated in the first “NOH8 At My School/It Gets Better” campaign at his alma mater, the University of Northern Iowa (‘08) earlier this year, and took part in fundraisers for the Cedar Valley Community AIDS Assistance Program and the AIDS Project of Iowa’s Veteran’s Day Benefit. A spokesperson for Team Friendly Iowa, he encourages others to know their status, know the facts about HIV transmission, and to be a friendly face to anyone, positive or negative. He is currently starting a six-month fundraiser for Iowa Safe Schools, a Des Moines-based anti-bullying program that works to provide greater safety and resources for LGBT youth. You can find Mark on Facebook.
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BEAU FODOR to same-sex couples, who are eager to join an institution that many have given up on. Thank God they are a dwindling minority.” I must also take this opportunity to stress that the same guidelines for couples eligible to be married at the Cathedral stay in effect and apply to all. All weddings at the Cathedral are conducted as Christian marriages in which the couple commits to lifelong faithfulness, love, forbearance, and mutual comfort. At least one person in the couple, therefore, must have been baptized. Only couples directly affiliated with the life of the Cathedral—as active, contributing members of the congregation; as alumni or alumnae of the Cathedral schools; as individuals who have made significant volunteer or donor contributions over a period of time; or those judged to have played an exceptional role in the life of the nation—are eligible to be married at the Cathedral. However, you don’t have to travel out of state to find a change. In our great state, the hospitality is overwhelming. With new and “well-kept-secret venues”, that can offer multi-purpose accommodations, from luxury hotel properties, like the Hotel Blackhawk in Davenport, the Hotel Julien, and Grand River Center in Dubuque. And at our Capitol city, The Rollins Mansion and the World Food Prize building. Being our true “crown jewels”, well, we can certainly hold our own in the Midwest! Friends, families, and loved ones are getting into the weddings, ceremonies and
FEBRUARY 2013 celebrations more than ever by being a part of the planning process right from the start. At the recent Wedding Expos, I found an outpouring of interest and support from vendors and producers, alike. Four years ago, I had to hold our first LGBT Weddings Expo, because no one wanted or even welcomed us. Two years ago I was told by the producers of the largest Expo that they would lose business if Iowa’s Gay Wedding Planner were to be involved. Then, somehow, almost magically, and I believe thanks to President Obama’s inclusionary statements and validation for same-sex marriage, all of a sudden we are being welcomed this year with open arms! From Creme Cupcake, to Dornick, Amy Allen Photography, to Jasper Winery, Luxor Limousines to Embassy Clubs, I couldn’t get over the true pursuit of the LGBT Communities business. So, next year Iowa’s Gay Weddings Planner will be a featured and advertised participant. It finally feels so fabulous to be allowed to move to the “front” of the bus.
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RED WING but she keeps on top of everything that affects her community. She adores Rachel Maddow. Her son Paul, as one of the first ordained ‘out’ Presbyterian ministers in the nation, was recently installed as pastor at the Sausalito Presbyterian Church. His partner of 25 years and his daughter, Ellie, stood beside him. Marge attended by Skype and has rejoined the church she had left so many years ago in protest. As LGBTQ people, many of us were not welcome in our families of origin and we have created our own. Just as we had our own journeys towards acceptance, so did our parents, siblings, and friends. Some
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DEBORAH COX she’s coming from. She’s in a bad situation so she’s got to struggle to find the good in the bad. I’m very much an optimist, and I’ve learned that sometimes you have to work with sh*tty circumstances sometimes to find the good. Through performing this character I’ve become a little bit more aware of that philosophy. She’s so overtly sexy and so much more uninhibited than I am it’s kind of made me a little more aware of my own sexuality, just as a woman, and just the power of being a woman. There’s so much power in that. And with Lucy, she wears that on her sleeve. That just exudes from her. And so I think I’m just more aware of that now, because my personality tends to become very go-go-gogo-go, and I don’t really just sit back and be in the present, and just sort of take it all in. So I think that’s what I’ve learned about her, from portraying her. Tell us about your efforts toward human rights. You received a civil rights award from the New York Senate? Yes. It was for recognition of being supportive of equality and it was really gratifying because, again, I was touring, just going from city to city, and doing charity performances, and being really consumed with doing shows and doing the music and the recording. So when they approached me and told me that they wanted to honor me with this award, I stopped and thought about, “Wow, you know, everything that I have been doing up to this point has actually made an impact.” And it made me realize that I was really doing what I had set out to do, which was to inspire people to come out and be who they are, to just do what I do with love and no judgment. That’s been my mantra and my philosophy all these years. It was really amazing recognition to get that award. When it comes to human rights and civil rights that to me is at the forefront, because we’ve got to respect people for who they are. And what better way to be recognized for that philosophy. You’ve had quite a career: quite a number of nominations and awards, five albums and a greatest hits album—what have been some of the highlights? Wow. Many highlights. Of course getting to work with Whitney Houston, performing at the O2 in London with the amazing Andrea Bocelli, right up to performing in Aida on Broadway, stepping into that role. Being able to somewhat originate this next version—or new version—of “Jekyll and Hyde”… To me it’s about being involved
Section 3: Community came back to us, some didn’t. Families are complicated and messy and sometimes wonderful. It was in the vortex of a dangerous struggle for equality that I met Marge and her family. Twenty years later I remain her friend and her daughter. The last lines of Josephine, the ShortNecked Giraffe’s version of the song “You’re Much More” really do describe our beloved community: “When we put you all together, You’re a beautiful, marvelous, Spirited, lovely, Wonderful one of a kind!”
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CHAIN is considered harmful to public health and amongst the most stigmatizing and punitive in the nation. After spending months hosting educational forums and educating legislators, CHAIN is hosting its annual CHAIN Day on the Hill on Thursday, February 7, 2013. Advocates will meet at 9 am for a brief training then
ACCESSline Page 31 sider criminalization laws that may serve as barriers to public health prevention goals and may interfere with public health strategies to reduce transmission of HIV/AIDS,” noted Randy Mayer, chief of the Bureau of HIV, STD, and Hepatitis at the Iowa Department of Public Health. “An updated statute could better support public health objectives, such as reducing stigma, facilitating HIV testing, following the guidance of medical and public health officials, and promoting adherence to
To all of you ‘wonderful one of a kinds’, I share this Valentine to Marge with you.
with projects that are of quality. Maintaining integrity, not compromising, and I really feel that has been a theme of mine. I’ve just never compromised. If there isn’t a good role out there, then I’m not just going to do bullsh*t to stay out there. More important for me is to do something that’s meaningful that to do something just to be on TV or just for the fame. It’s more important for me to have integrity in what I do. I pride myself in that, and I’m proud that I’ve been able to maintain what I have and do what I have done without compromising, and to still be here in the game. What have you not done that you would like to do? I would love to do an action film. [Laughs.] Like something along the lines of what Angelina Jolie does. Those kind of suspense, action kinds of roles. Do you know if you have any particular plans set for your time in Des Moines? It will be the first time I’ve ever been. I’ve never been to Iowa. What I usually do when I visit cities, I like to find out what the best restaurants are, and take in the culture and that kind of thing. So I know I’ll definitely be eating, because I’m quite a foodie. There’s really not a lot of time to really do a lot of things—especially toward the weekends— not a lot of time to take in the city. There’s some television and some press that we’re supposed to do, but I don’t have our schedule for the week yet. Usually we get into the city on Monday, we do our orientation at the theater, check out the dressing rooms, check out where the stage is and the back stage area, because it is essentially always a whole new home for us at that point, a different theater every week, so we have to get acquainted with where everything is. Anything else people should be aware of for your upcoming performance? Well I guess I should mention that we recorded a really amazing concept album which has some of the songs from the show and some bonus songs on there. It’s myself, Constantine, and Teal Wicks, who perform the signature songs, but there are some extra gems on there as well, like “Girls of the Night” and “No One Knows Who I Am.” If people want to get a feel of the songs and the show, that would be a good CD to pick up, and it will be available at the theater in Des Moines as well. It is a little more contemporary than the show’s arrangements, and we’ll be recording the cast album when we get to Broadway. That will be a little more in keeping with what goes on in the show. Editor’s Note: The concept album mentioned in this interview can be purchased at Amazon.com at: http://amzn.to/VyqENv
(L to R) Adrian Haught, Evelyn Thompson, Amber Thompson, Bethann Thomspon, Representative Grassley, Tami Haught. attend a legislative luncheon from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. Now is the time for advocates to stand up, speak out, and provide facts to their legislators. For those not able to attend in person, CHAIN will is hosting a “Day of Action” for advocates around the state to call or email their legislators on that same day—February 7th—to let them know that Iowans across the state care deeply about repealing Iowa HIV Criminalization code 709c and replacing it with a new criminal code section addressing intentional and attempted transfer of a contagious or infection disease. It is time to modernize the statute, to reflect current science and knowledge about the real routes, risks and consequences of HIV transmission. One Iowa, the state’s largest LGBT advocacy organization, is supporting the effort. One Iowa’s executive director, Donna Red Wing, noted, “HIV criminalization is stigmatizing and hurts public health. If we are serious about preventing HIV transmission, we must get past the bigotry and fear and base policy on scientific evidence and respect for human rights. This is a priority for One Iowa, as it should be for every Iowan.” Originally intended to reduce the spread of HIV, the statute actually harms HIV prevention efforts by discouraging HIV testing. It stigmatizes people with HIV, making it more difficult to disclose one’s HIV status and seek treatment. “The National HIV/AIDS Strategy introduced in 2010 asks state legislatures to recon-
effective treatment regimens.” Advocates note that criminal statutes work against existing public health measures, like HIV testing, partner services and case management, which require trust in public health officials to keep information about behaviors, partners, and potential exposure confidential. Experts believe criminal statutes should avoid stigmatizing or singling out a specific disease, such as HIV, especially when the evidence is clear that these statutes do not decrease the risk of transmission or increase the rate of disclosure. Iowa’s “HIV-specific” statute treats HIV differently than transmission of other serious communicable diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, SARS, syphilis, and typhoid. “This is an effort where public health professionals, people with HIV, the LGBT community and others are on the same page. Passage or our proposed reforms are a win-win, for public health, for people with HIV and for Iowa taxpayers. Now is the when we need everyone’s help, to alert and educate legislators, letting them know the time for reform is now,” said Tami Haught, of Nashua, Iowa, who is leading the statewide advocacy effort and has herself been living with HIV for more than 20 years. So join us today, come to Des Moines and stand beside our advocates, contact your state legislator on Feb. 7th. Please look up fact sheets and talking points on CHAIN’s Facebook page or contact CHAIN’s Community Organizer, Tami Haught at tami.haught2012@gmail.com.
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Section 3: Community
FEBRUARY 2013
Rates of HIV+ Gay Youth are Rising
By Stephen Boatwright, Iowa Pride Network Student Three long decades ago it became apparent in the medical community that men who have sex with men were falling victim to a cancer common among elderly people of Mediterranean heritage, causing word to spread rapidly that there was a ‘gay cancer.’ Once medical science confirmed that the syndrome manifests itself in other ways, it acquired the name “Gay Related Immune Deficiency” or GRID. It had not yet been confirmed that HIV/AIDS is spread through many more ways than unprotected anal sex, so this epidemic largely fueled homophobia and added heavy stigma to the LGBT community as whole. Thirty years later, according to the CDC new infections have stabilized to about
50,000 every year. However these rates are rapidly increasing among gay and bisexual men age 14-24. Collectively men who have sex with men (MSM) make up only 2% of the HIV+ population in the U.S., but MSM made up roughly 60% of new infections in 2009. Did we think the AIDS epidemic of the 80s was over? If you feel like you’ve been exposed to HIV or you feel like you might be in the future—there are options for you called PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), and newer method called PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). After someone has been exposed to HIV, there is a 72 hour window period in which PEP medications can be prescribed. When taken orally for 30 consecutive days, PEP can decrease the
likelihood of one contracting HIV by 90%. PrEP medications however are meant for individuals who are worried that they might be exposed to HIV in the future. Ethically, one might ask why an individual would put them self at risk of contracting HIV, or why these individuals should be helped at all. For individuals who are meth dependent however, PrEP medications would make a world of difference in terms of safer injections. Likewise, PrEP would greatly benefit individuals with ‘poz’ (HIV+) fetishes. PEP and PrEP isn’t enough though, as gay and bisexual men we have a responsibility to protect our own health, our partners health, and thereby the health of our community. Work getting tested every 3-6 months into your health regiment, or de-stigmatize it by going with a friend as part of a lunch date. Embrace open and
honest disclosure about knowing your own HIV status as well as your partners. We have the power to stop HIV in its tracks! This article was taken with permission from the Iowa Pride Network’s blog at www.iowapridenetwork.blogspot.com. The Iowa Pride Network is a state-wide non-profit organization that works directly with students, helping empower them to start and enhance GSA’s in their high schools and colleges, while building a statewide network that offers support, mentoring, educational, advocacy and networking opportunities. In addition, the Iowa Pride Network fights bigotry and intolerance against LGBTQA students in Iowa; educates policy makers and educators on issues facing LGBTQA students; and advocates for the interests of these students on the state and local levels. For more information go to www.IowaPrideNetwork.org.
Over the past several years, increases in syphilis among men having sex with men have been reported in various cities and areas including Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Southern California, Miami, New York City—and now in Polk County, Iowa. In 2012, the number of syphilis cases in Polk County has increased 420% since last year. From January to October 2012, more than 95% of those diagnosed with syphilis in Polk County were men between 20 and 55 years of age. Of the men diagnosed with syphilis, 85% reported having sex with men or being bisexual. “Because syphilis can cause serious health problems, anyone who is sexually active should take deliberate steps to protect themselves including getting tested, knowing partners and using condoms,” said Rick Kozin, Director of the Polk County Health Department. What is syphilis? Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacteria (Treponema pallidum). What are the signs and symptoms? Syphilis is known as the “great imitator” since symptoms often mimic other illnesses such as flu, bronchitis, dermatitis or arthritis, to name a few. Symptoms include enlarged lymph glands, headaches, skin rashes, fever, sore throat, and swelling in joints. The primary stage of syphilis is usually marked by a single painless sore, but there may be many sores. In the secondary stage of syphilis, there is a rash that may be on one or more parts of the body. The majority of patients diagnosed with syphilis do not notice the sores or rash because sores are painless and can be hidden in the vagina, rectum or mouth. After the sore(s) and rash disappear, syphilis remains in your body for many years without any signs or symptoms. Because syphilis symptoms and risks are difficult to pinpoint, regular testing for syphilis is a necessity for early detection and treatment. Can syphilis cause other health problems? If you have syphilis, it is more likely that you can get HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Without treatment, syphilis remains
in the body and may damage internal organs including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints in the late stage of syphilis. Signs and symptoms of late stage syphilis include difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness and dementia. How do people get syphilis? Transmission of syphilis occurs during vaginal, anal or oral sex; and skin-to-skin contact with a syphilis sore or rash. Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore or rash. You can get syphilis if any part of your body touches the sore or rash of someone with syphilis. Sores occur mainly on the external genitals, vagina, anus or in the rectum. Sores also occur on the lips and in the mouth. Pregnant women with syphilis can pass it to their unborn babies. How is syphilis diagnosed? Blood tests are routinely used to determine whether someone has syphilis. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you should be tested regularly if you have sex without condoms; have more than one sex partner; have sex with men who have sex with men; or don’t know your partner’s sexual history. For syphilis testing, go to your health care provider or the Polk County Health Department. For more information or to schedule a confidential appointment, call the Polk County Health Department at 515-2863897. What is the treatment for syphilis? Syphilis is easy to cure in the early stages. If you have had syphilis for less than a year, a single injection of penicillin, an antibiotic, will cure syphilis. Additional doses are needed to treat someone who has had syphilis for more than a year or for an unknown length of time. For people who are allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics are used to treat syphilis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all people treated for syphilis should follow up with their health care provider at 6 and 12 months after treatment. Can you get syphilis again? Yes. Having syphilis once does not
protect you from becoming infected again. You are at risk for getting syphilis again if your partner or partners aren’t properly treated before you have sex or if you have sex with someone else who has syphilis. How can I prevent syphilis? To decrease your chance of getting or giving syphilis, use latex condoms each time you have oral, anal or vaginal sex. Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of syphilis only when the infected area or site of potential exposure is protected. A syphilis sore or rash on a part of the body not covered by a latex condom can still allow transmission of syphilis— and is why routine testing for syphilis is important. It is important to know your sexual partners. More times than not, people engage in sexual activity without knowing their partner’s history or current sexual health. Talk with your partner about each other’s STD status and sexual history. With your partners, share and exchange STD testing dates, results and sexual history. Make informed decisions about your sexual partners. What can I do to stop the spread of syphilis? First, get tested to make sure you do not have syphilis. Syphilis testing begins the process that leads to treatment if needed. The CDC recommends that homosexual and bisexual men be tested for syphilis and
other STDs at least once a year. Men having sex with multiple male partners should be tested for syphilis more often regardless of symptoms. Knowing your STD status, whether positive or negative, gives you the power to protect your own health and the health of your partner. Any unusual discharge, sore or rash, particularly in the groin area, should be a sign to refrain from having sex and to see a health care provider immediately. If you are diagnosed with syphilis, do not have sex until seven days after your treatment. Make sure your partners are notified and tested. Even if your sex partners don’t have any symptoms, they should be tested for syphilis. Notifying your partners is an important way to prevent the spread of syphilis. The Polk County Health Department can help you to locate and inform partners while maintaining your confidentiality. Polk County Health Department 1907 Carpenter Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa – (515) 286-3897, www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CDC-INFO Contact Center 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-2324636), www.cdc.gov/cdc-info Email: cdcinfor@cdc.gov CDC-Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP), www.cdc.gov/std/
Did we think the AIDS epidemic of the 80s was over?
Syphilis is Making a Comeback in Polk County
FEBRUARY 2013
Section 3: Community
ICON: February Fun Times Emperor 32, Dan and Empress 32, Macy along with Reign 32 have made it through the holiday season. Now that we are at the half way point for the reign, we have granted out over $19,000.00 to local charities. We would not have been able to do this without great support of the community. Continuing in our showcase of our outstanding community members, we turn our focus to Sally Presby, mother to Empress 20, Feleena Katz. Sally has been a consistent source of support for ICON for over a decade. She has provided supplies to multiple picnics, donated hats, scarves and gloves to Toyz 4 Totz, along with numerous monetary donations and even helping our own members in their time of need. Another constant supporter of our noble deeds is Gordon Hitchcock, LMT. A longtime fixture in the GLBT community, Gordon provides numerous raffle and auction donations throughout the year. He also physically
comes out to our many of our events throughout the year to support our causes. ICON’s Annual Meeting will be on Monday, February 18th, 2013 at 6:30pm at MCC-Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska. At that meeting we will be holding the elections for the following board positions: VicePresident, Treasurer, two At-Large positions and Alternate Parliamentarian. February might only have 28 days, but ICON has every weekend booked through the month. We hope to see you out and about at one of the following events: Camp Comedy, Friday, February 8th at Flixx; Black Hearts Bash, Sunday, February 10th at the Max; Mardi Gras Pageant, Tuesday, February 12th at the Max; The Meat Packers, Sunday, February 17th at the Max; Art Auction, Saturday, February 23rd at Gallery at Prouty Place; and Snoball 2013, Saturday, February 23rd at the Max. For more information, please visit www. imperialcourtofnebraska.org.
Your Voice Matters in Health Care Policies by Brenda Kole –
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FETISH FEBRUARY of the coolest people in the world and it has given me a great chance to do everything that I want to do. Midwest Puppy Contest has been my first puppy competition and it has boosted my life as a pup by fully accepting who I am. How will you be participating in the Fetish February Events? I hope to be doing a demo over the events, but so far I don’t have any plans. I will help in whatever way I can. Since it is February, are the concepts of fetish and romance connected for you? If so, how? My fetishes are definitely connected to my romance. Because my love life is based around my fetishes, being; Bondage, CBT, Pup Play, Breath Control and so on and so forth.
ACCESSline Page 33 Bondage 101 classes, as well as participating in discussion panels at Kink U. Since it is February, are the concepts of fetish and romance connected for you? If so, how? I would have to say YES, the concepts are connected, but not in the Classical sense of Romance. The Personal sense of romance applies to your connection to one another, those wonderful quirky things that you each like and don’t necessarily share with the world. When you know someone well enough to do something frivolous, fanciful, and intimately personal—that is highly romantic. Kinky fetish people have a wider range of options!
Matt Hengle, Mr. Midwest Leather
Daddy Don, International Trainer 2012 and Pup Luckey, International Puppy 2012
Director of Advocacy and Organizing for Planned Parenthood Voters of Iowa Whether we like it or not, health care is a hot-button political issue that will shape the future of Iowa and the country. From the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to birth control access, many of the essential health services we rely on every day are being debated at the Statehouse and on Capitol Hill. It’s important to be informed about potential policy decisions that could affect our lives and our future—particularly those decisions made locally. Your voice matters. State and federal Representatives do listen, but only if you reach out to them and make your voices heard. Doing so is the most important thing you can do—besides voting—to elicit change. The saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease,” is very true when it comes to making your opinions known to your legislators. At Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, we believe that health care is a basic human right. Everyone should have access to the care they need, without judgment and regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, class or age. Every January, when Iowa lawmakers return to legislative session, our advocacy team is working at the capitol
and behind the scenes to promote legislation that allows Iowans greater access to quality health services and education programs. But when people’s lives are at stake, when we are talking about access to health care—the force of many like-minded constituents is needed. On March 19, you have a chance to make your voice heard. Prevention First Day on the Hill gives you an opportunity to meet face-to-face with your legislators to discuss Iowa’s need to support reproductive health care, family planning, and preventive health programs. Join us and hundreds of people of all ages for Day on the Hill at the Iowa State Capitol. We Iowans know firsthand how important politics are. What happens here in Iowa makes a big impact on our neighboring states and the entire country. We made a big impact on the presidential election this fall, and we have the opportunity to make a big difference at the Iowa Statehouse during legislative session. Make a difference for people across Iowa. Join us to meet with your legislators on March 19. Visit www. ppheartland.org/iowaevents to sign up or for more information.
This isn’t about carving out special rights or status for anybody. This is about leveling the playing field and creating equal rights for everybody in the state. ~Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln proposed a measure prohibiting employers from considering orientation when hiring, firing, promoting or managing workers.
International Trainer 2012 Daddy Don & International Puppy 2012 Pup Luckey. Photo credit: Lilly Campbell. Could you discuss your experience within the community, the competitions you’ve been in, and your life as a Leatherman? I started on my leather journey over 9 years ago, and I’m always learning something new. Pup Luckey and I started exploring the Puppy/Trainer dynamic, and four years later we entered the International Puppy & Trainer Contest held in Tulsa, OK, this last September. We brought the titles home to Denver, and are enjoying our year representing the title and educating others about the community of pups and trainers. In my personal life, my partner is my collared boy, and we are enjoying our ninth year of our Daddy/ boy relationship. My pup and I are in our fourth year together. How will you be participating in the Fetish February Events? Pup Luckey and I will be presenting our Puppy 101 and Hands-on Rope
Photo by John Shumate. Could you discuss your experience within the community, the competitions you’ve been in, and your life as a Leatherman? I have attended many Leather contests and am proud to represent Mr Midwest Leather. My interest in leather started back in high school being into heavy metal and following bands such as Judas Priest but was placed aside for a while when I had my daughters. Fortunately, it was brought out again and transformed by my husband and mentor John— into who I am today. How will you be participating in the Fetish February Events? I will be doing the Crawl Friday and participating in the demos on Saturday Since it is February, are the concepts of fetish and romance connected for you? If so, how? Romance and Kink huh….. I think with John and I, we don’t see much of a difference and blend the two together because kink is a way we express how we feel for each other.
He has decided to continue to vilify our community. What he does within the walls of his own church in terms of deciding not to marry people there is fine, but attempting to impose his backwards beliefs on the rest of society is unacceptable and bigoted. ~Thayer, Gay Liberation Network Activist in regards to Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, IL.
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LGBT MENTAL HEALTH out later in life. Could you define that age group for me? Four elements make up a person’s age: • Date of birth • Physical health • Psychological health • Sexual health I see age as a composite of all of these things, and they lack consistency both between individuals and within the same individual. For purposes of my research, I asked for participants who were “mature men who had sex with men.” I allowed people to self-define maturity, and the ages of respondents ranged from 32 to 91. While chronological age places a person in the context of their lives, it is physical, psychological and sexual health that determines well-being. Could you discuss your education and research? The research I did prior to writing Finally Out consisted of a lot of reading, an on-line “convenience” survey, and biographical interviews. In convenience sampling, people I knew were asked to complete a survey and also asked to recruit others to take it. This is not considered a “scientific” sampling. It does, however, allow one to find correlations and thus test out hypotheses. In my reading, I wanted to discover what the world was really like when I was growing up, a world that profoundly constrained accepting my homosexuality. I found for example, that when I was born, the Nazis performed experiments on homosexuals. I am the same age as former U. S. Senator Craig of Idaho, whose samesex behavior was exposed in a Minneapolis airport bathroom. When he was ten and living in Boise, Idaho, Boise purged homosexuals from that community. By placing my childhood in its historical context I discovered many reasons why I split off my sexuality from my conscious mind. In selecting candidates, I chose not to use the word “gay” because many find that label too threatening, preferring to call themselves bisexual or perhaps just “curious”. My hypothesis was that coming out in mid-life is substantially different than coming out as a young person because of the intertwining of sexuality, family, culture, and religious issues. Passing oneself off as heterosexual for many years creates an entirely different world from which individuals must disentangle themselves. The biographical interviews were structured, and the in-depth interviews conducted on men who were a non-clinical population. These interviews were used to do a much more in-depth assessment of correlations raised during the survey. Talk to me about depression in regards to older gay men? How does social isolation impact older gay men in the Midwest? As gay men grow older, many tire of the bar scene because of the noise and the drama, yet few other venues exist where one can openly express themselves as gay men. The younger gay community may exclude them, considering them “trolls” who have out-lived their expiration dates. Unresolved guilt, shame and feelings of
Section 3: Community being unattractive and undesirable also lead to isolation. Healthy aging demands connections with others and a sense of continuing to make a contribution. For example, studies show that an older person receives better medical care during visits to their doctor when accompanied by a companion. The gay community as a whole could benefit by including older members as “elder statesmen/women.” Isolation and a lack of self-value contribute to problems of depression, substance abuse and other addictions, and suicide. The sexual orientation of an older person’s circle of friends is less important than that their friends accept their homosexuality. My original motivation to write Finally Out came about because I learned that older men and women were finding it necessary to re-closet themselves in order to access services they required as they grew older. Older gay persons experience a double jeopardy: They are characterized by both aging and gay stereotypes. I felt compelled to challenge those stereotypes. What are some warning signs and symptoms? Classical symptoms of depression that should be treated include: • Sadness • Changes in sleep—too little or too much • Lack of interest and motivation • Unreasonable guilt • Loss of energy • Problems concentrating • Changes in appetite and weight— increases or decreases • Inactivity and lack of self-care • Hopelessness, a passive wish to die, or suicidal intent Associated signs and symptoms include substance abuse, gambling addiction, sexual addiction, and indiscriminate unsafe sex. What resources do you feel are available for older gay men in regards to socialization and mental health? As the number of gay baby boomers reach retirement age, interest has increased in developing resources, but we lack a “one stop” referral service and coordination of services. The Institute of Medicine* and MetLife have both issued significant white papers on steps that we must begin to take to address the needs of the older gay population. On a national level a group called SAGE is addressing the needs of this population. In Iowa, Prime Timers of Central Iowa (primetimersiowa@gmail.com), a local chapter of a growing international organization offering socialization and support for mature gay/bi men has just been formed. Women in central Iowa are also studying needs and developing plans for services. I would like to close with this story: I met a man in Houston who came out at 72 after 38 years of marriage and now he lives with his partner of ten years. He is actively involved socially with Houston Prime Timers. He said, “I’m 82 and this is the best time of my life.” The Buddha said, “Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional.” It is not possible to stop the pain of aging; however, we can eliminate the suffering associated with it.
http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2011/ The-Health-of-Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-andTransgender-People.aspx https://www.metlife.com/assets/ cao/mmi/publications/studies/mmi-outaging-lesbian-gay-retirement.pdf http://www.sageusa.org/ Individuals with AIDS/HIV have their own unique challenges when it comes to mental health and LGBT positive people deal with those considerations when it comes to depression and anxiety. Mark Hillenbrand, MSW LISW spoke with me about the impact of HIV/AIDS on mental health. Mark J. Hillenbrand is the founder of Authentic Freedom Counseling Center, PLC, in Des Moines, Iowa. He has a master’s degree in Social Work and is a Licensed Independent Social Worker. He spoke about the challenges of depression and anxiety, resources for mental and emotional health, and how people can help. What are the unique challenges people with HIV/AIDS have with depression and anxiety? Being diagnosed with a challenging illness can be an isolating experience. One can feel powerless, weak, lonely and different from the “healthy” population. Often Individuals diagnosed with HIV/ AIDS face a uniquely isolating experience of being diagnosed with a stigmatized illness. Most often HIV/AIDS is misunderstood. Often individuals needing support face disclosing their HIV/AIDS status to, at best, a misinformed support network, and at worst, a fearful and rejecting support network. Isolation and withdrawal can lead to loneliness and feelings of hopelessness, ultimately leading an individual to symptoms of depression and anxiety. Individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS must face and challenge their desire to withdraw and isolate by persistently seeking support from those who are informed or from those who are willing to become informed. For people with HIV/AIDS, what resources are available for mental and emotional health? Individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS can seek support for mental and emotional health by contacting mental health providers familiar with HIV/AIDS. Support groups can offer connection to others facing similar challenges. Iowa support group contacts are as follows: Des Moines—Mark Hillenbrand 515-2770814 and Cedar Rapids—Tami Haught 641-715-4182. Individuals can contact one of the State funded case management agencies for referral assistance. Iowa State funded case management agencies are as follows: AIDS Project of Central Iowa—Primary Health Care—Des Moines 515-284-0245; AIDS Project Quad Cities—Davenport 563-421-4241;
FEBRUARY 2013 Cedar AIDS Support System—Waterloo 319-272-2437; Dubuque Visiting Nurse Association—Dubuque 563-556-6200; Fort Dodge HIV/AIDS Coalition—Fort Dodge 515-573-4107; Iowa Center for AIDS Resources and Education (ICARE)— Iowa City 319-338-2135; Linn County Community Services Aging and Disability Resource Center—Hiawatha 319-8925770; Mid-Iowa Community Action Agency—Ames 515-232-9020; North Iowa Community Action Agency—Mason City 641-423-5044; University of Iowa HIV Program—Iowa City 319-384-7307; Siouxland Community Health Center— Sioux City 712-252-2477; and Nebraska AIDS Project—Omaha 402-552-9251. How can the LGBT community, friends, and family help in support? The LGBT community, friends, and family can support individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS by offering nonjudgmental support and understanding. They can also be helpful by informing themselves, sources for information on HIV/AIDS include: Iowa Department of Public Health: Bureau of HIV, STD and Hepatitis www.idph.state.ia.us/HivStdHep/ HIV-AIDS, The Body, The complete HIV/ AIDS Resource www.thebody.com, and the US Department of Health and Human Services: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/hiv/. Mark earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from Indiana University in 1988. He successfully completed his Masters of Social Work at the University of Iowa in 2006. Mark completed two years post-graduate training in psychotherapy and pastoral counseling in 2008. Mark is trained in counseling interventions designed to positively impact stress, life adjustments and marital issues as well as psychological concerns such as addictions, depression and anxiety. He specializes in assisting individuals to overcome the challenges associated with the diagnosis of traumatic illness. He has extensive experience working with individuals, couples and families impacted by illnesses that include HIV/AIDS, Huntington’s Disease, Cancer, Genetic Disorders and Hepatitis. Mark holds an independent clinical social worker license from the State of Iowa. He is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Phi Alpha National Honors Society. In April of 2012, Mark presented on the topic of traumatic illness at the National Association of Social Workers, Iowa Chapter’s annual statewide symposium. He has twice presented his work on traumatic illness and the development of the self at the National Conference on HIV/AIDS and Social Work. While the LGBT community has a lot of unique considerations when it comes to mental health, everyone is able to lead a happy and healthy life with appropriate treatment and help.
Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law—for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. ~ President Obama said in his inauguration speech.
FEBRUARY 2013
Section 3: Community
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