Love Wins!
Celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic marriage equality ruling with two local couples
LGBT NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | VOL. 26, #19 | ISSUE 671 | AUGUST 2015 | COMPLIMENTARY
PROUD TO CHANGE THE GAME.
PROUD TO BE
HERSELF. UPCOMING GAMES Mercury vs. Shock
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 @ 7PM Green Night
Mercury vs. Lynx
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 @ 7PM Rock the Pink Night
Mercury vs. Storm
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12 @ 7PM Coach Brondello Bobble Giveaway
(First 2,500 fans)
Mercury vs. Fever
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 @ 4PM
Women of Inspiration Night
Placard Giveaway (First 5,000 fans)
Mercury vs. Sparks
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 @ 7PM Recycling Night
Mercury vs. Lynx
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 @ 3PM
Phoenixmercury.com / 602.252.WNBA
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Pop-Up Hamper Giveaway (First 2,000 kids)
inside this issue Issue 671 | Vol. 26, #19 | August 2015
features
NEWS 10 4 Your Information 12 News Briefs 16 Datebook 18 one n ten youth center gets a modern makeover 22 Community members key to LGBTQ Consortium’s #BeSafeOut campaign 24 WNBA veteran Monique Currie joins Phoenix Mercury in operation “Defending Glory” 28 Local wise guys bring new comedy night to the gayborhood
Photo by DePoy Studios.
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PREVIEWS AND REVIEWS
Love Wins! Take a look at how two local couples are celebrating the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic ruling in favor of marriage equality.
42
Dancing with the Bars 2015 Meet the stars and the bars participating in SWAY PHX’s eighth annual fundraising and dancing competition Aug. 9.
56 Without Reservations 58 At the Box Office 62 Opening Nights 66 Recordings 68 Between the Covers COMMUNITY 69 All Over The Map 70 Money Talks 71 Balanced Living
Photo by Scotty Kirby.
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LGBT NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | VOL. 26, #19 | ISSUE 671 | AUGUST 2015 | COMPLIMENTARY
AUGUST 2015
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Work Fierce, Part I: Office Politics Despite progress, coming out on the job still a challenge for many LGBT workers. Bonus: Two local students share their perspectives.
ON THE COVER Javier (left) and Josh Klein in tuxedos courtesy of Celebrity Tux and Tails and flowers courtesy of Butterfly Petals. Photo by DePoy Studios.
Love Wins!
Celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic marriage equality ruling with two local couples
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Miss Gay Arizona America 2015 Nevaeh McKenzie crowned as the pageant’s 30th state titleholder. Plus: Check out the photos of the other MGAA pageant contestants.
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inside this issue
on echomag.com web exclusives
Dope A coming-of-age story of three bright students and their misadventures in a rough neighborhood. echomag.com/dope
Image courtesy of outfest.org.
OUTFEST Los Angeles Find out about the screening and streaming of nearly 300 LGBT titles as part of this year’s film festival. echomag.com/outfest-la
Miss Gay Arizona America Find our more about the pageant as it celebrates three decades of excellence in female impersonation. echomag.com/mgaa-30.
Photo courtesy of San Diego LGBT Pride.
San Diego Pride Southern California parade and music festival promise a diverse and star-studded line-up July 17-19. echomag.com/san-diego-2015
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notes from the
managing editor By Kara J. Philp LGBT NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT
facebook.com/EchoMagazine twitter.com/EchoMagAZ
T
hanks to the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS), history was made with a 5-4 ruling in favor of nationwide marriage equality June 26. Needless to say, if ever Echo had a “wedding issue” this just might be what it would look like. So, whether you’re planning a wedding or just have a soft spot for love stories, you’re in for a treat. First, I’d like to introduce you to our handsome cover models Javier and Josh Klein, who generously shared their love story as well as their smiling faces with us this issue. Get to know a little more about them in “Love Wins” on page 32. Then, I’d like to invite you to join me in congratulating Echo’s very own Desi Rubio on her marriage to Vanessa Montes. After nearly a decade together, and years of political uncertainty, the brides wed exactly one week after SCOTUS brought us marriage equality – a nice wedding gift, I’d say! We have their story in “I (Finally) Do” on page 34. On a similar note, I first met photographer Cristina DePoy of DePoy Studios last year at the Pride Guide Wedding & Honeymoon Expo and, for this issue I had the pleasure of working with her as she captured both of these beautiful couples. Thank you, Cristina! If you like her work, you’ll have the chance to let her know in person at this year’s expo – tell her Echo sent you. For more information on the third annual Pride Guide Wedding & Honeymoon Expo, Anthony Costello has all the details in “Much Ado About I Do” on page 36. As for other local happenings, it’s almost time for SWAY PHX’s eighth
annual Dancing With The Bars ballroom competition. We invite you to get acquainted with this year’s contestant, on page 42, ahead of the live performances Aug. 9 at Tempe Center for the Arts. We’ll be there cheering on Ashlee James as she represents Echo Magazine and we hope to see you there, too. That’s not the only competition going on this summer: The 30th Miss Gay Arizona America was crowned June 28. Congratulations to Nevaeh McKenzie on the prestigious accomplishment. Laura Latzko caught up with the queen #FitFish herself following the pageant. Find out what she had to say in “Like Mother, Like Daughter” on page 46. Last, but not least, Liz Massey introduces us to her new careerfocused series “Work Fierce” on page 51. Throughout the next few issues, Liz will explore such issues as coming out at work, networking, going back to school, carving your niche in the digital age, personal branding and more. Our goal is for community members of all ages and professions to take find something valuable in this innovative series. We hope you enjoy it. That’s it for the August issue. I’ll leave you with a final question: Can we, as a community, drop the “gay” or the “samesex” and finally just call it marriage? Why or why not? As a self-proclaimed word nerd, I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this issue. Feel free to drop me a line. See you in September! Kara J. Philp is managing editor of Echo Magazine and can be reached at kj@echomag.com.
PUBLISHER: Bill Orovan ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Bill Gemmill Editorial MANAGING EDITOR: Kara J. Philp CONTRIBUTORS: Cait Brennan Alex Chambers Anthony Costello Alexis Getscher Laura Latzko Lorraine Longhi Anna Mackey Art Martori Liz Massey Melissa Myers David-Elijah Nahmod Hans Pedersen Desi Rubio Terri Schlichenmeyer Richard Schultz Michael J. Tucker Megan Wadding Nate Whitten Production ART DIRECTOR: Geoff Hulme PHOTOGRAPHY: Bill Gemmill, DePoy Studios, Gregg Edelman and Nightfuse.com. Advertising DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING: Ashlee James ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Gregg Edelman National Advertising Representative: Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 CLASSIFIEDS MANAGER: Bill Gemmill
ECHO Readership: 50,000 Copyright © 2015 • ISSN #1045-2346
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Qualified candidates are invited to send published restaurant/ food reviews to editor@echomag.com for consideration. 8|
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Echo Magazine is published by and is a trademark of Ace Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Written permission must be obtained in advance for partial or complete reproduction of including any advertising material contained therein. Opinions expressed in are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff or ACE Publishing, Inc. does not assume responsibility for claims by its advertisers. Publication of the name or photograph of a person or organization in articles, advertising or listings inis not to be construed as an indication of the sexual orientation of such organizations or persons (unless such orientation is specifically stated). Manuscripts or other materials submitted remain the property of ACE Publishing. Free copies limited to one per person.
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ON THE RECORD “I truly have nothing to hide anymore. I spent the majority of my life lying, hiding and depressed because I felt like I couldn’t truly be who I wanted to be and live freely as I saw fit. I had to act and that’s not me. I, nor anyone else, should have to do that.” – Independent pro wrestler Matt Hullum, aka “Money” Matt Cage, in a coming out letter posted to his Facebook page June 18.
TELEVISION “BearCity 3,” the third and final installment of the “BearCity” trilogy, is currently engaged in a Kickstarter campaign in order to film the project. The first “BearCity” launched in 2010, bringing an honest depiction about a specific group of the queer community to the screens of people around the world. For more information, or to watch the first two “BearCity” movies for free, visit indiegogo.com/projects/bear-city-3.
BY the numbers The sizable donation that the Girl Scouts of Western Washington received earlier this year. However, once the organization’s Queen Anne offices learned that the donation came with one stipulation – that none of the money would be used to support transgender girls – every penny of it was returned to the donor, whose identity has not been released. “Girl Scouts is for every girl,” said Megan Ferland, the council’s CEO, in an interview with the Seattle Met. “And every girl should have the opportunity to be a Girl Scout if she wants to.” 10 |
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MUSIC Just before LGBT Pride Month came to a close, a group by the name of Dildorado has released its new song and music video “United fruit (Pride anthem),” which pays tribute (in a unique and modern way) to the Stonewall Inn Riots. Is it the next community anthem? You decide. Search “United Fruit” on YouTube or Dildorado Entertainment Group on Facebook to view the music video. 4 your information
news briefs
HERO Launches New Training Program
Phoenix Metropolitan Men’s Chorus Hold Open Auditions As part of 25th anniversary season, the Phoenix Metropolitan Men’s Chorus is holding auditions from 6 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday in August and September at Orangewood Presbyterian Church, 7321 N. 10th St. in Phoenix. The chorus, which comprises 60 to 100 singing members and a volunteer administrative staff of 10, is looking for singers at all levels of ability, instrumentalists and members of its “fifth section.”
website, is “always looking for dedicated and talented men to join us in our message of affirmation and pride.” Anyone interested in auditioning is asked to contact Marc Gaston, artistic director, at 602-228-5587 or mgaston@ gcpaphx.org to schedule a non-pressured audition. For more information, visit phoenixmenschorus.org/ auditions.
The chorus, according to its
Phoenix Pride Names 2015 TY SPIRIT AWARDS Award Winners
The Human & Equal Library, 2951 S. 21st Drive in Yuma. For more information, Rights Organizers recently or tickets, visit eventbrite. launched The HERO com and search “HERO.” Academy, a multiple-day event that will include HERO plans to train offering free equalityan estimated 1,000 focused professional track professionals, including trainings to communities COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARDS police, fire, school, hospital, across Arizona. behavioral health
AWARDS
Mayor Phil Gordon Spirit Award: Nathan Rhoton
employees, in Throughout the The Mayor Phil Gordon Spirit Award honors and celebrates an2015, individual or organization that has made a significant LGBTQ 101 Cultural remainder of contribution in the area of politics for the metropolitan LGBTQ community. As co-chair of the Equality Competency HERO will Phoenix Arizona Board of Directors and through his extensive work with the Human Rights Campaign, Nathan Rhoton has250 and conduct four been at the forefront of Phoenix’s fight for equality. With tenacity and a smile, Nathan spoke eloquently during a community regional HERO May 9, 2015, debate on the Phoenix television show, PoliUnplugged. Through the use of his talents, time, and members in Academies tics voice he has become integral to the fight for equality in advocacy and throughout Arizona. the community organizing. state. The first of these John Bircumshaw Spirit Award: Reverend Jeffrey Dirrim events will take place July For more information, visit The John Bircumshaw Spirit Award honors and celebrates individual that has made a significant contribution to the 24 and 25 atanthe Yuma Main herophoenix.org.
Howard & Patricia Fleischmann Spirit Award: PayPal
metropolitan Phoenix LGBTQ community. With the opening of the “I Have a Dream” Trans* Clothing Closet, Rev. Jeffrey Dirrim has demonstrated his matra, “Ministry is not my job, it is my life.” Rev. Dirrim teaches sex ed, feeds homeless youth and supports youth in crisis, along with preaching on Sunday Mornings at Rebel & Divine UCC. Dirrim has been quoted to stay, “There are many churches focused on the salvation and the afterlife for these at-risk youth. I’m focused on their needs and inspiring them to make a difference with their lives today.”
at-risk youth,” Dirrim said. “I’m focused on their needs and inspiring them to make a difference with their lives today.”
For more than six years, Ebay/PayPal have Linda Hoffman Spirit Award: Chui Aguilar scored 100 percent on HRC’s Corporate Linda Hoffman Spirit Award: To honor and celebrate the Phoenix Pride Volunteer of the Year. Chui has Chui been aAguilar volunteer with Phoenix Pride for over Equality Index. With the split of the 17 years. He has been an invaluable member of the FesTeam, serving as Volunteer Manager for all Phoenix two companies, PayPal will continue to tival Pride events. Chui is superbly efficient in all hea does; but, it Chui Aguilar has been er Phoenix Gay & Lesbian demonstrate through its collaboration is his laughter and dedication that is unparalleled. volunteer with Phoenix Pride As part of the 2015 Pride Gala, June 20 at the with the GPGLCC and Phoenix Pride, its Hilton Scottsdale Resort and Villas, Phoenix for more than 17 years. He has hiring practices, and its inclusive corporate Pride presented its annual Community Spirit been an invaluable member of the festival environment, that fair and equal treatment d celebrates Awards. Meet this year’s award recipients: team, serving as volunteer manager for all made a sigare one of its core values. PayPal Chandler Phoenix Pride events. Aguilar is superbly 8 BJ Bud Spirit Award: Greater Phoenix Gay olitan Phoehas an active LGBT employee resource efficient in all he does; but it is his laughter and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is the oldest group that has consistently supported and and dedication that is unparalleled. e nation celMayor Phil Gordon Award: Nathan Rhoton fundraised for Phoenix LGBTQ organizations. GPGLCC is the oldest LGBT ChamberSpirit of s year. They Tish Tanner Spirit Award: BarbraSpirit Seville Commerce in the nation celebrating their Tanner Award: Barbra Seville Mayor Phil Gordon Spirithonors Award: Nathan Rhoton Mayorand Phil Gordon Spirit Tish Tanner Spirit Award: Tish Barbra Seville The Mayor Phil Gordon Spirit Award celebrates nal Gay and 35than anniversary this year. They were The Tish Tanner Spirit Award honors and celebrates the Award: Nathan Rhoton or organization that has made a significant Barbra Seville has been outgoing Miss Phoenix Gay Pride for their contribution of Chamberrecently of individual Thethe Mayor Phil Gordon Award honors and celebrates The Tish Tanner Spirit Award honors and celebrates the awarded Gay of Spirit contribution inNational the area politics for the metropolitan service and fundraising for the metropolitan Phoenix LGanand individual oraorganization that has made a significant outgoing Miss Phoenix Gay Pride forhas their contribution of delighting audiences foraudialmost ed of 2,000 members have reputation of As the Equality Arizona board BTQ community. Barbra Seville been delighting and Lesbian Chamber ofcommunity. Commerce Phoenix LGBTQ Asof co-chair the Equality contribution in the Chamber politics forof the metropolitan service and fundraising for theyears. metropolitan Phoenix LGences for almost twenty Barbra was awarded Thethe 20 years. She was awarded and fastestof the growing chambers in thearea country. directors and Phoenix LGBTQ community. As of co-chair ofco-chair, the BTQ Equality Arizona Board ofare Directors and his extensive work community. Barbra Seville has been audiAunt Rita’s Foundation Heart Award fordelighting his leadership with Year Award. They comprised of through Arizona Board of Directors and through his extensive work AIDS WALK ARIZONA, raising over $100,000 with his Barbra Aunt Rita’s Foundation Heart ences for almost twenty years. Barbra was awarded The through his extensive work with the Human Rights Campaign, Nathan Rhoton has 2,000 memberswith and have a reputation of Campaign, Nathan Rhoton Wonderful 100. Award As well, she continues to be a with phethe Human Rights has Aunt Rita’sSeville’s Foundation Heart forfor hisher leadership been at the forefront ofand Phoenix’s fight for equality. With with HRC, Rhoton Award leadership with nomenal ambassador the Phoenix Pride Scholarship. being one of theand mosta successful fastest been at the forefront of Phoenix’s fight for Nathan equality. AIDSWith WALK ARIZONA, raising for over $100,000 with his Barbra tenacity smile, Nathan spoke eloquently during a t Kloeckl has been at the forefront of tenacity and a smile, Nathan spoke eloquently during Walk Arizona, Seville’saWonderful 100. As well, AIDS she continues to beraising a phegrowing chambers in the country. May 9, 2015, on theonPhoenix television show, PoliMay debate 9, 2015, debate the Phoenix television show, Poli- ambassador nomenal Pride Scholarship. Phoenix’s fight for equality. With tenacityfor the Phoenix over $100,000 with her Barbra Seville’s Unplugged. Through the use time, ticsAward: Unplugged. Through theof usehis of talents, his talents, time,and and Brandon Packer Spirit Kirktics Baxter and celebrates anSpirit indiAward: and a smile, Nathan spoke during a May WonderfulEddie 100. AsBroadway well, she continues to be voice he has become integral to the fight for equalityin in voice he has become integral to the fight for equality ade a significant Kit KloecklcontriThe Brandon honors and celebratesfor the Phoenix 9 debate on the Phoenix television showPacker SpiritaAward Arizona. Arizona. phenomenal ambassador ealth issues for the metthe outgoing Mister Phoenix Gay Pride for his contributions As the executive director of “Politics Unplugged.” Through the use ofSpirit Brandon Award: Eddie Broadway ofPacker service and fundraising for theScholarship. metropolitan Phoenix LGPride nity. Echo Magazine’s, BTQ community. Eddie has a passion for the LGBTQ comAunt Rita’s Foundation since his talents, time and voice he has become munity and has helped bridge the gap between female s the congenial ExecuThe Brandon Packer Spirit Award honors and celebrates Brandon Packer Spirit Award: Spirit Award: Reverend Jeffrey Dirrim 2007, Kit KloecklJohn has ledBircumshaw the and Mister male illusionists, createfor more a brotherhood integral to the fight equality in Arizona. thefor outgoing Phoenixhelped Gay Pride hisofcontributions tion. During his tenure, Spirit Award: Reverend Jeffrey in the Dirrim king community, support the LGBTQ community in Eddie Broadway fightJohn against Bircumshaw HIV/AIDS in of service and fundraising theand metropolitan Phoenix LGthe greater phoenixfor area, has worked towards bridgThe John Bircumshaw Spirit Award honors and celebrates e fight against HIV/AIDS John Bircumshaw Spirit BTQ community. Eddie has aMelrose passion forRoosevelt the LGBTQ combetween and districts to Phoenix fundraising outreach an individualand that has made a significant contribution to theing the gap Eddie Broadway has a Downpassion Thethrough John Bircumshaw Spirit Award honors and celebrates well as, outreach and make the LGBTQ community more prominent in the Award: Rev. Jeffrey Dirrim munity and has helped bridge the gap between female metropolitan Phoenix community. With the opening and awareness campaigns. However, itLGBTQ was town Phoenixhelped scene. create an creation individual that has made a significant contribution to the for the LGBT community, and male illusionists, more of a brotherhood t was upon the of the “I Have a Dream” Trans* With Clothing Closet, of Rev. the opening theJef“Imy community, supportthrough metropolitan Phoenix LGBTQ community. With the opening inis the king the LGBTQ community the creation of hivaz.org and a partnership frey Dirrim has demonstrated his matra, “Ministry not which he’s helpedin h Walgreens, when Kit’s the greater of the “I Have a Dream” Trans* Clothing Closet, Rev. Jef- phoenix area, and has worked towards bridgHave a Dream” Trans* Clothing job, it is my life.” Rev. Dirrim teaches sex ed, feeds homewithHe Walgreens that allowed his reach to of Arizona. is a man bridge the gap between the gap between Melrose and Roosevelt districtsfemale to less youth and supports in Closet, crisis, along with preachfrey Dirrim has demonstrated his matra, “Ministry ising not my Rev. Jeffrey Dirrim has extended through state. Kloecklyouth make the in the Downe key to ending ingthe on entire Sunday at Rebel & Divine UCC. Dirrim hasLGBTQ community more andprominent male illusionists, created more of a job,the it is HIV/ my life.” Rev.Mornings Dirrim teaches sex ed, feeds hometown Phoenix scene. demonstrated his mantra: believes isquoted the key to thein crisis, toending stay, “There are many churches focused reless efforts at awareness Aunt Riless youthbeen and supports youth along with preachbrotherhood in the king community and on the salvation and the afterlifeas for these is at-risk youth. “Ministry notDirrim my job, has itI’m is my life.” In HIV/AIDS epidemic and,reality through may his tireless ent in Arizona, where that not ing on Sunday Mornings at Rebel & Divine UCC. worked toward unifying the Melrose focused on their needs and be inspiring them to make a differaddition to Sunday gatherings at Rebel & efforts, has quoted created an environment where been to stay, “There are “We many churches focused no pretention with Kit, only matter-of-fact, ence with their lives today.” and Roosevelt districts to make the on themay salvation and the for these I’m sex ed, feeds Divine at-risk UCC, he youth. also teaches thatabout reality not be as far off asafterlife once o it. It’s just getting awareness back.” LGBT community more prominent in the focused on their needs and inspiring them to make a differhomeless youth and supports youth in believed. “We can end the epidemic,” he ence with their lives today.” downtown Phoenix scene. crisis. “There are many churches focused said. “We can do it. It’s just about getting
AWARDS
AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARDS
COMMUNITY SPIRITAWARDS AWARDS COMMUNITY SPIRIT COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARDS
mann Spirit Award: awareness back.” PayPal on the salvation and the afterlife for these Linda Hoffman Spirit Award: Chui Aguilar
chmann Spirit To honor and celebrate the Phoenix Pride Volunteer of the AUGUSTYear. 2015Chui • EchoMag.com | has been a volunteer with Phoenix Pride for over a business12that 17 years. HeSpirit has been an invaluable of the FesLinda Hoffman Award: Chuimember Aguilar on to the mettival Team, serving as Volunteer Manager for all Phoenix nity. For over 6 Pride events. Chui is superbly efficient in all he does; but, it Photo by Scotty Kirby and Ion Arizona To honor isand celebrate Phoenix Pride Volunteer of the his laughter andthe dedication that is unparalleled. 100% on HRC’s Year. Chui has been a volunteer with Phoenix Pride for over
– Courtesy of Phoenix Pride news briefs
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news briefs
SWAY Events Launches New LGBT, Local Division Concurrent with its ninth anniversary, SWAY Events announced its new LGBT division, SWAY PHX, as part of a re-launch celebration June 6. SWAY Events began as a one-stop resource for local Phoenix vendors, retailers and manufacturers to partner on commercial and charitable events in 2006, and has become a full-service marketing resource for regional, national and global brands. “SWAY is known for bringing national concepts to local businesses and working with corporate clients to bring our whateverit-takes attitude to every project,” said Gary Guerin, SWAY Events and SWAY PHX CEO and owner. “Our extremely customized and very personalized planning approach is consistent whether we are working to reach a mainstream audience or a specific consumer segment – we just happen to live and work within the LGBT community and have always kept a focus on bringing quality events and marketing campaigns to the places we live, work and shop.”
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Throughout the years, the company has remained close to its local LGBT roots, becoming the leading promotional firm for reaching and interacting with the Phoenix’s LGBT community. The local arm of the business, now called SWAY PHX, has been launched to maximize the firm’s experience and marketing strength with LGBT-friendly businesses, consumers and media.
Echo Magazine proudly supports #TeamAshlee in her 2015 Dancing with the Bars fundraising efforts, benefitting Aunt Rita’s Foundation, and you can too! SIMPLY VISIT THIS LINK
http://bit.ly/1OKiEI8
Guerin believes SWAY has filled a gap for local bars and charitable organizations that don’t have marketers or event planners built into their infrastructures. “SWAY really has transformed Phoenix’s LGBT night life,” Guerin added. “Before SWAY, gay and lesbian bars in Phoenix were lacking any cohesive marketing strategy or cooperative efforts with brands and charities. Through our friendships with those establishments and our relationship-building with national brands, we have raised the level of community events to the standards of other metropolitan cities.” For more information, visit swayevents.com or swayphx.com.
EchoMag.com
news briefs
date book
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july 26
Date book
The Rainbow Wedding Network presents the first-ever Same Love, Same Rights LGBT Wedding Expo – featuring more than 30 gayfriendly vendors, free samples, planning tips, raffles and more – from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel and Spa, 9495 W. Coyotes Blvd. Glendale.
juLY 18 & 28
The Phoenix Mercury will host the New York Liberty and the Chicago Sky, respectively, beginning at 7 p.m. at Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. (See story, page 24).
samelovesamerights.com aug. 23
mercury.wnba.com
The third annual Pride Guide Wedding & Honeymoon Expo, featuring vendors, fashion shows, raffle drawings and more, will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, 350 Marriott Drive, Phoenix.
juLY 19, 26 & Aug. 2
Join Desert Valley Squares for a dance party from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church, 3456 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix. 480-704-9604; info@desertvalleysquares.com
gayarizona.com/phoenix/ wedding-expo
july 26
(See story, page 36)
SWAY Events will host its fourth annual Summer Pool Party from noon to 6 p.m. at OH Pool at The Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale. Tickets: swayphx.com or info@swayevents.com
AUG. 8
one n ten invites you to An Evening of Jazz – featuring a meet and greet with the transgender youth activist Jazz Jennings and her family, a book signing, live jazz music and a panel discussion – from 6 to 9 p.m. at Bentley Gallery, 215 E. Grant St., Phoenix. onenten.org/jazz
Desert Overture presents “A La Carte,” a concert of solos, small ensembles and swing band, at 3 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church, Kendall Hall, 1875 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. desertoverture.org AUG. 4, 7, 12, 16, 21
The Phoenix Mercury will host the Tulsa Shock, the Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, the Indiana Fever (4 p.m. tipoff) and the Los Angeles Sparks, respectively, beginning at 7 p.m. at Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. mercury.wnba.com AUG. 7
The Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Gladly, 2201 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. RSVP at phoenixgaychamber.com 16 |
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Produce on Wheels With Out Waste (POWWOW) distributes fresh produce once a month – $10 for up to 60 pounds – at the Phoenix Pride LGBT Center, 801 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. phoenixpridelgbtcenter.org AUG. 9
SWAY PHX presents the eight annual Dancing with the Bars ballroom and competition, benefitting Aunt Rita’s Foundation, live at Tempe Center For The Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. (See story, page 42.) Tickets: swayphx.com or info@swayevents.com AUG. 9 and sept. 13
The Illusions Drag Show, a new Las Vegas-style celebrity impersonation show starring hostess Olivia Gardens and performances by Savannah Stevens, Saellah V, Adriana Galliano, Apollo Tobias, Coco St. James and Luna Love St James, will begin at 8 p.m. (meet and greet at 7 p.m.) at Tempe Improv, 930 E. University Drive, Tempe. tempeimprov.com
AUG. 13
Murray & Peter present Drag Starz Fan Favs, featuring former “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestants Trixie Mattel, Pearl, Joslyn Fox, Milk, Latrice Royale and Jujubee, live beginning at 8 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix. Tickets: phoenix.ticketforce.com/dragstarz or 602-262-7272 AUG. 19
The LGBTQ Consortium’s Safe Out Meeting will take place at 6 to 7 p.m. at TERROS Central Office, 3303 N. Central Ave., #200, Phoenix. (See story, page 22.) lgbtconsortium.com
MARK OUR CALENDARS
To have your event considered for Echo’s print and online calendars, submit your event details to echomag.com/ community-calendar. All submissions are subject to Echo’s discretion. events
OUT ‘n ABOUT GPGLCC’s Fifth Annual Biz Bowl July 11 at AMF Christown Lanes, Phoenix Photos by Gregg Edelman.
For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.
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OUT ‘n ABOUT one n ten Grand Re-Opening July 10 at Youth Center, Phoenix Photos by Kara J. Philp.
For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.
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The Center of It All one n ten youth center gets a modern makover By Laura Latzko Photo by Kara J. Philp.
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he one n ten youth center has many functions. It serves as a dance and music studio; a safe space to share personal experiences and stories, a classroom and learning center and a place to gain valuable job and life skills. The youth center (located at 3660 N. Third St.) serves LGBT youth ages 14 to 24 from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. And, with an average of nearly 1,000 youth coming through the doors each year, the space – and everything it houses – has experienced wear and tear. Throughout the month of June, the center underwent much-needed repairs and updates. This collaborative effort by one n ten staff, volunteers and youth culminated with a grand re-opening ceremony July 10. “The planning for it started about a year ago,” said Gina Read, youth center program coordinator (previously a 15-year volunteer). “The youth, at that time, basically said what they would like to see and what would make them happier or things they needed.”
Pull Up A Chair The biggest upgrade to the center has been the addition of new furniture. In the past, it has been furnished with donated items, which recently showed signs of wear. “When we first moved in, we were a lot smaller, and almost everything we got in there was donated,” said Linda Elliott, one n ten executive director. “On this go around, we planned it out, what we would like to look it, and we budgeted some money this year for doing that. It’s a more thoughtful approach to how we furnished it.” The front room now features sleek modern couches and low-slung chairs, which, according to Mike Schneider, youth center program coordinator, can accommodate up to 30 youth at once. “We’ve finally gotten enough funds saved up so we [could] buy new furniture –
furniture that will last; stuff that is nice and durable,” Schneider said. “Instead of taking the regular donation of somebody’s couch, we went out and bought commercial-grade waiting room furniture that looks nice.” Other additions include new benches for the music room built by Ruben Gonzales from 11th Monk3y Industries. Plastic foldup tables have been replaced with state-ofthe-art stainless steel tables as well as a coffee area with bistro tables. Other new additions include artwork, a flat-screen TV, rainbow-colored shag carpet and movable bookshelves that allow for more flexible use of the space. Schneider, who helped out as the resident handy man – changing light fixtures, painting and other odd jobs throughout the process, said the changes have given the center a brighter, more welcoming feel. “The youth are starting to get excited as they are starting to see [the center] change,” Read said. “I think we’re starting to see the kids are showing much more pride in the center because it is something they can be proud of.”
The Gift of Technology In April, Cox Arizona announced it had donated $20,000 toward a new Cox Technology Centers for one n ten. “Cox is committed to increasing the accessibility of technology for our community,” said Susan Anable, Vice President of Public Affairs, Cox Communications Southwest. “Collectively, we are working to ensure our community members are prepared to thrive in today’s digital world and excel in their future; it’s always exciting to see the direct results of our community giving at local nonprofits such as one n ten and The Phoenix Pride LGBT Center.” The Cox technology grants, allowed one n ten to purchase computers, printers, office furnishings for its Q High program. Q High enables LGBTQ and straight allied
students to earn their high school diploma in a safe and welcoming environment, in partnership with Arizona Virtual Academy. “The Cox Technology Center provides our youth with tools that will enable them to more effectively take advantage of our high school diploma program,” Elliott said. “Because the curriculum is all online, up-to-date computer resources are critical to our Q High students’ success.” The grant also funded the addition of KidTrax, a youth tracking software that will provide more accurate information on the youth the organization serves and the programs they access. “KidTrax is a tool that will provide each youth with a scannable ID card and give us program, demographic, and attendance data,” Elliott said. “one n ten is proud to have Cox as a partner to support the life changing work we do with LGBTQ and allied youth.” From its initial days as a small gathering that took place inside a residential basement off Third Street in the early ‘90s to the multi-faceted organization it is today, one n ten’s mission has continued to grown to meet the growing need of the youth it serves, whether that be the Promise of a New Day housing program, the Y.E.S. (Youth Empowerment Success), a one-on-one mentoring program, the addition of five satellite programs or any of the many other programs the nonprofit has incorporated throughout the course of its 23-year history. “I think [the grand re-opening] shows the evolution of one n ten,” Read said. “We’ve come a long way.” Laura Latzko is a Phoenix-area freelance writer, originally from Michigan, who holds a bachelor’s degree in English and communication studies from Hollins University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. EchoMag.com
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OUT ‘n ABOUT Diamond Crystal Awards July 10 at The Rock, Phoenix Photos by Fernando Hernández.
For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.
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#BeSafeOut
Community members key to LGBTQ Consortium campaign By Megan Wadding
B
y now you’ve likely seen the LGBTQ Consortium’s Safe Out campaign on billboards throughout the gayborhood. While each bears a slighly different tagline and local personality, the message is the same: #BeSafeOut. This means bringing awareness to, and reducing, excessive alcohol consumption within the community. “We’re not anti-drinking at all; we just want people to drink safely so that they are protecting themselves and the people around them,” said Jason Vail Cruz, TERROS Community prevention lead community development chair and agency chair for the LGBTQ Consortium Safe Out committee. The billboard campaign was the brainchild of Tori Valentine, Safe Out’s program manager. Billboards featuring prominent LGBTQ community members with messages reminding drivers to drink responsibly are posted around Central Phoenix. “[Valentine] really brought the aspect of public information and social marketing to really draw more attention to the issue of excessive alcohol consumption within the LGBTQ community and get some positive voices out there on the issue,” Vail Cruz said. The current campaign, which will be up 22 |
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“We’re not antidrinking at all; we just want people to drink safely so that they are protecting themselves and the people around them.” Jason Vail Cruz
through July, involved seven billboards each featuring a different community member. “Some are local entertainers, some are leaders and community stakeholders within the LGBTQ community that we thought would have a positive impact on the message,” Vail Cruz said.
and spread the word and awareness,” he said. When the opporunity presented itself, Fields said he decided to honor his title for his billboard photo, which was located at 17th Avenue and Camelback Road for the duration of the current campaign. The objective of campaign, Vail Cruz said, is to create similarly branded billboards, that all carrying the same straightforward message. “We try to keep out campaigns simple, but we always want to show local individuals that are part of the local LGBTQ community and from all different demographics,” Vail Cruz said. “It’s just the same message with different people on different billboards.”
Billboard models include the likes of Robbie Fields, Felicia Minor, Benji Solano and many others.
Part of what makes the billboards so powerful is that they include statistics on excessive alcohol consumption and the consequences of doing so before driving.
Fields, 29, who has a monthly show at BS West as Cruz Carter, said that after having seen his good friends, Felicia Minor, Aaron Maya and Benji Solano on the billboards and in magazines supporting Safe Out, he knew he had to get involved with the campaign.
Vail Cruz explained that TERROS gathers data every fiscal year in order to keep track of what is happening in the community concerning substance abuse. He said the new data sometimes has an effect on what is put on the billboards, in order to keep them timely and accurate.
“I felt that with my title as Mr. Gay Arizona USofA 2014, I could use this in a positive manner to support a great cause
According to Isaac Akapnitis, TERROS community development coordinator and LGBTQ Consortium public relations chair,
the wording and message of the billboards can change slightly depending on the time of the year that the campaign and the LGBTQ events are going on. “In the spring, we had the campaign be more about drinking and driving because we know it’s around the time of graduations, celebrations and things like that,” Akapnitis said. “It was also right around the time of Phoenix Pride, so the billboards were more about encouraging people to drink in moderation. We just want people to be safe while they’re out celebrating.” The billboards, which are displayed for four to six weeks at a time, are strategically placed in locations around
“We try to make sure that, location-wise, the billboards are in areas where we know there are LGBTQ businesses or where people will be traveling to get to LGBTQ businesses,” Vail Cruz said. “We choose strategic points throughout the year when we think that the billboards have more impact.” Feedback from the community has been really positive, Vail Cruz said, adding that the active social presence of those involved helps spread the message of the billboards long after someone has driven by them.
“The feedback really ties into our social media campaign,” Vail Cruz said. “What we’ve seen is that people will see their friends or people they recognize from the community on these billboards, and then they’ll talk about it on social media or Instagram it. It has a multiplying effect.” The next Safe Out campaign will be unveiled in October, right in time for Rainbows Festival. For more information, like Safe Out on Facebook at facebook. com/safeout, follow them on Twitter at @ lgbtqconsortium, or visit lgbtqconsortium.com. Megan Wadding is a freelance writer and travel addict with a degree in journalism. Follow her on Twitter at @MeganWadding.
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Meet Monique Currie WNBA veteran joins Phoenix Mercury in operation “Defending Glory” By Alex Chambers
H
eading into the 2015 season, the Phoenix Mercury knew there were going to be some big shoes to fill on what was the roster of the WNBA championship team just 10 months ago. On Feb. 5, the team announced the signing of forward Monique Currie, and a few months later she arrived in in Phoenix for training camp – ready to make Western Conference debut. “I love it, I love it,” Currie said. “Everything has been great. The organization is a first class organization. The team, everybody is cool. Sandy is great.” Currie was selected with the third overall pick in the 2006 draft by the (now defunct) Charlotte Sting, and went on to play briefly with the Chicago Sky before eventually spending the majority of her career with the Washington Mystics. Born in Washington D.C. in 1983, Currie attended the Bullis School in Potomac, Md., and went on to attend Duke University, where she named a twotime All-American, was one of only three Duke players to score over 2,000 points and led Duke to the 2002, 2003 and 2006 NCAA Final Four. In her career, Currie has averaged 10.9 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, has started 250 of 275 games and was also named a WNBA All-Star in 2010. She also spent eight of her first nine years in the WNBA very close to home. Now, more than a month into the season, Currie said she’s still trying her best to adjust to her first Phoenix summer. “It’s still hot as hell out here,” she said with a laugh. “No complaints, except for the heat.” But it wasn’t the weather that brought her here. At 32 years old, Currie became a free agent for the first time in her career, giving her the opportunity to seek out a team that matched her own personal goals. “I have aspirations of winning a championship. That was a big part of me making the decision of where I wanted to go,” Currie explained “Phoenix 24 |
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Photos courtesy of NBAE via Getty Images.
has a tradition of winning, and I felt they had some great pieces here. This team was on my list of where I wanted to go. They were interested in me and here I am.” Currie hit the ground running in training camp. “Sandy (Brondello) has been around the game awhile, she was a player herself really. She really knows what to put into a camp,” she said. “Camp was hard; we were working hard, but also working smart. Her system is great for players to be able to make decisions, and just play basketball, and that’s been a lot of fun for me.”
“I have aspirations of winning a championship. That was a big part of me making the decision of where I wanted to go.”
defense personally. On the defensive end, trying to shut other teams down.”
Monique Currie
Currie also realizes that she brings to the team more than just basketball skills. “I can bring some veteran leadership. I’m one of the oldest players on the team,” Currie said. “Seasoned. Very seasoned.”
“We’re still getting to know each other,” she said. “I think once we kind of figured some things out we started to pick it up a little bit.” Off the court, Currie mentioned she is looking forward to sampling various types of cuisine that Phoenix has to offer.
Currie’s seasoned presence has already made an impact on the team’s dynamic. Just a month into the season, Currie’s averaging 10.5 points and 4.2 rebounds a game (just under her career average). A majority of her rebound average (3.2) have been defensive rebounds, keeping in line with Brondello’s emphasis on defense.
“I’m a foodie. I love trying new restaurants and different types of food,” Currie said. “I hear that Phoenix has a lot of different places to eat, so I’m looking forward to that.”
“Sandy stressed from day one the importance of defense, and working on that,” she said. “So, we’ve been paying a lot of attention to that and I’ve been paying a lot to my
OWN THE LIFE YOU’RE LIVING
In her debut at the Phoenix Mercury home opener playing against the San Antonio Stars, Currie shot an impressive 6 for 14 from the field (42 percent), along with 3 defensive rebounds and 2 assists. Most of those points did come in the second half as Currie and the Mercury got off to a slow start, putting up a mere 11 points in the second quarter.
To get to know more about Currie, follow her on Twitter at @mocurrie25 and on Instagram at @mocurrie. Alex Chambers is the author of 13 Teams: One Man’s Journey with the WNBA, which chronicles his 2009 journey to see games played at every WNBA home court.
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OUT ‘n ABOUT Bisbee Pride June 20 at various locations, Bisbee Photos by Bill Gemmill.
For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.
Flagstaff Pride June 27 at Thorpe Park, Flagstaff Photos by Bill Gemmill.
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Laugh Out Loud
Local wise guys bring new comedy night to the gayborhood By Laura Latzko
T
ired of fighting for stage time in the local comedy scene, two of the Valley’s best-known gay comedians have joined forces to introduce an LGBT-themed comedy night. For the past three years, Ernesto Ortiz and Gene Moore have organized the Phoenix Pride Festival’s comedy show. Now they’re inviting audiences and aspiring comedians alike to join them Monday nights at The Rock, from 8 to 10 p.m., for a new comedy night.
The new show kicked off July 13 and will continue to offer audiences a combination of new and veteran comedians, headliners and improv groups throughout the next six months. Both Ortiz and Moore have earned respect in local comedy clubs by being themselves and performing their signature styles of comedy. Despite all they have in common, they bring very different styles, tones and ideas to their craft.
despite his nerves, Ortiz went onstage again at Tempe Improv.
Ernesto Ortiz Since he started doing comedy a little over three years ago, Ortiz has taken pride in always being himself onstage – he’s never tried to hide or avoid saying he is gay in his act. “When you’re someone who’s open, you talk about your life, you talk about your boyfriend or girlfriend or gay culture,” Ortiz said. On the flip side, Ortiz recalls receiving feedback instructing him to “turn down the gay” onstage. “I just talk about myself, and it just happens to be that I’m a gay guy,” Ortiz said. “I like gay culture. I like drag queens. I like a lot of that stuff, so I talk about it.” As he has grown as a comedian, Ortiz has incorporated more personal jokes. He’s also found that all audiences respond well to his brand of observational humor, which stems from everyday experiences. “The beauty of comedy is it’s pretty therapeutic,” Ortiz said. “If there’s something going on in your life at the time, that’s maybe bad or tragic, or you’re having a bad day, you can go onstage, and people will relate because they’re probably having the same bad day.” The first time Ortiz did comedy, it was part of a fundraiser for the company he works for. About a year and a half later, 28 |
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“It was terrifying,” he said. “Even single time, I’m nervous. It’s a common theme with a lot of comics, when you’re backstage, you’re like, ‘Why am I doing this. I shouldn’t even go onstage.’ Then you go onstage, and things change.” Ortiz performs at comedy clubs throughout the Valley and takes the stage at local shows and open mics about three times a week. He’s also taken comedy, improv and acting classes, making him a triple threat. Giving audiences a good show every time he goes onstage is important to Ortiz. And audiences at The Rock can expect nothing but the best he has to offer.
For more information about becoming involved with Ortiz and Moore as part of the new comedy show at The Rock, they can be reached at geneaz3@gmail.com and ernesto@ernieortiz.com respectively. Photo courtesy of facebook.com/ernesto.ortiz.
When he first started out, Moore also had a tough time with LGBT audiences.
Gene Moore Moore has called Arizona home for 10 years, the past five of which he’s been performing as a comedian.
“Gay audiences, for me, are a little bit harder, especially gay men because [they are already] funny,” he said. “I will make fun of myself, but I’m not going to make fun of other people. There’s enough hate in the world … I’m not flamboyant … I can’t pull it off. I’m just me.”
Making fun of his own shortcomings, Moore said, usually gets audiences on his side. From there, he said, his material usually covers bigger issues, such as workplace dynamics, religion and race.
According to Moore, it can still be difficult for LGBT comedians to break into what is a straight, white, male industry – even with club owners and promoters become more tolerant.
“I think the best way to connect with an audience is to have no preconceived notions and to just be there with the spirit of fellowship and tell your truth,” he said.
Because of this, Moore tries to help others comics – especially those in the LGBT community – trying to get started in the industry.
Moore has always been interested in comedy because of how it touched his life at a young age. Up until he lost his mother to cancer, he recalled, she enjoyed watching Joan Rivers on TV.
“There needs to be more gay and lesbian comedians,” he said. “ … I try to help and mentor them because it’s difficult for them. [If] you tell me you’re gay, I’m going to pull you aside and I’m going to help you.”
“I didn’t know about comedy,” Moore said. “All I knew was that my mother, for a little bit of time, was watching TV and was not in pain and was laughing … For a little bit, I was OK, and Joan Rivers did that for me. She gave my mother peace.”
Laura Latzko is a Phoenix-area freelance writer, originally from Michigan, who holds a bachelor’s degree in English and communication studies from Hollins University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.
Moore, who’s hosted shows at the Comedy Spot in Scottsdale and done more than 350 shows in a year, credits working in that environment with helping him to hone his craft as well as handle hecklers – a feat that was difficult for him at first.
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WEDDING FEATURE
Love Wins
Phoenix husbands celebrate marriage equality on the verge of wedding anniversary By Kara J. Philp
M
ost relationships begin with a series of dates, and, in some respects, this relationship is no different.
The first date – no, not dinner and a movie – was June 26, 2013, the day the U.S. Supreme Court ruled California’s Proposition 8 was unconstitutional. On the same date, the Supreme Court also ruled that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was unconstitutional. On the second date, this one came home with us. Well, actually U.S. District Court Judge John Sedwick ruled against Arizona’s constitutional amendment banning marriage equality, Oct. 17, 2014. Then, in a landmark decision June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled it is legal for all Americans, no matter their gender or sexual orientation, to marry the person they love. There’s one more date in the timeline of Javier and Josh Klein – Aug. 23, 2013 – the day they were married in Palm Springs, Calif. This was the date that made all the other dates noteworthy for these two grooms. “We wanted to get married quickly before the right to do so was taken away again,” Javier said. “I am glad we made the decision to go for it and not let any fears, or what other may think, stop us.”
Although Javier (also known as Grecia Montes D’Occa) always pictured a big, traditional wedding, he admits he also pictured Grecia walking down the aisle wearing beautiful gown and with a cast of bridesmaids. Josh, on the other hand, said no, adding that he was marrying Javier – not Grecia. Instead, the two grooms – and two friends who served as witnesses and photographers – went to the Riverside County Clerk’s office and exchanged their vows, went to lunch and then drove back home to Phoenix as newlyweds. “We basically eloped,” Josh said. “When Prop. 8 was overturned we were so worried that it would become illegal again, so there was very little planning involved … I never thought of waiting, I wanted us to take the opportunity as soon as it became available.” While full marriage equality seemed so far away just two years ago, the couple felt the momentum. “I knew that if we were married in a state that allowed it and the nation recognized it, that it would only be a matter of time before [it] would be legal [in Arizona],” Josh said. Then that date came, too. “It was a shock when [same-sex marriage became] legal in Arizona,”
he said. “We finally felt validated, like we were not second class citizens in our own state.” The couple celebrated the victory in the state they call home, and watched as history unfolded around them. Their celebration continued as the most important date of them all took place less than eight months later. “I was sleeping when [Josh] woke me to tell of the Supreme Court’s decision. I just felt joy and happiness [knowing] that I was a legally married, just like everyone else,” Javier said. “I am glad the legal system worked. We were finally given what we we’re entitled to.” The couple, still technically newlyweds, didn’t attend any parties, rallies, or pride festivities that weekend. Instead, they stayed in and celebrated the victory at home – together. “… Once it became legal nationwide I felt a sense of pride. It’s something I never thought I would see in my lifetime,” Josh said. “We are a married couple that gets all of the same rights as every other couple and … we are protected … We are husbands and now no one can deny us that.” The grooms agree that both families have been supportive, each welcoming the other in with open arms, which is a big part of why these two are still not done celebrating. “We keep saying we are going to do a reception on our anniversary, Javier said. “Now that it is legal in all states I think we will … finally have that reception we have talked about for so long.” And maybe this time Javier will get his wedding gown. Or maybe just that honeymoon the couple still hopes to take. In any case, these grooms stand in agreement that it’s not the wedding date that makes a marriage; it’s all the dates that follow it. “Learn to know each other,” Javier said. “Part of a successful marriage is to get to know each other a little bit every day … [it] doesn’t matter how different we are, we both want the same thing and that is to be together.”
Javier (left) and Josh Klein. Photos by DePoy Studios. 32 |
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Kara J. Philp is managing editor of Echo Magazine and can be reached at kj@echomag.com.
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I (Finally) Do
East Valley brides wed following marriage equality ruling By Kara J. Philp
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his love story starts in the late ‘90s in El Paso, Texas, where two students of Magoffin Middle School lived about a mile from each other. That’s not actually a chapter in the love story of Desi Rubio and Vanessa Montes, more like a prequel, but who doesn’t appreciate a little dose of fate or sense of humor from the universe? Their love story actually began nine years ago in Arizona. Rubio moved to Tempe to attend Arizona State University and, just months later, Montes moved to Phoenix to live with her sister and enroll in community college. “We were both homesick so we met up because we shared that familiarity of ‘home,’” Rubio recalled of their first interaction on MySpace. “We fell madly in love.” And the rest, as they say, is history. In October 2013, the Montes proposed to Rubio in Hawaii. She said yes, and the couple started planning their wedding the following summer, which included a trip to the second annual Pride Guide Wedding & Honeymoon Expo last fall. Still, there were significant legal roadblocks between them and the marriage they were preparing for. “When we chose our date for July 2015 we didn’t think [our marriage] would be legal in Arizona,” Rubio said. “We kept our fingers crossed … but we had a backup plan to marry, legally, out of state.” When Arizona’s ban on same-sex marriages was overturned Oct. 17, 2014, Rubio said, the couple was ecstatic. “It took everything in us to not run to the court house to ‘just do it,’” Rubio said. “But we learned that in Arizona a marriage license is good for a year, so we went to get our marriage license to celebrate the moment.” They decided to have a ceremony and reception here in Arizona, with their closest family and friends. “Vanessa made such an important point about how supportive both of our families are and how other same-sex couples may not have that,” Rubio said. “It was important to her to celebrate our love with everyone.” Next came the task of choosing what traditions to incorporate in their big day, and which to omit. Having only been to two same-sex weddings previously, the couple let their culture and their family guide them.
“A lot of the Mexican traditions were important [for us] to keep,” Montes said. “I wanted our wedding to reflect exactly who we are.” They opted to skip the garter in favor of tossing two bouquets; they substituted the father/ daughter dance with the traditional dollar dance; and hired an all-female mariachi ensemble and DJ with Latin roots to keep the celebration going. Instead of explaining Vanessa Montes (left) and Desi Rubio. that this was a same-sex Photos by DePoy Studios. wedding to each vendor Montes contacted, the timing a wedding gift from the Supreme she turned to Pride Guide as a resource Court. (gayarizona.com). “We always wondered when marriage The couple skipped hiring a wedding planner, but credits word of mouth, Pinterest and their well-networked photographer Cristina DePoy with most of the their vendor decisions and creative inspiration.
“This year of wedding planning and preparing for marriage has been entirely blissful,” Rubio said, an important distinction considering the couple had to select two dresses, two bouquets and so on. “We ended up with an amazing wedding team.” In preparation for their big day, the brides welcomed the majority of their guests into town from Texas. And, especially for those who couldn’t attend, they launched the hashtag #VanesiWedding, allowing anyone to view all the photos and posts with just one click. “I wanted to leave a lasting impression … so having a hashtag was very important to me,” Rubio said, adding that this also served as a way for the brides to review all the posts and photos after their big day concluded. Then, exactly one week before the #VanesiWedding took place, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality nationwide. “That day was so emotional,” Rubio said. “It just kicked off our wedding week to perfection. “We’ve been waiting a long time for this day … everyone deserves that feeling.” The couple agreed that full equality was the only thing than could have made their special day any more perfect, and consider
equality would happen and I’m so thankful for how it all played out,” Montes said. “We [got] to commit to one another on such a monumental year in American history.”
The couple hopes their relationship, love and commitment serve as an example of why same-sex couples are deserving of all the rights that accompany full and equal marriage. “Marriage is about love and the commitment and not giving up on one another,” Montes said. “We need to prove to society why this fight mattered. And perhaps our community can help re-establish the fundamentals of marriage in this country again.” Kara J. Philp is managing editor of Echo Magazine and can be reached at kj@echomag.com.
TAKE IT ONLINE To read advice from these newlyweds on budgeting and wedding planning, visit echomag.com/vanesiwedding.
SAVE THE DATE Submit your wedding story or announcement and photo (optional) to Echo at weddings@echomag.com. To view other wedding announcements submitted to Echo, visit echomag.com/ category/lifestyle/weddings. EchoMag.com
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Much Ado About “I Do”
Pride Guide Wedding & Honeymoon Expo aims to pair local couples and vendors By Anthony Costello
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he day so many same-sex couples have waited for and worked toward is finally here: same-sex marriage is now just marriage – a nationally recognized union, equal to our straight counterparts. For couples that have been holding out for this day – and newly engaged couple, too – the third annual Pride Guide Wedding & Honeymoon Expo is the perfect place to start planning your big day. Within hours of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision June 26, which legalized same-sex marriage in all states, the expo reached its vendor capacity. Attendees can are invited to browse upwards of 130 vendors, spread across the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa’s 35,000 square-foot Sonoran Ballroom Aug. 23. Pride Guide publisher Michael McFall, who created the expo to provide the LGBT community with a safe space devoid of discrimination, is taking the helm in educating this surge of new and returning vendors on the LGBT community. “There’s tons of wedding expos out there, but they don’t know if they’re gay-friendly,” McFall said. “We host trainings with vendors
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… before the event. That way they know who they’re selling to and what the community’s common and diverse needs are.” This year’s expo will feature a fashion show, as well as premier travel packages for destination weddings and honeymoons. Big-ticket prizes include a $35,000 wedding package offered by the Phoenician as well as accommodation packages for Mexico and Maui. Smaller prizes include discounts on flowers, cakes or other items. This year, vendors range from traditional wedding needs (officients, photographers and florists) to LGBT-specific services (advocacy, fertility centers and especially fashion). “It’s a little different, it’s geared toward the LGBT community,” McFall said. “A lot of guys aren’t wearing tuxedos like they used to. We’ll have some pieces with shorts, and very up-to-date fashions, so it’s not going to be just bridal gowns. We’ll also have a suit, tuxedo collection for women who don’t want to wear dresses.” As a result of marriage equality, McFall expects to see a shift in the wedding industry. “[We’re] going to see a lot of people with
set dates coming into the expo. We’re going to get more serious couples and recently engaged ones,” McFall said. “Of the ones who’ve gotten married already, I think some of them haven’t even gone on their honeymoons yet, or even had receptions, but the expo provides options for all couples in various stages of their weddings.” As a result, McFall said, wedding vendors introducing changes to meet the diverse needs of the couples they’re encountering. “A lot of our return vendors already have paperwork that [is] LGBT inclusive,” he said. “[Similarly], we don’t call the expo a bridal expo because it excludes grooms. I think you’re going to start seeing the term ‘bridal’ disappearing altogether soon.” Cicely Rocha-Miller of MRSter – Modern Union Experts (mrster.com) has her fingers on the pulse of the LGBT community and finds that, for a community whose marriage rights have been kept from them for so long, it’s all about making the ceremony as personal as possible, regardless of whether tradition or trendy in the overall goal. “Formal weddings are coming back, more eloquent and a little more spending,” she said. “And, on the flipside, backyard weddings are very hip right now as well. People are focusing more on experiences, it’s about that ‘home’ feeling.” However, no same-sex wedding is complete without some flair and style to complete the experience, and according to Rocha-Miller, this season it’s all about lively, bright colors and unique festivities that couples want to include in their weddings. “Green is very hot right now, as well as
white along with soft pastel colors and lights of bright colors seen in fashion,” she said. “The plated experience is something that never goes away. However, seeing your chef create your meal or choosing your own ingredients and lighter food is really hot right now.” Similarly, she added that wedding cakes aren’t as big of a deal as they once were. “Little things like gelato stations and gourmet popcorn stations are taking off,” she said. “Couples are downsizing their wedding cakes so they can still celebrate the ritual cutting of the first slice of cake, while devoting the money saved … to fund other parts of their wedding.” While McFall expects the trend of same-sex couples seeking out the services of same-sex vendors to continue, Rocha-Miller urges same-sex couples to broaden their vendor selection criteria, especially at the expo – the ideal place for browsing allied vendors, like herself. “One trend I want to encourage within the LGBT market is to stop being scared of vendors,” Rocha-Miller said. “There are people outside of the [LGBT] community who are excited and waiting to serve and celebrate your commitment.” Rocha-Miller encourages same-sex couples to branch out in search of the vendors that will compliment their unique story. “When the guests leave they need to know it’s your story,” Rocha-Miller said. “It’s not about pretty decorations or the champagne, it’s always about the story you tell.”
Pride Guide Wedding & Honeymoon Expo 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 23 JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa 5350 Marriott Drive, Phoenix gayarizona.com/phoenix/wedding-expo
Kevin, David & Family - Phoenix
Grow Your Family
with Arizona’s Children Association
Learn about Foster Care & Adoption 1st Wednesday of every month at 6 PM Phoenix Pride LGBT Center (801 N. 2nd Ave.) No RSVP required. Or call us, statewide, to get started: 602.253.1620 or 800.944.7611
www.ArizonasChildren.org
Anthony Costello is an award-winning writer, a graduate of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and a fraternity brother of Sigma Phi Beta, a gay, straight, bisexual and transgender fraternity.
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OUT ‘n ABOUT Marriage Equality Rally June 26 at CityScape Phoenix Photos by CJ Minott.
For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.
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OUT ‘n ABOUT Marriage Equality Rally
Why Rent? When you Can oWn!
June 26 at Inn at 410, Flagstaff Photos by Bill Gemmill.
For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.
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FEATURE story
Adriana Galliano Representing: Karamba Nightclub Professional Dancer: John Holzworth Originally from Mexico City, Adriana Galliano embodies the vibrant, beautiful Latin culture, making her an ideal ambassador for Karamba Nightclub.
SWAY PHX Presents Dancing with the Bars 2015
Meet the stars and the bars participating in the eighth annual fundraising and dancing competition
“Karamba is the first bar I worked at. It is the place that opened its doors to me four years ago and then gave me a job, two years later,” Galliano said. “But it isn’t just the bar. I really love the owners. They are very supportive of all of us and their participation in this event is a very good sign of that.” While Galliano is known for her beautifully choreographed portrayals of such legends as Rihanna, Celia Cruz, Gloria Trevi and Beyonce, she admits she’s never taken a dance lesson. “Honestly,” she offers, “I don’t have any dance history. I think I’m just Mexican and I know how to move.”
F
or the past seven summers, local celebrities, bars and dancers have joined forces to fundraise and entertain, all in the name of charity. This year marks the eighth annual Dancing with the Bars (DWTB)event, a ballroom dance competition presented by SWAY PHX. Much like the popular television show, each contestant is paired with a professional ballroom dance instructor for eight weeks of training.
charity will be Aunt Rita’s Foundation, whose mission is to be the catalyst of HIV/AIDS awareness, education and support. Aunt Rita’s Foundation raises and equally distributes funds to Central Arizona programs that prevent HIV/AIDS or assist those living with HIV/AIDS.
In a philanthropic twist, not only do the contestants train as ballroom dancers, they also raise money for a local charity by hosting events that range from themed parties and raffles to “Tappy Hours” and online donations.
As part of the competition’s finale, which will take place Aug. 9 at Tempe Center For The Arts, each dance couple performs in front of a live audience. A panel of judges, as well as audience members, will determine the winning couple by vote. The contestant who’s raised the most funds will also be revealed as part of the finale.
Throughout the past eight years, DWTB has raised more than $55,000 for local charities. This year’s benefitting
With the finale just three weeks away, let’s meet this year’s DWTB contestants:
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Galliano and her family regularly give to Aunt Rita’s Foundation and she said she was thrilled to discover another way to support the organization and its benefitting agencies. “I really appreciate the concept of this event,” Galliano said of DWTB, adding that she attended the finale two years ago and immediately fell in love with the contest. “I love how it allows us to represent our bars as well as help the community.” Raising funds and awareness for this organization are extremely important to Galliano, and she said she’s eager to be challenged and to learn from both her partner and the other contestants. “I’m excited to represent the bar, help the community and, hopefully, win, she said.” Photos courtesy of SWAY PHX.
Ashlee James
Goochie Ybarra
Representing: Echo Magazine Professional Dancer: Cullen Daniel
Representing: SWAY Events Bottle Models Professional Dancer: Elie Contreras-Teodoro
Ashlee James is dancing on behalf of Echo Magazine, where she’s worked for three years and is currently the director of sales and marketing. “This is the perfect opportunity to represent Echo because we just turned 25 and, like most 25-yearolds, we’re just coming into our own identity,” she said. “It’s time to really commit ourselves to the people, places, events and organizations that have supported us for this long and are willing to progress with us as we move forward with this transition.” The Arizona native is no stranger to the competition. “I’ve known about it for the past four years. For the past three, I’ve worked with Echo and we’ve promoted it in the magazine,” she said. “Last year, I was very involved because my business partner, Nate Whitten, of The Nashlee Effect, competed, so I was coerced and forced to sell Jell-O shots at Cash Inn Country for at least four weekends in a row. I got to see him learn a whole different side of himself and experience it alongside him. It’s my turn, now.” James, a volunteer for Aunt Rita’s, said she was excited to find out that the this year’s fundraising efforts will benefit the organization, but admits there were other reasons she said ‘yes,’ when asked to participate. “I’m extremely vain and I have no problem admitting it,” she said. “I’m excited to get airbrushed headshots, I get to wear cute outfits and people get to look at me – so I’m cool with that.”
Goochie Ybarra is dancing on behalf of the SWAY Events Bottle Models, a group that promote high-profile brands and charities at marketing events around the country. In fact, DWTB, was the brainchild of SWAY Events Founder, Gary Guerin, eight years ago.
Brett Kennedy Representing: Harley’s Italian Bistro Professional Dancer: Shawn Nerdahl Originally from Howell, Mich., Brett Kennedy moved to Arizona for a job exactly two years ago. Although he knows little about DWTB, he is a fan of “Dancing with The Stars” and was eager to represent Harley’s Italian Bistro, where he works as a server, when asked. “Stacey talked me into it, at first,” he admits, “but then I realized it would be a fun experience.” Initially, Kennedy’s knowledge of Aunt Rita’s Foundation was also limited, but through fundraising efforts at Harley’s and what he’s learned through DWTB, it’s now an organization he wants to support and help grow. “I also think it is going to be a fun way to raise money for a good cause,” he said. “It’s not your typical fundraiser and I like that.” Kennedy brings unique dance experience to the competition. “I’m a physical education teacher, by day,” he said. “I teach middle school line dancing to 6th, 7th and 8th grade girls based on one class I took in college and what I’ve learned from YouTube clips.” While he hopes to meet new people through this experience, representing Harley’s is very important to him.
And what exactly is the role of a Bottle Model? According to Ybarra, bottle models “are there to provide information, product samples and the energy to make sure everyone in attendance has a smile on their face.” Ybarra worked DWTB the past two years as a Bottle Model. “I’ve always had a great time,” he said. “I’ve also had the opportunity to see all of the participants thoroughly enjoy the experience, both behind the scenes and on stage. It looks like so much fun. Everyone has such a blast and shows so much energy on stage.” As an Arizona native, Goochie knows how much Aunt Rita’s Foundation helps people and charities throughout Phoenix. Although Ybarra has had roommates who danced, and taught him basic choreography, he has never taken lessons. “I’ve often told myself, ‘I want to do that,’ but stopped short,” he said. “It will be a challenge and I’ve always pushed myself to be challenged.” Ybarra credits his experience as a Bottle Model with slowly getting him to come out of his shell. “This will get me out of my comfort zone and really help to break down some barriers [too],” he said. “Everyone has some walls up that need breaking down and I’m excited to learn how to do that.”
“I love [co-owners] Charolette and Stacey,” he said. “They are super supportive of the community … They’ve created an environment of family where all of the employees help each other and are supportive of each other, both inside and outside of the restaurant. What’s more is what they provide to their customers: a great atmosphere with wonderful wine and awesome food!” EchoMag.com
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Kira Daniels Representing: BS West Professional Dancer: Freddie Maese As the reigning Miss Gay USofA Newcomer, Kira Daniels has been on the road a lot throughout the past year – performing in New Mexico, Texas, Minnesota, Michigan, Florida and Georgia. Daniels can also be found hosting the This Stage Is Yours talent show every Wednesday at Cruisin 7th and the Elements: Drag Show every Friday at BS West.
Jacqueline Ariel Representing: BLISS/ReBAR Professional Dancer: Matthew Maguire Jacqueline Ariel, a full-time hairdresser at Steven Paul Salon in Scottsdale, a barre fitness Pilates class instructor and a volunteer with one n ten, is dancing on behalf of BLISS/ReBAR. “Bliss is amazing and I really like the owners,” she said. “They’ve provided a lot of support for one n ten and they’re really good guys. I’m impressed with the work they’ve done to help the community and other organizations.” According to Ariel, she caught the dancing bug while attending last year’s DWTB event. It’s also where she first saw Capoeira Brasil-Arizona and SambAZ dancers perform high-energy samba numbers in beautifully ornate costumes. “After seeing them perform, I was inspired and eager to be the next ‘Samba Queen,’ she said, so I took their classes for a few months and attended their weekend workshop.” Being relatively new to the LGBT community, Ariel, an native Arizonan, said she is eager to support those that helped her come out and become acquainted with the community, including Aunt Rita’s Foundation. “I know about Aunt Rita’s and their work with AIDS research and I’ve learned so much about AIDS awareness,” she said. “I had my own preconceived notions about it, but educated myself throughout the past three years. [Now], I have a lot more knowledge.” Ariel added that she has friends living with or affected by the disease, so this cause hits close to home. “This community has given me so much support and told me I’m going to be OK,” she said. “Any way I can give back is good.” 44 |
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“I’m happy where I’m at right now, entertainer-wise,” she said. “I’m comfortable with the persona I’ve developed and feel like I’m able to represent BS West well.” When Mike Fornelli, BS West owner, asked the cast members of Elements to consider participating in DWTB, Daniels was the first to volunteer. “I’ve been going to BS for as long as I can remember, so I basically grew up there,” she said. “I love Mike. He’s such a great guy and good person. I feel honored to represent him in any way possible and to do my best to win for him.” Daniels began dancing in high school, then joined a dance crew and eventually became a backup dancer for local drag queens – all without any formal training. “I feel like I’m a good faker. I can always fake it until I make it,” she said. “I’m good enough at salsa, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary to make it look like I know what I’m doing, even though I don’t.” Additionally, Daniels often gives time, energy and donations to many of Aunt Rita’s benefitting agencies. This year, she’s excited to help all of them through a single event.
Olivia Gardens Representing: Kobalt Professional Dancer: Rik Dault Olivia Gardens holds numerous titles, including Miss Gay Phoenix USofA 2010 and, most recently, the Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona’s Empress X. Representing Kobalt, home of the Garden Variety Review, Gardens is on a quest to add DWTB honors to her list of accomplishments. “[Kobalt is] a great group of people,” she said. “The owners, the staff and the clientele, they’ve always been a great family to me.” And, as a result of having had many friends participate in past DWTB competitions, Gardens is not stranger to the competition. “I’ve always had a great time,” she said. “I know they raise a lot of funds for organizations each year and it’s always entertaining.” As an avid watcher of “Dancing with The Stars,” Gardens said she’s always wanted to participate in this competition. “Short of being an actual celebrity myself, this is my opportunity to do what they do,” she said. “I like being on stage, so this is my opportunity to have fun and raise funds doing something I love.” According to Gardens, she’s is a big supporter of Aunt Rita’s. In recent years, Gardens has joined Barbra Seville’s Wonderful 100 Team, which raises funds in support of Aunt Rita’s annual AIDS Walk. Like many of the other contestants, Gardens has had no formal dance training. “I’m more of an actor/singer who moves sort of moderately well,” she said. “Some call what I do dancing, some call it walking around … I [want] to have a great time and learn how to really dance!”
Ruben Contreras
Travis Shumake
Representing: Charlie’s Phoenix Professional Dancer: Iliana Gonzalez
Representing: Stacy’s @ Melrose Professional Dancer: Tim Bishop
Ruben Contreras has worked at Charlie’s Phoenix – from bartender to Assistant Manager – since shortly after moving to Phoenix from Albuquerque eight years ago.
In 2012, Travis Shumake was named Mr. Walks, Talks & Breaths Downtown Phoenix. This year, he’s looking to add DWTB 2015 champion to his list of accomplishments.
“Charlie’s gave me a life, a community, a family ever since I moved here,” he said. “I started working there and then joined their softball team, where I created new friendships and relationships. I see Charlie’s as a community center, a home where people who don’t have a home or sense of community – or even know who they are, yet – can begin.”
Shumake is dancing on behalf of Stacy’s @ Melrose, the four-time 2015 Echo Reader’s Choice award winning bar. And Shumake is no stranger to the competition.
In past years, Contreras has helped raise money for other DTWB contestants. This year he will finally have the opportunity to represent the bar he calls home. “I’ve always been proud of working for Charlie’s,” he said. “People don’t realize we’ve always put community first.” Contreras and Charlie’s participate in Aunt Rita’s AIDS Walk every year. “I think [Aunt Rita’s mission] is important, nowadays, because I feel that younger generations think they can take a pill and prevent HIV or take a pill and live a long life,” he said. “We need to let them know what past generations have gone through, the loss and terrible epidemic that happened in the ‘80s. They need to be made aware of their gay culture and history.” After being outed during his senior year of high school, Contreras quit all of his varsity sports and took up dance. And he fell in love. Today, he dances for fun, every chance he gets. “I like to twerk while I work,” he said.
Ted Kirby Representing: ION Arizona Magazine Professional Dancer: Diona Peltcs Ted Kirby has been an integral part of ION Arizona Magazine, where he’s worked as a distributor and writer, since shortly after he moved to Phoenix from Detroit in 2003. As a huge fan of “Dancing with The Stars,” Kirby has attended the show in-person six times. His first experience with DWTB, though, was four years ago and he has since served as an event announcer and contributed to related fundraising efforts. So, it comes as no surprise that he’s always wanted to dance, but hasn’t had the opportunity until now. “I’ve been a teacher all my life and have a passion for learning. This time, I look forward to being the student,” he said. “I’m looking at this experience as an … opportunity to learn something new. I know it sounds cliché, but this really is a road to discovery for me. I want to learn about myself and my capabilities.”
“I’ve gone for the last four seasons in support of different friends who were participating and I waited for the right time for me to stop pretending like I don’t want to do it,” he said. “Now is the time in my life to do something I like and to give back philanthropically.” The Arizona native said he’s well aware of the work Aunt Rita’s Foundation has done throughout the Valley, and believes it is very important that they continue to do so. In light of the current political, social and economic environment, Shumake believes this is the ideal time for him to actively support such a worthy cause. “The opportunity to fundraise for such a good cause and to get in shape while doing something fun over the summer,” he said. “But mostly, I really want to have a good time!” Although he’s had no formal dance training, Shumake was a college cheerleader, throughout his years at Northern Arizona University and said “throwing people comes naturally to me.”
Kirby said he’s especially proud to be raising money for Aunt Rita’s Foundation. He knows people who work and volunteer with the organization, and admires their devotion to taking important causes under their wings. With no formal dance training, Kirby said he has a fondness for anything having to do with dance, and that he’s especially eager to learn about the traditional styles of dance. “It’s not all about winning to me,” he said. “It’s about the opportunity to represent a job I love, assist an outstanding charity I can totally get behind and become a part of something that is so meaningful.”
– Courtesy of SWAY PHX Dancing with the Bars 5 p.m. Aug. 9 Tempe Center For The Arts 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe Tickets: tca.ticketforce.com For more information, visit swayphx.com/ upcoming-events/dancing-bars-2015. EchoMag.com
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FEATURE story
Like Mother, Like Daughter Nevaeh McKenzie Crowned Miss Gay Arizona America 2015 By Laura Latzko The fourth time’s the charm for Nevaeh. After competing in the Miss Gay Arizona America pageant three times – as Miss Gay Copper City, Miss Gay Metropolis and Miss Gay Phoenix – and taking third place each time, she set out to try it once more. And she won. McKenzie was crowned the 30th Miss Gay Arizona America June 28 at the Phoenix Theatre. “I think being the 30th Miss Gay Arizona America is a huge responsibility,” she said. “There’s only been 29 before you. That’s a pretty elite group. It’s one thing to be a great performer and entertainer. It’s another to be a symbol of excellence.” In total, nine contestants from throughout Arizona participated in the statewide competition. The pageant honored Miss Gay Arizona America 2014 Grecia Montes D’Occa, who performed multiple numbers, and Reigning Miss Gay America Blair Williams also took the stage. Former Miss Gay America Catia Lee Love and Miss Gay Arizona America Mya McKenzie (Nevaeh McKenzie’s drag mother) served as co-hosts the “Once Upon a Time” themed evening.
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With this title, McKenzie (aka Karrington Valenzuela) feels she’s following in the path of her drag mother, Mya McKenzie, who was the 2007 state titleholder. “It’s probably a bigger deal for her than it is for me,” McKenzie said. “Like any mother, you want to see your child succeed and surpass you, and she definitely has always been like that with me.” Still, she admits, that winning the state title was a surreal and emotional experience. “It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime things where you have everyone there to see you,” McKenzie said, adding that this was the first time some of her biological family members had seen her perform. From here, McKenzie and first runnerup Savannah Stevens will advance to the national Miss Gay America Pageant, which will take place in Memphis from Oct. 7 to 11. The two drag queens have a long history working together, and Stevens was one of the first drag queens to book McKenzie when she started out about six years ago.
pageantry. During this break, she began hosting her weekly “High Heels and Halos” show at Charlie’s Phoenix and became a regular cast member of Elements: Drag Show every Friday at BS West. She credits her experience working with Barbra Seville as her inspiration for starting a show that gives other newcomers the opportunity to perform. Which is important for McKenzie, because she maintains that it’s the audience’s response to her numbers make the hard work behind the scenes worth it. “What’s kept me here, as far as performing goes, is every time I hit that stage and people love what you do, every wig change, every costume reveal, every time you do something different,” McKenzie said. “It’s just the biggest form of flattery.” The queen/performer/impersonator considers drag to be both a passion and a job – a mentality she believes performers need to survive in the world of drag. She’s also made an effort to be a versatile entertainer, like her drag mother, doing a combination of high-energy pop, Broadway
“When I won Barbra Seville’s Newcomer, I had this newbie, big-headed attitude where I thought I was the next best thing,” she said. “I wasn’t booked anywhere. Savannah was one of the first entertainers to say, ‘Come do my show. I’d love to have you.’” McKenzie plans to work with Stevens throughout her reign. “I definitely have every intention of taking her along [on] this journey with me,” McKenzie said. “It’s not just about me being Miss Arizona. It’s about us going to America and representing Arizona together.” Prior to competing in the Miss Gay Arizona America pageant, McKenzie took a two-year hiatus from
Photos by Scotty Kirby.
and Latin numbers, with a little comedy sprinkled in. “I always try to think about what can I do that’s going to make me stand out,” McKenzie said. “I definitely think about what I can bring to [each] show that’s going to keep everyone there to watch.” It seems only natural, then, that McKenzie would embrace a celestial theme into her drag persona – her first name is heaven spelled backwards, after all.
For her talent number in the Miss Gay Arizona America pageant, McKenzie came out onstage wearing a white body suit with an elaborate pair of heavenly wings.
For the onstage question category, McKenzie was asked what she felt the most important duty of a Miss Gay Arizona America. In her response, she emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. Community involvement has been important to McKenzie throughout her drag career. And, now as the state titleholder, she hopes to give back to the community like those who have worn the crown before her.
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“Neveah was going to be my daughter’s name when I have children,” McKenzie said. “My mother passed away when I was very young, and I love the name Neveah. It was kind of a tribute to her.”
McKenzie was joined by her backup dancers, who she’s worked with since the very beginning, for a dance performance to a mix of Britney Spears’ “Everytime” and “Work Bitch.”
“I’m really excited to work with Neveah,” said Daniel Eckstrom, Miss Gay Arizona America promoter, who’s been involved with the system for the past eight years. “I think she’s going to be a breath of fresh air. She really is going to be somebody who takes Miss Arizona to a new level.”
TAKE IT ONLINE Read more about the 30th annual Miss Gay Arizona America pageant at echomag.com/ mgaa-2015.
Laura Latzko is a Phoenix-area freelance writer, originally from Michigan, who holds a bachelor’s degree in English and communication studies from Hollins University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.
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OUT ‘n ABOUT Miss Gay Arizona America Pageant 2015 June 28 at Phoenix Theatre Photos by Fernando Hernández.
For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.
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FEATURE story
Work Fierce, Part I: Office Politics Despite progress, coming out on the job is still a challenge for many LGBT workers By Liz Massey
A
nd yet. If there were two words that could completely encapsulate the state of the LGBT American workplace, “and yet” might be the phrase.
compelled to lie about their personal lives at work, and nearly a fifth report being exhausted from spending time and energy hiding their identities.
In the past 20 years, the percentage of Fortune 500 companies with inclusive antidiscrimination statements has skyrocketed from 5 percent to 89 percent that cover sexual orientation, and 66 percent that cover gender identity. Corporate recruiters are seeking a diverse workforce, and more and more businesses are recognizing that having a workplace where all people can bring all of themselves to work results in better solutions and better results.
Being an out queer professional can still be a challenge, but there are many bright spots, as well. Businesses have actually outpaced government in putting anti-discrimination protections in place, and recent legal shifts are making it easier to demand justice if an LGBT person is harassed or fired for being gay. While discrepancies between the ideal of workplace equality and the reality of life at the office remain, many advocates are working hard to close the gap.
And yet: 53 percent of all LGBT employees do not feel comfortable enough to come out at work, according to the Human Rights Campaign’s 2014 study, “The Cost of the Closet.” A third of LGBT employees feel
The Patchwork of Protection The stark reality for anyone in Arizona seeking reassurances that they will have recourse if they’re fired for being LGBT is
that no state or federal statute protects them. A handful of cities (including Phoenix, Tucson and Tempe) bar discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, protecting about one-third of the state’s 119,000 LGBT employees. According to a January 2015 report produced by The Williams Institute of the UCLA School of Law, despite the fact that more than 75 percent of Arizonans say they oppose employment discrimination for LGBT persons, the practice remains rampant, with as many as 77 percent of transgender respondents reporting harassment or discrimination at work. Another challenge in areas where inclusive employment protections have been passed are the wave of more than 100 so-called “religious freedom” bills that have been filed in state legislatures this year. EchoMag.com
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Sarah Warbelow, HRC’s legal director, said that the bills took direct aim at the fairness toward LGBT employees that the antidiscrimination laws were intended to foster. “A subset of those bills … would permit employers to challenge laws and ordinances that protect LGBT people from discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, and services,” she noted. “When a Republican legislator in Georgia introduced a positive amendment to the state bill to ensure that it could not be used to undermine non-discrimination protections, legislators pushing [it] complained that it gutted the purpose of the bill.” For many years, LGBT advocates had pressed the passage in the U.S. Congress of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would have banned workplace discrimination for LGBT persons. However, in response to the broadside attack on LGBT freedom represented by the religious-freedom legislation, HRC and other national organizations are currently working with key senators and representatives on a comprehensive federal LGBT nondiscrimination bill to be introduced in this session of Congress, Warbelow said. In addition to addressing discrimination in employment, the legislation will cover core civil rights including housing, credit, education, federal funding, jury service and public accommodations.
Title VII - A New Hope? One real breakthrough on the employmentlaw horizon, and one that is not widely known about, comes out of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a government agency charged with enforcing federal laws related to employment discrimination. In recent years, the commission has interpreted Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin, as protecting LGBT employees from discrimination or harassment. Mary Jo O’Neill, a regional attorney for the EEOC’s Phoenix district office, explained that a 1989 U.S. Supreme Court case, Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins, set the stage for this interpretation, when the high court ruled that a female accountant who was denied promotion to partner at the accounting firm because her gender presentation was not “feminine” enough was covered by Title VII. Because the language of Title VII bans discrimination “because of sex,” O’Neill said that she and other attorneys had long believed that it should cover LGBT employees, whose discrimination and harassment almost always stem from their inability to meet the gender-role stereotypes of an employer or co-worker. O’Neill said, the EEOC’s current position on Title VII represents “a very exciting expansion of civil rights.” She also said that until federal-level legislation like ENDA or 52 |
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“Just last year, 150 of the Fortune 500-ranked businesses achieved a 100 percent rating on HRC’s 2015 Corporate Equality Index (CEI).” Beck Bailey
the current omnibus bill is passed, Title VII protections are the best hope for LGBT employees living in the 29 states where employment anti-discrimination statutes don’t cover sexual orientation. (A total of 32 states do not cover gender identity in this regard.) “Until ENDA is passed, Title VII is what we’ve got,” she added.
Business Benefits From Inclusion HRC’s “Cost of the Closet” study, mentioned earlier, documented some of the fears that still remain for LGBT workers who want to be open about their personal lives at work. However, that study, and information from many other sources, indicate that a lot of businesses do understand the benefits of having an inclusive workplace. Beck Bailey, deputy director of employee engagement for HRC, asserted that businesses across the nation were making strides in not just protecting, but welcoming their queer employees. “Equality at the Fortune-ranked companies has been unprecedented,” Bailey said. “Just last year, 150 of the Fortune 500-ranked businesses achieved a 100 percent rating on HRC’s 2015 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), with 14 of the top 20 Fortune-ranked businesses at this top score. “It has become clear since the inception of the CEI in 2002 that LGBT-inclusive policies and practices is not just the right thing to
do, but it is good for business. Competitive businesses strive to create the most inclusive and welcoming environments in order to attract and retain top talent, especially at a time when millennials – a population that has shown to be overwhelmingly supportive of LGBT nondiscrimination protections – are quickly becoming the largest share of the American workforce.” Tony Talbot, CFO of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, a nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workplace equality, said that the companies most advanced in their recognition of LGBT employees were seeking out talented professionals and touting their diversity initiatives to potential recruits. “There is extreme competition among Fortune 1000 companies for the best and the brightest,” he said. “If one company is seen as not being inclusive, it is to the benefit of their inclusive competitors.” He also noted that if these companies didn’t match their words to their deeds, LGBT employees were noticing – and taking their skills elsewhere. “Some companies are very successful in the recruiting phase, but if a newly hired LGBT employee looks around and doesn’t see any out or open senior leader who is LGBT or any senior ally, then they make look outside the company for further promotion and career advancement,” Talbot said.
TAKE IT ONLINE Read the rest, including “Unlocking the Office Closet,” at echomag.com/work-fierce-part-1.
feature
How To File A Charge of Discrimination With the EEOC If you believe you’ve experienced discrimination based on your sexual orientation or gender identity, you may file a charge of discrimination with the Phoenix office of the EEOC, which covers cases in Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah.
In Person Or In Writing Visit the office at 3300 N. Central, Ste. 690, Phoenix. The office accepts charges Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
By Phone The local office number is 602-6405000. You may also call the EEOC National Contact Center toll-free at 1-800-669-4000.
Online If you’re not sure the EEOC is the proper agency to take your case, you may fill out an online assessment at egov.eeoc. gov/eas. There is no cost to file the charge. For more information on the process of filing a charge of discrimination, visit eeoc.gov/field/phoenix/charge.cfm.
LGBT Workplace Equality Resources HRC - Corporate Equality Index Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2015 Corporate Equality Index is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent to LGBT employees. In the 2015 report, 366 major businesses earned a top score of 100 percent. For more information, visit hrc.org/ campaigns/corporate-equality-index.
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The CareerLink service connects queer-friendly companies with skilled LGBT professionals. The service is free to LGBT job seekers and competitive subscription packages are available to employers who post job listings. For more information, visit outandequal. org/resources/lgbt-careerlink. Liz Massey has been involved in LGBT community-building activities in Kansas City and the Valley of the Sun, and is a former managing editor of Echo Magazine. She can be reached at lizmassey68@gmail.com.
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Starting OUT
Queer students build strong job networks, prep for careers out of the closet By Liz Massey Today’s college students will enter a professional environment that is unprecedented in terms of protection and inclusion for LGBT employees. Echo caught up with two Arizona State University students and asked them how their involvement in student/professional groups was impacting their vocational aspirations.
Danika Worthington
Worthington is the president of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalist Association - ASU chapter (NLGJA-ASU), the first student chapter in U.S. According to the NLGJA-ASU Facebook page (facebook. com/NLGJAASUChapter),
NLGJA is “an organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students working from within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues. NLGJA opposes all forms of workplace bias and provides professional development to its members,
with this page specific to the ASU chapter.” Echo: Tell us about your organization and how it prepares LGBT students for a successful career. Worthington: We’re a small group, and all of us are journalism majors. We talk about LGBT issues in the media and how they could be better addressed. We discuss how to come out at work, how to deal with homophobic co-workers, and why it is OK as an LGBT reporter or producer to cover LGBT topics. Echo: Do you think it’s important for LGBT students to network with gay professionals? What can they learn from that experience? Worthington: It’s important for several reasons, one of which being that it can lead to employment. Our chapter had mixers with the main NLGJA chapter in Arizona in the last year or two, and I know that one of our chapter leaders at the time landed a professional job from that. Another reason that talking to a current gay professional is important is because if someone has an issue, such as how their orientation or identity will be perceived, the perspective of someone who is already out in the field is going to have more weight (for a student), because they’ve been through this before.
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Echo: What tips would you have for a student or new graduate in your profession related to being out at their first professional level job? Worthington: A lot of advice in this area depends on the person and their situation, but you should be able to be comfortable with who you are at work. Being closeted is a miserable experience. Don’t shy away from water-cooler conversation. If you respect them, they’ll respect you. And be honest with your readers. Don’t be afraid to be out and to talk about the LGBT aspects of your life, particularly as you share your work on social media channels like Twitter. - Liz Massey
Photos courtesy of Danika Worthington.
Alejandro Ramirez
Ramirez is the founder of ASU’s Chapter of Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (oSTEM), a national society dedicated to educating and fostering leadership for LGBTQA communities in the STEM fields. According to oSTEM at ASU’s Facebook page (facebook.com/asuostem), it’s mission is “To educate, empower, and engage a diverse community. To identify, address and advocate for the needs of LGBTQA students in the STEM fields … through mentorship connections, networking opportunities, strategic collaborations and professional/leadership development.”
Photos by Kara J. Philp.
Echo: Tell us about your organization and how it prepares LGBT students for a successful career.
Echo: What tips do you have for students or new grads in your field related to being out at their first professional level job?
Ramirez: Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at Arizona State University (oSTEM at ASU) helps prepare LGBT students for a successful career in the STEM fields by hosting a variety of workshops and networking events in partnership with LGBT-friendly employers in the valley. During the past year, we have brought over the LGBT Alliance group from Arizona Public Service (APS) to talk to us what it is like to be out at APS specifically, as well as provide us with a resume/interviewing workshop.
Ramirez: I would let them know that they should be able to feel comfortable and be themselves in their work environment. Try and find out if the company for which you work has an
LGBT alliance that you can join. If they do not, find out if and how you can potentially start one. If you’re not comfortable being out at your new place of employment, it’s completely understandable; however, it is important you feel comfortable and safe being yourself around your coworkers, supervisors, etc.
Echo: Do you think it’s important for LGBT students to network with gay professionals? What can they learn from that experience? Ramirez: I believe it’s crucial for LGBT students to network with other LGBT professionals for several reasons. Networking with folks who are already in the field and out will help provide students with invaluable information about what the social climate is like in that particular company. It is especially important as STEM students to know they can openly be themselves without being shut out or valued less, since STEM fields, especially those related to engineering, tend to be fairly conservative. EchoMag.com
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WITHOUT RESERVATIONS
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Story and photos by Kara J. Philp
P
hoenix’s first 10-story high-rise opened April 1, 1924, and had the designation as the tallest building in the Southwest (185 feet) for decades thereafter.
raw look of ductwork adorning the high ceilings and the high-back booths that line the north wall, this space is the perfect balance of historic charm and modern class.
Today, the new Phoenix skyline dwarfs the Luhrs Building, located on the southwest corner of First Avenue and Jefferson Street. But a recent visit to its ground-floor tenant, Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour, proved that size doesn’t matter.
Initially, we were seated at a rather small two-top between two other parties of two, which felt crammed since more than half the place was empty at this time. I asked if we could move to one of the spacious booths and our server obliged without hesitation.
Since summer in this city revolves around pool parties, air conditioning and refreshing cocktails, I decided to follow suit and hit this “stylish haunt with an extensive craft cocktail menu also features innovative bar bites” for a weekday happy hour.
Then came the Book O’ Cocktails. Let me start by saying that this is the master’s thesis of cocktail menus, but don’t be intimidated by the more than 60 options that fill the 25-page menu, the descriptions are on point and the servers are very knowledgeable.
Opened for just over a year, this watering hole is the brainchild of Ross Simon, co-founder of Arizona Cocktail Week and former winner of the Finlandia Vodka Cup and Don Julio Tequila cocktail contest.
Being the geek that I am, I was especially impressed with the cocktail map, “a handy guide to find cocktail enlightenment on your own.” Then, what looked like a screen shot of a Galactica game at first glance, is actually a grid-style legend that ranks about 50 of their drinks from “divergent” to “play it safe” and from “to the point” to “refreshing.” It’s smart, inventive and incredibly helpful.
As it turns out, this “world-class cocktail lounge with a neighborhood bar’s sensibilities” is housed in the building that was home to the Prohibition Department from 1920 to 1934. Oh the irony. And, upon entering, I couldn’t help feel some of the building’s history in the ambiance – from the dark wood and the brickwork to the
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Without further ado, my happy hour date and I ordered our first round. As soon as I discovered the “Lime and the Coconut,” a
mix of 100 percent agave blanco tequila, house-made limoncello, lime juice and pineapple syrup, and finished with a hat of coconut foam, my mind was made up. She ordered the “Lovefruit Medley,” house made strawberry and pineapple vodkas mixed with fresh watermelon, lemon and cranberry juices and sweetened with a touch of strawberry candy syrup. Both proved to be prefect summer choices – fruity, refreshing and just as strong as we’d hoped. Which prompted us to consider our dinner options. Admittedly, we didn’t expect this extensive of a menu. And, as it turns out, there’s been just as much care taken in flavors combinations and presentation of the bold and innovative dishes as the craft cocktails. Through word of mouth, we knew we had to share the famous “Smashed Chips,” thick potato chips topped with a colorful combination of horseradish crema (which we asked for on the side), smoked red pepper sauce, salsa verde, avocado and twisted chili sauce. And, the orange salad, which boasts oranges, cucumber, cress, butter lettuce, pickled peppers, marinated nobel bread and herbs – hold the cotija – tossed in a light citrus dressing, seemed like an appropriate balance to the pile of potatoes.
DINING
From there, our very different palates took us in totally different directions. She ordered the grilled cheese bites, which turned out to be more like bread sticks covered in melted white American and cotija cheeses with a side of sopa de tomate for dipping, which was a much bigger serving than she anticipated. I went a little custom-crazy and ordered the Angry Panda minus the main ingredient – the crisp anchovies – despite our servers warning that there wouldn’t be much substance left. However, I was perfectly content filling the lettuce cups with the remaining ingredients, which included charred peanuts, Sichuan chilies, jalapenos, scallions, pineapple and mint. Because I consider myself more of a plant lover than a meat hater, I happily nibbled at the “rabbit food” that was still loaded with a fun variety of flavors. While it seemed as though we ordered
the most colorful and aesthetically pleasing options on the menu, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point other intriguing combinations, such as the green chili mac with the optional bacon and the fried chicken with cheese gravy and watermelon kimchi. Now it was time for round two. Because we’d spent some time reading through the menu, we were set. I knew I couldn’t leave without trying the “Born Tequila,” five chili house-infused tequila mixed with sage, lime and mango syrups and pineapple juice, and my no-nonsense date ordered the “The Vesper,” two parts English gin, one part Lillet Blanc, shaken with great vigor and served up with a lemon twist. I was delighted with both the refreshing spice and the lingering heat as I sipped my selection. However, the drink made famous by the Ian Fleming novel Casino Royal (1953) proved to be even a little too straight up my date, and the server was happy to swap it out for another “Lime and the Coconut.” Our happy hour left us surprised, delighted, overly full and excited to return. So, the next time you find yourself downtown and in need of something refreshing – or just different – to sip on, Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour most definitely lives up to its tagline of #drinkbetter. Cheers!
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour 1 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix bitterandtwistedaz.com Hours: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Tues-Sat (Happy hour, 4-7 p.m.) Closed Sunday & Monday Kara J. Philp is managing editor of Echo Magazine and can be reached at kj@echomag.com.
Echo is currently seeking Phonix-based freelance restaurant reviewers Qualified candidates are invited to send published restaurant/food reviews to editor@echomag.com for consideration. EchoMag.com
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AT THE BOX OFFICE By Hans Pedersen
Best of Enemies In theaters Aug. 14 | 87 minutes
Stand Video release Aug. 4 | Unrated | 87 minutes
A Russian political drama set in the country’s chilling antigay climate, which mistreats the LGBT community under the auspices of a so-called gay “propaganda” law that criminalizes self-expression. Jonathan Taieb writes and directs this story of Anton and Vlad, a Russian same-sex couple who witness what appears to be a brutal gay bashing. Anton (Renat Shuteev) feels compelled to look into the hate crime, and Vlad (Andrei Kurganov) wants him to drop the issue, yet it seems he may have ulterior motives. Shot in the Ukraine, Stand has lots of positive buzz and screened at several film festivals.
Liberal Gore Vidal was already out of the closet back in 1968 during his explosive debates with conservative William F. Buckley, Jr. during presidential conventions. Filled with archival footage and elucidating interviews, this enticing documentarty shows how these raucous televised debates dramatically changed TV news, infusing opinions into political coverage. The intriguing and well-paced film by Robert Gordon and Morgan Neville (20 Feet from Stardom) screened at the Sundance and Phoenix film festivals, and also appeared at this year’s Outfest in Los Angeles.
Ricki and the Flash In theaters Aug. 7 | PG-13
Listen to Me, Marlon In theaters Aug. 7 | 95 minutes
Marlon Brando’s face was captured digitally prior to his death, so his computer-generated face eerily narrates this jaw-dropping documentary, based on countless audio recordings he made. Brando was the hottest actor in Hollywood in the late ‘50s, and this film sheds light on that era, as well as his despondent, final years. In his own words only, with no other interviews, we look back at Hollywood, filmmaking and his acting methods and tools. Eerily similar to his role as Jor-El speaking to his son, Superman (1978), the actor privately reveals much more to a recording device than he ever could to the public. 58 |
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Casting Meryl Streep as a leather-clad rocker gal, à la Lita Ford, is not exactly a typecasting move. Of course, the captivating actress can embrace nearly any role under the sun. In this musical film with live performances, Streep inhabits the role of Ricki, the rockstar guitarist for The Flash, who put relationships in jeopardy in favor of a career. Now Ricki is trying to mend fences and repair connections with her family. Eighties heartthrob performer Rick Springfield co-stars as a band member who’s still in love with the guitarist, and Streep’s real-life daughter Mamie Gummer plays Ricki’s offspring.
Hans Pedersen is a freelance writer based in Phoenix.
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OPENING NIGHTS By Richard Schultz Gypsy
Scottsdale Musical Theater Company
Here’s the ultimate story about an aggressive stage mother. Mama Rose is determined that her younger daughter, June, will have a successful career, but after June elopes, Mama turns all her attention on her older, less talented daughter, Louise, who eventually becomes a burlesque stripper named Gypsy Rose Lee. Based on the 1957 memoirs of the legendary Gypsy Rose Lee, this iconic musical is set in the 1920s, a time when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born. Jule Styne’s music and Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics result in a spectacular score of Broadway classics, including “Let Me Entertain You,” “Some People,” “You Gotta Get A Gimmick” and “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.” It’s a gripping story of one of the most frightening aspects of show business.
“We had been getting a lot of inquiries from around the theater community here on when we were going to do a kids show. Gypsy is the perfect answer,” said David Hock, Scottsdale Musical Theater Company Executive Producer and the show’s director and choreographer. “It is a family show with kids roles. We’re looking at the show through the eyes of Herbie, the agent who adores the kids and stands by Mama Rose, almost until the bitter end. Kids will enjoy the fun, adults will appreciate the more mature take on the story.”
Valley theater veteran Debra Qualtire (pictured) will headline the production as Mama Rose, and the title role of Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee will be played by Sarah Cassidy. Rounding out the cast are Zoni Award winner Terry Gadaire as Herbie, Alex Crossland as Tulsa and Madison Ottinger as June. Gypsy Aug. 20-23 Scottsdale Musical Theater Company Tempe Center for the Arts 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe Tickets: $32 - $42 | 602-909-4215 scottsdalemusicaltheater.com
Director Jan Rominger believes the characters get an opportunity to explore and challenge their beliefs, biases, misconceptions and values. “There are multiple themes that resonate universally in this story such as self-acceptance including physical, emotional and gender roles, as well as a quest to find one’s life purpose,” Rominger said.
The Full Monty Theatrikos Theatre Company
There’s naked men afoot in Flagstaff. (Though this might not be news to some.) In this Americanized musical stage version, adapted from the 1997 British film of the same name, six unemployed Buffalo steelworkers, low on both cash and prospects, decide to present a strip act at a local club after seeing their wives’ enthusiasm for a touring company of Chippendales. One of them, Jerry, declares that their show will be better than the Chippendales dancers because they’ll go “the full monty” — strip all the way. As they prepare for the show, working through their fears, self-consciousness and anxieties, they overcome their inner demons and find strength in their camaraderie. 62 |
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Her personal favorite song, she adds, is “You Walk with Me,” which is a ballad in the second act. “Not only is this song so well written, it is also the pivotal and most poignant moment for the character who sings this song,” she said. “It’s the moment he publicly reveals his sexuality and self-acceptance.” Rominger recounts an unexpected outcome in the shows auditions. “I was pleasantly surprised at how many of our male auditionees were willing to go The Full Monty,” she said. The Full Monty July 24-Aug. 9 Theatrikos Theatre Company 11 W. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff Tickets: $14-$19 | 928-774-1662 theatrikos.com
C is for Clown Herberger Lunchtime Theater
The Pandanda Players, who previously created M is for Marriage and Q is for Queen, bring C is for Clown, their newest alphabet Shakespeare play. Audiences will discover the difference between a clown and a fool, and enjoy highlights from some of Shakespeare’s funniest characters. This delightful romp is filled with good old-fashioned laughs, witty banter, and maybe a pratfall or two. According to director Amanda Noel Trombley (pictured), the greatest challenge has been directing and acting at the same time. theatER
“My husband, Dan Trombley, and I write, direct and act in the show,” she said. “During rehearsals, it is just the two of us! Sometimes it is hard to take a step back and remember which hat I’m wearing at the moment.” For these talented performers, Pandanda Players is their way of sharing a love of Shakespeare with audiences. “We want to show them that there is no reason to be intimidated by the bard’s language,” she said. “We write the shows based on caricatures that are basically exaggerations of our own personalities.” The creators combine scenes from well-known and often staged plays with lesser known scenes and speeches. “We are doing a scene from Comedy of Errors where one of the characters essentially makes his body into a map to illustrate some of the verbal jokes,” she said. And, true to Shakespearean form, audiences can expect cross gender casting – something the co-directors feel strongly about. “Throughout the show, I play several male characters and we also include scenes from shows where women cross dress,” she said.
C is for Clown July 28-Aug. 6 Herberger Lunch Time Theater The Kax Stage 222 E. Monroe, Phoenix Tickets: $6 | 602-258-9481 herbergertheater.org/lunchtime-theater
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE ARTS Each year, Echo dedicates a special section of its Annual Arts Issue to local galleries, theatres, venues and artists, including a snapshot of what the upcoming arts season has in store. We are already working on this year’s Arts Issue, which will be released on Sept. 17, 2015.
To be a part of this amazing issue, contact our sales department at 602-266-0550.
Richard Schultz is a playwright, actor, director and freelance writer based in Phoenix. EchoMag.com
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Wicked
Castmember shares what life is like on the road and touring with his boyfriend By Richard Schultz Photo courtesy of asugammage.com.
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he long-awaited and critically acclaimed Wicked returns to Gammage for an extended run, Aug. 26 through Oct. 4 Broadway’s biggest blockbuster, featuring a book written for the stage by Winnie Holzman and music and lyrics from awardwinning Stephen Schwartz, continues to break box office records. Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls met in the land of Oz: Elphaba, born with emerald green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood, while Glinda is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch is the tale that serves as a prequel to L. Frank Baum’s legendary The Wizard of Oz.
A Witch of All Trades Castmember Ryan Jackson, 34, has been with the tour since 2009 and knows the show inside and out since he’s a swing member of the ensemble, ready at a moment’s notice to play any one of nine roles. “Wicked is incredible,” he said. “It’s about looking things a different way. For many in the audience, it’s a great chance to see it again and discover something new.” Wicked is Jackson’s fourth national tour, following Cats, West Side Story and Dr. Dolittle. But, his career began long ago while he was growing up in Long Island, N.Y., as part of a military family. “My father encouraged me to try everything, but his one rule was to finish the season,” he said. “So, I tried baseball, track and, finally, dance. Dance is my first love.” Jackson went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Marymount Manhattan College and trained with the Joffrey Ballet and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Interactive. Today, Jackson is a free-spirited, triplethreat performer who can act, sing and dance. Recognizing that each performer is their own product, he hopes to own a dance studio someday. 64 |
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“When I leave the theatre, there are always fans and families at the stage door. It’s so wonderful to hear how much the show means to them.”
said. “Together, we are telling this very special story. Each venue, and its stage, impacts the performance and keeps it fresh. Sure, we have blunders and dropped lines which keeps it interesting.”
A Wicked Love Story
Ryan Jackson
For Jackson, being a part of Wicked has had an additional benefit; he met his partner, Justin, a dancer who has been with the tour since 2010.
“As a performing artist, you want to be happy, employed and challenged by the work. It’s great to invest your talents in a show like Wicked,” he said. “In return, you get this incredible connection with the audience. When I leave the theatre, there are always fans and families at the stage door. It’s so wonderful to hear how much the show means to them.”
“We love to see the country together. We plan day trips, which is one of the benefits of being on the national tour, Jackson said. “Between performances in El Paso and Denver, we went to Great Sand Dunes National Park and made a stop in Roswell. Our day trips are fun and silly. We have our own car, which allows us the luxury to explore new places.”
Despite his robust and eclectic resume, Jackson said he was surprised to discover that he enjoys the opportunity to focus on a single show for an extended period of time.
While touring, the couple also works with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, one of the nation’s leading industry-based HIV/AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations which funds the social service programs of The Actors Fund and award grants to AIDS and family service organizations in all 50 states.
“I previously couldn’t see myself doing a show for a long time. Yet, [the Wicked] cast is incredible,” he said. “As a gypsy in the theatre, you always like change. In this show, I partner with different gals. Sometimes with a heavy singing focus and other times with a dance focus.” The challenge of performing a variety of roles is a good one for Jackson. “So many of the parts speak to me,” he said. “We have several angry mob scenes which I find cathartic. Depends on the day, some days you just need that emotional release.” Other roles, such as the infamous flying monkeys, are more physically demanding. “Being a monkey is very vigorous. You get to jump and fly,” he said with a bit of a chuckle. “It’s great to tell people you are a flying monkey.” Additionally, touring with Wicked means being part of a family. “You are with friends and family,” Jackson
Together, the couple has arranged cabarets to benefit local charities. “It’s great to give back,” Jackson said. For more information, follow @ WICKED_Musical on Twitter, “Like” at facebook.com/Wickedthemusical or visit wickedthemusical.com. Wicked Aug. 26-Oct. 4 ASU Gammage 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe Tickets: $30-$175 | 480-965-3434 asugammage.com Richard Schultz is a playwright, actor, director and freelance writer based in Phoenix.
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recordings
her education, she began playing in jazz and blues clubs, and developed a powerful, singular vocal style.
Photo courtesy of facebook.com/ adamsmithmusicart.
Adam Smith
So Simple Now Just a few short years after relocating to Arizona from his native Kentucky (via Nashville), Adam Smith has fast become a local treasure. His 2010 debut Another Way To Get To Heaven featured such disparate talents as Alice Cooper, rock legend Dick Wagner and new age/instrumental standout Chris Spheeris on drums, helping to bring Smith’s songs to light. Many great songs have followed, and on his new album, So Simple Now, Smith brings it all back home – literally. The album was recorded in his home studio over the course of a year, and it’s his finest work yet.
that underlies his work and putting it front and center. It’s an extraordinary, mostly a cappella piece that captures the mystery deep in the heart of the mountain woods. “Brave Enough To Try” closes out the album. “I see myself as free when the possibilities are brave enough to try,” Smith sings. These songs are a gift, and So Simple Now is timeless late-night listening and an exciting new work from one of Arizona’s best.
“You Would Do The Same” opens the set, and it’s a beautiful way to get things started, a moving plea for understanding in a world where it’s in short supply. The resonant, reverb-drenched arrangements make it feel like it was recorded inside some great cathedral or old Tennessee church. It’s a thing of beauty. Smith is a gifted songwriter, and on these generous 17 tracks, he displays his gift for deeply affecting melody. Smith’s voice is so lovely you wouldn’t care if he was singing the phone book, but his thoughtful, revealing lyrics reach the heart. Fans of everybody from Joni Mitchell to Bon Iver to Namoli Brennet will find much to love in these very personal songs. “Made To Be Broken” is a heartbreaker, seeking to make sense of life, love and loss. Smith invites the listener over for a beverage on the charming “Water and Wine,” while “Tell My Story” ruminates over regrets and flaws, and “Creatures Of The Morning (lullabye for vampires)” is the tenderest of ballads. Smith was born in the Appalachians and “Mountain Heart” is a special tribute to that, drawing on the deep mysticism 66 |
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Various Artists
Nina Revisited: A Tribute To Nina Simone
Over a 50-year career, the High Priestess Of Soul recorded definitive versions of standards like “My Baby Just Cares For Me,” “Wild Is The Wind” and many others. Gone over a decade now, Simone is finally getting her propers with a new Netflix documentary and star-studded tribute album that captures some of the spiritual power and uncompromising fire that defined her life. Lauryn Hill, an artist whose own power is legendary, is back after a long absence with six astonishing covers of Simone classics. “Black Is The Color Of My True Love’s Hair” burns with raw emotion and a presence few vocalists can match. Hill puts her own brand of genius on “Wild Is The Wind” (famously covered by David Bowie on his Station To Station album) and others, but “Feeling Good” may be the best of her contributions. With its ruthless urgency, fiery groove and a career-best vocal, Hill’s version rivals Simone’s own. Usher gets the honor of covering Simone’s best-known track, “My Baby Just Cares For Me,” and he reinvents it with a breezy neosoul vibe that Robin Thicke will be cribbing in a few months. Jazmine Sullivan lays a fine reggae funk on “Baltimore,” a deeply affecting song of protest that Simone made famous but which, perhaps unexpectedly, was actually written by Randy Newman. Mary J. Blige turns in a strong performance of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” while Alice Smith soars on “I Put A Spell On You.” Strong contributions from Grace, Gregory Porter, Lisa Simone, Common & Lala Hathaway round out the set.
RCA |
The late Nina Simone was one of the most original, indomitable talents of the 20th century. She could not be contained or stopped, though many certainly tried. It’s possible the word “fierce” was invented just to describe her. A classical concert piano prodigy, she was denied entry to Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute of Music due to her race. To support herself and continue
Kacey Musgraves Pageant Material Mercury Nashville |
In 2013, Kacey Musgraves shook up the country music establishment with a hit song called “Follow Your Arrow,” inviting listeners to roll up a joint and “make lots of noise and kiss lots of boys, or girls
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This is alt-country/Americana at its best, written by Musgraves along with Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark, Luke Laird and Josh Osborne. Even with that stellar lineup of top insiders, Musgraves sings about outsiders with clarity and conviction. “I’d rather lose for what I am, than win for what I ain’t,” Musgraves sings. Pageant Material is another winner from one of the freshest voices in contemporary country today.
Cait Brennan is a singer/songwriter and freelance writer based in Phoenix. EchoMag.com
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between the covers
Speak Now: Marriage Equality on Trial By Terri Schlichenmeyer
T
hird finger, left hand. If you’re wearing a ring there, chances are that it means more than a bit of metal around your digit. It’s undoubtedly more precious than the sum of its parts. It means a commitment of marriage – that is, if you can get married, because some still cannot. And, in the new book Speak Now: Marriage Equality on Trial by Kenji Yoshino, you’ll read about a trial that impacted many an engagement. Just before Yoshino married his husband, Ron, in 2009, the officiant pulled the couple aside and reminded them that, though they were really no different than any other two people in love, he could not marry them under federal law because of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). As they said their vows in Connecticut,
another legal drama on the other side of the country was just beginning… Only four states recognized same-sex marriage then; California wasn’t one of them. In 2008, that state’s voters passed Proposition 8, effectively amending its constitution to allow legal marriage between opposite-sex couples only. A legal challenge to Prop 8 was filed in California in May of 2009, which ultimately opened the doors for an unlikely pair of lawyers to take the issue to the U.S. Supreme Court: Attorney Ted Olson was famous for helping to put George Bush in office in 2000, and had worked in Ronald Reagan’s Justice Department. Though Olson was known for his conservative stance, he was friends with David Boies, a renowned, more liberal litigator. They seized the opportunity to argue this important case together, and began laying the foundation for it. But their unusual pairing wasn’t the only uniqueness in Hollingsworth v. Perry: The judge assigned to the case was known to be gay. Lead counsel for defense of Prop 8 had once flirted with a professional baseball career. Both sides tried to keep direct mentions of sex out of the courtroom. In the end, children played a large part. And, though neither side wanted it, the case went to trial.
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That last point, Yoshino writes, came as the biggest surprise. Issues such as samesex marriage very seldom go to trial; both parties usually try to avoid it long before things ever get that far. But Yoshino’s fascination – and the in-depth examination he offers on Hollingsworth v. Perry – becomes a mixed bag in Speak Now. On one hand, there are heartfelt examples of people who would most benefit from the defeat of Prop 8, as told from the exciting perspective of a major courtroom drama; on the other hand, there’s a lot of legalese here that is only partially explained in layman’s terms. We’re treated to detailed, sometimes happy, human-interest stories (including the authors’ own), followed by information that will send many readers scrambling for a legal dictionary. Oy. Still, despite that near-obstacle, I think this book is worthwhile – if nothing other than the significance of the historic case it highlights. But, if you read carefully, don’t rush yourself and have a legal reference source handy, Speak Now is an insightful look at a topic that belongs in the history books. Speak Now: Marriage Equality on Trial By Kenji Yoshino Crown, 2015 | $26 Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm, lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 13,000 books. She’s been reading since age 3 and, to this day, she never goes anywhere without a book.
Lessons Learned By Liz Massey
Y
ou’ll have to forgive me if school was a drag for you, but I come from a family full of teachers, and I have a bit of an office/school supply fetish, so when summer break draws to a close, I always get pretty excited about the idea of returning to the classroom. In the generation or two before my own, teaching was definitely the family profession. Both my grandmothers had teaching degrees; my mother’s mother obtained her normal school certificate so early in the 20th century that her first teaching gig involved riding horseback to teach at a one-room schoolhouse. My great-aunt taught high school home economics for 40 years. My parents met at Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State) and lived out the early years of their marriage teaching in an assortment of small towns on the prairie. Even my father’s father, too old during World War II to enlist in the military, taught a few classes “for the duration.” The impact of this family legacy upon me has been profound. My mother leveraged her kindergarten teacher training to get me ready for school when I was little, playing PBS nonstop and engaging me in craft projects and pre-reading activities. My father, who worked as a music teacher, made sure I had a box full of hand percussion to play with and that we sang together as a family often. The most valuable thing I gained from my family’s love of learning is that the “school of life” is always in session. Learning isn’t something that stops when we reach 18 or 22 – every day of our lives presents us with opportunities to get better at tasks through patience and practice.
ALL OVER THE MAP Q High helps kids get the all-important high school diploma, and Arizona State University has a scholarship fund for LGBT students.
Cultivate a taste for informal learning This term, coined by training expert Jay Cross, reminds us that most of what we learn in life – from how to walk as a baby to the best way to clear a copier jam at work – happens outside of a classroom. Realizing this can broaden our frame of reference for acquiring new skills. Instead of only seeking new educational experiences by signing up for a class, we can also seek to learn more through conversations with others, online research, reading, and practice.
Make an effort to pass along what we know Whether it’s through mentoring younger LGBT folks, providing service learning experiences at a nonprofit, forming a hobby-based Meetup, or summing up our experiences by writing a memoir or recording an oral history, giving back by sharing what’s worked for us can be a satisfying way to affirm that our lives have mattered. Instead of looking at education as something I’m seeking to complete, or have completed, I’ve consciously chosen to see life as an ongoing open-book test. I’m in agreement with the philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti, who said, “There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.” Liz Massey has been involved in LGBT community-building activities in Kansas City and the Valley of the Sun, and is a former managing editor of Echo Magazine. She can be reached at lizmassey68@gmail.com.
Beth Ilene Verity May 16, 1952 – June 2, 2015 Beth Ilene Verity passed away June 2, 2015, only three months after being diagnosed with cancer.
LGBT people, long banned from teaching because we were feared to be a “bad influence” upon impressionable youngsters, should take an active interest in promoting lifelong learning. Most of the arguments against our tribe are rooted in ignorance. Nurturing a society of citizens who can think critically and are not bamboozled by political or advertising mumbo-jumbo is in our own self-interest. Some ways we can support learning as a community include:
Support Public Education Your tax dollars underwrite it, and there’s more impetus to promote equal opportunity and fair treatment in a public setting than at a private institution.
Support LGBT Students Organizations such as the Gay-Straight Alliances in schools across the country and the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network work to make life better for current queer students. They can always use more helping hands or a few dollars from your wallet.
Help Queer Students Finish Their Schooling For LGBT students who are rejected by their family, having the money and logistical support to complete high school or college can make the difference between barely surviving and thriving. One n ten’s
Beth was born in Los Angeles and lived a good part of her early life there. After moving to Phoenix, Beth felt the need to answer the call and get involved. She played a pivotal part along with others from the community and became one of the co-founders for the Phoenix Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee in 1990. She served as the president of the board of directors from 1990 to 2004 and together they spent countless hours making it possible for our community to show our colors, raise our flags and celebrate our Pride. Beth was also involved with the national Pride organizers organization, called InterPride, to share and get ideas from other states to help improve the organization. Beth was involved with many community activities throughout the years and always offered her support and guidance wherever it was needed. Beth is survived by her wife of 13 years, Liz, their family and children (both natural and chosen), her brother, his wife as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, who all share loving thoughts and memories of her life. Beth will be missed by many.
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money TALKS
Legal and Financial Planning:
What to do when the honeymoon’s over By Melissa Myers and Michael J. Tucker Melissa Myers: So, I’m seeing a trend among clients that’s a bit disturbing. Michael J. Tucker: What’s that? Myers: Couples are out there getting married, and being “just married” seems to make couples generally feel more emotionally secure in general. Tucker: I gather that’s not the disturbing part. Myers: No. The part that makes me uneasy is the sense among clients that because they got married, all their legal and financial problems are somehow resolved. Tucker: Like magic! Myers: That’s what it feels like in some cases. Of course, if I talk to clients about the financial and legal effect of marriage, even for a minute or two, they can easily focus on the fact that marriage is not a panacea for anyone, gay or straight.
Tucker: I understand. In general, samesex couples traditionally have a betterdeveloped sense of the need to take affirmative steps to “get their affairs in order.” Myers: I believe that’s because, for so long, the law provided no legal structure or safety net for their relationships. Tucker: Certainly there are now some basic protections in the law that will serve samesex married couples even if they have no planning in place. Myers: I fear this is causing many same-sex married couples to become complacent about their legal and financial planning. Tucker: I’m noticing this dynamic, too. Probably about a dozen times in the past several months, when I meet same-sex couples and tell them I work as an estate planning lawyer, I’ve been told something like, “we’re so relieved that we don’t have to deal with all that, now that we’re married.” Myers: I’m sure it wasn’t personal. Tucker: You’re right, of course. I think these same-sex married couples will understand, upon even a moment’s reflection, that marriage doesn’t create some sort of automatic safety net for all financial and legal problems. Myers: We’ve focused quite a bit in these pages on some of the reasons why it might not serve every couple to get married. Tucker: This related Financial Planner topic of “OK, we’re Consultant married, now what?” is also important. Myers: Marriage should trigger a 6232 N. 7th Street • Suite 110 • Phoenix, Arizona 85014 review of the couple’s (602) 264-9331 • Fax (602) 279-1766 • Cell (602) 541-3477 assets, including Email Robert@azmoneyguy.com • Website www.azmoneyguy.com investments, facebook.com/azmoneyguy • twitter.com/azmoneyguy including verification
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of which spouse holds title to which assets. Tucker: Marriage is also an ideal juncture to review the couple’s arrangements in terms of powers of attorney and wills and the like, in the context of reviewing the couple’s property ownership and debts. Myers: It’s common that beneficiary designations on retirement plan accounts, life insurance policies and titles to the family home and other real estate also need to be updated. Tucker: And, reviewing the couple’s debts and who’s legally responsible for them is also important. Myers: Yes, particularly in view of the effect of Arizona’s community property law. Tucker: Because many same-sex couples are getting married in middle age or later in life, the effect of community property law can be more complex than for young kids in their twenties getting married for the first time. Myers: The day-to-day reality of many same-sex couples is that getting legally married doesn’t change anything in terms of how they live their lives. Tucker: Nevertheless, it’s important to recognize that the difference between married and unmarried can be night and day from a legal perspective. Myers: If and when couples choose to marry, they should be sure to mention their new marital status to their advisers. Tucker: That’s also true for couples who got married a long time ago and whose marriages are now legally recognized due to changes in the law. Myers: There’s never a bad time to discuss changes in your legal or financial circumstances with your advisers – and marriage is right up at the top of that list. Melissa Myers is a certified financial planner with Camelback Retirement Planners, in Phoenix, a registered representative with Commonwealth Financial Network and a registered investment adviser. Michael J. Tucker is an attorney with Michael J. Tucker, P.C., in Phoenix, and is a certified specialist in estate and trust law. For more information, see their ads in this issue. This material has been provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute either tax or legal advice. Investors should consult a tax or legal professional regarding their individual situation. Neither Camelback nor Commonwealth offers tax or legal advice.
balanced living
Things Are Not Always As They Appear By Nate Whitten
A
ccording to magazines, social apps and porn sites, every gay guy’s appearance includes six-pack abs, a high and tight bubble butt and a wellendowed package. As we all know, that is not the reality. Don’t believe me? Take notice the next time you’re meandering around the local gay bar. The truth is that things are not always as they appear. Similarly, there’s a lot of polarization – politically, socially, culturally, physically and spiritually – going on within our country, our state and even our community. It appears as though everyone has a stance on either the far left or the far right, and there appears to be a lack of acceptance – not tolerance – for the experiences and opinions that differ from our own. So, whether you’re in the gym working on your physique on spearheading social change on Facebook, here are four ways to understand the difference the way something appears and the way it really is: 1. Different strokes for different folks. Most often, people of all shapes and sizes make diet and exercise decisions to achieve one of two outcomes: To make changes or to maintain.
boy with a never-ending bar tab could just as easily be working his way toward severe liver disease. Which is better? Which is worse?
Those looking to maintain their current health stats and body type, typically choose some form of physical activity and nutritional standard that works for their specifically tailored goal. People with these goals are much different than those on strict regimens of diet and exercise with the intent of shaping and defining their body into their desired form (and that’s none of your business, is it?).
Think of it like this: You hook up with a “straight-acting” masculine bro from Grindr. You get to his house, and into the bedroom, when you realize you can’t get his feet off the ceiling. In the same way, you can’t assume that just because a person looks healthy, that they really are. And you can’t assume that someone with excess weight is less healthy than someone else.
Is one of these approaches better than the other? Of course not. Each has a purpose. Bodybuilders are in a competition mindset – some compete for titles, others are competing for attention. And even others are competing with themselves to see what they can achieve. Making comparisons between these two types of people seen at the gym is also making assumptions that everyone’s priorities and goals should be the same. But they aren’t. And that’s OK.
3. A “type” is a personal preference, not a personal rejection.
2. Don’t ASS-U-ME. A person carrying excess fat will have a fatty liver. This is unhealthy for many reasons. But that condescending, muscle
Some people are more attracted to bears. Some are attracted to twinks. So, when your man crush isn’t interested in your body, it doesn’t mean they aren’t interested in you as a person. It just means they can’t see going to bed with you every night for the rest of their lives – or maybe even just tonight. Just because you aren’t someone’s type doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be a total rejection. It may not be a rejection at all. They could be saving you from a potential relationship that would eventually become only one-sided and
unfulfilling to both of you. I know that makes them seem even more attractive because they have such a good heart. But EVERYONE has a type. Some are based on image, some are based on emotional stability/instability, some are based on age and others based on financial or social status. You’re body type, whether big or little doesn’t have to define your relationships, if you don’t want it to. 4. Everyone is vain. Without vanity, we wouldn’t even be able to compare ourselves to anyone else and either accept or reject what we perceive. There has to be a base line to measure from, and it’s our vanity and ego. Healthy or not, this give us this ability to make judgments based on our differences. Acknowledging that, until you know the whole story and the whole person, you could choose to let go of any biases you may be holding to. One type is not better than the other, just different. One person is not better than the other, just different. Nate Whitten is a successful living coach and personal trainer in Phoenix. Find out more at natewhitten.com. EchoMag.com
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painting
602-910-8250
•Available 24/7 •Specialty Emergency Service •Unclog Drains •Sewer/Drain Cleaning & Video •Repair or Replace Faucets, Fixtures, Pipes, Water Heaters A Licensed •Leak Detection •Experienced Certified Technician NotContractor
EchoMag.com
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AUGUST 2015
plumbing
life coach
handyman
Each franchise independently owned and operated
| 73
religious groups
plumbing
religious groups
pool care
Bigger is ALWAYS Better! • All pool repairs • Weekly services
Bigg Momma’s
Complete Pool Care LLC. Britney Bazzell
602.434.8028
PERSONALIZED FINANCIAL STRATEGIES C AMELBACK R ETIREMENT P LANNERS Melissa Myers
CFP®, CLU, ADPA®
2720 E. Camelback Rd, #200, Phoenix 602.424.7503 camelbackrp.com
retirement
real estate
with an understanding of LGBT issues
Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network; Member FINRA/SIPC, A Registered Investment Advisor
Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor SM
Berney Streed, ABR, SRES, CIAS REALTOR® 480-628-6576 Cell 480-355-3500 Bus | 480-563-3995 Fax 8510 E. Shea Blvd. Suite #100. Scottsdale AZ 85260 www.BerneyStreed.com bstreed@cox.net
real estate 74 |
E ODUS Eric
HAIR STUDIOS
2449 E. Indian School Road Phoenix, 85016
wedding planners
Each Office independently owned and operated.
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
salon
real estate
602-955-2121
AUGUST 2015
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Local business
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AUGUST 2015
| 75
Greenway Pkwy 20
Ready to move forward and make the most of your life?
Mariann Arcari Rubin, LCSW
Counseling Professional Over 20 years experience
7254 E. Southern Avenue, Suite 123, Mesa, Arizona 85209 Phone: 480-380-6248 www.marubin.com 76 |
AUGUST 2015
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EchoMag.com
Roosevelt
17
Broadway
C L e
Neighborhood Bar Full Restaurant Dance Club
101 15
10 Mesa Chandler
Baseline
N r d
5t h
32nd St.
24th St.
143
*MAP IS NOT DRAWN TO SCALE
Bar Codes: M Mostly Males F Mostly Females MF Mixed Male/Female
.
5
7
10
Van Buren
© 2015
Av e
1
202 10 19
12
Scottsdale Rd.
Tatum
16th St. 24 4 18
McDowell 13 3
. Ave
Trying to find your “new normal”?
9
nd
Are you feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, lost, or frustrated?
22
Gra
10
4428 N 7th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85013 (602)200-9154
Home of
51
2
21
14
Lincoln
40th St. 44th St.
8 23 27 2 6 11 17 25 Indian School 16
Your Neighborhood Community bar...
Cr
26
Camelback
Thomas
ve Ca Northern 7th St.
Central
7th Ave.
27th Ave.
43rd Ave.
51st Ave.
Glendale 17 Bethany
Shea Blvd
ee
N
Dunlap
Cactus
k
Thunderbird
Country Dancing Leather/Bears Entertainment (drag, strippers, etc.)
1
aNViL 2424 E. Thomas Road
M, d, L 602-956-2885
15
NUToWNe saLooN 5002 E. Van Buren St.
M, N, L 602-267-9959
2
aPoLLo’s 5749 N. Seventh St.
MF, N, e 602-277-9373
16
oFF ChUTe Too 4111 N. Seventh Ave
Me 602-274-1429
3
aQUa NighTCLUB 1730 E. McDowell Road
F, N, e 602-253-0689
17
oz 1804 W. Bethany Home Road
MF, N 602-242-5114
4
Bar 1 3702 N. 16th St.
M, N, e 602-266-9001
18
PLazMa 1560 E. Osborn Road
MF, N 602-266-0477
5
Bs WesT 7125 E. Fifth Ave.
MF, d, e 602-200-9154
19
reBar/BLiss 901 N. Fourth St.
MF, N, r 602-795-1792
6
BUNkhoUse 4428 N. Seventh Ave.
M, N 602-200-9154
20
raiNBoW CaCTUs 15615 N. Cave Creek Road
MF, N 602-971-1086
7
Cash iNN 2140 E. McDowell Road
F, C 602-244-9943
21
rosCoes 4531 N. Seventh St.
M 602-285-0833
8
CharLie’s 727 W. Camelback Road
M, C, e 602-265-0224
22
royaL ViLLa iNN 4312 N. 12th St.
M 602-266-6883
9
CrUisiN’ 7Th 3702 N. Seventh St.
M, e 602-212-9888
23
sTaCy’s @ MeLrose 4343 N. Seventh Ave.
M, F 602-264-1700
10
Fez 105 W. Portland St.
MF, r 602-287-8700
24
The ChUTe 1440 E. Indian School Road
M 602-234-1654
11
harLey’s BisTro 4221 N. Seventh Ave.
MF, r 602-234-0333
25
The roCk 4129 N. Seventh Ave.
M 602-248-8559
12
FLex sPas PhoeNix 1517 S. Black Canyon Hwy
Me 602-271-9011
26
TiCoz resTo-Bar 5114 N. Seventh St.
MF, r 602-200-0160
13
karaMBa 1724 E. McDowell Road
d 602-254-0231
27
zoaN 4301 N. Seventh Ave.
F 602-265-3233
14
koBaLT 3110 N. Central Ave., Ste. 125
MF, e 602-264-5307
bar map
daily bar specials
S
m
t
w
t
f
S
Bunkhouse $1 drafts and HH prices all day and night
6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.: Free-to-join poker. HH prices for participants. Winners get $10 Bunkhouse bar tabs
7 and 10 p.m.: Free-to-join poker. HH prices for participants. Winners get $10 Bunkhouse bar tabs
9 p.m. Karaoke
Underwear night: $1 off all drinks if in skivvies!
8 p.m.-close: 8 p.m.-close: $2.50 Miller family $2.50 Bud family products. 4 p.m. products and 6 p.m.: Freeto-join poker
cash inn $2 Rolling Rocks until 7 p.m. Poker at 2 p.m.
$1 Off You-Call$1 Off You-Call-Its $3 Three Olives 7 p.m. Poker at DJ Jaypea Dance Its 7 p.m.; night 8 p.m. 2-Step lessons @ 8pm 7:30 w/ Jorge; Line Dance lessons @ 8:30 w/ Chandelle
$1 Well drinks from 8-10 p.m.
Country/Top 40 Dance Party 8 p.m.
charlie’s Super HH 4-7 p.m., $3 pitchers; $3 Long Islands open to close
2-8 p.m. 2-for-1 well and domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; 8 p.m.-close, 1/2 off cocktails and beer for those in underwear, $3 Jack Daniels
2-8 p.m. 2-for-1 well and domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; 2-for-1 cocktails and beer 8 p.m.close
2-8 p.m. 2-for-1 well and domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; $3 Three Olives vodka flavors, 8 p.m.-close
2-8 p.m. 2-for-1 well and domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; 2-for-1 cocktails and beer openclose
2-7 p.m. 2-for-1 well and domestics, $3 pitchers; HH 7-9 p.m.; $1 well and domestics, $1 drafts 10 p.m.midnight
Noon-7 p.m. 2-for-1 well and domestics; HH 7-9 p.m.; $1 well and domestics, $3 Absolut and Bacardi flavors 10 p.m.-midnight
HH 11 a.m.8 p.m.; Martinis & Massage 6 p.m.; $5 Martinis, $5 Bacardi flavors; Garden Variety Revue with Olivia Gardens 9 p.m.
HH 11 a.m.8 p.m.; Trivia Night w/cash prize 9 p.m.; $4 Stoli cocktails 8 p.m. – midnight
The HH Hotspot $3 signature cocktails, $2.75 domestics, 2-4-1 call drinks; 10-11 p.m. video bar
HH 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Showtune night 7 p.m.-close; Celia Putty’s 2 Girls One Cup Show (every 2nd Sat)
2-4-1 ALL DAY; $3 monthly charity shots ALL DAY; live DJ, top 40 and dance
Thirsty Thursday; HH and $1 draft pint, 4-8 p.m.; $1 draft pint AND wells, 8 p.m.midnight; live DJ, top 40 and dance, 8 p.m.close
HH, 4-8 p.m.; $3 monthly charity shots ALL DAY; $2 Kamikaze shots ALL DAY; live DJ, top 40 and dance, 8 p.m.close
HH, 4-8 p.m.; $3 monthly charity shots ALL DAY; $2 Kamikaze shots ALL DAY; live DJ, top 40 and dance, 8 p.m.-close
koBalt HH 10 a.m.8 p.m.; Bar Match Buy-In Dart Tourney 2 p.m.; 2-4-1 call drinks 7-8 p.m.; Karaoke 9:30 p.m.
HH 11 a.m.Karaoke 8 p.m.; 9:30 p.m.; Drag Race viewing HH open to close at 7 p.m.; $5 Absolut cocktails
stacy’s @ Melrose $1 Rolling Rock pints and well drinks until 10 p.m.
Karaoke, 9 p.m.-close; HH and $3 monthly charity shots ALL DAY
HH, 4-8 p.m.; $1 draft pint, $3 monthly charity shots, $4 Mojitos and Caipirinhas ALL DAY; live DJ
(Subject to change without notice; check with bartender when ordering.)
LOCAL BUSINESS
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AUGUST 2015
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78 |
june 2015
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AUGUST 2015
| 79
OUT ‘n ABOUT Gay Days Arizona June 20 at The Saguaro, Scottsdale Photos by Kara J. Philp.
For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.
1440 E. Indian School rd., Phoenix | 602-234-1654 80 |
AUGUST 2015
•
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www.chuteaz.com
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•
AUGUST 2015
| 81
lambda directory Please support our advertisers who help keep Echo free. To find out more about advertising in Echo, call 602-266-0550
BEVERAgE Absolut Vodka
p. 2
cLEAning
p. 72
Easley’s Fun Shop
AccoUntAnts/ tAX PREPARAtion
coUnsELing sERVicEs
Camelwest Tax Service p. 72 Robert F. Hockensmith, CPA, PC p. 70
Deaf Access of Arizona, Inc Mariann Arcari Rubin, LCSW
p. 39
AiR conditioning & HEAting Valdez Refrigeration
p. 72
APARtmEnts East-West Apartments
p. 72
AttoRnEYs Arentz Law Group, PLLC Law Office of Melody Harmon O’Connor, PC, Dean W. Phillips Law Group Tucker, Michael Tyler Allen Law Firm Udall Shumway Law Firm
p. 55 p. 67 p. 53 p. 4 p. 72 p. 15 p. 23
AUto dEALERsHiP Camelback Subaru
p. 30,31
AUto sERVicEs Community Tire & Automotive Specialists p. 11 Compu-Tech Automotive p. 54
BARs & cLUBs Bunkhouse Cash Inn Country Charlie’s Phoenix Kobalt Stacy’s @ Melrose 82 |
AUGUST 2015
p. 76 p. 81 p. 9 p. 81 p. 27 •
p. 73
Edison Midtown
Arizona Mr Fix It
Royal Villa
p. 37
p. 37
Bigg Momma’s Complete Pool Care LLC p. 74
cosmEtic PRocEdUREs
AccommodAtions
AdoPtion
Parker and Schmidt Clothiers
HAndYmAn
costUmE/PARtY sUPPLiEs
Arizona’s Children Association Southwest Adoption Services LLC
PooL cARE
A2Zhomecleaners.com p. 72
Willo Medi Spa
p. 72
FoRmAL WEAR
p. 72
Allstate, Hector Cerda Benefits Arizona
p. 76
LiFE coAcHing
p. 73
FERtiLitY
p. 3 p. 53
mARkEting Echo Arts Issue
p. 63
mAssAgE Desert Massage Service p. 73
mAttREss The Mattress Man
p. 68
moRtgAgEs Pinnacle Capital Mortgage, Jeremy Schachter p. 3 Pinnacle Capital Mortgage, Roseanna Diaz p. 73
moVERs Two Men and a Truck
p. 73
PAintERs Don’s Painting Service
p. 73
PHARmAciEs Fairmont Pharmacy p. 47 CVS / CareMark Pharmacy p. 67
PHotogRAPHY DePoy Studios
p. 29
PLUmBERs
p. 73
Brothers Plumbing Freddy Fox Rooter PlumberTime
FinAnciAL sERVicEs
EchoMag.com
p. 53
Nate Whitten Life Coach p. 73 p. 73 p. 67 p. 13
EXtERminAtoR
JW Advisors Inc.
HosPicE
p. 53
AIDS Walk p. 49 DRAG STARZ p. 21 DWTB-Echo p. 14 Equality Arizona Dinner p. 59 Equality Arizona Pool Party p. 78 GPGLCC p. 75 One Community p. 50 Phoenix Mercury p. 5 Phoenix Wedding and Honeymoon Expo p. 40,41 Rainbows Festival p. 50 Scottsdale Center For the Performing Arts p. 84 Summer Ends Music Festival p. 83 SWAY PHX p. 65
IVF Phoenix
p. 80 p. 81
insURAncE
EVEnts
Rainbow Bug
Chute Flex Spas Phoenix Hospice of the Valley
dEntists Arcadia Dentistry My Dentist Open Wide Dental
HEALtH And FitnEss
p. 37 p. 29 p. 73 p. 74
REAL EstAtE p. 25
REALtoRs Andrew Zea, Desert 2 Mountain Realty p. 74 Arizona Gay Realtors Alliance p. 3 Berney Streed, Re/Max Excalibur p. 74 Bradley B. Brauer, HomeSmart p. 3 David Oesterle, ReMax p. 3 Fred Delgado Team, Keller Williams p. 3 Jan Dahl, HomeSmart p. 3 Matthew Hoedt, Realty One p. 3 Michael Smith, One Realty Group p. 74 Nicholas Yale, Realty Executives p. 3 Shawn Hertzog, West USA p. 3
RELigioUs gRoUPs Community Church of Hope p. 74 First Congregational UCC p. 74 Life Ministries p. 67
REstAURAnts China Chili Hula’s Modern Tiki
p. 57 p. 57
REtiREmEnt PLAnning Camelback Retirement Planners, Melissa Myers p. 74 Strategy Financial Group, Calvin Goetz p. 3
RooFing Lyons Roofing
p. 47
sALons Salon Exodus
p. 74
sPEciALtY REtAiL Off Chute Too
p. 79
WEdding PLAnnER Vermillion Events
p. 74
LAMBDA DIRECTORY
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AUGUST 2015
| 83
Celebrate with the Stars! 2015–16 Season Sponsor
Margaret Cho: The psyCHO Tour
Alan Cumming Uncut
Saturday, October 17, 8 p.m.
Saturday, November 7, 8 p.m.
Edgy new comedy from the Agent Provocateur of stand-up
The Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor’s cabaret show
The TEN Tenors: Home for the Holidays
See Jane Sing! With Jane Lynch
Thursday, December 10, 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 11, 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 23, 8 p.m.
Side-splitting musical comedy with the Glee star
Classics of the season with Australia’s vocal rock stars
Signature Sponsors
There’s No I in Team, But There’s a CHO in Psycho
An Evening of Song and Stories From Scotland’s Beloved Man-Child
Supporting Sponsors
Order Today for the Best Seats! Click ScottsdalePerformingArts.org
Call 480-499-TKTS (8587)
Visit 7380 E. Second St.