GayCalgary Magazine - April 2007

April 2007 Issue 42

Free

of charge

Herland Film Festival Dining Out For Life 2007 Riding for a Good Cause

Official Gay Media Sponsor of:

Two Gay Men Mount Up in Fundraising Efforts

>> STARTING ON PAGE 16

GLBT RESOURCE • CALGARY & EDMONTON

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007

Established originally in January 1992 as Men For Men BBS by MFM Communications. Named changed to GayCalgary.com in 1998. Stand alone company as of January 2004. First Issue of GayCalgary.com Magazine, November 2003. Name adjusted in November 2006 to GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine.

Publisher Steve Polyak & Rob Diaz-Marino, publisher@gaycalgary.com Editor Rob Diaz Marino, editor@gaycalgary. com

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Table of Contents 5 Rollin’

Letter from the Publisher

Original Graphic Design Deviant Designs Advertising Steve Polyak sales@gaycalgary.com Contributors Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino, Jason Clevett, Jerome Voltero, Kevin Alderson, Benjamin Hawkcliffe, Stephen Lock, Arthur McComish, Allison Brodowski , Linda “Huston” Eckess, IMU URME and the Gay and Lesbian Community of Calgary Photographer Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz-Marino Videographer Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz-Marino Please forward all inquiries to: GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine Suite 100, 215 14th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2R 0M2 Phone (403) 543-6960 or toll free (888) 543-6960 Fax (403) 703-0685 E-mail magazine@gaycalgary.com Print Run Monthly, 12 times a year Masthead continued on page 4

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8 Jami Symons

Face To Face with HUSTON

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12 Dracula

Royal Winnipeg Ballet brings the Prince of Darkness to Alberta

16 Map & Event Listings Find out what’s happening

23 Support from Within Edmonton’s Womonspace

24 Sitting on Paradise

ATP Season Closes with Calgary Story

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25 Q Scopes

“Listen and learn, Aquarius!”

26 Adult Film Review

Boiler, Instinct, AWOL, and Trash

28 Q Puzzle “Clothes Call,”

29 Dining Out For Life 2007 In Edmonton

30 A Couple of Guys 31 It’s All So Messy Because...it should be!

Continued on page 4 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007

Continued from page 3

32 Taste of the Nation Eat and Drink for a Good Cause

33 Music Review Closer to the Flame

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34 Bitter Girl

Continued from page 3 Copies Printed Monthly, Over 10,000 copies.

35 Herland Film Festival 36 Riding for a Good Cause

Two Gay Men Mount Up in Fundraising Efforts

38 Fundraising Photos 44 OUTrageously Real

Calgary’s Spoken Word Festival on The Cutting Edge

46 Queers in Sports and the “Games” 48 GLASS Gender Bender

Distributed by Gallant Distributions (Calgary), Clark’s Distribution (Edmonton), Canada Post (rest of Canada and USA) and by GayCalgary.com

50 True Colours

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Distribution points up to 200 points in Calgary, largest number of distribution points for any Gay publication in Calgary.

Up to 150 points in Edmonton, largest number of distribution points for any Gay publication in Edmonton. Also distributed coast to coast across Canada in select locations in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and other places across Canada and the United States. Please call us if you would like to be a distribution point.

53 Letter to the Editor

Deadline for Ad Bookings 25th of the month (unless otherwise stated)

55 Down Under Bathhouse 60 Queer Eye - Calgary & Edmonton Community Events this Month

Deadline for Ad copy 28th of the month (unless otherwise stated) Legal Council Courtney Sebree Aarbo, Barristers and Solicitors Printers North Hill News

68 Classifieds Ads

This Issue Cover Rob Bede, taken by Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz Marino.

The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of GayCalgary.com or the contributors of the magazine.

People photographed or interviewed, writers, advertisers, contributors and anyone else involved with this publication are not necessarily gay, lesbian, bi, bi-curious or trans gendered. They can be straight people that are gay friendly.

No part of the publication may be reprinted without the expressed permission of the editor-in-chief.

May 2007 Press Deadlines Ad Space Booking - Wednesday April 25th 2007 Ad Submission Friday April 27th 2007

Member of International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association

Member of Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

In Circulation - Wednesday May 3rd 2007

Member of Tourism Calgary.

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007

Member of Edmonton Rainbow Business Association.

Copyright 2007

Rollin’

Letter from the Publisher

By Rob Diaz-Marino Maybe it’s just me, but it feels like there’s some real momentum building. In Junior High Science Class we were taught Newton’s third law of motion: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. As we fight and gain our equal rights, many are staring to exert them.

Steve takes the Transit a lot when he is in Edmonton, and one day this month he witnessed two things that were quite telling of society’s state of mind. The first was two younger guys who decided to start kissing as they were riding on the bus.

This was no peck on the cheek, but full-on making out as the young ones like to do. A number of people saw it – most looked away politely, a few others seemed annoyed or disgusted, but not a word of objection was spoken. This was very positive in that the reaction had little difference to what people would do if it had been a straight couple making out with equal gusto.

Later on that same day, Steve noticed a cross-dresser getting onto the bus, which spurred a flurry of giggles and whispers among the bus passengers. It shows that a better understanding of homosexuality doesn’t necessarily lead to a more open mind about gender stereotypes in the general populace.

Meanwhile, as I’m in Calgary photographing the Sunday Drag Show at Twisted, I noticed a middle-aged straight couple photographing the show as well. Their enthusiasm was evident as each one had their own camera out, but they were primarily interested in Selma Body – hmm, her new biggest fans? In a manner of speaking, yes. I later found out that they are Nick’s parents; Nick is Selma’s boyfriend, and it was his birthday that day. As friends were taking photos, I saw Nick put his arm around his dad and at first it looked strange to me. It made me realize what a big thing this actually was to have a whole family come out to a gay bar with their son, and be proud enough to take photos of their “son-in-law” in drag. I wanted to tell his parents, especially his dad, how much something like this would mean to a lot of people in the gay community…myself included.

The opposite reaction is that now, some gay businesses are toning down their visible gay affiliations – bright rainbows and pink triangles – to generalize and make themselves available for broader consumption. Incidentally, we have plenty of our original GayCalgary.com bumper stickers that would work well as a rainbow sticker in a shop window – they’re free if any businesses want them. As a graphic designer I understand, however, that rainbow colors can be a bit too gawdy, and this may not fit well into the corporate identity. Still, I worry.

When it comes to ethnic and gender groups, you are continually reminded that these people exist because you see them on the street. You know that they belong to these groups without exchanging a word. As cynical as it may sound, it can be important to know who is who in order to keep score, and perhaps one of our biggest curses is that we can hide the fact that we have attractions to the same sex. If being gay were a contributor to our physical appearance, where people could notice it as obviously as a person with darker skin, then a lot more of us

would be forced to stand our ground on discrimination issues.

The only reason why we are becoming more accepted today is that we have found a way to be visible despite our invisibility.

Without this, people would not notice how much we are an integral part of society, that we make useful contributions just like everyone else, and that the world wouldn’t even resemble what it is today if gay people taken out of the equation.

Among ourselves, we need this visibility to help us identify gay role models, because we are lost without an ideal to look up to. For people in important and influential roles, the prospect of coming out was career suicide in the past, but now we are seeing those people being strong. That strength is contagious – we are on a roll.

OutGames By the time this magazine hits the streets, the week of Outgames (Western Cup, OutRights, and OutFest) should already be underway. As of writing this article however, the schedule for OutRights has only recently appeared on the Calgary2007 website, but the Western Cup itinerary has yet to make an appearance. It is slated to be included in the Program Guide pamphlets available to participators and attendees.

Unfortunately, leaving things up in the air until such a late date has had a negative impact on some of the smaller events that are occurring alongside or in conjunction with the OutGames. Many in the gay community are keeping their schedules free for the main fare, and thus overlooking some of these other events.

Though this will be remedied when the Program Guides are released, already the Wedded Bliss Ball has sadly been cancelled due to lack of response. Powder and Pride made a supreme effort to grow their event for this year, but vying for the same crowd as the OutGames sanctioned ski weekend put on

by Different Strokes has put a damper on things. Powder and Pride is still going ahead with the event, however unless they see a rush of last minute bookings, they are not expecting the turnout they were hoping for.

Nonetheless, don’t forget that the Western Cup sporting events are as much for fans as they are for players. Many gay Calgarians are participating against an increased number of out-of-towners, so we should (that’s a “wishful should”, according to IMU URME, pg. 31) see lots of local support. If you don’t have a favorite team, then it’s time to find one and cheer them on!

This Month Besides the OutGames, another very important upcoming event this month will be the ISCCA Coronation week.

Voting for the new Emperor and Empress happens on April 14th from noon until midnight at the Backlot. This year we only have one candidate for each position, so votes will be yes/no. If “no” votes prevail for any candidate, the Emperor or Empress from last year will be asked if they will accept the role once again, and if they refuse, then the Emperor or Empress from the year prior will be asked, and so on.

The elected Emperor and Empress 31 will not be announced

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until the night of the Coronation (April 21st), when the current reigning Emperor Wolfgang and Empress Dyna Myte step down.

Wolf and Dyna have worked incredibly hard this past year and it has truly paid off. They announce their fundraising total in their letter to the publisher on page 53. Steve and I are extremely, EXTREMELY proud of their determination and devotion to fundraising. They have made a major impact on Calgary’s community, as well as the courts in other cities. Remember those gay role models I was talking about? There won’t be a dry eye in the house when they step down this year, and I only hope that the community at large will take this opportunity to show their appreciation equivocally.

There are a total of 9 events happening over the course of Coronation week, not including the voting, so check out their ad on page 11 or view the itinerary online at www.iscca.ca. Tickets for the Coronation and other events can be bought on the website through PayPal, or in person at the Texas Lounge.

Last Month I’m really starting to lose track of time here. Things that occur at the beginning of the month can seem so distant that I forget that I should be talking about them!

For instance, the Dirty Bird Awards at the Calgary Eagle was way at the beginning of March, and I almost forgot – how could I?! The event kicked off with a duet sung by “the same bitch and bastard as last year,” hosts Johnathan and Niel (in no particular order). Our title from last year of Best Lesbian Couple was intended to go to Linda and Anette, but they called us up to accept it again this year in their absence…whether we’re supposed to pass it along, I don’t really know. Makayla was asked to help facilitate the event, and she invented an insanely funny new drag character named “Vadge TheBucket”. Need I say more?

Congratulations are in order for two businesses in Edmonton this month. On the weekend of the 24th, Steve was up in Edmonton to photograph Woody’s landmark 5th anniversary!

The weekend before, B&D Emporium opened their new second location in New City, a goth/punk club. To celebrate, B&D was handing out green leather cock rings to the clientele, who seemed delighted at having new wristbands. Steve had to explain to a few of the straight guys what it was actually for, and even then they seemed confused. Granted I didn’t know what a cock ring was until I came out, though a big bulging package might make their straight buddies a little uncomfortable.

While Steve was away, I went to Money Pennies for Lorrie’s birthday and ended up sticking around for Name that Tune. It was actually quite fun, unfortunately I was so totally clueless that I was of no use to my team. I had to take off before the competition was over, but we seemed to be winning anyway. Go “Popey’s People”!

In the News The new budget pushed through by Stephen Harper has generated a lot of outrage by its favoritism to couples with children.

The budget makes for higher taxes for people who are single, or couples with no children, and even screws single mothers. Considering his disdain for gay marriage, this is obviously a move to encourage a higher “breedership” across Canada, a tactic not too dissimilar from that used by Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany to strengthen the country for war (as I learned at Paragraph 175 this month).

On the Web We’ve made a number of minor updates to the GayCalgary. com website, and have many more planned down the line. Last month we launched the Sponsored Events section along the side of the website’s welcome page, and this month we have

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007

added another new feature – the GayCalgary.com Alexa Toolbar.

Alexa is a third party ranking service that collects statistics on the popularity of sites across the web, worldwide. They measure popularity by gauging the amount of traffic that a website receives – that is, the number of people that view it in a month, how long they stay on the website, and how well connected the site is to the rest of the internet, among other criteria. The toolbar allows you to see the ranking of the website that you are currently visiting as you browse the web. The most popular sites, Yahoo.com and MSN.com rank as 1 and 2, while websites lower than 3 or 4 million may not be ranked at all.

Compare GayCalgary.com to other local and national websites and I think you’ll be pretty surprised how well we do! To make the comparison easier, we added Alexa rank buttons for us and other websites, so that you can compare them side by side – remember, lower numbers are better! Visit the Advertise With Us section to download the toolbar or view the comparisons.

Reader’s Choice In order to do the official tally, all written survey submission needed to be manually entered into our database. As of going to press this month there were simply too many un-entered surveys for us to complete in time for the April edition. Winners for Calgary and Edmonton will now be announced in the May edition of our magazine.

If you’re looking rather to express your opinion, write a letter to the publisher by E-mailing Publisher@gaycalgary.com. If you’ve got something good to say about someone or something, then that’s awesome! If you’ve got something bad to say about someone or something…well, just try to keep those claws sheathed!

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007

Jami Symons

Face To Face with HUSTON Individual | Spotlight

By Linda “Huston” Eckess

I finally caught up with elite Calgary hairstylist Jami Symons, Artistic Director for AG Hair Cosmetics, owner of Jami Symons Salon, and one of Canada’s most celebrated hairdressers. As we sit down and talk face to face at Key West Bar and Grill, Jami smiles his devilish grin, “I always had a thing for hair. I was playing with it by the time I was 5, getting brushes caught in my aunt’s hair, cutting off my own bangs…”

H: So, you always knew you had a gift!

Jami: I always knew I had a flair for it! I was cutting hair in grade 7 with no formal training at all; doing the Farrah Fawcett flip in high school when I learned to layer hair just by watching hairdressers and observing getting my own hair cut.

H: And from there you went on to get your license?

Jami: I did, but in high school I didn’t think I was going to go to hair school. I thought I was going to become an English Professor or a Psychologist.

H: Actually, Jami, you did become a psychologist of sorts. You’re a hairdresser! What is the politically correct term for hair professionals anyway?

Jami: I like being called a hairdresser. That is the authentic title for what I do.

H: You’ve been a hairdresser for how long now?

Jami: 20 years.

H: Now you own a salon and you travel extensively to learn and teach?

Jami: Well, I took my original training here in Calgary at Marvel. From there, I’ve been all over the world.

I was fortunate to spend a month in Spain to study there in Barcelona. I’ve been to London, England, New York, LA, Toronto, everywhere.

H: What was one of your favorites?

Jami: Barcelona…sexy!! I went to the Luis Llongueras Academy in Barcelona. He’s a hairdresser that has a chain throughout Spain and Portugal, and he’s traveled the world. I saw him do a hair show here in Calgary back in 1990. I’ve been following his work ever since. So, I had the opportunity to go to his Academy and learn from him...with an interpreter of course!

H: Tell me about you and your involvement with AG Hair Cosmetics.

Jami: I’m the Artistic Director for AG Hair Cosmetics. I’ve been with them now for 13 years. This company was started by a husband and wife team by the name of John and Lotte Davis, who basically made shampoo and conditioner in their basement and now they’re all over North America. I grew with their company and helped develop their education and artistic team. So, now I have an Artistic Team that works with me, headed by Jo-Anne Dicken, of The Fringe here in Calgary. She’s my Artistic team leader and I have 7 artistic team members, all the way from New York, Detroit, Indianapolis, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Calgary. What I do is kind of like a fashion designer. I create a series of hairstyles under a philosophy and inspiration and turn it into a collection.

Then we teach it to our artistic team and they go out and show it for us.

H: Oh! That’s fab! So, anything new we should be watching for?

Jami: I’ve just launched my new collection, called “Precious Metal.” It’s to celebrate how hair and metal are really quite similar, in that, you can change both the

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texture and shape of hair and metal with heat and chemicals. A curling iron can give you rippling waves of spun gold, short hair can be etched in gray, like that of steel.

And, I’m gearing up for a huge presentation of “Precious Metal” in New York at the Copacabana (the one Barry Manilow sings about) for 1000 hairdressers. Also I’m going to be doing a hair fashion show in Calgary called “Locks and Frocks”. It is a fundraiser for Autism.

H: That’s quite a hectic schedule. Didn’t you just get back from Arizona?

Jami: Yes, I just came back from Scottsdale to launch the collection to all our distributors and top sales reps and I’m going to Vancouver next to teach the artistic team.

H: Somewhere in all that craziness you got married?

Jami: Yes, I got legally married as a gay man in Canada. ...We got married in Dan’s hometown of Kitchener, Ontario on March 19th, 2005.

H: How long did you and Dan date or see each other before you got married?

Jami: We actually met each other 7 years ago at a hair show. We met at the shampoo bowl, shampooing our models. I saw him a little earlier before that. It was like “Oh my god, I gotta figure out a way to say ‘hi’ to him.” I was shampooing and I looked up and there he was! And I said ‘hi’!

But, because we were in different cities for 7 years, I mean, it wasn’t like we were hot and heavy during those seven years. We kept in contact, and tried to see each other whenever we could. Obviously we were seeing different people but we met up again about three years ago and I brought him out to Calgary for his first time. Then, we’d be going back and forth and it was just after my birthday he asked me to marry him, or that we should have a commitment ceremony. I said, “Well, it’s legal in Ontario isn’t it? If we’re coming out there, we might as well do it right. Let’s just go to city hall!!” But City Hall at that time wouldn’t allow gays to get married in City Hall because then straight people wouldn’t want to get married there.

So, we had to get married outside of City Hall. We got a Justice of the Peace. His name was Reverend John and he was probably about 90 years old and he was awesome!

Absolutely, awesome! But he left his wife in the car the whole time...in the middle of March! But he was really nice; he was really impressed by our enthusiasm and he thought that the heterosexual world could take a few pointers from us.

H: Well, that’s nice, really!

Jami: Yeah! For me, someone of old school, other than my grandmother. I’ve got a great grandmother... She’s still here and she’s the first one I ever told I was gay!

H: What did she say?

Jami: “Oh honey, I love you, that’s OK.” She always knew because I always wore her dresses and played with her jewellery or her wigs and high heels. But, she’s still here. And my grandmother, she celebrated our reception.

So, we had a small intimate wedding in Kitchener and

came back and had a big reception here that my Mom threw for us for 120 people.

And, we did register at The Bay! H: Give me one of your worst hairdressing stories.

Jami: Well, back in the day you had clients come in weekly to get their once a week shampoo, style and set. One of my great clients, Phyllis came in for a shampoo and curling iron set.

So, I got this new curling iron and it was way too hot!

You know, normally I would start the curl at the back, but this time I thought I’d start right in the middle and I put that curling iron on and it singed her hair right off!

H: And does she still come to you?

Jami: She does!

H: OK! Tell me a favorite moment.

Jami: I had some great training in New York just last spring with one of the best hairdressers in the world. Her name is Vivienne Mackinder. She used to be the Artistic Director for Vidal Sasoon. She’s since been British Hairdresser of the Year many times. She’s won North American Hairdresser of the Year many times. She has an academy in New York and she has a salon in the Hamptons. I got to work with her for 4 days, side by side. It was a dream come true!!

H: I just saw you on CityLine.

Jami: That’s one of the fondest moments and greatest opportunities I’ve had, being on CityLine now my fifth time with Marilyn Denis. She’s from Calgary. When she comes to town she comes to our Salon to get her hair and make-up done.

H: Now, in your free minutes, you are also on the board for Artists for Quality of Life (AFQOL), with the 4th Annual Donnie Peters Memorial Cut-a-thon coming up. Your involvement has been supreme and that’s one board we do share. Tell me how you feel about being involved on the board and memories of Donnie!

Jami: Well, ya know, I actually feel privileged that I can help in keeping Donnie’s memory, keeping Donnie’s vision of the Cut-a-thon alive and keep it going. It’s totally something that hits home with me and it’s absolutely heartfelt! I would LOVE to see it skyrocket to something that is nationwide one day - where Donnie would never have had any idea that it could be as BIG as it is. I hope to take it to the next level using my role with AG, bringing them on board and being the #1 sponsor, not only with product but with funds. This year we’re bringing on more hairdressers, and we will REALLY rock the park!

H: Couldn’t have said it better my friend, what a pleasure!

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Dracula

Royal Winnipeg Ballet brings the Prince of Darkness to Alberta

By Jason Clevett Since 1998, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s production of Dracula, created by Mark Godden, has been thrilling and enchanting audiences around the world. Now the Prince of Darkness comes to Alberta for four special shows this April.

Preview | Theatre

The story has been told in hundreds of different variations – from Bram Stoker’s book to creepy portrayals on screen by Bela Lugosi and Gary Oldman and many others.

Vampire Dracula takes the life of Lucy Westenra and is pursued by her suitors as well as vampire hunter Professor Van Helsing.

“It does well everywhere we take it, and showcases our company very well and focuses on our strengths. To put on a full length ballet with only 25 people is not that easy.

The way it has been done definitely showcases what we can do and puts our best foot forward,” dancer Darren Anderson, who performs as Van Helsing in the show, told GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. “The show changes so much with the storyline from Lucy’s bedroom to a crypt to Dracula’s lair. It isn’t like sitting through a full-length ballet, it changes so much, it is like a journey that takes you to different places. There is not a lot of room to get bored in it. I know that sometimes the complaint with other ballets is it can be quite long but this keeps you going because there are so many theatrics.”

The character of Van Helsing has also been played in many different ways. Frequently played as an older character, he has been given a different approach from the film starring Hugh Jackman. Anderson places his character in the middle of the two. ”In my head I am playing him in his late fourties. I usu-

ally grow facial hair for it and the outfit I wear is a threepiece suit and glasses. Some of my friends actually didn’t recognize me when I came on stage because it is so different from what I normally do. It was a great challenge. I know there have been many different takes on Van Helsing but that is mine,” he said. Anderson is only thirty years old so it was a new challenge to train his body to move like someone twenty years older. ”When I was getting ready for this role I did a lot of people watching and watched the types of people I was going to try and emulate. Mark was great in helping me figure out that I had to be more into the ground, my dance and posture had to be more introverted and changed. I have to separate myself from the other three suitors and Dracula.

Once I get on stage it is all in my body and just let that be. It is something that I had to think quite a bit about in rehearsal to make it believable.”

Another challenge of being a dancer is playing a multitude of roles simultaneously. When we spoke to Anderson he was in Mobile, Alabama as a guest performer for the

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my body is used to transitioning. It is hard wearing white tights one day and a pair of jeans the next.”

If you have never attended a ballet performance before, Dracula may be just the one to add the experience to your resume. Anderson spoke about the appeal of the show to a general audience.

Mobile Ballet’s version of Cinderella. Three days later he was set to perform in The Magic Flute. During the tour of Dracula he will also be rehearsing for a tour of Messiah.

We asked Darren how he keeps all the steps straight with so many different pieces of work! ”It is a lot to remember but when you get to a certain level as a professional you can flick a switch and go into it. Sometimes we haven’t touched a ballet in a year and the music will come on and we can go right into it. It is in your body and part of the muscle memory. You go over the steps in your head before you go on but it isn’t that difficult. The most difficult thing is going from classical ballet to contemporary because you aren’t using the exact same form. In this company we do so many types of ballet that

“I think it is a show that would appeal to anyone, whether a family or a couple of friends. My grandma in Edmonton is going to come to it and she is 92. I would say you can bring some kids. They may get scared at certain points that are scary like when I chop Lucy’s head off with a shovel, but it’s nothing worse than anything you would see on television,” he said. “Because it is so theatrical and there is so much going on, there is something for everyone whatever level you are into watching ballet. Whether it’s your first time or your 200th there is something that will appeal to you. I wouldn’t say that about every show we perform but I think with Dracula, the audience loves it and it is easy to sit back and enjoy.”

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents Dracula April 9th – 10th in Calgary. Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium April 12th -13th in Edmonton. Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.

Tickets at Ticketmaster.

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Events Listing

Find out what’s happening Calgary Listings Accommodations

Westways Guest House 13 216 - 25 Ave SW • (403) 229-1758 http://www.gaywestways.com

Bars and Clubs

BackLot 3 See our ad on page 49 209 - 10 Ave SW • (403) 265-5211 Open 7 days a week, 4pm-close Calgary Eagle Inc. 4 See our ad on page 27 424a - 8 Ave SE • (403) 263-5847 Open Wed-Sun 5pm-close http://www.calgaryeagle.com

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Money-Pennies 9 See our ad on page 28 1742 - 10 Ave SW • (403) 263-7411 Open Mon-Fri 11:00am-close; Sat & Sun 10:30am-close http://www.money-pennies.com Texas Lounge 6 See our ad on page 66 308 - 17 Ave SW • (403) 229-0911 Twisted Element 33 1006 11th Ave SW - Front Entrance• (403) 802-0230 See our ad on page 59 and 64 http://www.twistedelement.ca Twisted Element Lounge 33 See our ad on page 59 and 64 1006 11th Ave SW - Back door Entrance • (403) 802-0230 http://www.twistedelement.ca

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007

Bathhouse and Sauna’s

fetish, leather, latex, Gothic, punk, and corsets.

Goliath’s 6 See our ad on page 10 308 - 17 Ave SW • (403) 229-0911 Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

Barbies Shop 48 1518 4th Street SW • (403) 262-8265 Adult clothing store, shoes, Gothic, punk, fetish, custom corsettes and more.

Businesses

Brian Mahoney & John McNeill #10, 6020 - 1A St SW • (403) 259-4141 Re/Max Reality Professionals

Alykhan Velji (403) 617-2406 Interior Decorator

Adult Depot See our ad on page 64 140, 58th Ave SW •(403) 258-2777 1514 14th St SW •(403) 264-7399 23 Sex toys, and Straight, Bi, Gay video rentals B&D Emporium Inc. 14 829 17th Ave SW • (403) 265-7789 http://www.bndemporium.com Adult clothing store and accessories specializing in

BuBu Bear (403) 852-6977 http://www.bububear.ca Portable adult novelties Canada Olympic Park Highway 1 Calgary West http://www.canadaolympicpark.ca Courtney Sebree Aarbo 24 1138 Kensington Road NW • (403) 571-5120 http://www.csalaw.ca Barristers & solicitors

Chronos Apollo See our ad on page 47 #520 922 5th Avenue SW • (403) 237-2353 Physician directed skin care and more

Lorne Doucette /CIR Realtors See our ad on page 60 (403) 461-9195 http://www.lornedoucette.com

Cruiseline See our ad on page 71 (403) 777-9494 trial code 3500 http://www.cruiseline.ca Phone chat room & talking classifieds for 18+

Marcy Calberry /CIR Realtors See our ad on page 25 (403) 291-4440 or (866) 859-4440

Deva Dave Salon 32 4th Floor, 1304 4th Street SW • (403) 290-1973 http://www.devadave.com Doug R. Glasser 9625 MacLeod Trail SW • (403) 278-2900 Re/Max Reality Professionals First Class Flowers Elbow and Heritage Drive SW• (403) 255-2239 Jane Doe Marketplace & Cafe 50 See our ad on page 63 311 17 Avenue SW • (403) 245-5263 Calgary’s Only Marketplace featuring Women Entrepreneurs. Coffee Shop too!

La Fleur 41 See our ad on page 10 #103 - 100 7th Avenue SW (403) 266-1707 Florist Shop Leather and Lace 2020 32nd Avenue NE • (403) 291-4060 The art of romance

MFM Communications See our ad on page 32 (403) 543-6970 http://www.mfmcommunications.com Web site hosting and development. Computer Hardware and Software.

More Better Buses (403) 651-1692 Providing unique, comfortable & affordable transportation. Charter us for: High School Graduations, Senior Groups, Pub Crawls and Sporting Events Priape Calgary 16 See our ad on page 58 1322 - 17 Ave SW • (403) 215-1800 http://www.priape.com Clothing and accessories. Adult toys, leather wear, movies and magazines. Gifts.

Rev. Nadene Rogers See our ad on page 15 (403) 247-0602 http://www.weddingsmyway.com Marriage Commissioner

Reymark See our ad on page 29 Able Craftsman, Your home renovation specialist (403) 478-2411 • reymark@telus.net Russell’s Cobalt 45 See our ad on page 49 735 12th Avenue SW • (403) 228-7822 Hair & Aesthetics Sol Sourced Weddings See our ad on page 12 (403) 270-9480 http://www.solsourcedweddings.com Wedding Commissioner Z-Group Voice over IP (VOIP) phone service and long distance (403) 770-1940

Community Groups and Organizations

Aids Calgary 2 200, 1509 Centre St South • (403) 508-2500 http://www.aidscalgary.org Safer Sex & HIV/AIDS, Living with HIV/AIDS, Challenging Stereotypes Dates: May 12, 2007, 9:00am – 4:00pm at AIDS Calgary Training Room, 200, 1509 Centre Street South OutRights April 2-3, 2007

Share knowledge, create action, raise awareness.

Unify human rights for all.

AIDS Calgary is pleased to present OutRights 2007. Bringing together diverse audiences of local, national, and international business and community leaders, academic scholars, students, activists, politicians, philanthropists, members of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) communities, their allies and the broader community from across North America, OutRights will be held in Calgary, on April 2-3, 2007.

Apollo Calgary Friends in Sports See our ad on page 7 and 72 http://www.apollocalgary.com Apollo: Friends in Sport, is coordinating the Calgary teams for both the Montreal Outgames and Chicago Gay Games. Uniforms will be created for both events so that teams can march into the opening ceremonies under “Team Calgary” banners. Sizing and orders will be done at the Apollo tent at the Pride Street Fair on June 11. Please let Apollo know if you are going to compete at one or both games by E-mailing outgames@apollocalgary. com or gaygames@apollocalgary.com.

Absolutely Smashing! Badminton- The 2006/2007 season for Badminton starts on Sunday, September 17, 2006 (FREE FIRST DAY). Special extended session. We will start at 12:30 p.m. and go to 3:00 p.m. on this session only. All future sessions are 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Location: Western Canada High School (641 17th Ave. SW) Schedule: Sunday afternoons in the MAIN GYM, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00

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p.m. Drop-in Fee: $5 for each 1.5 hour session for Apollo members or $6 for non-members (Apollo memberships are $15)

Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Centre. Join us there (1320-5th Avenue NW) for a country-rockin’ good time!

Curling- The 16th season of Apollo Curling will begin in October 2006, with the same general format as last year. Games are at the North Hill Curling Club (1201 - 2 Street NW) with two draws on Saturdays: 2:20 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and at the Inglewood Golf and Curling Club, Saturdays at 12:30 p.m.

ARGRA Dance Saturday May 26th, 2007 - We’re kicking up our heels in our new digs at the Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Centre. Join us there (1320-5th Avenue NW) for a country-rockin’ good time!

Squash -Location: University of Calgary. Mondays, 6:45 - 8:15 p.m. (90 minutes), Sept 11 - Dec 11 (Fall Session) Cost: $89.00 for the 13 weeks (6.85 per week) OR $10.00 drop in fee Apollo membership required ($15.00 per year) Volleyball.- The 2006/2007 season for volleyball starts on September 10, 2006! New this year: Recreational volleyball Friday Nights! Recreational Volleyball King George School, 2108 10th Street NW, (a few blocks north of SAIT) Friday Nights 7:00pm – 9:00 pm. Intermediate/Competitive YWCA, 320 5th Avenue SE. Sunday afternoons 4:30pm – 6:30 pm Rainbow Riders Bowling League - Let’s 10 Pin Bowlerama, 2916 5 Avenue NE, Wednesday’s at 6:30pm. Season is from September to April. League fees are $15.00 per Night. Shoe rental is $2.00 Outdoor Pursuits - WE DO IT OUTDOORS. Skiing, hiking, camping, biking. Any outdoor sports. Why do it alone when you can do it with a group.

Weekends and weekdays, all year round. Drop us a line.

Yoga - Have you always wondered about yoga?

What really is down-dog? Do you think touching your feet with your legs straight is just humanly impossible? Ki Essentials is now offering an exclusive yoga class to Apollo members and friends. This class comprises of twelve weekly 90-minute sessions that focus on basic poses and proper alignment, and are conducted in a fun and supportive environment. This is a multi-level yet beginner friendly class. No previous experience is required. Registration fee is $150 (includes GST) and an Apollo membership is required. Mat rental is $1 in case you do not have one. This class runs on every Wednesday from 7 pm to 8:30 pm, between February 6, 2007 and May 2, 2007 (no class on April 3). Registration deadline is February 5. NOTE: A tentative second class may run on Friday from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. However, it will not run until the Wednesday class is full. Please indicate if Friday is your preferred time slot. Drop-ins for this class are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Space is limited so please check ahead of time. Cost for drop-in is $13 for Apollo members and $15 for non-members. For drop-in, mat rental is $1 per session.

ARGRA – Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association Hotline: (403) 541-8140 http://www.argra.org See our ad on page 15 and 67 ARGRA Dance Saturday April 21st, 2007 - We’re kicking up our heels in our new digs at the 18

Artists for the Quality of Life (403) 890-1261 http://www.afqol.com 4th Annual Donnie Peters Memorial Cut-a-thon Tomkins Park (17th Ave sw &8th St) Labour Day Monday September 3rd, 2007 Between Men and Between Men Online (403) 234-8973 http://www.glcsa.org/ Peer support, sexual health education for gay or bisexual men, as well as those who may be uncertain or questioning their sexuality. Discussions range from personal relationship or life issues, to sexual health and well-being.

Meetings at GLCSA Tuesdays 7:00pm to 9:00pm Calgary Big men and Admirers http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ CalgaryAlbertaBigmenClub/ A group for gay and bisexual men only. Interested parties are welcome to join our VIRTUAL Group in Alberta to: Ease Friendly meetings between big guys and those who love them, organize different social activities, and market a positive image of big men.

Hope to See you soon...

Big men’s and Admirers Sunday Brunch @ 11am.

Mother Tuckers ,345 10th Ave S.W., Calgary. A social outing for bigger guys and those who enjoy their company AND its a FOOD DRIVE, so bring something that is non perishable so we can help out the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank! RSVP before November 10th to bigpaul41@yahoo.com Calgary Frontrunners Running Club When: 9 am on Saturdays, Where: Update! Coffee Junkies -795 1 Avenue SW (no longer meeting at Eau Claire Y) What: Walkers and Runners between 5 km – 15 km from sub 5 min/km pace to 10 min/km pace.

Who: All are welcome - Typically about 15-20 men and women depending on the weather conditions Contact: E-mail calgaryfrontrunners@shaw.ca or call Tim at (403) 660-6125 Calgary Gay Fathers calgaryfathers@hotmail.com http://www.geocities.com/calgaryfathers Peer support group for gay, bisexual and questioning fathers. Meeting twice a month Calgary Humane Society See our ad on page 49 (403) 250-4455 http://www.calgaryhumane.ca Animal Adoptions and for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

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Calgary Men’s Chorus See our ad on page 45 (403) 262-6295 http://www.calgarymenschorus.org The Calgary Men’s Chorus is excited to announce that rehearsals for its 2006-2007 season begin Tuesday September 5, 2006. Rehearsals are held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Old Y Centre for Community Organizations, located at 223 12 Avenue SW. Calgary Networking Club November 2, 5:00-7:00pm At Money Pennies (upstairs) 1742 - 10 Ave SW Calgary Networking Club (CNC) is back.... after a 5 year hiatus, CNC is meeting again in Calgary on the first Thursday of every month. The networking meetings are open to all individuals who would like to promote their businesses or who would like to meet new people - no business affiliation is necessary.

CNC is for members of the LGBTQ community to make new friends or business contacts. This group is not age or gender specific.

Come listen to our monthly guest speaker, have a snack, and enjoy talking with some new people.

Admission to the meeting is $5, or a yearly subscription pass can be bought for $25 (a 28% savings). If you have a GLCSA membership take an additional $5 off your yearly subscription cost.

GLCSA memberships will also be available at the meeting for $10. (Call GLCSA for details on membership benefits).

For more information contact GLCSA at (403) 2348973....or just drop in on the meeting.

Calgary Networking Club (CNC) is a Gay & Lesbian Community Services Association (GLCSA) event.

Food and venue sponsored by Money Pennies Bar and Eatery.

Calgary Sexual Health Centre 304, 301 14th Street NW (403) 283-5580 http://www.cbca.ab.ca Calgary Sexual Health Centre is a pro-choice organization that believes all people have the right and ability to make their own choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health. Calgary Sexual Health Centre started as a volunteer based, grassroots organization and has been providing comprehensive sexuality education and counselling programs to the Calgary community since 1972. In the early 70’s, CBCA’s work focused on improving access to birth control and increasing support for women facing unplanned pregnancies. Since that time Calgary Sexual Health Centre has evolved to include a range of services to ensure that individuals are able to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive well being. Our programs promote sexuality as a normal, positive and healthy part of life to be valued and respected. Currently the Calgary Sexual Health Centre offers education and youth peer education programs, counselling and groups for women who are questioning their sexual orientation.

RU a lesbian, gay, bisexual, two-spirited or queer youth, ages 17-24? RU interested in helping make

Calgary a safer place for people of diverse sexual orientation? If UR, we are looking for dynamic volunteers for our Anti-Homophobia Program.

This program is intended to raise awareness and understanding among students about the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, two spirited, transgendered, queer and questioning youth. If you are interesting in sharing your experiences with other youth, and are available days, please call us at 283-5580 and ask for an Educator or contact pkrause@cbca.ab.ca..

Deer Park United Church and Wholeness Centre 77 Deerpoint Road SE - (403) 278-8263 http://www.dpuc.ca Worship Time - 10:00am Sundays Different Strokes http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org Swim Club.

Check website for current schedule Did You Say Bike?

Riders Wanted - experience or no!

Come ride your bike with us and make new friends, learn how to maintain your wheels, even learn a few tricks, and best of all get Fit. Everyone Welcome.

Starting April 15th The Windmill at Eau Claire 12 till 3-ish Tasty snacks and refreshments later on.

For more info E-mail us at: ridingincalgaryrocks@hotmail.com Don’t Buy In Project http://www.dontbuyin.ca This Calgary Police Service Initiative aims to encourage youth to working towards an inclusive environment in which diversity is embraced in their schools and community.

Fake Mustache Calgary’s ONLY Drag King Show Soda Lounge: 211 - 12th Ave S.W. (403) 923-3953 http://www.miscyouth.com calgaryfakemustache@hotmail.com A benefit show for the Miscellaneous Youth Network, Fake Mustache is guaranteed to please! Come see our boys strut their stuff at Soda, the first Thursday of every month. $5 cover. $2 cover under 18.

Advance tickets available at Barbies Shop.

All Ages show starts at 7:30. 18+ show starts at 10:15.

Gay Prairie Alumni http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gayprairiealumni/ This group is for all gay/lesbian/transgendered alumni of Prairie Bible Institute and/or Prairie High School in Three Hills, Alberta. It’s purpose is twofold: First, social -- to renew old friendships and make new ones. Second -- to talk about our common experiences as gay people at a fundamentalist school. Any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Girl Friends http://members.shaw.ca/girlfriends Girlsgo Productions (403) 510-2502 http://www.girlsgo.ca Event production and promotion in Alberta for women. Check online for fun things to do!

Next Dance Party for Women St. Patrick’s Day Saturday, March 17th, 2007 Join GIRLSGO for a little Shamrock hunting and Leprechaun mischief... and a little dancing too! Find a four-leaf clover and it could be your lucky night!

GLASS, Gay & Lesbian Association of Students and Staff See our ad on page 45 279R Student Union Club Spaces University of Calgary http://www.ucalgary.ca/~glass (403) 220-6394 Saturday April 14- Gender Bender Our annual drag show at the den. Saturday April 14 doors open at 8. Tickets are on sale now for $5 or for $7 at the door. If you are interested in performing or would like more details please email glass@ucalgary.ca GLCSA - Gay And Lesbian Community Services Association 1 See our ad on page 27 #4, 1230A 17th Avenue SW (403) 234-8973 http://www.glcsa.org Peer Support and Crisis Line - Front-line help service for GLBT individuals and their family and friends, or anyone questioning their sexuality. Please click here for further information on our Peer Support Program.

24-Hour Info Line - Calgary’s resource directory for information, events, business referrals, organizations and support for the GLBT community.

Library - A great selection of resource books, fiction, non-fiction, videos and everything in between, all with a queer perspective.

Drop-In Center - A safe and supportive environment for one-to-one peer counseling for many issues surrounding family, coming out, homosexuality, loneliness and other issues.

Unity Pages - A service directory of GLBT or GLBTfriendly businesses, organizations, and services within Calgary.

Heading Out (403) 234-8973 http://www.glcsa.org/ Peer group for men who are looking for an alternative social activity to the bar. Activities vary and are fun and entertaining. The group meets the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month from 7 pm to 9 pm.

HIV Peer Support Group (403) 230-5832 hivpeergroup@yahoo.ca

Illusions Calgary (403) 234-8973 http://www.glcsa.org Social group for Calgary and area transgender community members (cross dressers, transvestites, drag kings and queens). Illusions provides a safe, discrete and welcoming atmosphere, in which transgendered people can meet others of like mind.

Illusions offers discretion, acceptance, compassion and a safe place to express your gender. Crossdressing is the purpose of the group, but is not mandatory.

Inside Out (403) 234-8973 http://www.glcsa.org Peer-facilitated youth group for GLBTQ ages 15-25.

The group aims to let youth know they are not alone, and to connect them with their peers. Every Monday, 7 pm to 9pm at GLCSA. It is a funky and safe environment with a variety of resources and activities.

ISCCA – Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch See our ad on page 11 http://www.iscca.ca Last Sunday of the month - Texas Lounge Movie Matinee Tuesdays and Saturdays - Texas Lounge, 7:00pm Shooters Wednesday - Twisted Element - TNT 7:00pm to 9:00pm Last Sunday of the Month - Texas Lounge, “Buca and a Slice” VOTING DAY - Saturday April 14th, Noon - Midnight at The Backlot (209 - 10th Avenue SW). Cast your vote for Emperor and Empress 31! Yes/No Vote for Lonnie Starlight & Yes/No Vote for Conrad

Victory Brunch - Sunday April 22nd, 11:00am at the The Twisted Element (1006 11th Avenue SW).

One of the best on the circuit! Tickets: $20 each.

Alaska Ice Water Party - Sunday April 22nd, 3:00pm at The Calgary Eagle (424a - 8th Avenue SE). Not to be missed! Hosted by Eldon from Alaska.

Tough Drag Show - Sunday April 22nd, at The Twisted Element (1006 11th Avenue SW). Doors open at 8pm, show at 9:00pm.

Integrity Calgary http://members.aol.com/DWFrancis/integrity.html A transdenominational Christian fellowship under the auspices of the Anglican Church, for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and our friends. We have for the moment stopped our monthly Eucharist on the second Sunday of the month at 7:00pm in St. Stephen’s Anglican Church (1121- 14 Avenue S.W.): NO SERVICES TILL PRIDE St. Stephen’s Anglican Church is a very welcoming community that you may consider going to, they worship every Sunday morning at 8:00 am (traditional prayer book service) and the contemporary worship service at 10:30 am.

Rainbow Community Church of Calgary meets at Hill Hurst United Church off (Kensington Close NW).

They’re a GLBTQ etc. church (and straight folks are welcome too!) that seeks to provide tools for the spiritual journey thorough developing a supportive community. They are an interdenominational church in the Christian traditions with an evangelical and open flavour. Sundays at 4 PM. Pre-service prayer gathering at 3:30.

Knox United Church 506 - 4th Street S.W. • (403) 269-8382 http://www.knoxunited.ab.ca/

Imperial State Dinner & Murder Mystery - Monday April 16th, 6:00pm at Money Pennies (1742 - 10th Avenue SW). Cocktails at 6pm, Dinner and Mystery at 7pm. Tickets: $20.

Knox United Church is an all-inclusive church located in downtown Calgary. A variety of facility rentals are also available for meetings, events and concerts.

Imperial Roast - Tuesday April 17th, 7:30pm at the Texas Lounge (308 - 17th Avenue SW). Karaoke and $2.75 Shooter Specials.

Worship Services Wednesdays - Communion Service 12:10 pm Sundays - 11:00 a.m. September to June Sundays - 10:30 a.m. in summer July and August.

Memories and Mayhem - Wednesday April 18th, 8:00pm at The Backlot (209 - 10th Avenue SW). A casual get together.

In Town Show - Thursday April 19th, 7:00pm at The Calgary Eagle (424a - 8th Avenue SE). A donation at the door is appreciated. Doors open at 7pm, show at 8:00pm.

New Directions (403) 234-8973 or glcsa@glcsa.org http://www.glcsa.org/

Out of Town Show - Friday April 20th, 7:00pm at The Twisted Element (1006 11th Avenue SW). A donation at the door is appreciated. Doors open at 7pm, show at 8:00pm.

If you are transsexual, or know of someone who is, please contact our office for information and assistance. You are not alone! There is support!

Coronation 2007 - Saturday April 21st, 6:00pm sharp at the Metropolitan Centre (333 4th Avenue SW), Tickets: $30 advance, $35 at the door. Includes finger food. Fantastic line-up of performers!

Drop in peer-support group to provide support and resources for individuals who identify as transsexual or inter-sexed. The group meets every 3rd Friday of the month from 7 pm to 9 pm at GLCSA.

PFLAG Calgary Meetings are held the last Saturday of each month.

PFI Research INC Suite 500, 703 6th Ave SW Calgary AB (403) 234-0445 ext 801

Positive Space Committee at Mount Royal College 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW Phone: 403-440-6383 Web: www.mtroyal.ca/positivespace Email: stavcer@mtroyal.ca The Positive Space Committee at Mount Royal College works to raise awareness and challenge the patterns of silence that continue to marginalize lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gendered, two-spirited and queer (LGBTTQ) individuals.

Pride Calgary (403) 262-3410 http://www.pridecalgary.ca Pride Festival 2007 - June 01 - 10, 2007 Pride Kick-Off Party - Friday, June 01, 2007 Pride begins with the official Pride Kick-Off events party and continues with a celebration of arts and cultural festivities, community events presented by Pride Calgary in conjunction with local arts cultural and community organizations.

Pride Parade - Sunday, June 03, 2007 The Pride Parade will start at 8 St SW and head east along 8 Ave SW into Stephan Ave Walk, Calgary’s Historical Main Street.

Street Gala at the Plaza - Sunday, June 03, 2007 Formerly known as the Street Festival, located at Olympic Plaza, the heart of Calgary’s Art Community. Entertainment with spectacular Performers, Bands, DJ’s. The Family Zone, Vendors, Beer Garden and more.

Military Ball - Friday, June 08, 2007 Located at The Calgary Eagle this is an exhilarating uniform event packed with hot firemen, barechested sailors and camouflaged soldiers.

Xist 2007 Forbidden Fruit - Saturday, June 09, 2007 An exhilarating evening of theatre, dance, and interpretation stage performances and music by the best house, disco and pop DJ’s. Location TBA Pride Rainbow Project prp@planet-save.com http://www.priderainbowproject.com The Pride Rainbow Project was started in Fall 2003 by 4 youth of the Unitarian Church of Calgary.

The Pride Rainbow Project is a project designed to show support for same-sex marriage in Canada and elsewhere. It is a fabric rainbow banner approximately 5 feet wide, and the goal is to make it 3.2km (2 miles) long, in order to break the world record (set by a group in Florida at 1.25 miles)!

It contains the 6 colours of the pride flag: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple. The project is youth run, but anyone can help!.

Primetimers Calgary E-mail: primetimerscalgary@gmail.com http://www.primetimerscalgary.com Prime Timers Calgary is designed to foster social interaction for its members through a variety of social, educational and recreational activities. It is open to all gay and bisexual men of any age and

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respects whatever degree of anonymity that each member desires.

Rainbow Community Church See our ad on page 23 Hillhurst United Church 1227 Kensington Close N.W. Website: http://www.rainbowcommunitychurch.ca E-mail: roneberly@shaw.ca The Rainbow Community Church is an all-inclusive church. Everyone is welcome (and we mean it!).

Services are held every Sunday afternoon at 4:00 PM. Rocky Mountain Bears http://www.rockymountainbears.com Thursday, April 12 - Movienite - Chinook Center Movie Theaters. Movie T.B.A. 7:00pm approx. Some coming attractions include “300”, “Sunshine”, “Shooter”, “The Last Mimzy”, “The Lookout”, “Blades of Glory” Thursday, April 19 - Annual General Meeting - Location T.B.A. Bears will be needed to fill the vacancies for Vice-President, Treasurer, and both Bear-at-Large positions on the R.M.B. Executive.

Memberships expire on April 18 and you may purchase/renew membership at the meeting. You may vote without actually attending and there will be info on how to do this sent out soon. Please contact one of the current Executive if you would be interested in running.

Saturday, April 21 - Volunteer Nite - Calgary Eagle - 424A 8 Avenue S.E. Bears work as front door greeters at the Calgary Eagle from 9:30pm to 2:00am. Volunteers needed. Contact Bob at trackscub@aol.com.

Saturday, April 28 - Bears Bar Nite - Calgary Eagle - 424A 8 Avenue S.E. Bears head to the Calgary Eagle to enjoy a beverage anytime after 10:00pm Safety Under The Rainbow http://www.safetyrainbow.ca Mission: To raise awareness and understanding of same-sex domestic violence and homophobic youth bullying.

Project Areas: Partnerships – Create partnerships with like-minded groups. Organize a meeting to discuss a provincewide cross-sector entity addressing domestic violence and homophobic bullying.

Training - Develop and pilot training modules that address GLBTT domestic violence and homophobic youth bullying. See the website or contact the office for information on the next training session.

Research – Conduct an enviro-scan of services and support available to GLBTT family violence and abuse victims.

Directory – Publish a province-wide directory of services and supports addressing same-sex domestic violence and homophobic bullying.

Survey – Conduct a survey on how same-sex domestic violence and homophobic bullying affects GLBTT individuals. Contact the office if you would be willing to fill out this survey.

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Sharp Foundation Phone: (403) 272-2912 E-mail: sharpfoundation@nucleus.com http://www.thesharpfoundation.com

Alberta’s website for youth with sex-and-gender differences. Youthsafe.net lists the resources, information and services to help youth find safe and caring spaces in Alberta.

SHARP Art Auction - May 24, 2007, Join us at Art Mode for an evening of fine art, wine and food.

Make a bid and support the Foundations programs and services. Doors open at 5 pm. For more information or to donate a piece of art please call (403) 272-2912.

Restaurants

SHEQ Soulful Healing Ego Quest (403) 234-8973 or glcsa@glcsa.org http://www.glcsa.org/ A workshop for women that want to be themselves in a supportive, safe environment. It is a chance to grow and share their experiences related to women’s sexuality. Runs for a ten week period on Thursdays at 7pm. Call Trudy or Krista at 5857437. To participate, please call the exclusive SHEQ line at 585-7437 (you may leave a voice message for Trudy or Krista) or leave your name and a contact time/number with the Gay & Lesbian Community Services Association at 234-8973.

Speak Sebastian http://www.cjsw.com Radio Show – Every first & third Wednesday from 9-10pm. Radio for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans gender and kink community. Listen on CJSW FM 90.9.

Urban Sex http://www.cjsw.com Radio Show – Every second & forth Wednesday from 9-10pm. Focus on sexuality; gay bisexual lesbian trans gendered and straight issues here in Calgary and around the web. Listen on CJSW FM 90.9.

Calgary Eagle Inc. 4 See our ad on page 27 424a - 8 Ave SE • (403) 263-5847 Open Tues-Sun 4pm-close http://www.calgaryeagle.com Jane Doe Marketplace & Cafe 50 See our ad on page 63 311 17 Avenue SW • (403) 245-5263 Calgary’s Only Marketplace featuring Women Entrepreneurs. Coffee Shop too!

Youth 4 Youth (403) 283-5880 http://www.youth4youth.com YouthSafe http://www.youthsafe.net

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007

QUAB Gallery Inc. 43 212, 100th 7th Avenue SW • (403) 261-2855 http://www.quab.ca

Stagewest 727 42 Avenue SE • (403) 243-6642 http://www.stagewestcalgary.com

Dracula - April 9 - 10

NUNSENSE – a Musical Comedy, Book, Music & Lyrics by: Dan Goggin, February 15 – April 22, 2007 Winner of four “Outer Critics Circle Awards” including “Best Off-Broadway Musical” in its original New York production, the show is a fundraiser put on by the Little Sisters of Hoboken to raise money to bury a sister accidentally poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia (Child of God).

“You don’t have to be Catholic to love Nunsense” (Entertainment Tonight). “ A hall of fun an frolic!

Wacky and outrageous with a hysterical anything goes sense of fun” (N.Y. Times).

Alberta Ballet http://www.albertaballet.com

ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects 36 Phone: (403) 294-7402 http://www.ATPlive.com April 17 – May 5, 2007 - SITTING ON PARADISE,

by Eugene Stickland AXIS Contemporary Art 107, 100 – 7 Ave. SW • (403) 262-3356 rob@axisart.ca Monday to Friday: 10am to 6pm Saturday: 10am to 5:30pm Sunday: 11am to 3pm

Broadway Across Canada http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca

“Yeah... What She Said!”

Every Monday evening from 8:30-9:00pm CJSW 90.9 FM yeahwhatshesaid@gmail.com

One Yellow Rabbit 35 Big Secret Theatre – EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts • (403) 299-8888 http://www.oyr.org

Theatre and Art

Womynspace (403) 234-8973 or womynspace@glcsa.org http://www.glcsa.org/

Violence in Gay Male Relationships (VIGOR) is a committee of professionals dedicated to increasing the awareness of gay men’s domestic violence and the services available to them.

New Gallery 25 516D - 9 Ave SW • (403) 233-2399 Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm

Pumphouse Theatre 37 2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW • (403) 263-0079 http://www.pumphousetheatres.ca

First Thursdays (the First Thursday of each month): 10am to 8pm

Vigor Calgary (403) 255-7004 http://www.vigorcalgary.ca/

Looks Could Kill Art Boutique Art Central, lower level #11, 100 7th Ave SW • (403) 264-7576

Money-Pennies 9 See our ad on page 28 1742 - 10 Ave SW • (403) 263-7411

Western Leather Federation Coffee Night – Wed, 8:30pm. At the Calgary Eagle.

Peer social/support group for women providing an evening of fun, bonding, discussion and activities.

Meets every first and third Friday 7pm to 9pm at GLCSA.

See our ad on page 54 and 66 http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com

Jun. 19 -24, 2007 - Mamma Mia!, Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Over 20 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! The ultimate feel-good show! Writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings 3 men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone’s having the time of their lives! With more productions playing internationally than any other musical, MAMMA MIA! Is the World’s No.1 Show Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra http://www.cpo-live.com • (403) 571-0849 Fairytales International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

CANADIAN EXPLOSION – The Best of Canada’s Pop, Rock and Country, Written by: Howard Pechet, April 26 – July 1, 2007 We tuned into the Americans and the Brits throughout the 60’s and 70’s and then came Bryan Adams, Shania Twain and Celine Dion. By the 90’s Canada boasted a flourishing music industry and some of the world’s greatest recording stars. Let us take you on a “Spinning Wheel Ride” from the Guess Who in the 60’s to Nickleback today.

Stride Gallery 47 1004 MacLeod Trail SE • (403) 262-8507 http://www.stride.ab.ca Theatre Junction http://www.theatrejunction.com Truck Gallery 46 815 1st Street SW (Basement) • (403) 261-7702 http://www.truck.com Vertigo Mystery Theatre 34 161, 115 – 9 Ave SE • (403) 221-3708 http://www.vertigomysterytheatre.com

Edmonton Listings Bars and Clubs

Boots & Saddles 5 10242 106th St • (780)423-5014 Buddy’s Nite Club 6 See our ad on page 6 11725 Jasper Ave • (780) 488-6636 http://www.buddysniteclub.ca/ Prism Bar & Grill 8 See our ad on page 23 10524 101st St • (780) 990-0038 http://www.prismbar.ca The Roost 9 10345 104th St • (780) 426-3150 http://www.theroostniteclub.com Woody’s 12 See our ad on page 58 11725 Jasper Ave • (780) 488-6557

Bathhouse and Sauna’s Down Under Baths 7 See our ad on page 67 12224 Jasper Ave •(780) 482-7960 http://www.gayedmonton.com/

Steamers 10 9668 Jasper Avenue • (780) 422-2581 Steamworks 11 See our ad on page 65 11745 Jasper Ave• (780) 451-5554 http://www.buddysniteclub.ca/

Businesses

B & D Emporium 13 #101 11745 Jasper Ave• (780) 428-5847 http://www.bdemporiumedmonton.com Cruiseline See our ad on page 71 (780) 413-7122 trial code 3500 http://www.cruiseline.ca Phone chat room & talking classifieds for 18+ Pride Construction (780) 239-9197 Construction and Renovations

Community Groups and Organizations Buck Naked Boys Club (Edmonton) Naturism club for men.

Meets the second Saturday of each month.

(780) 471-6993 http://www.bucknakedboys.ca Our club has been meeting continuously for over 10 years. The similar club in Calgary ceased to exist several years ago. Naturism is being social while everyone is naked, and it does not include sexual activity. Therefore participants do not need to be gay, only male, but almost all participants over the years do self-describe as being gay or bisexual.

Camp fYrefly See our ad on page 49 7-104 Department of Educational Policy Studies Faculty of Education, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G5 http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca

Edmonton Pride Week Society http://www.prideedmonton.org Edmonton Pride Week 2007 Pride Week: June 15 - 24 Friday, June 15 Kicking off Pride with the Annual Pride Awards and Reception and the raising of the Pride Flag at City Hall Saturday, June 16 - Pride Parade! (Heading down Jasper Avenue and ending up at Churchill Square) After Parade Party: on Churchill Square -(Includes the Business and Community Group Fair, Family Fun area, live entertainment, food vendors and Beer Gardens) Thursday, June 21 - EVM Concert: Forever Young - A Folk Music Hootenanny Cloverdale Hall with the Bridge City Chorus of Saskatoon Friday, June 22 - Acts Of Pride (An evening of Queer theatre, dance and all things wonderful.) at La Cite Francophone Theatre Saturday, June 23 - Pride Dance, Location TBA ERBA - Edmonton Rainbow Business Association #3379, 11215 Jasper Avenue • (780) 49154458 http://www.edmontonrba.org Our primary focus is the provision of networking opportunities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) owned or operated and GLBT-friendly businesses in the Edmonton region.

Membership is open to all kinds of entrepreneurs, from tradespeople to professionals to commission salespeople.

The Edmonton Rainbow Business Association After Business Mixers. Held on the second Wednesday of every month 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Apr 11 Hulbert’s Coffee House, 7601 – 115 St, (780) 436-1161 May 9 Woody’s, 11723 Jasper Ave, (780) 4886557 Jun 13 Prism, 10524 – 101 St, (780) 990-0038 Edmonton STD 4 11111 Jasper Ave Edmonton Vocal Minority http://www.evmchoir.com Phone: 780-479-2038 Free To Be volleyball Amiskiwcy Academy, 101 Airport Rd. (near the downtown airport) Every Wednesday and Thursday night, 8pm-10pm Welcome GLBT players!

Wednesday night recreational level: All players and skill levels welcome. Contact Marc for more information: padremark@hotmail.com, Tel: (780) 445-0365.

Thursday night intermediate level: Coaching and drills provided. Contact Alex for more information: flipside@telus.net, Tel: (780) 424-9984. (Please note that there is limited space on the intermediate night) HIV Network Of Edmonton Society 3 11456 Jasper Ave Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose http://www.gayedmonton.org See our ad on page 65 Living Positive (Edmonton Persons Living with

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007

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HIV Society) 2 See our ad on page 15 (780) 488-5768 http://www.edmlivingpositive.ca Providing confidential one-on-one peer support for infected or affected individuals…. Internet support peersupport@edmlivingpositive.ca Northern Chaps http://www.northernchaps.com Northern Chaps is Edmonton’s original leather, latex, fetish, uniform club. We have been in existence officially since 1987 but have been in existence originally around 1982 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Everyone is welcome to join or attend events Northern Chaps is a social group existing for the purpose of providing a safe, accepting social climate to people interested in the leather/fetish/uniform lifestyle.

Northern Chaps believes that people should be free to express their individuality and to exercise personal lifestyle choices without social constraint, to the extent that they do not interfere with the freedoms of others.

In particular, Northern Chaps defends and pursues this belief on behalf of gay men and lesbian women who, through positive alternative lifestyles, seek to explore the boundaries of their sexuality, including the use of certain associated dress, signs and symbols, and safe, sane and consensual behaviors.

Pride Centre of Edmonton 1 95A St. and 111 Ave. • (780) 488-3234 - Bears Movie Night Bears club of Edmonton meets the last Sunday of the month for movies 1- 6 pm in the TV room at the Pride Centre of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: (780) 488-3234 - Trans Education/Support Group Support and education for all transsexual, transgendered, intersexed, two-spirited and questioning individuals meets 1st, 3rd and last Sunday of each month, 2-4 pm at the Pride Centre of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: (780) 488-3234 - Sunday Night Mens Discussion Group Mens social and discussion group meets every Sunday @ 7 pm at the Pride Centre of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: 488-3234, Contact: Rob Wells - robwells780@hotmail.com - Monday Movie Night Weekly movie nights, with themed movies and discussion afterwards at the Pride Centre of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: (780) 488-3234 - The HIV Positive Gay Men’s Group Drop in caring circle every Thursday, 1-4 pm @ 79 pm in main area, at the Pride Centre of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: (780) 488-3234 Facilitator: Mark, HIV Outreach The HIV positive Gay Men’s Group is a place for gay men to come and share their feelings on how it is affecting their personal lives. This is a 22

personal private time for them to express how it has changed their outlook on life. As well to support and help each other dealing with being HIV positive.

Whatever is said in the room stays within the room.

Remember! You are not alone!

- Youth Understanding Youth Youth support and social group meets every Saturday from 7 to 9 pm at the Pride Centre of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: (780) 4883234 Contact: yuy@shaw.ca (www.members. shaw.ca/yuy ) - Womonspace 1st Sunday of every month from 10 am to 1 pm at the Pride Centre of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph:488-3234 Contact Womonspace for details http://www.gaycanada.com/womonspace/ April 15th - Coffee House at Prism Bar & Grill, 10524-101 St. 7 to 10 pm $3 for members, $5 for non-members May 12th - May Dance and Silent Auction, Bellevue Community Hall, 7308-112 Ave. 9 pm to 1 am. $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

- Prime Timers Monthly Member Meetings at the Pride Centre of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph:488-3234 - Suit Up and Show Up Big Book Study Saturdays at 12 noon. At Pride Centre - Sick and tired of being sick and tired? Cocaine Anonymous meeting Thursdays 7-8pm CA Hotline 425-2715 - Youth Drop-in Every Wednesday at 5:00pm Open to all youth 25 years and under Contact brendan@pridecentreofedmonton.org or call 488-3234 for more info.

- Men’s HIV Support Group Will be meeting on each second Monday of the month. At the Pride Center, Edmonton Starting in April, from 7pm to 9pm.

- Parents Rock the World Workshops PFLAG Canada: Edmonton Chapter - Workshop Series Tuesdays (Feb 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6), Pride Centre (95A St. and 111 Ave.) 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Ph: (780) 488-3234 A series of workshops for Parents of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning children.

Each session will feature a 30 – 45 minute topic specific presentation, followed by a group discussion. Social time for sharing and networking will follow at the end of each session. Call the Pride Centre to register or for more details.

- GLBT Seniors Drop IN Every Thursday Pride Centre (95A St. and 111 Ave.), 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm The Pride Centre is thrilled to introduce a new program serving our GLBT seniors. Hosted by Jeff Bovee, contact the Centre at 488-3234 for more info.

Theatre and Art Alberta Ballet http://www.albertaballet.com

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Dracula - April 12 - 13 Broadway Across Canada http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca July 17 - 22, 2007 - Mamma Mia!, Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Over 20 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! The ultimate feel-good show! Writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings 3 men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone’s having the time of their lives! With more productions playing internationally than any other musical, MAMMA MIA! Is the World’s No.1 Show

Lethbridge Listings GALA/LA - Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area (403) 308-2893 (live on Mon. and Wed. evenings until 11 p.m.) http://www.newgaylethbridge.ca Monthly dances (Sept.-May) start Sept. 16 at Croatian hall Call for directions, or for information on P-Flag, campus groups and monthly pot-luck dinners

Red Deer Listings Affirm Composed of LGBTQ people, their friends, family and allies. No religious affiliation necessary.

Activities include support, faith and social justice discussions, film nights, and potlucks! Affirm meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7PM at Sunnybrook United Church, (403) 347-6073.

National Listings Businesses

Entre Nous See our ad on page 2 1-866-467-5252 http://www.entrenousnetwork.com Love and Pride Gay and Lesbian themed Jewelry http://www.loveandpride.ca Squirt See our ad on page 70 Dating and hookups website http://www.squirt.org Wega Video See our ad on page 16 Adult DVD’s http://www.wegavideo.ca

Community Groups and Organizations Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition / Coalition santé arc-en-ciel Canada P.O. Box / C.P. 3043 Saskatoon SK Canada S7K 3S9 306-955-5135 toll -free / sans frais 1-800-955-5129 fax/ télécopieur 306-955-5132 http://www.rainbowhealth.ca http://www.santearc-en-ciel.ca Egale Canada #310, 396 Cooper Ottawa, ON K2P 2H7 1-888-204-7777 toll free Stephen Lock – Regional Co-Director (Male) Prairies/NWT/Nunavut (403) 708-5302 cell phone http://www.egale.ca stephenlock@egale.ca Egale Canada is the national advocacy and lobby organization for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, trans-identified people and our families.

Membership fees are pay-what-you-can, although pre-authorized monthly donors are encouraged (and get a free Egale Canada t-shirt). Egale has several committees that meet by teleconference on a regular basis; membership on these is national with members from every region of Canada.

Theatre and Art Brothers TV See our ad on page 56

http://www.brotherstv.com OUTtv See our ad on page 52 http://www.outtv.ca If you would like to add your business or non-profit group to the list above, please call (403) 5436960, or toll free 1 (888) 543-6960 or E-mail magazine@gaycalgary.com. You can add your information to the GayCalgary.com directory on the website for free.

GayCalgary.com endeavors to have the information here as accurate as possible. Events and listings can change at any time so it is recommended that you check with the establishment before you head out.

Non-Profit groups get free listings. Business receive a listing once an ad has been placed. The business listing will last 1 year after the appear up to ad has been placed unless there is a GayCalgary.com service located at that business.

Support from Within Edmonton’s Womonspace

By Allison Brodowski Many issues are often left by the wayside of our community’s predominant political campaigns. The community tends to maintain a vision of external unity, though it is evident that this rarely exists in any form of perfect harmony. Segmentation in regards to health care, women’s issues, the definition and support of a separate trans struggle, and even adoption and parenting seems systematically pushed aside in the greater concentration of our human rights struggle. The great failings of any minority group often have existed in the overlooked internal issues of basic humanity. Thankfully there exist institutions created by groups of queer individuals who seek to address these issues. The Edmonton Women’s Center is one of these places.

The Womonspace has held its ground since 1981, when it was established by lesbian organizers over the need for a safe space in the Edmonton community. Now more than ever visibility is becoming a major issue, especially within the queer community. Colleen Sutherland originally began volunteering, knowing the organization was having some difficulties finding and keeping dedicated volunteers at that time. As of September 2006 she was granted the official position with Womonspace of Membership Director.

“Visibility is extremely important when it comes to women’s issues. As a lesbian-based group, it is difficult to reach a great majority of women that are either not currently ‘out’ or they do not frequent the bar scene. We have been hoping to get more exposure in local magazines and other community based publications in order to help make Womonspace more visible and accessible”.

Womonspace is a not-for-profit group funded predominantly through its members, advertising in Newsletters and

Community | Spotlight most importantly, through dances (held every second month).

Womonspace provides opportunities for lesbians to interact and support each other in a safe environment, and contribute to the broader community. Womonspace has worked closely with The Pride Centre of Edmonton and through this avenue provides assistance to concerns surrounding those experiencing same-sex domestic abuses, queer youth and transwoman’s issues.

“Over the past few years Womonspace has evolved into a very organized and successful lesbian group with by-laws and direction that were missing in the past. This, together with dedicated volunteers on our Board of Directors and volunteers at our events, will continue to help Womonspace move forward in a positive direction.”

The limitless positive impact on a community which includes such bastions for safety and support has proven itself over the years in the community. “Womonspace hopes to be able to continue to offer recreational activities in a safe environment to lesbians of the Edmonton area. With the help of its members and other volunteers and sponsors, it is possible to continue with this dream.”

“As for the future, Womonspace would like to continue as a successful lesbian organization with an increased membership and awareness in the Edmonton area. We are currently striving towards this goal in the hopes of reaching more and more lesbians every year!!” One can only hope we continue to support organizations such as Womonspace, and acknowledge our individual needs within our unique community.

Womonspace P.O. Box 128, Edmonton T5J 3K4 (780) 482-1794 http://www.gaycanada.com/womonspace/

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Sitting on Paradise ATP Season Closes with Calgary Story

By Jason Clevett The stellar 2006/2007 season at Alberta Theatre Projects is sadly coming to a close. Sitting on Paradise by Calgary’s own Eugene Stickland was originally part of the 1996 playRites festival, and now returns to the Martha Cohen Theatre a decade later as a cornerstone play. ”This is the third play of mine that opened at playRites and then has been subsequently produced in the regular season.

The others were produced when I was still at the theatre, so they just seemed a part of day to day life in a way,” Stickland told GayCalgary and Edmonton magazine.

“I left ATP under very good terms, but I suppose it crossed my mind that I might never have another production in the Martha Cohen Theatre, which is my favorite theatre in Canada. And now, here we are. So it feels very special, a gift, really - a bit like coming home again.”

Sitting on Paradise is the story of Roy, a successful Calgary businessman who follows the advice of his spiritual guru and decides to develop his land into a New Age retreat: Synchronicity Ridge. But to make this dream come true, Roy must win over his social climbing wife and wean her off materialistic tendencies, and a few of her prized possessions. Many of the themes that Stickland dealt with when writing the play exist now in society. ”The ongoing struggle between materialism and spirituality seems ever of greater concern now than when I wrote the play ten years ago. One only has to watch the constant parade of Hummers and beamers going down 17th Avenue to know that we live in a very materialistic society. But how do we reconcile that need for “stuff” as we drive by squeegy kids and bottle pickers?” he acknowledged.

“A lot of the humour in the play comes from debunking some of the New Age movement, if that’s what it can be called. If anything, much of that stuff has become much more mainstream now than it was in 1996. Obviously the world has changed in ten years, as have I. The whole notion of real estate development must have changed when people are making small fortunes from flipping basement apartments.

But I didn’t know much about it then and probably even less about it now. Certainly, worldwide, we see the gap 24

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007

Preview | Theatre between the rich and the poor growing by the day.”

It’s a unique opportunity to get the story behind a show from the playwright’s perspective, and Stickland told us a bit about how the concept came to life. ”It really did come about as a result of me trying to buy a second hand couch from a wealthy couple in the oil patch. I don’t really like furniture all that much and would have been quite happy to live without any, but I was married at the time and my wife insisted we have something. This couple who had the couch were so over-the-top that I told the story to my director/collaborator Bob White in the Auburn Saloon one night. He thought it would make for a good play, which I guess it has. Out of all my plays, this one was very difficult for me to write. At the time I wrote it, I was the Playwright in Residence at Alberta Theatre Projects, and was on a two-year cycle, where we would present the play as a platform play one year and it would be at playRites the next. So it took basically two years from the first scribble on a piece of paper till it had its opening night. I did this six times with ATP altogether” Seeing this show supports not only local theatre and actors, but a local playwright as well. Stickland has had a great deal of success in Canada in addition to a column in the Calgary Herald. In many ways he is an example of a local boy done well. ”Well, fame is fleeting and one of my favorite oxymorons is ‘famous Canadian playwright’. I think it’s fair to say that through the residency at ATP and my column in the Calgary Herald, I’ve influenced Calgary more than it has me. When I first got here most people didn’t have a clue what a playwright was. They’d say, ‘So you write for TV?’ or ‘What do you really do?’ You have to remember we live in a city where engineering is thought to be one of the most noble and exalted of human endeavors,” he said.

“People I would meet wouldn’t know the difference between ATP and Theatre Calgary - many still don’t. They wouldn’t know there was no ‘r’ in my last name. I’d like to think I’ve helped change the culture a little. I guess I feel I have as much of a right to be here as someone who helps get oil out of the ground. Someone once said to me if I lived in Europe they’d probably have a statue of me in the town square. Oh well, we have a ways to go. At least I don’t have pigeons shitting on my head all day.”

Alberta Theatre Projects presents Sitting on Paradise April 17th – May 5th, 2007 www.atplive.com

Q Scopes

“Listen and learn, Aquarius!”

Lifestyle | Astrology

By GayCalgary Staff Mercury entering Aries provokes an already dismal Saturn-Neptune opposition. Foot-in-mouth disease will be rampant. Think carefully; focus on spiritual ideals and good manners. (Funny how they usually coincide!) Initiative is good, but think of others first.

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SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Creativity and initiative should help your career, but such efforts are miscalculated now - not just at work, but also at home. Puttering around the house with everyday tasks can help you clear your head to focus better on your job.

ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Take careful stock of who your friends are and what values bind you together. Then ask yourself what you can do for them or your community. In your service role, accept frustrations with good grace and learn from them.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Defending your home turf can land you in some stupid arguments. Is there really any need for such defense, or is your wounded ego simply lashing out? A creative, playful response is probably more appropriate. Be nice!

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TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Juggling demands of career and family can be a real challenge, and both seem at odds with your current ideals and goals. Take some time out for meditative exercise, martial arts, biking, or a long walk.

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CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): You’re feeling trapped by sexual expectations. Simply talking with your partner may aggravate the situation for now, but with hard work can lead to resolutions. Retail therapy (on a careful budget!) can help, especially getting something nice for your home.

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GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): You feel a need to assert your personal ambitions and your intellect.

Thinking before speaking is more of a challenge than usual.

What better set-up for disastrous arguments? Have faith in yourself; don’t waste time arguing with fools, and stay focused on long-term goals.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Impulsespending can shock your partner, even if you’re on a first date. Be careful with money, but generous with speech. Saying what’s on your mind will make you more sympathetic to others. Listening and learning is even better!

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CANCER (June 21 - July 22): The role and value of sex cause you some confusion. How does your sexuality mesh with your ideals and life goals? You won’t much like the answers, but the incitement to think more about them, to adapt and grow, can prove very helpful.

PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Your verbal outbursts right now may make solitude seem like a good idea. Watching your mouth is a better one. Too much withdrawal is not healthy! Set aside a little money and allow yourself an indulgent, impulsive luxury.

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LEO (July 23 - August 22): Your sexual needs are at odds with those of your partner. Demanding what you want only makes it worse. Focusing on more philosophical questions will strengthen your partnership and help put the sexual problems into perspective.

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VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Time out to meditate and relax is essential, but too much time alone can be a trap. Conflicting needs for social activity and quiet privacy can make both uncomfortable. Some simple, uncomplicated sex can help you find balance.

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LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): The siren’s call of fun and games is distracting you from work that absolutely needs to be done. Give yourself a reasonable amount of play time with your partner or a good friend, which will make it easier to focus on your duties

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Adult Film Review

Boiler, Instinct, AWOL, and Trash

By Jerome Voltero “Boiler” by Titan Media, Courtesy of Priape The film revolves around a secluded underground boiler room where men work together and get randy with one another. The first scene is very…how should I put it? Oral. The alarmingly tall yet hunky black man, Diesel Washington, takes on the shorter white guy, CJ Knight, and they really seem to like salivating over one another. They do some sloppy kissing, and drool to excess when taking the full length of one another in their mouths. They each climax, and Washington licks his own off Knight’s work boots. The two of them go on for a second round, this time doing some rimming and anal play.

For a good part of the scene, Knight leans up against the boiler with his bare skin touching the metal. Anyone smell something burning? I didn’t think so…the boiler itself looks pretty fake - ‘A’ for effort though.

The second scene continued with the trend of deepthroating and excessive spitting, though I was myself drooling over the hunky men: Tober Brandt and Vinnie D’Angelo. They get quite rough, smacking one another’s manhood around, and trying to choke one another with it. The action makes for a level of macho dirtiness you won’t find in too many pornos – at least none that I’ve seen so far. I kept getting deija vu from the grunting sounds Brandt was making, until I realized that they repeat footage from different angles to draw things out. At least it is really hot footage – Brandt is one sexy beast!

Don’t miss the remaining steamy scenes on this DVD, especially if you like things rough and…well…wet.

“Instinct” by Raging Stallion Studios, Courtesy of Priape There is one thing I dread more than watching 4+ pornos in one day – that is two-disc sets!

Instinct comes with 8 scenes of steamy man-on-man action.

Thanks guys, make more work for me why don’tcha!

The film takes place in a dungeon setting with bars, chains, metallic surfaces, and red ambient lighting. Preditably the guys are decked out to match, in denim jeans, black boots, leather harnesses, armbands, and jocks.

They are hairy and well hung, with chiselled muscles and sexy tattoos.

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gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007

Review | Adult Male There’s no story to this film, only sex and more sex – mostly anal in fact. Hotties like Jack Deckard, Dirk Jager, Francois Sagat, and Dean Monroe help keep it interesting throughout the ample hours of mindless mating. .“AWOL Spunk” by Sneek Peek Productions, Courtesy of Adult Depot “REAL Str8 Guys Seduced” brags the cover of this hot amateur video. As usual it’s an older guy filming a young army stud who has been paid a nominal fee to show the goods and play around a little.

The army brat that they’ve chosen happens to be quite a cute puppy, especially when he has his facial hair. At times he looks like a young Ashton Kutcher, except with army pants and a skull-cap buzz cut. You see him with a scruffy beard at the beginning of the first scene, but then he soon shaves it off completely.

Now that he’s all dolled up, it’s down to business. The kid seems a little tense as the older guy steps out from behind the camera to give him a hand – and a mouth. Throughout this, the boy keeps a pretty stoic expression on his face, I suppose trying to pretend that he’s not enjoying it.

Eventually the older guy turns it all over to him, and he climaxes with a slightly traumatized look on his face. Poor straight boy.

Now either my mind is playing tricks on me, or this is the same guy in all of the scenes, just at later dates. In the next scene he looks slightly bigger and hairier. He keeps his beard, and smokes a cigarette while he plays with himself. Once again the camera man comes around to assist, with his shirt off and wearing a baseball cap. Actually, he doesn’t look half bad, though the straight boy still looks down his nose quite suspiciously.

Finally in scene number three he cracks a smile after spunking on the camera guy’s face. I like his look here by far – a more even buzz cut, and a cute chin beard.

Over all the film was pretty hot, just keep your remote handy to fast-forward through some of the dull parts.

“Bareback Trash” by ThreshHold Media, Courtesy of Adult Depot Once again, better to see it than actually do it – barebacking I mean.

I might not have picked this

one up for the guy on its cover, though the smaller inset picture shows a tattooed trailer-trash daddy that didn’t disappoint. With a buzzed head and beard, a light layer of fur on his torso, and the initial stages of a beer gut, my interest was piqued. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to determine his name from the credits, or else I’d be watching out for more films with him.

Aside from him, the majority of the cast are younger guys in their early 20s. It’s interesting how that little bit of baby fat around the waist turns them from the much sought after twink to the classification of “trailer trash”. They are certainly too smooth to be bear cubs. Similarly, skinny older guys with tattoos also make the cut.

The second scene is a bit different, as the Josh Groban lookalike from the DVD cover starts out on his bed with several sex toys strewn out – a dildo, a cock-stroking pump, a rubber mouth, and something else that I don’t know what to call. Thankfully his black buddy joins him part way through for some real action.

With pretty average looking people, this film makes for a good breath of fresh air if you’re tired of the candy-coated young model stereotypes. Real people are sexy too, even if they do get classified as “trash”.

Priape Calgary Canada’s Favorite Gay Store 1322, 17th Avenue SW – (403) 215-1800 http://www.priape.ca Adult Depot Over 2500 Gay Titles for Sale or Rent 1514B 14th Street SW – (403) 264-7399 140 – 58th Ave SW – (403) 258-2777 afterdk@telus.net

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Q Puzzle “Clothes Call,”

Fun | Crosswords

By GayCalgary Staff

CLUE: crossword featuring a quip about crossdressing Across 1 Nightclub in a Manilow song 5 Like Alexander Pope?

10 Radio jock Don 14 Force that causes you to go down 15 Shell competitor 16 Frasier actress Gilpin 17 Pink Triangle Press publication 18 Foams at the mouth 19 Ball of TV and film 20 “Clothes call” quip beginning 23 “We ___ Family” 24 Group of manhunters 25 Clark of fashion 26 Slangy word for destroyer, in the navy 28 Show with C. Kattan 30 McCullers’ Ballad of the ___ Cafe 31 Kind of mouth 32 Cathedral of Hope area 34 More of quip 35 More of quip 38 More of quip 40 Inches and Curve

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41 Cockeyed 45 Love, to Amelie Mauresmo 46 Invitation to a manhunt? (abbr.)

47 One well-hung and making big bucks 48 “Ring My Bell” singer Ward 50 It’s a good thing 53 Bear lair 54 End of quip 57 Direction from Stephen Pyles 58 Be active in B&D 59 “... can’t believe ___ the whole thing” 61 Deity on Xena 62 Rimbaud’s room 63 Trick joint, maybe 64 Container weight 65 What you might lend Marc Antony 66 Banjoist Scruggs Down 1 Courteney, or the sound of penises?

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2 Province of 17-Across 3 Piece of the action 4 It makes gelatin get hard 5 Manse dweller 6 Come together 7 Small, wet bodies 8 Sarah Paulson and Heather Matarazzo 9 Blow, as a game 10 Transvestite boast?

11 Oscar winner Etheridge 12 Family member that’s out of this world?

13 Barely burned 21 Eyeball benders 22 Bernstein’s fifth 23 It swallows plastic and spits cash 27 Sandwich and salad restaurant chain 29 Beatty of Roseanne 32 Patricia Todd, for one 33 Small basket?

34 Note to Joe Solmonese’s staff 36 Blaster for 11-Down 37 Author Crowley and

others 38 Singing Nancy 39 Lover of Kaye, some say 42 Pop artist Robert 43 Ruler’s rod 44 “I’m proud of my gay ___” 45 Pesters, as Albert to Armand 46 Postcoital sigh 47 It may vibrate when someone wants you to come 49 Closemouthed 51 Ancient erection 52 Longtime Miami head coach Don 55 Words with shame or boy 56 Some ___ It Hot 60 Long, slippery one Answer key is on page 70

Dining Out For Life 2007 In Edmonton

By Arthur McComish

There is no better way to help others than to do what you would do everyday; eat a great meal. This is the fabulous premise of Dining Out For Life. Taking place on April 26th throughout Edmonton and North America, Dining Out For Life is an international event that is centered on fundraising via participating restaurants that will donate a portion of profits from that evening to local groups that run programs focused on HIV issues.

Created in 1991 by Action AIDS in Philadelphia, Dining Out For Life has expanded across North America to thirtythree cities, including four Canadian cities located within British Colombia and Alberta. Since its inception over two million dollars has been raised in this combined effort. This will be the second year that Edmonton has participated in the event. Last year close to $6000 was raised during Dining Out for Life in Edmonton, and it is hoped that this year’s event will be an equal success.

Community|Spotlight • Wild Tangerine Tel: (780) 429-3131 for Lunch or Diner If you want to treat your taste buds to some delicious food and give to a great cause then head out to one of the participating restaurants and don’t forget to mention that you will be part of “Dining Out For Life” when making your reservations.

There are important volunteering opportunities for Dining Out For Life, which include restaurant ambassadors. The time commitment is not too large but the value to Dining Out For Life will be immeasurable. If you are a restaurateur and would like further information, call (780) 488-5768 or (780) 982-9916 or visit www.diningoutforlife.com.

Living Positive (780) 488-5768 www.edmlivingpositive.ca

Twenty five per cent of each meal from Dining Out for Life will go directly to Living Positive in Edmonton. Living Positive is a coalition of persons with HIV infection that provides tangible social support to fellow individuals living with HIV. They do this through the sharing of mutual experience, information and insight, while promoting AIDS awareness, basic human rights and a positive, dignified, hopeful attitude to HIV positive individuals in our community.

This years participating restaurants include: • The Blue Pear Tel: (780) 482-7178 for Diner • Blue Plate Diner Tel: (780) 429-0740 for Lunch or Diner • Chianti Café Tel: (780) 439-9829 for Lunch or Diner • The Crêperie Tel: (780) 420-6656 for Lunch or Diner • cul•ina Tel: (780) 437-5588 for Breakfast, Lunch or Diner • The Dish Bistro Tel: (780) 488-6641 for Lunch or Diner • Fresh Start Bakery Tel: (780) 433-9623 for Lunch or Diner • Jack’s Grill Tel: (780) 434-1113 for Diner • Parkallen Restaurant Tel: (780) 436-8080 for Lunch or Diner • il Portico Tel: (780) 424-0707 for Lunch or Diner • Red Ox Inn Tel: (780) 465-5727 for Diner • Upper Crust Café & Catering Tel: (780) 433-0810 for Lunch or Diner

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It’s All So Messy Because...it should be!

By IMU URME

What’s with all of this dissatisfaction and discontentment in the world? If you ask me, the world is frequently a tough place where crappy things happen, because that’s exactly what it should be. That’s right - tough and crappy sounds right to me! This is the mature and world-wise view, and this is how I try to consistently use the word ”should”.

Sometimes we use should in an unhelpful way: “He shouldn’t be such a jerk; that promotion should be mine; I shouldn’t have to do this.” These misuses of should are, at best, childish wishful thinking. Whether we approve or disapprove of a given event is usually irrelevant, and this pointless use often deepens our dissatisfaction with a situation without changing it one little bit. So why bother thinking and speaking in terms of what I call the “wishful should”? Isn’t life difficult enough without us supercharging our own dissatisfaction? Children make wishes; adults make changes.

Far more harmful than wishful shoulds are the shoulds that we wield as concealed weapons. We know them well: “I should be doing the laundry right now…you should call me more often…she should do what I want her to do”.

Weaponised shoulds conjure up regret, assign guilt, pass judgment, or pencil in an appointment with anxiety in the future. With what seems to be deliberate self-hatred, we harm ourselves with these weaponised shoulds, and as if that’s not destructive enough, we often aim the weaponised should outwards to harm others. That’s probably not news to any of us. But how many of us bare in mind that when we fire these off at others, they always blow up in our own face?

We will always harm ourselves because weaponised shoulds worsen our own frustration and impatience. Who started this pandemic of satisfaction- and contentment-destroying nonsense anyway? To get out of this trap, let’s try looking east.

In Eastern philosophy, one of the core teachings that deals with should is summed up in these two sentences: Because there is this, that exists. Because this is not, that does not exist.

This is called Dependent Origination – all things that originate (exist) depend on other things for their existence.

Not one single thing can exist independently of other things.

This elegantly simple idea is echoed in the Western principle of cause-and-effect. Either way, things are as they are because they should be that way! The only practical difference between Dependent Origination and the principle of cause-and-effect is one of application. That is, the societies of the East – both ancient and more modern – have spared themselves oceans of grief and bullshit by broadly applying

Life |Advice this Dependent Origination to all things at all times, not just in science class. So why do we, in the West seem to stop applying the principle of cause-and-effect on our way out of the science classroom door? In a word: emotion. More specifically, negative emotion.

In science class, no one gets too caught up in whether a hypothesis turns out to be true or not. Unless you happen to be a mad scientist, should and shouldn’t carry little emotional weight in a lab. But out here in the larger world, life is anything but simple. Out here, we constantly get ensnared by emotion – grasping at wanted ‘things’ while pushing away unwanted ‘things’. It is out here where an otherwise emotionally-neutral word such as should becomes weighed down with wants. ”If I like something, then it should be; if I don’t like something, then it shouldn’t be.”

What the heck is that?!

Who hijacked should and turned it into a weapon of mass destruction? No doctored satellite photos needed for “proof” here. These weaponised shoulds destroy our satisfaction with life. If your name is Dorothy and you’re sporting a snazzy-but-stolen pair of Ruby slippers, something will not be the way you want because you want it that way! But these expectations coming from non-medicated grown-ups seems a little cuckoo.

Things are as exactly as they should be - a tough world full of crappy things, a gentle world full of wonderful things.

There are no accidents; there is no luck. To change an effect, we must change the causes through action, and changing causes (if it is even possible) typically requires hard work.

Why waste the energy needed for positive change by sputtering out shoulds? If altering the causes is not possible, then isn’t learning to accept that less-than-ideal situation the smart move? Why waste the energy needed for making the best of a situation by bawling about what should have been?

Let’s create a gentler and more compassionate world for ourselves and each other through daily action. Less meanness, more kindness and fewer shoulds! I care because I am you, and you are me!

“Imu.urme” has studied and practiced Buddhism for over ten years – first here in Canada and later during five years of travel in Mexico and throughout East Asia. Having returned to Canada early in 2006, he wishes to share some Buddhist principles that may offer some useful philosophical tools for living in a busy world. No matter what the spiritual tradition of readers, this writing is offered without motive – other than love and compassion for all others. Questions or comments are most welcome: imu.urme@gmail.com.

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Taste of the Nation Eat and Drink for a Good Cause

By Jason Clevett On April 30th over eighty of Calgary’s finest restaurants and beverage suppliers will team up to create a premier tasting event that raises funds for worthy causes, focused on the ever-growing need for hunger relief. Taste of the Nation is now in its 15th year in Calgary. One ticket buys you an evening of fine food and beverages, live entertainment and a silent auction.

“You really must attend this year! You can expect restaurants to provide spectacular samplings of their finest morsels - anything from canapés to desserts,” Marketing Chair Lori Church told GayCalgary.com “Our beverage suppliers typically introduce us to their latest and greatest offerings - you’ll find all manner of beers, wines, liqueurs, water, non-alcoholic beverages, etc. You may find the latest organic wine or a new local brew. Each year the event changes and evolves so it’s never exactly the same except that it’s always wonderful and the support of the food and beverage industry is amazing as they supply all of their own product. We always have some eclectic entertainment throughout the evening and a fantastic silent auction for those looking to support the event further.”

Also included in the event is the popular silent auction. Always bigger, always better. Donated gifts continue to roll in for this year’s Silent Auction. Even if you can’t bid on the big-ticket items, the beauty of the Taste of the Nation silent auction is the sheer volume of auction items. You almost can’t help but take something home! And remember, every dime goes to the charities.

The event is an international effort supported by an organization called Share our Strength whose mandate has been to eliminate world hunger. Taste of the Nation is celebrated in the spring in over 100 cities across Canada and the US. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the Calgary event goes to the Mustard Seed, The Back Door, The Calgary Food Bank and Oxfam.

“The first three agencies all work at various levels to alleviate hunger at a local level while Oxfam Canada works to fight

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Community | Spotlight hunger on a global level. These agencies provide programs for self-efficiency and others fight hunger by feeding the immediate needs of those in crisis,” Church said.

“Our committee is 100 percent volunteer-driven. There are no paid organizers. We can always use people on committees or manpower just for the day of the event. People wanting to be involved can email volunteer@tastecalgary.com to offer their assistance.”

With so many charitable causes in Calgary to support, GayCalgary and Edmonton asked Church what makes Taste of the Nation unique and a must-attend event? ”We hope your readers will take the opportunity to go to ticketweb.ca and order tickets. It’s a great social event and a chance to see a great menu of fabulous restaurants and beverage suppliers. Again, all tastings are included in the price so the value is huge. As many organizations, we struggle with corporate sponsorship as each year we start from $0 - it’s mandated so each year we are faced with going out and getting sponsors.

As we are not a paid committee, each member has a full time job, and donates his or her valuable time to the event. With many companies working harder with less people, it’s even more difficult for our people. So again, we can always use help corporately and committee-wise to help spread the workload involved,” she said.

“There isn’t one reason not to attend. If you like good food and beverages, this is a place to come and sample all night for a single price of $75. You also receive a $40 tax receipt. The value is far beyond the price and considering that 100% of your ticket price goes to the chosen agencies, I challenge anyone to find a better value in a tasting event.”.

Taste of the Nation Monday, April 30. 7:00 pm Big Four Building, Stampede Park Tickets www.ticketweb.ca http://www.tastecalgary.com

Music Review Closer to the Flame

Review | Music

By Rob Diaz-Marino 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13)

The Good Stuff Sacred Heart Remember the Song Hymn Number One You Feel It At the Drive In Guide Us Home Nothing but the Stars These Quiet Streets Déjà vu (Bonus Track)

         

“Closer to the Flame” Closer to the Flame marks Vancouver singer/songwriter Joel Kroeker’s 3rd CD release. It is a unique blend of pop and country gospel; the catchy rhythms, guitar tracks and mystical lyrics result in an appealing spiritual and earthy tone.

“The flame refers to that internal source within that can guide us along the path, especially in times of personal tragedy,” says Kroeker on his website. “When I approach a song I’m always looking for that moment of transformation where the light balances the shadows. …it really came through on this record. This is a more hopeful album.”

My favorites were the slow but moving “Sacred Heart”, and the more upbeat “You Feel It”. There were a good deal of other songs that I found really enjoyable, however “At the Drive In” had an air to it that might appeal to an older, straighter audience – just not to me.

Track List: 1) Against Myself  2) King of Hearts  3) Closer to the Flame 

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Herland Film Festival Review | Theatre

By Allison Brodowski The Herland movie festival is coming of age with its 18th run since 1989 in Calgary. This locally based film festival dedicated to “Promoting and contributing to the professional advancement of, and cultural exchange between independent Canadian women media artists, and foster an appreciative audience for the media arts in Alberta through thought-provoking and innovative film and video programs, artist and curator talks and workshops, and community events.” This includes nurturing a need for herstory - the recording and celebrating of women’s achievements in history - which is something Michelle, festival co-coordinator for this year’s event advocates especially in the silver screen industry. “Creative outlets in this city are very small and independently run, but growing.”

Satellite screenings of the festival are available due to the large archive rented out to membership for research and educational purposes. One of the eventual goals of Herland is to start working with the U of C and Mount Royal College’s women’s studies program using the collected pieces as a demonstration of Herstory at work.

Herland was created by the Calgary Status of Women Action Committee (CSWAC) in 1974 and presents a sliding scale from a suggested ten dollar donation to a pay-what-you-can policy.

This is to ensure the festival is available to a large and diverse audience. The Grand Theater accommodates these values, and is both blocks away from transit and wheel chair accessible.

Patrons also have the option to request transportation and child-care subsidies in order to attend. All films are acquired by submission from independent artists and independent distributors, and reviewed by volunteer committees to assure that they meet the aforementioned criteria. This is a non-competitive festival, and no official age limit is posted. This being said all the films are reviewed and classified by Alberta Films Classification Board which dolls out ratings applicable to each film. Herland makes an effort to avoid censorship as much as possible in all of

their films.

Every February prior to the festival an intensive workshop entitled “In; Camera” takes place. The workshop awards ten days of intense training to nine women, who must create, write and cut a film that will be shown at the festival. A media project is currently in the works to showcase the talent that youth can bring to the silver screen.

The festival carries over ninety percent Canadian content, and is one of only three annual festivals to do so. The requirements of each film are: A) that it must be produced written or directed by women; and B) the film has to fill two of threes three roles to be eligible. Variety within the festival is encouraged and maintained to cover a wide range of issues such as: International, queer, aboriginal issues, eco-feminism, the gender continuum, etc. Local artists each receive a night’s worth of filmed attention to themselves. For example, the gala feature ”Nadia’s Journey” is a story centered on women’s confinement in Algeria.

Herland is one of only three events in Canada to be available strictly for women; also the programming criteria includes an emphasis on first works, local artists, works by women of colour, queer women, transgendered persons, Aboriginals, and women with disabilities. The opportunities to create international content exist in the hands of the women who submit their work to the festival.

Herland Film Festival www.herlandfestival.com

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Riding for a Good Cause Two Gay Men Mount Up in Fundraising Efforts

By Jason Clevett

Community | Spotlight

While the gay community is known for its generosity, there are people who go the extra mile in their quest for a better world. Such is the case with Edmonton’s Jerry Battley and current Banff resident David Watson. The two are embarking on their own individual journeys for two separate but important causes.

Battley is heading out to New York State for the Empire State AIDS ride. The seven day ride from August 12th to 18th will take him 901KM from Niagara Falls to Manhattan.

His ride is inspired by a fellow Everquest 2 player and online friend named Tristin, who is positive himself and rode in 2006.

“As we learned more about each other, I learned he was positive, and how it impacted his life. He did the ride last year, and his story moved me. Knowing his health condition and that he went through the challenge on his own, it motivated me to do something more. I promised him that he would not ride alone this year, if I had to finance the entire thing myself,” Battley told GayCalgary.com.

He explained why he chose to participate in a fundraiser south of the border. “AIDS does not respect border crossings and nor should my efforts. The cost to travel so far away does not faze me, when I consider that the funds will be donated to global AIDS research. I made a promise to be at a friend’s side during a challenge in his life, and I too am taking on a great challenge. I am not exactly a slim guy, a physical challenge of this caliber with someone like me

behind it shows the world one of those ‘if I can do it, you can do it’ sentiments.”

Battley is also doing this for personal reasons. ”I used to be an extremely active individual back in high school, but a car accident messed up my back. This caused weight to land on my hips more readily, and of course activity to drop. I recently have gotten my physical condition back to a state where I can take part in a lot of activity.” Battley now works weekends, with all of the money going towards his expenses for the ride, or toward donations. Depending on how this ride goes he may consider doing it again in the future. ”Depends on how sore my arse feels after 901KM in a bike seat. Seriously though, it is something I would love to do more than just once, and depending on how my body feels when I do it will decide on the frequency. It is a life style change, and it is a hard one to adapt to. Dedicating every day of my week equates to having two jobs. Albeit I am less concerned about my social life, and more concerned with ensuring my effort makes a difference.”

For current Banff resident David Watson, his “Bike Canada for Kidney” ride takes on a personal note. Raised in the small town of Harvey Station, New Brunswick his family has a history of kidney disease, which he himself was diagnosed with at the age of 22. ”As a child, my father’s Kidney disease had a large effect on my life. It changed the whole lifestyle of our family. We stopped traveling, dad was rarely working, and often in the hospital. I was only diagnosed 2 years ago, and have not had any side effects to date. I am confident that by living an active healthy lifestyle and by remaining positive, my kidneys will function well into my later years. At the same time, I am well aware of the lifestyle changes that would come if I do start having problems, which is a big reason why I am living out as many of my dreams and goals now while I can,”

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and plan on making a documentary film. My dream is to enter the film into the Banff Mountain Film Festival, where I am currently working. Neither of us have traveled around Canada that much. We are really looking forward to seeing the west coast, with the old growth forests and amazing scenery. We are also very excited to bike through northern Ontario, Cape Breton, and Newfoundland. Our goal is to not bike on the highway at all, and to follow the Trans Canada Trail as much as possible. We will be riding mountain bikes, pulling custom trailers to bring our gear. The ride is completely self-supported – camping in our tent and cooking our own food. All of the funds donated will go directly to the Kidney Foundation.”

There are many ways people can support the ride in addition to donations. If you happen to meet them somewhere along the way, stop to talk or share a meal. They will also gladly take offers for a place to set up their tent. he said. With that in mind he and long time friend Justin McGee will embark on May 1st for a four month ride across Canada.

There is no doubt that this journey will be one that these two young men will remember for a lifetime, and will surely bring them closer together.

”Justin is 4 years younger than me so I did not know him really well during school years. I was planning a solo backpacking trip through New Zealand and Australia and was contacted by Justin. He was planning a similar solo trip, [and contacted me] to see if I we could fly over together and hang out for a couple weeks. We hit it off right away and became great friends. We traveled and lived together in New Zealand and Australia for 15 months. After returning to Canada last December, I moved to Banff to fulfill my life long dream of a ski season in the Rockies. Justin joined me out here in September and we have had an amazing winter skiing the various mountains here in Banff.”

“This upcoming bike ride across Canada will only strengthen our friendship even more. We know there are times when we will have fights, but we have very compatible personalities and interests in life - enjoying the outdoors and getting the most out of life, so we are not too worried about this. I am the organizer, planner, and motivator. Justin will keep us laughing along the way!”

It was in March of 2006 that David came out.

“Justin did not know I was gay the entire time we were traveling overseas. This was very tricky for me, as I always had to pretend to hook up with girls. I came out of the closet while living here in Banff, and called Justin to tell him over the phone – he was shocked beyond belief. But he is a very supportive and understanding friend and is happy for me.

Coming out has been a great experience for me, although living in Banff has certainly limited my chances at meeting any guys!”

Both fundraisers have websites that include photos, information about their charities, and journals of their path leading up to and including the rides.

Donation Websites Jerry Battley’s Empire State AIDS ride http://donate.trelin.net David Watson & Justin McGee’s Bike for Kidney. www.bikeforkidney.com

While raising funds and awareness for Kidney disease is the major goal, Watson and McGee have other aspirations in mind as well. ”I have several goals. The main goal of this bike ride is to raise as much awareness as possible about Kidney Disease and the importance of living an active healthy lifestyle, and the importance of organ donation. We also have a goal of raising $20,000 dollars for the Kidney Foundation of Canada,” he said. “On a gay note, I want to be a role model for young gay people. I came from a small town where the only reference I had to being gay were the characters I saw on TV – and this scared me. I think it is important that young gay people have role models they can relate to. So I am doing this for all of the young gay people out there who don’t necessarily fit the typical gay stereotype.”

The ride begins in Victoria and will end in New Brunswick.

The duo will be traveling through Alberta at the end of May, and Watson hopes to turn the trip into a documentary. ”We will be videoing our entire journey across Canada,

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Fundraising Photos Photos by Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz Marino of GayCalgary.com Magazine

ISCCA Karaoke at Texas Lounge - Calgary

AIDS Calgary - Spring for Life

SHARP Fundraiser at Texas Lounge - Calgary

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ARGRA Dance - Calgary

“Lucky” GirlsGo Dance - Calgary

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AIDS Calgary - Calgary Cares

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ISCWR Drag Shows at The Roost - Edmonton

ISCWR Drag Shows at Prism - Edmonton

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ISCCA Drag Shows at Money Pennies - Calgary

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Different Strokes - Mardi Gras - Calgary

ISCCA Midnight Cafe Reunion - Calgary

U of A Scholarship Fundraiser at The Roost - Edmonton

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OUTrageously Real

Calgary’s Spoken Word Festival on The Cutting Edge

By Stephen Lock When one thinks of Calgary, the image of it being avante garde isn’t necessarily the first that comes to mind. Yet, Calgary is forming a tradition of quite edgy, even transgressive work within its visual and performing arts communities.

“Four years ago, when I was performing at Poetry Africa, I was really moved by the idea so many poets and activists have had their voices silenced in some way, internationally,” said Festival Director Sheri D. Wilson. “When I got back to Calgary, I looked around and saw there really wasn’t anything happening here. I was inspired to give artists here that voice, to highlight poets, and groups of poets like queer poets and francophone poets, who have traditionally been unacknowledged in Calgary.”

Calgary’s International Spoken Word Festival is now the second largest festival of its kind in Canada, after Montreal’s Voix D’Amerique, something that amazes Wilson.

“When I first got this going, I thought it would just be this small, weekend event. However, it has grown enormously and has garnered so much support, not just from the arts community but Calgarians in general,” she said.

This year, the festival will run for the entire month of April, with two events being held in Banff.

“We have this loose network of Spoken Word artists called Spoken Word Arts Network, or SWAN. We meet informally to discuss the work and bounce ideas off each other.”

This year, SWAN is bringing in twenty artists to The Banff Centre (April 8th - 18th) for workshops, networking, organizing and collaboration. As a result of that work, there will be an ongoing Spoken Word program at The Banff Centre. In addition, the Canadian Theatre Review is dedicating its entire April issue to a series of essays on the festival.

“We are also launching Arsenal Press’ Seminal: An Anthology of Canada’s Gay Male Poets which is Canada’s first anthology of non-erotic gay male writing,” Wilson said, adding “Can you imagine…this is the first gay Canadian anthology that is not featuring erotic writing – every other anthology of gay male writing has had sex and eroticism as

Preview | Theatre its focus. I find that amazing.”

“We still do not have an anthology of women’s writing in this country. I find that pretty amazing, too.”

Given the nature of Spoken Word, an art form rooted in the beatnik tradition of jazz-influenced poetry, the genre is unique. Wilson studied under such luminaries of the Beat Generation as Allan Ginsberg and William Burroughs.

“Spoken Word is not theatre, it’s not poetry,” Wilson points out. “While rooted in beat, it grew to incorporate hip-hop and reggae-style phrasing, just as the beatniks incorporated jazz phrasing in their work.”

“It is social commentary and tends to be quite edgy and often humourous. Spoken Word is the voice of the people for the people, not art created by some elite. Within that there is often a sort of epiphany. You receive it in mind, body, spirit and heart because that is where it comes from within the artist.”

Because Spoken Word gives voice to those communities and individuals too often silenced, Wilson has always had queer voices involved, most notably that of Ivan E. Coyote (who many readers may be familiar with through his regular column in Xtra West).

“Ivan has been involved since the beginning. While female, he identifies as male and has a wealth of experience to draw on. His writing is powerful anyway, but to hear him tell stories on stage is an experience,” chuckled Wilson.

Through Ivan E. Coyote, Wilson was introduced to evelyn parry, a well-known queer spoken word artist out of Toronto, who will also be performing at this year’s festival.

“I really needed a strong female energy to balance out the male energy in this year’s event,” said Wilson.

While they have always involved queer artists, Wilson decided last year to actively highlight a queer voice.

“Queer culture is a culture unto itself, and it is underrepresented within the dominant culture; it needs to be heard and seen.”

“I did Queer Conscience at last year’s festival and took a lot of flack from artist friends across Canada who joked nobody in Calgary would attend. Well, we showed them - it was the sold out event of last year’s festival. People loved it!”

Wilson was approached this year by Kevin Allen to tie the Spoken Word Festival in with OutFest, as part of the OutRights conference also happening in Calgary in April.

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As part of that collaboration, the Festival is featuring the Body & Soul photography exhibit, organized by Brad Bostock.

A visual art form like photography might initially appear to be an odd fit for a festival dedicated to the vocal. However, Wilson has a quick answer to that.

“Photography is a poetic extension of the story-telling Spoken Word. Anything that brings community together more is important and valid. An event like this creates dialogue, and with dialogue comes understanding.”

One of the featured performer’s is Calgary’s Empress 30, Mz. Dyna Myte.

“I met Dyna Myte when I was emceeing Annie Sprinkle’s wedding a few months ago. I was very taken with her understated elegance and her – well – peaceful aura. Most drag queens are pretty out there and she just wasn’t like any drag queen I’d encountered,” recalled Wilson.

Dyna Myte often performs songs in her own voice rather than lip-syncing, and so Wilson asked the Empress if she would perform the national anthem at the festival.

“Calgary is becoming like the Paris of the 20’s. Isn’t that amazing?”

Calgary’s International Spoken Word Festival Running the entire month of April www.calgaryspokenwordfestival.com

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Queers in Sports and the “Games” Queer Quest

By Kevin Alderson, Ph.D., R. Psych.

“All women in sport are asked to prove their heterosexuality, and lesbians are asked to stay in the closet for the good of the game.” [1] After seeing previews of the movie 300, I knew I needed to see it, and apparently so did millions of others. Hollywood knows what sells – straight women and gay men love to see (generalizing here) hot-bodied men running around in capes and speedos while straight men love battle scenes that ultimately portray hyper masculinity. Perhaps Sigmund Freud wasn’t wrong about us humans: perhaps our drives are mostly about sex and aggression. How sad that many societies emphasize and legitimize the latter over the former.

In sport, the normative social pecking order that places heterosexual masculinity at the top of the pyramid abounds, and the psychological literature is full of reference to it. Much of the “playful” behaviour in sports, frequentlyheard antigay epithets in locker rooms, and derogatory references made about women and lesbian athletes in sporting contexts are testimonials of this hierarchy. [2, 3] Media itself usually buys into the code of silence, focusing on the heterosexuality of athletes and rendering those who are queer as invisible, trivial, laughable, or worse: as inferior, pathological, or sinful. The movie 300 does the same in its portrayal of Greek warriors who are bold, violent, masculine men who appear to be nonsexual with each other (which is historically inaccurate).

Needless to say, queer athletes face a host of issues. Like all queer individuals, athletes must (a) decide whether to conceal their sexuality, (b) decide who they can trust, (c) cope with pressures to change their sexual orientation, (d) resolve religious conflicts, and (e) deal with other people assuming they are heterosexual. In addition, however, queer athletes also deal with additional pressures, such as (a) avoiding success for fear that the media will “out” them; and (b) facing pressure, either subtly or overtly, to leave the team or their sport. Queer athletes, queer coaches, and some who “look like” they belong to our community have also not been recruited because of the way they are perceived. [4] Homophobia and heterosexism is rampant within professional sports, and this remains true in liberal countries like the Netherlands as well. [5] Perhaps largely because there is greater homophobia directed at gay men compared to lesbian women, we find that, given their prevalence in the population, proportionately fewer gay men but proportionately more lesbian women participate in team sports. [6, 7] I suspect that queer sports teams emerged for a myriad of reasons, and partly to deal with the difficulty of giving one’s best when feeling diminished or ostracized for being queer.

Being part of a team provides a sense of camaraderie, 46

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especially when the team and organization accepts players as they are. [8] Once teams form, the foundation is laid for the wholesome competition of sport. Now let’s take a look at the Games and two of the factions that have formed.

The most famous of queer sports competitions is the International Gay Games, founded by Olympic gay athlete Dr. Tom Waddell. It was initially named the Gay Olympic Games, but the United States Olympic Committee successfully won their injunction in court to prevent the word “Olympics” from being used. Since then, there have been a total of seven Games, the next to be held in Cologne, Germany, in 2010 (i.e., Gay Games VIII).

The seventh Gay Games were meant to be held in Montreal in 2006, but disagreements between organizing bodies led these games to be held in Chicago instead. The Montreal committee, however, did not let the dream disappear, and from their conflict emerged the first World Outgames. These Games, with over 12,000 participants, were held in Montreal from July 26 to August 5, 2006. Unfortunately, these Games lost a significant amount of money (to the tune of 5.3 million). Nonetheless, Copenhagen has agreed to host the second World Outgames in 2009.

Following on the heels of these other major queer sports competitions, Calgary will be hosting the first North American Outgames during the first week of this month. An Internet source from 2006 predicted that about 2,500 people are expected to visit the city for the event, which is really a series of events as it offers a human rights conference, cultural festivities, and the athletic competitions themselves.

Such events as queer Games have the potential to do enormous good for queer individuals and for society at large. Psychologically, they enhance our sense of community by creating the feeling of belonging to something larger than ourselves: people working and playing together with a common purpose and a common vision. There are demonstrable improvements in self-esteem for the athletes and others who become involved in some way. [9] Theorists have also suggested that such Games have the potential to improve society’s tolerance and/or acceptance of the queer community and its diverse individuals. [10] Let me extend a special thank you to the organizers of the North American Outgames. You have collectively provided an outstanding contribution to the queer community, and

ultimately to the betterment of all. Now let’s show the world a side of Calgary that ought to make us all proud!

Dr. Alderson is an assistant professor of counselling psychology at the University of Calgary who specializes in gay and lesbian studies. He also maintains a private practice. He can be contacted by confidential email at alderson@ucalgary.ca, or by confidential voice mail at (403) 605-5234.

References: 1) Plymire, D. C., & Forman, P. J. (2000). Breaking the silence: Lesbian fans, the Internet, and the sexual politics of women’s sport. International Journal of Sexuality & Gender Studies, 5(2), 141-153. [quote from p. 142].

2) Cogan, K. D., & Petrie, T. A. (2002). Diversity in sport. In J. L. Van Raalte & B. W. Brewer (Eds.), Exploring sport and exercise psychology (2nd ed.). (pp. 417-436).

Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

3)

Plymire & Forman (2000).

4)

Cogan & Petrie (2002).

5) Hekma, G. (1998). “As long as they don’t make an issue of it. . . “: Gay men and lesbians in organized sports in the Netherlands. Journal of Homosexuality, 35(1), 1-23.

6) Elling, A., De Knop, P., & Knoppers, A. (2001). The social integrative meaning of sport: A critical and comparative analysis of policy and practice in the Netherlands. Sociology of Sport Journal, 18(4), 414-434.

7)

Cogan & Petrie (2002).

8) Price, M., & Parker, A. (2003). Sport, sexuality, and the gender order: Amateur rugby union, gay men, and social exclusion. Sociology of Sport Journal, 20(2), 108-126.

9) Krane, V., Barber, H., & McClung, L. R. (2002). Social psychological benefits of gay games participation: A social identity theory explanation. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 14(1), 27-42.

10)

Ibid.

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GLASS Gender Bender Community | Spotlight

By Arthur McComish According to the world of Wikipedia, gender bending is, “an informal term used to refer to a person who actively transgresses, or ’bends,’ expected gender roles.

Gender bending is a form of social activism in response to assumptions or over-generalisations about genders.”

But on Saturday April 14th at the Den on the The University of Calgary campus, gender bending will be about celebrating a year’s worth of efforts by the queer community on campus. It is about having that perfect opportunity to ask about, or experience, what a drag king or queen does to hide their bits and pieces. Yes we are talking about the tuck here.

The annual University of Calgary gender bender is presented by the Gay and Lesbian Associates of Students and Staff (GLASS). They are a campus resource for everyone at the University of Calgary; Lesbian, Bi, Gay, Trans, Straight, Asexual, Queer, or Questioning, all are welcome. GLASS is composed of a variety of people from different faculties, backgrounds, and experiences in life, who support the principle that all people should be treated with dignity whatever their sexual orientation.

Hosting the gender bender for the third time will be local Calgary drag king Bruce Lee. For Lee it’s all about the entertaining, “ It’s fun, I love it. I really like to give the audience something.” And for anybody who has taken in one of Lee’s performances before, you know that you can expect nothing short of a whole hearted number to get the room shaking. You can also expect to watch a multitude of other fantastic performances by seasoned drag queens and kings along with some newcomers.

Don’t forget to come dressed up as gender bending is not intended to be limited to the professionals of the evening; guests are also encouraged to make the gender switch. Be-

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cause in reality half the fun of gender bending is watching the all-new personas that emerge from people, you would be very surprised what happens to a six foot two football player in pumps.

So if you don’t want to miss all the fun then come out on Saturday April 14th and get bending!

GLASS Annual Gender Bender Doors open at 8.

Tickets: $5 through Glass, $7 at door.

The Den, MacEwan Hall University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW GLASS glass@ucalgary.ca (403) 210-8837

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True Colours

By Stephen Lock

Within the evangelical Christian ranks, debate around whether sexual orientation is in-born or acquired continues. While a frustrating process for those of us who know we didn’t wake up one day and say, “Gee, I think I’m going to be sexually and romantically attracted to my own sex from now on,” it is of major interest in parts of the Christian and, to a lesser degree, some Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities.

Of course, it is Christian evangelicals who grab most of the spotlight as they have wider access to such things as television and radio programs aimed at the faithful. Even at that, it should be noted it is primarily American evangelicals who seem to set the various agenda…which is not to let Canadian evangelicals off the hook; our homegrown versions tend to also accept questionable science in this matter.

The latest volley comes from one Albert Mohler who created a bit of a kafuffle a few weeks ago by stating that even if homosexuality was genetic rather than a choice, he would still see it as wrong. Not only that, but Mohler insinuated that where it could be proven sexual orientation – by which he and his ilk mean homosexuality – was genetic or chromosomal or somehow inborn, he would support the aborting of “homosexual fetuses.”

Given conservative Christians’ position on the “pro-life” end of the spectrum, Mohler didn’t quite couch it in those terms; he did, however, advocate parents’ choice to interfere with a homosexual fetus either through genetic manipulation or, perhaps, actual abortion.

Mohler, apparently, was picking up on a recent – and erroneously understood – study involving so-called “gay rams.”

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Politics The Internet was flooded with commentary regarding this particular study, much of which asserted the researchers were engaging in genetic manipulation to ensure heterosexuality. The researchers have since issued at least one rebuttal to this, claiming this view misrepresents the study and its conclusions. Apparently PETA, well-known for its opposition to animal research and not above some questionable tactics itself, was behind the erroneous claims.

As an activist, I have long taken the position nobody “chooses” to be homo- or bisexual, any more than anyone “chooses” to be heterosexual. Claims to the contrary simply fly in the face of the experience of lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals.

Various agenda of the Christian Right are, however, premised on the idea that gay, lesbian or bisexual orientation is chosen. Heterosexuality of course is not, simply because heterosexuality is “normal” and therefore we decadent, selfabsorbed perverts clearly have chosen to abandon that in favour of the hedonistic pleasures afforded us by others of our own sex.

The most pernicious of these agenda is that of the socalled “ex-gay” movement. One would be hard-pressed to find a more psychically damaging undertaking than trying to change one’s sexual orientation from homosexual or bisexual to heterosexual. While behaviour can be altered, one’s orientation cannot be, no matter what various shills of the “ex-gay” movement say.

So-called reparative therapy (i.e. therapy to “repair” the broken homosexual and “return” him or her to normal heterosexuality) is a crock. It maintains that if one only tries hard enough, or prays hard enough, one can emerge from the darkness of homosexuality and enjoy healthy, wholesome, normal heterosexual relationships.

As a gay peer-counsellor for many years, I can attest to the walking wounded that such a philosophy leaves in its wake. Individuals who, for whatever reason, sought to “escape the homosexual lifestyle,” and who often had social adjustment issues to begin with, too often ended up more disturbed than they might have been originally.

Instead of working on how to become healthier gay men and lesbians, for instance, these individuals were manipulated into seeing their homosexuality as the problem, rather than their attitude towards it. They were convinced they could change…and when they couldn’t it wasn’t a false ideology that was at fault, but them.

For those who appear to make the transition to functional heterosexuality, some important questions arise. I am in no position to know what goes on in some one else’s psyche, but I strongly suspect that one of two things likely occurs in such a situation: First, the individual was a Kinsey 3, 4 or 5, already possessing some sexual attraction to the opposite sex and, through sheer will, has suppressed or supplanted their attraction to the same sex. Kinsey – who is vilified by the Right but was nevertheless a leading researcher in the area of human sexuality – stated human sexual behaviour could be gauged on a continuum numbering zero to six, with zero being absolutely heterosexually-behaving with no homosexual activity, and six being absolutely homosexual in behaviour.

I was once asked by a student in a class I was speaking to whether, if a straight pill was invented, would I take it.

I immediately responded with a resounding no. When he looked surprised, I asked him if he would take a pill that would turn him gay. Well, of course not, he replied. Right.

Being heterosexual was as much a part of his self-identity as being gay is to mine. Why would I change that? I would cease to be me. While not always happy with “me,” at the core I don’t want to be “not me” because then who would I become, who would I be? It’s a major philosophical question….

The Mohler’s of the world seem not to understand this. If a fetus was found to be homosexual and genetic manipulation was undertaken to render that fetus heterosexual, who that fetus was – or would become – would be forever altered. That, to me, is the stuff of nightmares.

Stephen Lock is a long time gay activist in Alberta. He is also the Secretary and Regional Co-Director (Prairies/NWT/Nunavut) of Egale Canada, the national equality seeking organization for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transidentified people and our families. He is the producer and host of Speak Sebastian, a semi-monthly queer radio show broadcasting the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 9pm on CJSW FM 90.9, and a freelance writer. The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the views of Egale Canada, CJSW, or any other organization or publication unless specifically stated as such.

A Kinsey One would be primarily heterosexual with incidental homosexual activity, a Two primarily heterosexual with significant homosexual activity, and a Three being the classic ‘bisexual’ with behaviour equally involving both male and female partners. The scale then goes in the opposite direction until one reaches six. The scale, it needs to be noted, gauged sexual behaviour, not orientation.

The second probability is, while the individual is now behaving heterosexually, they remain a gay man having sex with a woman, or a lesbian having sex with a man. In other words, the orientation remains as it has always been; only the sexual object choice has changed.

I can’t imagine a more soul-destroying situation than having sex with someone you inherently are not physically attracted to, and never again to have sex with someone that you are. If you do, it is then seen as not unlike an alcoholic who falls off the wagon.

On just about any level one cares to imagine, this subverting of one’s nature, the denying of that nature, is destructive and, quite bluntly, truly evil. The evil comes not from the person themselves, but from those who would try and thwart another person’s natural instincts, and who claim those instincts are a sinful and perverted choice.

To then have someone like Mohler reinforce such hogwash by claiming that, even if it was proven sexual orientation is determined in utero, he would still see homosexuality and bisexuality as sinful and wrong, defies comprehension.

If one has no choice over something, theologians are clear; that is not sin. I personally don’t ascribe to the “whowould-choose-to-be-gay” argument. I see it as inherently negative - as if being gay, lesbian or bisexual condemns us to eternal victimhood. I like being gay. I LOVE being gay. I am fascinated by how we, as men, are in the world and the energy I sense in other men.

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Letters to the Editor Letters

By Contributors and Staff Greetings to one and all, As our reign draws to a close, we wanted to take a moment to thank each and everyone of you. We have been blessed this year with a very successful reign and this is due to the overwhelming support that the community as a whole has offered us.

We must extend our gratitude to Twisted Element, Backlot, The Calgary Eagle, Money Pennies and Texas Lounge. We thank you for allowing us to use your venues; without this support we would not be in the position we are today. It was all of you that made the 30th House a success and for that we are eternally grateful.

With your help we have raised $30,000 which will be going out to those in need here in Calgary. There are so many worthwhile charities and we only wish we could do more.

We have enjoyed this year very much and we hope that we, as Ambassadors of Calgary, have represented you well.

The 30th House would be greatly honoured if you would join us on the eve of April 21st, 2007 for Coronation 31 “An Evening of Exxxtacy, A Night in the Garden of Good and Evil.” At this time we will pay tribute to all of those who made this year possible.

We cannot find the words to thank you enough.

Sincerely, Emperor and Empress 30 Wolf and Dyna

Dear GayCalgary, I recently moved to Calgary for my career from my hometown, population 2,000 people. I am very disappointed in the gay community in Calgary if you want to call it a “community” at all. The only gay community I see is bitchy drag queens huddled in the corner of the only gay dance club here, and twinks just using people for their evil plots.

The gay people here don’t really care about this community which in my opinion is really sad.

What if something happens, like a gay bashing or someone can’t get a job because of their sexuality? Where do we turn to? I called the centre here many times and all I got was an answering machine.

I’m not really attacking anyone but just got really jaded, as we call ourselves a non-judgemental community and all I’ve been getting is judgements about myself. I ain’t no peaches and cream here, but I get more respect from my redneck hometown than I do here, and I have my cheeks pierced, I wear 6 inch platforms with a full face of make-up

most of the time.

What happened to us? Is everyone scared to be out of the closet? I never met more “bi-sexuals” in my life than I did here...are they so far in the closet they’re finding next year’s Christmas presents?

Yours Truly, - Jody

Dear Editor, While my husband and I were out Saturday night at the Backlot we picked up your latest edition and just as I had finished reading your column titled “Homosexual Sexism” we received a phone call from a friend of ours who was so upset that he was crying. He had gone up to Edmonton for his Mother’s 50th birthday and decided late Saturday night that he really wanted to get laid and since he had never been to a bath house before, he went to the newest one in Edmonton.

He was very impressed with the look, cleanliness and atmosphere of the place and went to relax in the hot tub.

Now let me first explain that our friend is a post operative transsexual (now a complete male) but who does have some scars from the operations. When he went to sit in the hot tub there were several individuals that not only made rude comments out in the open, but went so far as to actually state that they wondered if he even should have been allowed into the bath house.

My friend could not have gotten dressed and out of there any faster, and was so upset that he just had to call us to vent and have a little cry to get it all out.

This is not the first time that he has experienced such ignorant comments (ironically he looks like a very young 14 year old boy at first), BUT he does look like a young man, not a woman. And yet he is subjected to not only ridicule but open hostility and derogatory comments. Something like this is abhorrent but the fact that it happens within our own community makes it even more reprehensible.

In this day and age when gay men still must face discrimination and inequality, where many must still remain in the closet due to their own fears of persecution, ridicule or even excommunication by religion, family and friends, what gives them the right to be even more bigoted against members of their own community. This behaviour is an absolute disgrace within the so called gay community and should be condemned by all GLBT people who should be a little more accepting. If not, we have no cohesion within, and thus no actual gay community.

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All one must do is open their ears for a night in a busy gay establishment to hear negative comments made in regards to someone’s age, their size, their physical beauty, that they are a drag queen (forgetting that it was drag queens that helped start the gay rights movement) - anyone that does not fit their cloned stereotype. To all those that have the audacity to pass judgements upon others that they know nothing about, look in the mirror and take a long hard look at yourself and ask whether or not you are so perfect that you have the right to pass such judgement on others. The catty put down comments that are so prevalent within the gay world is NOT becoming of an accepting community, something that all GLBT people MUST become if they truly want to set an example for the rest of the world, to accept us for who we are.

Paul Alberstat - Jody

Dear Jody and Paul, I certainly understand where both of you are coming from.

I remember back in Junior High and High school when the kids would behave much like what the two of you are seeing in our gay community today. I often wonder if the days of suppressing our sexuality have lead to a generation of people whose emotional development has been stunted; one where they are stuck in their higschool-style cliques, and

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put one another down for the sake of boosting their own self-worth. Unfortunately these people are already viewed as adults, and there is no teacher to dole out detention for inappropriate behaviour.

Jody, I myself have not met too many bisexuals in Calgary; perhaps it’s because I never specifically asked, or because we exist in different circles. As you noted, Calgary does have an oddly closeted atmosphere outside of the bars.

I’m sure the monster of homophobia has been much diminished in Calgary over the past years, but who is going to stick their neck out to check? That is something you can’t force on anyone else – you can only try to set an example and hope that others follow.

Paul, that sort of behaviour toward your friend should have gotten those other people kicked out of the bathhouse, perhaps for good. They have a right to choose who they want to play with, but none to do what they did. I understand that your friend has been through a lot, but in future he needs to try and stand his ground or call them out. If he doesn’t offer some resistance, those people will continue to use this tactic to push out people who are different, but have just as much right to be here.

Yours truly, - Rob Diaz-Marino

Down Under Bathhouse

By Benjamin Hawkcliffe Opened on February 6th, 1998, Down Under has developed its reputation as a clean and well run establishment. Featuring a “something-for-everyone” atmosphere, Down Under is a great place to unwind in Edmonton.

“Down Under attracts men of all ages, size, colour and sexual orientation,” said manager Bob Halldorson. “Each day can see a different mix of people, and there is never a time when the place is empty, there’s plenty for everyone!”

The facility features 54 Lockers, 33 Single Rooms, 4 Double Rooms and sling rooms. Outside of the private areas there is also a cable TV lounge, two XXX video areas, a dry sauna, steam room, glory hole booths and free high speed internet.

They also boast a ten man hot tub, the only bath house in Edmonton to offer this amenity. In addition they often have special pricing and events.

“The Nooner special is by far one of our biggest draws. This can sometimes be the busiest period of the day. Customers can check in between 11am and 2pm for a room or locker at almost half price. They can stay up to 4 hours. It is not uncommon to have a full house on some days. We also carried the nooner into the evenings with our Dip n’ Dash on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7pm and 9pm. These nights as well are becoming very popular,” Halldorson said.

“A couple of years ago, we started the Friday the 13th 24hour nooner Madness. This is a customer appreciation special in which nooner prices are available from midnight Thursday until Midnight Friday. The actual nooner, from 11am-2pm is absolutely FREE! The rooms fill up quick and the place is packed. The next one is happening this month. Wednesdays are Buddy Night; 2 for 1 check ins between 4pm and midnight. Sunday nights we have our Young Adult Night. Anyone 18-25 checking in between 4pm and midnight receive a 20% discount. It’s a great way to wind down after the weekend.”

It was a very well thought out process to put together the establishment.

“During the construction stages the management team was careful to ensure that each concept of the business met with the approval of the various City of Edmonton agencies involved, including fire, health, and police. This openness and honesty developed an excellent working relationship which has been continued over the last nine years.”

While most bathhouses are well run establishments, there are many phobias both in and out of the gay community as to what they are and what takes place there. Halldorson cleared up some of the misconceptions.

“A popular misconception is that bathhouses are dirty. At Down Under our staff work hard to maintain a high level of cleanliness to ensure our customers enjoy their stay and will come back time and time again. We have gained a reputation

Review |Business of being one of the cleanest and well-maintained Bath Houses in Canada. Another misconception is that you are at greater risk of catching an STD at a bathhouse. We try our best to promote safe sex by giving each customer a free condom and lube pack upon check in. Extra condoms are always available free of charge. We also have tips for safe sex posted in each of our rooms.”

Down Under is also proud to host the GayEdmonton.com website. This 100% free site specifically focuses on the local community with its many interactive areas.

“No other site offers opportunities for ‘hook-ups’ like the CruiseBoard where one can post for a hook-up, add a picture and email address. There are also the LiveChat rooms where you can chat in real time with other users, and the popular GuyList, which allows you to post some basic info and a pic.

This feature updates continually and displays profiles based on their most recent login activity. A new area is being introduced this month providing users with their own blog space.

And all this is free to all users and specific to Edmonton and Northern Alberta,” webmaster Ron Byers said. “The website has also allowed us to forge a relationship with HIV Edmonton, who often uses the site as an opportunity to be available through the LiveChat and CruiseBoard. Users can connect with staff from HIV Edmonton for advise and questions which can range from safe sex practices, places where testing can be done, to general questions regarding sexuality.”

Like many gay businesses, community involvement is a vital part of what makes Down Under tick. Halldorson told us about some of the non-profit groups Down Under works with, and how.

“Down Under has always been actively involved in sponsoring many community events annually, such as the ISCWR‘s Coronation Ball, Mr.Edmonton Leather, The Loud and Queer cabaret and The Roost’s Aids Benefit, to name a few. We offer support through either advertising or prize donations.”

Down Under continues to be an important part of Edmonton’s gay community. They aren’t sitting on their laurels however. Halldorson told us that there are plans in the works to do some major upgrades. The first of which will be a noticeable change in the wet area, beginning late April/early May. If you have ever been curious about a bath house but never actually set foot in one, long time patrons will tell you that Down Under is a good place to experience it for the first time.

Down Under Bathhouse 12224 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB, CANADA T5N 3K3 Phone: (780) 482-7960 http://www.gayedmonton.com/Down/down.html

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Queer Eye - Calgary & Edmonton Community Events this Month

Photos by Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz-Marino of GayCalgary.com Magazine

Woody’s Pub 5th Anniversary - Edmonton

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Western Cup Launch Party at Twisted Element - Calgary

Going Away Party for Rhoda Stiffy at the Backlot - Calgary

Fetish Night at the Calgary Eagle

Calgary Networking Club Meeting at Money Pennies

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Drag Shows at Buddy’s - Edmonton

Lorrie’s Birthday at Money Pennies - Calgary

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B&D Emporium Grand Opening - Edmonton

Drag Shows at The Roost - Edmonton

Drag Shows at Twisted Element - Calgary

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St. Patrick’s Day at Money Pennies - Calgary

Deal or No Deal Night at Money Pennies - Calgary

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Classified Ads Auditions

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Employment/Help 308 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine is looking for writers.

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experienced part time sales rep. Must be able to do cold calls and have transportation or enjoy hitting the pavement. Fax resumes to (403) 703-0685 or contact us at (403) 5436960 or (888) 543-6960 or email us at hr@gaycalgary.com

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gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007

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Classifieds continued

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gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007

Personals

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gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007

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gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007