GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine - August 2009

August 2009 ISSUE 70 The Only Magazine Dedicated to Alberta’s GLBT+ Community

FREE Branding Pride Is Corporate Sponsorship Progress?

THe Life of a Zookeeper

Mayne Island Resort

Secluded Paradise Awaits in BC

Community Directory • Map and Events • Tourism Info >> Starting on Page 17

GLBT Resource • Calgary • Edmonton • Alberta

www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Photography

Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino and contributors Karen Hofman, Jason Omelian.

Videography

Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino

Printers

North Hill News/Central Web

Distribution

Calgary:.........................Gallant Distribution . .....................................GayCalgary Staff Edmonton:......................Clark’s Distribution Other:........................................Canada Post

Legal Council

Courtney Aarbo, Barristers and Solicitors

Sales & General Inquiries

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #403, 215 14th Avenue SW Calgary, AB, Canada T2R 0M2 Office Hours:.............. By appointment ONLY Phone:................................. (403) 543-6960 Toll Free:............................ 1-888-543-6960 Fax:..................................... (403) 703-0685 E-Mail:.............magazine@gaycalgary.com

This Month's Cover

Myron Friesen, photo by Rob Diaz-Marino

8 Mayne Island Resort Secluded Paradise Awaits in BC

11 Behind the Scenes at the Valley Zoo Edmonton Attraction Celebrates 50 Years

13 Chelsea Boys

PAGE 5

Mercedes Allen, Chris Azzopardi, Dallas Barnes, Camper British, Dave Brousseau, Sam Casselman, Jason Clevett, Andrew Collins, James S.M. Demers, Rob DiazMarino, Jack Fertig, Glen Hanson, Joan Hilty, Evan Kayne, Stephen Lock, Allan Neuwirth, Steve Polyak, Mark Randall, Pam Rocker, Romeo San Vicente, DIane Silver, D’Anne Witkowski, Dan Woog, and the GLBT Community of Calgary, Edmonton, and Alberta.

Publisher’s Column

14 Out of Town

Gay-Friendly Hideaways With Big Views

17 Directory and Events 23 Creep of the Week Erik Rush

PAGE 8

Writers and Contributors

5 Finally…a Holiday!

24 Culture Is Culture

Fund Everyone Or Don’t Fund Anyone

27 Q Scopes

“Keep it clean, Aquarius!”

28 Deep Inside Hollywood Stargate lesbians in space!

29 Cocktail Chatter

Infusion Confusion and The Wonderful World of Whisk(e)y

30 Come Play with your Balls!

32 Letters to the Editor 34 Brüno

PAGE 11

Publisher:................................. Steve Polyak Editor:................................ Rob Diaz-Marino Graphic Design:................. Rob Diaz-Marino Sales:........................................ Steve Polyak

36 Edmonton’s 34th Coronation The ISCWR Continues Tradition of Giving Back

37 The OutField Continued on Next Page 

38 Louise Worsfold Comes to Town

The Calgary Police Force Gets an Education in Transgender Issues

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PAGE 30

Pride House: A Home For Gay Olympians

Continued on Next Page 

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

Table of Contents  Continued From Previous Page

Proud members of:

39 Grande Cache

An Alberta Jewel Worth Discovering

40 A History of Gender Variance in Expression and Identity

PAGE 39

Part 5B: Stonewall and It’s Fissures (1985 - 1995)

42 Hear Me Out The Cliks, Cazwell

43 Fundraising Photos

44 Branding Pride Is Corporate Sponsorship Progress?

46 Gay Singles in Calgary

PAGE 50

A New Way to Meet Men in your Community

47 Pride in Calgary

49 Erotica Book Review

Proof of monthly figures can be requested.

I’ll Show You Mine if You Show Me Yours

50 The Life of a Zookeeper 52 Stonewall’s Unfinished Revolution Why We Need to Move Beyond Gay Pride

PAGE 64

53 A Couple of Guys 54 Bitter Girl 56 Classified Ads

In Circulation September 4th, 2009 Please contact us immediately if you think you may have missed the booking or submission deadline.

64 Queer Eye - Community Events

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

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History

Originally established in January 1992 as Men for Men BBS by MFM Communications.

Name changed to GayCalgary.com in 1998.

Independent company as of January 2004.

First edition of GayCalgary.com Magazine published November 2003. Name adjusted in November 2006 to GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine.

Disclaimer and Copyright

September 2009 Print Deadlines

Ad Submission Monday, August 31st, 2009

Magazine

Print Circulation:.................. ~10,000 copies Pickup Density:....................~3 readers/copy Online Circulation:........... ~125,000 readers Total Readership:............. ~155,000 readers Frequency:.................................Every Month

Life, Death, and the Infamous “Gorilla Knife” Incident

Ad Booking Friday, August 27th, 2009

 Continued from Previous Page

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Opinions expressed in this magazine are specific to the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of GayCalgary staff and contributors.

Those involved in the making of this publication, whether advertisers, contributors, or the subjects of articles or photographs, are not necessarily gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans. GayCalgary also includes straight allies and those who are gay friendly.

No part of this publication may be reprinted or modified without the expressed written permission of the editor or publisher.

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

GayCalgary is a registered trademark.

Editorial

Finally…a Holiday!

Publisher’s Column

By Rob Diaz-Marino, MSc. Our job running a magazine is tough. There are those times when it feels like we’re here solely to have crap dumped on us, and then every now and then a little saving grace comes along to lift our spirits again. This month was a good month for that.

We were invited to write a review about a resort on Mayne Island in BC, which is nestled between the mainland and Vancouver Island. We, as a gay publication, were being invited because the island supposedly has a fair gay population, and also because it is growing as a gay destination. Although initially we declined visiting them for a number of reasons, the resort was willing to go out of their way to bring us there…and it was hard to say no to that!

I guess being the work-a-holics that we are, the only way to trick us into taking a holiday is to make it part of our job; enjoying the resort and photographing the sites – all research!

The trip had a lot of firsts for us; things Steve had never done, and things that we had never done together. The flight out to Vancouver wasn’t novel, but the Ferry ride to the island certainly was.

Combing the beaches and exploring the shallow waters near the shore were new experiences for Steve, he admitted, as he recalled his childhood trips to the beach: “Steven, don’t get too close to the water, something might bite you!” It took me setting a bold example to get him to realize that the water is not so dangerous, and he ended up getting quite excited over seeing real oysters, starfish, crabs, and other sea life up close. We certainly felt butch after going kayaking for the first time in our lives, and we could imagine that riding the resort’s electric scooters back and forth across the island felt a little like riding a motor bike on the open road – oh look…the gay Hell’s Angels?!

I felt a little sorry for George, our “family” connection at the resort. I imagine it must be hard to find other gay men on the island to socialize with - not because there aren’t any, but because there are limited options to meet others, especially when you work most of the day. Considering our whirlwind schedule to take in as much of the island as possible, we weren’t much company. Nevertheless we enjoyed our chats when we came to visit him in the restaurant at dinner time.

I won’t talk too much more about our trip here for the sake of

saving the rest for the article but, I have to say that the three days we spent at the Mayne Island Resort was a big step out of our shoes, a chance to grow and enjoy another side of life. An article seems like the least we could do for what a wonderful time we had, and for how much this chance to get away meant to us personally. I hope we do them justice, and that we have an opportunity to return and visit again someday.

Following our stay on Mayne, we scheduled 24 hours in Vancouver before returning home again.

During the day we did a stroll up and down Davie Street to check out places like Priape and Little Sister’s, and on a whim decided to duck into Pulse since they seemed to be open. We met manager Rob and owner Steve, which made introductions interesting.

It was funny to see how even in another city we somehow manage to bump into people that we know from Calgary, many now residents of Vancouver. We were also there to witness a sudden flourish in the publishing industry in Vancouver, as two new magazines had their first issues out on the shelves.

Popping into Celebrities later that evening proved that there are bigger clubs west of Montreal than what we have in Calgary, perhaps not in capacity (I guess the fire department does things differently here) but certainly in sheer size. One of the managers took us on a brief tour of the establishment, and we were amazed by the spacious open design with a balcony tier – a design that lends well to hosting concerts. How refreshing to see the big dance club in the city displaying posters for Pride and other non-profit groups. Maybe I can understand a little why so many Calgarians migrate to this city.

Predictably we got up to some mischief at Pumpjacks that we’d be shy to do in our home city, and enjoyed the remainder of the night at Numbers, accidentally forgetting completely about Oasis before heading back to our hotel room.

Someone Turn On the Bear Conditioning!

The weekend after this excursion, the both of us were back up in Edmonton for the Bearbash. As we did our rounds to check magazine quantities during the afternoon, we also discovered that it was Buddys 9th Anniversary Party (we wouldn’t have known if not for the poster in Woodys), and that there was a special Twiggy drag show at Prism. Steve and I did these events in turn, but the Bearbash was definitely the place to be. As anticipated, it was so full that the owner opened up the Garage Burger half of the building (with a nice patio) to the droves of bears that came out that night. A handful of guys auctioned off their jockstraps to the highest bidder, to raise money for the Pride Centre…coming to a grand total of $1500!

Continued on Page 35 

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

Mayne Island Resort

Secluded Paradise Awaits in BC

A stunning view across Bennett Bay to Georgeson Island, a mere 5 minute walk down the beach from the Mayne Island Resort.

By Rob Diaz-Marino The residents of Mayne Island, BC, don’t want you to know their secret. This became apparent as we sat enjoying an evening beer at the Springwater Lodge – the only pub on the island – having an awkward discussion with a group of three very straight men. Though they weren’t unfriendly to us outsiders, they did acknowledge a slight apprehension that some residents feel about sharing this little corner of the earth, where they all go to escape the bustle of urban life. A mere glance off the patio, out toward the docks where the sun was setting bright orange over a peaceful ocean, was a small example of what the islanders would love to keep all to themselves…and who can blame them?

So far they have succeeded, as Mayne Island, located between the mainland and Vancouver Island, can only be accessed by Ferry or Aquaplane. Both of these services only run during the daytime, making it impractical to visit unless you intend to spend the night on the island – of course, the Mayne Island Inn offers a solution to this.

We were told that the island’s population varies roughly from 900 people to 1400, depending on the season. But such exclusivity comes with a hefty price tag. Residents claim breathtaking coastlines or lush green forests as the site for their permanent homes or cabins – many of which are borderline mansions. Until recently, the average person could only dream of doing the summer cabin experience to such a beautiful and remote location.

But the Mayne Island Inn, located in Benett Bay, has made some expansions that offer us non-millionaires a way to escape to the island for a week or two of summer vacation. Of course you can always rent a room at the Inn, but this takes away a lot of the freedom that cabin living might bring. So the owners of the Inn are in the process of expanded their facility into a fully fledged resort, with additional cabins

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

that you can own for a reasonable price (starting at $59,000, likely less than a tenth of the cost of a private cabin) thanks to their fractional ownership program.

Fractional ownership is a lesser known means of sharing a seasonal dwelling with others, thereby greatly reducing the cost to each owner – in this case, split eight ways. Owners at the Mayne Island Resort are guaranteed 42 days (6 weeks) a year of personal use without having to purchase blocks of time like a time-share. Also unlike a timeshare,

The Resort Originally built in 1912, century old Mayne Island Inn is at the heart of the Mayne Island Resort. Featuring 8 ocean view rooms, a fine dining restaurant, and a casual lounge open daily, it’s ideal for weddings, receptions, and conferences.

Guests and fractional owners will have access to many additional amenities, including the Wellness Centre and Spa, which plans to be open in the spring of 2010. Included are a jetted lap pool, steam room, fitness facility, Jacuzzi and various spa services.

Vacationers will also have access to the resort’s conference room, business centre, concierge service, and shuttle service.

Meanwhile, owners receive discounts throughout the resort, as well as discounts with participating island moped rentals, kayak rentals, fishing charters, eco tours and more.

Visit this article online to see a walking tour of the resort.

Travel fractional ownership counts as actual Real Estate equity.

“We’ve given the term going to the cottage a whole new meaning,” says General Manager Debbie Lancaster. “When you arrive, you’re immediately on vacation. There’s no cleaning, cooking, or work required.

We do everything and leave the relaxing up to you.”

Phase one of development, which includes 18 cabins, is already 80% sold. As additional incentive, the Resort offers the option of two new Scooters, two Kayaks, or two years of free maintenance as a grand opening bonus. “It’s all about giving our owners every opportunity to fully experience island living.”

Exploring by Land Holidaying to this spot is not about staying exclusively within the resort, but also about enjoying nature, and the handful of shops, restaurants, and other establishments scattered around the island. We had a unique opportunity to explore the sights by day, and much to our surprise we found there were far more things to see than we could possibly fit in our 3 day stay.

We were given access to two electric scooters, like the ones offered as a bonus to new owners, which we found invaluable for exploring the island. Though these vehicles could not go much faster than 30km/h (in BC they are classed similar to bicycles and don’t require a license to drive), the slower pace allowed for more time to take in many interesting sights from the road, including houses and farms.

Sadly we could not be present over the weekend when the island’s beaches are their busiest, and when attractions such as the Museum and Farmer’s Market are open. Nevertheless, we got to visit a number of shops and popular sites, and have them virtually to ourselves.

The Gulf Island National Park is 5 minutes down the beach from the Resort. It’s a short hike to the tip of the peninsula, where you can see Georgeson Island up close, watch sailing boats and ferries coast by, explore the interesting rock formations, and discover the sea life.

The Japanese Gardens on the Southwest corner of the island were absolutely breathtaking. Built and maintained by locals, this park takes you for a stroll through the cool shade of the forest – past a stone enclosure, ornamental bell, and meditation pool – into a lush green clearing with flowing water surrounding a miniature island. It would

The Food You don’t need to wander far to go out for a meal, or relax and have a drink. The Brickworks restaurant and lounge, located on the main floor of the Inn, serves a variety of food ranging from standard fare to fine dining. Executive Chef George Adams, a former Vancouver resident, works tirelessly in the kitchen to bring all of these dishes to life.

We sampled a variety of menu items, from Fish and Chips to Cedar Planked Salmon; Teriyaki Chicken Burgers to Prawn Linguine; Seafood Chowder, Prawn Cocktail, and Crab Stuffed Mushroom. Another surefire winner was the Ice Cream Cake, super delicious, and unique in that it is prepared locally. All of these dishes were an absolute delight!

The Cabins Rickety old cabins these are not! While they range from a modest 650 to 700 square feet, they also include a spacious private patio that extends to the edge of a shore bluff, giving views of Benet Bay and Gulf Island National Park Reserve.

With a beautiful modern design, nearly every room of the cabin we stayed at has glass doors and floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto the patio or out toward the ocean, only meters away from a dock that took us well out onto the water. Although you may be indoors, you still feel very open and connected to nature around you, specifically the spectacular ocean view over Benett Bay. We drew the curtains closed at night for privacy, which made the cabin feel cozy and safe, though we still took the time to wander out onto the dock in the dark to look up at the stars.

The living room came equipped with a gas fireplace, flat screen television, and a PS3 which aside from games, can also be used to play DVDs and Music CDs. The kitchen came with a range, microwave oven, fridge, and dishwasher; hidden out of sight were also a washer and dryer. The bathroom came with a drop in soaker tub, ideal for relaxing, as well as a tiled shower area enclosed behind frameless glass shower doors.

Visit this article online to see a video walkthrough of the cabin suite.

be easy to find oneself spending a great deal of time taking in the beauty of a place like this.

One of the best public beaches on the island can be found right at the centre of Campbell bay. There’s an obvious area for parking at the side of the road, and a path ending with a wooden staircase to take you down to it. If you head a tiny bit further north along Campbell Bay Road, there’s another less prominent area to park right before the road takes a sharp turn west. On the pathway down, a sign high up in the trees reads, “Welcome to Boulder Beach. Clothing Optional.”

Technically this beach is just around the corner from the other one, but an outcropping of rock hides them out of view of one another. We’re told this is a favorite hangout for many of the island’s gay population.

On the last evening of our stay, we went out to Georgina Point Heritage Park and Lighthouse to watch a beautiful sunset from the island’s north coast. We were able to make it back to the Resort on the other end of the island before the last light faded, passing by several grazing deer along the way.

Visit this article online to see a montage of island sights.

Exploring by Sea The resort graciously booked us on a kayaking tour so that we could get an idea of what lies off the coast that may be of interest for vacationers. Surely there would be a reason to offer the choice of kayaks instead of scooters to new owners.

The tour took us out to the tip of Georgeson Island, whereupon we turned south to visit a string of three small islands. We could see seals sunbathing on the rocks, and as we approached they disappeared into the water, occasionally popping their heads up to get a closer look at us. However, a mother and her pup remained on the rocks and

Continued on Page 26 

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

Tourism Spotlight

Behind the Scenes at the Valley Zoo Edmonton Attraction Celebrates 50 Years

By Jason Clevett While the Valley Zoo in Edmonton may not be as flashy as some of its counterparts, it has a certain charm. In my first visit in years, I was instantly transported back as I remembered Humpty Dumpty, the whale, and the boat from my family visits as a child. Despite that lingering nostalgia, the Valley Zoo’s “Master Plan” looks at revamping the facility to be a better zoo in the future.

“We are working on a facility that will be more in tune with our climate: the cold weather zoo with the warm heart,” explained team leader Wade Krasnow. “We are starting with the Polar Extremes exhibit, and the first part of that will house the harbour seals and South American sea lions for now. We will keep them until they pass away and then will look at getting some more northern animals like northern fur seals. It is hard to get pinnipeds. By the time this is built and the seals and sea lions pass away we will probably have found some. Our oldest Sea Lion is 29 years old, which is very old considering the average lifespan is 18 to 20. We are doing something very well here.”

“That is the first phase and then we are looking into more terrestrial animals. The full collection for Polar Extremes has not been set yet. We have some of the animals now - our arctic wolves and foxes. The master plan will be precincts - the animals will be related to the precinct. We will have a tropical animal area for example.

We are not getting rid of any of the animals we have here.

We will also have a wonderful children’s section, which will be a complete discovery for families and children…it is a

wonderful idea.”

Those who have their own memories and don’t want to see change, meet the idea with some resistance at times. They are working to balance the past with the future, Krasnow says. ”It is hard when you are making changes to the zoo. We are 50 years old and a lot of people grew up with the old zoo, what we used to be with the train and the merry-go-round. When we are looking at replacing it, modernizing, getting better and creating new memories for the generations coming up, they have a nostalgic approach of why can’t you keep the train? It is hard to keep these things when they are 50 years old and we can’t get parts for them - they are antiques. We like to move forward. We still offer a train ride but it is a different type of train. As people see parts of it developing it is going to create excitement for when they see some of the final products.”

“I think it is because the job draws a lot of people with compassion for animals, and a gentler type of guy. It does seem like at a lot of conferences I have been at for zoos you do meet a lot of gay keepers.”

Though there has been much talk about the planned changes, little has been actually started yet. Krasnow hopes that as things start happening, it will generate a great deal of excitement, to help them move towards raising money for conservation and species survival plans.

“In the future we are going to have a zoo that appeals to the family but also adults like us, who grew up going to the zoo and appreciate animals and what the zoo has to offer.”

Krasnow, an openly gay keeper at the zoo, has seen a lot over his 22 years.

“This has been my entire career. I started volunteering here when I was in University. I thought it would be cool to do some-

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

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Tourism Spotlight the Edmonton zoo has politely refused.

thing and volunteered as a guide, got a job with the traveling zoo and worked my way up to where I am today. I am the team leader so I am responsible for animal care. I supervise all of the keepers and animal care staff. I think it is because the job draws a lot of people with compassion for animals, and a gentler type of guy. It does seem like at a lot of conferences I have been at for zoos you do meet a lot of gay keepers.”

Krasnow took members of the GayCalgary and Edmonton staff on an extensive behind the scenes tour of the zoo recently.

If a lemur has never leaped upon you, I can attest that it is a pretty cool experience. While the ring-tailed lemurs were a bit more reserved, simply licking crushed banana off our fingers after taking pieces from us, the red-fronted lemurs in the next enclosure wasted no time in leaping onto our shoulders as well as walls and fences of the Makira Outpost in their eagerness to get a treat. After a visit with the zoo’s adorable 1-year-old red panda cub, we were off to meet the seals and sea lions; we were privileged to watch Laura, one of their keepers, do a training session with them. These sessions are important both to keep these intelligent animals stimulated as well as train them for things like medical exams and drawing blood, activities that once required anesthesia to be done. These incredible experiences were just a sample of some of the programs the zoo offers, Krasnow told us.

“We have a lot of programs here. We do a lot of school tours, day cares, and birthday programs as well. We have sleepovers for groups, and adult programs which are offered in the evening. There are no other people here so you get a better experience with the animals. We have photography programs, and private tours. We can concentrate on the specific animals that you want to see and are open to all kinds of suggestions for programs.”

Another highlight was meeting the zoo’s gentle giant Lucy, the Asian elephant. She was out for a walk with her keepers, a regular activity, and it was amazing to be able to stand next to her and realize how massive she is. It is very obvious that the zoo staff care for her, but the zoo has come under fire by animal rights activists for keeping her. A sanctuary in Tennessee has offered to take her and integrate her with other elephants, an offer

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

“We are looking after Lucy, we take very good care of her. We spend a lot of time with her and adjusted the schedule so that people start at 6am and the last keeper leaves at 11pm. Throughout that period of time we spend a lot of time with her. The main elephant keepers are on from 7am to 6pm and spend all of their time with her. There are times when they have to leave to do other work on the shift, but [Lucy] is very well looked after. We have a very good vet who makes sure all of her health is taken care of. I have worked with her for 18 years and she is very well adjusted and a very happy elephant. When you go down there and she comes over and gives you a hug, that makes you think she is happy.”

Some have criticized that the zoo doesn’t want to lose its “meal ticket” in the elephant, but Krasnow pointed out a situation that contradicts this, where the zoo put another elephant’s needs above their own desires. ”We moved our African Elephant Samantha who had been here for many years. It was a hard decision for us and hard to say goodbye but we knew it was the best for her to go to a facility where she could go to a herd and possibly breed. For the best of the animal we had to give away a piece of our heart.”

Krasnow went on to explain how bad rumors about the zoo can get out of hand, and what you can do to help the truth win out.

“If you hear negative words against us, take the time to get informed about what is really going on. We see a lot of people who hear something that isn’t true, believe it, and go from there.

If there is ever a question, someone can just call us up. We are open to answering questions. Once you have that knowledge you can say no, this is what I found out.”

Having visited the zoo firsthand it is evident that the staff is very capable and loving. The zoo itself does need work, and will be the first to admit that. The master plan, which can be viewed on their website, shows a great deal of promise. The best thing you can do to help is to find out for yourself.

“The first way [of helping] is to support by donating to the society and the conservation fund through the zoo. We have a volunteer program as well. You can work with a keeper and work with the animals. It is not play, it is work but they get their rewards like feeding the animals. A lot of people think it is easy work being a zookeeper but it is not.”

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1344

View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments.

The Valley Zoo  13315 Buena Vista Road NW, Edmonton  www.valleyzoo.ca

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

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Out of Town

Gay-Friendly Hideaways With Big Views

The lawn adjacent to the View Point Inn, outside Portland, Oregon, affords a stunning panorama of the Columbia River Gorge.

By Andrew Collins There’s a reason that hotels charge twice as much - or sometimes even three times more - for a room facing the crashing surf or a soaring mountain peak than, say, a unit overlooking a parking lot or airshaft. Venturing away to some cushy retreat surrounded by visually arresting scenery practically guarantees romance (provided you bring a hot date). Overnight accommodations with stunning views come in many varieties, from antiques-filled B&B rooms overlooking sweeping desert mesas to sleek, skyscraper hotel suites offering magnificent panoramas of city skylines or monumental suspension bridges.

Here are eight gay-friendly hotels and inns around the world whose views promise to dazzle and delight you

Adobe & Stars, Taos, New Mexico In Arroyo Seco - a small and richly scenic village north of Taos - the luxurious, light-filled Adobe and Stars B&B offers stunning 360-degree vistas of the surrounding countryside. To the east, you can see the 13,161-foot Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico, which is often capped in snow. Look west, and the high-desert mesa rolls for miles and miles - as far as the eye can see. This contemporary inn is surrounded by decks and patios and filled with big windows, high ceilings, and elegant furniture. Some of the seven guest rooms have fireplaces and Jacuzzis.

Casa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Puerto Vallarta is home to one of the most alluring, dramatically

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situated gay resorts you’ll find anywhere - the stellar Casa Cupula, which excels as much for its stately accommodations as for its incomparable views. The elegant compound consists of 14 rooms and five suites, some with patios that afford unparalleled views of the city and Banderas Bay. Facilities include a well-stocked gym, four pools, and a large open-air lounge with adjacent computer room.

The property tumbles down a hillside high above Zona Romantica, a 10- to 15-minute walk from the gay beach and the many bars and restaurants. But once you’ve spent a little time relaxing here, away from the crowds and in full view of Puerto Vallarta’s stunning shoreline, you may find it hard to leave this romantic property.

Grand Hyatt Hotel, Hong Kong On the east edge of Central Hong Kong, in the Wan Chai district, the Grand Hyatt is distinct for its magnificent setting on the edge of the harbor. There are few tall buildings around it, which means that rooms enjoy knockout views of the water, the bustling Kowloon District, and the city center. This is a star in the gay-popular Hyatt brand, with some of the most lavishly decorated rooms imaginable. Don’t miss the 11th-floor outdoor pool, which is the city’s largest - it adjoins the beautiful Plateau Spa, which is an exceptional choice if you’re seeking a spa treatment while in town.

Travel Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco, California Sure, plenty of soaring skyscrapers around the world house luxury hotels, but downtown San Francisco’s Mandarin Oriental truly stands out. Every room here is on a high floor, as the hotel occupies the 38th through the 48th floors of the city’s third-tallest building. And the views take in the Bay Area’s gorgeous topography. Depending which direction you face, you might gaze out at the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, the hills above Berkeley and Oakland, or some of downtown’s other dramatic towers. In every direction there’s both natural and man-made beauty. Decorated artfully with Asian silks fabrics, bamboo flooring, and tasteful antiquities, the rooms here are spacious and airy. Some units even afford knockout views from their bathtubs.

this elegantly restored Arts and Crafts restaurant and inn is perched high on a promontory, some 1,100 feet above the Columbia River, with mesmerizing views of the Pacific Northwest’s iconic Columbia Gorge. Relax with a glass of local pinot noir in an Adirondack chair on the View Point’s sweeping back lawn, and you’d never know you’re just 20 miles or so from the bustling city of Portland.

What some visitors don’t realize is that this gay-owned property has a handful of eclectic overnight accommodations, ranging from an ultra-plush and spacious suite with a private bath and sweeping gorge views, to a few inexpensively priced, cozier rooms that have shared bathrooms. The fancier of the bunch, the Roosevelt Suite, is ideal if you’re planning an over-the-top romantic getaway, while the other rooms work nicely for budget-minded travelers who still want to stay somewhere with amazing views and great food in the restaurant, or for groups of friends traveling together.

Mount Lofty House, Adelaide Hills, Australia A highlight of touring the Adelaide Hills is a stop at Mt. Lofty Summit park, from which you’ll enjoy unsurpassed views of the city of Adelaide and the surrounding region. Nearby is one of area’s best lodging options, Mount Lofty House, a beautiful country lodge that offers similarly magnificent views. The hotel’s Piccadilly Restaurant & Wine Bar has earned considerable kudos for its wellchosen wine list and tasty food. It’s a great place to enjoy a memorable meal, high above the stunning South Australia countryside.

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1346

View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments.

Nelson’s Guesthouse, Cape Town, South Africa Close to Cape Town’s most exclusive beach communities, Clifton and Camps Bay, this posh, gay-owned guest house sits along the gentle slopes of Signal Hill. From this modern, Mediterraneaninspired, six-room property, you’re afforded fantastic views of the ocean and historic Robben Island in the distance. Look up in the other direction, and you can see the bald, grassy summit of Signal Hill and adjacent Lion’s Head. Each of the nattily decorated rooms has its own private courtyard, a perfect spot to soak up this romantic inn’s lovely ambience.

On The Rocks, Santorini, Greece Among the many gorgeous Greek islands that dot the Aegean Sea, Mykonos has the strongest following among gay travelers. But it’s Santorini, whose cliffs rise several hundred feet above a volcanic caldera now filled with clear-blue water, that offers the most spectacular views. A number of accommodations here sit along the island’s sheer ledges, with the gay-friendly On The Rocks among the most luxurious, with each of its 20 rooms (with verandas) overlooking the sea. Decor is minimalist and clean - the same white and blue color scheme that dominates the island’s architecture.

Also with fantastic views are a decent-size pool and adjoining bar, from which you can sip refreshing Greek wine while watching the sun descend each evening.

Andrew Collins covers gay travel for the New York Times-owned website About. com and is the author of Fodor’s Gay Guide to the USA.

The Little Black Book

 Adobe & Stars, Taos, New Mexico (505-776-2776, www.taosadobe.com). Casa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (Casa Cupula (322-223-2484 or 866-261-3516, www.casacupula.com). Grand Hyatt Hotel, Hong Kong (2588-1234, www.hongkong.hyatt.com).

Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco, California (415-276-9888, www. mandarinoriental.com/sanfrancisco). Mount Lofty House, Adelaide Hills, Australia (08-8339-6777, www.mtloftyhouse.com.au). On The Rocks, Santorini, Greece (30-22860-23889, www.onrocks.net).

Nelson’s Guesthouse, Cape Town, South Africa (27-21-433-2602, www.nelsons.co.za). View Point Inn, Corbett, Oregon (503-695-5811, www.theviewpointinn.com).

View Point Inn, Corbett, Oregon A popular spot for romantic brunches, lunches, and dinners,

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

Directory and Events Entry forms available at the bar.

Legend

5 Texas Lounge------------------------------ ✰

 308 - 17 Ave SW  (403) 229-0911  http://www.goliaths.ca  Open 7 days a week, 11am-close

• Bare as you Dare  Sat Aug 1st

O ur Magazine Available Here---------------- ✰ Wheelchair Accessible Venue------------------

• Military Fetish Night  Fri Aug 14th

CALGARY

33 Twisted Element

 1006 - 11th Ave SW  (403) 802-0230

 http://www.twistedelement.ca

• Gear/Leather Night  Sat Aug 22nd

Accommodations

Dance Club and Lounge.

• Rubber Night  Fri Aug 28th

13 Westways Guest House------------------- ✰

 216 - 25th Avenue SW  (403) 229-1758  1-866-846-7038  westways@shaw.ca  www.gaywestways.com

Bathhouses/Saunas

55 Marquee Room---------------------------- ✰

 612 - 8th Avenue SW  http://www.marqueeroom.com

Alternative night every Wednesday.

Bars and Clubs

9 MPs (Money Pennies)------------------ ✰

 1742 - 10th Ave SW  (403) 263-7411  http://www.money-pennies.com  Closed Mondays.

3 Backlot---------------------------------- ✰

 209 - 10th Ave SW  (403) 265-5211  Open 7 days a week, 4pm-close

Bar and restaurant.

4 Calgary Eagle Inc.---------------------- ✰  424a - 8th Ave SE  (403) 263-5847

• TNT Pride Explosion

 Sat Sept 5th, 9:30pm Nina Tron, Justine Tyme, guest Bianca LaBouche

 http://www.calgaryeagle.com  Open Wed-Sun, 5pm-close Leather/Denim/Fetish bar.

Community Groups 2 Aids Calgary---------------------------  110, 1603 10th Avenue SW  (403) 508-2500  info@aidscalgary.org  http://www.aidscalgary.org

• Post Parade Party

 Sept 6th

• Volunteer Activity Nights

 AIDS Calgary Training Room  403-508-2500, ext.116  volunteer@aidscalgary.org  Wednesday, August 19, 5-7pm  Thursday, September 17, 5-7pm  Wednesday, October 21, 5-7pm  Wednesday, November 4, 5-7pm Bring a friend, have a laugh, make a difference!

Registration required 2 weeks prior.

• Women’s Healing Circle

 AIDS Calgary Training Room  403-508-2500, ext.200  Wednesdays, 1:30pm Topics Covered: Safer Sex & HIV/AIDS, Living with HIV/AIDS, Challenging Stereotypes.

✰

• Walk for Life

 Eau Claire Plaza  Sun, Sept 20, 10am-2pm Registration/Check In: 10am, Opening Ceremonies: 11:30am-12pm, Walk: 12pm-1pm, Lunch/ Entertainment: 1pm-2pm.

• Pride Kick-Off Party

 Aug 30th, 8pm Kate Reid plays LIVE!

• Great Chili Cook-off  Sun Sept 20th, 6pm  johnf777@telus.net  http://www.calgaryeagle.com/form.html

6 Goliath’s----------------------------------- ✰

 308 - 17 Ave SW  (403) 229-0911  http://www.goliaths.ca  Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

• Core Training Workshops

 AIDS Calgary Training Room  403-508-2500, ext.116  Tuesday August 11, 9am-4pm Topics Covered: Safer Sex & HIV/AIDS, Living with HIV/AIDS, Challenging Stereotypes.

Alberta Society for Kink

 (403) 398-9968  albetasocietyforkink@hotmail.com  ca.groups.yahoo.com/

group.albertasocietyforkink  Meet and Greets: Mondays, 7pm-9:30pm

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Calgary Outlink---------- Community Groups Aids Calgary------------- Community Groups Backlot------------------------Bars and Clubs Calgary Eagle Inc.------------Bars and Clubs Texas Lounge-----------------Bars and Clubs Goliath’s--------------------------Bathhouses

9 MPs (Money Pennies)--------Bars and Clubs 13 Westways Guest House----Accommodations 16 Priape Calgary----------------- Retail Stores 24 Courtney Aarbo-----------------------Services 33 Twisted Element--------------Bars and Clubs 34 Vertigo Mystery Theatre------------- Theatre

35 36 37 41 43 48

One Yellow Rabbit-------------------- Theatre ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects-------- Theatre Pumphouse Theatre----------------- Theatre La Fleur------------------------- Retail Stores Lisa Heinricks--------- Theatre and Fine Arts Barbies Shop------------------- Retail Stores

52 55 56 58

Sandra G. Sebree--------------------Services Marquee Room---------------Bars and Clubs Sacred Balance Piercing------- Retail Stores Theatre Junction--------------------- Theatre

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

17

Directory and Events Apollo Calgary Friends in Sports

 http://www.apollocalgary.com

Apollo Friends In Sports is a volunteer-operated, non-profit organization serving primarily members of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered communities but open to members of all communities. We currently have more than 400 members and are growing fast! The primary focus of Apollo is to provide our membership with well organized and fun sporting events and other activities to allow them to participate and interact in a positive social framework.

• Badminton (Absolutely Smashing)

 St. Martha School (6020 4th Avenue NE)  Wednesdays, 7pm-9pm (Season has ended) Fees Per session: $4 for Apollo member, $5 for nonmembers. Season’s pass $75.

• Bowling (Rainbow Riders League)

 Let’s 10 Pin Bowlerama, 2916 - 5 Ave NE  (Season has ended) • Curling

 North Hill Curling Club (1201 - 2 Street NW)  Saturdays: 2:20pm and 4:30pm (Season has ended) • Golf

 golf@apollocalgary.com See website for details.

• Volleyball (Recreational)

 Langevin School, 107 - 6A Street NE  www.apollocalgary.com/apollo/volleyball  (Season has ended) All are welcome. This is for all skill levels, including recreational players and beginners. You can sign up for the season or drop-in.

• Yoga Season has ended.

Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association  www.argra.org

 (403) 541-8140

• Monthly Dances-----------------------------  Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association 1320 5th Avenue NW  Sept 27, Oct 18, Nov 15th, Dec 6th Doors open 8pm. $6 ARGRA Members, $10 non-members.

Artists for the Quality of Life

 (403) 890-1261  www.afqol.com • Endless Summer Beach Party

 The Backlot (209 - 10th Ave SW)  Friday, August 14th

• Outdoor Pursuits See website for details.

• Running (Calgary Frontrunners)

 Coffee Junkies, 7th Street and 1st Ave SW  Tim (403) 660-6125  calgaryfrontrunners@shaw.ca  Saturdays at 9am Distance varies. 8km-15km. Runners from 6 minute/mile to 9+ minute miles. During the summer we attempt to have evening runs during the week.

• Slow Pitch See website for details.

• Tennis See website for details.

• Volleyball (Intermediate/Competitive)

 YWCA, 320 - 5th Avenue SE  www.apollocalgary.com/apollo/volleyball  (Season has ended) This is for seasoned players. You can sign up for the season or drop-in.

 Calgary Eagle, 424a 8th Ave SW

 3RD THURSDAY every month

Women’s dance and social night.

Calgary Men’s Chorus

 http://www.calgarymenschorus.org • Rehearsals

 Old Y Centre, 223 - 12 Avenue SW  Tuesday nights, Sept-Jun, 7pm-9:30pm

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.

1 Calgary Outlink---------------------------- ✰

 #4, 1230A 17th Avenue SW  (403) 234-8973  http://www.calgaryoutlink.com

Browse over 450 listings in our Online GLBT Business Directory, and our complete Online GLBT Community Events Calendar.

www.gaycalgary.com 18

✰

 304, 301 14th Street NW  (403) 283-5580  http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca

Looking for Something?

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

• Library A great selection of resource books, fiction, nonfiction, 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.

• Between Men and Between Men Online

 Tuesdays 7pm-9pm 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.

• Heading Out

 2nd and 4th Friday of every month, 7pm-9pm Peer group for men who are looking for an alternative social activity to the bar. Activities vary and are fun and entertaining.

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 Sexual Health Centre---------

• Peer Support and Crisis Line Front-line help service for GLBT individuals and their family and friends, or anyone questioning their sexuality.

• Calgary Networking Club

 Ming, 520 - 17th Ave SW  First Tuesday of every month, 5pm-7pm 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.

• Cut-a-Thon

 Tomkins Park (17th Avenue SW)  Monday, September 7th Cabin Fever

• Lawn Bowling

 Inglewood Lawn Bowling Club 1235 - 8th Avenue SE  Tuesdays, 6-9pm

 lawnbowling@apollocalgary.com See website for details.

Formerly know as the Gay And Lesbian Community Services Association (GLCSA).

• Illusions Calgary 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

 Every Monday, 7pm-9pm 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. It is a funky and safe environment with a variety of resources and activities.

• New Directions

 Every 3rd Friday of the month, 7pm-9pm Drop in peer-support group to provide support and resources for individuals who identify as transsexual or inter-sexed. 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!

• SHEQ Soulful Healing Ego Quest

 Trudy or Krista, (403) 585-7437  Runs for a ten week period on Thursdays, 7pm 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. To participate, please call the exclusive SHEQ line or leave your name and a contact time/number with Calgary Outlink.

• Womynspace

 Every first and third Friday, 7pm-9pm Peer social/support group for women providing an evening of fun, bonding, discussion and activities.

Calgary Queer Book Club

 Weeds Cafe (1903 20 Ave NW)

Look us up on Facebook.

Deer Park United Church/Wholeness Centre

 77 Deerpoint Road SE  (403) 278-8263  http://www.dpuc.ca  Worship Time - 10am Sundays

Different Strokes

 http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org

• Swim Practice

 SAIT Pool, 1301 - 16th Ave NW  Thursdays 7-8pm July 2009 to Aug 2009 (one/week only) 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.

FairyTales Presentation Society

 #4 - 1230A 17th Avenue SW  (403) 244-1956

 http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com

Alberta Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.

• DVD Resource Library Over a hundred titles to choose from. Annual membership is $10.

Femme Fatale Carnivale

 Fluid (1213 - 1st St. SW)  Fri Aug 14th, 8:45pm

Gay Singles in Calgary

 http://www.gaysinglesincalgary.org

Girl Friends

 members.shaw.ca/girlfriends

Girlsgroove

 http://www.girlsgroove.ca

• Wine & Cheese Event

 Webster Gallery (812 - 11th Ave SW)

 Sept 11th, 6pm-10pm Women only event, $5 cover.

HIV Peer Support Group

 (403) 230-5832  hivpeergroup@yahoo.ca

ISCCA Social Association

 http://www.iscca.ca

Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch. All monies raised go to Charity.

• Shooters at Texas Lounge

 Aug 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, 8pm-11:30pm • BBQ and Shooters at the Backlot

 Aug 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 5-9pm • BBQ and Shooters at the Calgary Eagle

 Aug 1st, 15th, 10pm-Close

Directory and Events • Drag Show at the Calgary Eagle

 Aug 2nd, 16th, 10pm • Onyx 24th Mardi Gras Birthday

 Texas Lounge

 October 2, 8pm Knox United Church

 506 - 4th Street SW  (403) 269-8382  http://www.knoxunited.ab.ca

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.

• Worship Services

 Wednesdays - Communion Service 12:10pm.

Sundays - 11am. September to June.

Sundays - 10:30am in July and August.

Miscellaneous Youth Network  http://www.miscyouth.com

• Fake Mustache------------------------------  The Soda, 211 - 12th Ave SW  1st Thursday, 7pm-9:45pm Calgary’s ONLY Drag King Show. $5 cover. $2 cover under 18. Advance tickets available at Barbies Shop.

Mystique

 mystiquesocialclub@yahoo.com

• Street Gala & Beer Garden

 Olympic Plaza

 Sun, Sept 6th, 1pm-6pm • Rocky Horror Pride Show

 The Plaza Theatre, Kensington

 Sun, Sept 6th, 11:30pm Pride Rainbow Project

 prp@planet-save.com  http://www.priderainbowproject.com

Youth run project designed to show support for same-sex marriage in Canada and elsewhere. A fabric rainbow banner approximately 5 feet wide - goal is to make it 3.2km (2 miles) long, in order to break the world record.

Primetimers Calgary

 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 respects whatever degree of anonymity that each member desires.

Mystique is primarily a Lesbian group for women 30 and up but all are welcome.

• Monday Walkers

 Every Monday

• Coffee Night

 Second Cup (2312 - 4th Street SW)

 TBA

• Lawn Bowling

 Every Tuesday

NETWORKS

 (403) 293-3356  sanpfeif@telus.net

A social, cultural, and service organization for the mature minded and “Plus 40” gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered individuals seeking to meet with others at age-appropriate activities within apositive, safe, non-threatening and nurturing environment.

Parents for Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

 Sean: (403) 695-5791  http://www.pflagcanada.ca PFLAG Canada is a registered charitable organization that provides support, education and resources to parents, families and individuals who have questions or concerns about sexual orientation or gender identity.

Positive Space Committee

 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW  (403) 440-6383  http://www.mtroyal.ca/positivespace 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 Planning Committee  www.pridecalgary.ca

 (403) 797-6564

• IGNITE Pride Dance

 Belgo (501 - 8th Ave SW)

 Sat, Sept 5th, 8pm

bullying.

• Pride Parade

 Start: 8th Avenue and 8th Street SW

 Sun,Sept 6th, 12pm-1pm

• Saturday Coffee

 Midtown Co-op, 1130 - 11th Ave SW  Every Saturday, 10am

• Bowling for Beswick

 Inglewood Lawn Bowling Club 1235 - 8th Ave SE

 Sat Aug 8th, 12pm Registration: 12pm, Game: 1pm. $15 per person.

Unity Bowling

 Let’s Bowl (2916 - 5th Ave NE)  sundayunity@live.com  New season begins Sept 13th.

Western Canada Bigmen and Admirers

Formerly GLASS - Gay/Lesbian Association of Students and Staff.

• Coffee Night

 2nd Cup, Kensington.

 Every Tuesday, 7pm.

Rainbow Community Church

 Hillhurst United, 1227 Kensington Close NW  roneberly@shaw.ca  http://www.rainbowcommunitychurch.ca  Services: every Sunday afternoon at 4:00pm

The Rainbow Community Church is an all-inclusive church; everyone is welcome.

Rocky Mountain Bears  bearcoltr@shaw.ca

 http://www.rockymountainbears.com

Safety Under the Rainbow

 http://www.safetyrainbow.ca Mission: To raise awareness and understanding of same-sex domestic violence and homophobic youth

 www.vigorcalgary.ca 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.

“Yeah... What She Said!” Radio Show

 CJSW 90.9 FM

 yeahwhatshesaid@gmail.com  Every Monday evening, 8:30-9pm

Retail Stores

Clothing and accessories. Adult toys, leather wear, movies and magazines. Gifts.

• Summer Splash Sale

 Until August 16th Save up to 60% on Selected Items.

Wares & Wear Ventures Inc. See Canada - Retail Stores.

Calgary Civil Marriage Centre  ca.ca@shaw.ca Marriage Commissioner for Alberta (aka Justice of the Peace - JP), Marriage Officiant, Commissioner for Oaths.  (403) 246-4134

24 Courtney Aarbo (Barristers & Solicitors)

 1138 Kensington Road NW  (403) 571-5120  http://www.courtneyaarbo.ca

Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY. DevaDave Salon & Boutique

 810 Edmonton Trail NE  (403) 290-1973

Cuts, Colour, Hilights.

Duncan’s Residential Cleaning Residential cleaning. Free estimates.

Interactive Male

✰

 (403) 261-2112 trial code 8873  1-800-777-8000  www.interactivemale.com

Jeff LeBlanc, Century 21

Halo Steak, Seafood & Wine Bar

 Canyon Meadows Plaza 13226 Macleod Trail SE  (403) 271-4111  www.halosteakseafoodandwinebar.ca 9 MPs (Money Pennies)----------------- See Calgary - Bars and Clubs.

Organic teas and tea ware.

 Jim Duncan: (403) 978-6600

Restaurants 4 Calgary Eagle Inc.--------------------- See Calgary - Bars and Clubs.

The Naked Leaf---------------------------  305 10th Street NW  (403) 283-3555  http://www.thenakedleaf.ca

Cruiseline

Vigor Calgary ✰

Florist and Flower Shop.

 (403) 777-9494 trial code 3500  http://www.cruiseline.ca

 (403) 255-7004

 279R Student Union Club Spaces, U of C  (403) 220-6394  http://www.ucalgary.ca/~glass

41 La Fleur------------------------------------  103 - 100 7th Avenue SW  (403) 266-1707

GLBT legal services.

WesternCanadaBigmenGroup/  bigpaul41@yahoo.com

• Lawn Bowling Jitney

 August 22

48 Barbies Shop--------------------------- ✰

 1313 16th Avenue SW  (403) 262-8265  http://www.barbiesshop.com

Services & Products

 groups.yahoo.com/group/

• Lunch and Matinee

 Rosebud Theatre  Tony: (403) 547-9129

Adult Depot----------------------------- ✰  (403) 258-2777 Gay, bi, straight video rentals and sex toys.

 140, 58th Ave SW

16 Priape Calgary------------------------- ✰

 1322 - 17 Ave SW  (403) 215-1800  http://www.priape.com

Sharp Foundation

 (403) 272-2912  sharpfoundation@nucleus.com  http://www.thesharpfoundation.com

Urban Sex Radio Show

 CJSW 90.9 FM

 http://www.cjsw.com

 Every Wednesday from 9-10pm Focus on sexuality; gay bisexual lesbian trans gendered and straight issues here in Calgary and around the web.

• Free Pool at the Calgary Eagle

 Every Wednesday

Queers on Campus---------------------

Scarboro United Church

 134 Scarboro Avenue SW  (403) 244-1161  www.scarborounited.ab.ca  Sunday Worship: 10:30am Scarboro United Church is a caring community for risk-takers, adventurers, and explorers in contemporary Christian living. Scarboro is an affirming congregation, which means that the full inclusion of LGBT people is essential to our mission and purpose. Scarboro United Church welcomes all to our spiritually enriching Sunday Service at 10:30am. Afterwards, all are welcome to join us in fellowship downstairs over coffee, tea, juice, and home-baked treats.

✰

 #1, 4600 Crowchild Trail NW  Cell: (403) 542-6926  Pager: (403) 509-2121  Fax: (403) 509-2130  jeff@homeswethometeam.ca  www.homesweethometeam.ca

Keith Hill, North Hill Mazda

 1211 Centre Street NW  Cell: (403) 614-7359  Phone: (403) 276-5962  Fax: (403) 276-7361

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

19

Directory and Events DOWNTOWN EDMONTON

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1 Pride Centre------------- Community Groups 3 HIV Network------------- Community Groups 4 Edmonton STD---------- Community Groups

 khill@northhillmazda.com  www.northhillmazda.com Lorne Doucette (CIR Realtors)

 (403) 461-9195  http://www.lornedoucette.com

Marnie Campbell (Maxwell Realtors)

 (403) 479-8619  http://www.marniecampbell.ca MFM Communications

 (403) 543-6970  1-877-543-6970  http://www.mfmcommunications.com

Web site hosting and development. Computer hardware and software.

Rick Grenier (Invis)

 (403) 862-1162  rickgrenier@invis.ca Mortgage solutions.

56 Sacred Balance Piercing

 1528 - 17th Avenue SW  (403) 277-4449  www.sacredbalancetattoo.com

Tattos and body piercing.

SafeWorks Free and confidential HIV/AIDS and STI testing.

• Calgary Drop-in Centre

 Room 117, 423 - 4th Ave SE  (403) 699-8216  Mon-Fri: 9am-12pm, Sat: 12:15pm-3:15pm • Centre of Hope

 Room 201, 420 - 9th Ave SE  (403) 410-1180  Mon-Fri: 1pm-5pm 20

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5 Boots Bar and Lounge-------Bars and Clubs 6 Buddy’s Nite Club------------Bars and Clubs 7 Down Under Baths---------------Bathhouses

• Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre

 1213 - 4th Str SW  (403) 955-6014  Sat-Thu: 4:15pm-7:45pm, Fri: Closed • Safeworks Van

 (403) 850-3755  Sat-Thu: 8pm-12am, Fri: 4pm-12am 52 Sandra G. Sebree, Lawyer

 1610 - 17th Ave SW  (403) 228-8108  www.sandrasebree.com

TherapyWorks

 (403) 561-6873  ckorol@therapyworks.ca  http://www.therapyworks.com Take back your life from stress, sadness, and worry.

Youth Juice

 (403) 686-7714  dianevp@shaw.ca  http://www.ourworldnetwork.com/dianevp

Theatre and Fine Arts 36 ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects

 (403) 294-7402  http://www.ATPlive.com

8 Prism Bar & Grill-------------Bars and Clubs 11 Steamworks----------------------Bathhouses 12 Woody’s-----------------------Bars and Clubs

13 PLAY Nightclub---------------Bars and Clubs

 www.jubilations.ca

6 Buddy’s Nite Club------------------------- ✰

 11725 Jasper Ave  (780) 488-6636

43 Lisa Heinricks (Artist)---------------------  Art Central, 100 7th Ave SW, lower level  http://www.creamydreamy.com 35 One Yellow Rabbit-------------------------  Big Secret Theatre - EPCOR CENTRE  (403) 299-8888  www.oyr.org 37 Pumphouse Theatre------------------  2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW  (403) 263-0079  http://www.pumphousetheatres.ca

✰

Stagewest-------------------------------

✰

8 Prism Bar & Grill---------------------- ✰

 10524 101st St  (780) 990-0038  http://www.prismbar.ca 12 Woody’s------------------------------------ ✰

 11725 Jasper Ave  (780) 488-6557

 727 - 42 Avenue SE  (403) 243-6642  http://www.stagewestcalgary.com 58 Theatre Junction----------------------  Theatre Junction GRAND, 608 1st St. SW  (403) 205-2922  info@theatrejunction.com  http://www.theatrejunction.com

13 PLAY Nightclub---------------------------- ✰

 10220 103 Street  (780) 497-7529  info@playnightclub.ca  http://www.playnightclub.ca

✰

34 Vertigo Mystery Theatre------------------  161, 115 - 9 Ave SE  (403) 221-3708  http://www.vertigomysterytheatre.com

Bathhouses/Saunas 7 Down Under Baths------------------------ ✰

 12224 Jasper Ave  (780) 482-7960  http://www.gayedmonton.com 11 Steamworks------------------------------- ✰

 11745 Jasper Ave  (780) 451-5554  http://www.steamworksedmonton.com

Community Groups BEEF Bear Bash

AXIS Contemporary Art-------------------  107, 100 - 7 Ave SW  (403) 262-3356  rob@axisart.ca  www.axisart.ca

EDMONTON

 Boots Bar and Lounge

 www.bearbeef.org

Fairytales See Calgary - Community Groups.

Bars and Clubs

Book Worm’s Book Club  Second Cup, 11210 Jasper Ave  bookworm@teamedmonton.ca  Wed Aug 19, 7:30pm Maurice by E.M. Forster

Jubilations Dinner Theatre  Bow Trail and 37th St. SW  (403) 249-7799

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

5 Boots Bar and Lounge----------------- ✰

 10242 106th St  (780) 423-5014  http://www.bootsbar.ca/

Bar night for hairy men and admirers.

Directory and Events  Wed Sept 16, 7:30pm Embracing the Wide Sky by Daniel Tammet Buck Naked Boys Club

 (780) 471-6993  http://www.bucknakedboys.ca  2nd Saturday of every month Naturism club for men. 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

 7-104 Dept. 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 Prime Timers  edmontonpt@yahoo.ca  www.primetimersww.org/edmonton EPT is a group of older gay men and their admirers who come from diverse backgrounds but have common social interests. Meetings include a social period, a short business meeting and then either a guest speaker, discussion panel, or a potluck supper. Special interest groups meet for other social activities throughout the month. In July and August we have a BBQ or picnic in lieu of a meeting and in December it’s replaced with a Christmas party. EPT is affiliated with Prime Timers World Wide.

• Monthly Meetings

 Unitarian Church, 10804 - 119th Street  2nd Sunday of most months, 2:30pm Edmonton Rainbow Business Association

 3379, 11215 Jasper Ave  (780) 429-5014  http://www.edmontonrba.org

ERBA’s 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.

• After Business Mixers

 Garage Burger Bar (10244 - 106th St.)  2nd Tuesday every month 5:30–7:30pm Edmonton Illusions Social Club

 Boots Bar & Grill  (780) 387-3343

 groups.yahoo.com/group/edmonton_illusions  2nd Thursday of each month 4 Edmonton STD

 11111 Jasper Ave

Edmonton Vocal Minority  sing@evmchoir.com

 (780) 479-2038  www.evmchoir.com

Exposure 2009

 Nov 13th- 22nd, 2009 3 HIV Network Of Edmonton Society---- ✰  11456 Jasper Ave  www.hivedmonton.com

Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose

 http://www.gayedmonton.org

• Ball Week Kick-off Party

 Buddys Nightclub • State Dinner

 Prism Bar & Grill

 Sat, Aug 22  Wed, Aug 26, 6pm

• “Love Me Forever” Film Presentation

 Prism Bar & Grill  Wed, Aug 26, 8pm • In Town Show

 PLAY Nightclub  Thurs, Aug 27, 8pm Protocol: 8pm, Show: 10pm. $5 cover.

• Meet and Greet

 Boots Bar & Lounge

 Fri, Aug 28, 8pm

• Hospitality

 Coast Edmonton Plaza, 22nd floor  Sat, Aug 29, 11am-3pm  Sat, Aug 29, after Coronation • Coronation

 Coast Edmonton Plaza  Sat, Aug 29, 5:30pm • Victory Brunch

 Prism Bar & Grill Tickets: $20.

 Sun, Aug 30, 11am

OUTreach

 University of Alberta, basement of SUB  outreach@ualberta.ca  http://www.ualberta.ca/~outreach

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender/transsexual, Queer, Questioning and Straight-but-not-Narrow student group.

1 Pride Centre of Edmonton------------ ✰

 95A Street, 111 Ave  (780) 488-3234  admin@pridecentreofedmonton.org

• Bears Movie Night

 TV room, Pride Centre of Edmonton  Last Sunday of the month, 1-6pm • Community Potluck

 Main Space – Upstairs

 tuff@shaw.ca

 Last Tuesday, 7-9pm

A potluck open to all members of the LGBTQ community. A time to get together, share a meal and meet people from the community.

• Free School

 Main Space – Upstairs  monika_penner@shaw.ca  2nd and 4th Sunday, 11am-5pm Free School provides workshops on a variety of topics related to local activism.

• Get Straight – Cocaine Anonymous

 Downstairs Couch Area

 Thursdays, 7-8pm Cocaine Anonymous: Support group for anyone struggling with cocaine or drug addictions.

• Get Tested for STIs

 Last Thurs of Month, 3pm - 6pm Free STD testing for anyone interested. For more information please contact the Pride Centre.

• GLBT Seniors Drop-In

 Main Space – Upstairs  tuff@shaw.ca

 Every Tuesday & Thursday, 1-4pm

A social and support group for seniors of all genders and sexualities to talk, have tea and offer each other support.

• Trans Education/Support Group

 Green Room – Upstairs

 2nd Tuesday, 7:30-9:30pm Transgender Education and Support Group: Education and support for transgender, transsexual and questioning people in any stage of transition.

• Men Talking with Pride

 Main Space – Upstairs

 robwells780@hotmail.com  Every Sunday, 7-9pm A social discussion group for gay, bisexual and transgendered men to discuss current issues and to offer support to each other.

• Men’s HIV Support Group

 Green Room – Upstairs  huges@shaw.ca

 2nd Monday of the month, 7-9pm Support group for people living with HIV/AIDS. • PFLAG

 Red room - Downstairs  780-436-1998  edmontonab@pflagcanada.ca  1st Wednesday, 7-9pm Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays: A support group for family members and friends of GLBT people. An excellent resource for people whose family members and friends have just come out.

• Prime Timers See Edmonton Primetimers.

• Queer Youth Sport & Recreation night

 Alex Taylor School Gym, 9321 Jasper Ave  Brendan, (780) 488-3234  brendan@pridecentreofedmonton.org  First Tuesday of every month, 4:30pm • Suit Up and Show Up: AA Big Book Study

 Downstairs Couch Area

 Saturdays, 12-1pm Discussion and support group for those struggling with an alcohol addiction or seeking support in staying sober.

• TTIQ

 Green Room – Upstairs  admin@pridecentreofedmonton.org  1st and 3rd Sunday, 2-4pm TTIQ is mixed gender open support group addressing the needs of transsexual and transgendered individuals. Brunch at a local restaurant on the last Sunday of each month at 12:00.

• Womonspace Board Meeting

 Main Space – Upstairs  wspresident@hotmail.com  1st Sunday, 10:30am-12:30pm Womonspace is a Social and Recreational Society in Edmonton run by volunteers. They provide opportunities for lesbians to interact and support each other in a safe environment, and to contribute to the broader community.

• Youth Movie

 Main Space – Upstairs  brendan@pridecentreofedmonton.org  Fridays, 6:30-8:30pm Movie chosen by youth (aged 14 – 25), usually

with LGBT themes. Popcorn is served.

• YouthSpace

 brendan@pridecentreofedmonton.org  Tuesday to Thursday, 3-7pm Fridays, 3-6:30pm Saturdays, 3-6:30pm A safe and supportive space for GLBTQ youth aged 13–25. Video games, computers with internet, clothing bank, and more.

• Youth Theatre Project

 Downstairs Couch Area  will@pridecentreofedmonton.org  Every Wednesday, 7-8:30pm An opportunity for youth to address the problem of homophobic bullying through theatre. Write and rehearse skits, perform in the community, and help make a documentary.

• Youth Understanding Youth See separate listing.

• Youth Yoga

 Alex Taylor School Gym (9321 Jasper Ave)  Every 1st Thursday, 4:30pm Team Edmonton

 president@teamedmonton.ca  http://www.teamedmonton.ca

Members are invited to attend and help determine the board for the next term. If you are interested in running for the board or getting involved in some of the committees, please contact us.

• Annual General Meeting

 September 26th • Badminton

 Oliver School, 10227 - 118 Street

 badminton@teamedmonton.ca  Wednesdays, 6pm-7:30pm Season starts March 8th Women’s Drop-In Recreational Badminton.

•Ballroom Dancing

 Foot Notes Dance Studio, 9708-45 Avenue NW  Cynthia: (780) 469-3281  Season has ended.

• Blazin’ Bootcamp

 Oliver Community Hall (10326 - 118 Ave)  bootcamp@teamedmonton.ca  Every Mon + Thurs, 7pm-8:15pm Starting May 4th • Bowling (Northern Titans)

 Gateway Lanes, 100 - 3414 Gateway Blvd

 bowling@teamedmonton.ca  Every Saturday, 5pm-7pm Resumes Saturday January 3rd $15.00 per person.

• Curling with Pride

 Granite Curling Club, 8620 107 Street NW  (780) 463-5942  curling@teamedmonton.ca  See website for details.

• Cycling (Edmonton Prideriders)

 Various locations in Edmonton  cycling@teamedmonton.ca  Every Wednesday, 6:30pm • Dragon Boat (Flaming Dragons)

 Festival: Aug 21st-23rd

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

21

Directory and Events

 dragonboat@teamedmonton.ca

We are exploring the option of setting up a dragon boat team for 2009. Please send your name and contact information.

• Golf  golf@teamedmonton.ca • Gymnastics, Drop-in

 Ortona Gymnastics Club, 8755 - 50 Avenue  gymnastics@teamedmonton.ca  Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8pm-10pm Have the whole gym to yourselves and an instructor to help you achieve your individual goals. Cost is $5.00 per session.

 http://www.cruiseline.ca Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY.

• Ultimate Frisbee  Sundays Summer Season starts July 12th  ultimatefrisbee@teamedmonton.ca E-mail if interested.

Interactive Male

 (780) 409-3333 trial code 8871  1-800-777-8000  www.interactivemale.com

• Volleyball, Free To Be Intermediate

 Kinsmen Sports Centre, next to Tennis courts  volleyball@teamedmonton.ca  Thursday nights from 8pm-10pm

Over the Top Designs

 (780) 974-5269

Servicing Calgary, Edmonton & Red Deer exclusively.

• Volleyball, Free To Be Recreational Grass

 Kinsmen Sports Centre  recvolleyball@teamedmonton.ca  Outdoor season, Sundays, 3-5pm

Robertson-Wesley United Church

• Outdoor Pursuits

 Sat, Aug 8th Paddle down the North Saskatchewan River

 Sat, Sept 12th, 10am-12pm Zipline @ Birch Bay Ranch

 outdoorpursuits@teamedmonton.ca

• Women’s Lacrosse

 Sharon: 780-461-0017  Pam: 780-436-7374 Open to women 21+, experienced or not, all are welcome. Call for info.

• Running (Arctic Frontrunners)

 Emily Murphy Park, meet at West End  running@teamedmonton.ca  Every Sunday, 10am-11am All genders and levels of runners and walkers are invited to join this free activity.

 (780) 482-1794  womonspace@gmail.com  www.womonspace.ca

• Roller Derby (Practices)

 eville@teamedmonton.ca  Mondays & Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm E-Ville Roller Derby is a community-wise sports initiative for adult females. Their purpose is for fun, friendly sports competition among like-minded women. You need no prior experience in roller derby. They’ll teach you everything you need to know, including how to skate!

• Samsara Yoga

 Korezone Fitness, #203, 10575 -115 Street  yoga@teamedmonton.ca  Classes resume in September.

• Slo Pitch

 Parkallen Field, 111 st and 68 ave  slo-pitch@teamedmonton.ca  Wednesdays, 7pm. Season resumes May 6th.

Season fee is $30.00 per person. $10 discount for players from the 2008 season.

• Snowballs III

 February 5-7th, 2010  snowballs@teamedmonton.ca Skiing and Snowboarding Weekend.

• Soccer

 soccer@teamedmonton.ca • Spin

 MacEwan Centre for Sport and Wellness 109 St. and 104 Ave  Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45pm July 8th - Aug 19th  spin@teamedmonton.ca 7 classes, $28.00 per registrant.

• Swimming (Making Waves)  swimming@teamedmonton.ca Season has ended.

• Tennis

 Kinsmen Sports Centre  Sundays, 12pm-3pm

 tennis@teamedmonton.ca

Womonspace

 10209 - 123 St. NW  (780) 482-1587  jravenscroft@rwuc.org  www.rwuc.org  Worship: Sunday mornings at 10:30am

People of all sexual orientations welcome. Other LGBT events include a monthly book club and a bi-monthly film night. As a caring spiritual community, we’d love to have you join us!

• Soul OUTing

 Second Sunday every month, 7pm An LGBT-focused alternative worship.

Women’s social group, but all welcome at events.

• Film Night

 Bi-monthly, contact us for exact dates.

• Games Night

 Prism Bar & Grill  Fri Aug 21, 7pm Games and $2 Pool Tournament.

• Book Club

 Monthly, contact us for exact dates.

Youth Understanding Youth

 Edmonton Pride Centre, Main Space Upstairs

 yuy@shaw.ca  www.members.shaw.ca/yuy  Every Wed/Thurs/Fri, 7pm-9pm A place where LGBTQ youth under 25 can gather to have fun and learn about themselves and others in a safe, supportive, and caring environment.

• Sports and Recreation

 Pride Centre, 9540 - 111 Ave  Brendan: (780) 488-3234  brendan@pridecentreofedmonton.org  Wed/Thurs/Fri, meet at 4:00pm

Restaurants 5 Garage Burger Bar & Grill---------------  10242 106th St  (780) 423-5014 8 Prism Bar & Grill----------------------

See Edmonton - Bars and Clubs.

Retail Stores Rodéo Drive

 11528 - 89th Street  (780) 474-0413  brendalee@rodeodrive.ca  http://www.rodeodrive.ca

His and hers fetish wear, toys, jewelry, etc.

The Travelling Tickle Trunk

 9923 - 82 Avenue  (780) 469-6669  www.travelingtickletrunk.com Sex-positive adult toy store.

Wares & Wear Ventures Inc. See Canada - Retail Stores.

Services Cruiseline

 (780) 413-7122 trial code 3500

✰

Theatre and Fine Arts Exposure Festival

 http://www.exposurefestival.ca Edmonton’s Queer Arts and Culture Festival.

• Monthly Potluck Dinners

 McKillop United Church, 2329 - 15 Ave S  3rd or Last Sat. every month, 5:30pm-8pm Members/family/friends, and children are all welcome to attend. Please bring dish that will serve 4-6 people and own beverage (no-alcohol). Plates, utensils, and coffee provided.

• Support Line

 (403) 308-2893  Monday OR Wednesday, 7pm-11pm Leave a message any other time.

• Parents & Friends for Lesbians & Gays Call us for information.

• Gay Youth Alliance Group

 Betty, (403) 381-5260  bneil@chr.ab.ca  Every second Wednesday, 3:30pm-5pm • Friday Mixer

 The Mix (green water tower) 103 Mayor Magrath Dr S  Every Friday at 10pm • Movie Night

 Room C610, University of Lethbridge  Thurs, Mar 26th, 6:30pm Movie called “Changing Our Minds: The Story of Dr. Evelyn Hooker”.

Gay & Lesbian Integrity Assoc. (GALIA)

 University of Lethbridge  galia@uleth.ca

GBLTTQQ club on campus.

Pride Lethbridge

 lethbridgepridefest@gmail.com

BANFF/CANMORE

RED DEER

Community Groups

Community Groups

Mountain Pride

 Brian, (403) 431-2569  mountainpride@gaybanff.com  www.gaybanff.com Serving the GLBTQS community in Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Area.

• Coffee Night

 The Hub, 302 Buffalo Street  4th Tuesday, 7pm-10pm • Queer Cinema Night

 The Hub, 302 Buffalo Street  2nd Monday, 8pm-11pm • Calgary Pride Roadtrip  TBA

LETHBRIDGE Community Groups GALA/LA

 (403) 308-2893  http://www.galalethbridge.ca Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area.

• Monthly Dances

 Airforce Veterans Hall, 517 - 5 Ave S

 2nd or 3rd Saturday every month, 9pm-2am Bring your membership card and photo ID.

Affirm

 Sunnybrook United Church  (403) 347-6073  2nd Tuesday of the month, 7pm

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!

ALBERTA Community Groups Central Alberta AIDS Network Society

 4611-50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB  http://www.caans.org

The Central Alberta AIDS Network Society is the local charity responsible for HIV prevention and support in Central Alberta.

Western Canadian Pride Campout July 31st - Aug 3rd   www.eventmasterinc.net YouthSafe

 http://www.youthsafe.net

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.

Continued on Next Page  22

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

Political Humour Theatre and Fine Arts Alberta Ballet

 http://www.albertaballet.com

Frequent productions in Calgary and Edmonton.

CANADA Community Groups

Creep of the Week Erik Rush

By D’Anne Witkowski

Alberta Trans Support/Activities Group

 http://www.albertatrans.org

A nexus for transgendered persons, regardless of where they may be on the continuum.

Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition

 P.O. Box 3043, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3S9  (306) 955-5135  1-800-955-5129  http://www.rainbowhealth.ca

Egale Canada

 8 Wellington St E, Third Floor

Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1C5  1-888-204-7777  www.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.

Retail Stores Wares & Wear Ventures Inc.  www.wwlatex.com Fetish wear and toys.

 (780) 980-1977

Services ATM Service Solutions

 1-866-640-8830  admin@minibanks.net  http://www.minibanks.net Squirt

 http://www.squirt.org Website for dating and hook-ups. 18+ ONLY!

Theatre and Fine Arts Broadway Across Canada

 http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca OUTtv

 http://www.outtv.ca

Add Your Listing!

Find out how to have your business listed in our monthly magazine directory:  (403) 543-6960  1-888-543-6960  magazine@gaycalgary.com.

Add your listing to our online directory for free:  http://www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary endeavors to keep our directory and events information accurate and up to date. If you notice anything incorrect or out of date, please contact us.

Erik Rush is totally gonna puke. As a matter of fact, he probably kept a bucket next to his desk the entire time he was writing his July 9 World Net Daily column titled “The myth of homosexual oppression.” Or maybe he skipped right to the chase and wrote it in the bathroom, which would be appropriate since it’s a load of shit.

Who, exactly, is making Rush so sick? Barack Obama. And the gays. And the disgusting relationship between the two.

For starters, on June 1, Obama declared June Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. “I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists,” he said in a statement.

Then, to make things worse, Obama met with LGBT community leaders on June 29. It was, writes Rush, “a shameless, retch-provoking pandering session.” All those gay bodies in one room so close to the President of the United States getting their homo cooties all over him: I can picture Rush heaving at the mere thought of it. Somebody get him some ginger ale and Saltine crackers, stat.

In Rush’s view, gay folks wield “an inordinate amount of power in the Democrat [sic] party” and are responsible for Obama getting elected, which basically makes Obama the head of a fag puppet government. This would explain why in his first 100 days Obama legalized marriage for gays and lesbians, overturned the Defense of Marriage Act, got rid of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and changed the National Anthem to Cher’s “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves.”

The truth is, Obama is moving pretty slowly on the LGBT front, which kind of flies in the face of Rush’s claim that Obama has the “perception of necessity in the show of advancing their agenda.”

Oh yeah, also Obama is a magic hypnotist. “With his Svengali-like powers, perhaps he can even pull off compulsory approval of homosexuality on the part of every soul in America,” writes Rush.

That’s right, Mister. Who needs hearts and minds when you’ve got souls? “You are getting very sleepy, Sir. Now, when I clap my hands three times you will open your eyes, cluck like a chicken and go kiss your male co-worker on the mouth. And like it.” Now that’s what I call good government.

The worst part of all of this, according to Rush, is that gays don’t even face discrimination. That word, apparently, is reserved for black people. “I have always considered those who make the comparison between blacks and gays as the worst kind of scum. Don’t expect me to change my tune just because our precious {ITAL first black president} is making the comparison now,” writes Rush, himself a black man.

Why is it so scummy to make such a comparison? Because homosexuality isn’t something you’re born with. And don’t expect Rush to change his tune about that, either. “All the junk science in the world isn’t going to alter the fact that homosexuality is a choice,” he writes.

Most disgusting of all is “the fallacious premise ... that homosexuals are somehow oppressed in America. They are not.”

His proof? He doesn’t offer any, probably because he was making himself so sick with all of this focus on gays. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find some TUMS myself.

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1348

View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments.

D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world she reviews rock and roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister and teaches writing at the University of Michigan.

Non-profit groups receive free listings.

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

23

Politics

Culture Is Culture

Fund Everyone Or Don’t Fund Anyone

By Stephen Lock This may well be “old news” by now, but I believe it still bears addressing since it seems to me to be symptomatic of the Conservative government’s attitude to the funding of cultural events, generally, and the funding of GLBTQ events, specifically.

A fair amount of kerfuffle arose last month over the $397,500 allotted to Toronto’s Gay Pride Festival by Tourism and Small Business Minister Diane Ablonczy. The announcement was issued on June 15.

Ablonczy is responsible for the $190-million Marquee Tourism Events Program, which funded the event. However, various Conservative MPs expressed “shock and outrage” over the allocation, despite various other festivals across Canada benefitting from the Marquee program.

Brad Trost, a Saskatchewan Conservative MP, spoke out publicly in July against federal funding for the Pride parade, arguing both the government caucus and the Prime Minister’s Office were “caught off guard”

by Ablonczy’s announcement.

“The pro-life and the pro-family community should know and understand that the tourism funding money that went to the gay Pride parade in Toronto was not government policy, was not supported by — I think it’s safe to say by a large majority — of the MPs,” Trost said in an interview with LifeSiteNews.com, a website founded by the Campaign Life organization. LifeSiteNews.com is well-known for taking anti-GLBTQ positions on a variety of issues.

Director of Communications for Industry Minister Tory Clement, Darren Cunningham, confirmed on July 7 that future funding of the event was “under review” but denied any such review had anything to do with dissent within party ranks.

“We’re in the midst of doing a review of the program and that review is to ensure that the funding is providing genuine stimulus to the economy and we’ll have to look at it in that light,” Cunningham said.

He noted federal support of the Calgary Stampede and the Vancouver Jazz Festival, for example, were also facing review.

Meanwhile, Ablonczy has apparently been “demoted” and no longer holds control over the Marquee Tourism Events Program, although she continues to remain as Minister responsible for Small Business and Tourism, according to Cunningham.

Cunningham said control over the program, which is part of Ottawa’s economic stimulus package, was shifted to the Industry Minister “two or three weeks ago,” according to a July 15 Globe and Mail article.

He further stated Clement was occupied with other issues, such as the auto sector bailout earlier this year, but added “we’re better able to handle the workload right now.”

Cunningham said Trost’s opinion can’t be dismissed but ultimately decisions are made based on how best to increase and promote tourism activity.

people better get with it.”

Of course, denying such a significant amount of money to any of the non-profit groups which produce Pride Festivals across Canada can be seen as a harm to our communities, not just to the Conservative party.

Pride Festivals have grown considerably in recent years and attract significant numbers of participants and observers, from both within and outside the GLBTQ community. These events are often the prime reason individuals choose to visit a particular city at a particular time.

A July 22nd National Post story reported the Federal Conservatives had rejected an application for $155,000 by Montreal’s Divers/Cité festival, festival directors said. The organizers of the festival, which is Montreal’s Pride Festival, had hoped to use the money for additional promotions and hiring, The Canadian Press reported.

The directors of Divers/Cité in Montreal said they were told their funding request met all the criteria, and that final approval was with Clement’s office. However, organizers were told on July 20th that the government had rejected their request.

Suzanne Girard, director of Divers/Cité, said the news came as a shock to the event’s organizers.

“To be told that there is no money, when there is. They have $100 million put aside; they chose not to give to Divers/Cité. The reasons … we don’t know. Is it we’re gay? Is it we’re Montrealers? We’re Québécois? It’s incredible they would decide at this late date, five days before our event starts,” said Girard.

Without the expected funding, there was a risk entire sections of the eight-day festival would have to be cancelled.

“Per capita, we bring in more tourism than any other festival in Canada. And you can ask any Montreal taxi driver, the hotels … about our impact on Montreal … we are a niche market, we are an extremely important tourism event,” said Girard in a CBC interview July 22nd.

The festival attracts approximately 55,000 visitors to Montreal each year.

The Federal Conservatives have a history of opposition to anything GLBTQ, stemming in part from the current party’s origins as the Reform, later the Alliance, Party. There simply isn’t any real link to the former Progressive Conservative Party of Diefenbaker or even Mulroney.

The Progressive Conservative Party, while conservative certainly, was also fairly progressive (hence the name) on social issues, unlike Reform/Alliance. It should also be remembered that Stephen Harper was instrumental and held a high profile position within the Alliance Party and he continues to carry many of the ideals of that now defunct party into his positions as Conservative Party leader and as Prime Minister.

Reading some of the on-line comments following the stories in the Globe and Mail, The National Post, and CBC one has to wonder what the reasons for the controversy actually were. The comments are full of the usual “we don’t have straight pride parades...” and various thinly, or not so thinly, veiled homophobic comments.

“I do understand Mr. Trost’s concerns. The concerns that he raises are the concerns of a lot of Canadians. ...At the same time, the measure that we look at is tourism,” he said.

Other cultural events receive funding with nary a comment. Imagine the reaction if, for instance, an ethnic festival that qualified for funding was denied it. Now, I don’t know if Calgary’s Caribfest receives funding but they should. I know Calgary’s Pride Festival doesn’t (which is why they ended up in a serious deficit that was only cleared because of the hard work and dedication of those involved with Pride Calgary), but they should too.

Not all MPs shared Trost’s concern. Toronto-area Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett believes the Tory reaction to the funding only hurts themselves.

Anyone who claims their reaction against Pride festivals has nothing to do with their being GLBTQ events is, quite bluntly, full of it. That’s exactly what it is about.

“That you would even question a grant to the city of Toronto for an event that attracts a million people - at a time when Toronto needs help in terms of tourism and economic development ... this is 2009. These

I have often said nobody reacts to the flashy and skimpy outfits worn by Caribfest celebrants but let a drag queen show up in all her finery in our parade and the comments fly fast and furious.

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Politics Now, I don’t happen to think any festival - be it Calgary Folk Festival, Caribfest, Pride, the Calgary Jazz Festival, The Lilac Festival, or the Calgary Stampede -- should be entirely funded by federal and/or provincial grant money. I am as much a beleaguered taxpayer as the next guy. However, I do think public funding should help subsidize such festivals, many of which could not take place, and will not take place, without it.

Such events add texture and colour and interest to local communities. They bring in money for their respective cities and towns through the spending by those who attend such festivals.

I don’t know, to be honest, if Pride Calgary (or the Alberta Gay Rodeo Association, for that matter) has ever done a study on just how much money is brought to the local economy because of Pride Week and the annual International Rockies Gay Rodeo, but I am willing to bet it is a significant amount. Seems to me any government assistance regarding funding is money well-spent just by virtue of the return via tourist dollars; and not just tourist dollars but local spending too. All those folk who normally wouldn’t be downtown or going to the bar or popping into the shops along Stephen Avenue are in a celebratory and spending mood, and spend they do.

But it shouldn’t just be about the hard economics. Even if the funding wasn’t matched by the infusion of money into the local economy, I still think funding such festivals, GLBTQ or non-GLBTQ, is important. Sure, there are tangible benefits such as local economy stimuli, but there are a host of intangibles as well. Things such as a feeling of belonging to the greater community because Pride (or whichever festival) is recognized, affirmation, a host of warm-fuzzies...these are important as well.

While it may well not be up to “The Government” to promote the warm-fuzzies...it sounds a tad Brave New World-ish to me as well...it’s a beneficial offshoot.

What is up to ”The Government” is to treat all citizens fairly and equally. If, for instance XXY Festival gets funding then ABCD Festival should, assuming it meets the criteria, as well. If ABCD doesn’t because the government doesn’t happen to agree with its core community, or it’s politics, or it’s ethos, to me that’s a problem.

Would I want to see a Neo-Nazi Festival obtain government funding?

No, of course not. In that case, refusal could be strictly on the grounds that such a festival promotes hate and prejudice and is therefore injurious to the public good, or some such thing. Of course, Neo-Nazis won’t see it that way....

Keep in mind, there are criteria in place for this sort of funding, just as there are criteria in place for funding the operation of non-profit groups. The criteria is often quite clear, one might even say strict.

That is as it should be since it is public money that is being used. I certainly don’t want to see “my” money tossed around willy-nilly or wasted on programs and projects of dubious benefit. (Of course, it has been, but that is a whole other column. Can you say “bail outs”? I knew you could.)

The money sitting in the Tourism ministry, and specifically in the Marquee Tourism Events Program, is ear-marked for events like this. Take the “gay” out of the equation, and why wouldn’t Ablonczy have authorized the funding? Who would have raised any concerns?

Right...nobody.

That there was a controversy about it to begin with is the issue.

That certain Conservative MPs felt “caught off guard”, and reacted, is the issue. That Ablonczy has had the program removed from under her direction and had it placed directly under the control of the Industry Minister is the issue. That she is now some sort of persona non grata for daring to authorize funding to an event that met the criteria set out by that same Ministry is the issue.

And the issue is homophobia and GLBTQ-directed prejudice, which is why we still need Pride Festivals, government-funded or not.

For Pride Toronto’s official response, and additional explanations regarding disbursement of funds, see http://www.pridetoronto.com/ news/official-statement-on-federal-funding-issue/

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25

Travel  Mayne Island Resort - From Page 9

watched us lazily as we went by. Our guide made reference that sea lions can be seen on some islands, but don’t mix with the seals.

On the return trip we passed through a narrow corridor between one of these smaller islands, and a larger island of unknown name that sits between Mayne and Saturna. We took our time through here to admire the teeming sea life: purple and orange Ogre Starfish, the rarer Sunflower Starfish, and small crabs scuttling away.

It was an exhausting paddle back home for us novice kayakers, but it made us realize the many opportunities there are for exploring the coastlines and islands by sea. The map of Mayne Island reveals many areas that can’t be reached by road, and having transportation by water can open them up for you to explore.

Even without a kayak, simply combing the beach can be an entertaining way to kill several hours. Just off the docks we encountered an otter, cranes, sandpipers, geese, seagulls, various species of smaller birds, an abundant bed of oysters, groves of smaller mussels, starfish, crabs, baby flatfish, a small jellyfish that had washed up on shore, and tons of seaweed. Empty clam shells and conchs can be found in sandy areas, free for the taking. Navigating the rocky areas can be a fun challenge, and some of the bizarre rock formations are worth a closer look.

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Mayne Island Resort  494 Arbutus Drive, Mayne Island, BC  www.mayneislandresort.com

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

Astrology

Q Scopes

“Keep it clean, Aquarius!”

Mercury and Venus are in harmony, boosting everyone’s charm; Jupiter and Eris are also making nice, opening political opportunities. Alas, these pairs are at odds against each other, upping chauvinist competition. If you can’t reach across tribal lines nicely, stick to your own folks. Food and culture are good.

Putting down others is not!



ARIES (March 20 - April 19): You have a lot to

offer in community politics, but try to focus on the grunt work, the task at hand. For all you have to say, keeping your nose to the grindstone will sharpen your wit and remind you to respect other views.

superiors can go overboard and backfire. Use that sugar as energy for your creative efforts, and as for the boss, let him or her in on a secret or a complicated project that you may need help with.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): The trick to

managing home finances is not to get competitive. Basic practical stuff is just one foot in front of the other. Keep it simple! Liberate your busy brain on philosophical questions where it can fly freely.

more magically delicious than a bowl full of leprechauns.

Your charm and confidence can help you get whatever you want in love or work, but don’t overdo it with bosses. They may see you as threatening competition.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): Trust your instincts

handling money. Letting others second guess you can throw you off. Their ideas may be fine for philosophy and ideals, but in the real world you still know best.





SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21):

Opening your home to your inner circle will guarantee your spot on the team. Be a creative host. Fancy pastries or imported cheeses will win influence. Or maybe a new love is the creamy, exotic sweet that will impress your friends.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): A critical eye and maternal concern will help you

spot and nurture opportunities. Clever observations are most helpful if you don’t actually say them – especially at work! Let that wit quietly sharpen the aforementioned critical eye.



CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Go out of your way to do something unusual for

your partner, or a prospective partner. A small gift from far away would be very charming. Keep it inexpensive.

Extravagance could be overwhelming and scary.

 

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): You’re looking



your own insights and instincts when dealing with authority figures. Resist suggestions from others and your own impulses to get too clever. Save the fun and games for your partner and your peers.

 

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Efforts to charm





LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Trust

By Jack Fertig

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18):

Efforts to be helpful and supportive at work may carry erotic overtones. Be careful to keep it clean! Even innocent remarks may carry unwitting doubles entendres that can be taken the wrong way.



PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Fun and

games in the kitchen, whether that’s collaborative cooking or getting hot and wild on the butcher block, can spice up your partnership, but could also bring up surprising old memories.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Your

tongue is like a knife, but whether it’s for spreading honey or cutting deep is up to you. Focus on your own health and hygiene to distract you from being overly critical of colleagues.

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977 teaches at the Online College of Astrology : http://www.astrocollege.com.

He can be reached for personal or business consultations at 415-864-8302 or through his website at http://www.starjack.com

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

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Celebrity Gossip

Deep Inside Hollywood Stargate lesbians in space!

By Romeo San Vicente Stargate lesbians in space!

The new series Stargate Universe will boldly explore a hitherto unexamined corner of TV’s sci-fi landscape by including two principal lesbian characters. Ming Na (ER) and Reiko Aylesworth (24) play a romantically-linked couple – the first gay characters in a Stargate show – who will be prominently featured in the new series that revolves around a group of humans (some civilians, some military) who are stranded in the far reaches of the universe and try to survive. (Genre fans are already comparing the series, the third of the Stargate franchise, to the recentlycompleted, critically acclaimed Battlestar Galactica reboot.) The cast also includes Robert Carlyle, David Blue (who recently played the rumpled, regular-guy gay photographer on Ugly Betty) and Lou Diamond Phillips. Stargate Universe premieres on SciFi – sorry, SyFy– in October. Take that, Star Trek! You’ve been one-upped!

Viola Davis will Eat, Pray, Love with Roberts She recently snagged an Oscar nomination for nailing her scene in Doubt, so it’s no surprise that Viola Davis’s name is being tossed around for the latest batch of high-profile Hollywood projects. The acclaimed actor is now set to join Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem and Richard Jenkins in Eat, Pray, Love, the screen adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir that’s being written and directed by gay TV (Glee, Nip/Tuck) and movie (Running with Scissors) mogul Ryan Murphy. Davis would play the best friend of Roberts’ character; the latter Photo courtesy Miramax Films sets out on a worldwide journey to discover herself after going through a bitter divorce. And while Davis has had to make the most out of thankless best-friend-of-color roles before – did you happen to catch Nights in Rodanthe? – she’ll no doubt make this one crackle when Eat, Pray, Love hits screens in 2011.

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

HBO has a boy-girl crush on Middlesex Jeffrey Eugenides’ novel The Virgin Suicides was memorably brought to the big screen by Sofia Coppola, but everyone wondered who would adapt his complex next book, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Middlesex. That novel dealt with the life of Calliope Stephanides, a Detroiter raised as a girl who discovers during her college years that she was actually born intersexed.

It is 40-something male “Cal” who narrates the novel and tells his story, which includes family history and even a glimpse at 1924’s war between Greece and Turkey. Rita Wilson and Donald Margulies are producing the hour-long drama series for HBO, with Margulies (whose Pulitzer-winning play Dinner with Friends also became a production for the cable network) slated to write the show. HBO optioned the Eugenides novel this summer, so it probably won’t hit the airwaves until 2011 at the earliest. Until then you can just watch your DVD copy of Orlando a few more times.

Bad Girls fight for their lives Get ready for the teen spin on those great old Pam Grier prison flicks: MTV Films has announced Bad Girls, based on the novel by Alex McAulay, about an unruly teenager whose parents ship her off to a wilderness reform school/boot camp on a remote Caribbean island. Once the troubled young ladies arrive, however, they find themselves having to fight for their lives against drug dealers and other marauders while simultaneously battling their own worst impulses. This one sounds like a winner all around, with sharp-tongued mean girls for the gay men and sexy chicks running through the jungle for the lesbians. Advance buzz has Dakota Fanning and Emily Browning (The Uninvited) vying to play the lead character, but nothing’s set yet; look for Bad Girls to start some trouble (and hopefully do a lot of making out with each other) in 2010.

Romeo San Vicente woke up in a Caribbean hellhole where he was forced to fight for survival; afterwards, he vowed never again to visit a Sandals resort. He can be reached care of this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com.

Lifestyle

Cocktail Chatter

Infusion Confusion and The Wonderful World of Whisk(e)y

By Camper English

Infusion Confusion The best thing about infused liquor is how easy it is to make. The second best thing is how impressed people are when you make it.

“Ooh,” they’ll swoon, “How did you ever come up with this wondrous cherry-infused vodka recipe?”

What I’ll do is stick some cherries in some vodka and wait a couple days. But what I’ll say is “Oh, that’s my secret recipe. Just enjoy your beverage!”

Should you want to get started making infusions (and impressing your friends), simply pick a flavor, pick a spirit, and combine the two. For the spirit, vodka is the most neutral and allows whatever you infuse to shine through, but any other spirit will work too. I’ve infused gin, rum, tequila, and whisky with different fruit, vegetables, herbs, and spices; all to good effect. If you want more flavor to come out of the material faster, use a higher proof spirit like Skyy 90 or Absolut 100, both of which are stronger than standard 80 proof vodkas.

You can infuse almost anything edible into alcohol, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Some of the ingredients that give up flavor the fastest include dried herbs and spices and anything hot and spicy like peppers and horseradish. Fresh herbs, flowers, and grassy and delicate produce can also start to taste like dead vegetation quickly and must be carefully monitored. Slower going are infusions of citrus peels and non-juicy fruits and vegetables.

falls into two categories. Single-malt scotch comes from a single distillery, but more importantly it is made only from malted barley in pot stills. This means it has a lot of flavor going into the barrels.

Some single-malts you may know include The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, and Glenmorangie.

The other major type of scotch whisky is blended scotch, made from mixing the flavorful single-malt with lighter column-distilled whisky. Together you get a softer (and usually less expensive) liquid.

Major brands of blended scotch include Chivas, Johnnie Walker, and Dewar’s.

Think of the flavor of single-malt scotch as whole grain bread, and blended scotch as wheat bread. And for something closer to French bread, we look to the USA. In America, most of the local whiskey (note the ‘e’) is bourbon, and most of the grain used in bourbon is corn. Bourbon is usually column distilled and always aged in new barrels that give off a lot of flavor. (Scotch is mostly aged in less-flavorful used barrels, which is one reason scotch usually ages for longer than most bourbon.)

Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark are bourbons, and Jack Daniel’s is not considered one due to a slight production difference. Still, it’s a heck of a lot closer to bourbon than it is to scotch.

Much Irish whiskey (with an ‘e’), though produced differently, is similar to blended scotch in its softness and drinkability. Most Canadian whisky (no ‘e’) is light-bodied and really meant for mixing.

Let’s say that Canadian whisky is white bread and Irish whiskey is ciabatta. I know I’m stretching this whole bread analogy here, but is anyone else in the mood for a sandwich?

Use organic produce when possible and thoroughly wash everything first. Remove anything that has a bitter taste such as the white pith of citrus peel, stems of mint, cucumber skins, and anything woody like pits or seeds. Select a container made of glass, with a tight-fitting lid, that’s not much larger than you’ll need so there’s not a lot of air in the jar.

The Americans and the Scotts seem to be the most loyal to their local whiskies. Bourbon snobs will tell you that scotch is good for mixing, and scotch snobs think their favorite tipple is too good even for mixing with ice. There are cocktails that call for specific types of whiskies though: the Bobby Burns, Sazerac, Seven and Seven, and the Irish Coffee deserve to have their native spirits poured into them.

Test the infusion each day to see when it’s done. Spices and peppery infusions are finished when the flavor is intense enough, which may take a few hours to two days. (You can always dilute it with more vodka if it comes out too hot.) Fresh ingredients should be removed at the first sign of losing freshness, which may take a day up to a couple weeks. Strain out the solids and store your infusion in the refrigerator to make it last longer.

One cocktail works with every whisk(e)y, and that’s the Manhattan. Naturally, the Scotts can’t stand for that and instead insist it be called the Rob Roy. As far as I know the Irish and Canadians haven’t renamed the drink, which is good because then we’d have to memorize these along with all the different spellings of the whisk(e)y that goes into them.

But where to start? Think of a cocktail you want to flavor and infuse the base spirit with an added ingredient. Some suggestions are the Basil Gimlet, Lemon and Lime Drop, Orange Cosmopolitan, Strawberry Mojito, or a Wasabi Bloody Mary.

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Camper English is a cocktails and spirits writer and publisher of Alcademics.com.

Practice with a small infusion jar first, then make a bigger batch when you’ve got the timing down. A bottle of infused vodka makes a great party gift - everyone loves homemade secret recipes. Just don’t share the secret about how easy these are to make.

The Wonderful World of Whisk(e)y No matter where you are in the world, whisk(e)y is a pain in the butt to spell, because it is spelled differently in the other parts of the world from where you are. It’s appropriate to use the local spelling of other changeably-spelled words like favo(u)r and colo(u)r, but whisk(e)y snobs won’t give you a break.

That’s too bad, because all whisk(e)y starts the same, as grain that is fermented and distilled and then nearly always aged in barrels.

Scotland makes the most famous whisky (no ‘e’), and most of it

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

29

Health Advice

Come Play with your Balls!

By Mark Randall Now that I have your attention and stimulated your naughty thoughts, I must confess it is not as alluring as it sounds; but it is just as much fun I think.

What I am talking about is challenging all of you to participate in the upcoming fundraiser Bowling for Beswick being held at the Inglewood Lawn Bowling Association.

This is the third annual lawn bowling event for Beswick House and the SHARP Foundation; responsible for operating alongside Beswick House, the Scott House, 2011 House and the soon to be started Independence House.

Each of these projects by the SHARP Foundation provides person-specific support environments to meet individual needs.

For example, someone who may require full time care and support with medications and everyday living needs would likely be housed in Beswick House, as it has been set up for full time care and support for those recovering from, and those passing on as a result of their HIV infection. Scott House and 2011 House are designed for those who are able to live more independently but may still require the connection, support and services that the SHARP Foundation provides for their specific needs.

Independence House; the newest and most exciting project for the Foundation is set to begin construction in the fall, if permit approvals go through as expected, and will provide fully independent living apartments with access to onsite services and supports to ensure a high quality of living and appropriate services for the residents. Expectations are that Independence House will be finished and open in the fall of 2010.

Now some may question why we would need so many different types of supports and perhaps ask further why does our community need such specific types of housing for People living with HIV/AIDS? The reality is that people living with HIV and or AIDS still battle with the stigma and discrimination at almost every level of society and service provision. From front line health care and social services to employers, landlords, fellow employees and even friends and family, the discrimination and stigma continues to hinder proper services once the dark little secret is out.

Safe and secure housing has proven to be a necessary item to ensure that persons living with HIV and AIDS have the best quality of life and chances for adhering to medication guidelines, employment and other every day activities that many of us take for granted. Without a safe and secure place to live, how can anyone with HIV or AIDS be expected to follow complicated medical programs, recovery and addiction programs, keep or look for a job, or just try to lead a normal life?

Without these current or soon to be implemented housing and support programs being provided by the SHARP Foundation, many of the people they serve would either not be with us, or living in conditions that would put them at greater risk for illness – not to mention a serious lack of access to medical and social supports.

As I am sure you are aware, operating these homes and

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

services is costly and the SHARP Foundation is always in need of financial support from governments, pharmaceutical companies, private businesses, and us as individuals, to makes operations run effectively. With that said, it is important to know that all the monies raised at Bowling for Beswick will be donated to the SHARP Foundation to support each of the programs that they operate, or are in the midst of developing.

So please come on out and partake in the fun of a day of lawn bowling, enjoy the bar with beer, coolers and water for sale, as well as the ISCCA’s famous “tranny patties” on the BBQ for all to enjoy; prize draws and fun with friends.

No skills or experience required; just a willingness to come have fun and support a great cause with the little bit of summer we have left. See you there, playing with your balls!

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Bowling for Beswick

 Saturday, August 8th @ 1:00pm  Inglewood Lawn bowling Association 1235 – 8th Avenue SE, Calgary Registration: $15/person

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

31

Letters

Letters to the Editor Dear GayCalgary, I hold precious membership to a few select groups.

I am a Canadian Citizen, a resident of Alberta, and a 20 something year old, living as an openly gay man in Calgary, and I’ve got a few things to say to all your readers. Gay, Straight, Bisexual, Trans, Two Spirited- as long as you’re literate, this message is for you.

Mother Nature has turned up the thermostat, and as the sun worshippers work towards melanoma and the beaches become a crowded Mecca for all sorts of adventures, we in the gay community know that Pride season is approaching. Whether or not the impending floats and festivities will be met with friendly faces or a fight is not my concern, as I know it will be welcomed by both.

My message is one of encouragement. A message of inclusion and introspection, a message that needs to be voiced, and most hopefully, received.

Sure, I want a wedding. Not because I want to spit on a tradition that has been sacred for so many years, but because if I feel like spending an exorbitant amount of money on a cake with two little men on top, I have the right to. I also want to know that when the man I love is on his death bed, I will be in control of his final care.

Oh, and to all the defenders of the ‘traditional definition of marriage’, I suggest their current legal joining be dissolved, and straight men can acquire their women the old fashioned, traditional way-purchase them from their fathers.

However, this is not about the marriage issue, but rather the interesting double standard that gays are creating for ourselves.

We want the same rights, and the same privileges as the straights, but we are consistently enforcing that we are not the same, and that we should be treated differently. For a group of people who are fighting for normalcy, who constantly fight for the equal rights enjoyed by our straight brethren, we homos certainly place ourselves on a pedestal, which as history shows, is very easy to be knocked off of.

I come from a home where once you walk in the door, you leave the outside world behind. No matter who I am, my family accepts me, and looks beyond my sexuality. In my future, when my sisters have their beautiful families, I won’t be gay Uncle Tyler, just Uncle Tyler, the best uncle we could ever hope for - and oh yah, his husband (Insert love of my life’s name here) is awesome too.”

In the end, that’s what all of us want - all of us, from the butch lesbians to the flamboyant gays. From the m2f’s to the f2m’s. From the muscle boys to the twinks, and from the boy girls to the lipstick lesbians. We all just want to be seen for who we are: painters, writers, doctors, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, friends, coworkers, you know, fellow human beings.

Then why is it, that instead of celebrating how we are alike, how we, as all humans do, have hopes and dreams, the capacity for love, and the need for companionship, we celebrate and exonerate the one difference that sets us apart - the way we have sex.

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

Pride has become an excuse to be overtly sexual, over the top, and obnoxious. If a straight man were to wander down the streets in his underwear, or if a straight woman were to expose her breasts down centre street, they would surely be arrested.

There are so many more beautiful things that we can be proud of, than an in your face, “I’m here, I’m queer, get used to it,” attitude.

How about, “I’m here, nice to meet you, and oh yes I happen to be queer.” We live in one of the few countries on earth where our love is legally recognized as equal to the love shown by our parents. We are protected against discrimination by our government, instead of hunted down and killed like our GLBT family around the world. We should be proud of how far we have come, and hopeful for the journey that we have ahead of us. I am proud of my parents and sisters, for showing the world that the love of a family overcomes all. I am proud that I can write a letter like this, and there is an outlet for an opinion. I am proud to call Canada my home.

I recognize that pride, at one point, served a very important purpose. In the oppressive and violent past that the gay community has lived through, it was essential to show that we were everywhere, and that we weren’t going anywhere. The American psychiatric association removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses long ago, and now that we are popping up everywhere from TV, to sports, and in movies; society, for the most part, knows we are not a few bad apples, we’re just a different type of fruit (I’m sorry, I had to).

It’s time for Pride to grow, just like we all have. I welcome this year’s pride season with open arms, knowing that I will celebrate the love that I have in my life, and the freedoms that I enjoy. I know we humans do not change overnight. I accept this. However, I pray that this string of thoughts from a naïve young man, will resonate with at least one person, or might just make someone realize, that gays really aren’t all that bad.

To my leather clad bears, and my butch lesbians, to my drag queens and gender queers - to my friends: You are worthy of living outside of your stereotypes. Show Calgary you are more than your label.

I was inspired to write this, after hearing a story from my friend Pam. Pam is a lesbian, who, with her girlfriend and children in tow, attended last year’s Calgary Pride festivities.

Pam’s six year old daughter had a sign that read, ‘I love my two mommies’.

She had her picture taken, and was promised it would be in the paper the next day. When that paper was printed, the cover instead showed a gentleman suited in a vibrant pink tutu, rather than the six year old that was proud of her moms.

I hope that this year, after all is said and done, Pride is remembered less as a wild, crazy, booze fueled party, and more as a celebration of how far we’ve come.

Tyler Faulds

Dear Editor, I just wanted to send a quick note expressing my profound

Letters gratitude to Janie Van Santen, Rodeo Director 2009 CRIR - ARGRA for her assistance and consideration during the 2009 Rodeo.

My partner and I had an unfortunate incident with the locals.

Our front windshield was smashed out during a baseball game.

I wish I could write to say that I didn’t feel that the incident was unintentional. I wish I could write saying that the local baseball team apologized, expressed concern or even a small amount of empathy. I wish that I could say that the team members were not high-fiving each other, that they were not laughing, or that they were not calling us “fags”. I also wish I could write expressing how our group was unaffected by the regular, early morning taunts and name calling. How each morning, we were told to “F-off” and “go home you F-ing Fags”.

It almost became 7:00 am notice that we should be making our way to bed. :) In no way am I attempting to indicate how much of a victim I was, nor how discriminated we were, or even how bad it was, especially knowing that this year marks the 40th anniversary of Stonewall. I would, however, like to say that this experience was my first time to feel a true public distain for my friends and myself, based solely on our sexual orientation. I must admit, it shook me up for the first couple of days.

The volunteers at the event were, however, great, specifically Billy. He came out to our relocated camp, which was at the end of “Trashy Trail”, at the far end of the grounds, by a lonely grouping of trees, which we called “Trashy Town”... yes we were the group making all the noise, but I digress. Billy was extremely sympathetic and Janie was, well, amazing. Truly!! She was very sweet, kind and very classy. Janie was classy enough to insist that ARGRA pay to replace my windshield, which they did.

The lessons that I learned from the experience was how important our volunteers, like Billy and Janie, are to events like the CRIR Rodeo. How important it is for us to support them, and how important it is for us to support each other. I had an amazing time at the Rodeo, as did everyone located in “Trashy Town”, all because of people like Billy & Janie, and for that I’m forever grateful. Would I go back to Strathmore next year, in a field of dust, sheep poop, and hostile locals??? Hell yes!!! I just won’t be parking anywhere near a baseball field.

Sincerely, Smashed In Strathmore S&M

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33

Movie Review

Brüno

By Jason Clevett In retrospect I am not entirely sure how I feel about Sacha Baron Cohen’s Brüno. Parts of it were funny, parts of it were incredibly disturbing, but while it certainly shined an unflattering light on homophobia, I am not sure it was a positive for the GLBT community either.

Cohen, who is the man behind Borat, brings his Austrian Gay character Brüno Gehard to the big screen in mockumentary form. After getting fired from his Austrian fashion show he heads to America to become the “biggest Austrian celebrity since Hitler.” What follows is his journey around America attempting to discover fame.

Some parts are howling-funny while other parts are more awkward laughter, like “I can’t believe this is happening.” One such example is when he is interviewing parents to cast their children in photo shoots. Their willingness to agree to anything, no matter how unsafe, reckless, or offensive speaks a lot about Hollywood. Those poor kids. Two anti-gay pastors involved with converting people into heterosexuals come across as foolish, which is not a negative. The climactic scenes involving a mixed martial arts event in Arkansas is really scary, I actually muttered under my breath “how did they not get killed?” While it certainly doesn’t look good from the reactions of the testosterone fuelled homophobes in the audience, I don’t think it really will change the life of anyone in the theatre.

Other parts - a giant penis, a swinger’s party, simulating oral sex on a ghost - played more for shock value than anything else. The audience in the theatre, a mix of gay and straight, men and women, seemed uncomfortable at times.

How someone will leave the theatre will depend on their point of view going in. Those expecting satire and knowing that Cohen is straight and it is a fictional character, will probably leave in awe of the state of people in the film. Those that dislike gays in the first place (though what they are doing at that movie in the first place makes no sense) may have more ammo for what “gays are like.” Certainly there are those that may be in some way represented by Brüno but not many. We live in a world now where people seem to take offence to everything - jive talking Transformers, goofy candid photos - without taking into context that sometimes things are meant to be entertaining but not politically correct.

Brüno certainly has its moments but it isn’t going to change the world, and isn’t as good or clever as Borat. www.thebrunomovie.com

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

Editorial  Publisher’s Column - From Page 5

able here, but we decided to pass this time.

Tigers, No Lions, No Bears, but OH MY!

Pride Guide

The next day we paid a visit to the Edmonton Zoo for the first time. Judging from people’s opinions in the community, we knew not to expect a rival to the Calgary Zoo, but nonetheless it was an eye opener. You see, our writer Jason volunteers at the Calgary Zoo, and the Zookeeper that he works with used to work at the Edmonton Zoo, so one of his former colleagues agreed to give us a behind the scenes tour. Okay, I admit I was starting to wonder, after the first two things I see are a guinea pig enclosure, and a petting area filled with goats and chickens…but yes, they do have a good selection of some more impressive animals. No Lions, no bears, but yes Tigers, Snow Leopards, Arctic Wolves, Red Pandas, an Elephant, and much more.

Yes, Calgary Pride is in September, but so close to the beginning of the month that it didn’t make sense to hold off on all the Pride advertising and information until the September edition. Publishing the Official Pride Guide ahead of time in August gives all of this material a good month worth of exposure. Yes the September edition will still be available at all of the Pride venues, alongside copies of August.

As Jason writes about in the story on page 11, we got to participate in feeding many of these animals. It was an amazing feeling to have a lemur lean off its branch, grab your hand, and look you in the eye as it gently munches on a chunk of banana from between your fingers. More adorable was the red panda that stood on its hind legs and eagerly grabbed onto my leg and hand as I struggled to only give it one piece of food at a time. Certainly a magical experience, and one that’s entirely within reach of the public if you book into one of their programs, or become a volunteer.

Stampede and Capital Ex The weather really, really sucked for Stampede goers this year. They were plagued for most of the 11 days that the event ran. Among other obvious downfalls, it meant organizers had to cut some of the more impressive acts like the motorbikes and the Wheel of Doom from the grandstand show in the evenings, for safety reasons. We were lucky to see it on a day without rain, and got hundreds of stunning photographs from the performance. It was great to see some innovation this year, as certain acts crossed the line from stage to audience, dangling right above the standing room.

We usually listen for what new dessert item they’ve decided to fry and serve this year, but more intriguing was the alligator or cricket pizza available at one of the Pizza on a Stick vendors. Once you get over the initial fear of the little cricket eyes staring back at you, they actually didn’t taste that bad…kind of the crunchy consistency of burned cheese.

Capital Ex was its usual laid-back self, and an entertaining way to spend part of the day. Of course, the butterfly enclosure is an essential stop, but the Egyptian Exhibit was also fun to peruse. Among the rides we saw an intriguing new addition…well, actually we first zeroed in on the hot shirtless guy demonstrating this new addition: a surfing cage, where water comes zooming along a wavy floor fast enough for you to ride a surfboard, if you can keep your balance. The same flavors of exotic pizza were also avail-

The Pride Guide this year is not a contiguous set of pages. In past years we were able to combine Calgary and Edmonton pride information with Fairytales and ARGRA events, to give an ample event listing. Alas things change, and this year we were asked to limit the guide to the handful of Pride sanctioned events known at the time of publication. Nonetheless, GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine is proud to be the official source of this information, and sponsors of Pride received complimentary ad space to be with it.

Though not officially listed, it’s safe to say that Calgary’s gay bars will be having their own after parties the day of the parade.

As much as it is great to see everyone prosper from these festivities, I ask that you also try to spread some of that booze money around at the Beer Gardens at the Street Festival. We all know by now that Pride has had a particularly rough time rebuilding this year, and they really need the support from liquor sales so that the events can grow better and stronger for you next year. After this, do show your support for the bars that have been open to participating in, and assisting the efforts of Pride this year.

GayCalgary Online In case you missed my note in last month’s column, photographs from ARGRA, Edmonton Pride and everything else in July are available online for you to browse. Video footage of the entire Edmonton Pride Parade, and parts of the Street Festival stage performances can be viewed as an online article by visiting last month’s edition.

Upcoming Events • • • • • • • •

Calgary Fringe Festival – July 31st to Aug 8th Bowling for Beswick (Calgary) – Aug 8th Tits & Mitts with Balls (Edmonton) – Aug 9th Edmonton Fringe – Aug 13th to 23rd ISCWR Coronation (Edmonton) – Aug 29th Calgary Pride Dance – Sep 5th Calgary Pride Parade / Street Festival – Sep 6th AFQOL Cut-a-Thon – Sep 7th

For more information about these events and others, visit our online events calendar at www.gaycalgary.com/events, or peruse our business directory on page 17 of this magazine.

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

35

Community Event

Edmonton’s 34th Coronation The ISCWR Continues Tradition of Giving Back

By Sam Casselman What is it? What do they do? Why do they do what they do? That’s what I would wonder every time I heard about “Coronation”. Edmonton’s court, known as the Imperial and Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose (ISCWR) is soon to have their 34th Coronation. I found the following statement by current reigning Empress Marni Gras that answered my questions: “The ISCWR began its 33rd reign one year ago tonight. We’d normally be celebrating our Coronation this weekend; however, since we moved it to August, we are simply left with the reflection that such an anniversary brings. I had put a lot of thought into what I would say through this statement...and then something happened tonight that I want to share with you instead that really puts into focus why we do what we do.”

“We had gone to meet our neighbours who had just welcomed their newborn son. After a few minutes, they asked, are you...the people from TV? Did you run the marathon in a cheerleader outfit?

After we confirmed their suspicion, they went on to share this story.”

“Just recently, their friend had given birth to a tiny, premature baby. This baby was very, very sick. The mom of this sick, little baby told this family that they spent many hours holding their son in these awful, hard chairs. It was a terrible time. Then one day, this new chair arrived and everything changed. It was so much better to hold their baby. Two days later, their little boy passed away in their arms while sitting in one of the ISCWR chairs at the NICU.” “Just imagine...through the generosity and love of this community and the hard work of the members of the ISCWR...a family, going through the most difficult moments imaginable...were given such a gift...to hold their child in the final days of his life...in peace and comfort.”

The ISCWR is run by The New Royalist Social Society of Northern Alberta. The N.R.S.S.N.A. is a non-profit society that raises monies for charities that provide services to the gay community or work to promote an accepting attitude towards gays and lesbians in the community in Edmonton. The Society is governed by a Board of Directors elected at the Annual General Meeting which is held at the end of September.

The Emperor and Empress run for the positions and are elected by the community. They spend their one year term fundraising for their chosen charities while at the same time providing entertainment for the community. All funds raised by the court are 100% donated to charity. Any and all costs the Emperor and Empress incur come out of their own pockets. They are volunteers and do not get paid for any of the work they do. Emperor Sundance Lonestar says “we are out here to raise money for the charities and to support the different groups in the GLBT community.”

Empress Marni has traveled to 16 Coronation balls across North America in her year of service. She is actually a heterosexual male who got involved because, as she says, “the court has been a place where I and others can be ourselves and express our personalities while serving our community.” Anyone elected always represents the gender of the position that they hold. Either sex can do either position and you don’t have to be gay to take part; not all drag

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

queens or drag kings are homosexual. Marni’s mandate and goal this year is to also increase the awareness of the Court and what they do.

The Court’s goal of increasing awareness had a huge boost on November 19th, 2008 when six members of the Court were introduced to the members of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Alberta. They were allowed to enter the building in full drag and the Empress was even allowed to wear her crown in the Assembly Chamber - which only the Queen herself has ever been allowed to do. The ISCWR made history on this day by their presence.

This year’s two main charities that Marni Gras and Sundance Lonestar have chosen are: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the royal Alexandra hospital in Edmonton and Aids research at the University Of Alberta. They also support scholarships every year through the John M. Kerr memorial fund and camp Fyrefly for GLBT youth.

The economic situation that is making fundraising hard for a lot of organizations isn’t holding back the Edmonton Court. This year’s reign is breaking the organization’s fundraising records, with estimates that they will be giving away over 30,000 dollars to their charities. They say the secret is just working hard and doing everything you can to raise the money.

With their 34th annual Coronation entitled Around the World in 80 Ways: An Ethnic Journey taking place at the end of August, the ISCWR is the longest running court in all of Alberta (Calgary comes a close second). The event will also host a silent auction with numerous items up for bid that have been donated by local and national businesses and organizations. Tickets include dinner, and enter you into the Puerto Vallarta, Mexico vacation draw from iTravel2000. Seats are limited, so attendees are advised to buy them sooner than later.

When buying your tickets, you can help a youth that otherwise couldn’t afford a ticket to attend. Buy an extra ticket, or donate yours if something comes up and you cannot make it out. Camp fYrefly, a regular recipient of funds raised by the Emperor and Empress, will pass along donated tickets to GLBT and questioning youth that they work with.

The morning after the Coronation, at 11:00am, there is the much anticipated Victory Brunch held at Prism Bar and Grill. Come on out to celebrate with the winning Emperor/Empress candidates, and pay tribute to the lucky people that the ISCWR help everyday through their tireless efforts of fundraising and volunteering.

Says Empress 33 Marni Gras, “At the end of the day we are normal everyday people doing amazing things for our community.”

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ISCWR Coronation 34

 Saturday, August 29, 2009 @ Doors at 5:30pm, Ball at 6:00pm sharp  Coast Plaza Hotel 10155 – 105 Street, Edmonton  Tickets: $50.00 Available at: Boots, Woodys/Buddys, PLAY, Prism, and online.

Go online for a complete list of Coronation Week events.

Sports

The OutField

Pride House: A Home For Gay Olympians

By Dan Woog It’s mid-summer – so the 2010 Winter Olympics are just a few months away. Already in the host city of Vancouver, the gay community is making sure that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender athletes – and their families, friends and supporters – won’t be left out in the cold.

Gay Whistler – a group that works year-round promoting the Whistler ski resort (where skiing, bobsled and luge events will be held) to the LGBT community – is doing more than just welcoming gay competitors and fans. They’re opening Pride House, a meeting place in Pan Pacific Whistler Centre – located right in the thick of the Olympic hubbub.

Pride House will feature a lounge with TV screens. Information about upcoming Gay Games, Outgames and the Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association will be available. Athletes, coaches, families and friends who live in gay-intolerant countries can also obtain legal information about seeking refugee status in Canada.

But the main effort of Pride House will be social. Amid the pressures of an Olympics – athletic, media, emotional – there will be one place gay people and their allies can go to escape.

“The last thing athletes need is to have more pressure put on them because of sexuality,” says Dean Nelson, CEO of Alpenglow Productions, which produces Gay Whistler Winter Pride. “We just want them to have a place where they can be their complete, authentic selves.

Retired Olympians have told Nelson how hard it is to come out while competing. Pride House will not be a place for gay athletes to come out; rather, it’s somewhere they can relax, in whatever level of outness feels most comfortable. At Pride House, they’ll be surrounded by other gay people, allies and fans.

“It’s a spot to come, hang out, share stories, trade pins and have fun,” Nelson says.

The Whistler area is traditionally friendly territory for LGBT folks. Gay Whistler traces its roots to 1992. A gay ski week sprang up then in reaction to a boycott of Aspen’s ski week, after Colorado passed anti-gay legislation. Nearly two decades later, the event – now called Winter Pride – draws hundreds of visitors.

Winter Pride features ski and snowboard guiding, canopy tours (flying through snow-covered trees on zip lines), dog sled and snowmobile tours, Nordic and cross country skiing, snowshoeing, even river float trips to see bald eagles.

Non-ski events include wine tastings, mixology programs, health and wellness seminars, comedy shows, dances and plenty of parties.

Whistler has dreamed of hosting the Olympics since the 1960s.

“We’ve always embraced the core Olympic values of inclusiveness and diversity,” Nelson says. “Once Vancouver was given the games, we worked to secure a venue for Pride House. It ties in with the Olympic Festival. But it’s also a way to promote queer

culture, and let people have fun and be themselves.”

Pride House does not have official Olympic backing.

“The International Olympic Committee is a big political machine,” Nelson notes. “We didn’t want to get too involved in that.”

Gay Whistler has met with the Vancouver Organizing Committee – on an informal basis. “They can’t get involved officially,” Nelson says. “Their mandate is sport and culture, and we have a political undertone. But they think this is a great idea, and they’ve given us lots of moral support.”

Pride House costs money. Gay Whistler is in the midst of fundraising and looking for sponsors.

They’re letting the media know it exists and will start online marketing soon.

Nelson says the reaction has been “very positive. We’ve had some comments about why something like this is relevant. We’re letting them know that we’ve got guests coming from places where being gay is a huge issue. This is a place for them to find information and comfort.

“But everyone here in Vancouver thinks it’s a wonderful idea. Some people wonder why this hasn’t been done before. We think the timing is perfect. California just overturned Prop 8; ‘Milk’ came out, so people are thinking and understanding more about gay issues and homophobia.”

The Winter Olympics is not the only major event in British Columbia this winter. Following tradition, a month after the flame is doused, the Paralympic Games move in. This multi-sport festival for athletes with physical and visual disabilities comes a few days after Gay Whistler’s Winter Pride festival, set for March 1-8.

Nelson is working hard to promote Gay Whistler’s many upcoming activities. “Winter Pride has been named the No. 1 Gay Ski Week by the editors of Planet Out/Gay.com, as well as the No. 1 Lesbian Welcoming Ski Weeks by Out Traveler,” he says.

“Both designations are very important. And both have given Pride House the opportunity to welcome the world immediately preceding the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and the Paralympics that follow.”

(For further information, contact www.gaywhistler.com) Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, soccer coach, gay activist, and author of the “Jocks” series of books on gay male athletes. Visit his Web site at www.danwoog.com.

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

37

Interview

Louise Worsfold Comes to Town

The Calgary Police Force Gets an Education in Transgender Issues

By James S. M. Demers Louise Worsfold is an extremely accomplished member of the New Scotland Yard Metropolitan Police Force. Of the 33,000 members of the Metropolitan police only 3,500 officers are authorized to carry firearms; Louise is not only one of this 9.4% but she also leads security operations at Heathrow International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world.

One would think that these accomplishments alone would be outstanding for a female officer, however these career advancements and accomplishments would come after Louise made the decision to transition from male to female while working on the force.

With new protective legislation coming into play in 1999, Louise approached her supervisor to explain her intention to transition. The months and years that followed would provide obstacles from the medical community and the government in regards to changing sex. More challenging however were scrutiny from the public eye, and being taken seriously on the job.

The British press has a terrible reputation for a complete lack of regard for human decency and privacy when following a story. When discussing the lives and challenges of transsexuals, frequently their ignorance is most prevalent in the coverage provided to the public. Everything from the medical and psychological causes of the condition to the process of transitioning is written using uninformed sources, or no sources at all. There is marked lack of sensitivity and increased degree of sensationalism when it comes to stories surrounding any kind of gender variance.

This certainly didn’t help Worsfold. In fact she experienced firsthand how frustrating and invasive this constant hounding, picture taking, and disrespectful coverage can be. It’s more than any Trans person going through an already difficult stage in their lives needs to endure. At one point the press actually published her street address which lead to damage and tampering with her car (she would go through two vehicles

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due to tampering in as many years), attempted break ins and three separate physical attacks on her driveway, each of which landed her in the hospital; all of this taking place while Louise was still serving as a police officer.

Mixed reaction from within the police force taught Worsfold that first and foremost there is a sore lack of training surrounding these issues within most forces worldwide. Clearly not one to back down, Louise moved to assist with creating policy with other police forces in Europe about how to handle transitioning officers and staff. She also makes the effort to educate forces in Europe and North America about Trans issues and challenges, and is also a founding members of the board of the National Transgendered Police Association.

I was lucky enough to attend a presentation given while Louise was in Calgary, organized by Lynn MacDonald the current GLBT police liaison. It was an opportunity for the Calgary Police Service to benefit from this fellow officer’s unique experience.

Louise presents herself as strong, well educated, and extremely comfortable with sharing her story to benefit and enlighten those who get the opportunity to hear her. She has a good sense of humour, which is essential to anyone who spends so much time talking about a struggle that is so personal. It was an invaluable presentation to those in attendance, giving a lot of influential people within the department and idea of how to better handle that same situation within their own force.

Being trans myself, it was truly incredible to see such an accomplished young woman making such a difference on a large scale. There is hope when people like Louise Worsfold (not to mention Chaz Bono, Andrea James, and Dr. Camille Cabral) step up to the plate and make trans issues know to a world that is still in the dark about our day to day struggle toward finding peace within ourselves.

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Travel

Grande Cache

An Alberta Jewel Worth Discovering

By Jason Clevett Usually when one plans a trip to Alberta’s Rocky Mountains it is to either Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper.

Many of us don’t realize there are some other incredible locations in our own backyard, some even more scenic and less filled with tourists. Such is the case with the magnificent town of Grande Cache.

21 mountain peaks surround Grande Cache, located 140 kilometres north of Hinton. Adjoining the town on three sides is Willmore Wilderness Park, a wilderness reserve that protects more than 4000 square kilometres of the Northern Rockies. Moose, deer, elk, mountain caribou, bighorn sheep, wolves, coyotes, wolverine, cougar, lynx, black bears and grizzly bears are all found within the area, making for some great opportunities to view wildlife.

I recently had a chance to spend a couple of days in Grande Cache during the Canada Day holiday. A good place to stop in on the way into town is the Tourism Centre. Featuring stuffed wildlife of the area on the walls, the centre has a lot of history of the town as well as souvenirs to take home. The staff are friendly and able to provide information on anything you need.

After settling into our comfortable and incredibly affordable room at the Grande Cache Hotel we took the opportunity to explore the town itself. It really is breathtaking to be encircled by such pristine mountain peaks. I remember waking up and sitting, looking out the window of the hotel room, sipping coffee and feeling very peaceful and lucky to be there.

The town amenities include several restaurants and a Subway.

For convenience we had dinner our first night at the High Country Steak and Ale bar situated in the hotel, which was both delicious and reasonably priced. We had breakfast the next morning in the Mountainview Family Restaurant which continued the trend of affordable and tasty - the pancakes were awesome. Sharing a parking lot with the hotel is Cozy’s Ice Cream Parlor. Cozy’s offers over 40 flavors of soft serve ice cream as well as baked goods and snacks.

Unfortunately we only discovered this gem the morning we left town, as it would have been worth several visits just to try the ice cream. There are other hotels as well as several campsites in the area.

The 4000 or so townspeople are very friendly and welcoming to visitors. We were lucky enough to have some locals takes us around for some mild hikes. Our first destination was Sulphur Gate. An easy walk along a railed path, this is a top destination for visitors to the town for its incredible views. Sulphur Gate is where the Sulphur river enters the smoky river. Although we didn’t get a chance to, white water rafting down the river with Wild Blue Yonder rafting came highly recommended. After exploring the area more and paying a visit to the river, we stopped by an old wooden bridge to watch the spectacular sunset over the mountains.

Every August long weekend thousands of people come to Grande Cache for the Canadian Death Race. This endurance test consists of 125 km of hiking and running within a 24 hour time period. The course begins and ends on a 4,200-foot (1,300 m) plateau, passes over three mountain summits, includes 17,000 feet (5,200 m) of elevation change and a major river crossing at the Hell’s Gate canyon at the confluence of the Smoky and Sulphur Rivers. The race winds through the breathtaking background of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Racers can compete by themselves or in relay teams of up to five people. It is a huge event in the town that also includes

Deathfest concert events with big name acts. This year Thornley, Default, Shane Yellowbird, Aaron Lines and The Trews will all be performing. For those looking for a unique challenge, or just a fun filled weekend, this is an event to mark on your calendar. Part of our hike around Sulphur Gate included the path used in the race, and involves running through a rock, which is pretty cool.

Our hosts again took us hiking on July 2nd to Muskeg Falls.

There are so many trails in the area it would have been impossible to try and do them all, but we did get to see some highlights. The “Passport to the Peaks” program is a great way to explore. The program celebrates the beauty of the area by identifying the ring of mountains that surround the town. Each mountain is rated as either Bronze, Silver or Gold depending upon the level of difficulty.

The Bronze Mountains are typically daytrips with simple wayfinding. The Silver Mountains involve either multiday adventures, more advanced route finding or require a significant river crossing. The Gold Mountains are much more remote, undeveloped and challenging. On each summit is a Cairn Box with an embossing Summit Stamp mounted inside, particular to that mountain. This stamp will serve testimony to your having achieved the summit. It will also serve as a souvenir to remind you of your triumph and the vista at which you marveled. With regular visits it could still take several years to fill the passport but it would be quite the experience.

All too soon our Grande Cache visit came to an end. We spent time in Jasper National Park afterward, and while it is also beautiful, a part of me longed to be back in the quieter yet equally spectacular Grande Cache area. Even with the 7-hour drive from Calgary (4 hours from Edmonton) it is well worth the journey. Do yourself a favor and make your way there at some point. Affordable, spectacular, and fun - it is a jewel nestled into the mountains that is worth discovering.

www.GrandeCache.com

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

39

Trans Identity

A History of Gender Variance in Expression and Identity Part 5B: Stonewall and It’s Fissures (1985 - 1995)

By Mercedes Allen Last month we started with the Stonewall Riots in 1969, and this month we continue discussing the aftermaths that this uprising sparked in recent times, from the mid 1980’s.

1985 - A pink granite monument is unveiled at the site of the Neuengamme concentration camp dedicated to the homosexual victims of Nazism. To some, it stands as a memorial to all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals killed in the Holocaust, as the Nazis did not discriminate regarding individual differences.

1986 - Lou Sullivan founds FTM International.

1987 - Albertan k.d. lang makes her musical debut. lang, whose image is very much a gender-challenging form of androgyny, exemplifies the dichotomy within the lesbian community regarding female-to-male transsexuals: so long as one does not step beyond the “butch” limit to actually transition to male, they are accepted and even applauded, but those who transition are deemed “traitors.” lang herself is out as a lesbian, but does not identify as being transgender.

1988 - Author Pat Califia debuts, the first book titled Sapphistry. Califia would become a prominent and respected lesbian writer, activist and therapist, injecting some new and unexpected views into modern feminism, many of which grow out of Califia’s participation in the leather community. Califia also leads the charge against the exclusion of “butches / femmes” when the lesbian community begins spurning them in an effort to conform to politically correct ideals forming within lesbian feminism. In the mid-1990s, Patrick Califia comes out as a transman, and begins his transition to male. The lesbian community completely rejects Califia as a consequence, virtually erasing him from some queer libraries, and fibromyalgia begins to limit his ability to write.

1989 - Billy Tipton, a well-respected jazz musician, bleeds to death from an ulcer, rather than seeking medical help. He is discovered to be biologically female, after presenting as a man since 1933.

Ray Blanchard proposes the theory of autogynephilia, which he defined as “a man’s paraphilic tendency to be sexually aroused by the thought or image of himself as a woman.” This theory catches on with some writers of the time, even controversial transgender advocate Dr. Anne Lawrence. But it is never quite accepted by the medical community as a whole, as it has many gaps in study (and logic), and widely conflicts with the accepted model of gender identity disorder. By the turn of the millennium, it would be dropped in favor of more biological studies of transgenderism, but would gain a boost when Blanchard is invited to oversee the revision of paraphilic diagnoses, including “Transvestitic Fetish,” for the DSM-V. RuPaul first appears in the Talking Heads video “Love Shack,” and goes on to become a drag queen of worldwide notoriety.

1990 - The term “two-spirit” originates in Winnipeg, Canada, during the third annual intertribal Native American/First Nations gay and lesbian conference. It comes from the Ojibwa words niizh manidoowag (two-spirits). It is chosen as a means to distance Native/First Nations people from non-Natives, as well as from the words “berdache” and “gay” - previously, there were a myriad of

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words used, different depending on tribe. The phrase “two-spirit” is used to denote all third-gendered peoples, whether gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or non-conforming to sex or gender stereotypes - but the intersexed are held in particularly high regard, and thought to be beings of potentially great power and blessing. The older term of “berdache” had been French in origin, and is derived from Arabic and Eastern words meaning “kept boy” or “male prostitute.” “Berdache” was used by explorers to explain to Western cultures how many Native traditions held a special reverence for twospirit peoples to the earliest time, especially the Lakota, Ojibwa, Blackfoot, Cheyenne, Mojave, Navajo and Cree tribes (others, such as the Comanche, Eyak, Iroquois and many Apache bands did not often recognize the existence of two-spirits).

Traditions vary, but on average, two-spirit peoples were thought to have both male and female persons living within the same body, and a two-spirited child’s gender would be determined at puberty, based on their inclination toward masculine or feminine activities or by a vision. In the last century, modern Christianity had “evangelized,” indoctrinated and destroyed many Native traditions, and two-spirit people are only now just re-emerging from homophobic stigmas.

1991 - Jonathan Demme’s film, The Silence of the Lambs - based on a novel by Thomas Harris - debuts and creates an uproar when the film’s endstory villain exhibits stereotypical gay and transgender habits, intertwined with his homicidal behaviors... creating associations of psychopathy with transsexualism.

1992 - Nancy Jean Burkholter is ejected from the Michigan Womyn’s Festival by transphobic festival organizers.

The festival’s policy is that the particularity of “womyn-bornwomyn” (WBW) experience comes from being born and raised in a female body. The following year, Camp Trans would be set up outside the entrance to the gate in protest of this policy - and continued three years following.

Author and activist Leslie Feinberg publishes “Transgender Liberation: A Movement Whose Time Has Come.” She would later publish the well-known works Stone Butch Blues (1993), and Transgender Warriors: Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman (1996). Feinberg shuns pronoun and gender identification.

1993 - Cheryl Chase founds the Intersex Society of North America. ISNA would develop the stigmatizing terminology “Disorder of Sex Development” to try to replace “intersex.” This would generate a number of controversies, and the group would disband in 2008 so that Chase could form Accord Alliance and encourage rather than discourage the surgical assignation of gender to intersex infants.

“March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation” organizers include bisexuals, but refuse to include transgender in the name of the march, despite months of work to try to get inclusion.

Trans activists working for many years with gay and lesbian activists successfully pass an anti-discrimination law in the State of Minnesota, protecting transsexual and transgender people along with gays and lesbians. This is the first instance of trans inclusion in legislation in North America, despite the number of human rights motions since the 1970s to protect rights based on sexual orientation.

Brandon Teena is raped and later murdered by members of his circle of friends, when they discover his female genitalia. The story

Trans Identity is later retold (with an Oscar-winning performance) in the movie, Boys Don’t Cry. Anthony Summers publishes Official and Confidential: The Secret Life of J. Edgar Hoover, in which the rumor that Hoover was a transvestite is finally put into print. In the book, a Mrs. Susan Rosenstiel alleged that in 1958 she and her husband met Hoover and McCarthy lawyer Roy Cohn, both in drag. Several writers since have strongly discredited Mrs. Rosenstiel, and it is most likely that Hoover’s cross-dressing is merely an urban legend. He may have been gay, however, as some (possibly circumstantial) information about he and right-hand man Clyde Tolson is more credible.

1994 - Transgender activists protest exclusion from Stonewall25 celebrations and The Gay Games in New York City. The Gay Games later rescinds rules that require “documented completion of sex change” before allowing transgender individuals to compete.

Assotto Saint (Yves Lubin), a Haitian gay and trans poet and author of colour dies of HIV-related illness. The pioneering author and publisher had penned several influential works, and was on the verge of completing two anthologies by the time of his death.

Several cities on the west coast of the US pass anti-discrimination statues protecting transsexual and transgender people.

Hijras in India are given the right to vote. Within 5 years, a hijra will be elected as a Member of Parliament (Shabnam “Mausi” Bano, in 1998). Hijras are third-gender persons, usually male or intersex in origin, and living as female. Estimates range between 50,000 and 5,000,000 hijras currently living in the Indian subcontinent alone.

Although early English writings referred to them as eunuchs, not all undergo castration. Hijras are limited by caste, must train under a teacher, and are considered low class. Violence against hijras is common, and the authorities continue to be slow to do anything about the problem.

munities redefined their new place in the world, and those divisions would gradually start to be overcome.

Next: Toward the Future.

Partial Bibliography: Much of this had been compiled over time, and not all the sources have been recorded. Some online sources have been involved as well, although I search for more corroboration in these cases.

• Bullough, Vern: Homosexuality: A History From Ancient Greece to Gay Liberation • Califia, Patrick: Sex Changes: The Politics of Transgenderism • Colapinto, John: As Nature Made Him: The Story of a Boy Who Was Raised as a Girl • Currah, Paisley; Richard M. Juang and Shannon Price Minter: Transgender Rights • Feinberg, Leslie: TransGender Warriors • Fletcher, Lynne Yamaguchi: The First Gay Pope (and other records) • Kessler, Suzanne; and McKenna, Wendy: Gender: An Ethnomethodological Approach • Rudacille, Deborah: The Riddle of Gender • Walker, Barbara: various works • Williams, Walter: The Spirit and the Flesh

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Mercedes Allen is a writer who blogs at http://dentedbluemercedes.wordpress. com/, has been featured on bilerico.com, PageOneQ and others, and has also developed the website at AlbertaTrans.org as a resource for transgender information and support.

1995 - Transsexual activists protest Oregon’s Right to Privacy (now known as “Right to Pride”) political action committee to cease using Alan Hart’s old name as an award given out to lesbian activists. Over the following years, some of his legacy would be regained by the transgender community, and his preferred male name would regain recognition.

Tyra Hunter dies following a traffic accident in Washington, D.C. Her injuries should have been minor, but when the responding EMT team (a crew of D.C. firefighters) arrives on the scene, cut away her clothing and discover her genitalia, they withdraw medical care, uttering epithets and taunting her as she bleeds.

When she is finally taken to D.C. General Hospital, she is also given inadequate care and dies from blood loss. In 1998, a jury awards Tyra’s mother $2,873,000 after finding the District of Columbia (via both the EMTs and Hospital) guilty of negligence and malpractice.

Several activist groups form in her memory.

Georgina Beyer becomes New Zealand’s (and the World’s) first transsexual Mayor of Carterton, where she remained until 2000.

She later becomes a Member of Parliament (see part 6).

The Triangle Program opens in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, designed for GLBT students at risk of dropping out or committing suicide because of homophobia in regular schools.

As the GLB and T communities began to enjoy their newfound freedoms, there was a lot of self-differentiation that took place.

Each community wished to distinguish themselves from other communities, sometimes at those other communities’ expense.

Transgender people were not the only ones adversely affected. The lesbian community went through a period in the politically-correct 1980s of ejecting lesbians who fit the “butch” and “femme” paradigms, because they were seen as creating “bad stereotypes” of that community as well (although this still has some root in the expression of gender). Most tragic of this was that it was often those “butch / femme” lesbians who had been first to “come out” and become involved with their community. But while many of these divisions would sow resentments and infighting, they would eventually become recognized as growing pains as the various com-

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Music Review

Hear Me Out The Cliks, Cazwell

By Chris Azzopardi The Cliks, Dirty King We like a good split personality – Pink, Eminem and Beyonce can seamlessly morph from badass to wimp.

Lucas Silveira, welcome to the group. The Cliks frontman, who’s gained attention in the gay community for being a transgendered FTM, can boast all he wants about being an unshakable secretkeeper or an engine that keeps a relationship running, but love’s pain? Even he can feel that. His self-assured nature established early – with the saucy, I’m-every-man title track – on the now-trio’s sophomore LP, sets up a smugness that’s eventually chipped away by some downbeat ballads. Take the waltzy “Red and Blue,” a string-fueled slow burner where expectations aren’t met and dreams crushed. It, like oodles of Silveira’s words, sting and stick, but the musical arrangements don’t quite sustain the first half’s edge. Gutting some of the hooks, stripping away the garage rockers that really click (hee-hee, get it?), and what’s left is a dreary stream of semi-generic, mild meh. As much as their softer side might derail the band’s knack for a strong melody, there’s admirable growth between this LP and the mold they break on their largely rocking debut, Snakehouse. More vanguard cuts like “Haunted,” a guitar-riffed rocker that’s smothered in Silveira’s sexy teeter-tottering diction, wouldn’t have hurt.

Grade: B-

record-scratchy “Getting Over” – don’t quite reap, but still, get this all over … your ears.

Grade: B

Also Out Patrick Wolf, The Bachelor To some, the flamboyant English lad comes off as cocky, and if he weren’t such a polished musician, his self-assured chutzpah wouldn’t be validated. But it is, and the first of his two-part Battle series – with its baroque influences, melodramatic theatrics and musical-toy tinkering – establishes him as an inimitable artist. It’s a dense rock of a disc that needs some chiseling, but uncovering the brilliance that’s buried underneath is part of the point.

Teena Marie, Congo Square Don’t judge a book by its cover – or an album by its ridiculous I’m-too-sexy-for-this-cover photo. Some good get-down grooves sneak up on this self-discovery disc, the 13th LP from the soul songstress that’s rooted in jazz and blues. “You Baby” is the catchiest, drawing a slippery-tongued delivery, but slow-paced songs like “Can’t Last a Day” enthrall, too. You, baby, rock – even with that album art.

Little Boots, Illuminations For as dinky as her footwear might be, British-export Little Boots (real name: Victoria Hesketh) has the makings to leave a Big Foot-sized print on America with this five-song EP. Her sleek brand of electropop, already making waves in the U.K., is hefty in the hooks department – notably on the hypnotic “Not Now” and disco-weeper “Magical.” Too, she’s got an irrefutable Kylie Minogue vibe. Gays’ll love her.

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1361 Cazwell, Watch My Mouth The NYC-based rapper’s songs are like babies: Harder than hell to hate no matter how icky – the crying! the drooling! the pooping! – they are. His PG-rated nuggets involve spotting a diva sucking down fast food – the absurdly hilarious “I Seen Beyonce at Burger King” – but his real bit, though it’s often silly, is built on being a dirty-as-porn rapper.

He’s Eminem (especially on “Knocked Out”) … with a thing for, uh, nice things. And giving facials. On the ’80s-sampled “All Over Your Face,” in which the gay oral-zealot demands that none of it – no, not mom’s meatloaf – goes to waste. It’s good aural smut, and actually has mainstream potential if people – and straights who don’t mind hearing about a man butt-munching like Hannibal Lector – can stomach it. So does classic club joint “Tonight,” an Auto-Tuned sing-songy cut that drops “girl” references, moaning, but still resists being stripclub sleazy (could be, though, that after a facial ode, everything else feels cleaner than The Jonas Brothers). Cazwell’s major debut borrows the best tracks from his 2006 EP, like the inviting “Get Into It,” featuring Amanda Lepore. Some of the newbies – like

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Fundraising Photos Women in Rock n’ Roll at MPs - Calgary (Photos by Jason Omelian)

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Discussion

Branding Pride

Is Corporate Sponsorship Progress?

By Evan Kayne If you were to compare our current Pride celebrations to any of the first Pride Parades in the 1970s and 1980s, among several things you might notice the level of corporate support and sponsorship now offered to our Pride societies. However, when Edmonton announced the “TD Canada Trust Edmonton Pride Parade” some people wondered if we are going too far in courting the corporate dollar.

While some praised such sponsorship as progress, others such as Edmonton’s Queer Recruitment Army (QRA) thought this sponsorship deal was objectionable. The QRA sent out a press release regarding their concerns with corporate involvement in Pride. “Organized in protest of this year’s renaming of the Edmonton Pride Parade to the ‘TD Canada Trust Pride Parade and Celebration on the Square’ the Queer Recruitment Army challenges LGBTTIQQ communities to demand liberation and fight appropriation.” Their concerns were that, instead of fighting for equality and celebrating our Pride, these events have become more about selling products to our community.

Yet it is the corporate dollar which allows us to stage modern day Pride - it’s not cheap, there are significant costs involved. For example, Vancouver Pride detailed some of their event costs: Parade = $56,488 (barricades, recycling, sound systems, police, permits); Festival & Events: $37,728 (stage, tents, sound equipment). Admittedly, Edmonton and Calgary are smaller events with budgets of $95,000 and $20,000 respectively, but still, Pride organizations have to find some way to cover those costs.

While Pride organizations rely on individual contributions, government monies (when the federal government isn’t Conservative, that is), and fundraising efforts, a large chunk of costs are paid for by donations of cash or in kind items from corporations. Sam Casselman from Calgary Pride puts corporate sponsorship at 80% of total incoming revenue, while Sandi Stetson of Edmonton Pride puts this amount at 25%.

At this point, it would be fair to point out that Calgary and Edmonton, while similar in population size, obviously have two different sized Prides. It would also be fair to say Edmonton benefits from the whole “Festival City” concept the public, business, and government has embraced. Talking with Sandi from Edmonton Pride, I was given the impression everyone in Edmonton almost falls over themselves to help a festival succeed. Calgary, on the other hand, seems ambivalent.

The mainstream media in Calgary has reported on festivals like the Lilac Fest experiencing huge price increases for city services, and the Marda Loop Mardi Gras almost didn’t happen because fewer sponsors came forward this year. Another difference between the two cities: the Edmonton Pride board has been fairly stable over the past few years, growing from 3 board members to 10 along with one full time employee: Sandi Stetson. Calgary Pride on the other hand, has seen some turmoil over the past few years – and with an entirely new board, and a new date for Pride – is in the process of rebuilding.

However, the concern some people have with corporate funding is that you sign a deal with the “devil”. Blair Gallant from the Calgary Fringe Festival told GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine, when you take the money, you lose a little influence, and may only be able to go in 90% of the direction you wanted because of requests the sponsor makes. Both the Fringe and the Calgary Folk Fest have shied away from companies wanting to be the title sponsor, preferring to deal with a large group of companies giving smaller amounts (and therefore having smaller expectations). As well, working with a group of sponsors

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has the added benefit where if one sponsor drops out, it’s not a serious blow to the festival’s budget.

For Calgary, sponsors dropping out or reducing donations are a concern this year. “Most places are just flat out no, we’re not doing any sponsoring this year…that’s a huge thing for us this year…people are just not wanting to spend money,” Casselman told us. Even companies which donated in the past are tightening their purse strings – reducing the amount of cash offered to Pride Calgary, or giving “inkind” (i.e. products but no cash).

When you take the money, you lose a little influence, and may only be able to go in 90% of the direction you wanted because of requests the sponsor makes Edmonton fared better, with the recession having less of an impact upon them. Only 2 sponsors weren’t able to come back, and one had to reduce their sponsorship amount. As well, they received grant funding both from Heritage Canada and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, along with funding from the Edmonton Downtown Association (the second year this has happened). “Those two things are indicators of our growth,” said Sandi. “Because of the growth we have experienced, we now are on a level with our festival where we are worth getting some funding to.” Governments are looking at the Edmonton Pride festival as worthy of receiving money because of the growth, because of the success.

As for the dollar value of attracting corporate money, if you’re wondering whether Pride would survive without corporate cash, the answer would be no – at least not in its current form. Pride organizations do have other revenue sources - Pride Calgary has had some grassroots fundraising events – a bottle drive / dance at Moneypennies, a silent auction at the Eagle, among other events. Edmonton gets most of their revenue from grants, liquor sales at events, and ticket sales for their GBLT film fest which occurs during Pride week. However, minus corporate funding, Pride in either city would be seriously downsized.

Pride organizations are also realistic about sponsorship. Sam has heard the comments about TD Canada Trust sponsoring the Edmonton Pride Parade. If a major sponsor came along, “Calgary Pride isn’t really in the position where we can say no we don’t want your money.”

In fact, Calgary Pride still has the option to have one main presenting sponsor much like Edmonton. “A lot of big events do that,” Sam added. “That’s the advantage for them (the company) to donate their dollars is to have that advertising…(big companies) aren’t just giving out their money for nothing in return.” The company’s name gets linked with a popular or local event and is seen as supportive of our community.

Stetson from Edmonton Pride agreed. “There are many events out there that have (sponsors which) are title sponsors of the whole event.”

She then rattled off several examples, the least of which is renaming sporting facilities for business (Coliseum in Edmonton becomes Rexall Place, the Saddledome becomes Pengrowth Saddledome). If a company wants to help our community, “we want to give recognition and appreciation to people who support us.”

Furthermore, corporate sponsorship of any festival event is hardly novel. As mentioned previously, both the Calgary Folk Festival and Fringe Festival have a roster of companies sponsoring them. In fact, attend any major arts event and in the program, you’ll see the words “this event would not be possible without the contributions of our sponsoring companies.” If you’re thinking, “yeah, but those are arts…it’s not the same sponsoring a community” I give you Africadey!

This cultural association/festival has no problem accepting corporate sponsorship.

Discussion Additionally, those who think money gives you carte blanche for sponsorship might be surprised to know that companies are vetted first. ”Pride Calgary does reserve the right to refuse sponsorship to any company,” Sam added. They do review the company applying; they need to confirm the donor would be a good match to Pride and does not have any baggage which would reflect poorly on the organization accepting the donation. Sandi said Edmonton Pride has a similar vetting process: “we have heard some comments, and we don’t have to compromise to get these funds…not at all. If we did have to compromise our festival, we would not accept them as a sponsor. Every sponsor is vetted…along with people in the parade and people who have booths.”

The final word on corporate sponsorship is that it has its pros and cons. Yet it is a valued tool as long as it’s managed properly. When our community is now considered something worthy of being sponsored, it is a compliment and a sign of change in our society. Part of the point of Pride festivals is not only to demand more freedom, safety, and equality for our community; it’s also to celebrate the advances we have made. If that means we now have large companies helping us along with the small businesses, this is advancement and change for the better.

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As well, a lot of times when a company is a major sponsor of an event like Pride, they will do their homework on the community they are supporting. In Edmonton, TD Canada Trust needed a year to make sure they had buy-in from local branches in Edmonton, AND these branches would be ready to help and address any concerns of the GLBT community. Sandy also made sure TD was in it for the right reasons, that they believe in the community and the company wanted to show this belief publicly. Having a major (and traditionally conservative) business wanting to support the GBLT community IS making some headway, IS making steps towards acceptance and equality.

Sam adds that it may take some companies a while to come around to the realization the GBLT community should be sponsored, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t given soft support in the past (she offered the example of a bank who waived fees for the Pride organization).

Also should we be turning down a helping hand just because someone wonders where the hell Corporation X was when they were coming out? If a company is here now and wants to support us, why say no?

Sam said the day has come where companies realize our community is composed of “…people just like everyone else…it’s a part of everyone coming around to realize we have as much to offer as the straight people they advertise to.”

“We have heard some comments, and we don’t have to compromise to get these funds…not at all. If we did have to compromise our festival, we would not accept them as a sponsor. Every sponsor is vetted… along with people in the parade and people who have booths.”

I did want to hear their reasons and any thoughts of the Queer Recruitment Army on this issue. Yet when I told Sandi Stetson about the QRA, this was the first she had heard of them. “It would be nice if they would contact us directly with their concerns, or at least send us their press release.” Sandy works year round on the festival, and is happy to deal with people’s concerns; she and the board members are open to discussion – all anyone has to do is email Pride Edmonton or come to a board meeting; which Sandy testifies that the QRA did not do. GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine did make several attempts to contact them, but at the time of publication, no replies were forthcoming.

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

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Community Spotlight

Gay Singles in Calgary

A New Way to Meet Men in your Community

By Dallas Barnes and Sam Casselman Calgary has a definite lack of “gay hangouts” outside of the bar scene, which can make it nearly impossible for someone to meet like-minded individuals outside of the gay nightlife. It can be equally difficult if you are just coming out, or have just moved to Calgary, to find a gay network in a predominantly heterosexual, conservative city.

Luckily there is a new group in town – one that offers a chance for gay and bisexual men in Calgary to “get out from behind the computer and get out into the community.” John Iocchelli, founder of Gay Singles in Calgary explains that, “the group is a recreation/arts group for gay or bi men to meet new friends and possibly a life partner.” Whether you are looking for a significant other, or just simply looking for friends, this group is a worthwhile addition to your social schedule.

Late last year, after 14 years in a relationship, John found himself single again. He wanted to branch out and make new friends.

Realizing that meeting new people in the GLBT community can prove to be quite difficult in Calgary, he decided to start his own group with the goal in mind to do just that.

Iocchelli has created a group with wide appeal; simply browsing through its current member list online, and looking at their interests, hints at how diverse they really are. Currently there are just over 100 members, and John sees new members joining almost daily since Gay Singles in Calgary’s inception in January. Though membership is free, Iocchelli is serious about your participation once you have joined. “If you are NOT interested in joining us for events, PLEASE do not join.”

As already mentioned, the Gay Singles in Calgary website allows you to browse its members, but also enables you to keep in contact, write blogs, participate in forums, and browse photos of their events gone by. You can also get a month to month synopsis of the group’s events by visiting the Calendar area. Every week John plans at least 2-3 events for members to participate in, be they organized by the group itself, or simply an existing event that members attend together.

The events put together by Gay Singles in Calgary have catered to the group’s diverse membership, and have included coffee nights almost every week, movies, dinners, potlucks, brunches, bowling nights, and dog walking. The group attended the ARGRA’s rodeo in Strathmore, and in the near future will be at Calgary Pride in September.

It may be difficult for men to meet men here in Calgary, but joining Gay Singles in Calgary makes it difficult to hide behind excuses. Iocchelli has paved the way to finding individuals that share in your sentiments. Why not step away from your computer for a while, and start meeting people in real life.

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Community Event

Pride in Calgary

I’ll Show You Mine if You Show Me Yours

By Pam Rocker This past May, I was studying hard and somewhat bitterly for my Canadian citizenship test. As I memorized what kind of wheat was most popular in 1930’s Manitoba, I happened upon what I thought would be an even more dry section of pain: the six responsibilities of being a Canadian citizen. After a handful of predictable sentences, I was caught off guard by something much more exciting than winter wheat.

Right there, out in the open, in print, Canada was saying that it is the responsibility of every citizen to eliminate discrimination and injustice. Not just to be tolerant or open-minded. Not just to stand up for marginalized people on the weekends. They actually used the word eliminate. To eliminate discrimination and injustice.

This September, we’ll all have the chance to be proud participants of Pride Calgary; a celebration that tangibly stands for the elimination of discrimination. My excitement is dampened only by the surprising prevalence of polarization in Calgary’s gay community. This is sadly ironic. We are leaders, revolutionaries, every one of us. The decisions we make, how we choose to live and what we choose to stand for, all have the power to change the very fabric of our society. Our collective energy should never be underestimated.

Speaking of energy and pride, save some of both for the Pride Dance Party on Saturday, September 5th, at its new location.

Belgo rests comfortably on the corner of 5th Street and Stephen Ave and boasts a killer, upscale atmosphere with more than enough room for mixing, mingling, and shaking your groove thing. DJ’s from the local gay community will be there all night for your dancing pleasure.

In the past, Pride has usually rented a neutral venue to hold their dances, but with their financial crunch this year it was necessary for them to rely on the help of a pre-existing venue.

That being the case, one might wonder why a gay establishment would not be a first choice, for no reason other than to benefit a GLBT business. For a dance of this size, there was really only one gay venue that came close to their size requirements. Unfortunately, according to Pride Board President Sam Casselman, “the ownership was unwilling to work with Pride when approached [even for sponsorship]. For the size of venue that we needed, we were then forced to look outside of the gay community.” Considering this venue’s stance toward many businesses, non-profit groups, and individuals, it would not have sufficed in any case to host an event that is intended to be inclusive to the entire community.

space is rented for anywhere between $15,000 to $25,000).

The ownership and staff are extremely welcoming and gay friendly, and Belgo is proud to offer their venue for an event that they really believe in.

The weekend continues with the Pride Parade on Sunday, September 6th. Since this year’s theme is “Our Rights, Your Rights, Human Rights”, it seems fitting that the Raging Grannies are serving as the Parade Grand Marshals. Satirical and serious, the Raging Grannies are a local chapter of an International group of women who advocate social justice of all kinds, disarmament and a safe and sustainable environment.

The parade floats and other visual candy will start off at 12pm on 8th Street and 8th Avenue SW, heading east to Olympic Plaza where the Street Festival begins. David Swann, leader of the liberal party of Alberta and Rick Hansen, Calgary’s police chief, will kick off the festival immediately following the parade.

There will be something for everyone, as the plaza will be buzzing with food, beer gardens (sponsored by Money Pennies), vendors and DJ’s until 6pm. There will also be a Kid Zone to entertain the little ones.

After you’ve spent the afternoon at the festival, you can go home and take a nap in preparation for Sunday evening’s Rocky Horror Pride Show at the Plaza in Kensington. The opening act starts at 11:30pm, featuring the Fake Mustache Drag Kings, followed by the film screening at midnight. If you’re a hardcore fan, rest assured that prop kits will be available.

Costumes and audience participation are highly encouraged, so start working on your Time Warp moves.

We have an incredible opportunity to publicly come together regardless of background, age, race, gender, sexuality, abilities, religion or politics. Our presence not only serves as a loud message that we are unified and here to stay, it reminds us that we need each other. We need each other because we all need hope.

Hope that every day will bring us closer to eliminating discrimination and injustice. It’s our responsibility and our privilege to make this happen. And as Harvey Milk so aptly stated, hope will never be silent.

Says Dallas Barnes, a member of the Pride Board, “Pride is the pinnacle of the GLBT community, or at least it should be.

It’s a time when you can come as you are and be who you are,

Penny Lane Entertainment was quick to step up, originally offering the Wild Ginger space. But due to renovations that the management feared would not be completed in time for the Pride Dance, Penny Lane Entertainment offered up an equally stunning venue: Belgo. The complete multi-tier space, capable of holding between 600 and 700 people, has been donated exclusively to Pride Calgary for the entire evening (typically the

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

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Community Event while being surrounded by other members of the community and their allies. This is a crucial time for the queer community.

We need to come together to celebrate! We are also role models for the generations following us.”

Now that you’re all excited, you may want the chance to support Pride right away. Local Artist Lisa Heinricks has generously donated a beautiful 3’ x 4’ oil on canvas painting that you have a chance to win. Tickets are only $10 and available at the Calgary Eagle, Heinricks Studio at Art Central, and on Pride Calgary’s website. You can check out the painting on the Art Draw’s Facebook event, or in person at the Eagle.

You can also stop by the Eagle between 8pm and 11pm on August 8th for the Pride Silent Auction. There will be thousands of dollars worth of items up for auction, donated by local artists and retailers. Items include vintage Pride gear, jewelry, sex toys, poker paraphernalia, gift cards and much more. All proceeds will go toward helping to make Pride happen.

You could also volunteer for one or all of the events on Pride Weekend if you want to make a lot of friends really fast. I’ll see you there as I experience my first Pride as a Canadian citizen.

And if a Texan like me can be a proud, gay, Canadian citizen, there’s always hope.

Get your Dance tickets online at www.pridecalgary.ca as well as information on volunteering, sponsoring and donating.

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Saturday, August 8th Silent Auction (8pm-11pm)  Calgary Eagle (424a 8th Ave SE) Saturday, September 5th IGNITE Pride Dance (8pm)  Belgo (501 - 8th Ave SW) Sunday, September 6th Pride Parade (12pm-1pm)  Starting at 8th and 8th SW Street Festival & Beer Garden (1pm-6pm)  Olympic Plaza ocky Horror Pride Show (11:30pm) R  The Plaza Theatre, Kensington

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

Book Review

Erotica Book Review

By James S.M. Demers Beyond My Control: Forbidden Fantasies in an Uncensored Age

By Nancy Friday The book holds true to its subtitle in every sense of the world. Beyond My Control is indeed about control to some extent, and raises interesting discussion about some of the very colourful and tailored desires of a number of individuals.

Nancy Friday separates her chapters by controversial subject after controversial subject: domination, masturbation, incest, exhibitionism/voyeurism, S&M, threesomes, and living out fantasies. The categories are ballsy at the very least.

Friday takes the opportunity to discuss these fantasies in her book, as told by regular people, and analyze the concepts behind the things that make us tick. It is almost revolutionary to discuss some of these ideas seriously. Often we forget that fantasies are just hidden desires, sometimes unachievable or illegal to act on in real life, yet we feel scared that they are destined to surface as sexual acts.

All sexual people may, in confidence, admit to fantasies that they themselves would never like to see realized. For example women who enjoy rape fantasies or straight males who fantasize about anal sex but find the practice of it contrary to their real world relationship or orientation.

This book reads differently than most traditional erotica. The pieces are short, sometimes only one or two pages, prefaced by a brief explanation about the person and why they feel this fantasy excites them. This book explores a variety of age ranges, sexual experiences (from sexual abuse survivors to sex workers), races, religions, gender orientations, and sexual orientations. Anyone can relate to at least one of the characters, which cannot often be said about most erotica that tends to target a specific audience.

Sex by The Book: Gay Men’s Tales of Lit and Lust

By Kevin Bentley This one is an interesting book in the realm of gay erotic fiction, and is not like the bulk of gay male erotica which promotes a harder/faster approach with little room for build up or character development. No, Sex by the Book is definitely a different kind of erotica.

The stories are quite a bit longer: average erotica tops out at four to seven pages, while the 19 stories in this book are around seven to thirteen pages. We get to know the characters a bit more in depth, which has an interesting effect on the actual sex depicted.

Several stories contain the spontaneous testosterone driven kind of sex one is accustomed to reading about, while others involve sex that is less than attractive, less that exciting and often awkward or painful or resulting in an emotionally damaging situation for the protagonist.

As an exploration this book does well to include a variety of characters with different life experiences and ideas about intimacy and sexuality. While this is an interesting view into the minds and lives of the characters and the dimensions of sexual experience, as far as erotica is constructed traditionally, this book would possibly do better as an exploration into gay male sexuality.

Sex by the Book would serve as a soft core introduction to erotica. However if you’re looking for a traditional hard-and– fast, sixty second erotica, then your efforts would be best spent looking elsewhere.

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This book definitely delivers on great written erotica while making the logic and motivations behind it more personal and analytical in a sense. Nancy Friday keeps a good balance handling controversial subject matter while making an effort to keep a sense of dignity and respect for the people brave enough to volunteer their secrets to the pages of the book.

It is definitely an interesting read, worth overcoming the initial squeamishness you may have over such subject matter.

Remember when reading: in a mental fantasy all consent is guaranteed, no one is hurt in the daydreaming that takes place, and everyone leaves happy, usually with an orgasm.

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

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Interview

The Life of a Zookeeper

Life, Death, and the Infamous “Gorilla Knife” Incident

By Jason Clevett At 6:30 in the morning, Garth Irvine is in the kitchen preparing three fruit smoothies and two bottles of baby formula for those he cares for. This routine may seem average enough, but in this case there is one major distinction: the breakfast is for gorillas.

Irvine, a keeper at the zoo for 21 years, is one of two keepers primarily responsible for the care of Kakinga (30), Zuri (12), Barika (8), and Yewande (1). These four gorillas (with four new additions from the Bronx Zoo expected to be on display by the end of August) keep him very, very busy.

“My goal as a keeper of gorillas is to make their day as close to how it would be in the wild as possible. If they are going to spend a big portion of their day foraging for food that is what I want them to do. I rearrange their enclosure each and every day, moving nets and fire hoses, and adding and removing toys because I don’t want it to get stale, to be the same day as yesterday. That is my main purpose for being there, making sure what they are getting what they need to be physically healthy, and mentally as well.”

Irvine is openly gay, one of many keepers throughout the world that are also members of the GLBT community. In fact, zoo keeping is an often overlooked “stereotypical gay job.”

“It is a very caring profession. So many gay people are into animals; they love and pamper their pets. It is in some ways like nursing, you are caring for these creatures and you really get involved with them. It occurred to me that at every zoo I have ever visited I have always met gay keepers,” he said, adding his sexuality has never been an issue.

“I was certainly not the first gay person at the Calgary Zoo. It was a non-issue. Part of it is that being a city facility, discrimination against being gay is not allowed, so I was lucky in that. But it is a profession that draws gay people, it really truly does.”

Irvine’s career has seen him work at West Edmonton Mall and Edmonton’s Valley Zoo, but the Calgary Zoo has become his home.

He has had the opportunity to work with many of the over 1000 animals that call the zoo home, but the gorilla troop has become his favorite.

“Gorillas are a big sexy species but what I get out of them is they really challenge me. There are many things I do to enrich their lives, multitudes of feeders and toys and some have worked, some haven’t.

Whenever I have one fail I think it is funny that the gorillas have outsmarted me once again. I really enjoy getting to stimulate them and make a difference in their lives. I am always researching and thinking of new things. One day I was walking to work and someone had thrown out a wine rack. I picked it up not knowing what I was going to do with it but I knew it would be useful. It is now a feeder. They keep me really challenged all the time to challenge them, and I really love that. I think it is great, the system we have had in the past, that you get to work everywhere because you find what you are good at and what you are not.

They used to put me in the reptile house year after year, and I always liked reptiles but I really enjoy working with them now.”

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Irvine has seen the evolution of not only the Calgary Zoo, but also zoos worldwide. Gone are the days of small cement and bar cages with animals pacing restlessly. Animal care has advanced in leaps and bounds, and providing the animals with the best care possible is the zoo’s number one priority.

“Every zoo I have ever been to in the world has some great stuff, and stuff that needs improvement, and ours is no exception. There are things that were acceptable 20 years ago, the worst of them are long gone now thankfully but there are always things that need to be improved. Unfortunately it comes down to money. There are things in the zoo that I would like to see torn down and replaced with something better. That doesn’t always necessarily mean bigger. Quality space is better than quantity in many respects.”

“Gorillas are a big sexy species but what I get out of them is they really challenge me. There are many things I do to enrich their lives, multitudes of feeders and toys and some have worked, some haven’t.

Whenever I have one fail I think it is funny that the gorillas have outsmarted me once again.”

Unfortunately no matter how stellar the care may be, one thing is for certain in life. Everything will die. Over the course of a year Garth experienced this first hand with four major, unrelated gorilla deaths. An infant died just 12 days after being born in August 2006. In April 2008 adult female Tabitha died of a seizure, and a month later Julia of liver disease. Then in August of 2008, 22-year-old Donge died of complications from inflammatory intestinal disease, called diverticulitis. Even two years later, Garth gets visibly choked up when talking about it.

“It was a very difficult time for me. Never in my life did I dream we would go through so many deaths in a short period of time. …There has been an evolution in the way we deal with death with certain species. Something as intelligent and social as an elephant or gorilla, you have to meet the needs of the animals left behind. I felt very guilty because I had to leave town and left one of our keepers behind. I told her, I think Tabitha may die, if she does you make sure that the troop gets put back with her body for a period of time in hopes that they will understand what happened. When Julia died a few weeks later it was the same thing. She died with her head in my lap and her hand in mine. The vets said, we know you want to put her back with the others, we will stay away, call us to get the body when it is time. I checked on them periodically to see how the gorillas were reacting to her but mostly I just wanted to stay away and let them have their time with her. We did that every time.”

Having so many deaths in such a short time hadn’t happened before.

Garth felt that the negative experience could be a learning one, and prepared a paper for a gorilla conference last January. ”There are only a few hundred gorilla keepers in the world and I know most of them, they had me in tears every single night in the bar prior to the presentation. I thought, how am I going to get up in front of 300 people and keep it together? I came to the conclusion that I wasn’t

Interview going to be able to do it without dissolving into a puddle on the stage.

I was ok with that once I came to terms with it because I realized no one was going to understand better than 300 gorilla keepers. So I told them if I started to lose it I would sit on the floor and just not look at them until I could get through it. I didn’t have to do that and I was very proud. Another keeper came up to me and said, I am really proud that you did that and put yourself through that because you have set the standard for how it should be done at every zoo now. When Julia died my partner said, I can’t believe what this is doing to you. I want to get you a job working with Galapagos tortoises, something that will outlive you so I never have to see you go through this again. A little bit of satisfaction can be found in that we did the right thing. We did the best we could for the gorillas that died and more importantly for the gorillas that were left. We let them do what they needed to do. For a couple of weeks after every death we broke routine and whatever they wanted to do was just fine. I am very pleased to say that we had the support of management to do that.”

The deaths have lead to the zoo coming under fire at time from animal rights activists and some of the public. While sometimes facilities make mistakes, the fact of the matter is that every living thing will die at some point.

“They die in the zoo, and every single animal in the zoo will die. It is only a matter of time until we have another high profile death because we have a number of animals that are getting older. I must admit I get tired of having things that have been news in the past being dragged

“I have never wanted children, ever, not even for one instant. This sort of made me think, maybe having a child wouldn’t be a terrible thing because this is pretty wonderful. At the same time I am so incredibly happy and proud that this baby is not growing up thinking she is human.” up again and again. I don’t see the relevance. Yet when we have a red panda birth they don’t bring up things that are bad. I don’t lose sleep over it because if you look at the comments and support we received over something as silly as the knife incident, the majority were very supportive.”

The “knife incident” refers to a photo that appeared in the Calgary Herald on June 17th, showing Barika examining a knife that Irvine accidentally left in the enclosure. The story and photo made international news.

“People really for some reason pussyfoot around this subject with me. My family didn’t want to phone to ask if it was me. Someone got a lucky photo, and it was a fantastic photo, of a gorilla examining a knife, and the way she was holding it. It went nuclear, I couldn’t believe how far and wide the story went,” he recalled, adding that the way the zoo management handled it was appreciated. “My director said to me, how could we say anything, there is not a keeper anywhere in the world that hasn’t done the same thing, we just live in a different world now. It was a real learning experience for me. I am used to the fact that when I am in an animal enclosure I am photographed and that has never been much of an issue. Now knowing the way…that a photograph can be on the doorstep of the world in a few minutes, that is very different.”

He wanted to go on record in this interview to set a few things straight. ”Yes, I made a mistake. I dropped the knife in the enclosure and missed it. There are far more dangerous things than a knife that a gorilla could have like a camera battery that they may bite into and actually really do some damage to themselves. Gorillas are in many ways tough as nails. Should Barika have cut herself with the knife she would have put it down and walked away. It could have happened but it didn’t.”

Instead Barika placed it on a chair in the enclosure and walked away. “It was just a coincidence that she put it down. As soon as I heard the gorillas had a knife I knew exactly what had happened. I opened the door, she set the knife down and they came inside. Had she carried it inside they are trained to trade for stuff. If she realizes that she has something I really want, I have to up the ante. I once had an orangutan get my keys and it cost me half a box of produce because he

knew I wanted them back very badly.”

The feedback on message boards and news sites was instantaneous, some amazed by how blown out of proportion the story was, while others called for drastic measures including firing Irvine and shutting down the zoo. ”There were a couple of people who sounded as if they would have been quite happy if I had been publicly hung, and I sort of understand it. I really demand the most of the zoo and myself, I really push myself and can be a pain in the ass. We need to do better and when something happens it should be addressed. …I don’t want to downplay it; it was a mistake that could have had some serious consequences but as instances go this was not dire or life threatening. To somebody from the outside it may have appeared that way. In some ways I am a little bit grateful to people who are not supportive of the zoo because they really push us to improve. The zoo supporters are fantastic and we couldn’t be here without them, but I want to see us improve and be the best zoo in the world. I want to see all of the zoological facilities get better. While some of what we do is really great by the standards now, 20 years from now it may not be. We have to continue to improve, educate ourselves, and spend the money to do so. I welcome the pressure.”

The best way to make Garth’s face light up is with one simple name: Yewande. The baby gorilla, who celebrated her first birthday on May 15th, is the second one born to Zuri. Her first baby was the one who died in 2006, but staff were hopeful Zuri would be a better mom the second time around. Unfortunately this was not the case, and staff had to take over bringing up the baby while ensuring that she still remained a gorilla.

“I really believed that Zuri was going to be a perfect mom this time so when she wasn’t it was a big surprise for me. While I am proud of myself and everyone involved. A lot of people put a lot of hours in to doing this, but Zuri gets a lot of the credit. While she is far from a perfect mom she was willing to work with us, never aggressive to us or the baby, just indifferent. It was more than she could handle and we had to step in.”

Garth sounds like a parent when he talks about her.

“I have never wanted children, ever, not even for one instant. This sort of made me think, maybe having a child wouldn’t be a terrible thing because this is pretty wonderful. At the same time I am so incredibly happy and proud that this baby is not growing up thinking she is human. I cherish the time I have had with her but the most important thing is that she knows she is a gorilla and is living with gorillas. I was very lucky to have that time but I would rather I hadn’t had it. I wish things had gone better. It probably sounds like I am lying because I loved what I got to do but it was a real unfortunate circumstance. Still the night we pulled that baby, I slept between the gorillas in adjoining cages on either side of me. Lying on a cot with this tiny four-pound infant gorilla asleep on my chest was one of the highlights of my life.

Even though Kakinga wanted to kill me because I had his baby, it was absolutely magical.”

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For more on Garth Irvine, including how to book guided tours of Africa with him, purchase wildlife photos and calendars visit www.GarthIrvine.com Experience Garth’s life firsthand with the zoo’s “Zookeeper for a Day” program. For details on the zoos programs and ZooGala fundraiser visit www.calgaryzoo.com

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

51

Politics

Stonewall’s Unfinished Revolution Why We Need to Move Beyond Gay Pride

By Diane Silver Forty years ago, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn risked everything, and their courage ignited the modern LGBT rights movement.

As we commemorate the Stonewall uprising at gay pride celebrations around the world, perhaps we should also ask ourselves what we’re willing to risk for equality.

The events at the Stonewall Inn, a New York City bar, began in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969. At the time, to be “queer” was to be officially classified as both mentally ill and criminal.

Acts of intimacy between consenting adults in their own homes were illegal in 48 states. LGBT applicants were automatically disqualified from federal employment and service in the military. People who wore clothing deemed inappropriate for their gender could be arrested.

Bars were frequently our only havens at the same time that liquor laws often forbid serving alcohol to gays. Bars known to have LGBT clientele were raided repeatedly by police.

But when officers arrived at the Stonewall Inn for what was supposed to be a routine raid, the patrons did something LGBT people rarely did: They fought back -- risking their lives and their freedom.

They blocked police from loading prisoners into a paddy wagon and stopped the raid. That resistance led to six nights of upheaval.

The people of Stonewall weren’t the first to battle police harassment. That honor goes to the transgender patrons of San Francisco’s Compton’s Cafeteria, who fought back in 1966.

Stonewall didn’t mark the start of LGBT activism. As early as the 1920s, a few people tried to organize for change. The homophile movement made progress in the 1950s and early 1960s.

But Stonewall touched off something new.

“Suddenly new possibilities and expectations were in the air,” historian Martin Duberman writes in his 1993 book, Stonewall. “People began to dream about something other than getting from one day to the next with a minimum of discomfort.”

Within weeks, new political organizations had been founded.

In little more than a decade, the structure of the modern LGBT movement had been built.

Since 1969, police raids have passed into history. The laws that once criminalized homosexuality have been overturned.

The medical community no longer sees us as mentally ill. The rules that once barred us from federal jobs have been dropped.

Bans on discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity have become law in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Same-sex marriage has been legalized in six states.

We have come so far, but we’re still second-class citizens.

The Defense of Marriage Act, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and

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immigration inequalities are just some of the laws that punish our families, hurt our children and impoverish us.

We don’t know yet whether voters will overturn marriage equality in any of the states that just enacted it. Extending marriage to all 50 states seems daunting.

The history of the movement is a story of evolving dreams.

Before Stonewall, our most fervent dream was to merely get by, hidden but alive. The dream of the patrons of the Stonewall Inn was to live free of harassment.

I came out 10 years after Stonewall. My dream was to live openly and honestly without being fired, shunned by my family, or beaten to death by bigots who hated dykes on sight. At the time, I was considered radical. The idea that I could even hope to marry never once entered my mind.

Today a new generation – the second to come of age since Stonewall – thinks my old dreams are timid. They want nothing less than full equality.

They have no patience with us Baby Boomers and the institutions we built. These LGBT millennials, and their heterosexual brethren, think our old go-slow, step-by-step strategy is obsolete.

They’re right.

But their passion will not win equality until LGBT Americans are once again willing to sacrifice. It is time that we follow the lead of Stonewall and put our own security on the line.

Lt. Dan Choi and other gay service members are already challenging DADT. The rest of us need to come out to family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.

Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, recently suggested, among other actions, that married couples risk the wrath of the IRS and refuse to pay federal taxes as if they were single – a requirement necessitated by DOMA. “It seems increasingly clear to me,” Smith writes, “that we must now do what civil rights movements have always done: with forethought and solemnity place ourselves visibly at odds with an unjust law to provoke the consequences that can prick the conscience of our country.”

The patrons of the Stonewall Inn would expect nothing less.

Diane Silver is a former newspaper reporter and magazine editor, whose work has appeared in The Progressive, Salon.com, Ms, and other national publications.

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

Capital Ex - Edmonton

Queer Eye - Community Photography Events PlayGirlz Drag Show at PLAY - Edmonton (Photos by Karen Hofmann)

Dee Luv Show at Prism - Edmonton (Photos by Karen Hofmann)

Twiggy Show at Prism - Edmonton

Queen of Hearts Cabaret at Boots - Edmonton (Photos by Karen Hofmann)

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #70, August 2009

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