August 2010 ISSUE 82 The Only Magazine Dedicated to Alberta’s LGBT Community
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Angelina Jolie Mans Up In Latest Spy Thriller
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
Table of Contents
August 2010
Photography
Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino, Karen Hofmann, Tyler Gschaid, Evan Kayne
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
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Courtney Aarbo, Barristers and Solicitors
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine 2136 17th Avenue SW Calgary, AB, Canada T2T 0G3
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 Angelina Jolie Courtesy of Sony Pictures
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Publisher’s Column
8 Wright-ing History
Out country singer on living openly and playing Pride
11 Eat Gay Love
Ryan Murphy on new Julia Roberts film, pushing gay on Glee, and Wicked movie
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Mercedes Allen, Chris Azzopardi, Dallas Barnes, Dave Brousseau, Jason Clevett, Andrew Collins, Rob Diaz-Marino, Janine Eva Trotta, Jack Fertig, Glen Hanson, Joan Hilty, Stephen Lock, Allan Neuwirth, Steve Polyak, Romeo San Vicente, Ed Sikov and the GLBT Community of Calgary, Edmonton, and Alberta.
When it Rains, it Pours
13 Angelina Jolie Mans Up Salt Actress on Sex Change, and New Spy Thriller
14 Queen of the Night
Kelis on New Dance Disc and Gay Dudes
17 Directory and Events
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Writers and Contributors
5
24 Pride 2010
20 Years of (R)Evolution
25 HEATing up for Pride 25 The GLBTQ African Group Pride Centre of Edmonton Hosts New Group
26 A Crime Against One Is A Crime Against All 27 Q Scopes
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Publisher: Steve Polyak Editor: Rob Diaz-Marino Sales: Steve Polyak Design & Layout: Rob Diaz-Marino, Ara Shimoon
“Play it up, Virgo!”
28 Deep Inside Hollywood A different View for Sara Gilbert
29 Cocktail Chatter
Snobs invent Fire Island Iced Tea
Edmonton Rainbow Business Association
30 Out of Town
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association
40 Adult Film Review
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Unloaded, Dad Takes a Fishing Trip
National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association
Continued on Next Page GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
Table of Contents Continued From Previous Page
42 This is BSB
Backstreet Boy Nick Carter on Fame, the Road, and his Gay Connection
44 Strobelite for AIDS Calgary
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Giving Everyone the Right to Dance
45 Damn Sweet
Toronto’s Sweet Thing the Next Big Canadian Band?
46 The 29th Edmonton International Fringe Festival A Perfect Way to Round up Your Summer
47 The Jagged Years of Ruthie J
Calgary LGBT Pioneer Recounts her ‘Crazy’ Adolescence
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49 A Couple of Guys 50 Bitter Girl 51 TransActive II: Expectations 53 Music Review
Christina Aguilera, Sarah McLachlan
56 Classified Ads 58 Chelsea Boys 60 ’Mo-dern Family
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The next big thing from out director Lisa Cholodenko
62 Toni Braxton finds her Pulse Soulstress Un-breaks Hearts
64 Queer Eye
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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.
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
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Editorial
When it Rains, it Pours Publisher’s Column
By Rob Diaz-Marino After surviving the busy time of ARGRA at the beginning of this month, we thought we would have something of a break during July. Judging by the websites of our local LGBT venues and non-profit groups, some still showing May as their most recent update, it didn’t look like too much was happening for us to cover. Of course, in the broader sense we knew there would still be the Calgary Stampede and Capital Ex in Edmonton, which we have faithfully covered for the past several years (Stampede as far back as 2004) – but these are week-and-a-half long festivals that we could attend at our leisure. It was a lucky break that we had all this slack time from our usual activities, because there would be other fires to put out. I spent the first Sunday of July cleaning and organizing our outdoor shed and indoor storage room, taking a break to have an afternoon nap, with our cat Snoopy sleeping peacefully by my side. We got Snoopy as a kitten from the Calgary Humane Society about 5 years ago, after photographing him for an article we were putting together. In those brief moments, Steve picked up on his intelligence and warm-hearted personality, and we knew we had to adopt him. He has grown into an incredibly bright and energetic little guy who is constantly surprising us with new ways to make mischief. He keeps our retarded cat Sparky on his toes, and has a very close and loving relationship with our older cat Salem who lost his brother many years ago. But despite these (gay?) relationships with his own kind, he greatly enjoys interacting with Steve and I (we call ourselves his mom and other mom), be it affectionate cuddling, or his uncommon attentiveness to the things we do and say. As I went back to finish cleaning after my nap, I noticed Snoopy running to the litter box every time I was in the room, squatting, looking anxious, and eventually giving up. It immediately concerned me because we had seen Salem do this several years ago when the vet found crystals forming in his urine that were blocking his urinary tract. That was solved with a course of pills and switching to a new brand of litter, and we hoped it would be as simple with Snoopy when we took him in to the vet. The emergency animal hospital ran some tests, though we had caught it so early that it was difficult to tell if this would develop into a severe problem, so they sent Snoopy home with us in hopes he could resume urinating naturally. We kept a litter box for him nearby, and as we slept we could hear him scratching throughout the night. The next morning he was visibly in trouble, and I could feel that his bladder was very swollen. We rushed him to the nearest vet where they immediately needed to drain his bladder manually, or he would die. They put in a catheter to keep him going after that point, which needed to stay in for 24 hours, and we opted to take him home with us overnight so that he could remain with us in a familiar place. We had to keep him confined in the bathroom, and so he stumbled around with a cone on his head and a cast on his arm to protect the IV port – catheter taped to his tail and dribbling onto the towels we laid out across the floor. At about 3am I woke up because I could hear him pacing around restlessly, still trying to figure out how to get that annoying cone off so he could see what the heck was going on with his paw and his privates. So I took a pillow and some blankets with me and settled down to sleep uncomfortably on the bathroom floor, so that he wouldn’t have to go through this discomfort alone. He beaned me in the face a few times with his cone as he tried to nuzzle me excitedly, spastically flicking his paw to try and kick the cast off. But finally he cuddled up beside me and settled down. The next day, the vet checked him over, took off all the medical apparatus, and sent him back with us. The reason for his
blockage was still not known, but we were all hopeful it was just an anomaly that had run its course. He was fine for just over a week before Steve noticed him struggling to pee, and our hearts sank again. We dropped him off at the vet for treatment and overnight observation. No sooner did we get home, that infamous hail storm hit Calgary with golf ball sized stones. I got the car to safety and waited out the storm, imagining people on the Stampede grounds having a different kind of Stampede to find cover. Our roof didn’t fare too well, so we spent the day patching what looked like bullet holes through some of the weaker shingles, and calling our contractors to try and push up the repair date that we had scheduled before the storm. But it was so overwhelming for all of this to be happening at the same time, I don’t know how we made it through the day without crying. We were in and out of the vet during the week to visit Snoopy, who was behaving a little dopey on pain killers, but always extremely happy to see us. The vet took X-rays which showed bladder stones, and it was somewhat of a relief to know there was a logical cause to his problems, especially after all the talk about how cats frequently block for unknown reasons. We arranged for his operation to get the stones removed, but it took him a few more days of healing before he was finally able to urinate on his own again. When it came time for us to bring him home, the women at the vet told us they would actually miss him – with all the sick
Continued on Page 33
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
Online Last Month Financial Overhaul Impacts LGBT Real Estate Market Congress recently passed the most comprehensive piece of financial regulation legislation since the Great Depression, The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform...
www.gaycalgary.com/a1788 Elton and Joel for One Last Night
Impersonators Wow Stage West There is only one night left of a special 2night-only musical tribute at Stage West. Presented by Ronnie and the Jets, band leader Ron Camilleri...
www.gaycalgary.com/a1787 Theory of a Deadman kickstarts Stampede The Calgary Stampede kicked off with a loaded Coke Stage line-up, featuring BC’s Theory of a Deadman on Friday July 9th. The field was packed with people...
www.gaycalgary.com/a1784 Barenaked Ladies Amuse and Entertain You have to give the Barenaked Ladies credit. Having just been in Calgary in April, they could have coasted through their first Coke Stage appearance...
www.gaycalgary.com/a1785 Three Days Grace Dries out Damp Stampede Torrential downpours certainly put a “damper” on the Calgary Stampede on July 13th. Some questioned whether the band would take the stage, especially in...
www.gaycalgary.com/a1786 Ronnie and The Jets
Elton John and Billy Joel tribute to wow Stage West Audience Often times tribute bands and impersonators don’t live up to expectations compared to those they are impersonating. So for a company like Stage West to...
www.gaycalgary.com/a1782 Rihanna & Ke$ha Make Memorable Evening It’s the summer that dance divas have divided Alberta. Barbadian R&B singer Rihanna graced the city with her presence (yet not Edmonton). With Gaga...
www.gaycalgary.com/a1783
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
Interview
Wright-ing History
Out country singer on living openly and playing Pride By Chris Azzopardi Chely Wright is sitting in the sun on the backyard patio of her New York home while her two Chihuahuas run wild. Since making national headlines for being the first major country artist to come out, the Kansas native hasn’t had many days like this in the past few weeks. Her recently released memoir, Like Me, chronicles her journey to live openly, after spending much of her career – which really hit its stride in the late ’90s with two country chart-toppers, “Shut Up and Drive” and “Single White Female” – hiding her sexuality under faux relationships with men and songs about them. Lifted Off the Ground, her seventh CD, is also her first album since coming out, and a documentary due in the fall, Wish Me Away, will capture her life over the last couple of years. Wright, 39, spoke to us as a new person, gearing up to celebrate her newfound freedom at Pride festivals across the country. She revealed what it was like attending her first festival while she was still publicly closeted, defended her decision to come out as something more than a publicity stunt, and criticized country music “friends” for not reaching out. GayCalgary: What have these last few weeks been like since coming out? Chely: Pretty amazing. Chaotic and hectic as far as scheduling, but really great. I’ve had a few people call me in the past few weeks from Nashville and say, “I just wanted to reach out to you in this difficult time.” And I’m like, What are you talking about?
Photo Caption Text
This is not the difficult time. The past 16 years of my life in hiding my career – that was the difficult time. GayCalgary: Who’s been reaching out? Country stars? Chely: Some. Mostly industry people, but some country artists. GayCalgary: Did it help you come out knowing that several country artists – Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire and the Dixie Chicks – have addressed gay issues and their gay fans, affirming that they accept them? Chely: I haven’t heard from any of those artists. GayCalgary: No? But knowing that they were OK with gay people, did it make it easier for you to open up about this? Chely: Again, there’s a difference in talking the talk and walking the walk. When you say that and then when a gay artist that you know – that you’ve known for a long, long time – comes out and you don’t reach out, I don’t know what that means. I don’t understand that. GayCalgary: Do you expect them to? Chely: I expected to hear from them, and I didn’t. GayCalgary: Maybe they thought doing those interviews with gay publications were enough. But is it? Chely: Yeah, is it? I’ve been friends with Rascal Flatts. Martina and I have been friends for a long time. Reba and I were on the same label. One would think that in declaring we’re good with gays, that when the very first commercial country music artist comes out those people who’ve made those declarations would send up a, “Hey, way to go!” or something on Twitter – “Sending out some support to Chely!” – to at least send a signal to their gay fans that they do indeed support them, to galvanize their gay fans, not just me – see, we meant it when we said it. GayCalgary: There’s been talk about the timing of your coming out and the release of your book and CD. People are calling it a publicity stunt. How do you respond to that? Chely: Oh, I hadn’t really heard that. Well, the book is my coming out story, so I have to put that out at the same time (laughs). I can tell you that the publicity stunt is my pretending to be straight my entire career. That’s the publicity stunt. GayCalgary: Being on The Ellen DeGeneres Show recently was very emotional for you, and you explained to Ellen that her mom’s book, Love, Ellen: A Mother/Daughter Journey, helped you to come out. Chely: It did. As I told Ellen, it was bittersweet to read that book, because I read it well before I came out to my father, and it was torture for me because when I read it I just knew that I would never get to have a parent like that. I would never have the love and support of a parent like Ellen did. And lo and behold, I did.
Continued on Page 42
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
Interview
Ryan Murphy + Chris Colfer
Julia Roberts
Javier Bardem, Julia Roberts, Richard Jenkins, Ryan Murphy
Eat Gay Love
Ryan Murphy on new Julia Roberts film, pushing gay on Glee, and Wicked movie By Chris Azzopardi Glee’s all Ryan Murphy must be feeling these days. Already on fire from his gay-worshipped TV megahit, the 44-year-old director’s second feature, Eat Pray Love, adapted from the wildly popular memoir and out Aug. 13, is soul-searching summer movie bait relishing in delicious dishes (not just James Franco), picturesque landscapes and Julia Roberts. The actress plays the book’s author, Elizabeth Gilbert, as she leaves her frazzled life behind for a globetrotting jaunt, some solitude and a good plate of pasta. Go figure, then, that Murphy – who made his film debut in 2006 with Running with Scissors while cutting through TV, before he created Glee, with Nip/Tuck – is nibbling on some strawberries from somewhere just as exotic: the Bardessono hotel tucked away in the quaint Napa Valley, Calif. There, during our one-on-one chat, he dishes on his connection to Eat Pray Love, how other queer people might relate to the movie and his plans for gaying up Season 2 of Glee, regardless of what the world thinks. GayCalgary: There’s a running theme of self-discovery in all your projects, from Running with Scissors to Glee and now with Eat Pray Love. Why do you gravitate toward that subject? Ryan: I always figure that out when I’m coming out with something. I don’t know why. I think honestly because I’m from Indiana and I grew up with big dreams, and in my work I do reinvent myself all the time and I try to figure out my life with my work. GayCalgary: With Eat Pray Love, the book covers a lot more history, spirituality and characters than the film. What did you feel was most important to take from the book and adapt for the movie? Ryan: We did focus groups with women who loved the book – many, many women. In a book that’s become a classic and a bible to so many women, you have an obligation to them, so I had a list of like 10 parts of the book that had to go in. And then Liz Gilbert (thought) the scene where Julia cries on the bathroom floor was the most important scene for her in the movie, because she felt that in her travels that’s the scene that women came up to her the most to discuss. GayCalgary: You’ve left your gay mark on this movie, too, by including references to Cher and Liza and a nice, gratuitous visual: a man’s hot ass.
Continued on Page 41
Julia Roberts - Somebody to Love Julia Roberts could never be a carb-conscious gay man. While filming Eat Pray Love, she ate starch like she was making a fashion statement. Take after take of pizza-shoveling and pasta-sucking left the lovable A-list actress almost 10 pounds heavier, and rightfully burned out on Italian food. “The deliciousness of something wears a tiny bit after piece seven,” says Roberts, 42, who plays the memoir’s author, Elizabeth Gilbert. “I sort of relished just wolfing it down because I just felt like she was so excited to be there. She was so excited to be eating this pizza, and I would eat an entire slice in a take. I don’t know why I thought that was a great idea!” No worries, though: “I loved every pound,” she says proudly from a press conference in Napa Valley, Calif., where she’s deliciously charming as she unleashes her bellowing laugh and luminous smile like only Roberts can. Food appropriately brought Roberts and director Ryan Murphy, the creator of Glee, together before they shot cross-country in Italy, India and Indonesia. The two met for lunch, but the legendary actress, who hasn’t truly anchored a film since Erin Brockovich and Runaway Bride a decade ago, wasn’t sure if being a mommy would allow her time for Murphy’s project. She deliberated for weeks, and finally agreed to take on the film. That’s when their “love affair,” as Roberts coins it, began: “I put a lot of eggs in his basket and he never, for one second of five months of traveling, let me down, never wasn’t there to hold my hand, coax me into another bowl of pasta or just give me that extra piece of encouragement that I needed.” Roberts was already familiar with Murphy’s work, like Nip/Tuck, which she watched when her hands weren’t guarding her eyes from the gory surgeries. But working with the director for Eat Pray Love really left a lasting impression on her (so much so that the two are teaming for another Sony Pictures feature, a romantic comedy) – especially when temps were scorching and they were, believe it or not, starving. “He’d extract some prepositional phrase (from the book), and it would make all the difference,” Roberts recalls. “It would just bloom; the whole idea of what we were trying to accomplish over and over again would just take flight at his helm. It’s his second movie. How?! I don’t even know how it happened, but then we leave as in love as we were the first day, and that says a lot ... because we went through a lot. We actually really are interested in each other – still.” That loving feeling was mutual, as Murphy says: “One of the things that made me love Julia so much (was) she thought one of the reasons why the book was so successful (was) because it gave women permission to eat. Julia was so right when she said that, and we tried to bring that spirit to the movie.” Despite all the gluttonous chowing down she did in Eat Pray Love – the six bowls of pasta, the eight slices of pizza – Roberts is still giving herself that permission. Just how much? “Tons,” she says, without hesitation. “It can’t slow me down.”
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
Interview
Liev Schreiber, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Angelina Jolie in “Salt”
Angelina Jolie Mans Up Salt Actress on Sex Change, and New Spy Thriller By Chris Azzopardi Angelina Jolie’s just one of the boys. Not only by being a buttkicking bombshell in Wanted or the Tomb Raider series, but truly transforming into a man for her role in Salt, an is-she-isn’t-she? espionage action-thriller that casts one of the most famous and bankable bisexuals as a tenacious CIA agent who’s framed as a sleeper spy. Jolie’s character is Evelyn Salt, who freaks and hides when a walk-in outs her – resulting in a sweaty-palms-producing popcorn flick that finds the 35-year-old doing daredevil stunts: balancing on skyscrapers, hop-scotching across trucks and fighting off men almost twice her size. The actress is toothpick tiny – and also, on this particular day at a Ritz-Carlton suite in Washington, D.C., just before the film’s July 23 release, she’s all woman. With a black knee-length skirt, flowing locks and those famous pursed lips that exaggerate her cheek bones, she’s a picture-perfect beauty who seemingly walked out from one of the countless magazine covers she’s graced. And yet, here Jolie is, speaking about women in action films, tips her drag-doing Salt co-stars gave her on being a genderbending badass, and Brad Pitt’s reaction to her doing dude. GayCalgary: Salt is based in reality, but there are all these crazy action scenes. Where’s the limit in those scenes so people still believe the story? Jolie: Everything had to be somehow possible. Even if it was stretched, even if the trucks on the freeway were wild, it’s still not impossible. Crazy – but not impossible (laughs). It’s the opposite of actually every action movie I’ve ever done, because there’s never really been a female action movie based in reality. They’re always fantasy. I’ve done most of ’em (laughs). GayCalgary: The character was originally written for a man, so what else changed about this character? Jolie: Well, I’m not Edwin (laughs). We said, “We can’t start to turn this into a girl movie because that’s where people have failed in the past.” When they write something on purpose for a woman, it’s always about being a woman. So, we said, “We have to make her darker, and we have to make her meaner than the boys.” GayCalgary: So you’re not Edwin, but for a few minutes, you are a man.
Jolie: I am! I couldn’t help myself! GayCalgary: What was it like to cross-dress? Jolie: Oh, it was great! You realize every lead in this movie (including Liev Schreiber in Taking Woodstock and Chiwetel Ejiofor in Kinky Boots) has cross-dressed? It’s just the greatest thing. I’m surprised that picture hasn’t got out: the three of us next to each other, in our matching drag photos. They were very supportive (laughs). GayCalgary: Did Liev or Chiwetel give you tips? Jolie: They gave me tips, yeah. They just basically said, “Go fully into it and enjoy it.” That’s what they did. I loved it. We called him Johnny for some reason. It was really weird. Phillip (Noyce, the director) could hardly talk to me. Nobody could talk to me. It wasn’t as much what he looked like; it was when I spoke, when it was my voice coming out of him. Brad came to visit me once and I said, “You don’t want to come; I’m going to be the man.” And he said, “It won’t bother me. It’s you. Whatever.” Then he came, and I was changing, so I was half-woman, half-man. (He was) so creeped out by that! (Laughs) GayCalgary: Did you have an influence on desexualizing Salt? Jolie: It was extremely important to me (to desexualize her), because I just felt that she was better than that. Not that it wouldn’t have been fun to do if it was appropriate in a scene, but it just felt like if we can find a way to not need that, let’s not. GayCalgary: Your character builds bombs and rewires systems –
Continued on Page 41
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
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Interview
Kelis - Photos by Rankin
Queen of the Night Kelis on New Dance Disc and Gay Dudes By Chris Azzopardi Kelis doesn’t take crap from anyone. Not from closet cases. Not from PETA, which she chewed out recently after they got on her case for wearing fur. That so much about her – two Grammy nominations, the divorce, the arrest – is at our fingertips makes the recording chameleon feel less like a stranger and more like a friend. And, when it comes to the gay community, you could call her that. She’s performed on the Pride circuit, and her new album – the thumping electrodance disc Flesh Tone, which she’s supporting on the “All Hearts” tour with Swedish pop sensation Robyn – is quite possibly the gayest thing she’s done since her breakout hit “Milkshake.” Kelis spoke with us about the inspiration behind her latest CD, believing in “live and let live” when it comes to her gay fans, and why she thinks people shouldn’t lie about which way they swing. GayCalgary: For this album, you wanted to make something that reflected the music you were into at the time. What specifically were you listening to? Kelis: I wasn’t really listening to a lot of electro and dance; it was more so the fact that I travel a lot and everywhere I went I just felt like – it wasn’t even so much the music as it was the essence behind it that resonated for me. And so that is what propelled me in the direction I ended up going in.
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
GayCalgary: The gay community was all over you before, and now you’ve gone and done an all-dance record. Were you considering your gay following while making this album? Kelis: The one thing that’s pretty consistent is the fact that I’ve always had a really great gay community following. It’s never faltered or wavered. I’ve had a really great support system. I don’t really have to cater to anybody. I just sort of do me – and everyone, at least people who already love me, continues to love on. GayCalgary: Allegedly you have a lot of gay friends from what I’ve read. More than Lady Gaga? Kelis: (Laughs) I don’t know anything about her, sorry. I have no idea. GayCalgary: You grew up singing in church choirs. If your church knew you were talking to a gay publication right now what would they think? Kelis: I don’t know if that’s really a clear question. GayCalgary: Some churches obviously aren’t very accepting of gay people, so I’m wondering if that was a conflict for you. Kelis: My honest answer: I’m a born-again Christian, so for me my personal beliefs are my beliefs. You have to live and let live. GayCalgary: So you’re cool with gay people then, because some born-again Christians aren’t? Kelis: I hate them! (Laughs) No, I mean, honestly, at the end of the day I have no heaven or hell for anyone. And my personal beliefs are my personal beliefs. I share them with my friends and the people that are close to me, so I generally believe in live and let live. And that goes for pretty much everything; it’s not just about sexual orientation, but about everything else. I live my life a certain way and my friends may not agree with the way I live, but
they’re my friends. I don’t ever lie or sugarcoat who I am and they don’t either, so we get along fine. GayCalgary: Last year, you went on a Twitter tirade about gay guys on the downlow. What inspired that rant? Kelis: For me, I have no issues with what people are in general; I’m just like, Be clear about it so that I know what and who I’m dealing with, because the kind of person that I am, you know exactly who I am when you meet me. I’m not a big fan of the secret undercover type (laughs). I think it’s bad; I don’t like it. It’s terrible, actually. I think if you don’t know what your sexual orientation is then you need to take time out and figure it out, but I don’t think you should trick people. That’s an issue for me. GayCalgary: You weren’t dating a closeted gay guy, were you? Kelis: I hope not! (Laughs) But I will say I’ve had girlfriends before where I’ve been like, “Umm, yeah, he’s totally gay!” I know a gay man when I see one. GayCalgary: Because your gay-dar is so good? Kelis: Honestly, they gravitate toward me. I really don’t have to do anything. I’m 5-feet-10, I’m black, I wear mini skirts and great shoes; it’s not brain surgery. GayCalgary: In fact, you’ve been called a drag queen. Kelis: All the time. Constantly. They wish! (Laughs) GayCalgary: Tell me what you have in store for those going to see you on the “All Hearts” tour with Robyn. Kelis: Honestly, I really don’t know yet. I’m kind of a – I don’t want to say spontaneous, but I’m really a last-minute kind of person. I have an overview, but I don’t exactly know what I’m going to do yet. GayCalgary: It seems like a perfect collaborative tour because both of you recently released dance albums. How familiar are you with each other? Kelis: I mean, we know each other. I wouldn’t say we’re like long-last sisters yet, but you never know. I think being on tour is
going to be a really great thing. She’s great. I love her music and I love her style. So, we’ve talked … and I like her (laughs). You never know, maybe we will become long-lost sisters, but as of right now, we’re cool and we’re both artists and we appreciate what we do. It’s exciting to be able to go out there and share that moment with someone. GayCalgary: Other interviews have mentioned that younger artists like Rihanna emulate you. Kelis: I’ve never brought that up. People ask me and so my answer is that I’ve been doing this for over 10 years now and the reality is that if someone came into the music business within the last 10 years, and they’re probably a decade younger than me, it’s pretty obvious that there’s going to be some influence there. The reason people ask me is because they obviously see something. I never, ever out of my own volition bring it up, because I don’t even care enough to bring it up. GayCalgary: Whom were you emulating then when you first launched your career? Kelis: From my youngest years, my mom was such a lady, so for me now, that’s how I maintain myself. As far as artists go, I was a sponge, and I grew up with just jazz and gospel around me all the time. Then, as I got a little bit older, I started listening to anything from En Vogue to Nirvana. GayCalgary: What’s the most random fact about you that no one else knows? Kelis: Everything about me, everyone around me knows it (laughs).
http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1793
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
Directory & Events 24
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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
Find Out!
One Yellow Rabbit-------------------- Theatre ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects-------- Theatre Pumphouse Theatre----------------- Theatre La Fleur-------------------------- Retail Stores Lisa Heinricks----------Theatre and Fine Arts Sandra G. Sebree-------------------- Services
Calgary
LGBT Community Directory GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine is the go-to source for information about Alberta LGBT businesses and community groups—the most extensive and accurate resource of its kind! This print supplement contains a subset of active community groups and venues, with premium business listings of paid advertisers.
✰. ..... Find our Magazine Here
35 36 37 41 43 52
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Spot something inaccurate or outdated? Want your business or organization listed? We welcome you to contact us!
403-543-6960 1-888-543-6960 magazine@gaycalgary.com http://www.gaycalgary.com/CalgaryTravelRss http://www.gaycalgary.com/EdmontonTravelRss
Local Bars, Restaurants, and Accommodations info on the go! http://www.gaycalgary.com/Directory
Browse our complete directory of over 540 gay-frieindly listings!
Marquee Room--------------- Bars and Clubs Sacred Balance Piercing-------- Retail Stores Theatre Junction--------------------- Theatre Village Bistro & Lounge----------Restaurant Club Sapien------------------- Bars and Clubs
of Sinatra” on Fri. and varied entertainment on Thurs. Please call for details.
Accommodations 13 Westways Guest House--------------------✰ 216 - 25th Avenue SW 403-229-1758 1-866-846-7038 westways@shaw.ca www.gaywestways.com
Wingate by Wyndham 400 Midpark Way SE www.wingatehotels.com
55 56 58 59 60
403-514-0099
Bars & Clubs 3 Backlot----------------------------------- ✰ 403-265-5211 Open 7 days a week, 4pm-close
60 Club Sapien------------------------------ ✰ 1140 10th Ave SW 403-457-4464 http://www.clubsapien.ca Dance club & restaurant. 55 Marquee Room-----------------------------✰ 612 - 8th Avenue SW www.marqueeroom.com
Alternative night every Wednesday. 9 FAB (formerly Money Pennies)--------- ✰ 1742 - 10th Ave SW 403-263-7411 www.money-pennies.com Closed Mondays.
209 - 10th Ave SW
Bar and restaurant.
4 Calgary Eagle Inc.----------------------- ✰ 424a - 8th Ave SE 403-263-5847
5 Texas Lounge-------------------------------✰ 308 - 17 Ave SW 403-229-0911 www.goliaths.ca Open 7 days a week, 11am-close
http://www.calgaryeagle.com Open Wed-Sun, 5pm-close Leather/Denim/Fetish bar. Club Paradiso 1413 - 9th Ave SE, upstairs 403-265-5739 www.villagecantina.ca
33 Twisted Element----------------------------✰ 1006 - 11th Ave SW 403-802-0230 www.twistedelement.ca
Dance Club and Lounge.
Carly’s Angels on Sat. Billy Schmidt’s “Sounds
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
17
Directory & Events CALGARY EVENTS Mondays
Squash------------------------------------- 7pm See Apollo ASK Meet and Greet---------------- 7-9:30pm See Alberta Society for Kink Inside Out Youth Group---------------- 7-9pm See 1 Calgary Outlink Yoga---------------------------------------- 7pm World Tree Studio (812 Edm. Tr NE) JunJul
Bowling------------------------------------ 7pm See Apollo Calgary Mar3
Tennis------------------------------------ 10am By Apollo
Radio Show---------------------------- 9-10pm See Urban Sex Radio
Coffee------------------------------------ 10am See Prime Timers Calgary
Mosaic Youth Group------------------- Evening See website for details.
Wing Night------------------------------ All Day At 9 Money Pennies
Mad Hatter Show-------------------------- TBA By ISCCA at Agape Hospice
Thursdays
Karaoke------------------------------ 8pm-1am At 5 Texas Lounge
Wednesday, August 18th
Lesbian Seniors---------------------------- 2pm Kerby Center, Sunshine Room 3rd 1133 7th Ave SW
Tuned Out Music Trivia---------------- Evening At 9 Money Pennies 1st, 3rd
Country Night-------------------------- Evening At 4 Calgary Eagle
Fundraising Shooters------------------ Evening By ISCCA at 5 Texas Lounge
Tuesdays
Swim Practice--------------------------- 6-7pm See Different Strokes
Sundays
Calgary Networking Club-------------- 5-7pm See 1 Calgary Outlink 1st Tues
Fake Mustache Show--------------- 7-9:45pm See Miscellaneous Youth Network 1st
Radio Show------------------------- 8:30-9pm See “Yeah...What She Said!”
Worship Time---------------------------- 10am See Deer Park United Church
Fridays
Worship------------------------------ 10:30am See Scarboro United Church
Leather Night-------------------------- Evening At 4 Calgary Eagle
Worship Services------------------------- 11am See Knox United Church
BBQ Fundraiser------------------------- 5-9pm By ISCCA at 3 Backlot
BBQ Social Sundays----------------------- 2pm At 4 Calgary Eagle
Illusions------------------------------- 7-10pm See 1 Calgary Outlink 1st
Church Service----------------------------- 4pm See Rainbow Community Church
Wednesdays
Womynspace---------------------------- 7-9pm See 1 Calgary Outlink 2nd
Communion Service------------------ 12:10pm See Knox United Church
Swim Practice--------------------------- 5-6pm See Different Strokes
New Directions-------------------------- 7-9pm See 1 Calgary Outlink 3rd
Women’s Healing Circle--------------- 1:30pm See AIDS Calgary
Sunday Socials---------------------- Afternoon At 4 Calgary Eagle
Beach Volleyball----------------- 7:30-9:30pm See Apollo
Wing Night------------------------------ All Day At 9 Money Pennies
Free Pool------------------------------- All Day At 4 Calgary Eagle
Heading Out----------------------- 8pm-10pm See 1 Calgary Outlink 4th
Saturday, August 7th
Free Pool------------------------------- All Day At 4 Calgary Eagle With Prime Timers Calgary
Saturdays
Between Men--------------------------- 7-9pm See 1 Calgary Outlink 2nd, 4th Rehearsals-------------------------- 7-9:30pm See Calgary Men’s Chorus Jun Karaoke------------------------------ 8pm-1am At 5 Texas Lounge Lawn Bowling--------------------------- 6-9pm See Apollo
Badminton------------------------------ 7-9pm See Apollo Calgary Jan6Mar31
Bathhouses/Saunas 6 Goliaths-------------------------------------✰ 308 - 17 Ave SW 403-229-0911 www.goliaths.ca Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Community Groups 2 AIDS Calgary---------------------------- ✰ 110, 1603 10th Avenue SW 403-508-2500 info@aidscalgary.org www.aidscalgary.org
Alberta Society for Kink 403-398-9968 albetasocietyforkink@hotmail.com http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/ group.albertasocietyforkink Apollo Calgary - Friends in Sports www.apollocalgary.com www.myapollo.com A volunteer operated, non-profit organization serving primarily members of the LGBT communities but open to all members of all communities. Primary focus is to provide members with well18
Running------------------------------------ 9am See Apollo
Bowls for Beswick------------------------ 12am By SHARP Foundation Inglewood Lawn Bowling Club 1235 - 8th Avenue SE
Friday, August 13th
Diva Factor--------------------------------- TBA By ISCCA at 33 Twisted Element Saturday, August 14th
Raise a Glass------------------------------- TBA By SHARP Foundation Gypsy Bistro & Wine Bar Thursday, August 19th
Cabin Fever-------------------------------- 9pm The Soda (211 12th Ave SW) Saturday, August 21st
Strobelite------------------------------- Evening At 55 Marquee Room Saturday August 28th
Family Summer Picnic--------------------- epm By Girlfriends Site #1 at Sandy Beach Saturday, September 4th
Calgary Dyke March------------------- 12-3pm Shaw Millenium Park Pride Dance-------------------------- 8-2pm By Pride Calgary Sunday, September 5th
Pride Parade/Street Festival------ 12-6pm By Pride Calgary Monday, September 12th
AIDS Walk for Life------------- 10am-1pm By 2 AIDS Calgary
Legend: = Monthly Reoccurrance, = Date (Range/Future), = Sponsored Event organized and fun sporting events and other activities. • Western Cup 29 www.westerncup.com North America’s largest LGBT sporting competition with over 400 athletes in up to seven different sports. • Badminton (Absolutely Smashing) badminton@apollocalgary.com Will return in September 2010. Sign up at myapollo.org to receive updates. • Bowling (Rainbow Riders League) bowling@apollocalgary.com Will return in September 2010. Sign up at myapollo.org to receive updates. • Curling curling@apollocalgary.com Will return in September 2010. Sign up at myapollo.org to receive updates. • Golf golf@apollocalgary.com Occasional rounds will occur during the summer of 2010 depending on weather and leaders. Sign up at myapollo.org to receive updates.
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
• Lawn Bowling Inglewood Lawn Bowling Club 1235 8th Avenue SE lawnbowling@apollocalgary.com
• Squash Mount Royal University Recreation squash@apollocalgary.com All skill levels welcome.
• Outdoor Pursuits outdoorpursuits@apollocalgary.com If it’s done outdoors, we do it. Volunteer led events all summer and winter. Hiking, camping, biking, skiing, snow shoeing, etc. Sign up at myapollo.org to get updates on the sport you like. We’re always looking for people to lead events.
• Tennis U of C Courts tennis@apollocalgary.com All skill levels welcome. Drop in. Look for Randall.
• Running (Calgary Frontrunners) YMCA Eau Claire (4th St, 1st Ave SW) calgaryfrontrunners@shaw.ca East Doors (directly off the Bow river pathway). Distances vary from 8 km - 15 km. Runners from 6 minutes/mile to 9+ minute miles.
• Volleyball (Rec + Int/Comp) vb@apollocalgary.com Both Leagues will return in September 2010. Sign up at myapollo.org to receive updates.
• Slow Pitch slow.pitch@apollocalgary.com Will be running Friday nights during the summer of 2010, location to be determined. Sign up at myapollo.org to receive immediate notice of start date and location.
• Volleyball (Beach) Volleydome (2825 24 Avenue NW) beachvb@apollocalgary.com
• Yoga yoga@apollocalgary.com $96 for season, $14 drop-in. Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association (ARGRA) www.argra.org
• Monthly Dances----------------------------- Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association 1320 - 5th Avenue NW
Directory & Events Artists for the Quality of Life 403-890-1261
www.afqol.com
Cabin Fever The Soda
Women’s dance and social night. Calgary Gay Fathers calgaryfathers@hotmail.com http://www.calgarygayfathers.ca
Peer support group for gay, bisexual and questioning fathers. Meeting twice a month. Calgary Men’s Chorus http://www.calgarymenschorus.org
• Rehearsals Temple B’Nai Tikvah, 900 - 47 Avenue SW Calgary Sexual Health Centre---------- ✰ 304, 301 14th Street NW 403-283-5580 http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca A pro-choice organization that believes all people have the right and ability to make their own choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health. 1 Calgary Outlink-----------------------------✰ #4, 1230A 17th Avenue SW 403-234-8973 http://www.calgaryoutlink.com
Formerly know as the Gay And Lesbian Community Services Association (GLCSA). • Peer Support and Crisis Line 1-877-OUT-IS-OK (1-877-688-4765) Front-line help service for GLBT individuals and their family and friends, or anyone questioning their sexuality.
connect them with their peers. Safe environment with a variety of resources and activities. • New Directions Drop in peer-support group to provide support and resources for individuals who identify as transsexual or inter-sexed. • SHEQ Soulful Healing Ego Quest Trudy or Krista, 403-585-7437 Workshop for women—a chance to grow and share their experiences related to women’s sexuality. To participate, please call or leave your name and a contact time/number with Calgary Outlink. • Womynspace 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) Deer Park United Church/Wholeness Centre 77 Deerpoint Road SE 403-278-8263 http://www.dpuc.ca Different Strokes http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org
• Swim Practice SAIT Pool, 1301 - 16th Ave NW No practices on long weekends 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
• Library A great selection of resource books, fiction, nonfiction, videos and everything in between, all with a queer perspective.
#4 - 1230A 17th Avenue SW 403-244-1956 http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com
• 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.
• DVD Resource Library Over a hundred titles to choose from. Annual membership is $10.
• Between Men and Between Men Online Peer support, sexual health education for gay or bisexual men, as well as those who may be uncertain or questioning their sexuality. • Calgary Networking Club Ming, 520 - 17th Ave SW 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. • Heading Out Peer group for men who are looking for an alternative social activity to the bar. Activities vary and are fun and entertaining. • Illusions Calgary Social group for Calgary and area transgender community members (cross dressers, transvestites, drag kings and queens). A safe, discrete and welcoming atmosphere, in which transgendered people can meet others of like mind. • Inside Out Peer-facilitated youth group for GLBTQ ages 15-25. Aims to let youth know they are not alone, and to
Alberta Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.
Gay Singles in Calgary http://www.gaysinglesincalgary.org Girl Friends members.shaw.ca/girlfriends
Girlsgroove http://www.girlsgroove.ca
GLBT Housing http://www.glbthousing.ca HIV Peer Support Group 403-230-5832 hivpeergroup@yahoo.ca
Miscellaneous Youth Network http://www.miscyouth.com
• Fake Mustache------------------------------ The Soda, 211 - 12th Ave SW Calgary’s ONLY Drag King Show. $5 cover. $2 cover under 18. Advance tickets available at Barbies Shop. Mystique mystiquesocialclub@yahoo.com Mystique is primarily a Lesbian group for women 30 and up but all are welcome. • Coffee Night Second Cup (2312 - 4th Street SW) NETWORKS 403-293-3356 sanpfeif@telus.net
A social, cultural, and service organization for the mature minded and “Plus 40” LGBT individuals seeking to meet others at age-appropriate activities within a positive, safe environment. Parents for Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Sean: 403-695-5791 http://www.pflagcanada.ca 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 Works to raise awareness and challenge the patterns of silence that continue to marginalize LGBTTQ individuals. Pride Calgary Planning Committee www.pridecalgary.ca
403-797-6564
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
Designed to foster social interaction for its members through a variety of social, educational and recreational activities. Open to all gay and bisexual men of any age, respects whatever degree of anonymity that each member desires.
http://www.iscca.ca
• Free Pool 4 Calgary Eagle
Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch. Charity fundraising group..
• Saturday Coffee Midtown Co-op, 1130 - 11th Ave SW
ISCCA Social Association
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 10:30am in July and August.
Queers on Campus---------------------- ✰ 279R Student Union Club Spaces, U of C 403-220-6394 http://www.ucalgary.ca/~glass
Formerly GLASS - Gay/Lesbian Association of Students and Staff. • Coffee Night 2nd Cup, Kensington
Rainbow Community Church Hillhurst United, 1227 Kensington Close NW roneberly@shaw.ca http://www.rainbowcommunitychurch.ca
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 bullying. Scarboro United Church 134 Scarboro Avenue SW 403-244-1161 www.scarborounited.ab.ca
An affirming congregation—the full inclusion of LGBT people is essential to our mission and purpose. Sharp Foundation 403-272-2912 sharpfoundation@nucleus.com http://www.thesharpfoundation.com
Unity Bowling Let’s Bowl (2916 - 5th Ave NE) sundayunity@live.com
Urban Sex Radio Show CJSW 90.9 FM http://www.cjsw.com Focus on sexuality; gay bisexual lesbian trans gendered and straight issues here in Calgary and around the web. Western Canada Bigmen and Admirers groups.yahoo.com/group/
WesternCanadaBigmenGroup/ bigpaul41@yahoo.com Vigor Calgary 403-255-7004
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
Restaurants 4 Calgary Eagle Inc.----------------------
✰
See Calgary - Bars and Clubs.
60 Club Sapien------------------------------ ✰ 1140 10th Ave SW 403-457-4464 http://www.clubsapien.ca 9 FAB (formerly Money Pennies)------- See Calgary - Bars and Clubs.
✰
Halo Steak, Seafood & Wine Bar Canyon Meadows Plaza
13226 Macleod Trail SE 403-271-4111 www.halorestaurant.com 59 Village Bistro & Lounge------------------ 2F, 610 8th Ave SE 403-262-6342 ext 236 Mon-Fri: 9am-4pm, Sat: 11am-5pm www.villagebistrocalgary.com
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
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Directory & Events DOWNTOWN EDMONTON
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Retail Stores Adult Depot----------------------------- ✰ 403-258-2777 Gay, bi, straight video rentals and sex toys. 140, 58th Ave SW
41 La Fleur------------------------------------ 103 - 100 7th Avenue SW 403-266-1707
Florist and Flower Shop. The Naked Leaf--------------------------- 305 10th Street NW 403-283-3555 http://www.thenakedleaf.ca
Organic teas and tea ware. 16 Priape Calgary------------------------- ✰ 1322 - 17 Ave SW 403-215-1800 http://www.priape.com
Clothing and accessories. Adult toys, leather wear, movies and magazines. Gifts. T&T Honda 888 Meridian Road NE 403-291-1444 sales@tandthonda.ca www.tandthonda.ca
• Kelvin Hur 403-990-9080 New Vehicle Sales Manager • Lawrence Wong 403-870-5001 Sales Consultant
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5 The Junction------------------ Bars and Clubs 6 Buddy’s Nite Club------------ Bars and Clubs 7 Down Under Baths--------------- Bathhouses
Wares & Wear Ventures Inc. See Canada - Retail Stores.
Services & Products Bad Romance Entertainment www.badromance-entertainment.com 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
GLBT legal services. Cruiseline 403-777-9494 trial code 3500 http://www.cruiseline.ca
Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY. DevaDave Salon & Boutique 810 Edmonton Trail NE 403-290-1973
Cuts, Colour, Hilights. Duncan’s Residential Cleaning Jim Duncan: 403-978-6600
Residential cleaning. Free estimates.
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
8 Prism Bar & Grill------------- Bars and Clubs 11 Steamworks---------------------- Bathhouses 12 Woody’s----------------------- Bars and Clubs
Interactive Male 403-261-2112 trial code 8873 1-800-777-8000 www.interactivemale.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. MPs Catering 403-607-8215
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.
13 PLAY Nightclub--------------- Bars and Clubs 14 FLASH------------------------- Bars and Clubs
• 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 • 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.
Theatre & Fine Arts 36 ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects 403-294-7402 http://www.ATPlive.com
AXIS Contemporary Art------------------- 403-262-3356 www.axisart.ca
107, 100 - 7 Ave SW rob@axisart.ca
Directory & Events Book Worm’s Book Club Second Cup, 11210 Jasper Ave bookworm@teamedmonton.ca
Fairytales See Calgary - Community Groups. Jubilations Dinner Theatre Bow Trail and 37th St. SW 403-249-7799 www.jubilations.ca
Buck Naked Boys Club 780-471-6993 http://www.bucknakedboys.ca Naturism club for men—being social while everyone is naked, and it does not include sexual activity. Participants do not need to be gay, only male.
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-------------------------------
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Faculty of Education, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G5 http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca Edmonton Pride Week Society http://www.prideedmonton.org
✰
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
Camp fYrefly 7-104 Dept. of Educational Policy Studies
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34 Vertigo Mystery Theatre------------------ 161, 115 - 9 Ave SE 403-221-3708 http://www.vertigomysterytheatre.com
Edmonton Bars & Clubs 6 Buddy’s Nite Club--------------------------✰ 11725 Jasper Ave 780-488-6636 14 FLASH---------------------------------------✰ 10018 105 Street 780-999-8255 5 The Junction---------------------------- ✰ 10242 106th St 780-756-5667 http://www.junctionedmonton.com 13 PLAY Nightclub-----------------------------✰ 10220 103 Street 780-497-7529 info@playnightclub.ca http://www.playnightclub.ca 8 Prism Bar & Grill---------------------- ✰ 10524 101st St 780-990-0038 http://www.prismbar.ca 12 Woody’s-------------------------------------✰ 11725 Jasper Ave 780-488-6557
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 Alberta Bears www.bearbeef.org Altview-Strathcona County LGBTQ Group #44, 48 Brentwood Blvd, Sherwood Park, AB www.altview.ca
Edmonton Prime Timers edmontonpt@yahoo.ca www.primetimersww.org/edmonton Group of older gay men and their admirers who come from diverse backgrounds but have common social interests. Affiliated with Prime Timers World Wide. Edmonton Rainbow Business Association 3379, 11215 Jasper Ave 780-429-5014 http://www.edmontonrba.org Primary focus is the provision of networking opportunities for LGBT owned or operated and LGBTfriendly businesses in the Edmonton region. Edmonton Illusions Social Club 5 Boots Bar & Grill 780-387-3343 groups.yahoo.com/group/edmonton_illusions 4 Edmonton STD 11111 Jasper Ave
Edmonton Vocal Minority sing@evmchoir.com
780-479-2038 www.evmchoir.com
Exposure 2010 TBA 3 HIV Network Of Edmonton Society---- ✰ 11456 Jasper Ave www.hivedmonton.com
Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose http://www.gayedmonton.org 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
Free School provides workshops on a variety of topics related to local activism.
running for the board or getting involved in some of the committees, please contact us.
• Get Tested for STIs Free STD testing for anyone interested. For more information please contact the Pride Centre.
• Badminton (Mixed) St. Thomas Moore School, 9610 165 Street coedbadminton@teamedmonton.ca New group seeking male & female players.
• GLBT Seniors Drop-In Main Space – Upstairs tuff@shaw.ca A social and support group for seniors of all genders and sexualities to talk, have tea and offer each other support. • Men Talking with Pride Main Space – Upstairs robwells780@hotmail.com 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 Support group for people living with HIV/AIDS. • PFLAG Red room - Downstairs 780-436-1998 edmontonab@pflagcanada.ca 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. • Suit Up and Show Up: AA Big Book Study Downstairs Couch Area Discussion and support group for those struggling with an alcohol addiction or seeking support in staying sober. • TTIQ Green Room – Upstairs admin@pridecentreofedmonton.org TTIQ is mixed gender open support group addressing the needs of transsexual and transgendered individuals. • Womonspace Board Meeting Main Space – Upstairs wspresident@hotmail.com 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 Movie chosen by youth (aged 14 – 25), usually with LGBT themes. Popcorn is served.
• Community Potluck Main Space – Upstairs tuff@shaw.ca A potluck open to all members of the LGBTQ community. A time to get together, share a meal and meet people from the community.
• YouthSpace brendan@pridecentreofedmonton.org A safe and supportive space for GLBTQ youth aged 13–25. Video games, computers with internet, clothing bank, and more.
• Free School Main Space – Upstairs monika_penner@shaw.ca
president@teamedmonton.ca http://www.teamedmonton.ca
Team Edmonton Members are invited to attend and help determine the board for the next term. If you are interested in
• Badminton (Women’s) Oliver School, 10227 - 118 Street 780-465-3620 badminton@teamedmonton.ca Women’s Drop-In Recreational Badminton. $40.00 season or $5.00 per drop in. •Ballroom Dancing Foot Notes Dance Studio, 9708-45 Avenue NW Cynthia: 780-469-3281 • Blazin’ Bootcamp Lynnwood School bootcamp@teamedmonton.ca • Bowling (Northern Titans) Gateway Lanes, 100 - 3414 Gateway Blvd bowling@teamedmonton.ca $15.00 per person. • Cross Country Skiing crosscountry@teamedmonton.ca • Curling with Pride Granite Curling Club, 8620 107 Street NW 780-463-5942 curling@teamedmonton.ca • Cycling (Edmonton Prideriders) Various locations in Edmonton cycling@teamedmonton.ca Every Wednesday, 6:30pm • Dragon Boat (Flaming Dragons) dragonboat@teamedmonton.ca • Golf golf@teamedmonton.ca • Gymnastics, Drop-in Ortona Gymnastics Club, 8755 - 50 Avenue gymnastics@teamedmonton.ca Have the whole gym to yourselves and an instructor to help you achieve your individual goals. Cost is $5.00 per session. • Hockey hockey@teamedmonton.ca • Outdoor Pursuits outdoorpursuits@teamedmonton.ca • Running (Arctic Frontrunners) Kinsmen Sports Centre, front entrance running@teamedmonton.ca All genders and levels of runners and walkers are invited to join this free activity. • Samsara Yoga Korezone Fitness, #203, 10575 -115 Street yoga@teamedmonton.ca • Slo Pitch Parkallen Field, 111 st and 68 ave slo-pitch@teamedmonton.ca 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.
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
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Directory & Events EDMONTON EVENTS
Mixed Badminton---------------------- 8-10pm See Team Edmonton Jan13End of May
Saturdays
Friday, August 13th
Candidate Show------------------- 8-10:30pm By ISCWR at 14 FLASH
Mondays
Thursdays
Naturalist Gettogether---------------------- ??? See Buck Naked Boys Club 2nd
Boot Camp------------------------------ 7-8pm See Team Edmonton
GLBT Seniors Drop-in------------------ 1-4pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton
AA Big Book Study-------------------- 12-1pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton
Grand Opening-------------------- 8-10:30pm At 5 The Junction
Men’s HIV Support Group-------------- 7-9pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton 2nd
Get Tested for STIs---------------------- 3-6pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton Last
Saturday, August 14th
Curling--------------------------------- 7:15pm See Team Edmonton Mar
Youthspace------------------------------ 3-7pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton
Monthly Meeting----------------------- 2:30pm By Edmonton Primetimers 2nd Unitarian Church, 10804 - 119th Street
Youth Sports/Recreation------------------ 4pm See Youth Understanding Youth
Youthspace-------------------------- 3-6:30pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton
Sunday, August 15th
Tuesdays
GLBT Seniors Drop-in------------------ 1-4pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton TTIQ------------------------------------- 2-4pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton 2nd Youthspace------------------------------ 3-7pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton GLBT African Group----------------------- 6pm At 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton 2nd
Youth Understanding Youth------------ 7-9pm At 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton
Games Night------------------------------- 7pm By Womonspace at 5 The Junction
Swimming------------------------------ Evening See Team Edmonton
Free School---------------------------- 11-5pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton 2nd, 4th
In Town Show------------------------------ 9pm By ISCWR at 13 PLAY
Fridays
Womonspace Meeting--------- 12:30-1:30pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton 1st
Friday, August 27th
Swimming------------------------------ Evening See Team Edmonton
Youthspace-------------------------- 3-6:30pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton
Wednesdays
Youth Sports/Recreation------------------ 4pm See Youth Understanding Youth
Youth Sports/Recreation------------------ 4pm See Youth Understanding Youth
Friday, August 20th
Running------------------------------ 10-11am See Team Edmonton
Edmonton Illusions-------------------------- ??? See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton 2nd
Youthspace------------------------------ 3-7pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton
Sundays
Tits and Mitts---------------------- 12am-5pm Diamond Park Ball Field (River Valley)
Intermediate Volleyball-------- 7:30-9:30pm See Team Edmonton
Community Potluck--------------------- 7-9pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton Last
PFLAG--------------------------------- 12:10pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton 1st
Bowling------------------------------------ 5pm See Team Edmonton
BEEF Bearbash Dance--------------------- 8pm At 5 The Junction
Youth Movie Night------------------ 6:30-8:30 See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton Youth Understanding Youth------------ 7-9pm At 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton
Samsara Yoga---------------------- 2-3:30pm See Team Edmonton Men Talking with Pride---------------- 7-9pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton Ballroom Dancing-------------- 7:30-8:30pm See Team Edmonton
Out of Town Show------------------------- 9pm By ISCWR at 14 FLASH Saturday, August 28th
Coronation 35----------------------------- TBA By ISCWR Coast Edmonton Plaza Sunday, August 29th
Monthly Meetings---------------------- 2:30pm Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street) See Edmonton Primetimers 2nd
Victory Brunch--------------------------- 11am By ISCWR at 8 Prism
Saturday, August 7th
AIDS Walk for Life----------------------- 11am By 3 HIV Edmonton
Race for the Crown-------------------- 9:30pm By ISCWR at 8 Prism
Youth Understanding Youth------------ 7-9pm At 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton
Thursday, August 26th
Sunday, September 12th
Legend: = Monthly Reoccurrance, = Date (Range), = Sponsored Event • Soccer soccer@teamedmonton.ca • Spin MacEwan Centre for Sport and Wellness 109 St. and 104 Ave Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45pm Season has ended. spin@teamedmonton.ca 7 classes, $28.00 per registrant. • Swimming (Making Waves) NAIT Pool swimming@teamedmonton.ca • Tennis Kinsmen Sports Centre Sundays, 12pm-3pm tennis@teamedmonton.ca • Ultimate Frisbee Sundays Summer Season starts July 12th ultimatefrisbee@teamedmonton.ca E-mail if interested. • Volleyball, Free To Be Intermediate Amiskiwacy Academy (101 Airport Road) volleyball@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. Womonspace 780-482-1794 womonspace@gmail.com www.womonspace.ca Women’s social group, but all welcome at events. Youth Understanding Youth 780-248-1971
www.yuyedm.ca A support and social group for queer youth 12-25.
• Sports and Recreation Brendan: 780-488-3234 brendan@pridecentreofedmonton.org
Restaurants
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✰
12 Woody’s-------------------------------------✰ 11725 Jasper Ave 780-488-6557
• Volleyball, Free To Be Recreational Mother Teresa School (9008 - 105 Ave) recvolleyball@teamedmonton.ca Outdoor season, Sundays, 3-5pm
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
Rodéo Drive 11528 - 89th Street 780-474-0413 brendalee@rodeodrive.ca http://www.rodeodrive.ca
His and hers fetish wear, toys, jewelry, etc.
Products & Services Cruiseline 780-413-7122 trial code 3500 http://www.cruiseline.ca Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY. Interactive Male 780-409-3333 trial code 8871 1-800-777-8000 www.interactivemale.com
5 The Junction------------------------------- 10242 106th St 780-756-5667 8 Prism Bar & Grill---------------------- See Edmonton - Bars and Clubs.
Retail Stores
Robertson-Wesley United Church 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.
• Film Night Bi-monthly, contact us for exact dates. • Book Club Monthly, contact us for exact dates. Same Gender Speed Dating Ltd. 780-221-8535 www.samegenderdating.com
An LGBT-focused alternative worship. • Gay Male Speed Dating Boston Pizza Private Party Room, Whyte Ave TBA Must pre-register to attend - please contact us. • Lesbian Speed Dating Boston Pizza Private Party Room, Whyte Ave TBA Must pre-register to attend - please contact us.
Theatre & Fine Arts Exposure Festival http://www.exposurefestival.ca
Edmonton’s Queer Arts and Culture Festival. The Roxy Theatre 10708 124th Street, Edmonton AB 780-453-2440 www.theatrenetwork.ca
Directory & Events LETHBRIDGE EVENTS
Banff/Canmore Community Groups Mountain Pride BOX 4892, BANFF, AB, T1L 1G1 Brian, 403-431-2569 1-800-958-9632 mountainpride@gaybanff.com www.gaybanff.com Serving the GLBTQS community in Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Area.
Grande Prairie Community Groups GALAP 10113 - 103 Ave, T8V 1C2 780-512-1990
Gay and Lesbian Association of the Peace. • Wednesday Coffee Nights
Lethbridge Community Groups GALA/LA 403-308-2893 http://www.galalethbridge.ca Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area. • Monthly Dances Henotic (402 - 2 Ave S) Bring your membership card and photo ID. • Monthly Potluck Dinners McKillop United Church, 2329 - 15 Ave S GALA/LA will provide the turkey...you bring the rest. Please bring a dish to share that will serve 4-6 people, and your own beverage.
Fridays
Wednesday, August 11th
Saturday, August 14th
Friday Mixer----------------------------- 10pm See GALA/LA
Youth Alliance Group--------------- 3:30-5pm Waterton National Park See GALA/LA
Hiking------------------------------- 9am-5pm Waterton National Park See GALA/LA
• Support Line 403-308-2893 Monday OR Wednesday, 7pm-11pm Leave a message any other time.
Alberta
• Friday Mixer The Mix (green water tower) 103 Mayor Magrath Dr S Every Friday at 10pm Gay & Lesbian Integrity Assoc. (GALIA) University of Lethbridge galia@uleth.ca GBLTTQQ club on campus. • Movie Night Room C610, University of Lethbridge Gay Youth Alliance Group Betty, 403-381-5260 bneil@chr.ab.ca Every second Wednesday, 3:30pm-5pm Lethbridge HIV Connection 1206 - 6 Ave S
PFLAG Canada lethbridgeab@pflagcanada.ca www.pflagcanada.com Pride Lethbridge lethbridgepridefest@gmail.com
Red Deer Community Groups 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!
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 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.
Theatre & Fine Arts Alberta Ballet http://www.albertaballet.com Frequent productions in Calgary and Edmonton.
Canada Community Groups Alberta Trans Support/Activities Group http://www.albertatrans.org
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.
Products & Services Squirt http://www.squirt.org
Website for dating and hook-ups. 18+ ONLY!
Theatre & Fine Arts Broadway Across Canada http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca
OUTtv http://www.outtv.ca
GLBT Television Station.
A nexus for transgendered persons, regardless of where they may be on the continuum.
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
23
Community Event
Pride 2009 - Photos by Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz-Marino
Pride 2010
20 Years of (R)Evolution By Evan Kayne This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Pride celebrations in Calgary, and to some it may be hard to believe at Calgary’s first Pride rally in 1990, people still felt the need to wear disguises; or that in Alberta, employers could fire someone based on their sexual orientation; or that gay marriage was considered a fanciful dream for a distant future. Sam Casselman, current President of the Pride Calgary planning committee, told us this year’s Pride will celebrate what we have accomplished, but also remind all there is still a lot of inequality to overcome. The poster for the Pride Dance is titled “20 years of (R)evolution” a nod to both the changes we’ve fought for, and the changes society has grown into. Change also came to Pride Calgary this year as they took at big step (thanks to the generous donation of time and talent from Parallel Productions) and have published Calgary’s own Pride Guide pamphlet included exclusively in this month’s edition of Gay Calgary and Edmonton Magazine. This move shows Calgary getting up to par with some of the larger Pride societies in Canada, who do their guides in a similar fashion. Calgary’s guide will include event details, sponsor ads, and just as importantly, a look at the history of Pride. “A lot of times people think we’re moving past that, and we’re just being about the party...we really want people to know we remember,” says Casselman. Granted, she admits, “the most important things are of course the three main events” - The Pride Dance September 4th, and the Parade and Festival September 5th. This year’s Pride Dance is being held downtown at Spur nightclub. Thanks to PennyLane Entertainment Group who sponsored last year’s venue, Pride Calgary once again has a space for free. Size-wise, it is comparable to Belgo from last year, especially considering Spur shares the bay with the Italian Kitchen. “We’re actually going to take over both sides,” Casselman told us. She also assured us that they have taken steps to ensure last year’s sound problems will not be the case this year; which is vital since the dance is featuring the amazing DJ Lisa DeLux from Vancouver. Regarding ticket purchases, Sam recommends that attendees buy them online at www.pridecalgary.ca – not only to save money
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
(tickets are $20 on the website, and $25 at the door) but also to ensure you get one, as last year’s dance came very close to selling out. Sunday September 5th starts off with the raising of the Pride Flag at City Hall, now for the second year in a row. But something new this year was the selection process for the Parade Marshal. The Pride Calgary planning committee surveyed the community for input into their choice for Marshal, and local musician Toni Vere won out. “I think it was really good we stayed local and we picked someone who’s here...and is queer.” As in the last few years, the parade starts at noon on 8th Ave and 8th Street SW and moves down Stephen Avenue to Olympic Plaza. The committee has responded to public input and are slowing the pace of the Parade. They’ve also encouraged parade participants to have music or make more noise as they interact with people along the parade route. Additionally, volunteers will be marching with signs denoting countries were homosexuality is still illegal, so people remember that the fight for our rights is still ongoing. At the Pride Festival in Olympic Plaza, it will be much the same as in previous years. They have increased the capacity of the Beer Gardens, and have also improved the sound quality – especially important since this year they’ve upped the music content and reduced the number of speeches. Other areas such vendor tables and the Kids play area will again return. Finally, the committee also networked with community organizations and created a “Pride Week” of events running September 1-11. Community groups such as Apollo and Miscellaneous Youth (among others) were invited to include details of their own events in the Pride Guide. Now there’s the part where you come in: go out, celebrate what we have accomplished, the freedoms we have won, the friends we’ve made, and the progress of society. Have a safe and fun Pride!
http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1795
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Community
HEATing up for Pride The GLBTQ African Group Pride Centre of Edmonton Hosts New Group
By Mark Randall
By Sam Casselman and Dallas Barnes
HEAT is so excited, as one of our favorite community events approaches. It’s almost time for Calgary’s 20th Gay Pride Celebration and AIDS Calgary, along with partner organization Calgary Sexual Health Centre, are gearing up for what we hope will be the best Gay Pride this city has ever seen!
The Pride Centre of Edmonton is now hosting a new support group for LGBT people of colour, known as the GLBTQ African Group. Fredrick’s, organizer of this event is looking forward to this new venture. “We will be talking about how to help people from Africa in the GLBTQ community. We would like to assist them in making their lives better in Canada as they are newcomers.”
Our theme for this year’s Pride celebrations is “Your Diversity is Our Strength” and it is our plan to acknowledge and celebrate the great connection and long standing relationship between our organizations and the GLBT community. Gay Pride activities provide an opportunity to showcase our gay men/MSM program and provide education and awareness on issues impacting lives in our community. Pride is a great opportunity to connect with and hear from you: Calgary’s GLBT community and allies. AIDS Calgary and Calgary Sexual Health Centre will have booths set up at the Street Festival following the Parade. You can also look for AIDS Calgary’s HEAT Coordinator at the Pride Dance on Saturday, September 4th. Please stop by and visit us! So, what are you doing for Pride? Have you made your plans, do you have a float, do you want to be a part of the parade, festival or celebrations? Are you unsure about how you can be a part of this annual community gathering? We have an easy way for you and your friends to get involved and show your pride. Join us! Walk in the parade with us, wearing a red or white t-shirt, help us build our float, recruit friends and family to walk with us, or help distribute our safer sex information and supplies during the parade. If this sounds like something for you, then consider this an open invitation and contact AIDS Calgary at or Calgary Sexual Health Centre and see where and how your talents and voice can be used to help! Cheers, and Happy 20th Anniversary to Pride Calgary!
According to Statistics Canada, Alberta has the third largest population of African immigrants in Canada. In Africa, homosexuality is illegal for gay men in 29 countries and for lesbians in 20 countries. Many of those exercise the death penalty for homosexual acts. A transition to Canada could not be more welcome to individuals in the GLBTQ community; however a new ideology could be difficult to understand. This group meets every second Sunday of the month at 2pm. Meetings are held at the Pride Centre of Edmonton and participation is free. The group came together in July, and things are going well. According to Fredrik’s, “Everyone is welcome, regardless of skin colour. Come and participate in the joint efforts to change the world and help Africans living in Africa and here.” For more information on this group contact the Pride Centre of Edmonton. This is the first of its kind in Edmonton, and an important role to fill.
GLBTQ African Group The Pride Centre of Edmonton (9540 111 Ave NW) (780) 488-3234 http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1797
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AIDS Calgary volunteer@aidscalgary.org Calgary Sexual Health Centre volunteer@calgarysexualhealth.ca http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1796
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
25
Politics
A Crime Against One Is A Crime Against All By Stephen Lock A series of articles in local print media in June indicated that the number of hate crimes against lesbians and gay men had doubled over previous years. The general number of hate crimes reported to police increased 35% between 2007 and 2008, with gay men being the focus of the most violent attacks. While such crimes are under-reported, of the 1,036 hate crimes noted (based on race, religion, disability, and gender), 159 were due to the victim’s sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation. Of those, 75% were classified as “violent.” Local activist Melissa Luhtanen, a lawyer with the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre and who was also involved with the Calgary Police Services’ Sexuality and Gender Diversity Committee (also known as the GLBTQ Liaison Committee) believes the legalizing of same-sex marriage in 2005 contributed to at least some of that increase. “Part of the reason,” she was quoted in a June 15th Calgary Sun article as saying, “is there is a lot more visibility....Especially in Calgary, there’s been a big change that has somewhat been forced on Albertans. They were quite against same-sex marriage and...fought it more than other provinces.” There is an element of truth to that since the Klein government threatened, amongst other tactics, to invoke the notwithstanding clause of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in order to block equal marriage in Alberta. It proved to be little more than the usual bluster.
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
I think the issue of equal marriage, rather than same-sex couples getting married themselves, could very well have contributed to the situation. It was certainly a rancorous debate with some of the more outrageous comments coming from the social conservative element in Alberta. Such comments as “what’s next? Marrying your dog?” indicated a high level of anger/resentment/opposition and, it can be argued, are the surface symptom of a very deep antipathy - or one might even say hatred. I also think, however, hate crimes towards the GLBTQ communities goes beyond issues around equal marriage. In recent years, the annual Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade has increased in attendance numbers and in visibility. Once relegated, by organizers, to a quiet Sunday in June and a discreet march from downtown to Bridgeland by - perhaps - a hundred or so folk back in the early 90s, it blossomed into a far more visible presence, and a much larger parade, through the Beltline district and along 17th Avenue SW. In recent times it has moved to be along Stephen (8th) Avenue. While most Calgarians appeared just fine with this, and even attended the parade and festival, there was always an element that was anything but fine with it, and would show up with their placards condemning “sodomy” and sometimes trying to provoke celebrants. They were generally ignored or, at most, viewed with a certain degree of amusement by most individuals involved in the parade or watching it. In all the years the event occurred, there was only one incident of a participant being provoked to react against what he perceived as harassment, and threw a punch at a well-known anti-gay activist. However, these anti-gay protesters are but one aspect of antiGLBTQ elements. While they are relatively harmless, so far, others are not. As with any movement there are those within it who crank things up a notch or two. Sometimes it’s organized, like the Westboro Baptist Church and their leader Fred Phelps, and sometimes it just appears spontaneous. Of the 57 hate crimes reported to the CPS in 2008, 43 were racial in nature, eight religious (usually anti-Semitic), and six involved sexual orientation. And that is just reported incidents. A large percentage of these crimes go unreported and not just from within the GLBTQ community, but all communities victimized by these sorts of crimes. Part of the problem is that proving a crime was motivated by hate, as defined by Criminal Code, is difficult. The section dealing with hate crimes (section 319) is very specific but even at that, deciding motivation of a perpetrator is a tricky business. Who knows what someone is thinking or believing or feeling unless he or she states it? Some, like various White Supremacist groups, do articulate it; others just attack. In instances where a gay man is being attacked and being called a faggot or other derogatory terms, that speaks to the motivation of the attackers and the judge can take that into consideration during sentencing. And there’s the rub....the judge can take it into consideration. There is nothing that says he or she has to. Additionally, the hate crime aspect is only dealt with in the sentencing phase. One does not get charged or arrested for “hate crime”, one is charged and arrested for assault or vandalism or any number of offenses and, during the course of the trial, the Crown Prosecutor may choose to pursue the hate crime aspect. It’s not all doom and gloom, of course. Police services have progressed a considerable distance in the last 20-odd years. It was not uncommon for police, regardless of the individual officer’s own point of view, to regard a bashing as a “street disturbance” or a “robbery” or simply in terms of an assault, ignoring or simply not aware of the overtones to it.
As Constable Brian Denison of the Calgary Police Services’ hate crimes division points out, “If [the victim] experience[s] what a hate crime is, they’ll know it...it’s pretty evident that there is a hate motivation behind it.” We always knew what a bashing was and it had nothing to do with being robbed or getting involved in a ‘street disturbance.’ It certainly is not overstating the case to suggest gay-bashings are little different than anti-Jewish pogroms. Both are designed to put the individual “back in his place” and send a message to the community itself, and the message is one of control and fear. In recent years, many police departments across Canada have instituted liaison committees with the GLBTQ community in an effort to better understand the issues and as a vehicle to better, or at least higher, reporting. The latter aim has continued to remain elusive, however, as individuals who have been bashed or harassed continue to be reluctant to come forward and file a police report or, if they do file a report, often are reluctant to follow up on pressing charges or seeing the process through. Part of this is a continuing mistrust of authority, which is not surprising given the long history between various GLBTQ communities in North America and various police and other legal authorities. In many ways, it is analogous to the experience of any number of other minority communities that have experienced less than optimal service from police. Such a history takes years, even decades, to resolve and there will always be individuals who will never trust the police when it comes to issues around their own sexual orientation. While the social climate in Alberta, and in Calgary specifically, has improved significantly this is still a conservative city and, not surprisingly, our GLBTQ community reflects that. Your average gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans Calgarian tends to be somewhat conservative as well. I think it is safe to say we are not like the communities in, for instance, Vancouver or Toronto that tend to be (generally speaking) somewhat more ‘activist.’ What this results in, on an individual level, is a reluctance to create an issue and a tendency to “just move on.” Add into the equation that not all GLBTQ Calgarians are “out” with family or at work, preferring to keep their personal lives personal, and it is not difficult to understand why there is such a low reporting of such crimes against us. The fear of being outed in some manner is a barrier, despite assurances from authorities. In this regard, our community is unique. A person of colour, for instance, is clearly a person of colour with family and community supports in place as a matter of course. Someone who is Jewish or Muslim rarely tries to keep their Jewishness or the fact they are Muslim a secret and often will have similar supports in place. When members of these communities are targeted for attack, even if there is a residual distrust of police, the thought of not following through is rarely something that would even occur to them. If there is a reluctance to pursue this aspect it generally has to do with something other than the reason they were targeted to begin with. In the case of someone who is gay, lesbian, bi, or trans the situation is a bit different. Often it is not obvious what one’s sexual orientation or gender identity might be and unless it is raised with the police, or there are obvious indications sexual orientation/gender identity might be the issue, the responding officer will assume otherwise. It is incumbent upon the victim, then, to inform the police of at least the possibility of being targeted on the basis of sexual orientation/gender identity. Many don’t or won’t, and therein lies the problem. One can try and change things on a societal level - and significant steps have been taken in recent years on that level - but individuals will continue to respond based on real or perceived concerns within their own lives and experience. If one is convinced following through on charges related to being bashed will, in essence, open a whole can of worms for them, then they will not follow through. Any injuries can be attributed to those not in the know, such as family or coworkers, as the result of a “mugging” rather than a bashing. Since bashings are analogous to pogroms, beating up some faggot or dyke has little to do with the individual, and everything
Q Scopes “Play it up, Virgo!”
From mid-Leo, the Sun is aggravating Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto, which could create brilliant political insights, but that will take extraordinary work and humility. Rampant megalomaniacal egotism is much likelier. Being attuned to what other people (think they) need is half the battle.
ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Whatever hand you’re dealt it’s way too easy for you to overplay. Your partner may be a bit too overcautious, but still pay close attention to his or her warnings. Somewhere between that reticence and your recklessness a great strategy can be planned. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Your home will never be as perfect as you wish. You may want too much. Meditation and a broader perspective will help you appreciate what you have – and there’s still a lot you can do with that! GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Your impulsive outspokenness will certainly shake things up. If you think, just briefly, about what you really want to say, you could accomplish a lot more good and dodge a lot of trouble. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Home, career, and your relationships seem to be pulling in different directions. You may be ready to jettison any or all of them. Stop. Think. Reevaluate your priorities as the first step to seeing how all three of those can work together. LEO (July 23 – August 22): The spotlight and the podium come to you maybe too easily. Controversy is very likely to follow. You can handle that, but remember who you have to work with after all is said and done! VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Pulling back a little bit, taking care of private, personal business will not shield you from the spotlight, but will arouse more interest, a bit of mystique. Play it up, à la Greta Garbo, and you will be much in demand. LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): You feel bogged down in the big problems of family, partnership and the encroaching burdens of maturity. “Lighten up, have fun, “ is usually just flippant, but really, that will help you see through the problems. SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Trying to get work done discreetly? Forget discretion. Whatever you say or do will be picked up and broadcast. Keep good grace and humor (that may be a challenge!) and do welcome any criticism as a chance to improve your accomplishments. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Friends criticizing your extravagances are doing you a huge favor. Don’t just shut them out or take their advice without question. The more feedback you can get out of them, the more you’ll profit from their perspective. CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Getting ahead will take shrewd finesse, not easy with all eyes upon you! Principles you learned in early childhood, probably from a stern teacher – as well as faith in your own wit and resilience – will get you through. AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Your opinion is valuable, but worth more if you heed the law of supply and demand. Make it rare and asked for! Sure, you can handle any argument you get into, but give your partner a break! PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Financial opportunities are out there, but you have to work hard to make them pay off. Listen to advice from an older friend, but don’t follow it directly. Rather, use it as a springboard to think of something even better. Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com.
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Gossip to debut sometime in September or October and the quotes to start flying.
Dustin Lance Black loves the ‘Barefoot Bandit’ Colton Harris-Moor found an unusual way to become famous. The alleged “Barefoot Bandit” is accused of stealing cars and planes across several states, living a life on the lam from the law. And because he’s young and not ugly, the criminal-turned-media-obsession has naturally become something of a folk hero/outlaw. So it was, perhaps, inevitable that his story would eventually become a movie. Enter Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black and director David Gordon Green, who’ll approach the upcoming book, Taking Flight: The Hunt For a Young Outlaw, as source material for the feature film version of Harris-Moor’s crime spree. Look for the finished product to explore HarrisMoor’s difficult, bullied childhood in an effort to make more sense of his mysterious break with society’s rules. And if it glorifies sociopathic behavior along the way? Well that’s just what Hollywood, isn’t it?
Whishaw and Ball bring Death to HBO Alan Ball has been very good for HBO – Six Feet Under still ranks among the cable network’s biggest hits, and True Blood is currently their dominant franchise – so it’s no surprise that the gay creator and the TV giant are keeping their relationship alive. Ball’s latest for HBO will require even more buckets of fake splatter: All Signs of Death is a darkly comic drama about a slacker who stumbles into a career as a crime-scene clean-up guy, only to tumble into his own murder mystery, complete with femme fatale. Based on Charlie Huston’s 2009 novel, The Mystic Arts of Erasing All Signs of Death, the show will star Ben Whishaw, the dreamy young Brit who’s set hearts a-flutter in Bright Star and Brideshead Revisited. HBO has committed to a pilot, which will shoot in late summer, using smaller-than-usual cameras to give the show that gritty, handheld look. Cross your bloody fingers it goes to series.
Glee busts out the fishnets for Rocky Horror episode
Dustin Lance Black
Deep Inside Hollywood A different View for Sara Gilbert Romeo San Vicente As The World Turns is 54 this year. And it’s being cancelled. But when networks close a door they open a window, which means something’s going to fly into that spare hour of programming. And what’s hot for daytime? Talk shows like The View, something CBS doesn’t have yet. So here comes a new crew of ladies for an as-yet-untitled talk show focusing on current events from the perspective of mothers. At the moment the lady-team includes Julie Chen, Holly Robinson Peete, Leah Remini, and gay audience favorites like Hairspray’s Marissa Jaret Winokur and Sharon Osbourne and Roseanne’s Sara Gilbert. Now 35, the former most-sardonic-teen-on-television is now a mother of two with her partner Allison Adler, and with Rosie O’Donnell no longer on The View, it’ll be great to see a fresh lesbian mom perspective on a network talk show again. Look for the show
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
Oh Glee, just when we think you can’t get any gayer, you go and raise the stakes again. The big news coming out of the Glee panel at the recent San Diego Comic-Con was queer creator Ryan Murphy’s announcement that the Fox hit would do an episode built around the songs from The Rocky Horror Picture Show sometime during the second season. (During the panel, gay Glee co-star Chris Colfer mentioned his desire to sing “The Time Warp,” which led to Murphy’s bombshell. A set-up? You be the judge.) Lots of other cool tidbits were mentioned – the possibility of an all–Britney Spears episode, return appearances by Broadway divas Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, a religious-themed episode that will include Colfer’s Kurt going to see Mercedes (Amber Riley) sing at church and an Artie-Tina breakup. But Romeo’s favorite revelation came from Naya Rivera, who plays the wickedly hilarious Santana. She told the crowd that Brittany (Heather Morris) and Santana would kiss during Season 2…and that she wants their couple name to be “Santittany.” Nice. Romeo San Vicente is too distinctive to ever be a part of a mash-up couple name. He can be reached care of this publication
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Lifestyle
Cocktail Chatter Snobs invent Fire Island Iced Tea By Ed Sikov Six of us were lined up in beach chairs judging the gym rats on parade at the water’s edge. “Why does that guy have ‘Bondi’ printed on his ass?” I inquired. “I love Make Way for Tomorrow, too, but it’s a strange film to be referenced on a musclehead’s butt.” “It’s not Beulah Bondi, darling. It’s Bondi Beach in Australia.” This came from my partner, Dan, who then turned on me: “Did you hear what Dr. Film Studies just said?” he trumpeted to the others, who made snorting noises at my expense. Jack Fogg yawned, stretched, and said, “Let’s make Long Island Iced Tea.” “You would drink that,” his boyfriend Sammy replied. Jack became defensive: “What’s wrong with Long Island Iced Tea?” “People will think we’re from Massapequa,” Chipper explained. “Or Hicksville,” Paolo added. “Can you imagine saying you’re from Hicksville? You might as well be from East Jesus.” I agreed. “We’re making ‘Fire Island Iced Tea’ because we’re on Fire Island, not Long Island.” “What’s in it?” Sammy asked. “We’re inventing it,” I declared. “What should be in our drink?” “Lots of fruits,” said Dan. “And lots of alcohol,” Paolo added.
“It needs a fire component,” Chipper said. “What tastes hot?” I had an inspiration: “Absolut Peppar!” Chipper got into the spirit(s): “And Citron for the fruit. And Orange Curacao. And your inevitable lime juice.” “Why do you always have Orange Curacao?” asked Jack, the reporter; he was prone to interviewing people, which irritated me, so I answered: “Because Blue Curacao turns an orange Screwdriver the color of vomit.” “Aha,” said Jack, buying my made-up reason. I’m dementedly jealous of Jack, so I put a notch on the Ed vs. Jack scoreboard I keep in my head. Michelangelo’s David strolled by. “What can we add to represent him?” Dan asked. “Coke Zero!” Sammy shouted to our communal delight. The poor, perfect hunk thought we were laughing at him and glared. We tried a few recipes before we found one that worked, which meant we were hammered by dinnertime. I grilled the Lemon-Dill Lamb-burgers to death. Dan burned the buns. But Paolo, always under control, pulled off a lovely Caprese Salad, and since we bought a peach pie from the grocery store, dessert was fine. “Where do these great pies come from?” I once asked the Long Island teenager behind the counter. “Poh’t Jeff!,” she answered, meaning Port Jefferson. The accent alone proved why we had to have an “Iced Tea” of our own. Fire Island Iced Tea 2-parts Absolut Peppar 2-parts Absolut Citron 1-part Beefeater 1-part cup tequila 1/2-part Orange Curacao 1-part or 1/3-cup unsweetened lime juice 3-parts Coke Zero or the soda of your choice Fill a tall glass with ice and add liquors and lime juice. Pour soda in gently to keep the fizz. Note: The conventional drink is called “Iced Tea” because the cola turns the white liquors teacolored. But I prefer Limonata, the Italian lemon soda, which makes the drink taste like spicy lemonade. Use what you like, and don’t worry about what color the result is. If it looks gross, put it in an opaque plastic cup, stick a straw in it, and nobody will know the difference. Ed Sikov is the author of Dark Victory; The Life of Bette Davis, and other books about films and filmmakers.
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Out of Town
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
By Andrew Collins Reminiscent in historic ambience, manageable size, mountainous elevation, and dynamic arts scene to Santa Fe, New Mexico, the small city of San Miguel de Allende was established in the mid-16th century and has becoming increasingly popular in recent years as sophisticated, friendly and a distinctive vacation getaway. Although San Miguel has little in the way of gay nightlife, this city of about 60,000 has a strong GLBT following dating back to its popularity with counter-cultural types in the 1960s. Today visitors will find several gay-owned inns, shops and restaurants. The popular travel memoir On Mexico Time, written in 2000 by Tony Cohan and based on his time living in this magical city, helped boost San Miguel’s already considerable following with expats from the United States and Canada. These days, charming San Miguel represents one of the better travel bargains in the Western Hemisphere. With Mexico enduring unfortunate (and largely unfair) negative stereotypes related to the drug violence plaguing its borders, and U.S. and Canadian currency strong against the Mexican peso, the cost of visiting here is extremely reasonable. The city is well known both for Spanish language immersion schools and culinary classes, but it’s also a lovely place to simply relax and explore for a few days - or even weeks (many long-term vacation rentals inside historic casitas and houses are available). San Miguel is a 3.5-hour bus ride from bustling Mexico City, and many visitors here fly in and out of the capital. There’s also 30
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a small, relatively new airport 40 miles away in Queretero (with limited direct flights from Houston and Detroit), and an airport 110 miles away between the cities of Leon and Guanajuato, which has direct flights from Chicago, Dallas, and Houston. Keep in mind that flights to Mexico City are far more affordable than to these regional airports. Additionally, inexpensive buses provide service from Mexico City and its airport. Regional buses in Mexico are operated by private lines and have climate control, TVs, comfortable seats, and clean bathrooms. Reliable companies serving San Miguel de Allende include Primera Plus (http://www.primeraplus.com. mx) and ETN (http://etn.com.mx). Within the city itself, it’s very easy to get around and explore sites on foot. Taxis are also cheap, safe and plentiful. San Miguel is the central part of the country, which is known for its beautifully preserved colonial silver-mining cities - other prominent ones include Guanajuato, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi and Zacatecas. It’s hundreds of miles from any of the drug or political violence alluded to earlier and is situated at an elevation of 6,500 feet, which translates to cool temperatures, clear air and sunny skies. Throughout the year, high temperatures hover around 70 to 80 degrees, and with lows dipping into the 50s and - in winter - even the lower 40s. Rainfall is highest in summer, as afternoon thunderstorms are a regular occurrence from mid-June through mid-September. Part of the fun of experiencing San Miguel is simply wandering about on foot, without a plan. The city’s narrow, hilly cobblestone streets are lined with brightly painted stucco houses with carved wood trim, flower pots, and wrought-iron balconies and sconces. UNESCO designated the city a World Heritage Site in 2008.
The most distinctive site in the city center is soaring La Parroquia, whose beautiful if florid façade recalls the ornate Gothic churches of Europe (on which its design was based). The church lies on the east side of San Miguel’s main plaza, El Jardin, which is shaded with neatly trimmed trees, lined with benches, and within steps of cafes and hotels in all directions. Just off the plaza you’ll find the interesting Museo Casa de Allende, a history museum that documents the city’s rich history. A couple of blocks away, be sure to visit the Bellas Artes, a prestigious school of fine arts set within a cloistered former convent that dates to the 1750s. Walk through the two-story galleried courtyard and admire the murals on the inner walls by Mexican master painter David Alfaro Siqueiros, and note the fanciful sculptures throughout the gardens. Dozens of art and traditional crafts galleries line the streets in the city center, but the definitive arts destination in town is Fabrica La Aurora, an ancient textile factory that’s been converted into galleries. This beautiful building with its high ceilings and tile floors is a marvel to walk through, its galleries filled with statuary, carved wooden furniture, religious artifacts, modern art, and beautiful books. There are also a few dining spots at La Aurora, including Food Factory restaurant, elegant D’Vino wine and tapas bar, and open-air Cafe La Aurora for light sandwiches and salads. In addition to galleries, San Miguel has a number of shops selling antiques and decorative arts. There’s also an excellent bookstore, Garrison & Garrison, set in a vintage brick building and carrying many English titles, new and used. For a quiet walk on a pretty day, stroll through Parque Benito Juarez, a 10-minute walk from El Jardin. San Miguel’s urbane dining scene is a major draw. Fans of food - and cooking - should be sure to check out El Petit Four, a charming bakery run by openly gay chef Paco Cardenas. Here you can sample beautiful cakes, brownies, and bonbons (he can also custom design some very racy erotic cakes on request). The charismatic Cardenas also leads highly informative cooking classes - e-mail him at pacopos3@yahoo.com for details. With a contemporary, lounge-y vibe and something of a gay following, Planta Baja (http://www.plantabajasanmiguel. com) specializes in creative world-beat cuisine that’s heavily influenced by Asian, Mediterranean and Latin American ingredients. Pueblo Viejo (http://www.puebloviejosanmiguel. com) is one of the classics in town for first-rate Mexican fare - it’s run by the same team behind Planta Baja. Behind a bright-red exterior, Bugambilia serves outstanding traditional regional Mexican food. The nicest tables are in the peaceful, landscaped courtyard, but if it’s a cool evening, grab a table inside near the fireplace the art-filled dining room. El Correo, steps from El Jardin’s plaza, is filled with colorful paintings and also excels when it comes to local Mexican specialties, including chiles en nogada and chicken with a rich mole sauce. A wonderful spot for breakfast, with a pretty courtyard anchored by a gurgling fountain, El Ten Ten Pie serves fresh fruit juices and hearty egg dishes that make a great start to the day. Cheery El Tomate is one of the few vegetarian restaurants in the area and a great choice for light and healthy lunch and dinner fare. Grab an organic espresso or latte at La Ventana, one of the more inviting coffeehouses in town. And if you’re truly missing that ubiquitous chain java joint from home, yes, there is a Starbucks in San Miguel, just a block from El Jardin. For delicious snacking, keep your eye out for vendors selling hand-churned ice cream from metal containers - you’ll always find interesting flavors, such as avocado or chocolate-chile. Another must for snacking is churros (fried doughnuts) dipped in hot chocolate, which you can best enjoy at a Chocolates y Churros San Agustin, an elegant little cafe also known for tapas, omelets, and fondue. Chocolate Lounge is San Miguel’s most gay-popular nightspot - this intimate, sexy spot is adjacent to El Petit Four bakery. Set fairly close to the Plaza on Calle Hidalgo, the city’s El Ring disco is a fun late-night spot for dancing - it’s generally more hetero
than not, but it’s very welcoming and has great music. Mama Mia (http://www.mamamia.com.mx) is another of the convivial if touristy nightspots in town, also drawing a mixed crowd. San Miguel abounds with B&Bs and historic boutique hotels. The most luxurious lodging in the city is the centrally located Casa de Sierra Nevada (http://www.casadesierranevada.com), which occupies several historic buildings with rooms ranging from simple and cozy standards to remarkably posh and expansive suites with fireplaces, patios with private outdoor soaking tubs, and bathrooms with deep tubs, standing showers, and ornate tile work. Rooms open onto secluded courtyards (one has a large pool), and the hotel’s amenities include a first-rate spa, cooking school, and the acclaimed Andanza restaurant (all of these are open to the public by reservation), which serves such rarefied contemporary cuisine as ravioli filled with suckling pig carnitas, and fillet of pompano with truffle-potato puree and a reduction of Jerez sherry and cuitlacoche (a Mexican delicacy derived from an edible corn fungus - it tastes far better than it sounds). Gay-owned Las Terrazas San Miguel (http://www. terrazassanmiguel.com) is a lovely old-world compound comprising four large casitas with private patio, well-stocked kitchens. From Casita Colibri, the least expensive but smallest, you’ve got a wonderful view of the city. The property sits on a hilltop an easy walk from restaurants and shopping. Breakfast is included, and one unit has two bedrooms. Another beautiful gay-owned spot is Susurro (http://susurro.com.mx), whose spacious rooms with beamed ceilings and landscaped terraces are stunningly furnished with antiques and folk art from around the world. Reasonably priced and gay-friendly Casa Crayola (http:// www.gomexart.com/aurora48.htm) is a small compound of seven lovely casitas that’s just steps from La Aurora. It’s an excellent option for longer stays, with the colorfully decorated casitas with kitchenettes and separate living areas renting for $500 per week and $1,800 per month. Other commendable and gay-friendly accommodations in San Miguel include Dona Urraca Hotel & Spa (http://www. donaurraca.com.mx), El Meson Hotel (http://www.hotelelmeson. com), Posada Corazon (http://www.posadacorazon.com.mx), and Hotel Casa Linda (http://www.hotelcasalinda.com). The latter is also notable for its restaurant, 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. He can be reached care of this publication.
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
Editorial - From Page 5 animals in foul moods that they have to deal with daily, through it all Snoopy was very cooperative (although a little vocal), and super affectionate to everyone there. In my experience, most cats are terrified of car rides and care about little else but hiding or frantically watching the scenery go by. Snoopy refused to stay in his carrier, opting instead to cuddle contentedly in Steve’s lap, completely at ease and occasionally reaching a paw out to me, making happy chirps whenever I looked at him. I got all of my crying out with Snoopy safe at home again. Sparky didn’t seem to notice Snoopy was even gone, but Salem snapped out of the depression he was exhibiting in Snoopy’s absence. The quickly healing incision, little shaved patches on his belly and front paws, and what’s left of the pestky pills he has to take daily, are the only remaining signs of his ordeal this month. But he has earned his new nickname: “Snooper-trooper”. The Winds of Change, Part 3 So it is official, and I can finally talk about the things I was hinting at in last month’s column. For Calgary, the big news was the launch of the new club that has been torturing all of us with hints while remaining mysterious about their name and opening date. The name, “Club Sapien”, was announced on Facebook only a week in advance of their launch, over the August long weekend. There was a pretty strong showing of people that we saw, which was impressive considering so many were out of town for Vancouver Pride. The space is quite stunning and modern with plenty of intimate booths and corners to get away to, when not on the dance floor. Some people were struggling to make sense of the odd word “Sapien”, which we explained as the taxonomical Latin term for the Human race: Homo sapien. And that also explains the significance of the “Hello my name is HOMO” nametags. It was quite apparent that the arrival of this new dance club brought out the best in Calgary’s LGBT community receiving flowers from almost every one of the other gay bars, congratulating them. For us it was wonderful to be reunited with many old friends from the dance club scene, from whom we’ve in essence been segregated for the past 3 years. Meanwhile the new bar project in Edmonton has been announced. When Boots went out of business, it left an amazing opportunity for a new bar to take over the space and make better use of its great potential. As it turns out, the owners of Prism were able to snap it up, and have been working like crazy to have it ready to open this month. They will be moving the legacy of Prism over to the new space, to start fresh under new name “The Junction”. From what we’ve been told, the concept of the bar is to be very community orientated and open to everyone, rather than catering primarily to the female population as Prism had done. Appropriately, the community has rallied to help Deb and Tracey complete all the work that needs to get finished. Meanwhile, the days of Prism are drawing to a close. Prism will be having its farewell party on August 14th. The Junction will have its grand opening on the 13th, followed by the BEEF Bear Bash on the Saturday. After that, Prism will shut its doors permanently. Lastly, we found out just this month, the less happy news that Edmonton will be losing another bar. PLAY has officially announced that the club will be closing down, their last night being August 14th. After that point, employees speculate that Oil City Group will likely be converting it to a straight bar. PLAY was established in September 2008 and operated for nearly 2 years. July 2010 Though our writer Jason was diligently covering the bands and singers at the Stampede, for reasons mentioned earlier, Steve and I were only finally able to visit the grounds for the first time on the last Saturday. We went to photograph the Grandstand show as we have done for the past several years (see page 66), but I have to say the show this year was
Continued on Page 34 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
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From Previous Page are of LGBT interest. Look through the black and white section of this edition for more information on these shows, their dates and locations. And finally, another big thing happening in Edmonton this month is the annual ISCWR Coronation, on August 28th. More information on Coronation week events can be found on their website (www.iscwr.ca) or in the GayCalgary.com events calendar.
particularly entertaining – which is sad to say, considering the poor weather throughout the week. With a theme of uniting global cultures, the costumes and props were exceedingly colourful and unique. Several times throughout the night, performers took flight over the audience in standing room, and upward to engage those on the uppermost tier of the Grandstands. And as always, the fireworks at the climax of the show were spectacular. I went up to Edmonton by myself to cover Buddy’s 10th Anniversary, and also spent the day with Steve’s sister Maria, checking out what’s new at Capital Ex. Maria has a penchant for photography much like Steve, and so the two of us spent most of our time taking interesting photos of attractions on the grounds, which appear on page 66. Steve and I found it very convenient to be able to drive ourselves out this year to the Western Canada Pride Festival (aka. The Gay Campout) in Blackfalds over the August long weekend. There were a lot of new faces, and I ended up getting roped into participating in some of the daytime activities: two different relay race games. Probably the only sober person on the course, I got to crawl under obstacles while carrying a ball with anything but my hands, pick tinfoil-wrapped plastic eggs up with my teeth, get dragged around in an inflatable boat while screaming like a baby before helping do the same with my teammates, and then savagely burst water balloons that weren’t of my team colour. It was a huge amount of fun, though I had to skip out on a challenge to mud wrestle, for lack of time before we had to head back to Calgary. This Month With Calgary Pride happening at the very beginning of September, this month was the last opportunity for businesses to get their advertising out in advance for Pride-goers to see. GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine continues to be the exclusive host of the Official Calgary Pride Guide, except this year it has not been printed within the pages of the magazine. Parallel Productions has taken the extra layout work off our plate and produced a fantastic booklet that has been inserted into every copy of our August 2010 edition. The booklet contains sponsor advertising and detailed Pride information, including a special version of the GayCalgary map, highlighting party venues and sponsors. August is the month of Edmonton Fringe, and we’re making sure you’re aware of a number of productions that 34
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
New Online Features Last month we introduced a new feature to bring our Classified advertisers a little extra online exposure. On the front page of GayCalgary.com, when you click the Classified Ads link beside the latest edition, you can read all of the currently running classified ads online (and as always, submit your own classified ad). The neat bonus is that your classified ad will start showing the moment we confirm that payment has been received. This means you start getting exposure even before your ad goes into print! Check it out at: www.gaycalgary.com/classifieds If you need to keep abreast of all the changes happening in the community, now is a good time to join the Facebook groups of Alberta LGBT venues. But let’s face it, the Facebook Group URLs are long and often impossible to remember, and many times the group you are looking for won’t turn up even in Facebook’s own search. So another thing that we’ve implemented on our site is a system that handles quick links to the Facebook groups of businesses listed in our online business directory – starting with the bars we distribute to in Calgary and Edmonton. These quick links are free for us to set up, so please contact us if you have a directory listing and would like a quick link for your own use. In Calgary: Backlot: www.gaycalgary.com/fbd1097 Calgary Eagle: www.gaycalgary.com/fbd1165 Club Sapien: www.gaycalgary.com/fbd1796 FAB Bar: www.gaycalgary.com/fbd1233 Texas Lounge: www.gaycalgary.com/fbd1105 Twisted Element: www.gaycalgary.com/fbd1262 In Edmonton: Buddys/Woodys: www.gaycalgary.com/fbd1380 Flash: www.gaycalgary.com/fbd1768 The Junction: www.gaycalgary.com/fbd1795 Play Nightclub: www.gaycalgary.com/fbd1585 Prism (Closing Aug 14th): www.gaycalgary.com/fbd1381
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
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Interview - From Page 63 some of my sisters are like, “I’m fine with my life being this way.” Braxton: Everyone wants them to be Toni Braxton’s sister, and when I’m hot, they’re hot and when I’m not, they’re not. It’s about how I feel being an artist, being the most successful person in my family and how it affects the other family members. It’s going to be a very animated show to say the least. GayCalgary: Early in your career there were lesbian rumors that you denied. Remember that? Braxton: I do remember that! GayCalgary: Now that you’ve gone through a couple of men, have you changed your mind? Braxton: (Laughs) I have a few girl crushes, like, “Mmm, she’s kind of cute” or “Gosh, I love her body.” I have a terrible crush on Ellen (DeGeneres) and everyone around me knows it. She makes me laugh, and she’s girl enough and dude enough at the same time. And I love Salma Hayek. GayCalgary: With reality shows like American Idol, artists are being discovered a lot differently than before. Are the days of being discovered singing at a gas pump over? Braxton: That’s really a true story! Let’s see, Lana Turner got discovered in a drug store, so the old school way can still apply because if you’re at the right place at the right time – and I was singing all over the city and they saw me there – it could happen. GayCalgary: You’re such a tease in the “Hands Tied” video. Are you one in real life? Braxton: When I was younger I was probably a tease because sex before marriage was a bad thing. I had to let that go, too! (Laughs) Not as much being older, but I can be a tease when I need to be. But I haven’t been practicing because I’m separated. GayCalgary: Now’s the best time to practice. Braxton: Exactly! GayCalgary: Your Twitter page lists you as a cake-maker. Would you consider opening up a bakery? Braxton: I love cooking and baking cakes, but oh god, Ace of Cakes? Not for me! I’m not that good. However, I do like to bake a lot, so I can make a guy – whomever I’m with – very, very happy. GayCalgary: Hear that guys? Braxton: Or girls even!
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
Interview - From Page 60 “It was fun writing with a straight guy – somebody who has a very different perspective on men and women and what it’s like out in the world,” Cholodenko says. “For me, it was like any relationship. There were struggles, but it was a good one.” Good because Cholodenko took risks she’d never taken before as a filmmaker. This time, though, she let the ideas sitting in her imagination run onto the page – revealing the humor in the risqué bits that she otherwise would’ve left untouched. One such scene involves Moore and Ruffalo, who worked together previously on 2008’s sci-fi thriller Blindness, making whoopee during a hilarious sex scene. An irritated Cholodenko notes that the MPAA thought the from-behind banging lingered for just a little too long. It’s still memorable (very, very much so) – and more graphic than the lesbian bed romp, which might give some the sense that Cholodenko’s catering too much to mainstream moviegoers. And, well, she is. “We could deconstruct it and say, ‘How much is this male identified or straight?’ or we could just say, ‘This is this representation of this family and these two people and this is how they get their freakyfreaky on,’” the director defends. “I guess it’s a two-fold answer, which is: Yes, in a sense it was calculated to reach and be accessible and feel inviting for more people to come to, and not be disingenuous in my own experience and understanding of gay relationships.” But The Kids Are All Right also isn’t just about gay relationships – it’s about relationships. Period. The good, the bad, the ugly – family aspects that Blumberg and Cholodenko were determined to expose, regardless of the sex, or any other trivial part, of the parents. In agreement is Moore, who says, “A relationship is a relationship whether it’s two women, two men, or a man and a woman ... or, ya know, a dog and a cat. And a long-term one is challenging and rewarding. At the end of the day, it’s a portrait of that – and of a family.”
Gay, straight – so what? Sexuality wasn’t all Cholodenko was concerned about when she casted The Kids Are All Right. For Nic and Jules, the actors needed to unfurl the nuances to humanize these very flawed, very real people; she needed talent to radiate these roles – and who better than Bening and Moore, both Oscar nominees? “It was important to have actresses who had established themselves and were known and who we knew could pull this off,” Cholodenko says. “Were there actresses who were gay, whether they were out or not, that I felt (were) perfect for it? I absolutely would’ve considered them, but they (Moore and Bening) ended up being the right ‘men’ for the job.” This all happened, of course, before Newsweek published a controversial column that debunked gay actors in straight roles. Moore got fired up over the magazine’s piece: “We were talking (on set) a lot about the Newsweek story, about the f’ing asshole who made that comment about gay actors not being able to play straight,” she spews. “I’m like, ‘Excuse
me, gay actors have been playing straight roles for centuries. We’re acting.’” So will she pick up another issue? “I haven’t bought Newsweek – and I never will again.” Of course she’d go gay again, though – as long as the role’s right, that’s a no-brainer for the actress and 2004 GLAAD Media Award winner. She’s already done distraught housewife in The Hours – and kissed co-star Toni Collette. Just last year she lip-locked with Mamma Mia! actress Amanda Seyfried in the erotic Chloe – and again, with another woman in The Private Lives of Pippa Lee. Directors she’s worked with, including Tom Ford on 2009’s stylish life-and-death drama A Single Man (which also portrayed the gay union as simply a matter-of-fact), have been just as queer. “I don’t like to be divisive about people’s gender or sexuality or race or nationality,” Moore says. “People that I’ve worked with are telling stories, sometimes extreme stories, about what it is to be a human being, and I’m attracted to people with that kind of sensibility – whether they’re gay or straight or whatever.” That sensibility lured Ruffalo; his freewheeling dog of a donor dad goes from girls and motorcycles to – as the amiable actor, searching for the right word, calls him – a “lump.” In the film, he looks less like Jennifer Garner’s pretty boy in 13 Going on 30 and more rugged. But even with a shaggy hairdo and gray-speckled scruff he throws off the same vulnerable charm that’s hard to resist in his The Kids Are All Right character, Paul. For most people, anyway. During a TV interview the day before our sit-down, the female reporter ripped on the actor. As Ruffalo remembers, she said – seriously: “By the way, I’m a lesbian, so you lay off our women!” Shocked, he thought: “Are you kidding me? I support your women from head to toe. I am a lesbian!” Proof: He listens to Joni Mitchell. “Is Joni Mitchell lesbian music?” he obliviously inquires, after questioning his real-life music taste since he and Bening’s characters bond over the hippie legend in the film. Lesbian-loved tunes might escape Ruffalo, but he’s at least clear on the kind of movie he’s in – and how un-gay its gayness is: “It’s a ‘lesbian movie,’ and we’re in the middle of this huge debate about gay marriage, but what I really loved about it was how quickly the novelty of gay marriage and the sperm donor just falls away.” That his clothes do, too, isn’t anything to complain about either.
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Adult
Adult Film Review Unloaded, Dad Takes a Fishing Trip By Jerome Voltero
Dad Takes a Fishing Trip
By: D/G Mutual Media From: Priape Genre: Intergenerational Cast: Story: Visual: Faves: Josh West, Andrew Justice Your natural response to the grisly looking man (Allen Silver) on the cover may be to pass this porno over. In fact, I went for this one because I thought it may be worth a laugh – indeed the trite slogan, “Intergenerational was never so sensational,” certainly is! But then I realized “dad” on the front has seniority vastly over the other actors – some sexy thirty-something’s, and some younger pups. They definitely didn’t put their best face forward. It starts with Silver taking a long shower, letting his mind wander. Perhaps the only thing more disturbing is how his pimply-faced psycho son walks in on him and stares at his twitching cock with complete indiscretion, while carrying on an awkward conversation. Dad tries to convince him to come along on the outing, but his son has other plans. Kids these days: sneaking glances of their fathers in the shower, but can they make time for a fun weekend fishing trip? No way. I enjoyed the first scene where the handsome Andrew Justice, a construction worker, coaxes his two green summer interns to try it with someone else for the first time. The young’ins are easily pliable by their supervisor, who manages to turn a group masturbation session into a crash course in man-on-man sex. A personal favourite, Josh West, makes very mediocre appearances in later scenes. But the fact of the matter is that there isn’t much fishing going on. Not that I expected there would be, but I thought there at least might be a scene that involves some fishing, or for fishing to be a common theme throughout. Nope! The element that connects the scenes together is dad driving through various areas on his way to his favourite fishing spot...but he never arrives at his destination because he gets sidetracked playing with all the worms. Oh well, I’m sure he’s a still a master baiter.
Unloaded
By: Raging Stallion Studios From: Adult Depot Genre: Blue Collar Cast: Story: Visual: Faves: Austin Wilde, Antonio Biaggi Dominic Pacifico I imagine Ryan Patrick getting kicked out of plumbing school for his shocking misuse of the most basic bathroom tool. This movie opens with him taking some alone time in a warehouse, probing himself with the ribbed glass handle of a toilet plunger! 40
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
Horse-hung Antonio Biaggi walks in on Patrick amidst this activity, who makes a feeble attempt to hide the plunger on the seat beside him. It deftly answers the question of what to say when your co-worker walks in on you jerking off with a toilet plunger half way up your ass: “Oh shit, ummm, sorry.” Biaggi offers his silence in exchange for some head and tail, giving Patrick’s rear end the plunger, in parallel to his own immense manhood. Meanwhile, in another part of the warehouse, Austin Wilde tears the front of his pants open by accident while moving some junk around. Apparently it was a good day to go commando, as his co-worker is instantly turned on by what he sees, tears the hole wider, and goes down on the dark-skinned hunk. But just wait, the guys get even nastier after dark, and the double-penetration with Dominic Pacifico shouldn’t be missed!
While you’re at it... Porn Stars in Love By: Raging Stallion Studios From: Adult Depot Genre: Variety Cast: Story: Visual: Faves: Vinnie D’Angelo, Francesco D’Macho, Damien Crosse Bonus: 2 Disc Set Hot Bods By: Colt From: Priape Genre: Summer Cast: Story: Visual: Faves: Nate Karlton, Carlo Masi
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Interview - From Page 11 Ryan: Look, I love a good Liza joke. The Cher thing is in the book. The ass shot: What can I say? GayCalgary: How do you think gay people can relate to Elizabeth’s self-searching journey? Ryan: Gay men typically (go on) a lot of searches – coming out of the closet and then getting a partner. I never really had those issues for myself because I always just was what I was and dealt with it when I was 15. I do think gay men by and large are probably more tuned into their emotional feelings, and the book really moved me because I went through a horrible, horrible breakup. The worst one I’ve ever had. That idea for gay men of finding balance is very, very important – and hard, because there’s no template for it. None of us have any role models, really. When you’re a heterosexual, you have your parents, you have society. When you’re gay, you don’t. And so you have to figure it out as you go along. That’s what the book is about: Who do I want to become? And that’s what she learns. I really related to that. GayCalgary: Do you always have a personal connection to your projects? Ryan: I have to or I can’t do them. I really had a personal connection with Running with Scissors that I later found out was my mother – the wrong reason to do a movie, by the way. I had a really deep connection with Nip/Tuck; I just loved the themes of it – the themes of self-loathing and physicality. And I really have a deep connection to Glee. I’ve sung my whole life, I acted, all that. That’s the optimistic side of my personality. The best part of me is that show. And I really had a connection to this book. I loved it before I even got the job offer. GayCalgary: Have you been offered the film adaptation of Wicked, as it’s been said? Ryan: No, no, no. They’re in no rush to make that movie. GayCalgary: You’re in the prospective directors pool, though, right? Ryan: So I’m told. I find it very flattering. I just read that, but I haven’t been contacted yet. I love Wicked and I’ve done songs from the show on Glee. I love what it’s about. It’s about female empowerment, and my work is about empowerment. I’d be thrilled if I was offered it. I would not expect it. GayCalgary: Speaking of Glee, it’s been said that Kurt’s boyfriend has been pushed back. Is he still getting one in Season 2? Ryan: He is – probably toward the end. I can only speak from experience, but he’s in that mode of wanting a boyfriend and when people do that, it never happens. Only when you let go does it come. He’s so desperate for it that the more he pushes for it the more the universe will deprive him of that – and that’s what happens when you’re 16 years old. I want him to struggle with it and finally give up. When he gives up is when it’s going to happen. That’s always been the way it is for me. GayCalgary: And the Brittany/Santana kiss that’s been all the talk – will it involve tongue? Ryan: Oh yeah. Listen, I know on a show like Modern Family that seems to be a big debate, which I think is ridiculous. I don’t even understand why that’s even, in this day and age, a discussion. I remember we were writing about that 15 years ago when Roseanne was on the air. Have we not progressed? It’s not a big deal anymore! Why do you need a Facebook campaign about two men kissing? That’s hideous. I might just have them kiss in every episode just to show people that the earth didn’t stop moving. Maybe because I’m gay it’s my job to be the person who does that.
Interview - From Page 13
Jolie: My MacGyver scene! GayCalgary: Did you pick up any skills while you were doing this movie? Jolie: We actually took one or two elements out of the bombbuilding (scene) so it couldn’t be re-created, but yeah (laughs), with a few extra elements, that’s one. You learn the oddest things when you’re an actor. You come home and your kids say, “What did you do?” “I built a bomb.” GayCalgary: You’re rather fearless, but did anything about doing your own stunts scare you? Jolie: Only the last kill. I was worried I was going to snap my arm. All the people playing the extras in the entire room didn’t know what was going to happen because they (the crew) said to me, “You can’t rehearse it, really. You just gotta go.” So – we just did it. They (extras) were so shocked that they really reacted, and then everybody started applauding (laughs). It was like doing a stage play. GayCalgary: Because Salt is so strong and smart and badass, what do you think the role says about women? Jolie: I’ve never underestimated women, so I’m not surprised to start seeing women do these things. That’s why we didn’t actually approach it as, Salt’s a woman; we just approached it as, Salt’s a badass and happens to be a woman and this should be no real huge surprise for anybody. GayCalgary: Shooting in New York or Washington, D.C., are there smells or views that help you create the character? Jolie: Yeah, absolutely. These places are so specific, and Washington is a place where you can feel the power of things that get done – or the frustration of things that don’t get done (laughs). But when you’re running through the park and you have all the monuments around you, it’s impossible not to feel what that means to a movie, especially if the movie is about the CIA. GayCalgary: From a character perspective, where would you like to see Salt go next if there is a sequel? Jolie: It depends how (this one) goes. If it does (well), then we’re all going to jump in and try to figure that out. We’ve been joking: “Could there be a disaster in every resort across the Americas, across Europe, and the world? You know, can we go to Fiji for no reason?” Visit our website for a special feature article on SALT.
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41
Interview
The Backstreet Boys - Photo by Rob Diaz-Marino
This is BSB
Backstreet Boy Nick Carter on Fame, the Road, and his Gay Connection By Jason Clevett At one point in time The Backstreet Boys were arguably the biggest band on the planet. Thousands of infatuated women and gay men flocked to concerts and bought albums, leading to 10 top ten singles in Canada. Like them or not, they were a big part of pop culture. They may not be selling out 50,000 seat stadiums anymore, but The Backstreet Boys are survivors. Both AJ Mclean and Nick Carter have had stints in rehab, original member Kevin Richardson left the band in 2006, and they have all had their own struggles professionally and personally. They released This Is Us in October 2009. O-Town, 98 Degrees, and *NSYNC are no longer together, leaving BSB as the last boys standing from that era. “I guess everyone else has quit, you know? We don’t quit. We are all highly competitive people that believe that what we did and what we want to do will happen. That is what makes the difference. Everyone else didn’t believe in what they did, and we do completely 100% believe it. We love the music that we are doing,” Nick Carter told GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. I chatted with Carter on a rare day off, in the midst of their current tour which brings them to the Saddledome in Calgary August 8th and Edmonton’s Rexall Place August 9th - fourpacks of tickets are just $99! There was a time when a Backstreet Boys concert was a spectacle: hoverboards, pyrotechnics, meteor showers, giant walkways through the audience. The most recent tours – Unbreakable in 2008 and Never Gone in 2005 - saw the shows a little stripped down. According to Carter, the current tour is a return to the spectacle that made their concerts so much fun in the past. “We want to get it back to a production where it is really entertaining. We stepped this one up and made the production a lot better. We have brought four dancers out and you can tell by people’s faces that they are in shock. With the economy, everything that has been going on and people not coming to Backstreet Boys shows the way they used to, and the backlash and all that stuff - now that it is gone people are coming back and seeing one hell of a show, even better than before.”
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The connection with the audience is what has kept the boys alive. On the Never Gone tour, Carter actually went into the audience to shake hands and high five fans, much to security’s dismay. “This show is eye catching, that is what it is all about now. We wanted to step it up to where we don’t just have to wave and go in the audience to do something. People are paying to see a show and be entertained, that is our job to be entertaining. The relationship with the fans is a natural part of what we do. We make them feel like we know them and they know us.” With 8 albums under their belt another challenge is in balancing out their set list between songs going back to their 1996 debut, and promoting their current album This Is Us. “It is challenging. We definitely have to make sure we don’t become one of those artists that perform for themselves and forget about the stuff that people love. We have to put our hits in there, we just do. A majority of them everyone has heard and it takes people back. There is a definite mixture with the old stuff which fits really well with the new stuff. We have a DJ and four dancers, it is just highly entertaining and gives people what they want.” Carter was excited to bring the tour to Canada, whose support helped launch the Backstreet Boys career in 1996. “[Canadians] are the most dedicated. Since the beginning of our career they have been there and don’t let go, they keep coming back. They don’t discriminate or pay attention to outsiders’ opinions, we are not a fad up there…it is dedicated fans. At the end of the day we have to still continue to deliver great music that they love. I think that we do that. …I am getting ready to go up there and start doing some recording for a solo record with some Canadian writers.” It is hard to believe that the “kid” of the band is now 30 years old. Carter admits that, even though he is an “adult” now, he still has his youthful side, part of what made him one of the most popular boys. “It is something that you have to deal with, you know? But then I don’t deal with it, I still have the mentality that I am having fun. I do have to handle responsibility as an adult but at the same time when it comes to being creative, there are no boundaries. That is what is great about the energy of the business. That mentality has people go, how old are you again? I am 30 but I don’t look it, and it is all in your head. I try to bring youthfulness to the group because it is who I am. I am here to have fun.” Despite the ups and downs of the past 18 years, Carter remains close to his band mates McLean, Howie Dorough and Brian Littrell. “The relationship is really good, it is like a family. When we leave each other for a month or so we want to get back to each other. If we are not on tour we find ways to hang out with each other. We have a great relationship, they have become my extended real family in a way.” The Backstreet Boys have received their share of criticism, but some of it is simply petty. “They are a bunch of fags” is a description thrown frequently at the band since it began. Even the gay community itself seemed to wait patiently for one of them to admit they were gay. It’s been with some disappointment that every boy has gotten engaged, married, or had high profile girlfriends. Still, the band appreciates the gay fan base, to the point where they made an appearance at San Francisco Pride on June 27th, 2010. “It was a lot of fun. We were the Grand Marshals of the parade. People were just so happy and it was a beautiful day. I remember seeing the support in the city, which was extraordinary. It showed how important it was to everyone and we were there to help make a statement as well.” Having dealt with homophobia as much as any straight guy really could, Carter professed his respect and love for the gay men in the audience who screamed and sang along just as loudly as any woman, and who have been just as loyal in their support of The Backstreet Boys.
“Honestly we embrace it and love it. We share a lot of things in common from a beautiful side to the human side of things. One thing that we share in common with gays is that we do music that only certain people out there, very special people, relate to and want to listen to. “We have had people discriminate against us in the past 15 years that has nothing to do with the music, and has to do with the image and what we are associated with. That is fine, whatever. …We don’t really care. In the same way that people don’t care, they are gay and want to be, that is the same place where we are at, where we stand: staying true to yourself, lasting, staying honorable and staying who you are for a long enough period of time - it breaks down barriers. Eventually people stop caring. At the end of the day it is just music and we are just people, that is the common respect and bond here.”
Backstreet Boys This is Us - Available Now! August 8th - Saddledome, Calgary August 9th - Rexall Place, Edmonton www.BackstreetBoys.com http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1804
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Interview - From Page 8 GayCalgary: Didn’t Ellen’s coming out in the ’90s push you farther into the closet? Chely: It did, because I happened to be watching her coming out with my dad and my sister – as I talked about on The Ellen DeGeneres Show – and my dad flicked off the TV and said, “That’s disgusting,” and I just had to reaffirm my commitment to myself that, holy crap, I’m never coming out. Fortunately, the minute I did come out to him in 2005, the minute that tiny word gay was attached to his daughter, it changed everything. I really believe that if we can attach hearts and faces and real people with that little word, the scariness of that little word – to people who don’t understand it – can be minimized. That word is made to be something big and ominous and scary and it really changes when it’s someone’s cousin or son or aunt. It changes everything. My dad said it so well on Oprah. Oprah asked my dad, “Stan, what changed for you? How did you come so far when you went from thinking gay was sick and perverted and sinful, to accepting your daughter when she came out to you?” And my dad looked at Oprah and said, “Oprah, I know her. That’s the difference.” GayCalgary: You’re scheduled to appear at Pride festivals throughout the summer. Have you ever been to one? Chely: I was at New York’s Pride two years ago. GayCalgary: Did you go in disguise? Chely: I just walked on the sidewalk with sunglasses on – ponytail, no makeup – with my friends. It was really emotional for me; I cried at the PFLAG float. GayCalgary: How does it feel to actually play a big part in Pride now? Chely: I can’t wait. It will be, I’m sure, very emotional for me. You know, it’s so funny – every gay person at some point has hidden. I do know that for sure. No one realizes on the first day that they’re gay, and no one comes out on that day. Everyone hides at some point, but to have hidden the way that I’ve hidden for the different reasons that I’ve hidden, to come full circle and celebrate it and stand up in hopes to facilitate ease and understanding and education, has been really magical for me.
I’m getting letters from young people that are literally saying, “I was going to kill myself last week and your book saved my life.” I can’t tell you how many of those letters I’ve gotten already. So I think it’ll be pretty emotional for me. And hopefully pretty fun, too! GayCalgary: Will it be different for you now to sing songs about male lovers, like “Back of the Bottom Drawer”? Chely: Not at all. I’ll sing those songs just like that. If I were a concert violinist and an orchestra leader put a piece of music perfectly written in front of me, I would play it as written. I wouldn’t interpret it my way. I wouldn’t put an inflection in it. And there are some country music songs that were written correctly, and I feel like “Back of the Bottom Drawer” was. “Single White Female” was just as it should have been, too. I never felt I was being tricky in any song I ever recorded, although I didn’t do a lot of videos with male leads in them. If you go over the body of my video work, I think I only had two men in my videos. GayCalgary: On purpose? Chely: Actually, no. I think it was a subtle choice on my part. I never overtly said, “I don’t want a male lead.” I naturally gravitated toward scripts where I was alone in the video and we had a vignette with another man and woman. But it was never discussed. I never said, “I don’t want that because I am gay.” But I’ll sing songs exactly as recorded; it’s not to say I won’t do “Single White Female” at a Pride festival and sing “Looking for a Girl Like You.” I might do that. I do have a sense of humor. GayCalgary: You said Emily Saliers from the Indigo Girls – and now a friend of yours – said you were a bad lesbian because you didn’t know their hit “Closer to Fine.” Do you feel like a bad lesbian? Chely: (Laughs) I’m getting up to speed. I’m catching up. I went to Melissa Etheridge’s birthday party this weekend, so I’m doing my homework. Before, I wouldn’t even buy a k.d. lang record in Nashville because the kids at the record store, they knew me, and I’d go in there and they’d go, “Chely, sign this!” I was afraid for anyone to see me buy anything gay, that’s how afraid I was of anyone thinking anything. And I should’ve been buying k.d. lang records! Not just because I’m gay, but because she’s frickin’ amazing! GayCalgary: Do you think that your sexuality will define you as an artist now – that you’ll be known as “Country music lesbian Chely Wright”? Chely: Probably for a long time. And if the history books say, “Chely Wright, first openly gay commercial country artist” – if that’s what it has to be, I’d rather it say that than “Chely Wright, committed suicide at age 36.” That’s where I was. It was going to be either or. GayCalgary: What do you hope other people can learn from your situation? Chely: That you might think you don’t know a gay person, but you probably have someone in your family – one of your really good friends perhaps, or a neighbor that you really adore – who is so afraid to lose your love and affection and friendship that they are hiding this very important part of themselves from you. That if you really knew the truth about that person and the steps they were going through to hold on to you, it would probably melt your heart. You hear a lot: We’re everywhere. Well, we really are. And for some reason there’s been a bubble over country music and people have believed that’s where you can go to escape anything gay, and it’s just not true. We’re there. We’ve been there.
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43
Interview
Sweet Thing - Photo Courtesy of EMI Music
Damn Sweet
Toronto’s Sweet Thing the Next Big Canadian Band? By Jason Clevett Owen Carrier and Nick Rose, lead vocalist and vocalist/ guitarist respectively of Toronto band Sweet Thing, have that kind of instantly likeable personality. When we sat down for this interview, their label rep commented on my audio recorder, saying “Oh you have one of those small, fancy things.” Rose immediately quipped, “That’s what she said.” I knew that I would like these guys. “I guess we got the dick joke out of the way,” Rose said, as Carrier just shook his head. The five-piece, which also includes guitarist Alex Winter, bassist Morgan Waters, and drummer Tyler Kyte were in Calgary recently on tour, testing the waters for their self-titled album which hits stores August 17th. They return to Alberta, opening for Justin Nozuka September 16th at Edmonton’s Starlight Room and September 18th at The Den at the University of Calgary. “We have never driven across the country so we figured we would get one out of the way before the record came out,” said Rose. “It hasn’t been that bad, we had this awful premonition of how it was going to turn out. We have been lucky, some fans and friends have really showed up, we have been fortunate that way. We will see if we still like each other in a week, maybe we will scrap the album,” added Carrier. “EMI has been really supportive. They sent us down to LA to record the album and are endorsing this quasi-suicide tour to get us to cut our teeth in the touring. I have only good things to say about the experience so far.” The band was on tour at the encouragement of their label, EMI, which has really gotten behind them. Label support can be tough to get for a new group, and it was evident both guys were very appreciative. “We were signed awhile ago but they were very understanding that we didn’t feel we were ready to go into the studio and record an album, we wanted to make sure we had the songs ready,” Rose explained. “So we spent a lot of time after we were signed, making the record, to make sure we had a good album.”
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
The band made their way to LA to work with producer Rob Schnapf (Beck, Elliot Smith). In their limited downtime they found a mutual love of a classic 80’s sitcom. “In LA we spent all our time in the studio and when we got back we would veg on the couch and watch TV for an hour. For some reason we were always drawn to Roseanne. It was always on and we were all into it. It is a good show, none of us had watched it in ten years but we all watched it when we were younger and related to it. So when we were walking in Hollywood and saw the star, we had to stop and get a picture. She was the only star we cared about.” A critical move in any artist’s career, especially one breaking through like Sweet Thing, is the choice of the first single. Based on the fact that it has been stuck in my head since hearing it, Dance Mother was the right choice. It poses an interesting challenge as the album version of the song includes the lyric “I don’t want to dance motherfucker, but you’re giving me no choice.” There is a “clean” version but it is an interesting decision to use a song with “language.” “It is our most rock sort of song on the album, for modern rock radio it was our best foot forward. It is too early to tell at this point (if motherfucker is an issue). So far, some radio stations have started picking up the clean version. It hasn’t been limiting us,” said Carrier. “It will work both for us and against us. Some people will think it is brave and cool and others will think it is ridiculous and shouldn’t exist,” added Rose. “We just did it because we liked it. The song sounded great, word aside we really liked the song and thought it could cook.” The video is creative as well, featuring the band in a high speed car chase to reclaim Rose’s missing heart, only to be kidnapped. Their foe’s vehicle changes from car to hovercraft to plane...I want it. “All you need is a bunch of computers and you can have the car,” replied Rose, although that isn’t the same as actually having the car. “Christopher Mills was the director and has made a lot of great videos. He has a very cool distinctive style aesthetically, marrying live action with animation. We really liked his style and he gave us a great treatment for the video. We showed up in front of the green screen and sat there like a bunch of idiots and he did the rest. Holding my own beating heart, that was creepy, but it was a pig’s heart so I take some solace in knowing that. It was an actual pig’s heart straight from the butcher. I don’t know what that says about me.” The band’s YouTube channel features goofy home-made videos, and their MySpace page has fan comments from all over the world. For a band like Sweet Thing, the internet is an excellent tool to share their music.
Event “There is some good and bad to it. The best part is that we get to connect with anyone in the world. When you get an Argentinian fan you get excited about that idea. The bad stuff is that you have to be constantly in touch and doing that. There are dead zones in Canada that you can’t even update things. For the most part it has been pretty beneficial because we get to do videos which we like to do,” explained Rose. They have also made the most of their opportunities to learn from other bands that they have toured with. “There isn’t a lot of working with them necessarily, but a band like the Arkells, who are doing extremely well, they are good friends of ours. Our bands started at the same time and played the same small clubs in Hamilton and Toronto at the same time. We have known them awhile so it is fun touring with them,” said Rose. “We have had the opportunity to open for bands like Sam Roberts or Stars - that is awesome. Seeing how they do it, their sound check, all the little things we can pick up. Being in their company on the same bill is good for morale.” For Carrier it’s the chance to gain insight into others experiences that he has enjoyed. “Touring with bands like Electric 6 or Dragonette, we get to sit down and swap war stories. We have so much to learn and they have been doing it for a little while so they tell us a few tips along the way. It is nice.” Sweet Thing has received critical praise from ChartAttack and has been raved about by George Stroumboulopoulos. Carrier and Rose met in theatre school in Toronto so they embraced theatricality and drawing the audience in. So my expectations were high when I returned to Broken City later that night. Holy shit. Not only were my expectations met, they were blown out of the water. Live, Sweet Thing is AMAZING. While an engaging personality one on one, somehow Owen Carrier transforms onstage into this incredibly charismatic front man, dancing in the audience, strutting the stage, and holding the fans in the palm of his hand. Like many great bands, the “front” of the band is always a team of singer and guitarist: Jon and Ritchie, Mick and Keith, Steven and Joe. You can add Owen and Nick to that list as the two play off each other brilliantly. The rest of the band more than holds their own, but I had a hard time tearing my eyes off of Carrier. Although the crowd was small, based on this show, that won’t be the case for long. If you want a sample, take a look on YouTube as there are several live performances. They don’t quite capture the experience live, but it gives you an idea. Or better yet, check them out on tour this fall. From top to bottom their debut album is excellent. Based on their overall package, I am going to make a prediction – it won’t be long until Sweet Thing is headlining arenas. It will be different from their current tour of six guys in a van driving across country. “There is a funk starting to come from the inside of the van a little bit but that is to be expected I guess,” said Carrier. Rose ended the interview by clarifying what Owen was trying to say. “It smells like balls...sweaty, sweaty balls.”
Strobelite for AIDS Calgary Giving Everyone the Right to Dance
By Sam Casselman and Dallas Barnes
Mark down on your calendars, a fabulous event on August 21st at the Marquee Room, upstairs from the Uptown Theatre. Strobelite, an emerging dance event organization for Calgary, is setting the stage and filling the dance floor to benefit of AIDS Calgary, and of show guests a great time. “This is a brand new event,” says Jon Kozniuk, owner and promoter of Strobelite. “Strobelite was created by myself, Jesse Dolan, Carla Pepper, and Paul Boodang. Paul has 10 years of expertise producing Alberta’s largest dance events. Strobelite is a division of Boodang Music Canada. Boodang is Alberta’s largest event promoter. Carla is head of PR and Admin, and Jesse is in Production and Marketing. We started Strobelite because a lack of gay dance events within Calgary. We are proud to be only promoting gay DJs from Calgary and around the world. Strobelite has been up and running now for 5 months. We have many events planned already for the coming months, and the new year.” The evening’s DJs are known to Calgary audiences and will certainly make you want to dance. DJ Fleur will be kicking off the event with her Deep House set, while Jesse Dolan follows with Funky Vocal House, with DJ Goldstar finishing off the evening with his Disco House style. There will also be a live saxophone player weaving in and out of sets, and a crew of flaggers keeping the stage moving and colourful. “Everybody is welcome to attend any event Strobelite is promoting. Our vision is, everybody has the right to dance. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what walk of life, gay or straight. We want everybody to feel they have a place to come dance. We feel that leaving events open to everybody promotes a positive interaction.” Tickets are $20.00 and half of the profits will go directly to AIDS Calgary. To purchase tickets, visit Strobelite’s website.
Sweet Thing Self-title album available August 17th On tour with Justin Nozuka September 16 - Starlight Room, Edmonton September 18 - The Den, Calgary www.sweetthingmusic.com
Strobelite for AIDS Calgary August 21st, 2010 The Marquee Room Tickets: $20 www.Strobelite.com
http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1805
http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1806
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Theatre
Death on the Bridle Path - Photo by Jacklyn Atlas
Fuck Stephen Harper
Brown Girl
The 29th Edmonton International Fringe Festival A Perfect Way to Round up Your Summer By Dallas Barnes and Sam Casselman “We’re getting ready to show you ours,” promise the organizers of this year’s Edmonton International Fringe Festival. From August 12th to 22nd, Edmonton will play host to over 160 productions and 1200 performances by local, national, and international artists. Joining them will be the Theatre for Young Audiences, and other independent companies all being showcased across 39 Calgary venues. For the past 29 years The Edmonton Fringe has entertained audiences with zany, elaborate, and amazing entertainment, and this year’s production is no different. Not only are there theatre performances, there are also opportunities to enjoy many other forms of entertainment. KidsFringe is an obvious choice for the kids, and those who are kids at heart. There are outdoor artists with 200 scheduled performances on two outdoor stages on Old Strathcona street. Make sure to bring some spending money to enjoy the 40 food vendors as well as some trinkets and jewellery from local artisans. If you are new to Fringe, the festival has partnered with The Old Strathcona Business Association to bring you The First Time Fringer Sessions. This program will introduce you to Fringe and help you pick what you want to see. Included in this package will be discount ticket passes, an Old Strathcona tote bag, a Festival Program Guide, and much more. As you probably know, this Festival offers a lot for the GLBTAQ community. Each theatre performance is unique; however there is much that is uniquely queer. Death on the Bridle Path: An Evelyn Reese Mystery, is one such show. Says the playbill, “Evelyn is a good time gal of a certain age who broke into show biz emceeing the company Christmas party. Now she’s co-starring in her first mystery with Jamie - the computer guy from work, and her biggest fan. But the real mystery is, can Evelyn stick to poor Jamie’s script? For that matter, can either of them act?” For Susan Fischer, the playwright of this play, this idea was in conjunction with her girlfriend’s fun suggestion. “My girlfriend suggested we dress up as executive secretaries for the costume party at gay camp. I bought the big glasses at a 46
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
second-hand shop and hiked up my hemline and borrowed a cigarette. Then I went mingling and the character emerged all by herself.” This play has a tendency to make fun of intolerance. “The audience is reflected back to itself and so is some of the closed-mindedness we sometimes hear.” Perhaps Fucking Stephen Harper will suit your interest. Described as a “hilarious take on Canadian politics, the media, and what Stephen Harper’s balls feel like,” Rob Salerno recounts his ‘arrest’ for sexually assaulting Prime Minister Stephen Harper during the election, and tells his side of the story. Salerno has many attributes that will definitely contribute to this show’s success, consisting of being a journalist, columnist, and an award-winning theatre artist who writes for Xtra West. Inspired by his actual coverage of the election and his subsequent refusal by the Conservatives to grant him an interview, this show is definitely not to be missed. Or are you craving a little Royalty? Brown Girl In The Ring may be just what you are looking for. Valerie Mason-John has come all the way from the UK to tell this story of Regina II of the new British Empire who “in a genetic throwback, pops up 500 hundred years down the line to turn a few faces very red indeed.” Mason-John is excited about her first time at the Fringe. “The Fringe is difficult not to get involved with. It is such a great opportunity not to be missed. My show is really fun, but is also quite dark. The title character has only one hour to convince the audience that she is indeed royalty. Is it plausible or is she barking mad?” Additionally, this show will be interpreted in sign language on August 16th. Bad Connections tells the story of nine New Yorkers in 1997, “making their way through a rainy Manhattan day. One man brings them together as they face tragedy, loss, pain, understanding, forgiveness, and even peace as they see their lives in a new way, exploring the connections and how they might be getting it all wrong - or right!” Written by openly gay actor Paul Cosentino, this production has won praise from many critics and audiences alike. Deborah Gall’s production of My Pal Izzy: The Early Life and Music of Irving Berlin is a musical based on the fascinating and little known life of the prolific song writer. It
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Book Review
The Jagged Years of Ruthie J Calgary LGBT Pioneer Recounts her ‘Crazy’ Adolescence By Dallas Barnes Dr. Ruth Simkin is living a life of retirement in the beautiful city of Victoria with her animal companion Reenie. She has had an extremely successful medical career that has taken her to numerous cities, including Calgary; has travelled around the world, and has written a myriad of books on a myriad of topics. She is a recipient of many groundbreaking degrees and awards, most notably a degree from the University of Calgary’s first medical school in 1973. She was the first person from this class to open up a practice in Calgary and eventually won Calgary’s Woman of the Year award. She has studied in Washington D.C., and Shanghai. Dr. Simkin spent five years at the Alexandria Community Health Centre, and helped to build what the community it is today. She has worked with Alberta Theatre Projects and helped build the Calgary Centre for Performing Arts. The GLBTA community of Calgary today is indebted to her formation of the first gay and lesbian advocacy organization in the city, the CLAGPAG. A glance at this accomplished, out woman will leave you satisfied that she has and is living life to its fullest. This of course is true, but what is astonishing is how she became who she is today. Dr, Simkin was not always this way. In 1963, life took a strange turn for Ruthie J, as she was locked up in an infamous American psychiatric hospital for two years. What is perhaps most staggering is why she was there, and why her life turned out the way it did when all odds were stacked against her. Dr. Simkin took some time out of her schedule to talk to GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine about what this whole situation meant for her. When asked why she feels that a story like this still resonates with the public, regardless of the fact that a backwards psychiatric field was the norm in the 1960’s, she used a feasible analogy. “It is like eating meat. You know what you are eating, you know what a slaughter house looks like, but you still eat meat.” The 1960’s were not a good time for those afflicted with mental illness. Not only were such practices as electroshock therapy common, so too was impersonal counselling, questionable treatments and improper medications. An interpretation of what constituted a mental illness was also seriously in question. For instance, epilepsy was not historically treated as a chronic neurological disorder; it has had a plethora of stigmas and diagnoses. It has had many connotations, put most damaging was the fact that it was considered a disease of the devil - that epileptic seizures were a result of demonic possession. As time has passed, epilepsy was still largely misunderstood. Ruth Simkin was a victim of these misunderstandings. Bizarre behaviour on her part, along with alcohol binges and sexual promiscuity in her mid to late teens were eventually diagnosed and contributed to epilepsy. In the 1960’s, epilepsy was considered a mental illness, and it was suggested to Simkin’s parents that she be put in a sanatorium. For two years Ruth Simkin called the Chestnut Lodge in Rockville, Maryland home. Chestnut Lodge Sanitorium at the time was one of the top 20 psychiatry hospitals in the United States. When other hospitals and treatments do not
work for the patient, Chestnut Lodge was the place to go. It is a hospital famous for celebrity patrons and stories, and notorious for its Ward 4, the worst of the worst. Due to a lack of space, Ward 4 was where Simkin was first admitted and where she stayed until her release two years later. Life was not easy on Ward 4, and was made worse by an inhumane and psychotic psychiatrist who was eventually committed himself. The book uses flashbacks throughout her stay at Chestnut Lodge as a means of understanding who she was and that epilepsy was not all that was inflicting pain for Ruth. A common theme in the book, and what was apparent through those flashbacks of her childhood and young adult life, was her feeling of being different and alone regardless of what she did. Simkin attributes some of this to her independence of a traditional Jewish upbringing and the fact that she was a lesbian. “I didn’t know there was an issue with my sexuality. I just thought that I was a promiscuous heterosexual. Homosexuality was not a part of the vocabulary than, it was foreign territory, so that never occurred to me. In retrospect, I’m sure it did have something to do with it.” When recounting her experience at Chestnut Lodge in The Jagged Years of Ruthie J, Simkin understands how it may have robbed her of her youth, however acknowledged how it shaped her into who she is today. “Well, my Doctor was insane, and I was always told I was going to be a lifer there. I had to make a choice at a young age. Was I going to strive to keep to whom I am, or would I let them steal my soul?” She met her ‘one true-love’ while there, and learned what it was like to be really loved. “I met the love of my life there, and I still hold a place in my heart for her.” If it wasn’t for the doctor she met there at the end of her stay, who would assist her in turning her life around, she may have never been the doctor she is today. “I had a sane doctor that gave me life and made me human. I am able to listen to people and be a good physician.” The story of Ruth Simkin is one of human triumph in the face of adversity. She was able to tackle a system that was homophobic, sexist, and backwards. She found out who she was and used it to become who she is today. She is a winner in all forms and continues to inspire with writings about her travels, the medical system, and her life as a Jewish woman, as a lesbian, as a pioneer in the medical industry, and as a human in general. This book will both inspire and amaze you.
The Jagged Years of Ruthie www.ruthsimkin.ca http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1808
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Edmonton Fringe - From Page 46 is produced by Deborah Gall from Buenos Aires, Argentina and stars Edmonton’s own Melanie Gall and Erin Craig. Openly gay playwright hailing from New York City, and Guggenheim Fellowship recipient Christopher Shinn, offers the Fringe his play Dying City. Director Amy DeFelice has produced this piece about a complex character study of personalities in the red and blue states of the US. Using one actor as opposing twin brothers, one of which is gay, the story showcases people’s individual points of view after being raised in a conservative family. It will definitely resonate with Alberta viewers. In Unnatural Selection or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Chicken-Milk Bomb, writer and director Steve Neufeld tells the story of Caleb, Fergus and Brad who are roommates and best friends at a bible college in rural Saskatchewan. “When Caleb and Fergus are accused of being gay, Brad, who actually is gay, openly confronts the tension between his sexuality and his religion. As each of them struggles to come to terms with Brad’s revelation, he must reconcile his faith with both heart and mind.” So take the time to check out The Edmonton International Fringe Festival this month!
Edmonton International Fringe Festival August 12-22, 2010 www.fringetheatreadventures.ca http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1807
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
Trans Identity
TransActive II: Expectations By Mercedes Allen This is part two of a four-part series on advocacy. Part one was in the June issue and spoke about changing the narrative used to describe trans people. This series is not connected in any way to the organization TransActive Education and Advocacy, it merely shares the name. I’m sometimes asked how people can advocate for the trans community, usually by apprehensive people who have visions of standing out in front of government buildings with picket signs shouting slogans, or sometimes by people who are whipping themselves up into an energetic frenzy so that they can be as boisterous as possible. The truth is, that’s only one form of activism (a kind of last resort, really), and the larger picture is, well, more mundane. That is not to say it’s easier, it can be very complex at times, but in the end it’s... well... a different kind of drama. I want to be clear that I’m not pushing the Mercedes way of doing things, nor making myself out to be a guru of some sort. What I say here needs to be tempered with what your own experience and instincts tell you. Readers’ experience levels will vary, but I discovered that as basic as some of these things seem, sometimes they still do have to be said. For those starting out or debating about doing advocacy, I’m hoping this will help folks avoid stumbling out of the gate. One of the first things one needs to do is assess their own expectations. Most people realize they’re not going to get rich doing trans advocacy. There are few paid positions anywhere doing this kind of work -- most of your efforts will be of a volunteer nature, and you may need to draw from your day-job income to fund some of them. Chances are, you’ll have (or need) a job and have (or want) a relationship too, so everything will be a balancing act. There’s also not a whole lot of glory to be had. “Thank you?” People don’t say “thank you,” and in the rare case where it happens, it’s a year or two afterward when they come back and say, “oh by the way, I kind of appreciated when you did that.” You don’t do it for a “thank you.” You do it because it’s needed. And needed. And needed. More often than not, your short-term acknowledgments will be in the form of being told that you’re not doing your job, or that your accomplishments aren’t very significant. You do it because it’s needed, and the satisfaction of knowing that you’re making a positive difference for the next person to come out, or transition, or question. You do it out of gratitude for the people who went before you and helped make the path a little clearer and more navigable - people who did it because it was needed. You will want to be aware of things that you can do to avoid burnout, or how to recover afterward. For some of us, this will mean disappearing awhile and hoping others will step in to pick up any slack. You will need to be prepared to be Out. Once your name is out there, you can’t hide it again. This is one reason why most people involved in trans advocacy get there by being outted unexpectedly. This is changing, as the consequences of being openly trans or of trans history become gradually easier to live with. There are some options - such as being out there using your middle name, leaving open the possibility of reverting to your first name later (not a guaranteed solution, but helpful nonetheless). You will also want to limit the kinds of contact information that you give out, and keep some of your friendships at arm’s length. You will also need to be consistent. Make promises you can keep, and follow through every time. If you’re facilitating a support group that meets from 1:00 to 4:00, be there at one, and don’t leave at 1:20 if you’re the only one there. Also,
be balanced. Getting angry at injustice is easy; providing solutions can be harder - and if you come back and say “thanks” or acknowledge a sincere effort to do right, that’s golden. Be aware of the limitations of organizations. For the most part, I’m referring to grassroots organizations (we don’t have many affluent trans orgs on this planet). It’s invaluable to have some kind of unified voice to speak to matters (recognizing that such a unified voice cannot completely represent everyone, and ultimately has to restrict to representing its members), but they have budget and people limitations, and cannot be everywhere, do everything, intervene in every situation. That may sound a bit cold, but organizations do this for a reason: it’s not unusual to advocate for someone, only to have them turn around and say or do something that completely undermines your efforts. Many organizations also have a consensus process that requires time and compromise - there’s no “I” in “board,” either. That said, an established and recognized organization is a voice that will be listened to, networked with and funded, and is well worth getting involved with. Whether an individual or an organization, much of advocacy happens behind closed doors, and with an expectation of privacy from the folks you’re dealing with. The trouble this causes is that many of your efforts can’t really be discussed publicly while you’re undertaking them, because of the risk of compromising your efforts or offending the person or people you’re lobbying. This has the unfortunate result of not being able to really demonstrate what you’re doing, until those rare moments when something has been achieved (at which point you might be accused of trying to take credit), and in the interim when people accuse you of doing nothing, you often have to hold your tongue. You’ll need to carry yourself with grace. When you do advocacy work for the trans community, you become a diplomat. You can’t speak for everyone, but how you speak, how you dress and how you act reflects on everyone else, regardless. Be respectful, and build bridges. When you are doing advocacy, there is no room for rivalries, and you will have to know how to put your personal differences aside for as long as needed and keep things amicable. If someone has wronged you, you will have to be able to carry yourself with dignity and keep it out of the view of those who aren’t involved, as much as you’re able - don’t engage conflict where it will involve people who don’t really need to be swept up in the drama. If someone is gaming, remember that time (and their own behaviour) will make it obvious who the gamer really is. And if you’re not sure what someone said, or think a comment is out of character, communicate with them - it doesn’t help to let something brew until you boil over about it. Part of being a diplomat is knowing your limitations. As stated previously, you don’t speak for everyone. You speak for yourself first, and then provide a voice for those viewpoints you know well, but aren’t present to speak for themselves. When people of those perspectives become available, you defer to their experience on their issues. It is never acceptable to tell someone else who they are, how they feel or what their life experiences mean. I’ll return to this when I write about advocating for trans people while cis, but some of those same rules will apply to trans sub-communities. To do that, you need to listen openly to other trans experiences, and not try to fit it to your own experiences. You need to educate yourself on other perspectives and take the time to see the value in all of them, even if you disagree. If someone has established something as a core of their beliefs, then there is probably something that has given them reason
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A Crime Against One - From Page 26 to do so. Find it. If you can’t, then you can’t give adequate voice to their perspective in their absence. Part of listening also involves watching the news. There are international news feeds at Transgendernews and TNUKdigest (be aware of heavy email volume) to whom many owe a debt of gratitude (thanks to Zoe for the referral to the latter), and Google provides an Alerts feature that you can use to watch for search terms in news articles. Twitter searches are also quite effective at catching breaking news. In the process, you will become aware of how issues are handled elsewhere, what kinds of tactics to expect from rights opponents and effective news commentary. And watch your language. Aside from cussing (which many people you’ll deal with will find a turn-off, as much as you might think you’re connecting on a “buddy” level), you will want to develop habits of using open, inclusive language and acknowledging that there are exceptions to every generalization. Our community is incredibly diverse - you will misspeak on occasion, but using open, inclusive language will speak well to your intent. From my own perspective, this also means avoiding getting dragged down in endless debates over labels, which can consume a lot of energy with little productive result. There is more to it than that, though. Language is a craft. The Conservative far-right has made a craft of twisting language, spinning it to their benefit. Changing “global warming” to “climate change” shifted the idea from a global crisis to the impression of the weather getting a little warmer. Phrasing denial of spousal rights and benefits as “protecting traditional marriage” (even though nothing is really protected) has won over centrists with warm fuzzy ideas about family to the point that facts can be overlooked. Human rights legislation gets twisted into “bathroom bills” to spark panic. Words like “values” and “moral” have been hijacked to become Christianist (radical Christianity, which is not necessarily all Christianity) catch-words that they can define, and have no resemblance to true values and morals. You will need to understand the emotions and effect that your words convey. And when language is being hijacked so that words by their very nature become exclusionary, our opponents are staking out territory. By acknowledging their language, we give them province over it. Instead, retake the debate with clear, direct language keyed to your meaning. So there we are, some possibly obvious things to some, but things that should be remembered and prepared for as you proceed. Next: Advocating for trans people if you’re not trans.
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to do with who that individual is perceived as being by her or his attackers. The reaction of the Neanderthals who are doing the bashing is based on a hatred of anything “queer”, and has nothing to do with the person’s personality, beliefs, or even really behaviour. To the basher, what they are attacking is not “a person” with family, home, career, friends, or a life, but little more than a cipher; some queer, period. It could have been anyone. In order for things to change, they have to change on an individual level. This starts with you, with me, with each of us. If I refuse, for whatever reason, to speak out or take responsibility for seeing justice done, who will? The systems are, finally, pretty much in place to facilitate justice in such cases but if the individual refuses to take advantage of them, then nothing changes. The police can only do so much. If one refuses to press charges, there is not much the police can do. This was frequently the situation faced by police with domestic violence. A call would be placed by a woman (usually) being abused by her partner. Police would respond only to find she didn’t want to press charges or have the abuser made to leave the domicile, or spend some time in jail. What is typical of domestic violence is the repeating of the violence. Police often responded numerous times to the same individuals and each time would find a reluctance to press charges. What we now have in Canada and the parts of the US is the ability for the police to lay charges regardless of the wishes of the individual being abused. On the surface, this would appear to be somewhat Big Brother-ish, The State usurping an individual’s right to decide for themselves what to do. I suppose an argument could be made for that. However, what the result of these new powers has been is the removal of the threat to an individual’s wellbeing and often to their life, and the ability for the victim to seek support, counselling, and move on to a healthier, certainly safer, way of living. I don’t know if having the police able to go ahead and press charges in a possible hate/bias crime scenario, over-ruling the victim’s wishes in this regard, is the way to go. There are a lot of factors to consider and it is possible the police might not understand that by doing so they are essentially outing the victim thereby victimizing him or her further. It really does come down, I would argue, to each of us gaining a better understanding of the importance of following through when such a crime happens to us; not just for our own sense of self worth and gaining a sense of closure, but on a broader scale as well. Each time one of us stays silent, it gives tacit permission for the creeps who hate us to act on that hate and to do so with, they believe, impunity.
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #82, August 2010
Music
Music Review Kylie Minogue, Jane Krakowski By Chris Azzopardi
Aphrodite
Kylie Minogue My Rating:
As if gay men haven’t already crowned Kylie Minogue the queen of dreamy dance-pop, her 11th studio album names itself after the almighty Aphrodite. That the Greek goddess is known for her sexual energy seems appropriate; so is Minogue, who gloriously sweeps us into the heavens with the fantastically airy and sensual first single “All the Lovers.” “Dance,” she sweetly chirps. “It’s all I wanna do.” And that’s reinforced by the following 11 songs, which seem designed for an all-night dance-a-thon with blissful European-inspired bait ceaselessly aligning its stars into connect-the-dots unity. For once, Minogue’s not hankering for hits in a scattershot made-to-please piece, like with 2007’s unremarkable X. The Aussie’s still bobbing for big crossover singles, though, and Aphrodite is powered with mainstream potential: the grrlpower title track sounds like her “Hollaback Girl,” while “Cupid Boy” is a levitating dance-rock wet dream. But it’s the irresistible “Better Than Today,” with its celebratory zest and funky-pop rhythm, that redefines Kylie’s dance dynamic. Even when all that glitters under her disco ball isn’t gold – like on the faltering filler “Too Much” and “Put Your Hands Up (If You Feel Love)” – she sustains momentum with music-maker Stuart Price and Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears’ nonstop hooks. The goddess of love – and gays – just might finally rule the stateside charts.
Also Out Enrique Iglesias, Euphoria On his ninth album, the ooh-la-la Latino aims to please. Good thing he’s versatile: His bilingual latest has Enrique doing dance (synth-washed “I Like It” with Pitbull), suave roots riffs and pop love ballads (“Heartbeat” with Nicole Scherzinger). Almost all of it’s more cool than caliente. The heat rises when Usher shows up for “Dirty Dancer,” a spicy bump-and-grinder that, with two of the hottest men in music, almost makes a better fantasy than song. Eminem, Recovery You’ll almost wish Eminem were still a druggie, because his edge is lacking on his post-narcotic album. Hooks are few, even with Pink on board for “Won’t Back Down.” Rihanna, though, helps turn “Love the Way You Lie” into a winner, and single “Not Afraid” is sly empowerment. Otherwise, he’s stale (still knocking Mariah), immature (farting) and still dropping homophobic slams despite the big “go gay marriage!” hug we got from him recently.
http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1812
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The Laziest Gal in Town Jane Krakowski My Rating: ½
Adored as a ditzy fame whore on 30 Rock, Jane Krakowski isn’t just her TV persona, Jenna Maroney. And she doesn’t just sing “Muffin Top.” But she’s surely got that saucy sense of humor kicking through her cabaret debut (recorded live in New York City), dropping “oh, snap!” innuendo, sharp quips and self-deprecating digs. With standards, show tunes and rarities, her nightclub gig pays tribute to AnnMargret on the peppy ’60s song “Thirteen Men” and updates the Marilyn Monroe-popularized “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” with a hysterical rap outro. An original number, “‘Tweet’ Based on ‘Zip,’” comes courtesy of musical mavens Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman – with lines that poke at the passing of Prop. 8 and pop culture, from Whitney Houston to Neil Patrick Harris (“Tweet! Alec Baldwin wasn’t brilliant today. Tweet! Doogie Howser makes it hip to be gay.”) The Laziest Gal in Town is also the dirtiest – though her hypersexual sassiness may be too garish outside of Broadway. Kudos, anyway: Not many people can see the sex appeal in a Sesame Street song – “Rubber Duckie,” no less – like the wickedly charming Krakowski can.
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Calgary Bar Staff & Entertainers Wanted An exciting new project on Calgary’s LGBT nightclub scene is seeking part-time staff, including: bartenders, bussers, bouncers, DJs, door staff, drag queens/kings, and other entertainment. Please submit resumes to box 1012 courtesy of this publication, to be forwarded to this project. Mail: GayCalgary - Box 1012 Fax: (403) 703-0685 E-mail: box1012@gaycalgary.com
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Interview
The Kids are Alright - Photos by Suzanne Tenner
’Mo-dern Family
The next big thing from out director Lisa Cholodenko By Chris Azzopardi Julianne Moore breezes into the room – a cozy, sun-lit suite at a Four Seasons in Los Angeles – with a perky bounce, appearing far shinier than the ordinary-looking lesbian mom she plays in The Kids Are All Right. Her wide smile’s luminosity challenges the light tugging at its glow, and when she unleashes her walloping cackle it’s so magical it swallows the room. She lets one loose while laughing off a question about kissing Annette Bening, her lover in the heartfelt slice-oflife feature, and then expresses agitation over Newsweek, giving a figurative middle-finger to the magazine for its antiqueer actor rant. Moore isn’t gay, of course, but she’s hardly a stranger to slipping into that role – and here she is again as Jules, a gay mom in a movie that’s really not very gay at all. The film’s only agenda is to have no agenda whatsoever. It doesn’t preach or force liberal propaganda down the throat of Middle America, even with a lesbian couple at its core. Jules and Nic (Bening) are just two relationship-challenged people trying to make it work. Oh, and they have two kids. No biggie. “The great thing about it is it’s making no statement at all. It just simply is,” Moore tells us. “And people keep me asking me whether movies influence culture and I think, actually, that more often they reflect it. So we’re able to have a movie like this because this is something that’s occurring in our society – all over the world right now.” Just because it exists, though, doesn’t mean the two-mom dramedy will fly with filmgoers; gay parents don’t get much play in popular cinema as it is. So how will audiences react to writer-director Lisa Cholodenko’s alt-family film in which the couple’s teenage children (Josh Hutcherson plays their son; Mia Wasikowska, of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, their daughter) find their sperm donor (Mark Ruffalo) and begin to bond with him? The best test might be reactions to this scene: Bening and Moore’s characters get kinky with a vibrator and some vintage male-on-male Colt Studio porn. Eyebrows, though, might be raised for a totally different reason – like, do lesbians really get off to dudes doing the dirty? You’re not the only one wondering. Told that Cholodenko and musician Wendy Melvoin, her partner, switched some on when the mood struck, co-writer
Julianne Moore
Director Lisa Cholodenko
Stuart Blumberg says: “I was like, ‘OK, let’s just stop right there ... because I thought I knew a thing or two.’” Blumberg insisted that be worked into the screenplay, which took several years – because, he sarcastically gibes, “there were so many people dying to make a movie about 50-year-old lesbians” – before Focus Features picked it up for $5 million after its Sundance Film Festival premiere this year. When it finally screened, it charmed. People laughed ... hard. It’s Cholodenko’s first film since receiving tremendous critical, but not commercial, success with 1998’s seductive tragedy High Art and its successor, Laurel Canyon. But The Kids Are All Right, her five-year-in-the-making movie, might be her mainstream launch-pad. Even she was aware that this tiny picture, shot in a tight 21 days, could be her golden ticket. Cholodenko wanted this to be a welcoming work, then. That meant she had to pander to a broader crowd; she couldn’t just have, much to the letdown of lesbians everywhere, Moore and Bening wielding dildos. Ruffalo would have to get naked (much to the agreement of gays everywhere) … and in bed with Moore. “In terms of accessibility and marketability, I’m not going to lie,” Cholodenko starts, absolutely shameless. “I think, sure, if that makes it easier for people to get with it, I’m OK with that.” It’s a story that’s universally told, and despite who’s doing whom (and with what), it’s about family and marriage and love and all the convolutions that affect each of those. Moore was sold before reading a script. Since watching High Art – a film she regretfully wishes she were a part of, but was never pitched – working with Cholodenko has been on her to-do list. “I love her movies so much because they really are about the way we kind of fall in love with each other, how we communicate, and the nature of relationships,” Moore says. “There’s never a lot of plot in her movies; it’s really just about what people mean to one another and how they’re trying to connect.” Here, they just happen to be lesbians.
From Sperm to Script In a film where sperm was so important to the birth of the script, the topic can’t be ignored. And, no, Mark Ruffalo has never, ever donated. To that, he laughingly quips: “I think I wasted a lot of talent back then.” Blumberg, however, wasn’t throwing away any “talent”; he contributed some of his baby-making material while in college. That came up when he met Cholodenko, whom he knew only casually before running into her at an L.A. coffee shop while she was ill with writer’s block, trying to pen a project for the masses. She had the idea – two moms, a sperm donor, kids – but couldn’t get it on the page. Blumberg wanted what Cholodenko’s made a career of – an indie piece. The two met halfway.
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Interview
Toni Braxton releases her first new Album in 5 years!
Toni Braxton finds her Pulse Soulstress Un-breaks Hearts By Chris Azzopardi Toni Braxton’s loving the ladies. Regardless of lesbian rumors that swirled around years ago, the R&B singer who rode a massive wave to superstardom with the ubiquitous mid-’90s ballad “UnBreak My Heart” isn’t ashamed to mack on fly females. Or dish on her dramatic family, which we’ll see more of during her upcoming Bravo reality show. Or tell you that her sultry voice – one of robust power that’s nabbed her numerous Grammys – tinkers with Auto-Tune on her first album in five years, Pulse. Whatever it is, Braxton’s not one to hide it – and in our interview, the singer was very vocal about the gays making her a better woman, the fresh batch of female artists and Ellen DeGeneres being man enough for her. GayCalgary: Would you call this a comeback? Braxton: I’d call it anything you want to call it! I’m just really glad to be back at work again, because I didn’t think I’d ever be. For me, it’s a really great moment. GayCalgary: Do you feel like you have to find your place again because of all the female artists dominating the charts in recent years, like Lady Gaga and Rihanna? Braxton: No, I don’t really feel that. Though, they’re two of my favorite artists. Huge fan of theirs. But my counterparts are people like Mariah and Mary J. Blige, and artists like that have kept it to where artists from the ’90s can still maintain and be a part of the group as well. I’m very grateful for them for keeping it going for me. GayCalgary: It was all about the voice in the ’90s. Less so now, when everything is so digitally enhanced. Braxton: I use a little bit of it. It has helped me here and there. Thank goodness for technology! GayCalgary: How do you feel the female artist pool has changed since that decade? Braxton: The industry’s pretty much still the same. It’s always about the bottom line, which is unfortunate and can sometimes take away from the creativity. What’s great is the newer artists get to be a little bit more creative. Like Gaga, she doesn’t care. She does what she wants and I love that, especially being a girl. A lot of times people want to put you in a box if you’re a girl, and she’s like, “I’m a girl, but I can look sexy, I can wear what I want, I can think for myself. I don’t need you to think for me.” I love that about the newer artists.
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GayCalgary: The video for the second single, “Make My Heart,” is so gay. How conscious were you of your gay fans when you made Pulse? Braxton: I love my boys because my boys help me be a better girl. My choreographer and my video director are gay, and they’ve been my best friends since I started in the industry. They tell me, “No, no, no, girl. You don’t walk like that anymore. Girls walk like this.” I’m like, “We do?! What else do we do?” They’re my favorite part of the whole industry. GayCalgary: When did you first know you had a gay following? Braxton: “Un-Break My Heart.” I guess that’s when we recognized all the support. And it was really wonderful. So when we did “Make My Heart” we had no idea that was the audience that was going to love it most. GayCalgary: Have you seen drag queens do “Un-Break My Heart”? Braxton: Oh yes! I definitely have (laughs). And “He Wasn’t Man Enough,” which is wonderful. GayCalgary: What should drag queens keep in mind when they’re doing “Un-Break My Heart”? Braxton: Keep the hips really tight and to the side. Gyrate a little more. But I love the lip service that they give, so I have incorporated some of that in my live performances. GayCalgary: And isn’t it also about the hand when you’re hitting the money note? Braxton: (Laughs) Yes! Thank you for that. Very important to use the hand for the high notes. GayCalgary: You’ve been dealt some hardships recently with your heart condition, your son’s autism and your separation late last year. Braxton: Everything! GayCalgary: Will that be reflected on Pulse? Braxton: A little bit of my health with the song “Pulse.” I made it, of course, about love. Sometimes you think love’s dead and that one little heartbeat gives you that spark to go for it again. There’s also a song called “Woman” where I’m talking to guys, telling them what women want, and that’s personal with me going through a separation. There’s “Why Won’t You Love Me” and I think everyone knows the feeling of when they’re in a relationship and you’re the one who gives a little more than the other person: “Why won’t you love? I make love to you, I cook for you, what else can I do to make you love me?” It’s more of a purging moment. GayCalgary: You grew up in a strict, religious household, where your father was a clergyman. How did that shape your feelings on gay people? Braxton: Oh gosh, when I was younger everything was about the Bible. They believed that women shouldn’t wear pants, so I never wore pants until I was 14. I didn’t listen to secular music. It was very old school. But when I got older, I learned things for myself. GayCalgary: How are you raising your kids then? Braxton: There’s one little kid in one of my son’s classes and my son said, “Mommy, he acts like a girl. Will I act like a girl?” I’m like, “It’s not that he acts like a girl; he acts like himself. It’s not something you can become. You’re born a way, and it’s OK because people are born different ways.” I teach them that there’s nothing wrong with that. Kids are different nowadays. They aren’t close-minded like my parents’ generation was or how I was initially taught to be. GayCalgary: Will your Bravo reality show that’s set to air in the fall be more Being Bobby Brown or Kathy Griffin’s My Life on the D-List? Braxton: I don’t know. I’ve never done a show like this before. It’s called Braxton Family Values, like Addams Family Values, and it’s about myself and my entire family. It’s so much drama because there are so many different opinions. I’m the person in my family who’s most successful and I don’t like to say head butting, but some of my sisters are like, “I wish I had that!” And
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Photography ISCWR Entertainer of the Year at Flash - Edmonton
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Western Pride Campout
Girls Groove Speed Dating at Halo Restaurant - Calgary
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Photography Calgary Stampede - Calgary
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Capital Ex - Edmonton
Photography Club Sapien Grand Opening - Calgary
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Photography Buddys 10th Anniversary - Edmonton
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