AUGUST 2012 ISSUE 106 • FREE
The Voice of Alberta’s LGBT Community
CHAD MICHAELS
World Famous Cher Impersonator
Where the Bears Are A Hairy Murder Mystery
Travis Wall
Gay Dance Prodigy
PLUS:
Platinum Blonde Calgary Dyke March Calgary Eagle Closing ...and more!
Business Directory
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Calgary • Alberta • Canada
Events Calendar
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Spencer Reed
Exposed at PURE Pride
STARTING ON PAGE 55
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Table of Contents
AUGUST 2012
Photography Steve Polyak, Photography Rob Diaz-Marino
Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino, B&J Videography Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino
Videography Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino Printers Web exPress
Printers
North Hill News/Central Web Distribution Calgary: Gallant Distribution, Distribution GayCalgary Staff Calgary: Gallant Edmonton: Clark’sDistribution Distribution GayCalgary Other: CanadaStaff Post Edmonton: Clark’s Distribution Other: Post LegalCanada Council Courtney Aarbo, Barristers and Solicitors
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Phone: 403-543-6960 Office Hours: appointment ONLY Toll Free:By 1-888-543-6960 Phone: 403-543-6960 Fax: 403-703-0685 Tollmagazine@gaycalgary.com Free: 1-888-543-6960 E-Mail: Fax: 403-703-0685 This Month's Cover E-Mail: magazine@gaycalgary.com Main: Chad Micheals as Cher, Photo by This Month's Cover Mathu Andersen, Top Right: Rick Copp, Joe Cher andIan Christina Aguilera courtesy of Sony Dietl, Parks and Ben Zook, Photo by Pictures; Annie Lennox courtesy of Travis Mike Owen; JayPGPhotography, Middle Right: Wall, Goudie. photo by Oxygen,Rex Bottom Right: Spencer Reed, photos by Falcon Studios.
Proud Members of: Proud Members of:
The Freedom not to Love
8
ISCWR to Crown The Fairest of Them All
10 Dancy, Fresh and Platinum Blonde The 12 Year Wait is Over
12 Toby
Australian artist calls Canada a second home
PAGE 10
Publisher’s Column
13 Risen: a Deserving Occasion
”Resilience” is the Theme at this Year’s MiscYouth Showcase
14 The Calgary Eagle
Calgary’s only leather bar talks about their closure and plans for the future
16 LET THE FUR FLY!
Where the Bears Are webseries a hairy murder mystery
18 Red Deer Pride
20 Dyke March Stronger Than Ever More visible location spurs more to march
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Writers and Contributors
Mercedes Mercedes Allen,Allen, ChrisChris Azzopardi, Azzopardi, DallasDave Barnes, Dave Brousseau, Brousseau, Andrew SamCollins, Casselman, Rob Diaz-Marino, Jason Clevett, Andrew Janine Eva Collins, Trotta, Emily JonCollins, Fairbanks, Rob Diaz-Marino, Jack Fertig, Janine Glen Hanson, Eva Trotta, Joan Jack Hilty, Fertig, EvanGlen Kayne, Hanson, Stephen Joan Lock, Hilty,Lisa EvanLunney, Kayne, Allan Stephen Neuwirth, Lock, Neil Steve McMullen, Polyak, Carey Allan Rutherford, Neuwirth, Steve Romeo Polyak, San Carey Vicente, Rutherford, Ed Sikov, Romeo Krista Sylvester San Vicente, andEd theSikov, LGBTNick Community Vivian and of the GLBT Calgary, Community Edmonton, of Calgary, and Alberta. Edmonton, and Alberta.
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e n zi
21 Dumbass Filmmakers, but Funny Show 22 Introducing Eva Simons
a g a
Rising pop star talks gay influences, doing Pride and her big hair
24 Emeli Sandé: Her Version of Events
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Singer on gay following, Adele comparisons and going from medicine to music
26 Invalidation
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Publisher: Steve Polyak Editor: Rob Diaz-Marino Sales: Steve Polyak Design & Layout: Rob Diaz-Marino, Ara SteveShimoon Polyak
28 The New Religious Right 30 Deep Inside Hollywood Amber Heard in talks for Paranoia
31 Cocktail Chatter Edmonton Rainbow Business Association
London’s Pub Culture Dies … It’s Starbucks Now
32 Moving Onward in Singapore International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association
34 Out of Town 36 Show Girl
National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association
Gina Gershon on her crotch close-up and and how it’s cool to play gay now
PAGE 20
Yellowstone, Cody, Bozeman, and Jackson Hole
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
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Table of Contents Continued From Previous Page
38 The Makings of Marina
Starlet talks big gay following, slutty second self and how Britney Spears inspired her new album
PAGE 38
40 Moving On Up
Monthly Print Quantity:
Dance prodigy Travis Wall talks new series, his first big movie and the challenge for gay dancers
42 Spencer Reed – Exposed at PURE PRIDE 44 Bi-B-Que
Bisexuals unite over a grill
45 If he could “turn back time”… World’s most famous Cher impersonator makes Calgary believe
PAGE 40
48 Queer Eye
54 Bitter Girl
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60 Classified Ads 62 Q Scopes
a g a
Go easy on yourself, Libra!
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Originally established in January 1992 as Men for Men BBS by MFM Communications. Name changed to GayCalgary 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. February 2012 returned to GayCalgary Magazine
Disclaimer and Copyright Opinions expressed in this magazine are specific to the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of GayCalgary staff and contributors. Those involved in the making of this publication, whether advertisers, contributors, or the subjects of articles or photographs, are not necessarily gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans. This magazine also includes straight allies and those who are gay friendly. No part of this publication may be reprinted or modified without the expressed written permission of the editor or publisher. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. GayCalgary is a registered trademark.
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Editorial
The Freedom not to Love Publisher’s Column
By Rob Diaz-Marino, MSc. I was diagnosed with type 1 (aka. juvenile) Diabetes when I was 6 years old. My parents were probably more devastated than I was – I was too young to fully appreciate what it meant. I had little choice but to adapt to a new daily routine in order to maintain my health – testing my blood sugars, injecting insulin, sticking to a diet. My parents looked after these concerns for me until I was old enough to do it for myself, however it was still a difficult adjustment to make. It took me a while to accept that this was the way it would be for the rest of my life. As I was growing up, the Calgary Children’s Hospital would periodically pass along information about opportunities for kids with diabetes to get together for various activities, which promised to be fun, educational, and a good chance for me to compare experiences about living with diabetes with others my own age. At first, I was really enthusiastic about it, begging my parents to take me out to these events. Some of them were for just an hour or two in an afternoon, and I once even went for a week long summer camp at Camp Horizon. But the novelty quickly wore off as I realized these kids were a mix of personalities that showed little difference from the ones I already dealt with at school every day: the bullies, the taddle-tales, the snobs, the goodie-goodies and trouble-makers, and whatever other sorts a person can be in their pre-teens. I went in, thinking that I would have a special bond with these other kids – one that I wouldn’t have with anyone else, and maybe we would treat each other better. But between us, there was no gradient of special consideration, which meant that we didn’t have to go easy on each other. Putting us in a room together didn’t mean we would all get along any better than a room full of non-diabetic kids. Occasionally I did find one or two other kids that I got along with reasonably well, but they lived so far away, that maintaining a friendship with them was nearly impossible. The adults facilitating these get-togethers would often throw out examples of high profile people who were Diabetic, to give us role models to look up to. The problem was, I hadn’t heard of most of them and once I found out what they were known for, it was never anything that I really appreciated. I didn’t really give a damn about rock stars and athletes at that age. Eventually I lost interest in hanging out with other Diabetics because I found a handful of people at school with whom I got along much better, and was able to interact with much more frequently. Even though they weren’t Diabetic , we had so many other things in common – much more meaningful things that formed the basis for real friendships.
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Throughout Junior High, High School, and even University, I would occasionally be introduced to people who were Diabetic. Most often it would result in nothing more than a five minute conversation: “Type 1 or type 2? How old were you? Do you take your insulin by injection? Any health complications yet?” It always struck me as being extremely uncomfortable sharing these intimate details of my life – things I rarely even shared with my closest friends - with a complete stranger that I had no other reason to be talking to. As polite as I tried to be, I would often develop this immediate, inexplicable, and uncharacteristically intense dislike for other diabetic people that I met. In hindsight, I think this was because I felt pressured by others to like them for the sole fact that they were diabetic, and also, I didn’t like being lumped into a category where someone else’s way of doing things could reflect incorrectly on mine. Nowadays I realize that Diabetes doesn’t define who I am. Most of the time it’s barely even worth mentioning. If I wanted to hide it, I could always run off to the bathroom to test my bloodsugars and inject my insulin before eating a meal in a public setting, but I don’t. I do what I need to do unabashed and out in the open. Perhaps I’ll precede it by a quick explanation so as not to take anyone by surprise, and if someone’s a little squeamish about needles then they have the opportunity to look away. Though, heaven help anyone who gives me shit for doing my insulin in public, whether it be a misunderstanding or not – I have some very pointed responses prepared to put them right back in their place. They say something like: “How dare you do that in front of my children! I don’t want them growing up thinking it’s alright to stick themselves with needles, that could be a gateway to becoming drug addicts.” I would say something like: “Have your children ever seen someone smoking? I bet they have, and did you object to that? Probably not. So how is it alright that they see someone choose to slowly kill themselves without objection, and not alright for them to see someone do what they must do to stay alive and healthy? If they can’t tell the difference, it’s nobody’s fault but yours as a parent.” I don’t need to band together with other Diabetics for support anymore, to reassure me I’m in the right, to fight my battles for me if I’m paralyzed by doubt. I’m confident enough in my own right to survive that I can fight my own individual battles. It doesn’t mean I’m out baiting people to start something with me either, it just means I’m prepared to push back as quickly and firmly as I’m pushed, before anyone speaking out against me can get any traction. Besides, I know my non-diabetic friends, and any bystanders with a lick of common sense, would have my back if I’m overwhelmed. It almost seems silly that anything like this might happen in this day and age.
GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
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Continued from Previous Page Am I proud to be diabetic? That’s a trick question, because I’m neither proud nor ashamed, I just am. Is being diabetic a reason for me to favour others like me, to invite people into my circle of friends who I have nothing else in common with, who may hurt me or make me feel unnecessarily uncomfortable or ashamed of myself? No. But if I like someone to begin with, and they happen to be diabetic, it may form an additional strand in a much greater connection. As much as I have the right in my personal life to choose to surround myself with people who I like and love, who make me feel strong and good about myself, I also have the right to dislike and disassociate from people who don’t. I don’t even need to have a reason beyond the way they make me feel, after they’ve had a chance to make an impression on me of who they are – I won’t decide until I’ve experienced that. It doesn’t matter either way, if they’re diabetic or not, gay or straight, man or woman, old or young, any race or colour – I’m free to like or dislike them personally for how they interact with me personally. I’m capable of putting my personal feelings aside when I see value in working with someone, but in my leisure time, life’s too short to waste trying to get along with everyone. It’s just not possible without compromising who I am, and expecting others to do the same. So thank goodness I have the freedom not to love everyone. It is a right that I’ll continue to exercise as respectfully as I can, so long as nobody tries to force me to do otherwise.
July 2012 After the ARGRA Rodeo that happened over the July long weekend (coverage in last month’s edition), the month of July was fairly sparse for community events. Steve and I went out for the Calgary Stampede, to take pictures around the grounds and cover the Grandstand show as we’ve done for the past several years. We tried to make it out for Capital Ex as well, but things didn’t go as we had hoped. Les Girls held their Break the Bank dance on the 20th, which was a huge success. The Bank is a really beautiful venue with a high ceiling
Online Last Month (1/2) Slash
Guitar God brings nostalgia and new to Jubilee Auditorium
It was an interesting experience walking into the Jubilee Auditorium to see Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators on July 17th. Having been... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2986
Book Marks
My Two Moms: Lessons of Love, Strength, and What Makes a Family
My Two Moms: Lessons of Love, Strength, and What Makes a Family, by Zach Wahls with Bruce Littlefield. Gotham Books,... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2987
Creep of the Week Tony Perkins
I wince every time I see Tony Perkins’s face on TV. Perkins, the president of the vehemently anti-gay Family Research Council, often has a microphone... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2989
IN PRAISE OF FREAKS AND WEIRDOS America needs you now more than ever
For the last month or so I’ve been riding my bike up the entire length of the Mississippi river. This has not been a trip about amazing scenery --... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2994
Hudson Taylor: The power of ‘athlete ally’ Hudson Taylor is not gay. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Three years ago, when the University of Maryland wrestler put a Human Rights... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2996
Hear Me Out
Regina Spektor, Scissor Sisters
Regina Spektor, What We Saw from the Cheap Seats With 2006’s Begin to Hope, Regina Spektor stepped out from the shadows of the hipster underground... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2997
Maui: The Gay Side of the Valley Isle For the queer couple seeking a romantic haven, the island of Maui is waiting to welcome you with bright rainbow leis. From snorkeling to whale watching... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2999
Creep of the Week Bryan Fischer
Anti-gay stalwart Bryan Fischer got out a copy of Webster’s Dictionary so that he could remind any and all who have not yet fallen under the spell of the... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2990
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
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Online Last Month (2/2) Deep Inside Hollywood
Dustin Lance Black’s 8 gets bigger
8, Dustin Lance Black’s all-star benefit stage play (George Clooney! Brad Pitt!) about the successful court battle against California’s Proposition... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2993
Book Marks Spreadeagle
Spreadeagle , by Kevin Killian. The Fellow Travelers Series/Publication Studio, 590 pages, $16 paper, $10 e-book. It was...
over the dance floor, and an upper tier at the back of the room that was used that night as the VIP area. The building was packed to the point where it was difficult to move through the crowd, and it was plain to see that everyone was having a great time. What baffled us, as we were covering the event, is how willing the crowd of younger women were to be in photos. We sometimes dread allwomen events because it can be like pulling teeth to get them in photos willingly. The anecdote we tell is that we will walk up to a group of 10 women, ask if we can take a group picture of them, and then all but one scatter out of the way – then the one remaining chickens out because none of her friends want to be in the photo with her. Not the case at the LesGirls dance – they were practically throwing themselves at us for photos, which was totally refreshing, and showed a much more open and friendly attitude in general.
This Month
Creep of the Week
August looks like it will be pretty quiet too (aside from the BEEF Bearbash on the 18th in Edmonton, if that is your thing), which makes for a good chance to recharge before the big events happen in Calgary over the September long weekend.
Hello everyone, are you enjoying your officially sanctioned Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month? Having a gay old time ruining life ...
PURE Pride returns to Flames Central on the night of Saturday, September 1st. If you recall, last year organizers claim they had to turn away over 700 people at the door because they had already sold out of tickets the night prior. So if you missed it last year, don’t make the same mistake twice!
http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2988 Tony Perkins
http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2991
Go for a Ride
You too can be out and proud on a bike, even if you look terrible in Lycra
I have a gay agenda: to get every LGBT person who can climb on a bike to start riding one. There are similarities... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2995
The Calgary Eagle has their final farewell on Sunday, September 2nd, with a pancake breakfast at 9am, and then their party from 11am to 2am. This is the last opportunity to enjoy the space before the bar closes down. More details can be found in the article on the Calgary Eagle in this edition. Staring 6pm on Sunday the 2nd, Les Girls presents Fused, another big dance event at The Bank. This time around it’s not just for women – everyone can enjoy this official wrap up party. For more events across Alberta, check our event listing on page 55 of this edition.
Hear Me Out
Kylie Minogue, Rock of Ages
http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3006
Kylie Minogue, The Best of Kylie Minogue After two decades of niche fame, Kylie Minogue’s camp isn’t giving up on demonstrating to the non-gay...
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Creep of the Week Joe Haveman
You know, if you would have asked me a year ago what the most terrible state in the nation for lesbians or gays I would not have said Michigan. I mean... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2992
Is My Obesity Related to my Depression? Q: I am a 30-year-old man, 5’9” and I weigh 245 pounds. I am depressed because I am so overweight and so I eat even more. I read somewhere that the... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3004
High Intensity Interval Training: Intense cardio that’s not for everyone Q: I have a friend who has lost massive amounts of fat doing High Intensity Interval Training. What exactly is this and will it work for me? I’m 36, 6’... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3005
More articles online...
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
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Community
ISCWR to Crown The Fairest of Them All By Lisa Lunney We all seem to love Royalty - from the classic fairytales to the popular Disney movies, to our obsessions with members of the Royal family. Likewise, many Albertans have a spot in their hearts for The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose Social Association (ISCWRSA). The mission of the ISCWRSA is to raise funds through activities and events to support dozens of charities and the Edmonton LGBT community. The court also strives toward promoting an attitude of acceptance of LGBT people within the community as a whole. Edmonton is but one branch of the International Court System, which has over 65 chapters in the United States, Canada and Mexico, making the ICS one of the largest LGBT organizations in the world. 2012 marks the 36th anniversary of the “Edmonton Court”. The ISCWR has many feats under their belt, of which they can feel proud: they have played a significant role in fundraising for charities, and raising awareness of human rights. The ISCWR attracts people of all backgrounds and sexual orientations, which could reflect the positive change in mainstream attitude toward sexual minorities. They are intent on continuing this positive motion of change and continuing to spread a message of acceptance and friendliness towards the Edmonton community as a whole. The society eagerly awaits the upcoming Coronation Charity Ball and hopes to see Coronation Events in Edmonton continue to grow over the coming years. The Coronation Charity Ball attracts all walks of life. It is widely attended, and some see this event as a perfect networking opportunity to establish life-long friends and business contacts. So, who will be the new entries into this year’s court? The Emperor and Empress are by no means figurehead positions. The successful candidates will utilize their personal strengths and put their ideas into action to make positive changes during their reign. These lovely nominees took time out of their busy schedule to invite GayCalgary Magazine in for a closer look at who they are. Candidate for Emperor: Stefan “Stiffy” Steele Stiffy has been an Edmontonian for over three years. He grew up in Fort McMurray Alberta and moved to Edmonton for work, where he met his partner who would later become Emperor 35 of Edmonton. This relationship inspired Stefan to get involved in the community and within his first year of doing so, he stepped into his first title as King of Hearts 2. More recently he ran successfully for the position of Imperial Crown Prince to the 36th Reign, and has spent the last 10 months reigning with this title. 8
GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
Through these roles, he has gained a great deal of knowledge on planning successful fundraising events through a greater understanding of policies and procedures. These positions allowed for him to broaden his horizons and support charity events both in Canada and the United States. He was involved in: Inqueeries, Youth Understanding Youth, Team Edmonton Events, Womonspace Events, and has traveled to cities including; Las Vegas, Seattle, Vancouver, Regina, Winnipeg and Calgary. All of the traveling he has done has been paid for out of his own pocket, as has he donated a great deal of time to the ISCWR. His most rewarding experience to date was being able to volunteer for the first year of a camp partnered with HIV Edmonton to support children and families affected or infected with HIV. For Stiffy, his endeavors have been more than rewarding. He has combined two passions: his creative outlet of performing and his love for helping others. If elected as Emperor, he looks forward to working again with various charities from past collaborations, and branching out into different areas for fundraising. He plans on working hard to increase the quality of shows and boosting attendance. Candidate for Empress: David “Vanity Fair” Chimko Edmonton was introduced to Vanity Fair after David moved to the city in 1996. He began Drag and involvement with the ISCWR by doing shows at The Roost nightclub. Drag literally chose him. “Two Queens cornered me, handed me a phone number and told me to call because I was being put in Drag whether I liked it or not.” He certainly liked it. He loves every aspect of it, styling wigs, deciding on outfits and figuring out the perfect song. “Drag is intriguing, almost therapeutic, the twohours spent putting on hair and face, is me time, I get into the zone and enjoy the quiet introspective time while creating.” Over the years Vanity has been involved in Edmonton’s gay community through Volunteering with HIV Edmonton, The Pride society, event coordination and volunteering with the ISCWR. Vanity has held titles including Mz. Gay Edmonton 12 & 22, Entertainer of the Year 2000 & 2010, and Imperial Crown Princess. The first time he saw an Empress presenting a cheque to their charity, it was destined; one day Vanity would be in that role. The road to this goal has been hard, full of personal sacrifices that have been worthwhile for the benefits of her community. Vanity is particularly passionate about supporting The Pride Centre. The Centre has had a rough spell after a fire, and requires extra help. “We may not all rely on the Pride Centre for our daily lives, but the fact is there are people that do”. He is passionate about performing, and giving everything he has to pull an audience into a show. The role of Empress would be a perfect fit for Vanity, who loves giving back to the
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community. “Empress is not just a title, it is about making our community stronger.” Candidate for Emperor: JJ Velour JJ has led quite the colourful life. He came out at the ripe age of 25, has a partner of 9.5 years and 3 children in adulthood. JJ is not just a part of the drag/court community, but also the Leather and Bear communities. JJ is a bornagain Christian who has learned to love who he is, and what he is. He has a youth ministry certificate and associate degree in Christian studies, which qualifies him as a Pastor. After living a life of catering to others expectations, he now lives his life for himself; pursuing what makes him happy. JJ wears his heart on his sleeve and lives for helping others. He is very passionate about acting and performing. He firmly believes the only way to live life is to be happy, so he lives for friends, his partner and family. Looking out for others isn’t just a character trait for JJ, it is a duty; he is a union activist who works hard to protect his fellow co-workers. After many stages of growth, JJ is finally at a point in life where he has found happiness. He hopes to spread this feeling to others, because as he says, life is too short to live as anything but happy. He knows what it is like to struggle, but he also knows what it is like to overcome. He feels his experiences both professionally and personally make him a great fit for the Court. It would allow him to reach out and help others, and also make an impact on the community. He hopes to gain more support for The Pride Centre of Edmonton and help in the community by uniting LBGT people. He hopes to network with other groups to fundraise outside the bar environment and gain more exposure for charities and the Court.
Coronation 37 Saturday August 25th, 2012 The Ramada Inn & Conference Centre Edmonton, AB http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3007
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
9
Dancy, Fresh and Platinum Blonde The 12 Year Wait is Over
Platinum Blonde
by Janine Eva Trotta Just in time to spice up our summer play lists, Canada’s new wave cult favourite has put forth their first full-length album in over a decade. Now & Never hits record store shelves August 21st, 2012, offering up 10 tracks including the first release “Beautiful” already making radio waves. Original Platinum Blonde members Mark Holmes (vocals) and Sergio Galli (guitar) have teamed with Robert Laidlaw (bass), Daniel Todd (drums), and producer Murray Daigle over the last two years to give both old fans and new ears what Holmes slates is their best album yet. “Our signature electronic indie style of rock remains unchanged and our four to the floor sensibility is very much at home in our new music,” Holmes said in a press release issued in June. “Note for note and word for word this is the best album we have ever produced.”
“It took some time after his passing but we all decided that we should follow Kenny’s dream and make this new record a reality,” Holmes says. Finding a voice for that new album after so many years apart was not a struggle for the band, thanks in part to the remake of “Not In Love” by Crystal Castles featuring Robert Smith. “The success of this track worldwide has given the band a somewhat cult status and the young demographics at our concerts are a testament to this,” Holmes says. “I feel that we have never geared any recording to a specific audience. We just make music with our signature sound and hope that fans both past, present and new will find some love and meaning with the new material.” “Beautiful” is that satisfying blend of singable lyrics with dancy electronic pulse that means listeners will be modding their bodies in time with the track in a club of their choosing this month.
In the late ‘80s Holmes headed back to England where he renewed his love for mod ‘60s’ R&B and became heavily involved in electronica.
Asked where he would most like to hear the single himself, Holmes replied confidently, “[Club] Pacha in Ibiza – and with the MSTRKRFT remix it probably will.”
“I became a DJ (DJ Mark) and remix producer in early 2000 and have had great success staring in my own live radio show, performing at massive dance parties, opening my own club (Toronto’s The Mod Club) and spearheading the indie electronic music scene that is so big now,” Holmes says.
As both returning band members have kept active in the music world returning to the strenuous act of touring will not pose a challenge either. “Alas, I am a devout bachelor and have no pets so I welcome the road and all it’s adventures,” Holmes says. “As well, I have been touring as a DJ so the experiences with a band won’t be that much different.”
Meanwhile Galli was pursuing his architectural vocation in addition to recording an album with his band The Ending.
Much like other musical staples successful in their return to music after a lengthy hiatus, Platinum Blonde has decided to stick to what they’re good at. You won’t hear a radical change in genre on this album, nor need you worry that age and time has mellowed the members.
So what have the beloved boys been up to for the last 12 years?
“While remixing indie bands for the dance floor, I noticed that so many of the new acts had been directly influenced by the original Platinum Blonde sound,” Holmes says. “So when Kenny asked me for the 1,000th time to reform and make new music, I finally said YES!” Only days later tragedy stilled the band’s planned reunion. Bassist Kenny MacLean, age 52, was found collapsed and unresponsive in his apartment. MacLean had just released Completely, his third solo album.
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“My musical tastes don’t change as much as they evolve,” Holmes explains. “I have always felt that the past should be lovingly remembered and the future should be lovingly embraced and to live in the present – never stop being new.” “The people who inspire me are the ones that didn’t stop evolving when the music of their youth passed the torch to the next generation,”
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he says. He lists Canadian A-listers such as Broken Social Scene and Arcade Fire as his current favourite artists, in addition to Nero, Steve Aoki and Young Empires. Platinum Blonde has always been boasted as innovative. Both their albums Standing In the Dark and Alien Shores achieved multi-platinum sales. Their chart-topping hits “Standing in the Dark”, “Doesn’t Really Matter”, and “Crying Over You” are still well loved both for their iconic sound and visually stimulating videos, and in 2010 the band was inducted into the Music and Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame. “There’s been no resting on the laurels of the past successes,” Holmes promised in the band’s biography. “As a producer and DJ, we are the ones at the very edge of music movements.” Though no old or new musical pals appear on this album (aka Madonna) there may be a duet made of a track on the album entitled “Independence Day”, though no one has been selected as of yet. The band promised a tour if a new album was created and so they have been honouring audiences across Canada on a summer circuit that began in Vaughan, Ontario on July 1st. Lethbridge residents can catch the band at Exhibition Park on August 24th, 2012. Major cities in Alberta will need to wait until after Christmas to catch the band. Platinum Blonde will be playing Edmonton’s Century Casino on December 29th and at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary on New Year’s Eve, December 31st. “Our goals with the new album are just as lofty as with the first records; and that is to take over the world!” Holmes jests, but adds in a softer tone that seeing kids on YouTube playing the music he wrote on their guitars is ample reward. “I feel that all my wishes have been accomplished,” he says.
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hillhurst united church
Hillhurst United Church is an Affirming Ministry; a faith community that is committed to welcoming all people who have been marginalized by the church, in particular, the GLBTTQQ community.
whoever you are, wherever you’re at, join us on the journey Sunday Services at 9:05am and 10:45am (10am on Sep 2)
1227 Kensington Close NW, Calgary Everyone is welcome!
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
11
Interview
Toby
Australian artist calls Canada a second home By Krista Sylvester Honoured to be compared with the likes of artists Melissa Etheridge, Tracey Chapman and Brandi Carlile (just to name a few), Australian singer/songwriter Toby has spent the last six years of her life crisscrossing the globe as she brings her beautifully-charged lyrics and matching voice to her countless fans. Currently she’s on her 11th tour of Canada for her latest album dubbed “Coming Home”, and the self-professed raw, feisty and energetic artist says Canada is a home away from home for her. Although she just kicked off her tour at the Ironwood in Calgary in July, she’s hoping to arrange another performance in late-August. Although she travels 35 hours to play in Canada, the talented performer couldn’t be more excited to play for her Canadian fans. Toby took time out of her busy schedule while on tour to talk to GayCalgary Magazine and share her genuine passion for her music, her touring and of course, her devoted fans. Even if you missed her this month, you know Toby will be back soon enough with even more stories to share.
GC: With over 1,000 shows across the world to date, where exactly are you “coming home” to considering you’re on the road so often? T: As for my home on this earth, well, it’s my home in Perth, Western Australia with my partner, my family and my friends. I love the ocean, the sun, the chilled out vibes and the good coffee. But, I am generally touring and my suitcase becomes some sort of a home. Wherever I put my suitcase becomes home for a night or two or three. Canada feels like home because I’ve been here 11 times in six years. I love Canada. I really do. The people, the scenery, the mountains, the cities, the hospitality and the music scene, there is so much to love over here. Driving through B.C. and Alberta never gets boring for me. The gigs are always fresh; the people in the audience are so welcoming. I feel like I have made some beautiful friends over here, and I feel like there are a lot more to be made. GC: Lesbians love their feisty and raw female singers just as much as gay guys love their sultry voices - you must have quite the gay following wherever you go? What’s it like to be in the same category of some of our readers’ favourite singers - and there are many! T: It’s a complete honour. I believe that lesbians have fabulous taste! So if I am on their radar, well, it’s a blessing. I think of so many singer songwriters who are gay and fabulous – KD Lang, Melissa Etheridge, Janis Ian, Tracy Chapman, Brandi Carlile - the list goes on and on. A lot of these singers have been such inspiration to me over the years. They have inspired some of my sound for sure. Such rich voices and honest lyrics. I do tend to have a strong gay following, which is awesome. The gay crowd seem to really support me, quite possibly it’s simply because I’m a strong, passionate woman who is doing what she loves to do. GC: You are compared to some artists mentioned previously, what are some of your own favourites? T: There are just so many! Janis Joplin, Ani Difranco, Damien Rice, Swell Season, The Beatles, The Doors, Queen, Tracy Chapman, Sade… the list could go on forever. GC: What is the process that goes into your songwriting - you must have some pretty intense experiences to inspire such powerfully penetrating lyrics? T: Normally after an ‘intense’ experience I can write an album! It drives the songwriting. Most of my songs come from me simply picking up my guitar and magically my hands start playing some chords, my mouth opens and lyrics pour out. These are always my best songs. It’s as if they have been waiting for me to pop out and to enter this world. Some songs take longer with lyrics or music first. There isn’t a structure to my songwriting , much like my life I suppose! Anything that really hits you in life, whether it is happiness, sadness, love, longing, heartache or empathy, these are the times to write. GC: You started your tour in Calgary – is there a special reason? What makes playing in Calgary so much fun? T: Calgary is like a second home to me. I stay with my best mate from Australia, who has lived here for many years now. It’s comfortable, it’s homely, its so close to the rocky mountains. I love playing at the Ironwood because it has such great sound, and an audience who really listens to and appreciates the music. It’s why we do what we do. Plus, the crowd keeps getting bigger, which I love to see. We also have a new lesbian following here, and it keeps growing, which is brilliant.
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
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Community
Risen: a Deserving Occasion
”Resilience” is the Theme at this Year’s MiscYouth Showcase By Janine Eva Trotta Free your evening August 16th for a night of “breathtaking art and theatre cabaret” – and a very worthwhile cause. The Arrata Opera Cenrte (1315 7th Street SW) will play host to the Miscellaneous Youth Network’s second annual gala: RISEN 2012.. The unique show offers youth and young adults in the queer community an opportunity to “share their stories of homophobia and trans-phobia in schools and in their lives”; their reflections on what it’s like growing up “queer in the city”. “We had about seventy people out at our show last year, this year we’re projecting over a hundred,” says Programming Director for MYN, Justine Bonczek. “Calgary has an amazingly supportive community, and we’re so excited to debut our show.” Last year’s gala raised just over $2,000 for the Network, all of which went into renting space for the MYN run Mosaic Youth Group and Mosaic programs. Roughly 25-30 youth attend Mosaic gatherings every week, and even more come out to special events. The Queer Prom saw over 200 attendees in June and MYN’s monthly drag show usually draws an audience of 50 to 60 people. MYN also requires funding for resource material, speaker sessions and fun outings for the kids – like trips to Calaway Park in the summer. “Our kids are so powerful and they’re growing tougher every day,” Bonczek says. “Youth today have more exposure to society than ever, and in between going to school and having labels thrown at them from every direction, they have so much to say about who they are, and what gives them the power to keep being who they are.” RISEN will put to the stage and display works by passionate local artists and performers keen on sharing their message with Calgary. MYN held two sets of auditions to determine who would be performing at this show. Selections were made based on the relevance performers’ work had with the show’s theme. “Risen isn’t so much a fundraiser as it is a chance to bring the community together to connect with the youth and listen to their stories in a completely unique and individual fashion,” Bonczek says. “These are the stories that we need to share, and as a community, it’s our responsibility to give them a place to share their voice as they step out of the closet, regardless of where they are on their journey.” In addition to Mosaic the not for profit MYN also runs the Kids Zone for the Pride Street Festival every year. The Network is dedicated to providing safe places for queer youth throughout the city. Tickets to RISEN are $10 in advance or $15 at the door and can be bought at DevaDave Hair and Salon Boutique (810 Edmonton Trail Northeast).
Risen Thu, Aug 16th, 7pm The Arrata Opera Cenrte (1315 7th Street SW) www.risenartandtheatre.com
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
13
Community
The Calgary Eagle
Calgary’s only leather bar talks about their closure and plans for the future By Rob Diaz-Marino Shortly after the Rodeo long weekend last month, the owners of the Calgary Eagle officially announced the news that the bar was being forced to vacate its perch of nearly 11 years, at 424a 8th Avenue Southwest. At the time, the owners were still deciding how to deal with the situation. Out of respect, GayCalgary Magazine held off interviewing them until now so that they could get further along in finalizing plans and decide on the details they wished to share with our LGBT readership. GayCalgary Magazine sat down to talk with one of the Calgary Eagle’s original founders and owners, Ron Scheetz, and his partner and fellow owner Johnathan Finlayson. The two were still talking excitedly about their recent trip to San Francisco for the International Leather Sir/Leather Boy competition. The Calgary Eagle had held a feeder competition for the title of Western Canadian Leather Sir/Leather Boy last year, and the two of them were out supporting those title holders in the greater competition.
“We knew it was going to happen. We knew that they were trying to buy the building and the landlord was saying no. But we all knew that if you put enough zeroes on that cheque, that he was going to go,” states Scheetz. “We were surprised because I didn’t think it was going to happen for another two years…but I guess they finally came to him with what he wanted and off he went with it.” Ron says they did consider their options to keep the bar alive, but decided not to pursue them. “There’s no use fighting with a landlord that doesn’t want us here in the first place. That just means 3 or 5 years more of them fighting with us and us fighting with them, that’s not going to work.” While the situation is not ideal, Finlayson says the arrangement was still conducted in a way that was fair to them. “It’s all been above board and respectful on both sides. …They were respectful of us and things that were already set and in motion. … It’s disappointing and sad, just because of our investment of time and energy and what we believe in.”
“These guys represent the leather world down in San Francisco, they represent Western Canada, which is Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and BC,” explains Finlayson. “Sir Marc and Boy Daniel/Pup Hoover... they were so incredible in San Francisco. I wish more people from the community could have come down and seen these two. All we get from there is you Canadians, in how we respect each other and how they displayed their skill sets…we were so proud.”
Publicly available city planning information isn’t clear on exactly what will become of the building, however it appears that it will be right in between two major projects: the new Central Library which will straddle the C-train tracks to the west, and the Hilton Hotel in the empty lot to the north.
Then the conversation turned to the more serious issue – the closure of the Calgary Eagle. With so many LGBT bars, clubs and businesses failing across the continent, the owners were quick to explain that their situation was exceptional.
“Not even the hottest leather bar [in Calgary]”, Finlayson jokes. “We don’t seem to fit the vision of the East village, which is fine.”
“We’re not closing because we went broke,” Scheetz clarifies. “…We’re fine and we’re making money. I don’t want people to think that another gay business went broke, because we didn’t and we’re not.”
“It’s been a great 10+ years. …We sat back and had a lot of reflection after this and the amount of money that was raised with the community and for the community is astronomical. The Bar prides itself on being part of the community, thinking outside the box at times, being inclusive and evolving as best we can. When times were tough, we still stuck it out.”
“Calgary Municipal land management bought the building and said we are terminating the lease,” adds Finlayson. “End of story. That is as much as we’ve been able to pull from them. …The whole building is being vacated.” This includes the residential tenants on the upper floor, and the Song Writer’s club in the basement. Scheetz says the City would not disclose to them directly what they intend to do with the building once it has been vacated, however, the City’s plans to revitalize the East Village, where the Calgary Eagle is located, have certainly not been a secret. Patrons to the Calgary Eagle have needed to divert around obstacles caused by construction that sometimes changed daily. Late last year, 8th Avenue was cordoned off for their whole block, making the back entrance the only way to access their business.
“This is going to be a high-end neighbourhood; they don’t want a gay leather bar,” Ron concedes.
Coming to terms with this complication triggered a lot of thought on the part of the owners.
However, not all is lost. Soon after the news was first announced, rumours emerged that the bar might be seeking a new location. We asked Ron and Johnathan to tell us as much as they could about their plans. “We’re still looking at our prospects. It came fast, furious, we dealt with what we had to deal with and we’re still looking at our options,” says Finlayson. They hinted at the possibility of reopening the bar in a new location, if a reasonable option presents itself. Otherwise they say they may put the franchised name out to tender for another party to carry the torch. “We’re not giving [your readers] a whole lot of information but we’re trying to be respectful to the people that are looking to move the bar or the name somewhere, and I don’t want to give their bag away,” Scheetz states. Only one thing is for certain: “If there is another Eagle…I won’t be there,” says Scheetz. “Unless I could pull a shift or two just for the fun of it. But I’ve had my moment and I’m done. …[I want to] just relax, take life easy, spend some time on the other side of the bar for a while.” No matter what the future holds, Finlayson and Scheetz explain that the bar has created a legacy that will live on in the community. “Ronnie’s vision of this bar when it first came about … was about a bar with integrity and forward thinking. I believe that we’ve tried to carry that forward over the years. I think the bar has evolved. I’m very proud – I think the community can be proud of themselves as well. We’ve got to thank everyone through all the years for coming here and supporting us. We hope to continue to be representing the community in some way in the next while. We want to protect and support SHARP and AIDS Calgary and the Court and ARGRA…we feel we have an obligation.”
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Scheetz adds, “Whether or not there is an Eagle next year, there certainly will still be a Calgary Eagle Rodeo Team.” The Calgary Eagle has planned for their last day of operation to be Sunday, September 2nd, during the Labour Day long weekend. This date coincides with the Calgary Pride Parade and Street Festival. “…We want to go out on a nice day, which will be Pride,” says Scheetz. On that day they will be having a Pancake Breakfast at 9am, open the bar at 11am, and party through until 2am. This will be the last opportunity for customers to enjoy the space. Those wanting to own a piece of the Calgary Eagle will have the unique opportunity to purchase the remaining copies of the original Calgary Eagle souvenir poster for a donation to charity. “I feel pretty confident that there’ll be an Eagle again,” says Scheetz in his closing thoughts. Adds Finlayson, “I personally look back and go wow, what have we accomplished as a small business, and just some guys in the community. We as a small family have really rallied to do what we could. Without the support of the community and without the support of each other, a lot of things wouldn’t have happened. So all we can do is tip our hat to the community and say thanks, and we all go forward.”
The Calgary Eagle 424a 8th Avenue SW Closing Party Sun, Sept 2nd, 11am-2am • Pancake Breakfast, 9am-12pm
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
15
LET THE FUR FLY!
Where the Bears Are webseries a hairy murder mystery Rick Copp, Joe Dietl, Ian Parks and Ben Zook, Photo by JayPGPhotography
By Evan Kayne Where the Bears Are is a new webseries coming online in August, and in the words of producer/ actor Ben Zook, “...it follows the story of three bear roommates who live in the gay trendy neighbourhood of Silver Lake in Los Angeles. We wake up the next day after a wild party and we find a dead bear in our bathtub. We spend the entire season trying to solve the murder because we become suspects. We have to clear our name and find out who the real killer is.” It’s twentyfive 4-5 minute episodes...and it’s all one continuous story filled with funny or sexy bears.. Ben, who also plays one of the leads (“Nelson”), writer/producer Rick Copp (“Reggie”) and director/ producer Joe Dietl (“Wood” and Ben’s real life husband) have years of experience working in front of and behind the camera. Given their history in the entertainment industry, I wondered how different is it writing a short scene which is a standalone episode.
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
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the promotions, the editing, the casting; but even then it has been pretty stress free, Ben said. Furthermore, because of their industry contacts, they did manage to get a few actors or comedians as guest stars (look for Tuc Watkins, Bruce Daniels, and Shawn Pelofsky among others), as long as they worked around the actor’s location and schedule. “You make it very easy for the actor, and they’re like Okay, sure that sounds like fun.” They didn’t try to cram the first season with stars. The problem is that the show is an unknown element; however once they see what the tone of the show is, they should have more celebrity cameos (including a possible Margaret Cho appearance). The fur starts flying August 1, with new episodes coming online every Monday and Thursday for twelve weeks. Fans can like “Where The Bears Are” on Facebook. Additionally, depending on the reception, it could be ongoing, Ben said. “We definitely want to do other seasons and each season would be a murder mystery.” The long term plan is to release the episodes all together as one continuous story – or as Ben calls it, “season one”. Watch and enjoy it, but try not to get too attached to any of the bears you see...after all, one could be a...killer bear. Ian Parks, Rick Copp, Joe Dietl and Ben Zook, Photo by JayPGPhotography)
Where the Bears Are
“It’s been really fun, because you can get right to the point. You have to cram in a lot in 5 minutes.” Ben has experience in sketch comedy – he went to Second City in Chicago. “When you come from that background it’s easier to...think of every episode like a comedy sketch. With this show we always end with a little bit of a cliffhanger for the next episode. They are self-contained...in each episode, we’re looking for a specific clue, we go and investigate it, funny things happen, and that leads us to the next clue.”
http://www.wherethebearsare.tv
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The story behind the series is inspiring, because with their experience and contacts, the three of them did it themselves without studio or network assistance. Fortunately, Ben, Rick and Joe were at the stage of their careers where they could buy the equipment they needed. “You get so frustrated trying to get stuff set up because you have to sell it to studios or production companies...we really wanted to do something where no one could say no to it. So we went ahead and bought the camera, the lights, all the equipment. The technology has gotten great, you can make things look pretty good ...for a relatively low amount of money.” Being able to produce it cheaply because equipment costs have come down, and having a distribution network (the Internet) evoked a comparison in Ben’s mind to the Golden Age of Television. “Anyone can have their own television show now....it’s like Andy Warhol’s words are coming true. Everyone will be famous. Everyone can do their own TV show now just with their own computer...it’s an exciting time for anyone who’s funny or creative or can write or act, because now with the technology, you can just put it out there.” As well, a small web series like this allows Ben the freedom to craft a story he may not have had the chance to do on larger productions. “It’s incredibly freeing and it’s one of the most gratifying things we’ve done. I do mainly screenplays, and as a writer of movies, it’s just gruelling. It takes forever.” You’ll end up with notes from your manager or agent, notes from a producer, notes from a studio, notes from the star. To be able to do what they want, what makes them laugh is satisfying. “Obviously we want to make enough money to do another season...but the goal creatively is what’s going to make us laugh our asses off and have fun and make everyone else laugh.” You don’t have the pressures to make it more commercial or sacrifice your vision. As you watch the series, you’ll probably notice the chemistry between the three leads. As they all know each other through either marriage or friendship. There can be good points and bad points to having the social connection. “Joe and I have been partners for 18 years now...we’ve always kind of avoided working together creatively, because you just don’t want to jeopardize the relationship.” Over the years they slowly dipped their toes into working together, and this is the first time they’ve been equal partners. Ben and Joe have alternated the roles of actor and director before, yet this is the first time they’ve collaborated with Rick, and it has gone quite well. Usually if there is any stress, it’s not with the creative side, it’s with
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
17
Event
Red Deer Pride By Carey Rutherford Is it the first or not? Has Red Deer had official Pride events before? You need to ask what the heck “official” means to answer that question. Jennifer Vanderschaeghe of the Central Alberta AIDS Network Society (CAANS) clearly doesn’t want to minimize the efforts of previous event organizers. “There have certainly been lots of gay or queer pride activities that have happened in Red Deer over the last 30 years. But this is the first one CAANS has organized. “CAANS is the regional HIV organization responsible for doing all of the HIV prevention and support in Central Alberta, and we’ve been around since 1988. We were one of the first five HIV organizations in the province, along with AIDS Calgary, HIV Edmonton, HIV North and the Lethbridge HIV Connection.” Red Deer has had many events in the past decades to celebrate the Pride passage, but not one so centrally organized as this year’s effort. Jennifer thinks it’s partly because of the city’s unique location. “Red Deer’s tricky, and I think part of it is the geography of the province. Our organizations are smaller than Lethbridge or Grand Prairie probably because we’re so close to Calgary and Edmonton, and we can go to Calgary tonight and see the drag show, and meet our friends or date somebody, and don’t have to find that connection in the queer community here. Certainly we’ve been working with whatever there has been (here) for organizations, but the organizations have come and gone.” She mentions (as an example) that The Great Alberta CampOuts ran for years just outside of Red Deer, more recently called The Western Canadian Pride Festival. With regional postering and advertising in magazines like this one, it served as a focal point, to some degree, for the Red Deer LGBTQ community. Now, however, the main planner has left for greener pastures, and CAANS has taken on the job. To use an entrepreneurial metaphor, someone’s got to drive the bus, and it’s CAANS’ turn to do so. Mason McColl, CAANS’ Gay and Bi-Men’s Outreach Worker, describes what the layout of the newly organized Red Deer Pride Days will look like: “The first evening we have a scavenger hunt, a walking around downtown Red Deer kind of thing; the second evening there’ll be a movie screening (a queer movie, in case you’re wondering, and it’s a surprise!); and we’re doing a barbeque
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
for the closing night, followed by a Bike Cruise (a decorated bicycle parade).” CAANS is still getting input on the physicality people are interested in for such a parade: as some people will be on roller blades, some on longboards (skateboards to us oldies), some on bikes; so they are still looking for community opinions on how much of the extensive Red Deer bike path system they’ll be accessing. To express those opinions, get them on Twitter, Facebook, phone, or drop by the office in person. Don’t blink though: it’s coming up fast: Tuesday August 14th to Thursday the 16th. Tuesday and Wednesday nights start at 7pm, and the Barbeque will start at 6pm. During that time, participants will be able to decorate their different modes of transport, and CAANS will actually supply decorations if you need it. At about 7:30pm, the parade begins. And all the events are free. “We’re trying to connect people who live in and around Red Deer,” Jennifer continues. “We’re not necessarily trying to only connect with people who spend a lot of time in the bar. There’s families, and there’s youth, and Red Deer’s small: we need to be inclusive of people who can’t (or don’t want to) get into bars. There’s options really close, here in town, or in Calgary or Edmonton, for people who want to do that. Queer families (and youth) in Red Deer don’t necessarily get a lot of options to connect with others. “The reality is that if we’re going to do this, we should do this in a way that fits well for everybody.”
CAANS 4611 – 50th Avenue • Red Deer, AB Twitter @CAANSRedDeer • Facebook: RedDeerPrideDays Email: queer@caans.org • Phone: 1-877-346-8858 Red Deer Pride Tue, Aug 14th – Thu, Aug 16th
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Event
Dyke March Stronger Than Ever
More visible location spurs more to march By Krista Sylvester They say there is strength in numbers, but in this case there is also strength in visibility, and with visibility there will be numbers. The third annual Calgary Dyke March expects over 400 participants to join in this year’s event - double the number they had two years ago. And the reason is simple, says Calgary Dyke March’s own Juliet Burgess; this year the dyke march will be much more visible as the group’s request to the mayor’s office garnered them the coveted 4th Street SW – a trendy street where the lilac festival thrives in May, coffee-clad Calgarians enjoy daily walks and eateries burst at the seams. “As a new event, we were offered sub-par routes by the city: the first year we walked on the sidewalk of a lesser known part of Stephen Avenue to Century Gardens,” Burgess explains. “The second year, we were allowed half of the street, and this year we were offered what we thought was a step backwards: the river walkway or the same halfstreet visibility on Stephen Avenue.” So the group decided to do something about it, and after suffering through some frustrating back and forth dialogue with the city, they decided to go straight to Mayor Naheed Nenshi himself, writing his office a letter with a simple request; visibility. “They responded immediately and have been helpful ever since,” Burgess says, adding they received their requested location. “Visibility is one of the three pillars of our event, so this location is very important for us and a step forward.” (The other two pillars being community and respect.) And although the march has been growing in numbers despite losing queer-friendly spaces in the city (including gay bars Sapien and Fab) Burgess says it’s more important than ever to support the gay community which can still thrive by hosting gay-friendly events. “It’s so important for Calgary’s queer community to keep organizing events like this, especially now that we’re seeing a lull in dedicated queer spaces,” Burgess says. “Events like this serve as a way to connect a small community of people and bring them together to discuss shared experiences. It reminds queer women that we are not alone in those experiences and frustrations.”
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2011 Dyke March, photo by Steve Polyak, GayCalgary Magazine
Especially because queer women are marginalized in many aspects of life, even including in the gay community, Burgess adds. “It’s a chance to bring together a community that doesn’t get many opportunities to do so. It’s also a chance to raise visibility about issues that uniquely affect queer women, like abuse, sexual health, sexism and racism.” Dyke marches have been around since 1981 in North America; Vancouver held the first documented march ever, followed by Toronto and then the US. Nevertheless, it’s still relatively new for Calgary. Although the event takes place during Calgary Pride week, it is not affiliated with Pride Calgary. It happens on September 1st at noon. More information can be found on their website.
The Calgary Dyke March Sat, Sept 1st, noon http://www.calgarydykemarch.com
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Review
Photos by Jean Kim
Dumbass Filmmakers, but Funny Show By Evan Kayne A new web series now available online, Dumbass Filmmakers, stars Hunter Lee Hughes as wacky installation artist Harrison DeWinter, a man with a vision of making a movie which will inspire others to save the environment, protest injustice, and embrace bisexuality. While it is a comedy, a lot of the elements are drawn from the experiences Hunter has had in Los Angeles as an artist. He, along with co-producer Elizabeth Gordon, had just produced their first short film - Winner Takes All- and to a certain degree they felt like dumbasses. “There’s just such a steep learning curve with filmmaking. You just throw yourself into the deep end and see how you swim. There were so many occasions where one or both of us felt like we don’t know what we’re doing,” and their previous experience provided the initial idea for the new series. The character of Harrison is drawn from a personality that Hunter has encountered many times – someone with little talent but an over-abundance of enthusiasm. “I definitely think that Los Angeles is filled with people like Harrison. What makes Harrison a winner...even though he may not be that smart or, as you say, may not be that competent, he is going after his dream, and he’s doing it in a way that feels authentic to him.” Hunter admires the character for that reason, and it doesn’t make him quick to judge his objectives. The series has hit a nerve - many people have told Hunter similar stories of running into their own “Harrison DeWinters”. Yet while we may laugh at him, the hope is we sympathize with the main character. “It was important to me that he be a three dimensional character. There are things about his experience and his life that I relate to. I’m an artist also, I’m not a millionaire...I’ve fallen in love just like he falls in love. So there’s a lot of ways we are similar. I think as an actor you have to set aside how everyone else may perceive that character. You just love the character and go for the things that are human and similar about the two of you. That’s the way you build a character that people end up relating to or laughing at.” The fact Harrison comes up against his own limitations (and seems oblivious about it) is part of the comedy.
As with other web series I’ve watched, it is interesting to see productions realizing that we’re living in a time where the cost of recording equipment has dropped and the Internet, a large distribution network, is at their fingertips ready to be used. You can make a series at a fraction of the cost it took ten, even five years ago. While Hunter won’t get into specific numbers, he does tell me it’s getting easier. When he made his first short film Winner Takes All, it was 17 minutes. Less than 2 years later, making Dumbass Filmmakers (which runs 68 minutes when all the episodes are added up) cost less than half that of the first film. “Definitely, if you want to do something yourself, it’s possible now, and really there’s no excuse not to anymore.” That being said, Hunter, like many smaller filmmakers, is completely aware that he cannot compete at a higher level of spectacle. So, while production values may not be at the same calibre as Hollywood blockbusters, he and other filmmakers realize there is a demand for good stories. “What I can do is invest a lot of my time and energy developing a story and developing characters so they’re three dimensional, they’re real, they’re interesting. Sometimes I feel like because they can, some Hollywood studio movies pay so much (attention) to spectacle that weirdly enough they don’t put enough time or energy into really figuring things out with the story and the characters.” “I think there is a new aesthetic being developed where...the production value is a little lower but the characters, the story are more quirky and more interesting. The people might actually...end up valuing that more than that blockbuster experience. There’s something about that blockbuster experience that feels too empty, too perfect.” That may be because people putting together these blockbuster spectacles are “very far away from the real lives of people like you and me. It’s hard for them to be in touch with that part of themselves anymore because they’re dealing with so much money, they’re dealing with so much power politics that it’s hard for them to relate to an everyday human experience. People who are closer to that experience are going to be better at telling stories about it.” Funny enough, after watching the first few episodes, I have to say that all the characters, even Harrison, do grow on you. It’s witty , well done, well scripted, well acted (it doesn’t hurt that the male leads are cute) and overall a great piece of entertainment. Maybe this film won’t make you want to save the environment, protest injustice, and embrace bisexuality like the character Harrison would want you to do, but it will make you want to tell the actor Hunter “thanks - for creating a great story.”
Something to which we can all relate, I’m sure. Furthermore, as Hunter tells me, in Los Angeles there is a divide between people who are involved with slick, multi-million dollar Hollywood productions and all the other artists and actors who are just scraping by. Many of the artists in this latter category may have real skills, but because they haven’t been recognized yet, are asking that same question - “am I good enough? Do I have that level of talent?”
Dumbass Filmmakers http://www.dumbassfilmmakers.com
It’s kind of dangerous when you start relating to a ridiculous character like Harrison, because then you’ll ask those same questions of yourself, Hunter says. That what he’s aiming for - the type of humour that makes you think.
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
21
Interview
Eva Simons, photos by Nick Farrell
Introducing Eva Simons Rising pop star talks gay influences, doing Pride and her big hair By Chris Azzopardi It’s hard to talk about Eva Simons without mentioning her hair. That towering mohawk is as big as her voice, which guests on will.i.am’s single “This Is Love.” With Simons’ debut due this fall, the Dutch up-and-comer chatted about her recent Pride gig, how gay people influence her and the hair, of course. GC: How much hairspray do you go through? ES: A lot! You know how they say you can’t bring flammable things on the plane? I think those things are flammable but I have to bring them, otherwise I can’t do my hair. Is that legal? I don’t know! But I need it. I need my European hairspray. It’s very important. GC: How tall is your hair? ES: Eight inches. My brother was measuring it the other day. He wanted to know. GC: That’s bigger than the average penis. ES: (Laughs) Oh my god, is it really? Well, good to know. I’m huge! GC: How aware are you of your gay fan base? ES: I wasn’t very aware until I performed at gay Pride in New York recently. That was when I was aware; they gave me so much love. GC: Is that the first time you received that kind of reception from a gay audience? ES: I mean, I always have! Ever since my first record, “Silly Boy,” they really believed in me. It’s always nice when people get
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you, especially in the gay community where they are so much about people being misunderstood. I totally understand that. GC: You used to go to gay clubs when your mom, who’s also a singer, used to perform at them. What do you remember? ES: I was just mesmerized by them. They were always so original and ahead of the game with the creativity. That always inspired me to always think ahead. I don’t want to be old news with my music; I want to be current and fresh so people can relate. And the freedom! Sometimes life can feel like a closet. GC: Have you ever come out of the closet, so to speak? ES: Yeah, especially before I did my hair. When I did my hair, I was like, “Yes! I’m free.” And everybody’s gonna have an opinion about it, and I don’t care. GC: One of your biggest influences is Madonna. What kind of influence has she had on your music? ES: Madonna is Madonna. It’s just there. It’s Madonna. I think everybody has been influenced by her. She’s just amazing. She’s so professional, beautiful and I really like her voice. People can say whatever they want to say but I really enjoy listening to her. She is a go-getter and that’s inspiring. GC: Is there a song of hers that changed your life? ES: “Secret.” She showed a different side of her when she did that song. I like that she can do anything but she’s still her. GC: What kind of effect do you hope to have on pop music? ES: I don’t know if I want to have an effect on it. I just know that I want to have a good time, I want to be happy and I want to share that. I want to share happiness and I want to make something people can relate to. GC: What’s the word on your debut album? ES: I’m finalizing it now and I really hope that we can release it in September. It’s unfiltered, on real subjects. It’s gonna be me and you really have to be into my sound to like it, of course. If you’re into “I Don’t Like You” and “Renegade,” you’re going to really like this album. GC: How would you describe yourself? ES: I have a big mouth, I am very energetic and I’m very positive. To me, that’s just what everybody should be like – be free, be positive. And just fucking enjoy yourself. Stop complaining! GC: What’re some of your vices? ES: I like chocolate, but who doesn’t? So that’s boring. I like to keep my shoes neat. I brush them. Is that weird? I like everything neat. On tour, it’s horrible: Sometimes you have to have a shirt and you can’t wash it till next week – but I want to wash it! I will find a washing machine to wash my stuff. I love
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things to be clean and neat. It keeps me still inside. It’s like meditation. GC: Bad habits? ES: I eat all the flesh next to my nails. Not till they bleed, but it’s still really horrible. And I can’t shut up. When other people talk, I’ll talk through them. I’m very about my music so some people call that selfish; I just call that dedication. GC: Finish this sentence: If it weren’t for music, I’d be... ES: … dead. I’d probably be dead. It speaks to the soul, man. There would be nothing without music – no birds singing, nothing. It would be really weird. The world would be very cold. GC: If you were gay, who would you be gay for? ES: (Laughs) I would be gay for... oh, man. Let’s see. I think that everybody picks Angelina Jolie. Boring, boring. But she’s a very pretty woman! GC: Craziest thing you can do with your body? ES: I can move my back like a snake. I can pull it all the way up. Apparently when we were all babies my grandma stretched us immensely and now we’re all super stretchy and bendy. Putting my feet in the back of my neck is easy for me. GC: If you could have written any song in pop music history, which would you choose? ES: All the songs from Queen, all the songs of Michael Jackson, all the songs of Chaka Khan. (Laughs) GC: You’d be, like, 80. ES: Yeah, I know. And I would have a lot of publishing rights!
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
23
Interview
Emeli Sandé, photos by Capitol Records
Emeli Sandé: Her Version of Events
Singer on gay following, Adele comparisons and going from medicine to music
ES: I knew quite a few gay people. I used to study medicine in Glasgow, and there are a lot of gay people in the chorus. I had a good time with them! (Laughs) We used to speak about Mariah Carey together. There’s also a really great art school in Glasgow. I love fashion and I love meeting new designers, and a lot of the students were gay. I always find them part of a creative community. GC: Do you have a gay best friend? ES: I do, actually. He’s a doctor. We studied together, so he was my
Mariah buddy and I speak to him about Leona Lewis and all the big singers. We would just speak forever about singing, and he comes to all my shows. He made T-shirts one time with my name and face on it. He’s a big fan.
By Chris Azzopardi
GC: How do you feel about comparisons to other artists like Whitney, Beyoncé and Adele?
The rebirth of the big voice is about to get a new star: Emeli Sandé, a Scottish import who, naturally, is already adored by the gays. Sandé’s debut, featuring breakout hits “Heaven” and “Next to Me,” is a throwback to the days of the mere voice. No flash, no meat dress.
ES: All these artists are incredible and they’re all so successful, so it feels nice that people are putting me in the same kind of census as these people. But everyone is so different. If you really listen to people’s music separately, we’re all coming from different places and we write differently and our careers are going in different paths. For me, it’s just really flattering; being a newcomer and having people draw those comparisons is fantastic.
Touring with Coldplay over the summer, Sandé caught up with us to chat about connecting with her gay fans, comparisons to Adele (and having the same first name as the superstar), and performing at a gay club the night Whitney Houston died.
GC: Are you feeling the gay love? ES: Yeah, it’s been amazing to see so many people from the gay
community coming to the shows.
GC: Why do you think they’re in love with you? ES: I’m not sure. What I do is a wee bit different. I want to speak
for everybody. I come from a place where I was so different, and maybe people can relate to that in some way.
GC: Why did you feel like an outsider? ES: I grew up in a small village in Scotland and we were the only
mixed-race family, and I felt very different. I really found a community within music, and I found my voice through music, so I definitely know how it feels to be the odd one out or to be the underdog. I needed to sing. It was more than just a hobby for me.
GC: What do you remember most from your performance at Heaven,
a gay club in London?
ES: I remember a lot from it. Whitney Houston just died five minutes
before I went on stage, so it was a bizarre feeling because the club was called Heaven and I was singing “Heaven” and Whitney Houston had just died. It was such a bizarre night for me, but I really felt a real connection to the crowd there. I want to go back and enjoy it a bit more this next time.
GC: What’s been your relationship with gay men throughout your life? Did you know many in Scotland?
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GC: You chose your middle name, Emeli, as your stage name, because your first is actually Adele. Two Adeles can’t be a bad thing though, right? ES: It would have been hard to distinguish myself as an artist. It was three years ago, before I’d released anything promotionally, and then I heard her name and thought, “Oh, we can both have the same name.” And then she won the Critics’ Choice at the BRIT Awards and she did bigger and bigger things; she’s humungous. I think (the name change) is a good thing in retrospect. GC: Is there pressure to be the next big thing? ES: Yeah, a wee bit. I feel pressure because no one’s done what Adele’s
done in the past 20, 30 years; that level of success is a bit mind-blowing to me, but I love that people believe in me and in the music. I can really only take that as a positive. I never want to set a benchmark for myself against another artist. I’m on my own journey and I’ll see what happens.
GC: What music did you grow up listening to? ES: I loved the voices: Whitney, Mariah, Anita Baker – people who had
these incredible voices. As I got a bit older, when I was 8 or 9, my dad introduced me to people like Nina Simone and Tracy Chapman, where it was more about the tone of the voice. I fell in love with Nina Simone as soon as I heard her, and she really inspired me to play an instrument and to write and to speak about what’s going on in the world around you.
GC: When did you decide to make music your career? ES: Really young. I definitely knew I wanted to be a singer, but I
definitely knew that I wanted an education before I went into the music
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world, so I studied medicine always knowing I wanted to do music eventually.
GC: How did you come up with the title Our Version of Events? ES: I was staying with the producer that I worked with, we were
having breakfast, and people were asking me what the title of the album is. Then we were being told you have to play by these rules in the industry, you have to do this, that and the other. He said, “Well, this is our version of events, so we’re gonna do it how we do it.” I loved that defiance. These were stories I wanted to tell; they were stories that we thought maybe other people would want told for them, to give a voice to people who might not feel represented on radio. It just sounded like the perfect title of the album. This is our version of events, and maybe I can speak for other people through my stories.
GC: What inspired the album? ES: Definitely relationships. Romantic relationships as well as just
how people love one another. I really wanted to write songs like “Breaking the Law” because we’re in a society right now where there are a lot of rules, and I would hate for people to lose that human instinct, that courage, to just love somebody or really be there for somebody despite everything that tells them not to.
ES: That was when I was 8, and I don’t think you could call it songwriting, but it was about this alien that came from space and spread love and joy around the world. (Laughs) It was quite good. GC: What can we expect from your set when you open for Coldplay? And what do you think of the band? ES: I’m a big fan of them. I did a lot of studying to their music, and lyrically and melodically they’re just amazing; it’s no surprise they’re so successful. I’m really honored to be opening up for them and working with them. But my set is going to be a lot fuller than the gigs we’re doing here at the moment, which are just really stripped back and acoustic. We’ll have the full band on stage. It’s introducing my music to people – stadiums full of Coldplay fans. I’m looking forward to it. GC: What’s your idea of heaven? ES: There’d be a lot of music, but also everything would be very fair.
There wouldn’t be the inequality we see in the world. Very fair and lots of melodies. And wine!
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GC: Favorite song from the album? ES: “Clown.” For me, as I get older, it means something more. You
have to try and risk being the clown if you want to be anything. If you play everything safe you’re never going to get there. I love “Clown” because it reminds me to really go for it.
GC: What are your songwriting must-haves? ES: I need some red wine – that’s definitely something I need. And it
has to be after 10 o’ clock at night. Those are the two conditions. I need to be around people I can trust, people that I can just talk about stupid stuff with or get really deep, and there will be no judgment.
GC: Think back to the first song you wrote. What was it about?
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
25
Trans-Identity
Invalidation By Mercedes Allen It’s okay if it happens to somebody who’s trans. That’s the overall aim of invalidation: to rationalize and justify treating someone as less than human, or at least disqualifying them from being seen as a “deserving” human. It’s a pretty clear indicator of when genuine oppression is occurring, and has been used to beat down racial groups, sexual minorities, women, the poor, the unemployed, immigrants, the incarcerated, the disabled, the elderly, youth, sex workers, people of unpopular faiths or traditions, and far more. Abuse, violence and disenfranchisement are dismissed as okay, because something about an individual’s characteristics can be twisted to seem “deserving” of oppression. And in our society, it’s still often okay if it happens to somebody who’s trans. A Swedish District Court Judge dismissed primary charges (some lesser charges remained) against a man who brutally beat a woman and ripped off her clothes while intending to rape her, ruling that since she turned out to be transsexual, no rape could have occurred. It’s okay if it happens to somebody who’s trans. A Nova Scotia man was recently denied health care funding for a hysterectomy - his gynaecologist recommended the procedure after finding polyps, but because he’s transitioning to male, Medical Services Insurance deemed the procedure “unnecessary” because they considered it a part of his transition. It’s okay if it happens to somebody who’s trans. In India, a case that raises mixed questions about consent also illuminates the fact that trans women can’t press charges for rape (defined as being perpetrated by a man against a woman), and they could instead be charged with engaging in “unnatural sex acts” any time they have sex. It’s okay if it happens to somebody who’s trans. Also in India, a three-year legal battle over an electoral seat reserved for a woman resulted in the disqualification of the Mayor-elect, since the court deemed that she didn’t qualify. It’s okay if it happens to somebody who’s trans. In Minneapolis, a woman was attacked outside a bar, and when she was singled out for violence, she stabbed her attacker in selfdefence - CeCe McDonald is now serving time in a mens’ prison for manslaughter. It’s okay if it happens to somebody who’s trans. Lack of police care and attention in collecting evidence and forming a case led to the full acquittal of the accused following the murder of Victoria Carmen White. It’s okay if it happens to somebody who’s trans. A woman is suing the D.C. police department for housing her with male prisoners. It didn’t matter that a 2007 D.C. policy mandated that transitioning and transgender detainees be housed separately; it didn’t matter that as a post-operative woman (which is where the law often sets the benchmark), the same policy would recognize her as female; it didn’t matter that trans women face an exceptionally high incidence of rape and sexual harassment in prison. The lawsuit claims that marshals placed Shaw in a holding cell with approximately 30 other men who were going to traffic court. “Several of the men in the holding cell touched Ms. Shaw inappropriately, verbally harassed and propositioned her, threatened to punch her if she did not show her breasts to them, and shook their penises at her,” it reads. Shaw also claims that she was forced to urinate in a cup in “full view of the men in the holding cell.” She further states that a male detainee to whom she was chained touched her “inappropriately several times” as they went into D.C. Superior Court. Shaw
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said that the marshals told the man to stop harassing her and instructed her to ignore him. She alleges that the male detainee continued to harass her and the marshals “did not take any further action.” But our society does not get outraged. It’s okay if it happens to somebody who’s trans. After awhile, it becomes a mantra. After awhile, this seems so commonplace and we become so numbed to it all, that it starts to become a part of our worldview - that this is “just the way it is.” The objective is to isolate the minority; keep it defeated and dejected; keep potential allies from caring. This is the price of invalidation. Whether it is our allies or enemies dehumanizing us, or ourselves - we do it to each other, and turn it inward on ourselves because our sense of worth has been damaged - it discourages us from standing up for ourselves. It makes us feel hopeless. It tells us that we “might as well not bother” trying to rise above the gutter we’ve been thrown in. But it’s not okay. It’s not okay, and it’s changing. In recent years as advances in trans advocacy have been taking place, as we’ve become more visible and represented in arts, media and culture, we’ve made major strides forward. But these strides are still vulnerable to that ongoing impulse in our society to invalidate, erase and undermine. Real and lasting change can’t take place until we’ve confronted this eternal cycle. This is why it matters when we are misgendered. This is why it matters when people dismiss our entire identity as though it were a figment of our imagination, or a game, or wilful deception. This is why words like “tranny” matter - not because of the word itself, but because of the dismissive tone and intent to dehumanize that most often weaponizes it. This is why it matters when we are not allowed to speak for ourselves, but rather told to be silent while our experiences are interpreted by cis leaders and academics and film directors who present themselves as higher authorities, however well-meaning they might be and however clumsy our initial actions might be. This is why it matters when a medical diagnosis is used to negate any right we have to speak for ourselves and articulate our experiences. This is why it matters how invalidation silences (which was the whole point); how cumulative invalidation causes people to give up, withdraw, stop speaking their truths as they understand them; stop showing that their actual narratives are far different from the garish and terrifying caricatures they’re painted with. This is why it matters when communication breaks down to the point of indifference / rage and people disconnect into a rage brigade vs. “whatever. Cue the rage brigade in 3... 2... 1...” This works because we have become used to society invalidating trans people at every step. It works because the real / not real argument provides excuses, both from outside our various communities and within. This is why invalidation triggers us. And why we need to stop doing the same to others. And why the single most important thing our allies can do is join with us in ending it, working toward the day that these things become just as wrong when the victim is trans as it is when the victim is any other class of person.
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
27
Politics
The New Religious Right By Stephen Lock For years, GLBTQ activists spoke out against the heterosexism and often virulent homophobia issuing out of evangelical, fundamentalist, and conservative Christian leaders’ mouths and over the Internet. Every time there was even a small advance in GLBTQ rights, we were met with high-profile resistance from the Christian Right who railed against what they saw as the legitimization of perversion and sin. We still face organized opposition from the Christian Right, make no mistake about that. However, we now face an emerging front of fresh attacks from fundamentalist and conservative Muslims conducting what they believe to be jihad against the perversions and corruption of the West. Homosexuality, and the growing acceptance of it, is right up there. Calgary recently was host to an international conference entitled “Power of Unity” sponsored by the Muslim Council of Calgary to celebrate a history of 50 years of what they refer to as “integralization” of the estimated 80,000 Calgary Muslims into the greater Canadian community. This in and of itself was a worthwhile undertaking and that history is something to celebrate. However, the event was overshadowed by the inclusion of Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips, a Jamaican-born but Canadian-raised Qatarbased hard line dai, or missionary, suspected (and I stress ‘suspected’) of having ties to various Islamist groups and individuals, who preaches
sexually-active homosexuals should, according to Shari’a law, be put to death. He was asked to leave Kenya earlier this year after Kenyan authorities cited “security concerns” over his presence. He is barred from entering the UK or Australia and Germany instituted a life-long ban after he visited that country last year and lectured on Shari’a, including the code’s call for executing homosexuals. Predictably, the Muslim Council of Calgary (which, rather ironically, shares initials - MCC - with the largest queer-oriented church in North America, the Metropolitan Community Church, which, at one time, had two congregations in Calgary), has defended their decision to include Philips, stating, “Although this conference has been targeted by what can only seem to us to be nothing more than willful mischaracterizations of past unrelated comments by some of our speakers, those subjects will not be a part of our conference. However, those who attend will soon discover that our speakers are more than willing and able to speak for themselves.” The Council goes on to say, “’The Power of Unity’ will focus on what we believe to be both Canada’s and Islam’s greatest strength, our multiculturalism. Although there are strident voices being raised - often among Canada’s mainstream media - to deny that fact, one of the most important perspectives Canada brings to the world stage, a perspective that would do the entire world much good to hear, is that in Canada our Canadian identity does not require that we be identical to each other. Instead, Canada is a country where our different parts have come together and make a greater whole.” While Canada does, in fact, bring the enviable quality of disparate perspectives being able to, over all, live in harmony and peace to the world stage, and having a “Canadian identity” does not mean assimilation but, rather, integration, the Council was being somewhat disingenuous. Mainstream media and other critics were not, in fact, decrying multiculturalism here. Rather, they quite rightly were raising concerns about the radical views of one of MCC’s invited speakers and legitimately questioning his inclusion. And it had little to do with him being Muslim. Similar concerns were raised when British Member of Parliament George Galloway was invited to speak at various institutions and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney took steps to deny him entry into Canada based on Galloway’s support for the terrorist organization, Hamas (to which Galloway reputedly donated $45,000 - an allegation he denies). Philips is the son of a Christian preacher who converted to Salafiyyah Islam, a strict puritanical Sunni sect within Islam, in 1977. During the 2011 Toronto Pride Week, while speaking at ‘Journey of Faith’, an annual Islamic conference attracting a reputed 9,000 participants, Philips was quoted as saying that homosexuals caught in the act should be executed in countries governed by Islamic, or Shari’a, law and then defended that view by stating such views could not be wrong since they were Islamic law. In a May 2011 YouTube broadcast he speaks about the argument that homosexuality is a ‘natural inclination’ and suggests human beings also can have inclinations towards pedophilia, or inclinations towards rape, or murder. We’ve seen the same red herring arguments from homophobic Christians. They’re ridiculed when used by them and likewise should be ridiculed when used by anyone else.
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“In Islamic law, the punishment for homosexuality is no different from the punishment for adultery, fornication...and that punishment is death, it is looked at as a deviation....it is punishment for deviant behaviour which threatens the family structure of a society. To protect that family, Islamic law is very severe but, of course, it requires four witnesses...” Well...that’s comforting to know. In a YouTube broadcast posted in Sept 2011 he states towards the end of his talk, “...I went through their genetic arguments and all the different arguments and showed that they were false. So...I’ve ‘attacked’ the homosexuals, according to their, you know, judgement, because for them it is not enough [for us] to say okay we accept you. You have the right to make your choice. No, they’re saying don’t even say anything against us. Not only toleration, we want to be respected and liked! And they have now introduced into the educational systems of the West... uhmm...in the States, kids in Grade 1, on the East Coast, have a book which is called My Two Dads [groans and gasps from the audience]. Yeah. Grade 1. My Two Dads. In it, Johnny has two dads, you know, and Tommy has a dad and a mom. But Johnny’s two dads, they’re really great guys, you know. They take him to the beach, they take him to the playground, they take him here, they take him there...you know, to get the children used to the idea of two dads. In England, the book they have is called The Prince. Grade 1, Grade 2 students. The kingdom of so-and-so, they had a prince who they were trying to get a wife for -- the parents were bring this young beautiful princess and this one and...but no, no....he didn’t like this one. Finally, he met another prince and they liked each other and were close and da-da-da [laughter]...ah yeah...very subtlely feeding these ideas into the society. So, yeah, they’re coming at that civilization, you know, coming at them in full force. In full force! And of course, it’s coming at us too because from there it comes to us. It’s just a matter of time.”
about what is in Islamic law...a system he supports and advocates on behalf of, by the way. Shari’a law is not found in the Qu’ran, which according to Muslim beliefs is the actual word of G-d dictated to the Prophet Mohammed by the archangel Gabriel, word for word. Shari’a law came later and was based on interpretations and discussions, similar to those engaged in by contemporary Talmudic rabbis, in the Middle Ages. It’s academic opinion, not divine revelation. Like evangelical and fundamentalist Christian pastors who come under scrutiny and attack for their anti-gay views, Philips plays the martyr card. He’s the one being discriminated against. He’s the one being victimized. He conjures up this phantom bogeyman of the homosexual juggernaut bearing down on believers, suppressing them, and influencing political and social policy throughout the West. And, as it is with bigots or just garden-variety ignoramuses who cover themselves in the blanket of Christianity, it’s hogwash. This doesn’t make the threat of fundamentalism, be it Christian or Muslim, any less of a threat nor should we drop our guard against this latest manifestation simply for fear of appearing Islamophobic. Islamophobia is real and we, as a community, need to align ourselves with those fighting against it. As a community we are intimately aware of the damage such insidiousness causes; in that the GLBTQ community and the Muslim community can unite, just as we can unite with others against anti-Semitism and racism. At the same time, though, we must continue to speak out against attacks, however veiled and however rationalized, against us and do so with confidence and without fear. Those within the communities with which we may very well have much in common who engage in homophobic attacks need to be exposed and countered. And doing so does not - should not - mean we are counter-attacking an entire faith community or any community.
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Philips maintains, of course, he never advocated executing homosexuals or that he’s a homophobe. All he was doing was talking
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
29
Gossip
Amber Heard , photo by Peter Mountain.
Deep Inside Hollywood Amber Heard in talks for Paranoia By Romeo San Vicente Recession still got you down? Ever thought of branching out and going into the corporate spying business? Well, according to Joseph Finder’s best-selling novel Paranoia, this is something you might consider. And both lesbian actress Amber Heard and Hunger Games star Liam Hemsworth are considering taking roles in the film version, to be directed by gay filmmaker Robert Luketic (Legally Blonde). The story involves a blue-collar worker who becomes a corporate spy and gets himself into hot water as a result. And a hot supporting cast of A-listers like Gary Oldman and Harrison Ford are already on board, which means that the source material – the kind of pulpy thriller you see left on airplanes after a crosscountry flight – might be getting the kind of first-class treatment every author dreams of when selling a book to Hollywood. One request, respectfully submitted: If Heard winds up moving beyond the discussion phase, could she please play someone who has something to do instead of just the passive wife or girlfriend? Everyone’s ready for that by this point, right? Magic Mike and the Spice Girls coming to the stage Not ones to let the bachelorette party wind down so soon, Steven Soderbergh and Channing Tatum are about to extend stripper drama Magic Mike’s life to Broadway as a musical. Working with Magic screenwriter Reid Carolin, the producing pair hopes to have a working, functioning show up on stage by the summer of 2013 starring hard-bodied guys who can not only bump and grind but sing their hearts out, as well. Just don’t call it The Full Monty 2. Now, if Mamma Mia! 2 is the first thing that comes to mind when you learn about Viva Forever!, who could blame you? The long-gestating Spice Girls jukebox musical, written by Absolutely Fabulous co-creator Jennifer Saunders, opens on London’s West End in December of this year and is not a rehash of the supergroup’s fantasy biopic Spice World. Instead, like Mamma Mia!, it’ll focus on a group of women whose lives are reflected in Spice Girls songs. Makes sense because, you know, girl power and all. And if nothing 30
GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
else, it’s a reason to hope that the Mayans were wrong about 2012. Because you know you want to see this one. The Sound of Music climbs every delivery platform It began its life as a stage musical and became an award-winning box office smash movie that found enduring life as a perennial TV favorite and then new popularity as a Rocky Horror Picture Showstyle sing-along event, complete with audience members dressed as nuns. So what’s left for The Sound of Music? What about if NBC capitalized on Smash’s cult hit status and brought the stage version back to TV as a one-night-only event? Enter gay producing team Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, whose plans involve broadcasting the whole thing live. Sound crazy? It’s not; in fact, they used to do it all the time in the 1950s, when families would sit around the TV together for that kind of thing. Casting is underway and airdate will be announced soon. And the more you watch the more likely it’ll be more than a one-off experiment. Boom, here’s Ron Perlman playing transgender Frankie Go Boom is coming. You ready? It’s a sweet-natured romantic comedy from writer/director Jordan Roberts and it stars Sons of Anarchy regular Charlie Hunnam (he was also part of the original U.K. Queer as Folk cast), Chris O’ Dowd (that cute cop from Bridesmaids), Chris Noth, Lizzy Caplan (Two Broke Girls) and Ron Perlman. Perlman plays a transgendered woman and the character is based on Roberts’ sister, who used to be his brother, which just goes to show that real life doesn’t have to turn into weird reality television – sometimes it can inform oddball fiction instead. What’s it about? Two brothers whose love-hate relationship goes viral when one of them pranks the other with an Internet-leaked sex tape. Enter Perlman (looking like, well, a female Ron Perlman) to help. How she helps isn’t known at this point unless you jump the gun and read reviews prior to the indie comedy’s October opening. But you can wait, right? Sure you can. This one sounds like it rewards the patient. Romeo San Vicente goes boom every hour on the hour. He can be reached care of this publication.
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Lifestyle
Cocktail Chatter
London’s Pub Culture Dies … It’s Starbucks Now By Ed Sikov All I wanted was a good slab of shepherd’s pie. Is that too much to have asked? Apparently so, because in one week in London I couldn’t find a single pub that served it. There were bad burgers galore, some pretty damn good local beers, but no shepherd’s pie. One pub even had an entirely Indian menu. Dan had to go for, yes, a conference, but this time I successfully wheedled my way along. It’s only been five years or so since I’ve been to London, one of my favorite cities on the planet, but the place has undergone a distinct change in the wrong direction. I have nothing against Starbucks, but please – not on every London corner. The number of chain stores, chain restaurants, chain supermarkets (there was a Whole Foods across the street from our hotel) was just a bummer. As for English food, I’ve always had a taste for it – when it’s well prepared, that is. A badly made dinner is a badly made dinner everywhere on earth, England included, but English food tends to have a terrible reputation that’s quite unjustified. But recently, chefs all over London have gone locovore – menus spell out precisely what region of the country the lamb comes from, the sea that bears the cockles, and so on, and by and large it’s all quite delicious. But no shepherd’s pie! I’ll have to make my own. In the meantime, I found myself in one dark pub sitting around with several men who appeared to be veterans of the Boer War, and I was considering simple things to do with the Guinness I was drinking other, of course, than drinking it. The easiest of all is the delicious and delightfully messy Shrimp Boiled in Guinness. Here’s the recipe, complete with some suggestions to keep your evening from turning into a laundry nightmare:
Shrimp Boiled in Guinness 1 can Guinness 1 to 3 pounds of shrimp, unshelled (depending on the number of guests; figure 1/2 pound per person) First, advise your guests that they will be making a mess at dinner and should wear T-shirts or, perhaps better, no shirts. When they arrive, ply them full of Absolut on the rocks while you dump a bag full of pre-mixed salad into a bowl and throw some bottled dressing on it. Then pour the Guinness into a very large pot and bring it to a boil. Watch it; you don’t want a boil-over. Add the shrimp. Cook until the shrimp is pink – only two or three minutes. Drain. Serve. Make a big mess as everyone peels their shrimp. Then talk everyone into taking a group shower. Have a few lemons halved for this purpose; run the cut sides over every inch of your guests’ bodies before you allow them into the shower, and then have a great time under the running water.
The Ginger Binger: A Perfect Summer Quencher My nephew, the lanky 6-foot-5-inch science teacher (and I assure you he got none of those genes from me) was visiting the beach house a few weeks ago, and at one point Dan and I sent him on a shopping trip to the Pines Pantry to get the makings of dinner. As usual, he returned with twice as much stuff as we’d asked for; he lives in a half-gentrified, half-dicey section of Brooklyn, and he delights in finding things in the Pantry he can’t buy within a mile of his apartment. (Let’s be fair: the Pantry isn’t big on gandules and sofrito, and the infinitely cheerful check-out girls aren’t protected by a massive wall of Plexiglas.) One of these items was a six-pack of Gosling’s ginger beer. It was quite hot that weekend, and the Gosling’s – plain but chilled – really hit the spot. I guzzled most of mine, but just as I reached the last gulp I had my Proustian moment: in place of Proust’s madeleine was a great but all-butforgotten cocktail, the Moscow Mule: a shot of vodka goes into a glass with ice, and ginger beer fills the glass. It was a great cocktail in its day; I used to drink them with my high school teachers. (Oh get off your high horse! Big deal! I smoked pot with them, too. Bless them for treating me as an adult.) But I thought it was time for an update, this being the 21st century and all, the Moscow Mule seeing its heyday in the 1970s. So I added a secret ingredient, and suddenly the old Mule got back up on its feet and became even more of a crowd pleaser. The secret ingredient is Domaine de Canton’s delicious ginger liqueur. Used in moderation – this is very important, people – Canton’s intense ginger flavor only magnifies the spicy yet somehow fruity flavor of the ginger. It’s not a must; it’s hard to find. (Order it on the Internet if your local liquor emporium doesn’t stock it.) But it adds just a touch more intense ginger flavor to the drink. You only need a little bit for each cocktail, and it’ll last forever in your liquor cabinet. Dan and I threw one of our summer cocktail parties yesterday, and the cocktail du jour was the updated Moscow Mule. I had to rename it, since it was no longer my hip English teacher’s Moscow Mule. Judging by the sheer number of drinks our guests had, the cocktail named itself: the Ginger Binger. It goes down so easy that you may find it difficult to get out of your seat at the end of the party. Your guests may feel the same way. So beware.
The Ginger Binger Absolut premium vodka – as much as you like 1 to 2 tsp. Domain de Canton ginger liqueur Gosling’s ginger beer Fill a tall glass with ice. Add the ginger liqueur, then the vodka; if you want a strong drink, add lots; if you want a weaker one, add less. (Duh!) Then fill the glass with the ginger beer, stir mildly (don’t ruin the fizz) and serve.
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
31
Moving Onward in Singapore Jon Fairbanks, Gaytravel.com team member “Majulah Singapura” is Malay for “Onward, Singapore” and the local LGBT community is truly living this motto. Homosexuality is still illegal in Singapore but in recent years gays and lesbians have made great strides toward not just tolerance, but acceptance. As a queer traveler, you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful city to visit. Singapore is clean and easy-to-navigate. It’s also culturally diverse and there are several official languages. Citizens speak English, Indian, Malay, Chinese and Indonesian. A cosmopolitan city, there’s a plethora of exquisite museums, parks, cafes and restaurants to enjoy. If you love to get your shop on, the world-class malls (featuring high-end retailers) won’t disappoint. A sightseer’s delight, there are several unique tourist attractions to enjoy in gay Singapore. Jurong Bird Park is a fabulous, romantic spot. Just a quick subway and connector bus trip outside of the city center, you’re sure to love it. It’s a great opportunity to see thousands of colorful, exotic birds flying in their natural environment. Singapore’s Botanical Garden is also a fabulous, beautiful refuge for lovers of flora and fauna. Scientists working on site breed orchards for the gardens and name their blooming creations after dignitaries and other well-known people, including former South African President Nelson Mandela and former United States First Lady Laura Bush. For foodies who crave exotic fare, you’ll be in heaven! Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and that’s definitely reflected in the cuisine. Banana Leaf Apolo is always packed but what this venue is lacking in elbow room, it makes up in its dishes. If you’re a fan of curry and North Indian dishes, this is the place for you. The portion sizes are huge, so if you’re traveling with a large group it’s both economical and satisfying. Mexican cuisine lovers and gringos alike will adore Cafe Iguana. Delectable burritos and incredible margaritas, this place is muay caliente! The bar offers a wide variety of 100% blue agave tequilas and handcrafted mazcal. Forget Asia, this is some of the best Mexican food you’ll find anywhere. The
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restaurant is also located on Singapore River, offering a breathtaking view for patrons. Although it’s a chain, seafood fanatics will adore Jumbo! Chili crab, their signature dish, is out of this world. Other recommended dishes include fried pawns with cereal, bamboo clams with minced garlic and donuts with seafood paste. Is your mouth watering yet? With the growing tolerance of homosexuality has come an influx of gay bars, clubs and other LGBT venues in Singapore. That said, there are still no protections to keep the queer community and travelers safe against homophobic attacks, so enjoy but be cautious. Tourism is huge and many businesses are vying for the pink dollar. The amazing nightlife, cruisy gay beaches and impressive infrastructure make Singapore a wildly popular gay destination. You’ll find many of the popular gay clubs are in Chinatown, which is easily accessible by public transportation. Backstage Bar is one of the hottest clubs catering to queer patrons. You’ll love the classic movie themed décor, from “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” to “Oklahoma.” Sweat to the beats or head outside to cruise or light up. The house is packed each weekend and it’s a great place to meet hot locals and other out of towners. DYMK (Does Your Mother Know) is another amazing place to get your dance one. It’s a double-story retro bar with an S&M night every Thursday. You’ll find a common theme with the naming of a lot of the venues. DYMK, Taboo and other clubs are named to reflect the “don’t ask, don’t tell” atmosphere. If you’re looking for a break from all of the hustle, bustle and modern conveniences, head to Tanjong Beach in Sentosa, one of Singapore’s most popular gay beaches. Tanjong is the furthest beach from Beach Station opposite of Siloso Beach. You’ll find a wide range of sun seekers here from young twinks to bronzed older gents donning speedos. Unlike many other gay beaches, you’ll find some shops, bars and cafes near Tanjong. This beach is also close to Palawan. This stretch of the coast is where you’ll find a lot of straight families and teens but it’s still a great place to get some rays.
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In 2005, Singapore hosted their first LGBT Pride festival, sponsored by IndigNation. This year marks the sixth season. Unlike most Pride festivals, you won’t find the local queer community participating in parades or other flamboyant events because organizers cannot get permits from the government. Typically the schedule includes LGBT lectures and film festivals but few if any outdoor celebrations. Despite efforts to quiet Singapore’s gay and lesbian community, it’s easy to hear the roar of The Lion City’s mos. The gay traveler will revel in the city’s modern appeal and a queer scene that’s not just growing, but bursting as the seams.
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
33
Out of Town
Yellowstone, Cody, Bozeman, and Jackson Hole
Old Faithful geyser, viewed from the porch at the historic Old Faithful Inn, photo by Andrew Collins
By Andrew Collins Established as America’s first national park in 1872, Yellowstone has bewitched human visitors for more than 11,000 years with its otherworldly landscape of geothermal features, coniferous forest, and high-altitude lakes and rivers. It’s one of the most visited places in North America, and this immense park is accessed on all sides by communities that command plenty of attention in their own rights - rugged western mountain towns like Bozeman, Cody, and Jackson. A trip to Yellowstone can easily be an adventure of a lifetime. Although you won’t find an obvious gay scene in the region, in this part of the West, you’ll encounter a welcoming and generally tolerant live-and-let-live spirit, where locals tend to care more about whether their neighbors are reliable and honest than if they’re gay or straight. Bozeman and Jackson are among the most politically liberal towns in their respective states, and Cody is home to one of the few vocal proponents of gay rights in the Republican Party, former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson. The town also hosts a fabulous Western fashion-themed fundraiser each September, the Rendezvous Royale (rendezvousroyale. org), whose efforts support the town’s outstanding Buffalo Bill Historical Center museum complex. Furthermore, the U.S. National Park Service takes great pride in the diversity of its workforce and contributions by its LGBT employees (www. nps.gov/diversity/lgbt.htm), and its lodging concessions in Yellowstone (Xanterra Parks & Resorts) and Grand Teton (Grand Teton Lodge Company) are enthusiastically gay-friendly.
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Planning a Trip to the Yellowstone Region There’s enough to see and do within Yellowstone’s park boundary, which at 3,472 square miles is approximately the size of Delaware and Rhode Island combined, to keep you entertained for a full week. If you’re coming a long way to visit the park, you should try to spend at least four days here, and allow an extra two to three days if visiting any of the major park gateway communities, such as Bozeman, Cody, and Jackson (where you may want to spend a day or two in Grand Teton National Park). Trying to visit the region over a two- or three-day weekend is technically possible but very restrictive, and you’re likely to find yourself rushed and wishing you had more time. Yellowstone National Park has five entrances, most open spring through fall and others (on the north and west sides) open year-round. The most popular regional airports are in Bozeman, Montana; Cody, Wyoming; and Jackson, Wyoming; there’s also more limited, seasonal service on Delta to West Yellowstone, Montana. The closest major city is Salt Lake, Utah, about 370 miles south. Yellowstone National Park Few sites in the world inspire a more stirring reaction in visitors than Yellowstone National Park (www.nps.gov/yell), a literal hotbed of volcanic and geothermal activity set around a humungous collapsed caldera and constantly moving and shaking with tremors, bubbling hot springs, and gaseous fumaroles. Nowhere on the planet can you view so many geysers, but while these sites are arguably the park’s most famous collective feature, Yellowstone is a vast and diverse land. Fans of wildlife can view the largest free-roaming herd of bison (buffalo) in the country, and opportunities also abound for viewing
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grizzly and black bears, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, osprey, and countless other creatures in the wild. Rippling blue Lake Yellowstone, the largest freshwater lake in North America with an elevation above 7,000 feet, is home to 11 different native fish species. The lake is fed by the Yellowstone River, where you can see the powerful Upper and Lower waterfalls. The awe-inspiring Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is 24 miles long and ranges from 800 to 1,200 feet deep. More than 1,000 miles of hiking trails cover the park, much of which is blanketed by verdant lodgepole-pine forest. You’ll also find endless views of alpine meadows and cloud-scraping mountain peaks - the highest point, Eagle Peak, rises to 11,358 feet. Yellowstone is about much more than geysers. Given the enormity of the park, it’s not surprising that Yellowstone has a rich variety of lodging options, each with its own distinct setting and character. You can book through Yellowstone National Park Lodges (www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com). The most famous and historic properties - such as the Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel - tend to book up months in advance; it’s a good idea to reserve as early as possible. It’s both practical and fun to stay in two or three different areas in the park over the course of several days. Yellowstone Lake, Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Canyon Village all make excellent bases and offer a good variety of accommodations, some of them quite affordable. Yellowstone’s hotel restaurants have undergone major improvements over the past few years - the Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Old Faithful Inn dining rooms are particularly well-recommended. Bozeman, Montana The laid-back college town of Bozeman (www.bozemancvb.com) makes a good base for visiting Yellowstone from the north. It’s about a 90-minute drive from the North Entrance (open year-round) of Yellowstone, near Mammoth Hot Springs, and a two-hour drive from the West Entrance (open late April to early November). This small city of about 38,000 is home to the superb Museum of the Rockies, which contains some of the world’s most important dinosaur remains, and it’s also a year-round hub for myriad recreational activities, including skiing in winter at nearby Bridger Bowl and Big Sky ski areas. In downtown Bozeman you’ll find some terrific microbreweries and eateries, with Montana Ale Works, Over the Tapas, and Cateye Cafe leading the pack. The high quality of life and relatively progressive politics make it increasingly popular as a place to relocate, or spend summers, among gays and lesbians. Among accommodations, one of the finest B&Bs in town is the eight-room, gay-owned Lehrkind Mansion (www.bozemanbedandbreakfast.com), a splendid redbrick Victorian with an adjacent guest house. Other excellent, gay-friendly options in the area include the Silver Forest Inn (www.silverforestinn.com), which is up near Bridger Bowl ski area, and the posh Gallatin River Lodge (www. grlodge.com), a perfect perch for fly-fishing with a superb restaurant to match its cushy accommodations. Cody, Wyoming The rugged town of Cody (http://www.codychamber.org), named for the legendary Western showman Buffalo Bill Cody, is just 60 miles east of Yellowstone’s East Entrance (open early May through early November). This atmospheric, friendly community is known for its exceptional Buffalo Bill Historical Center, which consists of five different and beautifully laid out museums that focus on everything from Western art to the natural history of the Yellowstone region to antique firearms to the earliest indigenous residents of the Plains. Other notable draws are the Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center, about 15 miles east of Cody, which occupies a former World War II-era Japanese internment center and is filled with fascinated exhibits that tell the tragic story of this regrettable period in U.S. history; and the Cody Nite Rodeo, a rollicking rodeo that takes place each summer evening. Cody’s historic downtown is an engaging spot for a stroll. You’ll find several galleries and shops selling beautiful hand-crafted Western furniture, and festive, down-home restaurants like the Hotel Irma, Silver Dollar Bar, and Wyoming Rib & Chop House are good bets for tasty, stick-to-your-ribs cooking. Cody has some terrific places to stay, including the smartly furnished and historic Chamberlin Inn (www. chamberlininn.com), an upscale boutique hotel in the center of town; and the contemporary Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites (book. bestwestern.com), whose accommodations are among the most spacious and well-equipped in town.
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Bison grazing outside the Lake Yellowstone Hotel If flying in and out of Cody for your Yellowstone visit, consider driving to the park via U.S. 20 through the East Entrance (the more direct route), and then returning to Cody via the Northeast Entrance (open late May through mid-October), at Cooke City, Montana. Follow U.S. 212 east over the spectacular Beartooth Pass (elevation 10,947 feet), stopping in the charming Old West town of Red Lodge, Montana (www. redlodge.com), and then continuing south to Cody - the total drive takes about 2.5 hours without stops. Jackson and Grand Teton, Wyoming Follow U.S. 89 out of Yellowstone’s South Entrance (open mid-May to early November) and you’ll immediately enter Grand Teton National Park (www.nps.gov/grte), famed for its soaring, jagged mountain peaks and pristine alpine lakes. The road then continues through the scenic Jackson Hole Valley to the down-home, cowboy-chic town of Jackson (www. jacksonholechamber.com), which like Bozeman is ideal for fly-fishing, mountain biking, horseback, and hiking in summer, and down-hill skiing in winter. It’s an increasingly swank town with some of the most opulent hotels in the Rockies, yet Jackson is both easy-going and friendly. It’s also in the only county in the state that has voted Democrat in the past few presidential elections (ironic, given that Dick Cheney has a home here). The ski area, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, actually lies 12 miles northwest of the bustling town of Jackson. The resort is surrounded by Teton Village, an attractive cluster of resorts, restaurants, and condos. Among Teton Village accommodations, consider the cushy Snake River Lodge & Spa (snakeriverlodge.rockresorts.com), an inviting hotel that’s home to one of the region’s top restaurants, GameFish, as well as the magnificent Avanyu Spa. Grand Teton National Park has several lodging options, with the famed Jackson Lake Lodge (www.gtlc.com), with its stunning views of Jackson Lake, a favorite. In the town of Jackson itself, you’ll find a number of great restaurants, plus a good many spots to buy everything from high-end cowboy wear to top-of-the-line outdoor gear. Restaurants like Trio American Bistro and Wild Sage present an inventive version of regional Western cuisine. The latter restaurant is inside the renowned Rusty Parrot Lodge (www. rustyparrot.com), which sounds like the name of a kitschy motel but is, in fact, a rustic-elegant 30-room boutique hotel with a fine spa and richly appointed rooms. Less pricey but still excellent options in town include the log-cabin-style Elk County Inn (www.townsquareinns.com/ elk-country) and the charmingly situated Spring Creek Ranch (www. springcreekranch.com), a gay-friendly condo resort with panoramic views of the Teton Range.
Andrew Collins covers gay travel for the New York Times-owned website GayTravel.About.com and is the author of Fodor’s Gay Guide to the USA.
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
35
Interview
Show Girl
Gina Gershon on her crotch close-up and and how it’s cool to play gay now By Chris Azzopardi Vagina. That’s the first thing to come up during my recent interview with Gina Gershon, who goes full-frontal as Sharla in the awesomely twisted Killer Joe. The actress plays a trashy two-timer who gets caught in the middle of a family’s murder plot when they hire a hit man (Matthew McConaughey) to take out their mother to collect the life insurance money. Just minutes into the movie, and there she is – all of her. We got Gershon on the phone to chat about her crotch coat, the agent that almost stopped her from playing a lesbian in one of her most lady-loved films and why she really wishes she were gay. GC: Are you sick of talking about your vagina yet? GG: You mean my merkin? I never get tired of talking about my merkin. GC: Did you name your merkin? GG: Yes, I believe I was calling my merkin Bertha – a big, heavy-set merkin. Make room for Bertha! She’s ready for her close-up. GC: This isn’t the first time you’ve been part of a movie that was rated NC-17. Do you think the MPAA has been fair to the movies you’ve starred in? GG: Listen, I think the whole rating system is unfair. It’s just arbitrary and there’s no consistency and I find it fairly ridiculous. I mean, Showgirls was NC-17 – why? I’m still not really sure. I guess there was a lot of nudity. And in this country if you cut off a boob, it’s rated PG; if you just show them, then they’re sometimes NC-17. Bound was going to be NC-17 because that love scene was very intense and very beautiful and didn’t show anything of Jennifer (Tilly) or myself, but it was too much of a love scene so we had to change it. Once it was more of a fucking scene then they were like, “Yeah, that’s OK.” GC: You can get away with full-on sex but you can’t show lesbian love? GG: It seems a little bit strange to me. I just think the whole rating system is arbitrary. I don’t quite get it. Of all of them, Killer Joe probably should be NC-17 if we’re going by an NC-17 rule, which in Europe they don’t have. I forced my parents to take me to see The Exorcist at 11. I was completely enthralled and so excited; my mother was mortified. Had I been a different 11-year-old, I might’ve been completely traumatized. So it’s up to the parents and the kid to know what they can and can’t handle. To me, it’s a hardcore movie, and I think people should know going in. It ain’t a Disney film! That being said, and because of this system, I’m really respectful and completely behind (director) William Friedkin in choosing not to change a frame. He’s earned the right to make the film that he wants to make – and god bless him for it. I think it’s great. It’s just a bummer that it’s harder to roll out. It can’t show in as many theaters, but I think word of mouth is getting out. People who want to see this film are going to see it. GC: With Bound, your agent told you at the time that playing a lesbian role would ruin your career. But you did anyway. Why did you take the role of Corky despite your agent’s advice? GG: Because it was a great role. The hero stories were always men – they got the money, they got the girl, they got away with things. When I read this movie, I was like, “Wow, I get to be the hero.” I’m really proud that I did that film. And so what – at the end of the day, I got new agents. They literally said, “We can’t represent you if you do this,” and I said, “OK, here’s your commission; I’m doing this film.” GC: So it was worth the sacrifice? GG: Yeah, it was actually. GC: Do you think actors are still being told to avoid gay roles? GG: No, man. The gayer the role, they’re like, “Do it! You’ll get nominated for an Academy Award.” That just goes to show how far we’ve come. Before it was going to ruin your career. Not anymore. GC: Are you currently looking at any gay roles? GG: I don’t look at roles if they’re gay or straight or young or old or black or white. I just don’t distinguish roles like that. I look to see if I can relate to
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Photo by LD Entertainment what the character is going through or if I like the whole story and if I like the director. I like colorful stories. GC: Your co-star in Killer Joe, Matthew McConaughey, is also in another recent movie, Magic Mike, as a stripper. As a dancer in Showgirls, did you approve? GG: Wasn’t he great? He was so great. I’m so proud of him. As soon as I saw him, I told him, “Dude, that was awesome.” He really did a great job. He showed more ass than I did in Showgirls, too. Look at that. They don’t make a big deal about that! GC: Is it a double standard? GG: Yes and no. I think Magic Mike wouldn’t have been made 10 years ago with big movie stars in it. There’s no way their agents would have let them play this 10 years ago, or maybe even seven years ago. GC: So, fried chicken. Will you ever look at a chicken leg the same after fellating one in Killer Joe? GG: Oh yeah. It’s still finger lickin’ good to me. (Laughs) I’ve never been a KFC girl but I do love fried chicken. I had a Southern black lady when I was younger who was the real deal, and she taught me how to make fried chicken. When she would make fried chicken, it was a special event. It was really good! Juno (Temple’s) like, “I don’t really like fried chicken. I don’t get it.” I’m like, “Yeah, you’re from London; you gotta have real Southern fried chicken.” GC: How was the fried chicken in Killer Joe? GG: It was good! We were in New Orleans so I made sure it was. I can’t remember if we did Coop’s or Church’s – there was a big debate. But I made sure it was good fried chicken. New Orleans. Hello! (Laughs) Before that scene, I knew I wanted to devour the fried chicken. I had to keep eating it and I thought, “Well, I wanna make sure it’s good fried chicken.” I do like my fried chicken. Not gonna lie. GC: In an interview with DIVA a couple of years ago, you said you wish you could be gay. Can you clarify what you meant? GG: It was one of those days. At that time I was looking around at my gay men friends and they were so hot and sexy and nice and I’m like, “Ugh, why can’t I be with them?” If I were a gay man, I could be! And then they would want me in that way. (Laughs) GC: That’s what all the straight girls say: That gay men are so hot but unavailable. GG: Yeah. Well, they’re still a girl’s best friend! GC: If you were lesbian, which character of yours would you hook up with? GG: Corky. That’s the most narcissistic answer, isn’t it? (Laughs)
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
37
Interview
Marina Diamandis, photo by Caspar Balslev
The Makings of Marina Starlet talks big gay following, slutty second self and how Britney Spears inspired her new album By Chris Azzopardi With that trademark heart on her cheek and songs that boom with chirpy beats, Marina Diamandis (aka Marina and the Diamonds) appears to have walked out of a Saturday morning cartoon. Except she’s not that innocent. The persona the Welsh-born Londoner presents with Electra Heart, the follow-up to her debut, The Family Jewels, is a prissy, sinfully sexual diva who aspires to be a “bottle blonde.” In our interview, Marina and the Diamonds chatted about how the character has more to do with her than you think, being the “only gay in the village” and not talking about the dirty title pun of her first album … until now.
GC: I don’t know if you’ve heard, but some of your fans are gay. MD: (Laughs) About 97 percent of my shows’ audience! It’s so
fantastic. Truthfully, I’d say 60 percent gay, 40 percent teen girls. And 2 percent 50-year-old creepy man in the back!
GC: When did your relationship start with the gay audience? MD: On the first album I definitely did have a gay fan base, but it
was much smaller, because I’m a very flamboyant character and the shows are really theatrical. But I don’t really talk about the whole gay community thing, because I don’t want to be a cliché pop star saying like, “I love my gays!” But the truth is it’s a really supportive fan base and they’re making this tour so special.
GC: How about just going the bisexual route? MD: That’s on the way! (Laughs) GC: What was the gay scene like where you’re from in Wales? MD: Are you joking? I lived in a village of 200 people! (Laughs) I
didn’t really see any kind of gay scene until I moved to London when I was 19. I was the only gay in the village!
GC: You’ve said that you relate to your gay fans, and obviously they relate back to you. Can you talk about that? MD: Again, I think it’s part of the camp nature of my first (album), but I think with this album in particular, it lends itself to that more. On a lyrical level, with the first album I wrote a lot about feeling
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like an outsider and like I wasn’t accepted for who I was, and that upset me very much – so perhaps that’s why. If you’ve dealt with discrimination in your life, you probably really connect to some of those feelings. Also, on this album, a lot of the humor has really caught the gay community’s attention. You’re very humorous.
GC: As far as the whole cartoon persona goes, do you think your gay audience appreciates your flamboyant look and fashion more than your mainstream audience? MD: No, but gay people pick up on things a little bit quicker and sense stuff that is potentially underground or quite cultish and is going to become bigger before a mainstream audience will. But everyone likes a pretty picture. GC: What was your reaction to seeing Cazwell and Amanda Lepore do a video for “Primadonna”? MD: Oh my god, I died! I love Amanda Lepore so much. I was just like, “Is this real?” Because Amanda Lepore really isn’t real, obviously. I actually love Amanda Lepore so much. I listen to her quite a lot. There’s a song called “Cotton Candy” and it’s just fantastic. GC: Have you seen a drag queen do one of your songs before? MD: I haven’t … yet. GC: What tips do you have for Marina drag queens? MD: You have to have gigantic roots, paint the heart on your face
with some eyeliner and then cut a strip of lashes from MAC and put four on each lower lash. Then use a nice bubblegum pink lipstick.
GC: Tell me you named the first album The Family Jewels because of the pun. MD: That was the sole reason for it. But I was so lily-white skinned that when I began I absolutely couldn’t admit it to the press in case my family heard or my dad heard and thought, “How rude! You can’t be making those dirty puns.” So I never really explained the meaning of it, but I just quite liked that my album title was basically bollocks. GC: After the first album was released, you admitted to being bummed that it didn’t live up to your expectations commercially. What were your expectations with The Family Jewels, and are you feeling more positive about Electra Heart? MD: Looking back on all of those interviews from that era, I look like I’m on the edge of a nervous breakdown. (Laughs) So I think that might have influenced my promotional duties at the time. I was really stuck in a rut, and I think I was ambitiously disappointed. It wasn’t that it didn’t do well. Looking back, I can’t actually believe that I sold that many records on an album that was pretty alternative except for two of the songs. I guess I am really ambitious and I want to be one of the greats – and there’s nothing wrong with being honest about that. With this album, I didn’t really have any of those expectations. I’ve let go of a lot of that baggage while writing the album. I’ve just changed my perspective completely.
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GC: When did you realize that you wanted to be famous? MD: I didn’t really interpret it in that way. At 9 or 10 years old, I
knew from the bottom of my heart I was going to be an entertainer, in that I wanted to perform in some way – but I didn’t really know if I would be dancer or an actress. I definitely didn’t really think about being a singer until I was 15, and then I knew what I was going to do with my life.
GC: Fame and the media’s effect on us come up a lot in your songs. Why are you so interested in exploring those topics? MD: To be honest, it’s less about fame and more about praise and performance. If you look at all of the lyrical themes that are connected with that subject, it’s more about theatrical terms – like primadonna or the starring role in theater – so it’s not about being famous or being known. It’s more about feeling like you’re No. 1. I was in a relationship where I felt like I was second best and I just thought, ‘I’m not going to stick around.’ I was completely in love with him, but I just walked away. You’re the only person who can look out for you, and no one should really settle for second best. It almost seems like it’s an obnoxious thing to say for some reason. But I don’t think it is. (Laughs)
GC: Who inspired “Teen Idle”? Did you have any one in mind for that song or the rest of the album? MD: There’s a bit of Brit-Brit on the album. I mean, “Bubblegum Bitch” is basically Britney Spears peeled inside out. Britney is our teen idol, so that’s what we all relate that term with. It’s just so strange how everyone relates to that song (“Teen Idle”) – that’s been the biggest shock of the album, and I’m so happy about that. GC: You didn’t expect that? MD: No, I just thought the lyrics were too specific and obscure.
But that’s the nicest surprise as a writer sometimes, when people come to you and you realize that everyone just goes through the same shit in one way or another.
GC: You were looking to Marilyn Monroe and Marie Antoinette for this album, too. How did they work into it? MD: That was more of a visual thing. I’ve been looking for people who have always been portrayed with a certain duality to them in public. I’m really interested in that for some reason. I think villains are interesting. I wanted Electra Heart to have a villainous side to her. GC: Electra Heart is an alter ego? MD: I don’t know. I always think “alter ego” means something
completely different. I think it’s a character that I formulated in order to be able to talk about things that I was too embarrassed to talk about.
GC: How much of that character is actually you? MD: Quite a lot. It has to be. If you made it, then it’s real. If
you’ve created it, it has to come from somewhere. I think people make stories up, but it has to evolve from some truth somewhere along the lines. It’s just like “Primadonna” – there are parts of my personality that are like that. I am kind of precocious, but it’s not exactly something that you would market yourself as being, because it’s not a very likable character. Maybe Electra Heart allows me to act or to write in a certain way and to write about universal truths.
GC: Without seeming too narcissistic? MD: Exactly. Because “Primadonna” is a fun song, and people see
the irony in it but also the truth: that we all know sometimes we can be like that or we know someone who can be.
GC: Is Electra Heart more sexually adventurous than you? Would she have a lesbian encounter? MD: (Laughs) No, I don’t think she would. But I do portray her as a bit slutty, and I don’t really know why! Maybe I’m trying to live through her because I’ve never been one-night stand-y or anything. I’m a stage mom trying to live through her daughter.
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
39
Moving On Up
Dance prodigy Travis Wall talks new series, his first big movie and the challenge for gay dancers
Travis Wall, photo by Anderson Group Public Relations
By Chris Azzopardi So he thought he could dance, and he can, but Travis Wall didn’t stop there. Now, the 24-year-old has his own dance company, a start-up that’s the focus of Oxygen’s new reality series, All the Right Moves. The eight-episode stint follows Wall and his bendy buddies – Teddy Forance, Nick Lazzarini and Kyle Robinson – as they go through business challenges, power struggles and friendship drama. We caught up with the So You Think You Can Dance contestantturned-choreographer, who dished on his roommates, his first big movie and why gay dancers shouldn’t dance gay.
GC: What’s it like living with these guys? TW: We’ve been living together for two years now and it’s been
something else! (Laughs) We’re brothers from another mother, and we go through life together and support each other. Two are gay and two are straight on this show, so it’s cool to see how we live as one and how it doesn’t really matter.
GC: What will surprise people about the dance world that you guys are living in during this show? TW: What we have to go through starting this dance company from the ground up with no money – you see the whole process. We have this huge goal but absolutely no way of getting it done. I saw the first episode – it’s so surreal. I was biting my nails. It’s definitely suspenseful and emotional and also there’s beautiful dancing. You get everything in one little package. It’s really good TV. GC: How much of your relationship with Dom Palange will be part of the show? TW: Not as much as I wanted to be, because he’s in Miami. It’s long distance. He comes in halfway through the season, but I definitely talk about him as much as possible. GC: Has having a dance company always been a dream of yours? TW: Yeah, I always wanted one. I’ve always wanted to have my own
TV show, too! (Laughs)
GC: Who’s the most competitive? TW: We’re never really up for the same job, but it does get a little
GC: You really have done so much for as young as you are. What new goals have you set for yourself now that you’ve accomplished your other ones?
GC: The messiest? TW: In the beginning we were all pretty good about keeping it
TW: By the time I’m 31 I want to move into directing and producing and choreographing my own movies, productions, events and shows. There’s so much more room for me to grow in this industry, and I can’t wait to take those steps. And hopefully by 32, I’ll be ready for a child.
competitive in the house sometimes.
together, but everyone kind of gave up. Right now my room is such a mess because I’m always trying to clean up the kitchen and the living room. When I have time to clean, I have to clean up everybody else’s mess. Kyle’s the handyman. He’s the guy who, like, fixes the lights. (Laughs)
GC: Is All the Right Moves actually reality? TW: It’s our lives. (The network is) a fly on the wall. We’d have a
I set high goals. If someone would’ve told me seven years ago, “You’re going to have your own TV show, your own dance company, choreographing all these movies and things,” I would’ve slapped them in the face and said, “Yeah, right.” But I did.
dance company regardless of whether we have a TV show or not.
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Travis Wall, photo by Oxygen
GC: With your new series, and ones like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars, dance reality shows are all the rage. Why does dance make for good reality television? TW: Good question. It’s emotional and (viewers) want to see what people go through; they want to see people work through their problems and aggressions. And dancers are really nice to look at! (Laughs) It makes people feel good because a lot of people don’t know how to dance the way we dance, so they admire it. With this (show), you see me 100 percent completely bare, and you see why I dance and why I choreograph, and you care about it more. GC: One-hundred percent completely bare? This is on Oxygen,
right?
TW: (Laughs) Yeah. You know what I mean! GC: You got your start in the business when you were 9, with a
Dr. Pepper commercial. What do you remember from that experience?
TW: It was my first time in front of a camera, and I realized then
that I wanted to be in this industry. I was more interested in what was going on behind the camera – the chorographer, the director – I loved that and I’ll never forget that. I moved to New York at 12 and did a Broadway show and I’ve been working ever since. I really owe a lot to So You Think for the exposure I got on that show, which led me to so many more opportunities. I don’t know where I’d be today in my career if I didn’t get my start on So You Think You Can Dance.
GC: What inspires your choreography? TW: Usually personal life stories of my own. And I have really vivid
dreams a lot of times and I live my dreams full out. I sometimes don’t know when they’re real or not. I dream every night, so there’s a lot of images I take from my dreams.
GC: What’s the last dream you had that inspired a routine? TW: For the top-10 girl piece (on a recent episode of So You Think
You Can Dance), I had this dream I was lifted out of my body and I couldn’t move. It was really weird. It wasn’t like I was dying or anything; it was just that I was paralyzed and couldn’t move my body and I was floating above toward this white light. It was pretty crazy.
GC: Are you glad you came out the way you did? Do you think that’s the best way to come out if you’re a public figure? TW: I don’t really know. This is what’s so crazy: I never thought I was “in.” I never had press to talk about it. I wasn’t ever hiding anything. I guess when I got verbal about on it Twitter people were like, “Travis is out.” I’m like, “When was I ‘in’?” I did So You Think and disappeared from the public eye because I was working on choreography and I didn’t really ever think I was a big enough public figure to say anything. I didn’t think it was a big deal.
Travis Wall, photo by Anderson Group Public Relations
TW: When I heard, I texted him right away to say, “I’m so proud of you.” He’s coming out of a church; I never had to deal with any of that. To take that step to come out – and not only that, but speak about what his church says about it – I’m so proud of him, because it’s about time he did it, and I wanted him to do it for so long. I think if everyone came out of the closet these days, the world would be so much better. GC: Did you know he was gay when you were competing against each other? TW: I mean, come on! You know when you know. (Laughs) I knew on the show, and we briefly touched on it while we were on tour. GC: Many public figures stay closeted because they don’t want their sexuality to define their profession. Is that an issue within the dance community? TW: I don’t think people think of me as “Travis Wall, that gay dancer.” It doesn’t define my work. For guys, it’s different if you’re gay and can only dance gay. As a male dancer, you have to be strong and masculine. I think it’s terrible when a guy is dancing with a girl and the guy is dancing girlier than the girl. I absolutely hate that, and I won’t hire them. You have to do your role as a male dancer. What you do outside of those doors is your own business and your own thing, but don’t let that define who you are as a dancer. GC: How did your part in Step Up Revolution – as choreographer – come about? TW: Adam Shankman hired me, but the best thing is that Jamal Sims – the supervising choreographer – brought me in as a choreographer. He actually made me choreographer on this movie, and I haven’t even been an associate choreographer on a movie. To get full credit on my first movie, I was so thankful. A lot of people in the industry wouldn’t have done what he did. I loved working on that movie. I saw it last month and think it’s completely different than every other Step Up. GC: How is choreographing for film different than choreographing
for TV?
TW: I love movies, because you get to show your point of view and get the shot that you want to get – and it’s a movie! But we only had two weeks for all the routines. Here I thought, “Oh, it’s a movie, we’ll have all time to choreographer this movie!” And … no. (Laughs) GC: If you could choreograph for anybody, who would it be? TW: I would love to create a visual show to Jason Mraz music. I
love Jason’s music so much. And if I ever got to work with Beyoncé – it’s a lifelong dream and I would probably freak out and shake my ass.
GC: Ass shaking is probably part of the interview process. TW: Yeah, probably! (Laughs)
GC: Have you ever felt pressure to ever stay “in” professionally? TW: No – god no! GC: What did you think of Benji Schwimmer, fellow contestant on
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the first season of So You Think You Can Dance, coming out recently?
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
41
Spencer Reed – Exposed at PURE PRIDE Spencer Reed, photos by Falcon Studios
By Evan Kayne PURE Pride Entertainment has made a name for themselves by putting on great events, and this year’s party on Saturday September 1st at Flames Central promises to be of the same calibre. Dale Plourde, owner of PURE Pride, was pumped; he told me “PURE Pride is now The official party of Pride Calgary. I am billing this years’ Pure Pride event in Calgary as the biggest, sexiest Pride in Calgary history by bringing such stars in as [Porn Star] Spencer Reed and Chad Michaels, star of the TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race. Calgary is the last big Pride in Canada for 2012...I see it as having great potential to be one of the big Pride destinations and I am excited to be part of it.” This year, the upstairs balcony at Flames Central will be open and VIP tables will be available for reserved. In addition, VIP ticket holders will party with the PURE Pride cast and crew - including a meet and greet with the stars of the show: Chad Micheals and Spencer Reed. Consequently, many people are excited not just at the chance to attend
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a circuit-style party happening in our city; they’re hyped to see THE sexy man, the very hunky Spencer Reed, adult entertainment star. He has been to Canada many times before, yet this will be his first time in Calgary. As an adult entertainer, Spencer has put in guest appearances at many circuit parties, so he has a good idea of what makes such an event a success. Spencer told me a great party needs a good mix of music, venue, entertainers and crowd, “...but I think overall the people are most important. You can have it all but if the crowd is not good then the party won’t be either.” Given how well the party was received last year, and that it’s back in the venue that made it a success, 2012’s iteration should be incredible. And as part of this year’s performance, expect an amazing display from Spencer. “I always go for the show value with my show. I want to leave the audience saying Wow, did that really just happen? Of course if anyone wants to meet and take a photo, I’m always happy to do so. Besides that I’ll be chasing sexy Canadian boys around.” Unfortunately, Spencer will be too busy to engage in his second career, that of a DJ. The party has that covered, what with headliner Nick Bertossi (Vancouver), who is getting a reputation as Canada’s hottest up-and-coming house Remixer/Producer. You’ll also get into the groove with DJs Jay Fraid, LEDJ, and Dopamine. Dale Plourde from Pure Pride was exuberant about coming back to Calgary. “Flames Central is one of the nicest venues that I have seen in Canada...featuring a twenty feet by 30 www.gaycalgary.com
feet video backdrop on the stage which allows us to get very creative with the show.” Yet it’s not just the venue, or the music, or the entertainers that does it for him. “Most of all, I appreciate the excitement and support that the people bring to the party. Seeing all the smiling faces makes it all worthwhile!” The night will be filled with energy, sexiness, non-stop surprises, spectacle, and an amazing time where everybody feels welcome. An amazing time where everybody feels welcome is something we all remember from Pride celebrations, even an entertainer like Spencer. “Well I remember my first Pride...I remember the feeling of all the Pride parades I have been to. It’s special that we can all join in the streets and celebrate the diversity and freedom of our culture. Pride is just freedom and it’s beautiful!” Beyond that, Spencer does promise that he’ll do his part to make this Pride party memorable: “I’m ready for a wicked weekend in Calgary. Hope you all can show me a great time.”
PURE Pride Sat, Sept 1, 9pm Flames Central (219 – 8th Ave SW) Calgary, AB www.purepride.ca http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3027
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
43
Community
Bi-B-Que
Bisexuals unite over a grill By Carey Rutherford The “B” in LGBT is often unseen, but Tiffany Sostar has been determined to change that. “Possibilities has been meeting for two years: we’ve had discussion nights where we talk about issues relating to bisexuality and pansexuality in being attracted to multiple genders. We also talk about other issues if anyone in the group is interested in them, but tend to focus on ones specific to those orientations,” says Tiffany, who founded and facilitates the Possibilities’ discussion groups and social nights. The Possibilities BI-B-Que will be the first Calgary Pride event presented by a bisexual demographic. As their literature gushes, “This is an exciting addition to Calgary’s Pride events, and an opportunity to increase the visibility of an easily-overlooked part of the queer community.” Tiffany mentions that this is really Possibilities’ first major public event, as it has been largely word-of-mouth, with some internal promotion coming from their Calgary Sexual Health Centre hosts. “I started (Possibilities) because there wasn’t really a bisexual community or support group available in Calgary. It (grew slowly at first) because the Facebook group is secret: not everyone in the group is ‘out’.” Now, however, they’re on MeetUp, and she’s clearly happy that Possibilities is ‘Google-able’. ”There’s about 80 people in the Facebook group, and up to 20 people regularly going to Possibilities events. “The Sexual Health Centre has been awesome, and we’ve also collaborated with Calgary Outlink (Centre for Gender and Sexuality Diversity). We did a Queer Flirting Skills workshop there in May.” The theme for Calgary’s Pride Week this year is “Find Your Pride”, and Tiffany considers that a perfect goal to address the relative ignominy of bi- and pansexuals in the larger spectrum of sexual orientations. “For Possibilities, this meant claiming some space for bisexual/pan-sexual visibility among the city’s other Pride events. It can be difficult for bisexual or pan-sexual individuals to find community, especially because of the stereotypes that exist within both gay and straight communities regarding bisexual or pan-sexual individuals. “There are stereotypes about us as promiscuous and heartbreakers, and all kinds of negative things that are believed about bisexuals. So the thing that I’m really excited
about is that Calgary’s queer community is growing and coming together right now. I feel that Possibilities can be an organization that creates queer-inclusive events that are welcoming of every orientation and every gender, but still increases the visibility of the bisexual community and does good work. We have the potential to do it differently than it has been done anywhere else. “You can’t marginalize a community that is at the centre of organizing events and doing positive work for the greater community.” Hence, the Bi-B-Q. “I’m in a bunch of bi-activist networks and groups, and I kept seeing people posting about their own bi-b-que’s, so I pitched it to the group, and I had quite a few people who were interested in helping out with it... One of our members, who was quite excited about it, talked to some people that she knew who were involved with Pride Calgary, and they were interested in having us involved with the official celebrations. (There are) some amazing, motivated people who attend Possibilities, which is why I think we’re starting to do so many different things. “This is the first official (Calgary) Pride event that is presented by a bisexual group. It’ll be held after the Dyke March,” The Possibilities Bi-B-Que will happen on September 1, 2012 from 5 to 9 pm at James Short Park, and will feature live music, a kids crafting table, food, and opportunities to connect with Calgary’s bisexual community. There will also be information available on the topics of bisexuality and pan-sexuality, and other queer or minority sexualities. As the information package says, “This is a queer-inclusive event, meaning that everyone is welcome, whether they identify as bisexual, pan-sexual, or anything else under the umbrella.” And there’s one thing left that Tiffany wants for Christmas (or Chinese New Year, or Ramadan, or whatever special time of year that you choose to think of): “We don’t have a lot of ethnic diversity in our group, and I think that that’s something I’d like to fix, but I don’t know how to reach out to bisexual or pansexual individuals in those other ethnic groups. I think that there’s probably a need, but I’m just not sure how to navigate that. We already have a wide range of ages, and a huge range of gender preferences (but) I know from the writings of other activists online that this can be a problem in various queer communities.”
Bi-B-Que Sat, Sept 1st, 5-9pm James Short Park http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3028
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GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
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Interview
If he could “turn back time”…
World’s most famous Cher impersonator makes Calgary believe By Krista Sylvester Nobody said it was easy being beautiful – but talented drag queen Chad Michaels certainly makes it look simple. Sure, any man can put on some diamond studded clothing and lipstick and call it drag – but Michaels feels it, looks it and is the epiphany of the ultimate drag queen. The world’s premier Cher impersonator has spanned a decade of his life (the last time he had a “real” job was in 2001) impersonating the popular singer to the point where many people (and People magazine itself!) actually mistake Michaels for the diva herself. But he says it’s a challenge to keep it fresh considering she hasn’t released a full length album since 2001. “The lack of new material has been frustrating,” Michaels says while on tour. “Luckily, Cher’s music and body of work is at such a high standard that audiences never seem to get tired of hearing Turn Back Time and Believe.” The soundtrack to Cher’s most recent movie Burlesque in 2010 certainly helped, but Michaels just has to strut his – or hers when in drag as Cher – stuff to the classics, which of course leave the crowd ravenous for more. “It’s an honour for me to play one of the most famous and influential women in entertainment. She’s universally loved and it’s very rewarding for me to deliver her to hungry audiences across the world.” Michaels has also impersonated Celine Dion, Marilyn Manson and others, but despite wanting to impersonate Madonna, he gravitated towards Cher because of his uncanny resemblance to her while dressed in drag. “Usually, no matter how I do my makeup, people always say I still look like Cher.” People magazine even included a Michaels as Cher photo in a collage they compiled dedicated to the singer’s changing looks through the decade. Oops – yes, he’s that good. The art of looking like Cher only takes two hours for Michaels these days, which he admits took years to master. “I’ve got it down to a science now to the point where very little can go wrong,” Michaels adds. “It’s nice being a professional.” But he must look good for his adoring fans, many who love Cher and many who just love Michaels the performer. “My audiences are usually very receptive to my craft. For me it has always been about drawing any reaction from a crowd,” he says. “Love me or hate me, but please feel something. In a world that beats us down and desensitizes us, come see me and feel alive again.” Michaels says one of the highlights of his career was actually meeting Cher at a benefit for her hosted by music mogul David Foster in 2002. “She was lovely, engaging and all together breath taking. It was such a thrill to meet her in person.” Despite collaborating with other amazing and talented singers such as David Foster, Bruce Roberts, Elton John, Christina Aguilera and Cyndi Lauper, Michaels says Cher still “shines the brightest.” Michaels currently produces and performs with the longest running female impersonation show in California, dubbed The Dreamgirls Review and is in constant demand on the national nightclub circuit as well as for private bookings. Between touring the globe, performing and crafting new costumes, Michaels spent a memorable and fulfilling season on RuPaul’s Drag Race (season four).
Chad Micheals as Cher, Photo by Mathu Andersen
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From Previous Page “That was one of the most amazing experiences I have had during my career,” he says. “The competition itself was challenging and exciting, but working with RuPaul who is a master in the art and business of drag was amazing.” But Michaels says it was the outpouring of support by the fans of the show that has been the most rewarding. “I never knew how many people have my back and it feels good to have an Army of Chad. RuPaul has essentially broken off a piece of his fame for all of us who competed on the show. He has given us a voice and a platform and it has been the most incredible gift.” Michaels credits the show with opening many more doors for him in his career, and despite not winning, Michaels finished in the top three. RuPaul says he “elevated the competition forever.” “I’m so grateful to RuPaul for taking a chance on me. Working with the women on the show and helping them find their inner divas was an emotional experience for me I will never forget. This has been a magical year for me and I’m looking to the future with eyes wide and full of wonder.” Because of the show, Michaels has been busier than ever but he makes sure to take some downtime and relax with his partner of nine years, who he adores, in the comfort of their west coast home. “We have a very peaceful home and it keeps me grounded and recharged. I love our pets and I love our home and any moment we can steal together, we do something fun.” As much as he loves his home time, he also loves meeting his fans while on tour, and of course, performing as Cher. “Meeting my fans face-to-face is a humbling and rewarding joy for me,” he adds. Calgarians will be happy to know Michaels will be performing on Saturday September 1 for the official Calgary Pride dance presented by PurePride, a date he’s very much looking forward to. The drag queen diva will own the dance floor that night at Flames Central. “See you soon Calgary, I can’t wait!”
Chad Michaels www.chadmicheals.com PURE Pride Sat, Sept 1st, 9pm Flames Central (219 – 8th Ave SW) Calgary, AB http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3029
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Chad Micheals as Cher, Photo by Mathu Andersen
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Photography
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Backlot presents Cowboyz Stampede at Vinyl Nightclub
Calgary Stampede
http://gaycalgary.com/pa303
http://gaycalgary.com/pa304
GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
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Photography ISCCA - Pistol and Pearls 3 at the Texas Lounge
Hot Mess Dance at the Calgary Eagle
http://gaycalgary.com/pa306
http://gaycalgary.com/pa308
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Photography Les Girls Break the Bank http://gaycalgary.com/pa307
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Directory & Events 24
DOWNTOWN CALGARY
43 41 4
37 34
2 33
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35
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1 2 3 4 5
Calgary Outlink---------- Community Groups Aids Calgary------------- Community Groups Backlot------------------------Bars and Clubs Calgary Eagle Inc.------------Bars and Clubs Texas Lounge-----------------Bars and Clubs
6 Goliath’s--------------------------Bathhouses 13 Westways Guest House----Accommodations 16 Priape Calgary----------------- Retail Stores 24 Courtney Aarbo-----------------------Services 33 Twisted Element--------------Bars and Clubs
FIND OUT!
GayCalgary 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. ......... Wheelchair Accessible
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 650 gay-frieindly listings! www.gaycalgary.com
Vertigo Mystery Theatre------------- Theatre One Yellow Rabbit-------------------- Theatre ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects-------- Theatre Pumphouse Theatre----------------- Theatre La Fleur------------------------- Retail Stores
CALGARY
LGBT Community Directory
✰....... Find our Magazine Here
34 35 36 37 41
Accommodations 13 Westways Guest House------------------- ✰ 216 - 25th Avenue SW 403-229-1758 1-866-846-7038 westways@shaw.ca www.gaywestways.com
Bars & Clubs 3 Backlot---------------------------------- ✰ 403-265-5211 Open 7 days a week, 2pm-close
209 - 10th Ave SW
4 Calgary Eagle Inc.---------------------- ✰ 424a - 8th Ave SE 403-263-5847 http://www.calgaryeagle.com Open Wed-Sun, 5pm-close Leather/Denim/Fetish bar. 60 Club Sapien (CLOSED)----------------- ✰ 1140 10th Ave SW 403-457-4464 http://www.clubsapien.ca Dance Club and Restaurant/Lounge. 9 FAB (CLOSED)-------------------------- ✰ 1742 - 10th Ave SW 403-263-7411 www.fab-bar.com Closed Mondays. Bar and restaurant. 5 Texas Lounge------------------------------ ✰ 308 - 17 Ave SW 403-229-0911 www.goliaths.ca Open 7 days a week, 11am-close
43 Lisa Heinricks--------- Theatre and Fine Arts 58 Theatre Junction--------------------- Theatre
33 Twisted Element--------------------------- ✰ 1006 - 11th Ave SW 403-802-0230 www.twistedelement.ca Dance Club and Lounge.
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 well-organized and fun sporting events and other activities.
• Western Cup 31
www.westerncup.com
GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
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Directory & Events Calgary Events
Buddy Night------------------------- 6pm-6am
Curling------------------------- 2:20 & 4:30pm
Friday, August 31st
Swim Practice (June)------------ 7:30-8:30pm
Alcoholics Anonymous-------------------- 8pm
Drag Queen H2O---------------------- 8pm By ISCCA at 3 Backlot
At 6 Goliaths
Mondays
ASK Meet and Greet---------------- 7-9:30pm Bonasera (1204 Edmonton Tr. NE)
By Different Strokes SAIT Pool (1301 - 16 Ave NW)
Inside Out Youth Group---------------- 7-9pm
Swim Practice (Jul/Aug)--------------- 7-8pm
See 1 Calgary Outlink
Yoga----------------------------- 7:40-9:15pm See
Apollo Calgary
Calgary Networking Club-------------- 5-7pm See 1 Calgary Outlink
1st
Between Men--------------------------- 7-9pm See 1 Calgary Outlink
2nd, 4th
Bootcamp--------------------------- 7-8:30pm Apollo Calgary
At 5 Texas Lounge
Fetish Slosh---------------------------- Evening At 3 Backlot
2nd
Alcoholics Anonymous-------------------- 8pm Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW
Knox United Church
Women’s Healing Circle-------------- 1:30pm AIDS Calgary
Free Pool------------------------------- All Day Prime Timers Calgary
LGBT Coffee Night------------------------ 7pm See
CAANS
1st
Mosaic Youth Group-------------------- 7-9pm Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW)
Squash------------------------------ 7:30-9pm By
1st
Alcoholics Anonymous-------------------- 8pm Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW
Apollo
Leather Night------------------------- Evening At 4 Calgary Eagle
Fundraising BBQs------------------------ 5pm
May17Jun27
Thursdays
Lesbian Seniors--------------------------- 2pm
3rd
1st
Womynspace---------------------------- 7-9pm
2nd
New Directions-------------------------- 7-9pm See 1 Calgary Outlink
3rd
Heading Out----------------------- 8pm-10pm See 1 Calgary Outlink
4th
Rec Volleyball--------------------------- 7-9pm See
See
Deer Park United Church
Worship------------------------------ 10:30am Scarboro United Church
Sunday Services--------------------- 10:45am See
Hillhurst United Church
Worship Services------------------------- 11am Knox United Church
Int/Comp Volleyball----------- 12:15-1:45pm See
Apollo Calgary
Apollo Calgary
At 4 Calgary Eagle
Church Service---------------------------- 4pm See
Rainbow Community Church
Swim Practice (June)------------------- 5-6pm
By Different Strokes SAIT Pool (1301 - 16 Ave NW)
Women’s Volleyball---------------- 7-8:30pm See
Apollo Calgary
Free Pool------------------------------- All Day At 4 Calgary Eagle
Saturday, August 11th The Hoedown---------------------------- 11am By ISCCA Regency Ranch (272098 Range Road 282A) Aug12
Alcoholics Anonymous-------------------- 8pm Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW
Bowls for Beswick------------------------ 12pm By SHARP Foundation Inglewood Lawn Bowling Club (1235 - 8th Ave SE)
Saturdays
Thursday, August 16th
Running----------------------------------- 9am
Risen-------------------------------- 7-9:30pm
Coffee------------------------------------ 10am
Saturday, August 18th
By
Kerby Center, Sunshine Room 1133 7th Ave SW
ISCCA at 3 Backlot
See 1 Calgary Outlink
Worship Time---------------------------- 10am
BBQ Social Sundays---------------------- 2pm
Fridays
By
Sundays
See
Karaoke-------------------------------- Evening
See 1 Calgary Outlink
Communion Service----------------- 12:10pm
At 4 Calgary Eagle with
At 1 Calgary Outlink
Apollo Calgary
Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW
See
Lesbian Meetup Group------------- 7:30-9pm
Illusions------------------------------- 7-10pm
Wednesdays
See
Apollo Calgary
At 3 Backlot
Karaoke------------------------------ 8pm-1am
See
JulAug
Bootcamp------------------------------- 7-8pm See
Tuesdays
See
By Different Strokes SAIT Pool (1301 - 16 Ave NW)
See
Apollo
By Prime Timers Calgary Midtown Co-op (1130 - 11th Ave SW)
By
6020 - 4 Avenue NE badminton@apollocalgary.com
• Biking
bike@apollocalgary.com
• Boot Camp
Platoon FX, 1351 Aviation Park NE bootcamp@apollocalgary.com
• Bowling (Rainbow Riders League)
Parade Day BBQ--------------------- 1-8pm By ISCCA at 3 Backlot
Pancake Breakfast------------------------ 9am At 4 Calgary Eagle
Farewell Party--------------------- 11am-2am At 4 Calgary Eagle
Pride BBQ------------------------------- 1-8pm By
ISCCA at 3 Backlot
Deep Roots 3------------------------------ 4pm By SHARP Foundation Broken City (613 - 11th Ave SW)
Fused - Dance Party------------- 6pm-2am By Les Girls at The Bank on 8th Thursday, September 20th Walk a Mile in Her Shoes------------ 12pm By YWCA at Olympic Plaza Sunday, September 23rd AIDS Walk for Life-------------- 10am-2pm By AIDS Calgary Saturday, October 13th Pirate & Princess Ball By ARGRA, Location TBA
Hot Mess Dance Party-------------------- 9pm At 4 Calgary Eagle
• Running (Calgary Frontrunners)
YWCA Calgary (320 - 5th Avenue SE) vbwomen@apollocalgary.com
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.
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. slow.pitch@apollocalgary.com Mount Royal University Recreation squash@apollocalgary.com All skill levels welcome.
• Golf
tennis@apollocalgary.com
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Sunday, September 2nd
• Volleyball (Women’s)
• Squash
outdoorpursuits@apollocalgary.com If it’s done outdoors, we do it. Volunteer led events all
Flames Central (219 - 8th Ave SW)
• Rehearsals
North Hill Curling Club (1201 - 2 Street NW) curling@apollocalgary.com Will return in September 2010. Sign up at myapollo.org to receive updates.
• Outdoor Pursuits
PURE Pride------------------------------- 9pm
• Volleyball (Recreational)
• Curling
lawnbowling@apollocalgary.com
At 4 Calgary Eagle
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.
• Slow Pitch
• Lawn Bowling
Saturday, September 1st
Full Leather Night------------------------ 9pm
Legend: = Monthly Reoccurrance, = Date (Range/Future), = Sponsored Event
Let’s Bowl (2916 5th Avenue NE) bowling@apollocalgary.com
golf@apollocalgary.com
At 4 Calgary Eagle
Misc Youth at Arrata Opera Centre
Calgary Contd. • Badminton (Absolutely Smashing)
Military Night----------------------------- 9pm
• Tennis
• Volleyball (Beach)
beachvb@apollocalgary.com
• Volleyball (Int/Comp)
West Hillhurst Community Center 1940 6th Avenue NW vb@apollocalgary.com
GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
Langevin School (107 6A St NE) recvb@apollocalgary.com
• Yoga
World Tree Studio (812 Edmonton Trail NE) Robin: 403-618-9642 yoga@apollocalgary.com $120 (10 sessions); $14 Drop-ins open to all levels. Apollo membership is required.
Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association (ARGRA)
www.argra.org
• Monthly Dances----------------------------- Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association 1320 - 5th Avenue NW
Temple B’Nai Tikvah, 900 - 47 Avenue SW
Calgary Sexual Health Centre---------
✰
1 Calgary Outlink---------------------------- ✰ Old Y Centre (303 – 223, 12 Ave SW) 403-234-8973 info@calgaryoutlink.ca http://www.calgaryoutlink.com
• 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.
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
www.gaycalgary.com
Directory & Events Calgary Contd. • Calgary Lesbian Ladies Meet up Group • Between Men and Between Men Online • Heading Out • Illusions Calgary • Inside Out • New Directions • Womynspace Calgary Queer Book Club
Deer Park United Church/Wholeness Centre
77 Deerpoint Road SE http://www.dpuc.ca
Adult Depot-----------------------------
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.
403-278-8263
Different Strokes
http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org
FairyTales Presentation Society
403-244-1956 http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com Alberta Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.
• DVD Resource Library
Over a hundred titles to choose from. Annual membership is $10.
Gay Friends in Calgary
http://www.gayfriendsincalgary.ca Organizes and hosts social activities catered to the LGBT people and friends.
Girl Friends
girlfriends@shaw.ca members.shaw.ca/girlfriends
Girlsgroove
http://www.girlsgroove.ca
Hillhurst United Church
1227 Kensington Close NW (403) 283-1539 office@hillhurstunited.com www.hillhurstunited.com
HIV Peer Support Group
403-230-5832 hivpeergroup@yahoo.ca
ISCCA Social Association
http://www.iscca.ca Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch. Charity fundraising group..
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.
Lesbian Meetup Group
http://www.meetup.com/CalgaryLesbian Monthly events planned for Queer women over 18+ such as book clubs, games nights, movie nights, dinners out, and volunteering events.
Miscellaneous Youth Network
http://www.miscyouth.com
• Fake Mustache • Mosaic Youth Group
The Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW) For queer and trans youth and their allies.
Mystique
mystiquesocialclub@yahoo.com Mystique is primarily a Lesbian group for women 30 and up but all are welcome.
• Coffee Night
Good Earth Cafe (1502 - 11th Street SW)
NETWORKS
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
403-797-6564
www.pridecalgary.ca
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.
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.
✰
✰
140, 58th Ave SW 403-258-2777 Gay, bi, straight video rentals and sex toys. 41 La Fleur------------------------------------ 103 - 100 7th Avenue SW 403-266-1707 Florist and Flower Shop.
Positive Space Committee
Weeds Cafe (1903 20 Ave NW)
• Safeworks Van
Retail Stores
others at age-appropriate activities within a positive, safe environment.
The Naked Leaf----------------------------
305 10th Street NW http://www.thenakedleaf.ca Organic teas and tea ware.
403-283-3555
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.
Services & Products Calgary Civil Marriage Centre
403-246-4134 (Rork Hilford) MarriageCommissioner@shaw.ca Marriage Commissioner for Alberta (aka Justice of the Peace - JP), Marriage Officiant, Commissioner for Oaths. 24 Courtney Aarbo (Barristers & Solicitors) 1138 Kensington Road NW 403-571-5120 http://www.courtneyaarbo.ca GLBT legal services.
Cruiseline
• Coffee Night
2nd Cup, Kensington
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
403-777-9494 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
403-272-2912 sharpfoundation@nucleus.com http://www.thesharpfoundation.com
Jim Duncan: 403-978-6600 Residential cleaning. Free estimates.
Lorne Doucette (CIR Realtors)
Unity Bowling
Let’s Bowl (2916 - 5th Ave NE) sundayunity@live.com
403-461-9195 http://www.lornedoucette.com
Urban Sex Radio Show
MFM Communications
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.
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.
Wild Rose United Church
1317-1st Street NW
403-543-6970 1-877-543-6970 http://www.mfmcommunications.com Web site hosting and development. Computer hardware and software.
SafeWorks
Free and confidential HIV/AIDS and STI testing.
• Calgary Drop-in Centre
Room 117, 423 - 4th Ave SE 403-699-8216 Mon-Fri: 9am-12pm, Sat: 12:15pm-3:15pm
• Centre of Hope
Room 201, 420 - 9th Ave SE 403-410-1180 Mon-Fri: 1pm-5pm
“Yeah...What She Said!” Radio Show
CJSW 90.9 FM yeahwhatshesaid@gmail.com
• Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre
403-850-3755 Sat-Thu: 8pm-12am, Fri: 4pm-12am
Theatre & Fine Arts 36 ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects 403-294-7402 http://www.ATPlive.com
AXIS Contemporary Art--------------------
107, 100 - 7 Ave SW rob@axisart.ca
403-262-3356 www.axisart.ca
Fairytales
See Calgary - Community Groups.
Jubilations Dinner Theatre
Bow Trail and 37th St. SW 403-249-7799 www.jubilations.ca
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-------------------------------
✰
58 Theatre Junction---------------------- Theatre Junction GRAND, 608 1st St. SW 403-205-2922 info@theatrejunction.com http://www.theatrejunction.com
✰
727 - 42 Avenue SE 403-243-6642 http://www.stagewestcalgary.com
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 780-938-2941 flashnightclub@hotmail.com 5 The Junction---------------------------- ✰ 10242 106th St 780-756-5667 http://www.junctionedmonton.com 12 Woody’s------------------------------------ ✰ 11725 Jasper Ave 780-488-6557
Bathhouses/Saunas 11 Steamworks------------------------------- ✰ 11745 Jasper Ave 780-451-5554 http://www.steamworksedmonton.com
1213 - 4th Str SW 403-955-6014 Sat-Thu: 4:15pm-7:45pm, Fri: Closed
Restaurants 4 Calgary Eagle Inc.--------------------- See Calgary - Bars and Clubs.
✰
60 Club Sapien (CLOSED)---------------- See Calgary - Bars and Clubs.
✰
9 FAB (CLOSED)------------------------- See Calgary - Bars and Clubs.
✰
networkscalgary@gmail.com A social, cultural, and service organization for the mature minded and “Plus 40” LGBT individuals seeking to meet
www.gaycalgary.com
GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
57
Directory & Events DOWNTOWN EDMONTON 5
11 6 12
N
4 14
4 Edmonton STD---------- Community Groups 5 The Junction------------------Bars and Clubs
6 Buddy’s Nite Club------------Bars and Clubs 11 Steamworks----------------------Bathhouses
12 Woody’s-----------------------Bars and Clubs 14 FLASH-------------------------Bars and Clubs
Yoga--------------------------------- 7:30-8pm
Edmonton Illusions------------------- 8:30pm
Ballroom Dancing-------------- 7:30-8:30pm
Mondays
Thursdays
Boot Camp------------------------------ 7-8pm
Youth Sports/Recreation----------------- 4pm
Monthly Meetings--------------------- 2:30pm
Youth Sports/Recreation----------------- 4pm
Edmonton Events See
Team Edmonton
Tuesdays
Martial Arts--------------------- 7:30-8:30pm See
Team Edmonton
Swim Practice------------------- 7:30-8:30pm See
Team Edmonton
GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club
Youth Sports/Recreation----------------- 4pm See
Youth Understanding Youth
Cycling--------------------------- 6:30-7:30pm See
See
Team Edmonton
Youth Understanding Youth
At 5 The Junction See
Youth Understanding Youth
Saturdays
Book Club----------------------------- 7:30pm
Monthly Meeting---------------------- 2:30pm
See
Team Edmonton
BookWorm’s Book Club
3rd
Martial Arts--------------------- 7:30-8:30pm Team Edmonton
Intermediate Volleyball-------- 7:30-9:30pm See
Team Edmonton
Fridays
Men’s Games Nights-------------- 7-10:30pm See
Men’s Games Nights
2nd, Last
See
Buck Naked Boys Club
www.beefbearbash.com
AltView Foundation
#44, 48 Brentwood Blvd, Sherwood Park, AB 403-398-9968 info@altview.ca www.altview.ca For gender variant and sexual minorities.
Book Worm’s Book Club
Howard McBride Chapel of Chimes 10179 - 108 Street bookworm@teamedmonton.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.
Camp fYrefly
7-104 Dept. of Educational Policy Studies Faculty of Education, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G5 http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca
Edmonton Pride Festival Society (EPFS)
http://www.edmontonpride.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.
58
2nd
By Edmonton Primetimers Unitarian Church, 10804 - 119th Street
Team Edmonton
Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street) See Edmonton Primetimers
2nd
2nd
Bearbash BBQ------------------------- 2pm By BEEF Bearbash at Victoria Park Bearbash Dance----------------------- 8pm By BEEF Bearbash at 5 The Junction
Bowling----------------------------------- 5pm
Sunday, August 26th
Sundays
Softball Tourney---------------------- 11am By Emily Morgan Foundation at Centennial Park
Running------------------------------ 10-11am
Sunday, September 23rd
Yoga--------------------------------- 2-3:30pm
AIDS Walk for Life-------------------- 11am By HIV Edmonton at Sir Winston Churchill Square
See
See See
Team Edmonton
Team Edmonton Team Edmonton
Edmonton Contd.
Alberta Bears
See
Saturday, August 18th
Naturalist Gettogether
See
Team Edmonton
Community Groups
2nd
Swim Practice--------------------------- 7-8pm
See
Wednesdays
GLBTQ Bowling------------------ 1:30-3:30pm See
See
Legend: = Monthly Reoccurrance, = Date (Range), = Sponsored Event
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 LGBT-friendly businesses in the Edmonton region.
Edmonton Illusions Social Club
5 The Junction 780-387-3343 groups.yahoo.com/group/edmonton_illusions
sing@evmchoir.com
GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club
780-474-8240
✰
10608 - 105 Ave 780-488-3234 admin@pridecentreofedmonton.org http://www.pridecentreofedmonton.org
Edmonton Vocal Minority
780-479-2038 www.evmchoir.com
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.
Pride Centre of Edmonton-------------
4 Edmonton STD 11111 Jasper Ave
• Men’s HIV Support Group
Men’s Games Nights
Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street) 780-474-8240 tuff@shaw.ca
tuff@shaw.ca
HIV Network Of Edmonton Society----
✰
9702 111 Ave NW 780-488-5742 www.hivedmonton.com Provides healthy sexuality education for Edmonton’s LGBT community and support for those infected or affected by HIV.
• Free School
10608 - 105 Ave monika\penner@shaw.ca Free School provides workshops on a variety of topics related to local activism.
• Get Tested for STIs
Free STD testing for anyone interested. For more information please contact the Pride Centre.
• GLBT Seniors Drop-In
10608 - 105 Ave huges@shaw.ca Support group for people living with HIV/AIDS.
• PFLAG
10608 - 105 Ave 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.
• TTIQ
10608 - 105 Ave admin@pridecentreofedmonton.org TTIQ is mixed gender open support group addressing the needs of transsexual and transgendered individuals.
• Womonspace Board Meeting
10608 - 105 Ave 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
InQueeries
SAGE building, Classroom B 15 Sir Winstone Churchill Square tuff@shaw.ca A social and support group for seniors of all genders and sexualities to talk, have tea and offer each other support.
Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose
• Men Talking with Pride
• YouthSpace
inqueeries@gmail.com Student-run GLBTQ Alliance at MacEwan University. http://www.iscwr.ca
Living Positive Society of Alberta
#50, 9912 - 106 Street 780-423-3737 http://www.facebook.com/LivingPoz Living Positive through Positive Living.
GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
10608 - 105 Ave robwells780@hotmail.com A social discussion group for gay, bisexual and transgendered men to discuss current issues and to offer support to each other.
10608 - 105 Ave brendan@pridecentreofedmonton.org Movie chosen by youth (aged 14 – 25), usually with LGBT themes. Popcorn is served. brendan@pridecentreofedmonton.org A safe and supportive space for GLBTQ youth aged 13–25. Video games, computers with internet, clothing bank, and more.
www.gaycalgary.com
Directory & Events Red Deer Events
Medicine Hat Events
Sunday, September 23rd
Saturday, September 22nd
AIDS Walk for Life---------------------- 1-5pm By CAANS at Rotary Park
Pride Festival--------------------------- 2-9pm By Medicine Hat Pride Association Riverside Veterans’ Memorial Park
Pride Dance--------------------------------9pm By Medicine Hat Pride Association at LIQUID
Edmonton Contd. Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton
780-474-8240 tuff@shaw.ca
Team Edmonton
president@teamedmonton.ca http://www.teamedmonton.ca Members are invited to attend and help determine the board for the next term. If you are interested in running for the board or getting involved in some of the committees, please contact us.
• Badminton (Mixed)
St. Thomas Moore School, 9610 165 Street coedbadminton@teamedmonton.ca New group seeking male & female players.
• 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
Garneau Elementary School 10925 - 87 Ave bootcamp@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 V
January 27-29, 2012 snowballs@teamedmonton.ca Skiing and Snowboarding Weekend.
• Soccer
soccer@teamedmonton.ca
• Spin
MacEwan Centre for Sport and Wellness 109 St. and 104 Ave Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45pm Season has ended. spin@teamedmonton.ca 7 classes, $28.00 per registrant.
• Swimming (Making Waves) NAIT Pool (11762 - 106 Street) swimming@teamedmonton.ca www.makingwavesswimclub.ca
• Tennis
Kinsmen Sports Centre Sundays, 12pm-3pm tennis@teamedmonton.ca
• Ultimate Frisbee
Ed’s Rec Room (West Edmonton Mall) bowling@teamedmonton.ca $15.00 per person.
Sundays Summer Season starts July 12th ultimatefrisbee@teamedmonton.ca E-mail if interested.
• Cross Country Skiing
• Volleyball, Intermediate
• Bowling (Northern Titans)
crosscountry@teamedmonton.ca
• Curling with Pride
Granite Curling Club, 8620 107 Street NW curling@teamedmonton.ca
• Cycling (Edmonton Prideriders) Dawson Park, picnic shelter cycling@teamedmonton.ca
Amiskiwacy Academy (101 Airport Road) volleyball@teamedmonton.ca
• Volleyball, Recreational
Mother Teresa School (9008 - 105 Ave) recvolleyball@teamedmonton.ca
• Women’s Lacrosse
• Dragon Boat (Flaming Dragons) dragonboat@teamedmonton.ca
Sharon: 780-461-0017 Pam: 780-436-7374 Open to women 21+, experienced or not, all are welcome. Call for info.
• Golf
• Yoga
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
• Martial Arts
Lion's Breath Yoga Studio (10350-124 Street) yoga@teamedmonton.ca
Womonspace
780-482-1794 womonspace@gmail.com www.womonspace.ca Women’s social group, but all welcome at events.
Youth Understanding Youth
• Sports and Recreation
• Outdoor Pursuits
5 The Junction------------------------------- 10242 106th St 780-756-5667
• Running (Arctic Frontrunners)
12 Woody’s------------------------------------ ✰ 11725 Jasper Ave 780-488-6557
Kinsmen Sports Centre running@teamedmonton.ca All genders and levels of runners and walkers are invited to join this free activity.
Passion Vault
15239 - 111 Ave 780-930-1169 pvault@telus.net “Edmonton’s Classiest Adult Store”
Products & Services Cruiseline
780-413-7122 trial code 3500 http://www.cruiseline.ca Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY.
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.
Brendan: 780-488-3234 brendan@pridecentreofedmonton.org
Restaurants
• Support Line
403-308-2893 Monday OR Wednesday, 7pm-11pm Leave a message any other time.
• Friday Mixer
The Mix (green water tower) 103 Mayor Magrath Dr S Every Friday at 10pm
Gay & Lesbian Integrity Assoc. (GALIA)
University of Lethbridge GBLTTQQ club on campus.
galia@uleth.ca
• 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
1-888-530-6777 lethbridgeab@pflagcanada.ca www.pflagcanada.ca
Pride Lethbridge
• Film Night
Bi-monthly, contact us for exact dates.
• Book Club
Monthly, contact us for exact dates.
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
BANFF/CANMORE Community Groups Mountain Pride
members@gaybanff.com www.gaybanff.com Serving the GLBTQS community in Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Area.
LETHBRIDGE
780-248-1971 www.yuyedm.ca A support and social group for queer youth 12-25.
15450 - 105 Ave (daycare entrance) 780-328-6414 kungfu@teamedmonton.ca kickboxing@teamedmonton.ca Drop-ins welcome. outdoorpursuits@teamedmonton.ca
Retail Stores
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.
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!
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.
LGBTQ Education
LGBTQeducation@hotmail.ca http://LGBTQeducation.webs.com Red Deer (and area) now has a website designed to bring various LGBTQ friendly groups/individuals together for fun, and to promote acceptance in our communities.
Pride on Campus
rdcprideoncampus@gmail.com A group of LGBTQ persons and Allies at Red Deer College.
ALBERTA Community Groups Alberta Trans Support/Activities Group
http://www.albertatrans.org A nexus for transgendered persons, regardless of where they may be on the continuum.
Continued on Page 61 www.gaycalgary.com
GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
59
Classifieds
The Calgary Police Service Sexuality & Gender Diversity Chief’s Advisory Board is currently accepting applications for new members. We are dedicated to working with the LGBT communities to promote effective two-way communication; promote education and awareness; identify and resolve crime and safety concerns; increase police awareness of Sexuality & Gender Diverse Communities; and to increase the communities’ awareness of police related issues. If you are interested in applying or would like more information, please contact Cst. Andy Buck at pol4792@calgarypolice.ca
won’t hear anywhere else, and connecting you to the Calgary Community. The best part? All of it is done by volunteers - folks just like you. At CJSW, we’re proud of our commitment to diversity in our programming, and also in our volunteer base. CJSW is a welcoming environment that celebrates all kinds of people. If you’ve ever wanted to get started in radio, learn more about music, find out how to edit audio, and get experience that looks great on a resume, drop us a line. You’ll be signed up to attend an orientation, and from there you can help us keep CJSW awesome. E-mail Geneviève, our Office and Volunteer Coordinator at office@cjsw.com, or call (403) 220-3902 to find out more!
Audition
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Products/Services 500
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Adult Depot Large selection of gay DVDs from $9.95, aromas and toys. Open MonFri 12-11pm, Sat 12-6pm, closed Sundays and holidays.
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It’s not about special treatment. You can’t assume the LGBT person, or the straight person will follow the pack anymore. The LGBT market is becoming more and more aware of what organizations support them, and which ones don’t, ultimately sending them away from businesses and communities that do not recognize them or their lifestyle. Does your staff need LGBT sensitivity training? Want to attract the market but unsure how to proceed? Local, Domestic, International, We can assist. Check us out at http://
Ads starting at $10/mo. for the first 20 words. Submit yours at http://www.gaycalgary.com/classifieds 60
GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
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Directory - From Page 59
Theatre & Fine Arts Alberta Ballet
http://www.albertaballet.com Frequent productions in Calgary and Edmonton.
CANADA Community Groups 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
www.gaycalgary.com
1-888-204-7777 www.egale.ca Egale Canada is the national advocacy and lobby organization for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transidentified people and our families.
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.
GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
61
Q Scopes
Go easy on yourself, Libra! Venus entering Cancer brings out domesticity, familial affections and good cooking. Easy on the sweets! Mercury quincunx Neptune brings a last burst of madness (enlightenment?) as he turns direct. It will all clear up soon.
ARIES (March 20–April 19): You can hardly help but to push too hard. Hitting a limit in your efforts with your partner (at home or at work) will help you clarify your capacities. It can also be a make-or-break time for the partnership.
TAURUS (April 20–May 20): The longer you keep smoothing things over at home, the bigger it will backfire. Resentments and anger will come out so face them squarely and deal with them. It’s not so bad. With forthright honesty it can actually work out very well. GEMINI (May 21–June 20): With your ruler Mercury
turning direct, expect everything you’ve been wanting to say to be heard. So will a lot that you wanted to keep under wraps. You think you can handle the fall out yourself, but you really do want some help!
CANCER (June 21–July 22): As much as your dreams
do come true, resist the impulse to fret over those that don’t. Be mature and constructive with what you have. There’s a difference between dedication and stubbornness. Focus on your long-range goals.
LEO (July 23–August 22): Friends mean well with their promises. Try to be kind and forgiving when they don’t come through. Perhaps, just maybe you were expecting more than they were offering? Be careful not to reveal sexual secrets, unless you want to create some more.
VIRGO (August 23–September 22): Worries that have been lurking in the back of your mind are moving to your mouth. For your own sake, and everyone else’s, be careful who you share that with. Conversations with your partner can open up problems that need work. Roll up your sleeves!
LIBRA (September 23–October 22): The velvet glove isn’t
fooling anyone. Everyone sees your iron fist. Go easy on yourself and everyone around you. A long, deep heart-to-heart with a trusted friend, or even a therapist, can get you back in balance.
SCORPIO (October 23–November 21): Life feels like trying
to win the Indy 500 with your parking brake on. If you let it, the tension will only get worse and worse. Consult with a spiritual (or psychological) authority. You really need to work hard on letting go.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 20): There will
always be a part of you that wants to be somewhere else. Don’t let that stop you from settling in with the one you love. Partnership is an adventure that will test you, push you and teach you more than world travel.
CAPRICORN (December 21–January 19): You’re pushing ahead harder in your endeavors, but something’s holding you back. Distinguish between necessary structure and dead weight. Advice from your partner could make life easier. Don’t be too proud to listen!
AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18): Don’t get ahead of yourself. You can master the great ideas, but you need to start from the basics. That might mean reviewing what you think you know and finding new approaches.
PISCES (February 19–March 19): Recent problems can feel overwhelming, but answers and order will come soon. Intuition is a better friend than logic, although you do need both. Just keep asking yourself: What’s the mature, responsible thing to do? Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977 teaches at the Online College of Astrology. He can be reached for personal or business consultations at 415-864-8302 or through his website at http://www. starjack.com 62
GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
www.gaycalgary.com
www.gaycalgary.com
GayCalgary Magazine #106, August 2012
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