GayCalgary Magazine - October 2013

OCTOBER 2013

® ISSUE 120 • FREE The Voice of Alberta’s LGBT Community

Chi Chi LaRue

Icon visits Edmonton

MICHAEL

URIE

Kris Holden-Ried

Hungry like the Wolf

PLUS:

Robert Englund Julian Richings Garrett Wang Zoie Palmer ...and more!

Business Directory

Boy & GurL

Back with Passion Pop

Scan to Read on Mobile Devices

Community Map

Calgary • Alberta • Canada

Events Calendar

Tourist Information

STARTING ON PAGE 55

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

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Table of Contents

Videography Steve Polyak,Sales Rob Diaz-Marino Craig Connell Printers sales@gaycalgary.com North Hill News/Central Web

Printers Distribution Web exPress

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

Legal Council

Courtney Aarbo, Barristers and Solicitors

SalesGeneral & General Inquiries Inquiries

® GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine GayCalgary Magazine 2136 17th Avenue SW Calgary, AB, Canada Calgary, AB, Canada T2T 0G3 T2T 0G3 magazine@gaycalgary.com

Office Hours: By appointment ONLY Phone: 403-543-6960 Toll Free: 1-888-543-6960 Fax: 403-703-0685 E-Mail: magazine@gaycalgary.com This Month's Cover Cher and Christina Aguilera courtesy of Sony Main: Michael Urie, photo

by Christopher Beyer Pictures; Lennox Mike Polyak Owen; Top Right:Annie Chi Chi LaRue,courtesy photo byof Steve Rex Goudie.

Middle Right: Kris Holden-Ried, photo by Shaw Media Proud Members of: Bottom Right: Boy&GurL

Proud Members of:

Edmonton Rainbow Business Association

Up and Down Alberta

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The Skin I’m In now on DVD

Publisher’s Column

Broderick Fox’s film launches internationally on iTunes and Amazon

10 Cowboys, Armageddon, and the Truth

12 Catching Up with Michael Urie

Actor talks breaking from Ugly Betty, sexually mysterious new role and being Barbra

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Writers and Contributors

Chris Mercedes Azzopardi, Allen, Chris P.J. Bremner, Azzopardi,Dave Dallas Brousseau, Barnes, Dave JasonBrousseau, Clevett, Andrew Sam Casselman, Collins, Mark Jason Dawson, Clevett, Rob Andrew Diaz-Marino, Collins, Emily David-Elijah Collins, Rob Nahmod, Diaz-Marino, Janine Eva Janine Trotta, Eva Trotta, Farley Foo Jack Foo, Fertig, Marisa Glen Hudson, Hanson, Joan Evan Kayne, Hilty, Evan Stephen Kayne, Lock, Stephen Lisa Lunney, Lock, Neil Steve McMullen, Polyak, Romeo Allan Neuwirth, San Vicente Steve andPolyak, the LGBT CareyCommunity Rutherford,of RomeoCalgary, San Vicente, Edmonton, Ed Sikov, andNick Alberta.

Vivian and the GLBT Community of Calgary, Edmonton, and Alberta.

Photography Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino, Photography Cheryl Patricia & Sabina Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino, B&J Videography Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino

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14 Everyone’s Favourite Nightmare In depth with Robert Englund

16 Kris Holden-Ried Hungry like the Wolf

17 Discussing Community Safety Volunteering with the CPS

18 Flying the Flag of Pride

20 Boy&GurL are back with Passion Pop 22 Zoie Palmer

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Publisher: Steve Polyak Editor: Rob Diaz-Marino Sales: Steve Polyak Design & Layout: Rob Diaz-Marino, Ara SteveShimoon Polyak

OCTOBER 2013

e n zi

Lost Girl

a g a 26 Deep Inside Hollywood m 24 Julian Richings Death and Pizza

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®

Welcome out, Wentworth and Whishaw

27 Joe Komara Breaks All Rules Cinemax Star Comes Out from Behind the Bar

28 Garrett Wang Why so serious, Harry Kim?

30 Out of Town

Palm Springs: Three-Day Weekend

32 Canadian Mary

Katherine Isabelle on conventions, abnormal roles, and filming in Canada

33 A Lieb of Faith National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association

YouTube sensation talks Steve Grand, being a heartthrob and his gay competition

PAGE 20

International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

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Table of Contents  Continued From Previous Page

36 Queen Dream

Janelle Monáe on her gay inspiration, gender-bending and lesbian rumors

38 A Campy Queer Twist on an Old Classic

PAGE 22

Third Street Theatre vamps up Macbeth in time for Halloween

39 I Love You Because

40 Chi Chi LaRue

Iconic drag queen/producer visits Edmonton

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

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Editorial

Up and Down Alberta Publisher’s Column

By Rob Diaz-Marino, MSc. September was one heck of a busy month, and thankfully with this climax comes a lull in October.

We already included coverage of Calgary Pride in the last edition, so the next major thing to happen was the grand opening of a new LGBT nightclub in Edmonton the weekend of the 14th: Evolution Wonder Lounge.

Evolution set up shop in what some may remember as the PLAY Nightclub space. While the layout has remained roughly the same, the owners have gone great lengths to break the “dark and dingy gay bar” stereotype with their offering. From white floors and furniture in the lounge area, to an abundance of LED and other lighting cycling through the colours of the rainbow, the place is anything but drab.

They brought out quite a roster of celebrities for their grand opening weekend, three of whom you might have read about in our previous edition. As a bonus, we were able to do a video interview with Chi Chi LaRue, the legendary drag queen and porn producer herself, while she was in town!

The Friday Night was a meet and greet, where customers had the opportunity to casually interact with Chi Chi, Christopher Daniels, Tyler Saint, and Matthew Rush. On Saturday however, Chi Chi did some DJing for part of the night, while the 3 porn stars put on a steamy stage performance. They wrapped the weekend up with a Sunday afternoon T-dance.

But prior to heading over to the Evolution T-dance that Sunday, Steve and I went to Earl’s on Jasper Avenue for a special media event launching their new Brunch service across the US and Canada. Funny enough we had to turn them down for the event in Calgary, so they instead invited us to one in Edmonton.

The brunch items on the menu, such as the Sourdough French Toast, the Croque Madam, and the Eggs Benedict all looked as good as they tasted. Even though we were given sample-sized portions, I was completely stuffed before the final plate came. Seeing the full portion sizes, a single item would be more than enough to satisfy a big appetite. You can check out the photos we took on our website (http://www.gaycalgary. com/n980) – or try the dishes for yourself! Earl’s now offers brunch Saturday, Sunday, and holiday Mondays until 2pm.

The next weekend, on September 21st we headed southeast to Medicine Hat for their annual Pride festival and dance. It was a slightly shorter trip than the one we usually make to Edmonton, although heading in the direction of Saskatchewan, the land was noticeably flatter (in fact, the most memorable part of the trip was the unpleasant stench near Brooks).

Steve had visited Medicine Hat for the Pride Festival last year with his friend Don, while I was covering the AIDS Walk in Edmonton. So this year was my first time at Medicine Hat Pride

Continued on Next Page 

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

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 From Previous Page – actually, the first time in my life that I’ve ever been to Medicine Hat, period! I can’t say we got to see much of the city, but the organizers were kind enough to make hotel arrangements for us so that we could spend the night and enjoy the full extent of the dance.

The weather was quite nice for the festival in Riverside Veteran’s Memorial Park. Lots of businesses and non-profit groups from Medicine Hat and across Alberta had set up tents and booths. We were treated to a brief drag show and some belly dancers on the outdoor stage. I got to impress some people with my rarely-used Frisbee skills for a whole five minutes, and got to eat one of the biggest freezies I’ve ever seen (considering I’m diabetic…actually, I only ate about half of it).

The drag show at the dance was quite entertaining, and featured a number of queens who had driven out from beyond the Saskatchewan border, like Yada Ya-Oughtta-Book-Ahead, Jenny Talia, and Kricket. The host, Medicine Hat local Sabrina Seville, was a laugh riot on the microphone.

We headed back quite early in the morning so we could arrive back in Calgary in time for the AIDS Walk. I said last month we had to make some choices with so many events happening that particular weekend, so while we made it to Medicine Hat Pride and the Calgary AIDS Walk, we missed covering Banff Pride, ISCWR Investitures, the AIDS Walks in Edmonton and other cities, and (break my heart) the ARGRA Hot Tub Party.

On Wednesday the 25th, the ISCCA resumed their monthly drag shows at Cowboys. Though we missed April Storm on the mic (as she had gone into drag retirement during Pride), the girls found their stride – although a little rushed by the new DJ. Keep an eye out for more such drag nights to come.

The weekend of the 28th, we were kept very well occupied with the Edmonton Comic and Entertainment Expo. We got to spend some quality time with our newer Edmonton writers, Farley and Marissa, as we lined them up to do celebrity interviews when the publicists could squeeze us in. Though we didn’t get to do another interview with John Barrowman, we did get the opportunity to have a casual chat with his husband Scott when he stopped by our booth. Otherwise, we handed out some magazines, gawked at some good looking men, played out some irreverent physical comedy on an eerily realistic baby doll, and generally geeked out.

A funny story: back in June, as we were heading back from Lethbridge Pride, we had stopped in at Fort MacLeod just to check it out. We still had our GayCalgary t-shirts on as we walked into an antique shop and bought a small Snoopy ornament that we found. The owner noticed our shirts and told us a story about how recently, a gay couple had been in there and bought a large booth seat that had been used in the diner scene in Brokeback Mountain. We joked that we probably knew them, for how small the community can be sometimes.

As we were chatting with the couple that own the Trekcetera Museum in Vulcan, they mentioned having recently acquired a piece of the Brokeback Mountain set – sure enough, the

Online Last Month (1/2) Banff Has Wild Pride ‘Who are they, and what are they doing?’

These are the hard-hitting questions we ask here at the “Gaily Planet”. Ken Fierheller, Program Manager... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3679

Creep of the Week: Gov. Rick Snyder I’m in a rather shitty Embassy Suites in San Diego using $12 wi-fi and typing this on my iPad. Why, you ask? Because I’m getting married tomorrow. To... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3683

Deep Inside Hollywood Now add Portia de Rossi

Casual fans of Portia de Rossi (aka everyone not a lesbian or otherwise addicted to Arrested Development) might not realize that the actress formerly... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3688

Hear Me Out

The Civil Wars, Backstreet Boys, Gregory Alan Isakov, Vince Gill & Paul Franklin

The Civil Wars, The Civil Wars Nitty-gritty details are few concerning the highly publicized drama between The Civil Wars twosome Joy Williams... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3690

Creep of the Week: Christopher Doyle “One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever know...” I’m sorry to report, but ExGay Pride Month has been retroactively cancelled. I mean,... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3684

Screen Queen

Spring Breakers, 42, Mud, The Ice Storm, The Place Beyond the Pines, Stoker, The Call

Spring Breakers The intention of Harmony Korine’s unsettling spring break dramatization – as discussed during the... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3692

Do We Have to Forgive the Ex-Gays?

For people who have endured the exgay message of Exodus, apologies might be much too little, too late.

When Alan Chambers, the president of Exodus “ex-gay” Ministries publically apologized for the hurt he has caused LGBT people, I forgave him.... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3693

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

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Online Last Month (2/2) Paint the Town Red

Get ready Edmonton, there’s a party coming!

“A big party is a lot of fun! We’re looking to create some strong presence, and I think that with me going out into the community, and doing a few... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3695

Creep of the Week Ted Yoho

People who identify as gay or lesbian are often accused of being “confused,” especially when we first come out. As if heterosexuality were the... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3685

Deep Inside Hollywood

Amber Tamblyn is Two and a Half Men’s lesbian

Usually when a series is as long in the tooth as Two and a Half Men, the producers bring in a cute kid to boost the ratings. But with Angus T. Jones...

booth seat from the diner scene! To quote a t-shirt that was generously given to us by MoL Gifts & More, “If you’re going to blow my mind, could you at least swallow?”

That Saturday night, the Pride Centre of Edmonton held the Paint the Town Red Gala as a fundraiser. It was a very upscale evening with some fun performances, and great dance music to finish off the night.

Though our press deadline was impending the next weekend, we couldn’t miss the ISCCA Hoedown out on the Regency Ranch. This year’s “Run Bitch, Run” included the option of paint grenades! Unfortunately, it was very difficult to hit the runners with them.

I was the only one up for trying to tackle Les in the Slippery Bear event this year, so we made a fun photo shoot out of it. Les and I both stripped down to our undies, we slathered Les from head to toe with vegetable oil, and then I had to try tackling him to the ground.

I wasn’t as quick to get him down this year as I did the last time. Since we did it on the grass rather than in the soft dirt that would get stuck in the oil, Les stayed slippery enough that he was able to break away from my grip several times. Also, last year we did teams of two, so with only me chasing him he had a lot more room to escape. Eventually I did get him to the ground, after one failed attempt almost took his underwear down to his knees. It’s a lot of fun if you don’t mind getting dirty, and especially if you enjoy man-handling a lubed-up straight guy in his underwear!

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3689

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3697

Hear Me Out

KT Tunstall, Over the Rhine, Julianna Barwick, Rudimental,

View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

KT Tunstall, Invisible Empire // Crescent Moon The fuzzy feelings of KT Tunstall’s optimistic radio-baiter “Suddenly I See,” a... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3691

Creep of the Week: Russell D. Moore How do you solve a problem like a tranny?

How do you catch a gender and pin it down? Those are the questions keeping Russell D. Moore up... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3686

Is One of You the Man…?

Inquiring minds still want to know, even if they know better

It happened again. Friends asked my partner, Traci, and me, “Is one of you, like, more the man in the relationship?”

This doesn’t piss me off,... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3694

Titus Andronicus

Bringing Shakespeare’s bloodiest work to life

After last season’s successful collaboration between Ground Zero Theatre/Hit and Myth Productions and The Shakespeare Company that brought the highly entertaining... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3696

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

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Review

The Skin I’m In now on DVD

Broderick Fox’s film launches internationally on iTunes and Amazon

By Janine Eva Trotta A film that takes you down deep into the underbelly of one man’s struggle with identity, gender, sexuality, body image and alcohol will be readily available to view across the globe beginning October 1st.

The Skin I’m In is a candid, honest and raw autobiographical look at Broderick Fox’s brush with death in a Berlin subway terminal and rise to self-actualization.

“Being blunt about my story I can… entertain but potentially also help other people,” he says. “One of the gifts that sobriety has given me is the sense that honesty is a great liberator.”

In his film Fox, a world travelled gay university professor/ film maker/erotic hairdresser/actor/singer and variety of other things journeys to Victoria, British Columbia to have First Nations artist Randy Cook design him a personal tattoo, commemorative of a lifetime of trial and achievement.

In the process he analyzes the events that have composed his life, interviews his parents, explores his four personas, and reunites them in a comfortable agreement to be one true self.

“Everything that I’ve gone through I’ve had to verify through personal experience,” Fox says, recognizing that even with a privileged upbringing and caring parents, one still needs to embark on their own journey to forge out the self that feels right to them.

“I always knew that I wanted to make media or somehow find a way to express things creatively, but I’ve also had this critical side to everything… which I can do to a fault,” he describes. Now he has found his balance.

As a professor in the media arts and culture department at Occidental College in Los Angeles, Fox teaches theory and production based classes by day, leaving him free to make the films he dreams of after hours.

“I’m very fortunate to have tenure and job security at a pretty liberal teaching institution that allows me to be this open,” he says.

“People [now] can use the tools at their disposal to make work that is important to them….work that hasn’t been represented by mainstream media.”

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

Fox is speaking on the accessible, and affordable, digital age. The first draft of Fox’s film was entirely self-funded, self directed and self made. As this base version was polished from an amateur reel into a feature length piece, Fox collaborated with some talented, creative artists, sought and secured grants, and crowd sourced the rest.

“Friends, family and strangers that believed in the content,” he names as the people who generated the funds to make the film possible. Fox tends to steer clear of the corporate arena.

With The Skin I’m In’s official release date looming, Fox’s trepidation over how it would be received by his family, colleagues and pupils mounted.

“I knew I needed to show it to [my parents] before it got it out there to the world,” he says. Fox sat with them, just prior to Christmas, to view the film. “It was the longest 86 minutes of my life.”

Though initially his parents were saddened, Fox says the screening “opened up a tremendous new space now for me – approaching 40 – to have an open relationship with my parents that I don’t know, necessarily, everyone has.”

“That alone made the movie worthwhile.”

Following its public release faculty members wrote Fox privately to talk about their own addictions, students used the film as an opportunity to raise coming out issues with their own families, and Fox was able to assemble smaller focus groups and conversation groups on campus.

A forum was created on which to discuss “what it means to be queer and come of age in our sort of rapidly globalizing and …post identity politics moment,” he says.

That forum was brought to 17 different cities in 11 countries during an intense festival circuit that included a handful of LGBT film festivals but an interesting assortment of non-community festivals as well.

One of these was the DMZ Korean International Documentary Film Festival, which takes place annually in the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea.

Fox says he embraces the opportunity to show his film to new audiences with fresh questions and perspectives on his story and themes. www.gaycalgary.com

The last festival screening of The Skin I’m In took place at Fairytales here in Calgary.

“It was a sweet and special end to our festival run,” Fox says. “The festival was really intimate; it felt like the queer community was a really tight knit community.”

Fox says unlike larger cities, such as LA where the LGBT festivals can get quite large, corporate and political, Fairytales offered a refreshing atmosphere and tackled prevalent, hard-hitting subjects.

The director was especially affected by his attendance at the film Love Free or Die, a movie that follows the first openly gay Bishop’s appointment and inner struggle between his love for God and his love for his partner Mark, and its screening venue – a church.

“It was humbling and exciting to be with audiences that are asking tough questions and going through this stuff together,” Fox describes.

Fox’s female persona Dina Brown had the chance to make an appearance at the racy screening of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, in an open-back pantsuit that revealed the Aboriginal tattoo LA artist Zulu summoned out of Fox’s back in a series of gruelling ink sessions we get to see in his film.

“A Calgary premier as it were… which was fun,” Fox says.

Though The Skin I’m In was Fox’s first feature length film it was not his first time behind or in front of the camera.

Fox previously directed a feature documentary with peers as well as numerous shorts, including the evocative 2001 short Things Girls Do. “Things Girls Do looks at gendered treatment of body dysmorphia and eating disorders, viewed as a woman’s issue,” he says. Fox cleverly uses the slowing of the female narrator’s voice as a segue for his own voice to emerge – thus revealing that this woman’s issue is his own.

“Embodied media,” he calls this very personal, resonating film style.

The Skin I’m In Available on DVD October 1st • http://www.skiniminmovie.com

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

9

Review

 Scott Terry, Today

 Scott & Sister, circa 1967

 Scott, College Years

Cowboys, Armageddon, and the Truth

By P.J. Bremner Scott Terry, a successful water colorist, installation artist, and writer, spent his childhood and youth dodging emotional landmines in a wasteland of neglect, abuse and hunger. That he survived and prospered is remarkable, as is his memoir, “Cowboys, Armageddon, and the Truth.”

The book describes incongruity found in our North American society; hunger in a land of plenty, love harbored and doled out to only our own as though is was a rare commodity, detachment instead of parental love, religion that preaches fear and damnation instead of love and inclusivity.

Terry’s story is really one of metamorphosis. He emerged from poverty into financial security; from abandonment into a long-term relationship and a wide circle of friends; from religious intolerance into a life of acceptance; from knowing only homophobia into life as an openly gay man, a masculine man attracted to other masculine men.

Scott’s childhood was a nightmare of abuse and his book clearly describes the injustices served to him. His mother left early in his life. Indeed, he has no clear memory of her as a toddler. One hears the feeling of rejection in Terry’s memory of childcare. “We had a string of babysitters over the next year, each of whom disappeared.

My mother had done likewise.”

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His father remarried and his new wife, Fluffy, was far, far worse than any fictional evil stepmother. Her husband’s children were treated as free labour. Scott dusted baseboards while his sister scrubbed skillets. The two of them were locked out of the home when Fluffy went shopping.

Fluffy’s children were fed proper meals while they were denied even Kool-Aid. They lived in constant fear of punishment, which took bizarre forms, including holding one’s arms above their head for long periods of time and, as mere children, kicked out of the house.

Terry’s father, an unskilled, uneducated Okie, moved from job to job and county-to-county. Always the new boy, Terry had few friends. He and his sister grew extremely close and together they faced life, stealing food whenever possible and sharing secrets.

Secrets, of course, were their defense against the world. No-one knew how awful home life was. In an interview, Terry noted that he would have lied to protect Fluffy just as many abused spouses deny their bruises are from their partner’s fists. He notes, poignantly, “I don’t know why he asks things like that. People try to tell him about how things are with Fluffy, but he doesn’t believe them. When brothers in the Kingdom Hall ask questions, the kind you don’t want them to ask, Dad gets mad. He says we spread stories, things that aren’t true, but it isn’t true. I don’t tell anyone anything.”

His father and stepmother are members of the Jehovah Witness religion, a faith that holds as its core the belief that Armageddon is imminent. There is little purpose in education when the world is going to end soon. Jehovah Witnesses (JWs) do not allow discussion of its doctrines; one believes the dogma on faith alone.

In addition to military service, marking birthdays, donating blood and observing Christmas, JWs preach against homosexuality as an abomination and perversion.

Jim Moon is webmaster of A Common Bond, an international support group for ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Their web site states that: “The Jehovah’s Witness religion teaches its membership to believe that homosexuality is ‘detestable’, ‘an abomination’, ‘abhorrent’, and is caused by demon possession. Because of this, thousands of gay Witnesses are living lives of deeply closeted guilt, and fear of destruction by God. Those who choose to leave, or are expelled from the Witnesses face immediate isolation and shunning from family and friends….” Gays and lesbians who have been kicked out of the JWs are in a special need for all the emotional and spiritual support they can get. If JWs don’t conform completely to the sect’s doctrines and practices, including a strict prohibition against merely being www.gaycalgary.com

gay, they are disfellowshipped, which is a severe punishment. It amounts to total ostracism.”

Young Terry, indoctrinated by continual exposure to a church that hates what he realized he was, endured years of self-denial.

When a picture of a naked man sparks his desire, he prayed against it and, thus, against his very self.

Einsten once said, “A man’s ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death.” The quotation fits Terry’s view on religion today.

As Terry grows older, things came to a head. No longer able to live as he had been, he successfully fled and found a home, love and acceptance with his aunt. He also found a new passion, rodeo and bull riding, went to college and came to terms with who and how he is.

Terry’s story is compelling. It is much, much more than a coming out story or a coming of age piece. I think it is a story about finding one’s humanity, one’s self worth, one’s dignity. It is a tale of resurrection from the death of inhumane treatment, abandonment and cruelty.

While I encourage everyone, not only LGBT readers but everyone, to read “Cowboys, Armageddon and the Truth”, I do not give it full stars. I rate it 7 / 10. Terry’s phrases are periodically awkward and his technique of using his child voice in places serves to disrupt more than enlighten.

Perhaps he tackled too much material. A full childhood and adolescence of fighting cruelty, loss, hatred, fundamentalism, and homophobia may be too much for a first novel.

I eagerly await his next book. And, in the meantime, I am passing out my copy to all of my friends, straight and gay alike.

I had the opportunity to chat with Scott to exchange ideas. He graciously answered several of my questions.

GC: The title,” Cowboys, Armageddon, and the Truth”, is compelling. How did you come up with it?

ST: It was kind of last minute. I spent almost 7 years writing the book (learning how to write a book takes time) and the title during that time was “The House of Fluffy.” My publisher didn’t like that title. He thought it sounded like a story about a cat….so I changed it. I didn’t put a lot of thought into it. It just kind of arrived on its own.

GC: If you were just starting to write the book, is there anything you would change?

ST: If I had it to do over, I would probably include more material about cowboys, rodeos, etc. Some readers have commented that they wanted more blood, sweat, and trauma about the bull riding experience, so I would probably expand on that more if I could.

But the reality is that what gets included in a book isn’t always up to the author. There is a size limit for a first time author, and publishers were adamant that I had to keep the word count under 90,000 words…which meant that some details and material didn’t get included.

GC: What writers do you admire? Why? ST: As a kid I always had my nose buried in books, to the point that more than once I took home a report card with a teacher’s comment of, “Scott reads too much.” I admire writers who can move me with their stories without burying me in over-the-top language.

I’m not interested in reading a book to marvel at the writer’s skill in sharing every word in his vocabulary. I want the story to move me.

But the story that I remember most, and moved me the most, was a short story by African American author Langston Hughes. I read his story, “The Salvation” when I was a teenager, and that’s when I realized that a good story and good writing had tremendous power.

GC: What are you reading at present?

ST: I just finished reading The Orchardist, which I enjoyed very much. There are perhaps ten other books sitting on my desk from authors who asked me to review their works. That was something I did not expect. After publishing my book I found myself buried with review requests, and it’s difficult to get to them.

GC: You mention that you like masculine men. How do you feel about drag queens?

ST: I’m a masculine guy and I am romantically and physically attracted to other masculine men, but that doesn’t really have any bearing on how I view drag queens. I’m not interested in dressing in drag, but I’ve known many other men who do. I suppose the best way to answer this question is by saying that I view drag queens in the same way I view masculine men, effeminate men, lipstick lesbians, heterosexuals, transgendered, and every other letter in the LGBTQ rainbow. People are people. Everyone needs to find the way to exist in this world which makes them happy.

GC: Do you ever go to a drag show?

ST: Sure. I’m an openly gay man, so I’ve seen drag shows. The gay rodeos, in particular, have a large contingent of drag queens who perform and raise money for charity. That’s an admirable thing.

GC: Do you have any desire to write another book? If so, would it also be autobiographical or would you consider fiction?

ST: Writing another book wasn’t my original objective, but after writing Cowboys I’ve realized that writers write books. I am a writer.

I will write another book. I am currently working on the outline for a work of fiction. It won’t be too far off in theme from Cowboys, but fiction will allow me to take the story in any direction I like. That feels very liberating, powerful, and daunting. I’ve never written fiction, but I would like to write without being constrained by my personal history. When writing my memoir I felt an overwhelming need to be honest and accurate in the telling of my story. I refused to fictionalize it, even though many publishers asked me to. So I think writing a new book of fiction will be a terrific experience. It will be another cowboy themed story, but perhaps in the romance category.

GC: Do you have any desire to write for a non-gay audience?

ST: Most of my writing has been for a non-gay audience. My essays for Huffington Post - Gay Voices page weren’t geared specifically for a gay audience, nor was my memoir, Cowboys. I

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

11

Catching Up with Michael Urie

Actor talks breaking from Ugly Betty, sexually mysterious new role and being Barbra  Photo by Christopher Beyer

By Chris Azzopardi Michael Urie doesn’t mean to disappoint you. It’s just that after basically becoming Marc St. James on Ugly Betty, the hit ABC comedy that launched his career, he’s often expected to be a flamboyantly catty queen.

And he’s not.

His role in Petunia, a new indie from Wolfe out now on DVD, is almost the antithesis of Marc: aloof, not-so-effeminate and sexually ambiguous, George is the kind of man the 33-year-old actor has longed to play.

In addition to his enigmatic part in Petunia, Urie talked about entertaining the idea of a polyamorous relationship, the trick to impersonating Barbra Streisand and not living up to people’s Ugly Betty expectations.

GC: George is a different role for you. What was it like stepping into his shoes for Petunia?

MU: That’s exactly what I was so excited about when I read it.

I thought it was such a good script. Halfway through reading it I was laughing at situations based on character traits, not just jokes and physical bits. I was really interested in it because I love – as you can probably imagine – camping out and being silly and being 12

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the center of attention and the colorful one, but it was really great and exciting for me to tone it down and play a more introspective character.

GC: Did you know filmmaker Ash Christian and his work before this script came to you?

MU: I got to know it because of this. He and my partner, Ryan, are old friends, so I knew him socially. He’d also been on an episode of Ugly Betty, but I didn’t work with him, so I didn’t know him from that. I remembered his work, though, because he’s a great actor as well.

GC: Are you and your family anything like the Petunias?

MU: (Laughs) No. Nooo! I think the three boys’ dynamic is a pretty specific thing and my parents – we’re from Texas – spent most of their lives in Texas. I have an older sister who’s about seven years older than I am and is married to a woman, so we have a very different thing going on. She’s in northern California, I’m in New York, my parents are now in Virginia. We get along very well but don’t meddle in each other’s lives like the Petunias, so there’s a lot less friction and conflict in our family.

GC: Helps being so far apart from each other.

MU: Yes, it does! It absolutely does. So the time together is isolated and lovely. (Laughs) www.gaycalgary.com

 Photo by Wolf Releasing

GC: You’ve been with women in the past, and you identity as “queer” and not gay. So was this sexually mysterious role something you were interested in on a personal level?

MU: Yeah! That was another thing that I thought was really cool – that there was this character (Ash) wrote who wasn’t entirely happy in his marriage but wasn’t necessarily looking to get out of it. I loved the scenes where George wants to have his cake and eat it too. The moment where he thought maybe he could have a wife and a boyfriend – that was really interesting. And obviously I know that’s not a healthy thing, but I can’t say I haven’t thought about it. (Laughs) GC: Well, there are people in polyamorous relationships who seem to make it work. What are your thoughts on poly relationships, and do you think you could make one work?

MU: I don’t know. Ultimately, if I could make that work, obviously all three parties would have to be 100 percent on the same page.

GC: One partner is plenty of work anyway.

MU: That would be the thing for me. I mean, I’m lucky in life that I’m quite busy, so keeping up with one partner is plenty, but what I loved about (George) was the idea that maybe I could vicariously see what that felt like. I don’t think it would actually work for me personally. Maybe for other people, or maybe as an experiment for a period of time. I don’t think Ryan would be so into it. (Laughs) GC: Currently you’re starring in the off-Broadway production of your one-man show Buyer & Cellar. Because of it, you’ve said you’re more invested in Barbra Streisand than you’ve ever been.

What have you learned and observed about Barbra from doing this show that even her most devoted gay fans wouldn’t know?

MU: In preparing for this show and preparing to play her, what was most beneficial to me was not her singing, which is what she’s most popular for I would imagine, and not her interviews – for the most part she keeps interviewers at arm’s length and she’s pretty guarded – but it was her performances in movies. And I’m certainly not the first person to discover that Barbra Streisand is a great actor, but I realized that when we watch her in movies, especially movies like Funny Girl or What’s Up, Doc?, we get to see that sense of play that you don’t really get in her concert banter or in interviews.

That to me is the real her.

That is the her that we have in our play, and our play is a fictional story of what it might be like to work for her and her street shops that she keeps in her basement – that is very real, by the way.

(Laughs) It’s sort of a fantasia on that, and so I found that watching her silliness in movies, and watching that fun that she had and is now continuing to have, is the real her. And I don’t know her. I have never met her. I don’t know if I ever will. But that, to me, is probably

the Barbra that is really there if you were to break down the barriers ... and live in her mall. (Laughs) GC: Will you bring the show on the road?

MU: I hope so. I would like to. We’ll see. There are some rumblings but nothing to report just yet. I would like to do it. We’re gonna stay in New York for a while longer and there are certainly other cities I would like to play in, so I think so.

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

13

Everyone’s Favourite Nightmare In depth with Robert Englund

By Lisa Lunney Robert Englund, everyone’s favourite nightmare took time to chat with GayCalgary Magazine prior to the 2013 edition of the Edmonton Expo. This year marks Englund’s fortieth year in film, which is certainly something to celebrate!

GC: Hello, Robert! How are you doing today?

RE: Hello, I have just been watching all the Emmy updates on the morning TV! GC: Well, that’s always an entertaining way to start the day!

So what are some of your favourite things about attending Comic Expo’s and Conventions?

RE: I have been very fortunate in my career, because of the TV series V, Nightmare on Elm Street and other horror movies I have done, I have an international audience. Science fiction, horror movies, action movies and fantasy speak the international language of cinema much more than just comedy and romance. I have been able to go abroad since the middle ‘80’s and still have a huge ban base overseas as well!

For me, one of the great things about going to the [conventions] or Film Festivals is seeing the foreign movie posters. It is really fun; you see art you have never seen before. You get the chance to see your name in Russian or Thai. I was recently at a show in Wales; I saw a giant circus sized poster of me as Freddy with his hat off. He was wearing 3D glasses; the whole side of the poster was scenes from the movie in 3D. If you put on the glasses, the images came out at you in 3D. I know it was really valuable, it was French, and I know now all memorabilia and collectables with 3D

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in it are really going up in value, because “3D is back.” That was definitely the coolest thing I have seen recently.

GC: If you had been cast as the Hans Solo role, do you think you would have taken the same path to becoming a horror icon?

RE: I just don’t know. I’m at that stage in my career, especially now where I go where I am wanted. One week I am on the new Hawaii Five-O or I am guest starring on an episode of Bones, then a week later I am doing Call of Duty where I am killing zombies.

As I mentioned, I recently started filming a wonderful movie in London with Finn Jones from Game of Thrones.

When I did the series V, I was playing the good alien Willie, sort of a nerd character. I received fan mail from women who wanted to mother me. I often wonder, if that show had remained a hit and stayed on the air, would I be like a loveable, “Doctor Spock” kind of character?

You just never know. I used to go up for parts against one of the actors that was in Murphy Brown, I also used to go up for parts against one of the actors who did a stretch in Breaking Bad. I think back to that moment in time when I did Freddy, and I did Freddy just because it was the only thing that fit in my schedule because at the time I was starring in a TV show. It is always a twist of fate, you just never know. I know actors that were on great television shows that got cancelled and they have never done anything that good since. Yet I know the show was great, they really got to show their stuff and blow their horn. It’s tricky. I am really grateful for Freddy.

I went across the hall to be looked at for Hans Solo, when I was auditioning for Apocalypse Now. I remember after I auditioned, I went back to my apartment in the Hollywood Hills and Mark www.gaycalgary.com

Hamil was on my couch watching the Mary Tyler Moore show and drinking a beer. I told him about the audition, and the breakdown of the character and I told him about Luke Skywalker. So he went, and got on the phone with his agent, got an audition, and was cast as Luke Skywalker. So, maybe that is what was meant to be.

That’s sort of how it works with Hollywood, you never quite know.

GC: Is it difficult transitioning away from your iconic Freddy Krueger character and becoming different, more family friendly characters?

RE: For me, it has been okay. When I did Freddy, which was in 1984, I had been starring in movies since 1974. Actually, ’73 in fact. This year marks my 40th year in movies. I starred in my first movie in 1973. So, I had done ten years of movies, twelve or fourteen movies before I did Freddy. I was on a hit TV series called V, so I was already established in Hollywood. I was already typed as a nerd, a redneck—I had already worked with a lot of big actors.

But, if I had done Freddy really early in my career, I might have been really stuck. I learned from Wes Craven to respect the horror genre. I loved horror since I was a kid.

I kind of forgot about the inner child in me that loved the old horror movies. Forbidden Planet, Horrors From The Black Museum, Twilight Zone—I just loved that stuff as a kid. Wes made me respect it again. Because I am known in the horror genre now, I try and do at least one horror movie a year for my fans. My fans have been so good to me.

It’s easy to go back and forth for me. I just did some comedy on Workaholics, I just played a Vietnam vet on Hawaii Five-O, a good cop on Criminal Minds, a weird old Janitor on Bones. I do a lot of stuff in my career, but I like to keep a hand in horror. Horror has been very good to me in my career. Doing horror films is for the fans and helps keep that part of my career alive.

GC: Well, you are certainly well rounded!

RE: Most actors are. We were talking about Mark Hamil a second ago, Mark is known for Luke Skywalker, but Mark is one of the funniest people I have ever met in my life. The same time I was hanging out with Mark, my girlfriend was doing comedy with Robin Williams. You know how funny Robin is, I love Robin!

Mark Hamil sitting around in the living room, talking back to the television or joking around about our careers - he was the funniest person I had ever met. But, he doesn’t take the roles of comedy, he takes the roles of bad guys. People forget that we are character actors and we can do other things.

GC: From the entire Freddy franchise, which film is your favourite?

RE: I think now, my favourite is Wes Craven’s New Nightmare, which we could call Part 7. It was a reunion film. It was a tenyear anniversary of the first film. It was a very smart film and it was made for the fans. It really deals with a kind of deconstructed horror; he made it just before he did his Scream franchise. It was really Wes talking about how the fans knew what we are up to and knew all of our tricks. We also wanted to pull the rug out from under them and scare them too. It is a movie about horror movies.

It’s a movie about Hollywood and the people that make movies.

It’s also a movie about the fans and it works to scare you. There is a great underlying tension in that film with the earthquake in California that Wes stuck in there that I love. I also like that there is a kid in it, the kid is so vulnerable. [It is] similar to the great Guillermo del Toro director of Pacific Rim. He has directed some of my favourite films like Mimic and Devils Backbone. Del Toro always has a kid in his movies. I love that. The kid is a weakness.

That is what Wes used in a New Nightmare.

I think if we took a poll of all the fans of Nightmare for the past 30 years and asked for fan favourite, it would be Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.

GC: The third was utterly brilliant, I can agree.

RE: Three and four are great to watch together, they go together with an overlapping cast.

GC: 2014 marks the 30th anniversary of Freddy, are there any plans for a celebration?

RE: I’ve got a really great Halloween experience happening this year in Chicago. I’ve heard various rumors; I would love for there

to be a marathon somewhere. That would be fun. It would also be nice to reunite the cast somewhere. I know sometimes when I go to a convention or a film festival occasionally people bring me really valuable and really rare memorabilia that I have never seen before. Stills of Heather and I, photos of Johnny Depp and I sitting around director’s chairs. It would be really great to get everybody together so that people could get both those autographs together on those items. We are rarely together; at a convention it is difficult. I might go to [a convention] and be doing a panel, and then proceed to a signing and meet very passionate fans that just bring me such great stuff and I wish we could all be together to sign it.

GC: Freddy vs. Jason drew in a new generation of fans. If Freddy were to take on another film villain, who would it be and how do you think it would make the fans feel?

RE: Well, I’m getting old, so it may be Freddy vs Viagra! It’s kind of hard for me to do stunts anymore, all my old surfing and stunt injuries have kind of come back to haunt me.

But, I can certainly joke about that. I certainly don’t want to fight Chucky. I always make that joke; Chucky was invented by the same guy who did my makeup, Kevin Yagher. Ronnie Yu who directed Freddy vs Jason, directed Bride of Chucky, which is my favourite of the Chucky movies. I think it turned out great, it was punk and over-the-top.

We became really close to making Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash, which would have reunited Freddy and Jason, and have them being attacked by the hero from Evil Dead, Bruce Campbell. This was right after Hollywood, and Sam Raimi was like the king of Hollywood. I think what happened was, Sam wanted Ash to win.

He wanted Bruce to kill himself, which I thought was kind of a cool idea. I could just imagine the posters with Bruce standing

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

15

Kris Holden-Ried Hungry like the Wolf  Photo courtesy of Shaw Media

By Marisa Hudson Kris Holden-Ried is an incredibly difficult man to interview. Not because he is distant or unfriendly – quite the opposite, in fact. But with his lean, boyish good looks, and stunning charm, it can make any interviewer forget what they were going to say next.

We were able to have a quick chat with Kris in between his busy schedule at the Edmonton Expo about his current project, Lost Girl, where he plays werewolf cop Dyson, and how we can use the greatest fiction to tell the greatest truths about human nature. Also, about how his kisses can break drywall.

GC: I really wanted to talk to you about Lost Girl, actually, because Lost Girl is under the radar but still very steadily successful. And as you go with it you’re breaking so many boundaries and getting certain themes on TV. It’s a show about the Fae – fairies – and it still reflects human nature.

KHR: Well that’s one of the beautiful things about genre work like this, it’s that you can put so many metaphors in – most of them are metaphors for what’s going on. Like, I think that historically it came from back during McCarthy, when he really kyboshed all the screenwriters, and they would start writing subversive, political material, in the form of movies and fictional stories.

GC: How did you get the part?

KHR: Pretty standard, you know. The script came across, I read it, I loved it, I went in and met the producers, I did an audition.

But I was really passionate about it, when I read it I knew it was something I really wanted to do. I actually brought my headshot in – I went online and I got the face of a wolf and brought in myself 16

GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

Watch the full video: http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3701 

as a wolf. And I had backstory ideas, so like it wasn’t so much as an audition, I went in and basically told them what I wanted to do with the character.

GC: You pitched the character?

KHR: I pitched them, yeah. And they went for it. And I screen tested with Anna [Silk] and we just hit it off, we had great chemistry.

We actually – it’s out there a little bit – but in our audition I picked her up and threw her against the wall to make out with her, and we actually broke the drywall in the audition room. And so later on when the show became successful we went back and we signed the cracked drywall.

GC: As a Canadian actor, what do you hope to do, at least in Canadian cinema?

KHR: We’ve always been able to make fantastic product here, but it’s usually been for the Americans. They come up here and they make their A-list films. And now we’re actually making our own.

And I hope we just keep going and creating great television and great films that can be sold on the international market, bringing some money back to our industry. We have so much talent in this country, and it’s time for it to get out there a little.

Kris Holden-Ried http://www.krisholden-ried.com http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3701

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Community

Discussing Community Safety Volunteering with the CPS

By Constable Andy Buck Hello again everyone. I want to start by saying how much fun my colleagues and I had at the recent Pride parade.

Hopefully you appreciated the turnout from the Calgary Police Service, and it was great to have support from all aspects of the service, from a Superintendent to recruits, Auxiliary cadets and support staff. Our banner, “Proud To Be Your Ally” said it all, and it was truly meant.

This month I want to tie in with the article from September which gave information on the Citizens Police Academy. You may remember that I expressed concern that perhaps there was a lack of knowledge about the workings of the Calgary Police Service which had resulted in some misinformed social media activity. Well, now I want to tell you about other ways in which you can get involved with the community and gain understanding of police work through general volunteer opportunities.

The Calgary Police Service actively seeks volunteers to help with a variety of programs. Opportunities are available with the community police stations, district offices, Victim Assistance Team, and YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre.

Volunteer requirements Volunteers must meet the following requirements: • must be 18 years of age; • must have Canadian citizenship or legal permanent status and have lived in Canada for at least 3 years; • must have no criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted; • must have no criminal charges pending before the courts; • must have no criminal activity within at least three years preceding application; • must be willing to give a one-year commitment; • must be able to volunteer three to five hours per week; • must have good written and verbal communication skills.

crime prevention seminars and conduct follow-ups with businesses that have been victims of crime.

Victim Assistance Team Volunteer victim support workers assist victims of crime and misfortune with support, information and referral services.

Support is offered in the form of court accompaniment, assistance with restitution request applications and other services, and providing information about court dates and police and/or court procedures.

Further information about the Victim Assistance Team was given in the May 2013 edition of this magazine.

YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre Volunteers in the Interpretive Centre may work as a docent or as “Where’s the Evidence” School Program educators.

Front counter volunteers or docents greet and assist visitors with information about the centre and answer questions about the exhibits. “Where’s the Evidence” School Program educators guide school children through work stations and provide background on investigative and evidence gathering techniques. Evening docents work with youth groups such as Scouts and Guides to facilitate their visit to the centre and do program specific material.

For more information about volunteer opportunities with the Calgary Police Service or for any other comments, issues or concerns please get in touch with me in the usual way.

Alternatively, you can contact Vivian Gathercole with the Volunteer Resource Team.

Thanks again everyone. Stay safe, look after each other, and I’ll talk to you again next month.

Volunteer Resource Team Vivian Gathercole • 403-428-8322 volunteerresource@calgarypolice.ca Constable Andy Buck 403-428-8154 • pol4792@calgarypolice.ca

Calgary Police Service Volunteer Programs The CPS recruit for the following volunteer positions:

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Community Stations

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Volunteers in community stations usually live in the community in which the station is located. They work with constables to respond to requests for information, answer phones, assist visitors, book appointments for the constables and document community concerns. Community Stations are located in Riverbend/Ogden, Braeside, Chinook Centre, and Market Mall.

District Offices Volunteers in district offices usually live in the community in which the office is located. These volunteers assist with the subpoena and warrant phoning programs.

Business Liaison Program Business Liaison Program volunteers collect information from businesses in order to maintain a database that includes contact information. They also discuss crime and safety issues with business owners and managers and work to devise solutions to these problems. Volunteers also assist in providing www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

17

Politics

Flying the Flag of Pride

By Stephen Lock Sometimes advances in equality and acceptance are measured in small, seemingly insignificant, events but which often carry huge symbolic meaning for those within the affected group.

The Rainbow, or Pride, flag designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978 is perhaps one of the most recognized symbols of the LGBTQ movement and has come to represent, in many ways, not just “gay pride” but our sense of community, a sense of commonality with each other. It serves as any flag does to represent a group identity, something akin to a nation - not in the sense of statehood like the Maple Leaf does for Canada or the Stars and Stripes does for the US, but something more along the lines of the concept of ‘nation’ as used within North American aboriginal culture, as something more profound and deeper than simply ‘community’. I know when I look at a Rainbow flag flying, I feel a surge run through me, something I can only describe as pride. I look at a Rainbow flag and it touches my soul and heart and a voice deep in my psyche says “that’s mine!” This is what flags are designed to elicit.

Its one thing to see a Rainbow flag hanging off a downtown apartment balcony during Pride Week or see hundreds of them being waved during a Pride Parade. To see it fluttering atop a flagpole alongside the flags and ensigns of other countries, recognized as representing us and the validation that offers, is something else again.

To therefore see it raised and honoured in an environment rich in tradition and history, such as an Army base, is by no means an insignificant event.

In June of this year, a month traditionally associated with the commemoration of the Stonewall Riots of June 1969 and during which most international Pride Festivals are held in honour of that commemoration, Canadian Forces Base Edmonton conducted a flag-raising ceremony attended by Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel John Reissenstein, his senior officers, and civilian members of the LGBTQ community.

The military is steeped in tradition. Flags, ensigns, and what are known as ‘colours’ (regimental standards bearing battle honours and insignia detailing the regiment’s or corps’ history) play a key role. Enter a chapel, especially an Anglican one, on any military base and these standards are mounted along the walls. Growing up Army (and Anglican) this was a familiar sight, just as seeing first the Canadian Ensign and then, later, the Red Maple Leaf and the ensigns of the different branches of the Canadian military atop flagpoles at the end of the central parade square was. To know a Rainbow flag was raised alongside these venerable cloths and honoured with them - that is something profound.

Master Warrant Officer (MWO) John McDougall requested the flag-raising through the chain-of-command as is the protocol and was surprised when it was swiftly granted.

MWO McDougall is a 23-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and noted how much things have changed since he joined in 1990.

“When I first joined,” he recently told Canadian Press, “I would never [have] even considered telling anyone I was gay. It just wasn’t [considered] macho,” he said.

To put things into perspective, 1990 was the year of Calgary’s first Gay and Lesbian Pride Rally and March, which later evolved into our annual Pride Festival, organized by the Calgary Lesbian and Gay Political Action Guild (CLAGPAG) and attended by 140 individuals, many of whom wore masks or paper bags over their heads. The community itself was divided on the whole idea of such a public expression, despite Pride celebrations being by 18

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then (20 years after Stonewall) a staple in cities all over the world, with some quarters publicly condemning CLAGPAG, and those of us involved with it, as ‘radicals’ and ‘rocking the boat.’

In 1990, ‘sexual orientation’ was still not a protected characteristic in provincial human rights legislation and one could, legally, be fired or evicted from a rental accommodation for being gay or lesbian and denied access to public service.

CLAGPAG was created to lobby for sexual orientation inclusion in what was then known as the Individual Rights Protection Act, Alberta’s human rights legislation.

It would prove to be a long and difficult battle that didn’t end until a shy, soft-spoken individual by the name of Delwin Vriend tried to get redress after being fired for being homosexual from King’s College in Edmonton by going to the Alberta Human Rights Commission, only to be told there was nothing they could do since ‘sexual orientation’ was not protected. His only redress was to go through the courts. He won at the Court of Queen’s Bench, but the provincial government appealed the decision at the Alberta Court of Appeals, and won. Vriend took his case to the Supreme Court of Canada which handed down, in 1997, the landmark decision now known as The Vriend Decision, instructing the Klein government to ‘read in’ sexual orientation into the provincial legislation.

This, then, is the social and political background out of which MWO McDougall’s military career began. With the LGBTQ community in Canada now finally enjoying full equality and with the battles over acceptance, legislative protection, inheritance rights between spouses, and equal marriage behind us, it is easy to forget just how hard-won something as simple as raising a Rainbow flag can be.

To know that acceptance within the ranks at CF Base Edmonton has been a matter-of-course is equally profound.

Soldiers and other military personnel are perhaps amongst the most conservative individuals of any given population.

When the Canadian Armed Forces declared acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual personnel to be official policy, there were dire predictions of negative troop morale, of the detrimental effect that someone who was openly homosexual would have on those ‘having’ to serve alongside the individual, of the discomfort the average soldier would feel sharing sleeping space with someone he (or she) now knew to be gay or lesbian and - oh my g-d! - showering and sharing bathroom facilities with such a person...!! Predictions of a groundswell of backlash were rampant. None of it, or at least very little of it, came to pass. Openly gay and lesbian and, yes, even transsexual individuals have served in our military for years now with no negative affect.

MWO McDougall himself has served in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Sierra Leone, all well-known ‘trouble spots’ where unit cohesion is crucial to one’s survival. Your fellow soldiers are often the only people around you who you can trust. Every one of them literally holds your life in his or her hands, just as you hold theirs in yours. Predictions of gay or lesbian soldiers being bashed or abandoned in a firefight never materialized. Soldiers are like that....they are there to do a job and so long as you do your job you are accepted.

A spokesperson for the military, Navy Lieutenant Jessica McDonald, noted there has been absolutely no backlash or resistance to the flag-raising at CF Base Edmonton, home to the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), Lord Strathcona’s Horse (LDSH), 1 Service Battalion and 1 Field Ambulance, all of which once called CFB Calgary at Currie and Sarcee Barracks ‘home’, as well 1 Combat Engineer Regiment.

CFB Edmonton is a key base within the Canadian Army

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there with his shirt off saying ‘keeping the world safe from sequels’ while holding both Freddy and Jason in a headlock.

It never happened. Of the three franchises, Freddy was the most successful, and I don’t think Newline Cinema was ready to kill Freddy off yet and end the franchise. So, my opportunity to get my ass kicked by Bruce Campbell never happened.

I think there would be something interesting for Freddy to take on Michael Myers. I think I am a little too old now. Maybe they could bring me back for a prequel, maybe before Freddy was burned, the old janitor—that sort of thing.

I think I have now passed the baton onto Jackie Earle Haley, who did the remake. I think if they make anymore, it will be Jackie.

GC: What did you think of the remake?

RE: I have some distance on it now. I think the only problem was they maybe did it too soon. With all the new technology, DVD’s, Blu-Ray’s, NetFlix, everyone has access to older movies. There is a new generation now of Freddy fans. Fathers that saw the movie originally, these guys are dads now, and they let their kids watch

them. When you watch these on BluRay on a flatscreen, these movies hold up and look great. [It is] not too violent for the young generation now because there has been so much in-between.

I loved the cast of the remake. It was great casting. Connie Britton as the mother was well cast. I’ve worked with Clancy Brown a few times before in voiceover work, and he is great. I worked with one of the kids several times, the boy who was in Jennifer’s Body as well as the Nightmare. I love Rooney Mara, I just saw her in another film with Casey Affleck. I am a big fan of Rooney Mara. I love the cast. Maybe a problem was, the kids are too haunted by Freddy from the get-go, so we never get to know them beyond the spectral fear of Freddy.

I am very happy to pass the baton to Jackie. He was great in Shutter Island, and Watchmen. I have been a fan of Jackie’s for a long, long time and I am pleased he was the one chosen.

GC: How do you feel about the evolution of horror films? From classics such as Nosferatu, which focus on cinematic techniques and storyline, to films like Saw where gore and computer animations are the main forces behind the film.

RE: I am torn. I love the idea that all genres can have subsets.

I love the idea of comedy in horror. I think this should be allowed.

I actually liked the first Saw, then they got a little too, “torture porn” as the critics say. I saw the original Hellraiser before they dubbed it with American accents, I saw it all alone on Hollywood Blvd and I loved it. More recently, 30 Days of Night with John Harnett was a terrific take on the vampire. The Swedish version of Let The Right One In was just brilliant. I am constantly seeing new horror that I like.

Nosferatu is a great film. That performance by Klaus Kinski, [he] is a great actor. His gestures, the way he used his hands, his baldness—I always wanted to take Freddy’s hat off more than I did. Klaus was very influential to me. I do love old horror, every time I watch Rosemary’s Baby the performances just get richer and richer and more multi-layered, and I see images that are just so politically outrageous. I love it all.

We have to open our minds and be ready for the changes.

American Horror Story on cable now, it is terrific. There has to be room to re-invent. There is horror that’s too violent, too silly, and too cheesy—but also, in all of those areas there is stuff I like. It’s like when people say they don’t like sequels; well I wouldn’t like to live in a world without Aliens 2 and that great bitch fight!

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But there is always a time and a place for the subsets within genres.

GC: In 2009 you released your memoir. What made you finally decide to share your story?

RE: Print, as you know is taking a lot of hits, economically. They made me a lot of promises with publicity, I should have hired my own publicist, asked Whoopi Goldberg to go on the view. They didn’t do any publicity. I did signings in Toronto, London, Seattle, but there wasn’t any publicity. After the first run of books I bought what was left and I now sell them on my site.

In my books I add in an updated bio, like a bookmark that brings them up to date on what I have been doing. My wife and I probably spent three to four months in my office in my downstairs bedroom, just trying to find the right voice. I wanted to talk to my fans, but also let them know I had done many other things in my career—before Freddy and after. That I was a theater actor, everything, I wanted to include all those adventures. I wanted to circle them back to Freddy jokes, include profanity, because I like to swear a lot. I really wanted to communicate properly. The language, the vocabulary—everything had to be just right.

I have been very fortunate, for life before Freddy and after Freddy. I embrace Freddy. It opened doors for me all over the world. It has been such a great adventure.

Traveling around the world, meeting celebrities that I have always admired, going for lunch at the Four Seasons with Jared Leto, meeting locals at all different filming locations. It has been a real gift. I owe it all to Wes Craven and Nightmare.

GC: This may be personal, but it is quite uncanny how Freddy’s favourite victim is named Nancy, and the love of your life is also named Nancy!

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infrastructure and is where 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (1 CMBG) is headquartered.

She stated the flag-raising was, “a symbol to all members of the GLBT community, whether they are civilian or serving members, that the Canadian Forces promotes principles of inclusiveness, equality, and dignity.”

It appears that while, on a symbolic level, the flag-raising is an important event in the history of the recognition of equality it was also met with an attitude of acceptance one would have been hard-pressed to expect even ten years ago. When we look to our neighbours to the south and the whole ongoing kerfuffle over ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and DADT’s repeal by the Obama Administration and the paroxysm’s many on the right went and are going through around that, this acceptance is highlighted even more.

As McDougall said after stating how proud he was to see the Rainbow flag flying over the base, to have who he is recognized and respected, and to be able to bring his partner of 18 years to the ceremony, “in this day and age of tolerance, it shouldn’t be a big issue.”

That it wasn’t speaks volumes on how far we have come.

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Continued on Page 25  GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

19

Boy&GurL are back with Passion Pop

By Evan Kayne Back in 2011 when we last spoke with musical group Boy&GurL (Jarred Nicklen and Crystal McGrath) they were promoting their album Loves Parallel. This time around I had the chance to talk to them about their new album, Passion Pop. Their first single off the new album might seem familiar to fans because it’s an updated cover of the 1980s hit song “Waiting for a Star”. When I asked them about this song, I mentioned I found it kind of amusing the original duo who recorded this song was “Boy Meets Girl” in 1988, and now it has been retooled by Boy&GurL into a fun song for a new audience. Jarred said it was only later they discovered the name similarity: “it was totally a fluke...we didn’t even really know who did it originally when we first discovered the song.”

That being said, remakes can be a hit or miss proposition, so I wondered what the reception had been since they released the single in June. Jarred said it has been nothing but good news. “We’ve got lots of radio play...in Toronto, in 20

GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

Vancouver, and in Alberta...actually all over Canada.” In fact, the radio play since Boy&GurL last talked to me has been impressive: “...we’ve hit the top 40 in Canada three times with three different singles...that’s been pretty crazy to see our names right beside Rhianna and Myley Cyrus.”

The increasing fan base and promotion may have a part in this, yet the increase in airplay may be due to the evolution of their sound and how comfortable they feel with it. “With this record we found...it really describes what Passion Pop is. It’s passionate music...it’s got that driving dance melody,” Crystal told me. Jarred added that the last album was more rock pop, and this one is pretty hard core pop.

Regarding pop music, it’s often derided in some parts of the media, yet some of the world’s biggest singers are pop stars. As to those who might broadly paint all pop music as “bubblegum pop”, Crystal defended their work.

“I wouldn’t describe our music as bubblegum pop. It’s not Britney Spears from the early 2000s...it has that adult feel.

If you don’t like it, that’s totally fine, because we have lots of fans. We definitely don’t write to impress people. It comes really natural to us...as a band we do what comes natural www.gaycalgary.com

and that’s what we get – passion pop.”

They are certainly impressing lots of people out there. In the last few years, Boy&GurL have had the opportunity to share the stage with such acts as Ani Difranco, Lights, David Usher, Suzie McNeil, Bedouin Soundclash and Wide Mouth Mason. As for producers, this album they worked with Trey Mills, as they felt he really understood Boy&GurL’s style and the direction they wanted to go. They also teamed up again with Russell Broom as they liked his work on their last album.

Future collaborations may see them working with DJs to expand the type of sound they can have on their songs. “The nice thing about working with DJs is they’ll take it in a direction you might not have been thinking the song could go,” Jarred said.

In addition to being entertainers, Boy&GurL also give back to the local community through their Write2Dream Foundation.

This foundation helps subsidize funding for music writing workshops and inspirational courses to be made available to anyone wanting to learn to write and to be creatively inspired. As quoted from the Write2Dream webpage, “We hope to inspire, educate, raise confidence and have fun with people who want to gain more from life via the arts.”

Crystal told me they’ve just started an artist development program for young writers and recently worked with a young artist recording six songs. “She got to come into the studio and record full songs. So it has everything – drums, bass, guitar...it’s a song ready for radio.” It was impressive to see how the experience changed this young artist’s life and

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boosted her confidence.

Jarred believes that “... this kind of program is so important because I remember being this girl’s age thinking...I just didn’t know what the next step was. I would have killed to be in a recording studio. I would have loved to work with other songwriters and develop my art even more.”

They’re just in the process of bringing the writing workshops to various schools in Calgary and various charitable organizations such as the Boys and Girls club, Big Brothers and Big Sisters. They’ll also be doing a workshop with Miscellaneous Youth in the near future.

Crystal and Jarred are in the process of putting together a few tours and an upcoming Christmas concert. In the meantime, you can catch Boy&GurL performing at the Backlot once a month – usually at the start of the month and usually a Saturday. The past couple times they have packed the venue, so if you can’t get down to listen to them, their songs are available for purchase on their website.

Boy&GurL www.boyandgurl.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/boyandgurl Twitter: @BoyAndGurl http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3704

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

21

Zoie Palmer Lost Girl

 Photo by Shaw Media

Watch the full video: http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3705 

By Farley Foo Foo With Season 4 of Lost Girls set to begin on November 10th on Showcase, it’s an exciting time for the cast of this internationally acclaimed Canadian supernatural drama, chief among them Zoie Palmer who plays out lesbian scientist Dr. Lauren Lewis.

“It feels crazy! I can’t believe we’re in our fourth season,” Zoie tells me as we sit down for a quick chat while she takes a well-earned break from signing autographs at the Edmonton Comic and Entertainment Expo. “I say this every year,” Zoie continues, “but I think we kind of outdo ourselves every season. And when I say we I mean the writers really, because that’s who we have to thank for the story. And I think they’ve done it again, I think it’s going to be a really cool season.”

Building from success to success, the show has enjoyed a cult following from Australia to Ireland to America, which includes a particularly large LGBTQ audience. Palmer attributes this success to the writers of the show and her work with co-star Anna Silk who plays Bo, a bisexual succubus with whom Palmer’s character has a dynamic romantic relationship. “Her relationship with Bo over the course of the show has been important and the story has been served I think, really wonderfully and in a way that is respectful.”

It is Palmer’s hope that through her portrayal of a gay character, she can help to present LGBTQ persons in a more realistic and compassionate manner, and by doing so help to bring about an end to homophobia both within the world of film and television and the world around her. “I’m hopeful that we soon can live in a world where whatever your sexual preference is, it just doesn’t matter.”

Palmer also hints that in the upcoming season, “there’s a very cool episode where you get to see Lauren in a way that we’ve never seen her before.” No doubt in a way that is sure to thrill the fans of the show and of Palmer, for whom she is extremely grateful. “Thanks to all of you guys that watch, it means the world to us.”

Make sure to check out the entire interview with Lost Girls own Zoie Palmer online.

Zoie Palmer Twitter: @ZoiePalmer http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3705

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

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 Interview - From Page 13 GC: Within the last year, two gay-themed shows were canceled after just one season. One of those was your show, Partners. Do you think gay-themed shows are tough sells on major networks?

MU: I don’t know if it’s a gay-themed show thing. I think network television is a very tricky beast, and ultimately I feel like Partners could’ve found its footing. Unfortunately we had a lot of episodes – there were seven episodes that never saw the light of day – that are brilliant. But it’s tricky. Networks are becoming more and more niche, and Partners really belonged amongst different shows. We were surrounded by very funny shows like How I Met Your Mother and 2 Broke Girls, but maybe we needed to be in a different crop of shows. I think it was less about the gay thing and more about just finding a family of shows that we fit better in. But it’s funny: Six-and-a-half million viewers is a lot of people.

A lot of people saw that show, but on CBS, that unfortunately is not a hit and I get it. Though it would’ve been nice if they would’ve nurtured us.

GC: Look on the bright side: At least you got to kiss Brandon Routh.

MU: (Laughs) That’s exactly right! There was a really funny blooper

that, of course, nobody will get to see where we did the kiss and then I messed up a line and I said, “I’m sorry, can we do it again?”

GC: Your role on Ugly Betty as Marc St. James was so iconic and sometimes, when you essentially almost become that role, it’s hard for people to separate you from the character. Did you experience that at all?

MU: Absolutely. In real life I’m more like George in Petunia than

Marc. I enjoy playing characters like Marc, but me personally, I’m not generally like that. I can get excited, but I’m not bitchy or fashionable or a sycophant or any of the things that Marc was, but those characters are so much fun to play.

“Oh, he’s not that,” or they’d think I was playing coy or being shy. That was a very interesting period for me to realize that, on the one hand, I liked the attention but I wasn’t going to be able to give people what they wanted. I had to remain aloof and keep myself in an air of mystery because I wasn’t going to be what they wanted. I wasn’t going to be the king gay – the catty, stylish, fashionable, funny guy they all wanted me to be. That just wasn’t in my nature. I needed someone to clothe me and give me lines to say in order to be that. It was an interesting lesson learned, actually.

GC: How did it feel knowing you couldn’t be that person to them?

MU: I felt bad. But it was probably for the best. I don’t really wanna

be like that guy. It’s not in my nature.

GC: There have been rumors of an Ugly Betty movie. Are you open to the idea?

MU: Oh my god, are you kidding? All I want in life is to work with those people again. I’m always trying to come up with ways to get back with all of them. We’ve really remained as tight of a group as we were without being able to see each other on a daily basis. I know everyone of us would jump at a chance to make a movie. Unfortunately, it’s not our call. I hope it happens. I think it would be terrific.

GC: Are you looking at any new TV roles?

MU: Nothing in particular, but I would love to get back on TV. My

appetite was very much whetted with Partners last year. We shot that in front of an audience – that’s where my bread is buttered, being out in front of an audience. Doing a multi-camera show, it’s so much fun. It’s like the best of both worlds for me.

What I found very quickly when that show started and was at its height in popularity – I was new to L.A. – was that I was not meeting anyone’s expectations. People wanted me to be Marc. They wanted me to be like that, and then immediately, as soon as they’d lay eyes on me they knew I wasn’t. Especially when they started talking to me, they realized,

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

23

Julian Richings Death and Pizza

Watch the full video: http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3706 

By Marisa Hudson Julian Richings is a character actor extraordinaire.

He’s played roles like that of Death in Supernatural with great aplomb, showcasing a menacing nature beneath a disturbingly innocent fondness for fast food.

Naturally, he comes off as one of the nicest gentleman alive, especially during our interview with him during the Edmonton Expo. Looks, as ever, are very deceiving.

We dove right in, discussing fans, fandom, conventions, and eating pizza with Jensen Ackles.

GC: You’re doing the convention circuit a lot now, aren’t you?

JR: I’m kind of new to it, I’m learning. Basically the industry has

changed, as we all know, social media and networking and fan feedback is becoming more and more important in the shows. So I think as an actor, particularly an actor doing genre film and television, it’s a responsibility to kind of meet fans up close and personal and understand what the different interest are, and who the characters that appeal to them are.

GC: You did do a spot in Supernatural as Death, so what have you felt from the Supernatural fans coming to these conventions?

JR: They’re avid. They’re loyal, and huge, and it really is a family.

I’m amazed. I’ve been to conventions in Europe, and there have been visitors from all over - Scandinavia, from Japan, from Korea, and there are fanbases in all of those different countries. It seems to be a show that’s got the right blend – it’s got a nice kind of pizzazz, of sexiness to it.

It’s also got a deeper kind of worldview, a different kind of morality. So I think that it all just appeals wide across demographics.

GC: What was the set like, and especially working with Jensen

Ackles?

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

JR: Very relaxed. Now, don’t forget that I came in season five, so it had already established itself and was very confident in itself, so there was a real sense of purpose and confidence, so nobody was trying to prove anything. ... I thought one of the funnier things was that, as you probably know, my first big scene was I’m eating pizza with Jensen, and the fun part of it is, of course, I’m very keen and I want to do well and he’s being very supportive, and you know, just do what feels right. And we play the scene and I find myself eating more and more pizza. And then I realize he’s not eating much pizza, and I go, you know, you can eat more too. And he’s all, Oh it’s fine, it’s fine. And then I realize that after I’ve eaten about three slices of pizza, it was getting to be really, really difficult, and I was kind of going like, oh, God. Because I’d got locked into it, right? But Jensen had the foresight, he’d already done five seasons, he knew how to handle a scene with eating.

GC: And you’re eating the pizza through the whole scene.

JR: That’s right. And from now on, every time we have a scene

together, I try to get him to eat more and more and more. You’ll actually see me encouraging him. Because I actually want a scene in which Jensen manages to have a mouthful of food, and spit the food out, and not look as elegant and cool as he always does.

Julian Richings Twitter: @JulianRichings http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3706

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 Interview - From Page 19

RE: I know!! It is just a complete coincidence! The other odd thing is both my wife and Heather are both the same kind of beauty. The classic, Brooke Shields kind of beauty. I don’t know if you know this expression, but a really classy girl used to be called a Breck girl. The advertisements for this shampoo always showed really classic beauties, the kind of women wearing pearls.

I always liked the skinny punk girls; I even loved them before punk. I liked girls with pale skin because I am a California boy, tanned and blonde hair. All the surfer girls were the ones I had always known. When I got to New York and I saw all these beautiful pale girls, they had a crush on me, and I had a crush on them! I was like a bull in a china shop, they were so exotic to me.

Nancy, is what we call a Marin girl, she grew up right across from the Golden Gate Bridge. She is the love of my life. I knew it the moment I kissed her behind a famous bar in Hollywood. My knees literally buckled, I felt like a fourteen-year-old boy. I just knew, I was in love for the last time. I was lucky.

It’s hard for young people to understand when you tell them how great relationships are. Once you have a history together, it’s just another love for life. Everything is easier. It is just easier to live. Nancy and I have been together since 1988. It is our twentyfifth anniversary this year.

Fans continually get confused. Heather and Nancy don’t look alike, but they are built from the same cloth.

GC: You can hear the smile in your voice when speaking of your Nancy, that is wonderful.

RE: She was ‘post Freddy’. I met her on set when I was directing.

She had never seen me in the makeup or any of that. She just saw me drinking a lot of coffee.

I am lucky. I am fortunate. I found the love of my life. I know there really is someone out there for everyone. That old rock and roll song, “looking for love in all the wrong places,” it’s true. I have some friends that just stick to the same criteria over and over again not realizing there are lots of other kinds of people and that may be what you like. People get in that mindset and put their blinders on.

GC: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?

RE: …I am looking forward to seeing you. It’s going to be fun! I hope to see interesting and rare memorabilia! Old laser discs, old advertisements, all that good stuff. Anxious to see it, and anxious to sign it! I am going to wear the glove, and I will strangle for photos. It will be great.

Robert Englund http://www.robertenglund.com http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3700

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

25

Gossip Lance Bass producing hard-hitting gay doc When you’re one of the former members of ‘N Sync and you don’t happen to be Justin Timberlake, it’s easy to become the butt of uninformed where-are-they-now jokes. And as the lone gay member of the crew, Bass receives more than his share. So what has he been doing? Not sitting around, yearning for the good ol’ days, for starters. In addition to taking on various small acting roles, Bass is also stepping into the part of activist/ producer with Kidnapped For Christ. A documentary from first-time director Kate Logan, it explores the extreme behavior modification techniques employed by conservative Evangelical Christian camps for troubled, often gay, teenagers. The film explores the inner workings of Escuela Caribe, a “therapeutic Christian boarding school” in the Dominican Republic run by Americans and, thanks to her past as a missionary herself, Logan gets more than the normal degree of access. Expect to be outraged and moved to action when it comes to an LGBT film festival near you.

Naya Rivera’s Home is full of Satan

 Wentworth Miller, photo by Shutterstock.com

Deep Inside Hollywood Welcome out, Wentworth and Whishaw

By Romeo San Vicente Actors going public with their sexual orientation may be a more and more frequent occurrence, but it’s still a big deal when they do it. And it’s especially good when it feels like their own decision, rather than, say, being hounded by the press to hurry up and get it over with after you’re seen kissing your personal trainer in public and then buying a house with her (or him). So welcome to the other side of gayness, Wentworth Miller (who chose to come out as a political statement when he refused to attend a Russian film festival) and Ben Whishaw (who apparently just got around to it being a relevant topic of conversation). Both men have upcoming projects in the works: Miller, the former Prison Break star who also wrote this year’s thriller Stoker, has just wrapped The Loft. Co-starring James Marsden, Karl Urban and Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet, it’s a thriller – due in theaters during the summer of 2014 – about five men who share a loft for extramarital affairs until one day the body of an unknown woman is found in the clandestine love nest. Meanwhile, the hardworking Whishaw has five projects on his plate, including the new Terry Gilliam film The Zero Theorem, starring as Moby Dick author Herman Melville in Ron Howard’s The Heart of The Sea and, of course, he’s got Daniel Craig to deal with as he continues his role of Q in the next James Bond movie.

Meanwhile, other actors, it’s your turn; who’s next?

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

What does a singing, dancing lesbian cheerleader with a gold medal in sarcasm do on her summer break? Make a horror movie, of course. It’s not all featured spots in M&M commercials for Naya Rivera, who plays the girl-loving Santana on Glee.

She’s using her spare time to climb the role-rung in Hollywood and, for young women, that usually means a horror film or two.

She’ll star in Home – due sometime in 2014 – about a young woman investigating a house that appears to be haunted by the previous tenant, a woman who had chosen to invite the devil into her life. It co-stars Maria Full of Grace’s Catalina Sandino Moreno and The Client List’s Colin Egglesfield and word is that Rivera does not play the demonic ghost. But wouldn’t be it kind of cool if she did? And if the ghost were the hero of the film?

Somebody make this happen.

Matt Bomer finally gets to show up for work in pajamas He’s a busy guy, that Matt Bomer. The White Collar star also has a busy movie slate with this year’s Winter’s Tale, the film adaptation of Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart and the indie comedy Space Station 76. So he’s probably a little relieved that his next gig doesn’t involve make-up, costume fittings or green screens, only arriving at a recording studio and wearing headphones for the animated feature B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations. He’ll be adding his voice to those of Seth Rogen, Rashida Jones and Melissa McCarthy in the family film about ghosts who work for a secret government agency that protects people from evil hauntings. Who knows what’s up after that. For all we know he’ll also return for the sequel to Magic Mike. But until that half-naked day, let’s allow the man a chance to do his job with bedhead. He’s earned that.

Romeo San Vicente makes them earn their bedhead.

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Interview

Joe Komara Breaks All Rules

Cinemax Star Comes Out from Behind the Bar

By Mark Dawson Joe Komara landed his role on The Girl’s Guide to Depravity with only one audition. “Apparently the producers liked me,” he says with a flash of his Colgate smile. “A few weeks after that first meeting, I got the offer. It couldn’t have been easier.”

And Komara couldn’t be happier with the series. “It’s a show all single people can relate to. Dating, trying to figure out the right games to play or not play, trying to have fun meeting new people while also trying to keep hearts from getting broken. Especially our own.”

The former gymnast-turned-singer from small town Indiana got his start in acting on the New York stage, performing in the off-Broadway production of The Donkey Show and then on Broadway in Grease. “My gymnastics background helped a lot,” he reflects. “My tumbling skills gave me an edge over a lot of the other dancers.”

While in New York, Komara was offered a television role on the CBS soap, As The World Turns. It was the first time he realized that screen acting might be a realistic goal for him. He left New York for Los Angeles and immediately noticed the difference between the two showbiz cities.

“It’s easier to get jobs in New York. You hit the street, go on auditions and eventually someone takes a chance on you. In L.A., it’s about having the right look, knowing the right people or my new favorite, having the most Twitter followers.”

Joe Komara obviously met at least one of the criteria because he now stars as the funny and multi-swinging Tyler in Cinemax’s hit drama series that begins airing it’s second season this month.

GC: How is Tyler different from typical gay characters on television?

JK: Tyler breaks stereotypes. Sure, he rants about problems, looks

down on those without much style, and loves to divulge details of his sex life like a lot of gay men I know but he’s also a guy who isn’t defined by labels. He has a laissez-faire attitude toward conforming. I think viewers find him really relatable.

GC: Is there a reason the character had to be gay?

JK: Actually, yes. The show’s writer Heather Rutman (the show is

based on Ms. Rutnam’s blog and her book of the same name) says, “Like any good depraved girl, she gets her best advice and stories from her GBF’s (Gay Best Friends) and Tyler is a mash-up of a bunch of them.

GC: Girls Guide is pretty provocative, even for Cinemax!

JK: True, the show is more provocative than, say, Girls. Our show

doesn’t shy away from nudity and sexual situations. Cable shows are a subscription service, so they can contain racier plotlines than the big network shows are able to air. I think it’s a good thing. Sex is a part of everyone’s lives. I don’t see why it shouldn’t be reflected in the lives of the characters we watch on TV.

JK: I’m not surprised. Tyler is a decent and funny guy who tells it like it is. He’s doable.

GC: What dating advice would you give to Tyler?

JK: It’s the other way around. There’s more I can learn from Tyler.

GC: What lessons can you learn from Tyler?

JK: He cares a lot less about outcome. He trusts in the moment that

things will work out for the best. I’d love to be more like that. Also, Tyler isn’t afraid to ask for what he wants when he wants it. I think we’d all like to have a little more of that at times. I know I would.

GC: Tyler was a player in season one. Can a zebra really change his stripes?

JK: I guess the one piece of advice I would pass along to Tyler is to not fuck a good thing up. Bartenders are notorious for their wandering eyes. Tyler is used to playing the field and doing what he wants. I don’t know that I can see him in a relationship for long. But, then again, when love is concerned, people can be unpredictable. I’d advise Tyler to trust in it - love can be real.

GC: The show is about a group of girls following a book of dating rules quickly and recklessly. Do you think it’s necessary to play games in the beginning of a relationship?

JK: I wish I could stay no, but if I’m going to be truthful, I think there are some games that need to be played in the beginning. You have to feel people out and test the waters a bit. We all come with walls up and trepidation. I mean, nobody wants to get their heart broken, right?

GC: Do you follow any of the show’s dating rules?

JK: Sure, I follow some.

GC: Which ones?

JK: Like having a back-up plan in case a date is disastrous. Also, I

GC: Would you do a nude scene?

JK: I had one in the first season. It was quite over-the-top and silly

but I actually had a fun time doing it. Like me, she was a dancer so we kind of thought of it as choreography.

GC: So you would do it again?

JK: I would do it again. I find as I get older, I’m getting more

comfortable with myself. I used to be crazily self-conscious about my body. I would wear t-shirts in the pool in high school! These days I’ll drop trough without blinking an eye.

GC: Are you single?

JK: Ah, my favorite question. (Laughs) Yes, I am single. My favorite

rule on The Girl’s Guide is #19: Settling is for quitters. I prefer to wait for the elusive grand prize.

GC: Why do think it’s taking so long to find him?

JK: It’s hard to develop relationships in Los Angeles: much harder

always do my homework before a date, you know, I do a little stalking on Facebook. What? Is that creepy?

GC: How many rules are there in The Girl’s Guide?

JK: A lot.

GC: Following so many rules sounds like it would make dating even

more complicated than it already is.

JK: When confused, there is a safety net built in. Rule #55 is fuck the rules.

Watch Joe Komara on Cinemax’s The Girl’s Guide to Depravity. The second season begins airing September 13th. Follow Joe on Twitter: @ joekomara and Instagram: joekomara.

than it ever was in New York. In New York, you can’t avoid running into people. You see them on the subway, in line at Starbucks, or walking home at night. Guys spend a lot more time in their cars in LA.

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GC: Your character finds love this season.

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

27

Garrett Wang

Why so serious, Harry Kim?

 Garrett Wang as Ensign Harry Kim on Star Trek: Voyager

By Farley Foo Foo As a long time Star Trek Voyager fan boy, I was thrilled to see this year’s Edmonton Comic and Entertainment Expo would play host to none other than Garrett Wang, best known for his role as Ensign Harry Kim. But not nearly as thrilled as I was when I found out that Garrett would be gracious enough to take a quick break from signing autographs for, and posing for photos with the legions of Trekkies, Trekkers and various other clans of science fiction aficionados that make up a sizable portion of the Expo’s 25,000 attendees.

Garrett informs me that this is his third visit to Edmonton, and that added to his multiple trips to Calgary and Vulcan, Alberta, which plays host to the annual “Spock Days,” not only has him feeling like an honorary Albertan, but that it is his favourite province to visit in Canada. “Sorry everyone else,” he jokingly adds.

It is this very joking nature which, Wang admits, he was dismayed to see the producers of Voyager not include in his character’s representation. “The entire time I was on the show I tried to push the executive producers to allow me to be a little bit more comedic. Just because I always feel that 28

GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

Watch the full video: http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3709 

you need a little bit of balance in the character.” However, it was the character’s youth that, for Wang, would be his greatest opportunity to add his personal stamp of artistry. “Kim is the youngest, so it’s almost like a blank canvas. As an artist, or as an actor, I’m able to create that piece of artwork, piece by piece, colour by colour.”

Wang goes on to tell me about a current project he’s working on called Unbelievable, co-staring a barrage of Star Trek alumni including Tim Russ, Chase Masterson, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei and even a marionette puppet of William Shatner.

To find out more about this project, as well as the one greatest lesson Wang learned from his character Harry Kim, watch the full interview online.

Garrett Wang Twitter: @GarrettRWang http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3709

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 Review - From Page 11 want to tell stories about the gay experience, from my perspective, for a very wide audience. Sometimes that means I write warm and fuzzy gardening stories, and other times I write gay-experience pieces that are aimed at the entire world. The very first work I published (for pay) was an excerpt from my book that I sent to the San Francisco Chronicle. That launched a year and a half of writing stories for them, none of which were aimed at the LGBT audience.

GC: Why do you think your father stayed with Fluffy when there are indications he wasn’t overly happy?

ST: My father does not like conflict. It was easier for him to hide and not confront the reality of his marriage. I also think that religion played a huge part in his inability to rescue his kids or search for a better life. For their entire existence, the Witnesses have been preaching that The End is near. Armageddon is coming soon, maybe even tomorrow, they believe. That mentality gives absolute permission to avoid difficult decisions in life. If you think Armageddon is coming tomorrow, you don’t need to plan for retirement, or take your children to the dentist, or send them to college, or use divorce to end an unhappy marriage. And lastly, the Jehovah’s Witnesses do not allow divorce. The only grounds for divorce is adultery. Of course, committing adultery in order to obtain permission to divorce is still grounds for disfellowshipping, so that’s not really an option for someone who has bought into the JW religion and believes it is “the truth”.

GC: Do you want to have children? Are you open to adoption?

ST: No. I’ve been told many times that I would make a great dad. I love kids and was asked once to be a donor for a lesbian who wanted children, but I think the world has enough children already. I don’t need to add my offspring to the mix. I like the idea of adoption, simply because there are so many kids who need help.

I don’t believe, however, that I am the right person to take on that enormous responsibility.

GC: It seems to be that the more fundamentalist a faith structure is, the more focused it is on the body. Why do you think that is?

ST: I would agree with you. Rather than helping their members to become better people, fundamentalist religions tend to focus on telling their followers what they can and can’t do, or who they can and can’t be. Those religions use the Bible as a guidebook for modern day life, so they have to choose the prohibitions that will be tolerated in today’s society. For example, all those scriptures prohibiting the consumption of shellfish, or demanding that we stone to death non-virgin wives, or declaring it is perfectly acceptable to own slaves as long as you don’t beat them, won’t really fly today.

If you take those out, what you’re left with is a lot of scripture about sexuality and bodies, which appeals to fundamentalism.

GC: You mention your sister’s return to the “the Truth.” Given the emotional depth of your relationship, do you feel abandoned?

ST: Absolutely. My sister and I were always very close, and that bond was forged during a very difficult childhood. The Jehovah’s Witnesses have convinced her that I am a “detestable unclean thing that is not to be associated with.” I will never again have a relationship with my sister. Her religion won’t allow it. Not only am I gay, but I am considered an apostate which is their phrase for people who leave the religion. That is something I would like readers of my book to know. The Jehovah’s Witnesses might appear to be very nice people when they show up on your doorstep to proselytize, but any member who dares to leave will be ostracized and shunned by their family and everyone who they once thought were friends.

GC: What was the allure of rodeo?

ST: I would ask, what is the allure of golf. It’s an independent event, not a team. It’s all about you. I do have an independent streak. It just fit. But when I was in school, just before I left Fluffy’s house, one of my school chums was a bull rider and I thought that was the stupidest thing. But, mostly it was the ability to get out of my old life; it was part of the new life.

GC: How long have you been with your partner?

ST: Two years. It’s just the most wonderful relationship. It’s perfect. It actually shocked the hell out of me. We fit, we just fit.

We are going to buy some ranch land together. I have never been so happy in my life.

GC: How do you cope with all of the betrayals?

ST: I don’t know. …In the 7 years since I left Fluffy and all of that behind, I was still having dreams, nightmares. I’d wake up angry.

With Michael, that stopped. I still have dreams but rarely. Once a year or so. I just learned to accept that I deserved love.

GC: What surprised you about the book?

ST: What people get is so different, depending on where they come from. Some were not happy with so much religion; others wanted more focus on my life after I came out. I think the fact that different people extract different meanings and ideas is a good thing.

GC: What do you want young gay people to get from your book?

ST: It’s funny but I think the kid who is “obviously gay” and, believe me, I hate to stereo type anyone, has a better chance of being OK in the end. They will realize how they are different and will have various resources to help them in life. But it’s the kids who, physically, are the same as others but they know inside that there are not the same. It’s those kids, the ones who have a hard time understanding their sexual orientation, that I hope read the book and have a successful adult as a role model.

I thanked Scott for his time. I am confident I will soon be reading another book written by him; his talent is too huge to stay confined for long!

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Cowboys, Armageddon, and the Truth Scott Terry. Published by Lethe Press, Inc., 118 Heritag Avenue, Maple Shade, NJ 08052-3082 , 2012, 288pp. ISBN 1-59021-366-1.

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

29

Out of Town

Palm Springs: Three-Day Weekend  Taking in the amazing views from the trails at Mt. San Jacinto State Park, reached via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Photo by Andrew Collins

by Andrew Collins A desert hideaway nestled beneath the dramatic San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs has been popular with LGBT travelers for decades. It’s home to dozens of gay-owned clothing-options resorts, friendly bars and lounges, hip restaurants, and stylish shops, and it’s also surrounded by spectacular natural scenery that’s perfect for hiking, wildlife watching and photography.

Easy to reach by car or plane, it’s a perfect destination for a leisurely weekend in the sun.

Palm Springs has its own airport just a couple of miles east of downtown with direct flights from most big West Coast cities as well as Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, New York City and Toronto. Fares can sometimes be a little steep, especially during the late fall–early spring high season, but you may save money by not having to rent a car, as much of central Palm Springs is within walking distance, and cabs work for short trips. If you’re staying outside the downtown core or planning many side trips, a rental car is helpful, though.

Another option is to fly into one of the many major airports in Southern California, which may offer more competitive fares or better direct flights from your home city. The closest big airports are Ontario (75 minutes), John Wayne in Orange County (90 minutes), Burbank (2 hours), Long Beach (2 hours), Los Angeles (2 hours), and San Diego (2.5 hours). From much of the country, if you catch an early flight, you can be tanning by the pool of your Palm Springs hotel by early afternoon.

Here’s one itinerary for making the most of three days in Palm Springs, with a mix of lazy downtime and more scenic exploring.

If you do plan to ride the aerial tram, as recommended here, be sure to pack at least one outfit for cooler weather (and possibly

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a light hike) - the temperature at the upper tram station is usually about 30 degrees lower than in town.

Day 1 Upon arrival, spend time relaxing by the pool and, ideally, combining this with a spa treatment or perhaps poolside cocktails and appetizers. Obviously, the earlier you get to Palm Springs, the more time for planning time at the spa. If partaking of a massage, facial, or body scrub is a priority, you’ll probably want to stay at a property with an on-site spa, although you can always book a visit at a spa elsewhere in town (most of those inside hotels welcome day visitors).

Among gay resorts, both the upscale East Canyon Resort (www.eastcanyonps.com), which primarily draws gay men but also welcomes women (swimsuits are required at this property) and the men-only La Dolce Vita (ladolcevitaresort.com) have intimate, relaxing full-service spas offering an extensive menu of treatments. Both facilities are open to nonguests, but these are great places to stay on property, too, with their expansive pools (two of them at La Dolce Vita) and attractive rooms.

Many of the other LGBT-exclusive properties in town do have massage services, some with separate massage rooms and others providing in-room treatments. For example, at the wellestablished clothing-option women’s resort Casitas Laquita (casitaslaquita.com), you can book Swedish, deep-tissue, and reflexology. Palm Springs’ other popular women’s resort, Queen of Hearts (www.queenofheartsps.com) also has on-site massage.

Additionally, some great mainstream but very gay-popular resorts have fabulous spas as well as big, gorgeous swimming pools. Consider the boldly colorful, moderately priced Saguaro Palm Springs (thesaguaropalmsprings.com), where you can enjoy date-shake wraps and hydrating facials, perhaps before dining at the superb on-site restaurants El Jefe (fun for tacos www.gaycalgary.com

and cocktails) and the swankier Tinto (specializing in Basque cuisine). Down the street, the ultra-hip Ace Hotel & Swim Club (acehotel.com/palmsprings) is another fine place to sip cocktails by the pool and book a spa treatment. Also consider the lavish Palm Springs Riviera Resort & Spa (psriviera.com), an alluring crash pad for a decadent weekend in Palm Springs - its SpaTerre offers Thai and Indonesian-inspired treatments, and the pool is among the prettiest in town (for dinner, Circa 59 restaurant is exceptional).

Of course, at mainstream properties, you’re going to have to keep your swimsuit on - if you prefer tanning and swimming au naturel, stick with one of the clothing-optional gay resorts mentioned above. These may have smaller pools, but the intimate vibe can also make it easier to meet new friends, and with fewer guests than at the bigger hotels, these smaller gay hideaways can actually feel less crowded in and around the pool. Check out gaytravel.about.com/od/hotelsresorts/tp/PS_ GayHotels.htm for a list of notable Palm Springs resorts, from the laid-back, friendly, and well-kept Triangle Inn (triangle-inn. com) to the new-ish, bear-centric Bearfoot Inn (bearfootinn. com). Another newcomer with a lovely pool is the 29-room Skylark Hotel (skylarkps.com), the stylish transformation of the former Camp Palm Springs - it’s still gay-owned, but the clientele is mixed and the pool area is no longer clothingoptional.

As the sun sets over Palm Springs your first night, if you’re looking for a terrific dinner option, head for the Tropicale (thetropicale.com), an eclectic and fun restaurant-lounge that’s perfect for just about any mood or budget, and very popular as a gay-date venue - everything from gourmet pizzas to Asianinspired tapas to creative takes on Southern fried chicken and Cuban-style skirt steak are served. Dine inside in a space that has the sophisticated ambience of a modern supper club, or out on the quieter patio beside the gurgling fountain. The owners are planning to unveil a stylish, mixed gay/straight nightclub, Copa Room (coparoomps.com), next door toward the end of 2013.

Day 2 Now that you’ve hopefully settled in a bit, worked your tan, and perhaps refreshed your skin and body, your second day in town is an ideal time for some outdoor recreation. Start your day at what might just be the best breakfast spot in town, Cheeky’s (cheekysps.com), but beware that the crowds tend to inundate this cheerful cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. If there’s a wait, put your name on the list and spend some time strolling around the lively Uptown Design District (palmspringsuptowndesigndistrict.com), checking out the many shops and galleries specializing in everything from MidCentury Modern furniture to contemporary photography and art. Cheeky’s serves a tantalizing bacon flight, featuring five slices, each a different variety (perhaps jalapeno or brownsugar). Open just for breakfast and lunch, it’s a good prehike source of sustenance, serving such hearty treats as eggs Benedict with cheddar scone and grass-fed burgers with pesto fries.

Next, make your way to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (pstramway.com), which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013. From the tram base, a rotating car carries passengers to the 8,516-foot tram station, which offers access to miles of hiking trails in beautiful Mt. San Jacinto State Park.

When you walk out the door of the upper tram station (you can obtain trail maps and advice at the small visitor center inside), proceed down the winding paved pathway a short distance to the bottom. For a longer hike, turn right and stop inside the ranger station to sign in and obtain a free backcountry permit.

Hikes from here include a 5-mile round-trip jaunt through mountain meadows and a rigorous 11-mile round-trip trek to 10,834-foot San Jacinto Peak. For a shorter, easier hike with amazing views, turn left at the end of the concrete path and follow signs for the Desert View Trail, a 1.5-mile loop with five short side legs leading to spectacular panoramas of the Imperial Valley, from Salton Sea to Joshua Tree National Park. Many www.gaycalgary.com

visitors stop for drinks or dinner at the Peaks Restaurant or more casual, cafeteria-style Pines Café in the tram station - the food is decent, but it’s the views that make it worth dining here.

Returning to Palm Springs, assuming you’re still in the market for dinner, head back to the Uptown Design District.

Trio (triopalmsprings.com) is one of the hip, see-and-be-seen dining options in this lively neighborhood, serving globally inspired modern dishes like pan-seared rare scallops with honeydew-watercress sauce, and center-cut pork chops with tangerine-horseradish marmalade. Nearby, the owners of Cheeky’s operate a couple of outstanding - and reasonably priced - dinner venues. Birba (birbaps.com) serves modern Italian fare, while newcomer JIAO (jiaops.com) turns out creative Pan-Asian cuisine, including addictively delicious tempura cauliflower with a tangy dipping sauce, roasted pork buns with kimchee, and miso black cod with sautéed spinach and coconut rice. Don’t miss the roster of regularly changing house-made ice creams.

From here you’re a short walk to several very fun downtown bars, including LGBT-favored Azul Tapas Lounge/Georgie’s Alibi (azultapaslounge.com), the chic new Clinic Bar & Lounge (clinicbarps.com), the darkly seductive craft-cocktail spot Bar (barwastaken.com), and the always packed gay dance spot Hunters Nightclub (huntersnightclubs.com).

Day 3 How you spend your final day in town again depends largely on how early you have to leave. With any luck at all, your flight isn’t until late in the day, and you can arrange to store your bags and linger by the pool a bit longer. In the morning, you might consider one of the other inviting breakfast options in town, such as King’s Highway in the Ace Hotel (acehotel.com), which serves delicious chilaquiles; the uber-gay java spot Koffi (kofficoffee.com), with two locations serving superb espresso drinks and pastries; or open-air Norma’s in the glam Parker Palm Springs (theparkerpalmsprings.com), where the lobstercaviar frittata ranks among the most decadent and expensive breakfast meals in California.

If you still have a little time on your hands, check out the excellent Palm Springs Art Museum (psmuseum.org), continue your shopping adventures downtown, or pop into Great Shakes (greatshakesps.com) for a sweet treat on your way out of town - the unusual flavors here include a fun take on the traditional Palm Springs date shake (with crushed walnuts) to the imaginative blueberry-butterscotch.

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

31

Canadian Mary

Katherine Isabelle on conventions, abnormal roles, and filming in Canada

By Marisa Hudson Katherine Isabelle is more than just a scream queen, though she may have wormed herself firmly into our hearts with her iconic performance in 2000’s Ginger Snaps. It was not just any Canadian movie – it morphed into a trilogy due to its originality and fearlessness.

Such things could be said of its title actress, who has starred in a collection of originals, like American Mary and Supernatural.

With her friendly nature and eloquent speech, Katherine manages to easily tread middle ground between social and intellectual. When we sat down to speak with her at the Edmonton Expo she was upbeat, friendly, and impressively loquacious. In our chat we discussed her experience at conventions, the fortitude required to film in Canada in the middle of February, and how abnormal roles have turned her into a very normal person.

GC: So how’s the Expo so far?

KI: The Expo’s amazing! I was just saying that these things are fun because no one comes here to wait in line to tell you that you suck and are awful. They all come to tell you how great you are and how much they enjoy your work. And it makes you feel very good about yourself at the end of the day. So that’s always really fun. It’s fun to meet the people that we make these movies for and really appreciate it, and it helps when you’re out freezing to death in Fort Edmonton in the middle of February to think about how much all the fans really appreciate it. It helps you get through your days.

GC: It’s much tougher to film in Canada than in the States.

KI: It is! We have a lot of American actors come up and they are just terrified of what happens to them. And we’re like “Oh come on, it’s only twenty-five below and there’s hardly even any wind, what are you whining about?”

GC: You’ve been in quite a few Canadian pieces, one of the best known being Ginger Snaps. What’s it like being in a trilogy of very iconic movies that were filmed in Canada, and are very Canadian as well as being very genre specific?

KI: When we did the first Ginger Snaps, we shot it in Toronto and we had no idea what we were doing. We weren’t sure – this was before werewolves and vampires and that was like, cool? Yeah, we did it before it was cool! But we were like, we might never work again. This is a weird Canadian movie about werewolf teenagers, menstruation... we were just like, this could be really, really awesome, or everyone will hate us. And thankfully it turned out to be awesome, which we thought and hoped it would, but you never know when you’re making something like that. You’re all, I think it’s cool, but maybe I’m weird… To work in Canada, the Canadian film industry is important to me. They raised me, this is how I grew up. This is my life. And I really want to see interesting, smart things come out of Canada that are powerful for a wider audience.

GC: Do you think that the Ginger Snaps movie set you off for being in the supernatural genres?

KI: Ginger Snaps definitely put me on the map of genre people. You know, they knew what that was. And that led to yeah, a lot of genre things.

I mean I’ve been working forever, and I’ve done a million different things.

But the genre fans, the horror movie fans, are so enthusiastic. You don’t get conventions for family dramas set in the prairies about farming, you know what I mean? And family issues and fights between siblings. You just don’t. It’s like horror movies, and comics, stuff, that’s where the most enthusiastic, absolutely rabid fans are. … Shooting horror movies is really, really fun. It’s hilarious. You get to scream and cry and murder people, and I think it makes me a more normal person when I go into daily life, because I don’t think I’ve ever yelled at anyone - because every couple months I get to scream and bawl and basically bludgeon people to death. And I go, ah, I feel so much better!

Katherine Isabelle Twitter: @Katie_Isabelle http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3711 Watch the full video: http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3711 

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A Lieb of Faith

YouTube sensation talks Steve Grand, being a heartthrob and his gay competition  Eli Lieb, photo by Ben Easter

By Chris Azzopardi YouTube’s been good to Eli Lieb. The Iowa-born, boyishly handsome musician, who’s amassed a faithful following with his own distinctive twist on radio songs, recently dropped his new intoxicating pop single “Young Love.”

It’s sweet and liberating, and it features two lovers who just happen to be men (who happen to be cute, and who also happen to kiss). The video premiered just days after “All-American Boy,” in which out “country” hunk Steve Grand falls for a straight boy, became a viral hit. The two, however, couldn’t be more different.

And in this chat with Lieb, he opens up about why. The web sensation also talks about learning guitar from Ani DiFranco, not seeing himself as a heartthrob and how happiness was the key to his success.

GC: How did you learn to sing?

EL: Singing was always something that came naturally to me. I started when I was 12, and that’s when I was in my first musical theater show and when I first discovered singing.

GC: At 16 you picked up a guitar for the first time. What was the first song you learned to play?

EL: I don’t remember the first song, but I know it was an Ani DiFranco song. At that age I was totally into her and I learned

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guitar by listening to her songs. I don’t know how to read music.

I never could learn. I don’t know any chord names, but if I can hear something, I can learn how to play it.

GC: And this was before YouTube.

EL: This was back in the olden days!

GC: Why did you decide to move back home to Iowa after living in New York for so many years?

EL: My decision to move back didn’t have anything to do with my career. I reached this point where I’d been in New York for 11 years and I just wasn’t super happy there; every time I went home to Iowa, I was just beyond happy. I told myself that if I went (to Iowa) I wouldn’t be able to have a career. I let go of the fear and went back and became so happy. Ironically, though I don’t think it’s ironic, that’s the time my career took off – because I was operating from this happier place. And with the Internet, I was lucky to do what I was doing from anywhere. All I needed was a music studio and video camera.

GC: Where would you be without YouTube?

EL: I have no idea. I’ve been making music since I was 16 and YouTube didn’t really become a huge platform until the last few years. I would’ve found another way of doing it, but thank god for YouTube and the Internet because it’s so much more

Continued on Next Page 

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33

 From Previous Page accessible. Now YouTube is a massive machine and everybody is trying to make it their stage.

GC: Would you consider reality TV shows like American Idol?

EL: I’m never closed off to anything. If it’s something that feels right, I’ll go for it. If it’s something that doesn’t feel right, no matter what it is, I won’t do it.

GC: I don’t get how you haven’t been signed to a major record label yet. How has that not happened?

EL: (Laughs) I can’t answer that.

GC: What’s going on with the sophomore album?

EL: A lot of stuff in my life right now is changing for the positive career-wise. I recently moved to L.A. and I’m doing a lot. There’s a lot of change happening. I’m never gonna stop making music, that’s for sure. But I can’t be like, “My next album is coming out in a couple of months,” you know? But I’m making music every day, let’s just say that.

GC: It sounds like things are in the works that you can’t talk about right now.

EL: (Laughs) Yeah.

GC: Why more of an acoustic approach to the upcoming album?

EL: I’m writing a lot on guitar. It doesn’t mean the songs will end up on guitar, but my first album was experimenting with sound and learning to use all the programs. Now I’m more into the swing of things and my writing has changed a lot in terms of the music that I release. Now it’s pop music, which I love. I love a straight-up pop song. And that’s definitely my sensibility.

It’s just the evolution of me as an artist.

GC: After hearing “Young Love,” I have the sense you’re inspired by ’80s music and Taylor Swift.

EL: Yeah, it’s funny the way that I write music: Whatever comes out is purely just what comes out. And it’s not overly

 Eli Lieb, photo by Ben Easter

saturated with influence, because I’m just making music all day long. I just don’t sit down and listen to stuff that’s going on, so a lot of times I think there’s a lot of energy in the air and ideas keep passing through. If it sounds like something, it’s a coincidence, I guess. Everything is in the eye of the beholder.

GC: Was it a coincidence, too, that “Young Love” was released just days after Steve Grand’s “All-American Boy,” or was that released in reaction to his video?

EL: I released this a week after his got released, and there’s no way I could’ve made that in a week. But people are accusing me of trying to ride his coattail. I’ve been planning this video for a long time, and it just so happened that his was released a week before mine was about to come out. So it’s the most bizarre coincidence.

The even more bizarre coincidence is that some of the shots in the videos are similar. That’s what blew my mind more. The reality is, it seems like a shocking thing when people release a video that has same-sex partners in it, but if you were to take away the firework scene or the car scene, it’s just the same as Rihanna and Adele putting out videos and both having love stories. But because it’s two guys, it seems like it’s trying to be the same thing.

GC: And not just two men … two gay men. Does that change things?

EL: What I’ve noticed with the comparisons to Steve and I: When I set out to make this video, I specifically did not want it to have a “gay theme”; I just wanted to be authentic to who I am, and who I am is this very comfortable human being in 34

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my own skin. My sexuality is just one part of who I am; it’s not something I focus on and I definitely don’t want to make it a big deal. So, when I was going to shoot this video, I knew it had to have a love interest, because it’s a love song and it just was not an option to me to not have a guy. I also wanted to shoot it in a way that was no different than any other video, where you just feel the love rather than being hit over the head with an agenda or a point of view. Not saying that was Steve at all, but I find a lot of gay stuff does have sort of a gay theme to it, which isn’t bad; I just didn’t want to do that. And Steve’s story is a different story than mine.

I guess I can say that we have different points of view and we’re at different places in our lives, and different people respond to different things. Some people, who are very free in their love and who they are, might relate to mine more because they see it as a celebration – about not having to hide who you are. But then there’s other people who might be struggling more and aren’t at that place in their life and they still feel that struggle and seeing (Grand’s version), they can relate to that more. They’re just telling two different stories.

Obviously there’s something in the air if he and I both release a video this close to each other with … I almost don’t want to say similar content; it’s just our people speaking out for who they are and showing who they are in the world, regardless of where they are in their life. I’m very happy to be able to show my story and the lack of fear and acceptance with who I am.

I didn’t have an agenda with the video, and I feel very fulfilled that I can help people feel better about themselves and shed fear and be who they are. And as an openly gay man, I definitely want to represent the community in a positive way. There’s a sense of pride with it. I just want everybody in the world to just be who they are without fear, and that transcends way beyond sexuality.

GC: Are you at all bothered by comparisons between not just you and Steve Grand but with other gay artists?

EL: That’s something you get used to and understand.

I actually have been really happy about the response to the video. Most people are saying it’s not grouped into this “gay” category. It’s just a video about people in love.

GC: Has being out affected your career in either direction?

EL: It’s affected it for the better. I think being independent and calling my own shots has helped as well. When you’re being your authentic self and you are free with who you are, you will gravitate an audience.

GC: There’s a big part of the gay community who admires your music as much as your looks. Have you thought about yourself as a heartthrob in the community? And how do you deal with that flattery and attention?

EL: Oh man, I don’t even know how to answer that. (Laughs) We all are human beings and we all have our insecurities, and people see you in a different way than you see yourself. But I don’t think of myself as a heartthrob. I don’t really know how to answer that question. It’s a really difficult one.

GC: Because you have to talk about how good you look?

EL: And it’s arrogant. There’s a very common misconception about me. People think I’m standoffish, but I’m not; I’m just shy. I am a super grounded, down-to-earth person, and I think the more that I put stuff out that is my authentic self, that comes across more. Nobody sees themselves as other people see them. I don’t know anybody who does. And if they do, a lot of times they’re a person you don’t want to be around. (Laughs)

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3712

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

35

Queen Dream

Janelle Monáe on her gay inspiration, gender-bending and lesbian rumors

 Janelle Monáe, photo by Marc Baptiste

By Chris Azzopardi The ambiguity of Janelle Monáe can be summed up in her own two words: “top secret.”

That – and, “I’m sorry, I can’t tell you” – is all she says about her pompadour when asked how it stays in a perfect pouf. It’s the kind of James Bond elusiveness that’s left a lot to the imagination since the Kansas City native spawned her fembot alter ego.

The Electric Lady, the third in the saga, is designed to be a prequel to the narrative of 2010’s The ArchAndroid. It’s very gay – but it doesn’t mean she is.

People have speculated that the album’s first single, “Q.U.E.E.N.,” alludes to your attraction to women. And on “Givin Em What They Love,” you refer to a woman who follows you back to the lobby for some “undercover love.” Are people reading too much into the lesbian themes of this album and applying them to you?

I actually have never heard that. This is the first time I’m hearing it. But I will say that a lot of my work always comes from an authoritative stance, so it may not be about me; it may just be about a story, or something that I’ve witnessed, or my imagination.

You just never know.

GC: A lot of people are relating this music directly to you.

JM: And that’s fine. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being gay or lesbian or straight or black or green or purple, so I’m OK with that.

GC: “Q.U.E.E.N.” uses phrases like “throwing shade” and “serving face,” which are often heard in drag culture. Has the drag world influenced your style and how you present yourself and your music?

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JM: Yes. I think it is an art form that’s so funny and so inspiring, so I use it in my lyrics. I have gay friends who speak in this language, and it’s just hilarious and entertaining and I thought it would be cool to, you know, give them something to kiki about.

GC: Because of your fondness for suits, people have described you in some ways as being a drag king.

JM: Right.

GC: How do you feel about the term “gender bender” as it’s applied to you?

JM: I think it’s awesome. I think it’s uniting; I’m a uniter. I won’t allow myself to be a slave to my own interpretation of myself nor the interpretations that people may have of me. I just live my life, and people can feel free to discuss whatever it is that they think and use whatever adjectives they feel. It’s a free country.

GC: You’ve said The Electric Lady was inspired by a female silhouette you were painting. You saw her as a new 21st century woman who’s not marginalized. Are there any real-life women you would call “electric ladies”?

JM: Absolutely. They’re walking all around every day. You can find a lot of them in the community, nurturing the community. Electric ladies don’t have the same shape or hair color or background, but our number one commonality is the ability to want to be the change that we want to see. We want to see positivity. We want to see the community cleaned up. We know that we have to go out and be leaders and take action and make it happen.

GC: Can the electric lady be a lesbian or transgender woman?

JM: Oh, absolutely. Absolutely!

www.gaycalgary.com

GC: Is the android an artifice that allows you to be more earnest, especially politically and even sexually, than you would be otherwise?

JM: No, no. The android represents the form of the new other.

You can parallel the android to someone who has been ostracized or discriminated against or marginalized, like you would of a gay man or woman. Or African Americans during slaveries, even post slavery. Immigrants. The excommunicated. The untouchables. And the negroids. There are so many parallels to the android – and it’s important to speak about the future, as well – so it’s just my way of communicating to my audience and anyone listening that these people, they walk amongst us. As an artist and as a human rights activist, I feel it’s my duty to speak out against any discrimination or marginalization of people who might not have the power to gain control of their rights.

GC: Why is standing up for the oppressed, particularly the gay community, important to you?

JM: Because I can relate. I can relate being a woman and being African American. There are definitely stereotypes that I am fighting against. There is marginalization. There is sexism. So many things that I think we’re mutually having to go through. And I have parents, I have friends, I have loved ones who come from working-class backgrounds and who have oftentimes definitely felt oppressed. And I have friends who are gay. I have people I love and care about, and I feel like I want to use my platform to bring awareness and talk about that. “Q.U.E.E.N.” was written for those who are oftentimes marginalized. I mention the word “marginalized” a lot, but it’s important that people understand what that word means and what we can do to get rid of it.

GC: Do you feel that artists have a responsibility to stand up for causes they believe in, or is doing so simply a personal choice you’ve made?

JM: It’s a personal choice. I don’t think the world should put any pressure on artists to be leaders; it’s just been a personal choice of mine. Your heart has to feel propelled to want to be a leader. If that’s your calling, you go after it.

GC: From the beginning, your hope was to unite people and bridge gaps among various communities, including the LGBT community. How is The Electric Lady an extension of that career mission?

JM: I think that The Electric Lady is interested in a purple state – not a red one or a blue one, but mixing those colors together and creating something that everyone can believe in. With more compassion for one another, we will be more united and able to look past our religious beliefs and sexual preferences and realize that we came into this world together and we’ll leave together, and so we have to protect each other and protect ourselves while we’re here.

I have songs on The Electric Lady – from “Sally Ride” to “Electric Lady” to “Q.U.E.E.N.,” and the list goes on – where I definitely thought of the gay community in terms of a community that is oftentimes discriminated against and marginalized. Again, when I speak about the android, it’s the other. And I think, again, you can parallel that to the gay community, to the black community, to women – we have so many things in common, and we sometimes don’t know it when we allow small things to get in the way. So this music is meant to inspire and bring wings to those who are weak and grace to those when they are strong.

GC: You’ve told Rolling Stone that “the lesbian community has tried to claim me.” How did they try to claim you?

JM: I was just making an observation. You know, the straight community has tried to claim me as well – sorry, maybe that didn’t get written in the article. But the straight community tried to claim me, the android community tried to claim me, the Hispanic community tried to claim me. We can go on and on. (Laughs) It just feels good to be loved. And no disrespect to anybody.

GC: You have challenged and redefined the concepts of masculine and feminine fashion in a way that really resonates with the queer community. How do you personally think our society can begin to encourage healthy self-expression and self-image for future generations?

JM: By just allowing your kids and the people around you to be themselves. We have so many different ways to live marketed to us in the media – what we should look like, what beauty is – and it’s so important to embrace the things that make you unique, even if it makes other people uncomfortable. You never know whom you’ll free by just being yourself – flaws and all.

I just think it’s so important that at a young age we teach our kids and those whose future we’re nurturing that it’s OK to love whomever it is that you love and whom you’re attracted to – and it’s OK to like a dress if you’re a boy and to like a pantsuit if you’re a girl. These are just fears that previous generations have placed upon us, or people who’ve tried to control us and make us believe that this is just bad. But I think whenever you stop the true essence of a person loving who they are – the god-given person that they’ve been blessed to be – that is a crime.

GC: What does being part of the queer community mean to you?

JM: It means everything. I feel like I have a community to continue to write music for and inspire and empower. There are so many people in the queer community who have committed suicide for being shunned by their families, there have been hate crimes – and I’m just about love. I’m ready to unite. I want to make sure that I’m living on Dr. King’s dream. I feel like it is my job as a descendant of that dream to stand up for other civil rights and human rights.

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Janelle Monáe http:// www.jmonae.com http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3713

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

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Review

 Characters Humphrey (left) and Wilburn (right)

A Campy Queer Twist on an Old Classic Third Street Theatre vamps up Macbeth in time for Halloween

By Janine Eva Trotta

With its first production of the year Third Street Theatre is offering audiences a fun new spin on a Shakespearean definitive with the show Unsex’d, written by Jay Whitehead and Daniel Judes.

This show has already raked in several awards including winner of the Third Street Theatre company’s New Queer Theatre Playwriting Competition last year, as well as Best of Fest at the Atlantic Fringe which takes place in Halifax. It also played seven shows at the Dublin International Queer Theatre Festival where it received three nominations for Best Acting, Best Production Values and Best Writing, and in Lethbridge was put on and produced by Theatre Outré.

Now it will have its premier run in Calgary, presented along with Theatre Outré, at the Motel at the Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts October 27th to November 2nd.

“I always had this idea to write a play about two Shakespearean boy players who were like Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie,” says Whitehead, on a part of what inspired this male casted rendition.

Whitehead and Judes were both enrolled in graduate programs at York University where their ‘witty raport’ and ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ way of banter was doted as too effeminate to allow them to play heterosexual roles in school theatre projects.

This is when Whitehead began exploring the Elizabethan era; a time when a feminine man was perceived as great value to the theatre stage for his aptitude to perform a female role.

The two thespians agreed, a plot in which two such feminine-traited boy players were vying for the same stage role could be one of interest. Summoning the rivalry in All About Eve and their real life battles on the

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nightclub scene, a script was born in which two actors compete for the role of Lady Macbeth.

Set in the 17th Century, the play offers a funny look at the passionate, and dogged, attempt each actor will make to steal the Bard’s favour and conquer the role of a lifetime.

“I think this show is a fun twist on the infamous curse on Macbeth,” says Paul Welch, Artistic Director at Third Street Theatre. “There have been so many different superstitions around Shakespeare’s work, that it’s interesting to see a campy, queer version of the origins of the curse.”

Artistic Producer Jonathan Brewer says he hopes the timing of the show dates, surrounding Halloween, will inspire audience members to attend performances in costume.

“Maybe even Elizabethan drag?” suggests Welch. “Who knows!”

Gordon Farrell, for Elle Magazine, calls Unsex’d a “fast-paced, slapstick comedy with great acting and production values … a riot of colour, action and comedy.”

Seat fares range from $17.55 to $24.60. Evening performances begin at 7:30pm with one matinee scheduled for Sunday, November 2 at 2pm. For tickets visit www.epcorcentre.org.

Unsex’d Presented by Third Street Theatre October 27th – November 2nd http://www.thirdstreet.ca http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3714

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Review

I Love You Because Show struggles despite solid cast

By Jason Clevett In the decade that GayCalgary has been reviewing shows at Stage West the quality of the productions have always been top notch. Whether their popular and fun music reviews like British Invasion or One Hit Wonders, revivals of Broadway classics like Jesus Christ Superstar or earlier this year’s award winning Chicago, or a non-musical show, they have always had stellar talent on stage and high production value from the sets to the live music.

That is where the frustration lies in I Love You Because, playing until November 10th. It is a fantastic production - with incredibly talented actors of a so-so show. It has its moments that verge on great, such as the fantastic number That’s What’s Gonna Happen, but there are not enough of them.

There is definite chemistry between Canadian Idol alumni Steffi D who plays photographer Marcy, and the adorable Daniel Abrahamson who plays Austin, in the modern twist of Pride and Prejudice. They are both likeable despite their quirks, and their adventures on the dating scene, along with those of Jeff (Jay Davis) and Diana (Blair Irwin) are experiences many of us have had. Somehow despite the familiarity it doesn’t resonate, perhaps because aspects of it are clichéd and explored in every romantic comedy.

Justin Bott and Lindsey Frasier round out the cast playing baristas, bartenders and a Chinese food waiter - different people the 4 main characters interact with on another Saturday night in New York.

I Love You Because is an enjoyable night out, with great food (the white chocolate lemon cheesecake is amazing) exceptional singing and a likeable cast. I can’t exactly put my finger on what’s missing, but like dating itself, you have some that are fun for a night but who you wouldn’t call back.

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 Photo courtesy of Stage West

I Love You Because At Stage West Theatre Restaurant http://www.stagewestcalgary.com http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3715

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

39

Chi Chi LaRue

Iconic drag queen/producer visits Edmonton  Photo by Steve Polyak, GayCalgary Magazine

By Farley Foo Foo To say Chi Chi LaRue has a presence that commands the crowd’s attention would be an enormous understatement. Already very tall, in punishingly high heels she towers above the crowd as they part like the Red Sea before Moses to allow her through.

She has just arrived to Evolution Wonder Lounge in Edmonton to DJ the opening night Big Bang party and I’m fortunate to have been granted an exclusive interview with her before she takes to the booth.

Even though she has arrived generously early, I’ve been instructed to keep my interview somewhat brief as Chi Chi likes to get a feel for the sound system and DJ booth set up to ensure there are no complications during her set. An example of her professionalism and thoroughness that has had adult film production companies and now nightclubs and festivals lining up to work with her.

On this evening, following the announcement of adult film stars Cameron Bay and Rod Daily coming forward as having tested positive for HIV, the latest in a string of cases that has resulted in the current moratorium on porn production in the greater Los Angeles area which serves as the industry’s epicentre, I am eager to get Chi Chi’s opinion on these developments.

“It’s so stupid, because I’ve been making porn for 29 years and I’ve used condoms ever since I started. There should be no moratorium, just put a fucking condom on your cock!”

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Watch the full video: http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3716 

We further discuss her parting ways with straight porn juggernaut Vivid for their refusal to require their actors to do just that. As a long time safe sex advocate, it is clearly a passion of Chi Chi’s and it’s great to see someone with her stature in the industry refuse to compromise her ethics on the matter.

The juiciest moments in the interview, however, happens when I ask for her opinion on the success of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

“Ru’s a great friend of mine and this next season is going to be insane!” Along with a hint at some insider knowledge as to how quickly the drama starts in the upcoming season, Chi Chi tells us who she believes will undoubtedly walk away with the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar!

To find out who Chi Chi thinks will take home the crown this year, along with a discussion on Chi Chi’s transformation from drag queen to porn czar to headlining DJ, watch the full video online.

Chi Chi LaRue Twitter: @DJChiChiLaRue http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3716

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Review

 Megan Hilty

 Sean Hayes

Sean Saves the World

By David-Elijah Nahmod “I hope it runs for a million years,” said Megan Hilty.

“Or at least seven.” The actress is very happy about being reunited with Sean Hayes (Will and Grace) in the new NBC sitcom Sean Saves the World, which debuted recently in Canada.

Last season, the pair was seen in a five episode story arc on the cherished if embattled musical drama Smash. On Smash, Hayes and Hilty played co-stars on Broadway in an ill-advised musical based on Dangerous Liaisons. Though Smash barely got through its second season, it amassed an intensely loyal cult following which continues to support its reruns on the Ovation Network, and it’s DVD release.

Smash, along with The New Normal, were both cancelled this past summer after struggling in the ratings. Both series featured gay characters in leading roles and were expected to be huge hits. Both debuted with great fanfare and initially brought in decent numbers. No one is sure what happened when both series ultimately failed. Yet NBC, which brought both shows to the airwaves, is willing to try again.

“The New Normal didn’t have Sean Hayes,” said TV legend Linda Lavin (Alice). “He’s an extraordinary talent.”

In the new series, Hayes plays…Sean! He’s a single gay dad whose wise, wisecracking teen daughter has moved in with him.

As he struggles to be the best dad he can be, he also searches for Mr. Right, deals with the boss from hell, and spars with Lorna, his overbearing but loving Mom (Lavin). Hilty plays Liz, Sean’s best friend.

“Sean Saves the World is an identifiable story about a gay single dad as he balances his home and work life,” said Lavin.

“I’m delighted to be a part of it. It’s a terrific company filled with talented people and talented writers.”

“Sean Hayes is magical, incredibly funny and a nice guy,” said Hilty. “Liz is kind of a mess. She talks before she thinks, but she has the best intentions. They met at his wedding to a woman, and she outed him!”

In a fast paced trailer now posted on NBC.com, potential viewers can get a glimpse of what to expect when they tune in to Sean Saves the World.

“If you’re gay, then how did you and Mom have sex?” inquires daughter Ellie (Samantha Isler), as Sean nervously drops a pile of dishes. www.gaycalgary.com

 Linda Lavin (left), Samantha Isler (middle) and Sean Hayes

“Fish have the right idea,” says mom Lorna. “You just drop them and go!”

“She’s a force of nature,” Lavin said of Lorna. “She’s a very energetic, funny woman, with a strong affection for her son.

They see life the same way, and she’s very committed to his happiness.”

Hilty feels that Sean’s gayness is incidental to the story. “It’s just another detail of who he is,” she said. “It’s not OMG, he’s gay! He just is. That says a lot about where we are now.”

In the aftermath of the New Normal/Smash failures, we’ll have to wait and see whether or not Sean Saves the World clicks with viewers. The online trailer is genuinely funny and the buzz around the show has been positive, so perhaps this time the Peacock Network will enjoy the kind of success they saw with Will and Grace.

“When you start a new show, you hope for a long life,” said Lavin. “You hope for growth, and for a substantial income for those working on the show.”

Sean Saves the World http://www.nbc.com/sean-saves-the-world http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3717

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

41

Review

 Shoulder (before)

It’s a Jungle Out There The Philips Bodygroom Plus

By Rob Diaz-Marino Philips wants to go down on you – down below the neck that is, with their newest offering: the Bodygroom Plus.

We received a model to try out for ourselves, and it does the job quite nicely. But don’t throw out your old Bodygroom models just yet.

The Plus come with three different combs for various trim lengths, plus a special extension handle to reach all those awkward places like your shoulders and back.

In theory, with a great deal of time and patience, a person with a particularly hairy back might be able to shave themselves smooth without the help of a buddy. The foot-long handle should make it possible to reach all areas of the back, and the shaver carries a 50 minute charge to last you through the ordeal.

The shaver itself feels a lot bulkier than previous models, like it’s meant for more heavy-duty body work rather than finer grained detailing. In fact, it doesn’t have an interchangeable head as previous models did. So you’re stuck with the coarsegrained shaver head designed to mow down thicker hairs with the blades on the edges, and then take the shave closer to your skin with the foil in the centre – unless you put a comb on it, that is.

I let my odd tufts of shoulder hair grow so that I could test the Bodygroom Plus out. I found it did just as good a job as my older Philips Bodygroom, however the extension handle 42

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 Shoulder (after)

made for less straining and twisting as I tried to get at the spots further back. While I opted to do this dry, the shaver is 100% waterproof and can be used in the shower.

Aesthetically speaking, the Plus looks a great deal sturdier and better quality than the smaller bodygroom that I own.

However I was disappointed that the charging stand for the Plus didn’t have a compartment to store the accessories, as my cheaper model did. So you’ll need to find a place in your bathroom cabinet to stash the combs and handle.

Visit our website for videos of us unpacking, comparing, and trying out the Philips Bodygroom Plus.

Philips Bodygroom Plus Buy it at: Best Buy, Future Shop, Canadian Tire, London Drugs, Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, Walmart, and more. http://www.philips.ca http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3718

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Review

F.Virtue

Hip Hop artist tackles sexuality with Anita Bryant

By Lisa Lunney Calgary born emcee F.Virtue, born William Kowall, is wise beyond his twenty-three-years. He recently released a song that is making massive waves in the music industry: Anita Bryant, part of his latest album, We Are Not The Shame. F.Virtue is embracing his sexuality through his lyrics for the first time on a public scale, and this album shows listeners they are not alone.

F.Virtue cleverly named this groundbreaking song after the outspoken critic of homosexuality, and the music video is about his experiences being a closeted MC in a straight rap culture. The work behind Anita Bryant was three-years in the making, and he is finally comfortable and confident enough in his own identity to share his experience with his fan base and the world of hip-hop.

Hip-hop music has a reputation for being bold and outrageous, with shocking lyrics and crude videos. It is an ideal musical outlet to be brutally honest and send a strong message. Through his choice of words, the listener identifies and relates to the stresses of fitting in and finding acceptance from peers. The track benefits significantly from the strength of the video. F.Virtue’s emphatic delivery combined with powerful visuals creates a mind-blowing and captivating experience for the viewer. However, it is the lyrics that have garnished the biggest response: he’s a gay hip-hop artist, questioning hip-hop’s homophobic tendencies.

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Hip-hop has long since provided a musical voice for the oppressed. In the current battle for equality for the LGBT community, it makes perfect sense for a bold artist to use hip-hop as a medium to fight for equality. Anita Bryant has already been dubbed as the definitive anti-homophobia song in hip-hop. F. Virtue raps, “This isn’t gay rap. Do gay chefs make gay food?”

The message behind F.Virtue’s lyrics go beyond equality and acceptance - they are a push for social change and bettering the next generation. It is an anthem for the LGBT community; a force to be reckoned with.

Watch the video: http://www.gaycalgary.com/u590

F. Virtue Twitter: @famelessvirtue http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3719

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

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Photography ISCWR Investitures, Edmonton Photos by Cheryl Patricia & Sabina

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Photography Evolution Nightclub Grand Opening, Edmonton AB http://gaycalgary.com/pa585

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Photography ISCCA 80’s Retro Drag Show at Cowboys Nightclub Calgary

SCCA - The Hoe-down 2.0

http://gaycalgary.com/pa589

http://gaycalgary.com/pa597

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Photography Medicine Hat Pride http://gaycalgary.com/pa587

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

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Photography Aids Calgary Aids Walk http://gaycalgary.com/pa596

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Photography Paint the Town Red Gala, Fundraiser for the Edmonton Pride Centre http://gaycalgary.com/pa588

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News Releases NEWS: English Gay Youth Twice As Likely To Smoke And Drink Hazardously http://www.gaycalgary.com/n903

Children With Same-Sex Parents are Thriving http://www.gaycalgary.com/n917

INTERVIEW: Warwick Naked Rowers http://www.gaycalgary.com/n904

COLUMN: The Twilight World Of The Homosexual http://www.gaycalgary.com/n918

BOY GEORGE: ‘Odds Are One Of One Direction Are Gay’ http://www.gaycalgary.com/n905

“Trail Life USA,” Anti-Gay Boy Scouts Alternative Holds Convention http://www.gaycalgary.com/n919

COLUMN: Tell It To The Hand http://www.gaycalgary.com/n906

The Military is too Gay to Go to War? http://www.gaycalgary.com/n920

All Out’s Petition For Gay Rights In Russia Supported By LUSH Cosmetics http://www.gaycalgary.com/n907

RECIPE: Dermie’s Lemon Dizzle Cake http://www.gaycalgary.com/n921

JAMAICA: Two Men Set Upon By Mob http://www.gaycalgary.com/n908 Annual Conference Prepares Canadian Businesses For $7 Billion Gay Travel Market http://www.gaycalgary.com/n909 Video: Australia’s Prime Minister Explains Why He Changed View On Gay Marriage http://www.gaycalgary.com/n910 OPINION: #HateDoesNotPay: Russian’s Shortsighted Homophobia http://www.gaycalgary.com/n911 NEWS: Caribbean Sex Workers Demand Equal Rights http://www.gaycalgary.com/n912 REVIEW: Netflix http://www.gaycalgary.com/n913 NEWS: Stonewall Announces Heroes And Bigots Nominations For 8th Awards http://www.gaycalgary.com/n914 NEWS: Russia Outlines Law To Remove Children From Gay Parents http://www.gaycalgary.com/n915

MOVIE REVIEW: Bashment http://www.gaycalgary.com/n922 Detox, Willam Belli, & Vicky Vox “Blurred Bynes” Parody http://www.gaycalgary.com/n923 COLUMN: Be Brave http://www.gaycalgary.com/n924 Former Dominatrix Aline Reaches Pop Star Status with New Single “Break Your Heart” http://www.gaycalgary.com/n925 BOOK REVIEW: Lover At Last by J.R. Ward http://www.gaycalgary.com/n926 BOOK REVIEW: The Breath of Night by Michael Arditti http://www.gaycalgary.com/n929 6 Amazing Coming Out Notes http://www.gaycalgary.com/n930 “I would’ve joined in with a kick-ass harmony, but the dude was naked.” http://www.gaycalgary.com/n931 BOOK REVIEW: God Believes in Love – Straight Talk about Gay Marriage by Gene Robinson http://www.gaycalgary.com/n932

NEWS: Police Arrest Suspect For Gay Murder http://www.gaycalgary.com/n916

52

GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

www.gaycalgary.com

News Releases NEWS: Cher Turned Down Russian Olympics Sochi Appearance http://www.gaycalgary.com/n933

NEWS: Elton John To Perform In Russia Despite Anti-Gay Laws http://www.gaycalgary.com/n947

10 Things Not To Say During Sex http://www.gaycalgary.com/n934

COMING OUT: Lets Get This Straight http://www.gaycalgary.com/n948

COLUMN: Auto Outed http://www.gaycalgary.com/n935

COLUMN: Do The Hustle http://www.gaycalgary.com/n949

NEWS: Stephen Crohn Who Helped With AIDS Study Dies At 66. http://www.gaycalgary.com/n936

MUSIC REVIEW: Work Bitch http://www.gaycalgary.com/n950 Russia Gov’t: Gays Adopt Kids so They Can Rape Them http://www.gaycalgary.com/n951

NEWS: ‘AIDS Ring’ Video By Pat Robertson Reinstated by YouTube http://www.gaycalgary.com/n937

NEWS: Texan Gay Man Badly Beaten After App Hook Up http://www.gaycalgary.com/n952

Barry May of May.B. Films looks to CIFF for inspiration as he films ‘Endless Desires’ http://www.gaycalgary.com/n938

FEATURE: Coming Out to The Kids – Linda’s Story http://www.gaycalgary.com/n953

FEATURE: Coming Out of the Broom Closest http://www.gaycalgary.com/n939

NEWS: Freddie Mercury Rumours For Daniel Radcliffe http://www.gaycalgary.com/n954

Gay Men are More at Risk of Developing Eating Disorders http://www.gaycalgary.com/n940

Out gay speed skater Blake Skjellerup Olympic dream needs your support http://www.gaycalgary.com/n955

[NSFW] Turns Out, I Actually like “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus http://www.gaycalgary.com/n941

Jack & Diane, starring Kylie Minogue, comes to DVD on Oct 28! http://www.gaycalgary.com/n956

NEWS: B&B Owners Who Refused To Let A Gay Couple Share A Room Are To Sell Up http://www.gaycalgary.com/n942

GLAAD - MTV stars, Times Square, more stand up against bullying for Spirit Day, 10/17 http://www.gaycalgary.com/n957

FEATURE: 10 Ways To Make Your Semen Taste Better http://www.gaycalgary.com/n943

RELEASE: Transgender Workers at Greater Risk for Unemployment and Poverty http://www.gaycalgary.com/n958

Edmonton Municipal Election 2013 Forum – Ward 6 & Mayor’s Race http://www.gaycalgary.com/n944

Le Creuset Helps Sow Seeds of Change with Community Food Centres Canada http://www.gaycalgary.com/n959

OPINION: Is There A Need To Come Out http://www.gaycalgary.com/n945

The Perfect Wedding Movie http://www.gaycalgary.com/n960

NEWS: Anger As Two Men Handed ‘Gay Guys’ Receipt At North Yorkshire Pub http://www.gaycalgary.com/n946

www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

53

Les is currently in his 2nd year as a Director on the board of the ISCCA, and feels he brings a unique perspective to the table. His ideas for fundraisers are a little different - like “Run Bitch Run”, where people can pay to shoot drag queens with a paintball gun as they run an obstacle course, or “Slippery Bear” where, stripped down to his underwear and slathered in oil, people pay to enter the ring and try to tackle him. But he is always looking for ways to help out, and you can often find him at ISCCA BBQs and other fundraisers.

He first started visiting gay bars in High School, and found many people in the community seemed more real than those he met outside of it. Though he

is straight, he feels he has found family in the LGBT community. He has been married to his wife Eunice Kong, who is also an active member of the ISCCA, for 5 years now. His son Xander Xavier Kong (affectionately nicknamed “Mr. X”) was born nearly 7 months ago, and is the best dressed kid around thanks to his “uncles”.

Les works at Supreme Windows and enjoys his job because he gets to work with his hands. Though, he confesses, he is a closet Star Trek fan.

http://gaycalgary.com/pa598

54

GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

www.gaycalgary.com

Directory & Events 24

DOWNTOWN CALGARY

41 37 34

2 33

35

36

3 1 60

5 6

16

N

13

1 2 3 5

Calgary Outlink---------- Community Groups Aids Calgary------------- Community Groups Backlot------------------------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

FIND OUT!

Twisted Element--------------Bars and Clubs Vertigo Mystery Theatre------------- Theatre One Yellow Rabbit-------------------- Theatre ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects-------- Theatre

CALGARY

LGBT Community Directory 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.

✰....... Find our Magazine Here

33 34 35 36

......... 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

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

60 Cowboys Nightclub------------------------  421 12th Avenue SE 5 Texas Lounge------------------------------ ✰

 308 - 17 Ave SW  403-229-0911  www.goliaths.ca  Open 7 days a week, 11am-close 33 Twisted Element--------------------------- ✰

 1006 - 11th Ave SW  403-802-0230

 www.twistedelement.ca Dance Club and Lounge.

East Village Cafe (CLOSED)

 2nd floor, 610 - 8 Avenue SE

Calgary Eagle Inc. (CLOSED)

Local Bars, Restaurants, and Accommodations info on the go!

 424a - 8th Ave SE

http://www.gaycalgary.com/Directory

 1140 10th Ave SW

Club Sapien (CLOSED)

Browse our complete directory of over 650 gay-frieindly listings! www.gaycalgary.com

37 41 58 60

Pumphouse Theatre----------------- Theatre La Fleur------------------------- Retail Stores Theatre Junction--------------------- Theatre Cowboys Nightclub-----------Bars and Clubs FAB (CLOSED)

 1742 - 10th Ave SW

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

• Badminton (Absolutely Smashing)

 6020 - 4 Avenue NE  badminton@apollocalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

55

Directory & Events Wing Night------------------------------  5-8pm

Calgary Events

At 59 East Village Cafe

Mondays

Buddy Night-------------------------  6pm-6am At 6 Goliaths

ASK Meet and Greet----------------  7-9:30pm

Mosaic Youth Group--------------------  7-9pm

Coffee------------------------------------ 10am

Saturday, October 26th

 Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW)

Lesbian Seniors---------------------------  2pm

 Kerby Center, Sunshine Room 1133 7th Ave SW

See 1 Calgary Outlink

 1st

 3rd

Uniform Night-----------------------  6pm-6am At 6 Goliaths

Student Night------------------------  6pm-6am

Lesbian Meetup Group-------------  7:30-9pm

At 6 Goliaths

At 1 Calgary Outlink

Between Men--------------------------- 7-9pm

Alcoholics Anonymous--------------------  8pm

See 1 Calgary Outlink

 2nd, 4th

Karaoke-------------------------  8pm-12:30am At 5 Texas Lounge

Fetish Slosh----------------------------  Evening At 3 Backlot

 2nd

Alcoholics Anonymous--------------------  8pm

 Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW

 1st

 Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW

Deer Park United Church

Worship------------------------------  10:30am See

Scarboro United Church

Karaoke-----------------------------------  7pm At 3 Backlot

See

Fridays

Church Service----------------------------  4pm

Illusions-------------------------------  7-10pm See 1 Calgary Outlink

 1st

Womynspace---------------------------- 7-9pm

Pool Night-----------------------------  Evening

Heading Out----------------------- 8pm-10pm

See 1 Calgary Outlink See 1 Calgary Outlink

 2nd  3rd

See

Hillhurst United Church Knox United Church

Rainbow Community Church

Flashlight Night---------------------  6pm-6am At 6 Goliaths

Saturday, October 12th ISCCA at 3 Backlot

 Platoon FX, 1351 Aviation Park NE  bootcamp@apollocalgary.com

• Bowling (Rainbow Riders League)

• Squash

• Curling

• Volleyball (Beach)

 golf@apollocalgary.com

• Lawn Bowling

 lawnbowling@apollocalgary.com

• Outdoor Pursuits

 outdoorpursuits@apollocalgary.com If it’s done outdoors, we do it. Volunteer led events all summer and winter. Hiking, camping, biking, skiing, snow shoeing, etc. Sign up at myapollo.org to get updates on the sport you like. We’re always looking for people to lead events.

• Running (Calgary Frontrunners)

 YMCA Eau Claire (4th St, 1st Ave SW)  calgaryfrontrunners@shaw.ca East Doors (directly off the Bow river pathway). Distances vary from 8 km - 15 km. Runners from 6 minutes/mile to 9+ minute miles.

• Slow Pitch

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

 beachvb@apollocalgary.com

• Volleyball (Competitive)

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

 Old Y Centre (303 – 223, 12 Ave SW)  403-234-8973  info@calgaryoutlink.ca  http://www.calgaryoutlink.com

 vb@apollocalgary.com

• Volleyball (Recreational)  recvb@apollocalgary.com

• Yoga

• Peer Support and Crisis Line

 Robin: 403-618-9642  yoga@apollocalgary.com

Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association (ARGRA)

 www.argra.org

• Monthly Dances-------------------------  Arrata Opera Centre (1315 - 7 Street SW)

Calgary Gay Fathers

 calgaryfathers@hotmail.com  http://www.calgarygayfathers.ca Peer support group for gay, bisexual and questioning fathers. Meeting twice a month.

 http://www.calgarymenschorus.org

✰

 304, 301 14th Street NW  403-283-5580  http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca A pro-choice organization that believes all people have the right and ability to make their own choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health.

✰

 1-877-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 Lesbian Ladies Meet up Group • Between Men and Between Men Online • Heading Out • Illusions Calgary • Inside Out • New Directions • Womynspace Calgary Queer Book Club

 Weeds Cafe (1903 20 Ave NW)

Deer Park United Church/Wholeness Centre

 77 Deerpoint Road SE  http://www.dpuc.ca

 403-278-8263

Different Strokes

 http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org

FairyTales Presentation Society

 403-244-1956

 http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com Alberta Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.

56

Art & Music Show-------------------------  7pm At 3 Backlot

Drag Show------------------------------- 10pm By

ISCCA at 3 Backlot (upstairs)

Saturday, November 23rd

Crowns for Kids At 3 Backlot

Sunday, November 24th By 2 AIDS Calgary/HEAT  Aratta Opera House (1315 7 St SW) Saturday, November 30th

• DVD Resource Library

 Temple B’Nai Tikvah, 900 - 47 Avenue SW

 tennis@apollocalgary.com

Calgary Men’s Chorus

 slow.pitch@apollocalgary.com

Nov10

Saturday, November 16th

At 3 Backlot

• Rehearsals

 Mount Royal University Recreation  squash@apollocalgary.com All skill levels welcome.

• Tennis

• Golf

 BMO Centre, Stampede Park

Legend:  = Monthly Reoccurrance,  = Date (Range/Future),  = Sponsored Event

 Let’s Bowl (2916 5th Avenue NE)  bowling@apollocalgary.com

 North Hill Curling Club (1201 - 2 Street NW)  curling@apollocalgary.com

Taboo

World AIDS Day

 4th

 Calgary Contd.

• Boot Camp

ISCCA at 3 Backlot (downstairs)

We Are Diverse-City--------------- 6pm-12am

Investitures 3.0-------------------------- 10pm By

Drag Show------------------------------- 10pm By

Worship Time---------------------------- 10am See

At 3 Backlot (upstairs)

Thursday, November 7th

Sundays

Worship Services------------------------- 11am

New Directions-------------------------- 7-9pm

Prime Timers Calgary

Alcoholics Anonymous--------------------  8pm

See

Communion Service-----------------  12:10pm At 59 East Village Cafe with

Hounds & Hides--------------------------  9pm

Sunday Services---------------------  10:45am

See 1 Calgary Outlink

Knox United Church

By Prime Timers Calgary  Midtown Co-op (1130 - 11th Ave SW)

 Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW

Wednesdays See

Delwin Vriend Panel------------------- 7-9pm

By Sheldom Chumir Foundation  Epcor Centre: Engineered Air Theatre (205 8 Ave SE)

Inside Out Youth Group---------------- 7-9pm

Calgary Networking Club-------------- 5-7pm

Wednesday, October 16th

At 6 Goliaths

Thursdays

Tuesdays

 Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW Saturdays

Student Night------------------------  6pm-6am

 Bonasera (1204 Edmonton Tr. NE) See 1 Calgary Outlink

Alcoholics Anonymous--------------------  8pm

GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

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

www.gaycalgary.com

Directory & Events  Calgary Contd.

• Fake Mustache • Mosaic Youth Group

Adult Depot-----------------------------

 The Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW) For queer and trans youth and their allies.

 mystiquesocialclub@yahoo.com Mystique is primarily a Lesbian group for women 30 and up but all are welcome.

• Coffee Night

NETWORKS

 networkscalgary@gmail.com A social, cultural, and service organization for the mature minded and “Plus 40” LGBT individuals seeking to meet others at age-appropriate activities within a positive, safe environment.

Parents for Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

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

Positive Space Committee

 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW  403-440-6383  http://www.mtroyal.ca/positivespace Works to raise awareness and challenge the patterns of silence that continue to marginalize LGBTTQ individuals.

Pride Calgary Planning Committee

 www.pridecalgary.ca

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---------------------

✰

• Coffee Night

 2nd Cup, Kensington

Safety Under the Rainbow

 www.sutr.ca A collaborative effort dedicated to building capacity and acting as a voice for the LGBTQ community, service providers, organizations and the community at large to address violence. For same-sex domestic violence information, resources and a link to our survey please see our website.

Scarboro United Church

 134 Scarboro Avenue SW  403-244-1161  www.scarborounited.ab.ca An affirming congregation—the full inclusion of LGBT people is essential to our mission and purpose.

Sharp Foundation

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

Unity Bowling

 Let’s Bowl (2916 - 5th Ave NE)  sundayunity@live.com

Wild Rose United Church

 1317-1st Street NW

Restaurants East Village Cafe (CLOSED)

 2nd floor, 610 - 8 Avenue SE

www.gaycalgary.com

✰

• Safeworks Van

 403-850-3755  Sat-Thu: 8pm-12am, Fri: 4pm-12am

41 La Fleur------------------------------------  103 - 100 7th Avenue SW  403-266-1707 Florist and Flower Shop.

 305 10th Street NW  http://www.thenakedleaf.ca Organic teas and tea ware.

36 ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects

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

 403-283-3555

AXIS Contemporary Art--------------------

 107, 100 - 7 Ave SW  rob@axisart.ca

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.

Fairytales

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.

Cruiseline

 7-104 Dept. of Educational Policy Studies Faculty of Education, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G5  http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca

35 One Yellow Rabbit-------------------------  Big Secret Theatre - EPCOR CENTRE  403-299-8888  www.oyr.org

 http://www.edmontonpride.ca

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

EDMONTON

 810 Edmonton Trail NE  403-290-1973 Cuts, Colour, Hilights.

Ellen Embury

Hardline

 Calgary: 403-770-0776

 Edmonton: 780-665-6666  Other Cities: 1-877-628-9696  http://www.hardlinechat.com Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY.

Lorne Doucette (CIR Realtors)

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

MFM Communications

 403-543-6970  1-877-543-6970  http://www.mfmcommunications.com Web site hosting and development. Computer hardware and software.

Bars & Clubs 6 Buddy’s Nite Club------------------------- ✰

 11725 Jasper Ave  780-488-6636

Evolution Wonder Lounge

 10220 - 103 St  http://www.yourgaybar.com

FLASH (CLOSED)

 10018 105 Street  flashnightclub@hotmail.com

Hooliganz Pub (CLOSED)

 10704 124 St NW

13 UpStares Ultralounge

 4th Floor, Jasper Ave and 107th Street 12 Woody’s------------------------------------ ✰

 11725 Jasper Ave  780-488-6557

Bathhouses/Saunas 11 Steamworks------------------------------- ✰

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

Community Groups

• Centre of Hope

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

 780-938-2941

 10242 106th St

Free and confidential HIV/AIDS and STI testing.

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

 780-424-0077

The Junction (CLOSED)

SafeWorks

• Calgary Drop-in Centre

✰

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

DevaDave Salon & Boutique

 403-750-1128  www.DBBlaw.com Fellow, American Academy of Reproductive Technology Attorneys

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.

 Bow Trail and 37th St. SW  403-249-7799  www.jubilations.ca

 727 - 42 Avenue SE  403-243-6642  http://www.stagewestcalgary.com

24 Courtney Aarbo (Barristers & Solicitors)

 1138 Kensington Road NW  403-571-5120  http://www.courtneyaarbo.ca GLBT legal services.

 Howard McBride Chapel of Chimes 10179 - 108 Street  bookworm@teamedmonton.ca

Camp fYrefly

Jubilations Dinner Theatre

Best Health

 Calgary: 403-777-9494

 Edmonton: 780-413-7122  Other Cities: 1-877-882-2010  http://www.cruiseline.ca Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY.

 403-262-3356  www.axisart.ca

See Calgary - Community Groups.

 206A 2525 Woodview Dr SW  403-281-5582  besthealthcalgary@hotmail.com  http://www.besthealthcalgary.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

Theatre & Fine Arts

The Naked Leaf----------------------------

 Good Earth Cafe (1502 - 11th Street SW)

 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.

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

 140, 58th Ave SW  403-258-2777 Gay, bi, straight video rentals and sex toys.

Mystique

 403-797-6564

• Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre

Retail Stores

Alberta Bears

 www.beefbearbash.com

Edmonton Pride Festival Society (EPFS) Edmonton Prime Timers

 edmontonpt@yahoo.ca  www.primetimersww.org/edmonton Group of older gay men and their admirers who come from diverse backgrounds but have common social interests.

Affiliated with Prime Timers World Wide.

Edmonton Rainbow Business Association

 3379, 11215 Jasper Ave  780-429-5014  http://www.edmontonrba.org Primary focus is the provision of networking opportunities for LGBT owned or operated and LGBT-friendly businesses in the Edmonton region.

Edmonton Illusions Social Club

 5 The Junction  780-387-3343

 groups.yahoo.com/group/edmonton_illusions 4 Edmonton STD

 11111 Jasper Ave

Edmonton Vocal Minority

 780-479-2038  www.evmchoir.com

 sing@evmchoir.com

GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club

 780-474-8240

 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.

InQueeries

 inqueeries@gmail.com Student-run GLBTQ Alliance at MacEwan University.

Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose

 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.

Men’s Games Nights

 Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street)

 780-474-8240  tuff@shaw.ca

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-------------

✰

 10608 - 105 Ave  780-488-3234  admin@pridecentreofedmonton.org

GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

57

Directory & Events DOWNTOWN EDMONTON

1

15

N

13 11 6 12

1 Pride Centre of Edm.---- Community Groups 4 Edmonton STD---------- Community Groups

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

Mondays

Boot Camp------------------------------ 7-8pm Team Edmonton

TTIQ------------------------------------- 7-9pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

 3rd

HIV Support Group--------------------- 7-9pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

 2nd

Tuesdays

QH Youth Drop-in---------------------- 3-8pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

Martial Arts---------------------  7:30-8:30pm See

Team Edmonton

Swim Practice-------------------  7:30-8:30pm See

Team Edmonton

QH Craft Night-------------------------- 6-8pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

Cycling---------------------------  6:30-7:30pm See

GLBTQ Bowling------------------  1:30-3:30pm GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club

QH Youth Drop-in---------------------- 3-8pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

Youth Sports/Recreation-----------------  4pm See 1 Youth Understanding Youth

Counseling----------------------  5:30-8:30pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

Team Edmonton

Yoga---------------------------------  7:30-8pm See

Team Edmonton

12 Woody’s-----------------------Bars and Clubs 13 UpStares Ultralounge--------Bars and Clubs

15 Evolution----------------------Bars and Clubs

Fridays

Men Talking with Pride---------------- 7-9pm

QH Youth Drop-in---------------------- 3-8pm

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

QH Anime Night------------------------ 6-8pm

See

Movie Night----------------------------- 6-9pm

 Robertson-Wesley United (10209 123 St)

Men’s Games Nights--------------  7-10:30pm

 Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street) See Edmonton Primetimers

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See

Thursdays

Men’s Games Nights

Youth Sports/Recreation-----------------  4pm

Youth Sports/Recreation-----------------  4pm

Saturdays

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See

Youth Understanding Youth

QH Game Night------------------------ 6-8pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

Swim Practice--------------------------- 7-8pm Team Edmonton

Women’s Social Circle------------------ 6-9pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

 2nd, 4th

See

Youth Understanding Youth

See

Buck Naked Boys Club

 2nd

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

Monthly Meeting----------------------  2:30pm

By Edmonton Primetimers  Unitarian Church, 10804 - 119th Street

 2nd

Rocky Horror------------------------------  8pm By

ISCWR at 15 Evolution

Friday, October 25th

Heaven & Hell Pub Crawl---------------  Night At 15 Evolution and 13 UpStares Saturday, October 26th

Thursday, October 31st

Dance and Costume Contest------------  Night

Team Edmonton

Intermediate Volleyball--------  7:30-9:30pm See

Team Edmonton

See

See

Team Edmonton

Mutation DJ------------------------------  Night At 15 Evolution

Team Edmonton

At 15 Evolution

Yoga---------------------------------  2-3:30pm Team Edmonton

Legend:  = Monthly Reoccurrance,  = Date (Range),  = Sponsored Event

• Movie Night

Movie Night is open to everyone! Come over and sit back, relax, and watch a movie with us.

Team Edmonton

• HIV Support Group

• Queer HangOUT: Game Night

Come OUT and embrace your creative side in a safe space.

• Blazin’ Bootcamp

 Garneau Elementary School 10925 - 87 Ave  bootcamp@teamedmonton.ca

• Bowling (Northern Titans)

 Ed’s Rec Room (West Edmonton Mall)

 bowling@teamedmonton.ca $15.00 per person.

• Queer HangOUT: Anime Night

• Cross Country Skiing

Come and watch ALL the anime until your heart is content.

 St. Thomas Moore School, 9610 165 Street

 coedbadminton@teamedmonton.ca New group seeking male & female players.

• TTIQ

• Badminton (Women’s)

• Curling with Pride

A support and information group for all those who fall under the transgender umbrella and their family or supporters.

• Women’s Social Circle

 andrea@pridecentreofedmonton.org Women’s Social Circle: A social support group for all female-identified persons over 18 years of age in the GLBT community - new members are always welcome.

Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton

 780-474-8240

 tuff@shaw.ca

58

ISCWR at 15 Evolution

Running------------------------------  10-11am

See

 3rd

• Badminton (Mixed)

 robwells780@hotmail.com Support & social group for gay & bisexual men to discuss current issues.

Rocky Horror------------------------------  8pm

Martial Arts---------------------  7:30-8:30pm

BookWorm’s Book Club

• Queer HangOUT: Craft Night

• Men Talking with Pride

 2nd

Friday, October 18th

Sundays

See

 780.488.3234 Free, short-term counselling provided by registered counsellors.

Come knit and socialize in a safe and accepting environment - all skill levels are welcome.

Monthly Meetings---------------------  2:30pm

Book Club-----------------------------  7:30pm

Come OUT with your game face on and meet some awesome people through board game fun.

• Knotty Knitters

 2nd

Bowling-----------------------------------  5pm

 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.

 huges@shaw.ca Support and discussion group for gay men.

Team Edmonton

Soul Outing-------------------------------  7pm

Saturday, October 19th

QH Youth Drop-in------------------  2-6:30pm

 Edmonton Contd.

• Counselling

Ballroom Dancing--------------  7:30-8:30pm

By

Naturalist Gettogether

See

 http://www.pridecentreofedmonton.org  Tue-Fri 12pm-9pm, Sat 2pm-6:30pm We provide a safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental drop-in space, and offer support programs and resources for members of the GLBTQ community and for their families and friends.

 2nd, Last

QH Youth Drop-in---------------------- 3-8pm

See

Wednesdays See

6 Buddy’s-----------------------Bars and Clubs 11 Steamworks----------------------Bathhouses

Knotty Knitters-------------------------- 6-8pm

Edmonton Events See

4

GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

 crosscountry@teamedmonton.ca

 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.

 Granite Curling Club, 8620 107 Street NW  curling@teamedmonton.ca

•Ballroom Dancing

• Dragon Boat (Flaming Dragons)

 Foot Notes Dance Studio, 9708-45 Avenue NW  Cynthia: 780-469-3281

• Cycling (Edmonton Prideriders)

 Dawson Park, picnic shelter  cycling@teamedmonton.ca

 dragonboat@teamedmonton.ca

• Golf

 golf@teamedmonton.ca

www.gaycalgary.com

Directory & Events Red Deer Events

Lethbridge

Wednesdays

Saturday, November 23rd

LGBT Coffee Night------------------------  7pm See

CAANS

 1st

Entertainment Expo--------------- 10am-7pm Sunday, November 24th

Entertainment Expo--------------- 10am-5pm

 Edmonton Contd.

• 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

 15450 - 105 Ave (daycare entrance)  780-328-6414  kungfu@teamedmonton.ca  kickboxing@teamedmonton.ca Drop-ins welcome.

• Outdoor Pursuits

 outdoorpursuits@teamedmonton.ca

• Running (Arctic Frontrunners)

 Kinsmen Sports Centre  running@teamedmonton.ca All genders and levels of runners and walkers are invited to join this free activity.

• 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  http://www.makingwavesswimclub.ca

• Tennis

Open to women 21+, experienced or not, all are welcome.

Call for info.

• Yoga

Womonspace

 780-482-1794  womonspace@gmail.com  http://www.womonspace.ca Women’s social group, but all welcome at events.

Youth Understanding Youth

 780-248-1971  www.yuyedm.ca A support and social group for queer youth 12-25.

Restaurants

 10242 106th St

 780-756-5667

12 Woody’s------------------------------------ ✰

 11725 Jasper Ave  780-488-6557

Retail Stores 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!

• Ultimate Frisbee

• Film Night

 Amiskiwacy Academy (101 Airport Road)  volleyball@teamedmonton.ca

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

 Bi-monthly, contact us for exact dates.

• Book Club

 Monthly, contact us for exact dates.

Theatre & Fine Arts

• Volleyball, Recreational • Women’s Lacrosse

 10708 124th Street, Edmonton AB  780-453-2440  http://www.theatrenetwork.ca

 Sharon: 780-461-0017  Pam: 780-436-7374

LETHBRIDGE Community Groups GALA/LA

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

• Monthly Dances

 Henotic (402 - 2 Ave S) Bring your membership card and photo ID.

• Monthly Potluck Dinners

 McKillop United Church, 2329 - 15 Ave S GALA/LA will provide the turkey...you bring the rest. Please bring a dish to share that will serve 4-6 people, and your own beverage.

• 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  galia@uleth.ca

 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.

MEDICINE HAT Community Groups

 356 - 2 Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB  403-527-5882  1-877-440-2437  info@aidscalgary.org

• Telephone Support

 M-F, 8:30am - 11:30pm

• 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

Community Groups Affirm

Medicine Hat Cares Centre

Gay & Lesbian Integrity Assoc. (GALIA)

 University of Lethbridge GBLTTQQ club on campus.

 lethbridgepridefest@gmail.com

• In-person Support

 M-T: 1:30pm - 4:30pm  W-F: 8:30am - 4:30pm

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.

Theatre & Fine Arts Alberta Ballet

Exposure Festival

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

 Mother Teresa School (9008 - 105 Ave)  recvolleyball@teamedmonton.ca

 302 Buffalo Street, Banff, AB  PO Box 3160, Banff, AB T1L 1C8  403-762-0690  1-877-440-2437  info@aidscalgary.org

 Brendan: 780-488-3234  brendan@pridecentreofedmonton.org

• Soul OUTing

• Volleyball, Intermediate

Bow Valley Cares Centre

• Sports and Recreation

The Junction (Closed)----------------------

RED DEER

Community Groups

 Lion's Breath Yoga Studio (10350-124 Street)  yoga@teamedmonton.ca

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

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

BANFF

 http://www.albertaballet.com Frequent productions in Calgary and Edmonton.

The Roxy Theatre

Continued on Page 61  www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

59

Classifieds 140

Check out www.Squirt.org for the Hot Escorts in Calgary, Edmonton, and the rest of Alberta.

Celebrate Affirming Covenant

New Improved Features. Free to Post and Browse. Videos, Pics, and Reviews. Join Now! Code: GCEE

Event

McDougall United Church (Edmonton) Affirming Covenant Service-Nov 24, 10:30 am. McDougall United Church is located on 101 Street, south of Jasper Avenue (10025 101 Street). http://www.mcdougallunited.com

Erotic Massage

420

Large selection of gay DVDs from $14.95, and toys. Open Mon-Fri 12-8pm, Sat 12-6pm, closed Sundays and holidays.

The Fetish Slosh at the Backlot!

Relaxation, Therapeutic, Foot Massage, Erotic Massage. Hot Asian Male Age:24 Swimmer Build.

YOU’LL KEEP COMING BACK FOR MORE. 403-630-8048 • www.markmassage.ca

Wedding/Union

190

McDougall United Church (Edmonton), an Affirming congregation proudly performing same-sex unions or same-sex marriages since 1998. http://www.mcdougallunited.com

12pm to Midnight (24hrs optional) Ladies Welcome

Internet

Audition

215

Gay Talent Wanted Beauty & Mayhem Production Agency is are looking for Gay Talent to perform in Adult entertainment Productions. Call Pj @ 403 826 2670 E-mail: pj@beautymayhem.ca www.xxxbmpa.com

Models/Escorts

Does your home or business need a professional cleaner? Steve is bonded/Insured.

Flexible prices and brings all his own supplies.

Steve is apart of the LGBT Community and has been cleaning for over 5 years in Calgary. getalifecleaner@gmail.com http://www. getalifecleaner.com (403)200-7384 www. facebook.com/getalifecleaner

445

www.ABS-Hosting.com Make your mark on the Web... Create a blog, register a domain, build you personal website at www.abs-hosting.com

Products/Services 500 Marriage Ceremonies

460

Want to attract the LGBT local or traveler to your business?

517

GET A LIFE! STOP CLEANING! Come on down to the Backlot the 2nd Tuesday of every month for a no-cover Fetish party.

Upcoming dates are November 13, December 11th, etc. You can dress up in Leather, Latex, cuffs, collars, or just your skivvies. Have the conversation you like without offending a vanilla in sight. The Backlot supports and promotes the alternative lifestyles of Calgary so feel free to express your KINK!

527

403-258-2777

Cleaning

Mark Massage

Consulting

Adult Depot

Clothing/Fashion

520

Twice Trendy!

Used Quality Clothing Most clothing $3! New style? New family?

Broke as a joke? We have a great selection of gently used clothing for men, women, children and babies. We also keep a selection of furniture and housewares too! Twice trendy makes it easy to get quality style without destroying your wallet. Come check us out! #14, 3434 - 34 Ave NE.

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://blueflameventures.ca, Email us at info@blueflameventures.ca, Call us at 604-369-1472. Based in Alberta.

Health

550

Trinity Best Health Store Vitamins & Minerals, Herbs and Greens, Active Lifestyle, Weight Management, Fitness Nutrition, Natural Bodycare. Located in Woodbine Square 2525 Woodview Drive SW 403-281-5582 | www.besthealthcalgary.com Gay Owned and Operated

Legal

557

Same-sex Spouse/Common-Law Sponsorship, LMO/Work Permit, Immigration, Citizenship, Separation/Pre-Nuptial/Co-habitation Agreements, Uncontested Divorces, Accounting, Translations, Commissioner foroaths. Active Professionals. #220, 2705 Centre Street NW Calgary 403-590-3818 • www.activeprofessionals.com

Alberta Escort Listings Rork Hilford MC, Commissioner for Oaths.

MarriageCommissioner@shaw.ca | 403246-4134

Ads starting at $10/mo. for the first 20 words. Submit yours at http://www.gaycalgary.com/classifieds 60

GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

www.gaycalgary.com

 Find Out - From Page 59

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  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.

www.gaycalgary.com

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 #120, October 2013

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GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

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www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #120, October 2013

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