GayCalgary Magazine - July 2014

JULY 2014

® ISSUE 129 • FREE The Voice of Alberta’s LGBT Community

Interview with

YARA

SOFIA

Kenny & Andrew

Best Buds from Big Brother

Austin Armacost

Trading Antics for Activism

PLUS:

Kathy Bates • Vivica A Fox Tori Amos • Tyler Glenn Edmonton Pride & Rodeo Photos ...and more!

Business Directory

Scan to Read on Mobile Devices

Community Map

Calgary • Alberta • Canada

Events Calendar

Amazing Race

Three Canadian LGBT Teams!

Tourist Information

STARTING ON PAGE 63

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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Table of Contents

Photography Photography Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino,

Polyak, J &Steve B, Farley FooRob Foo,Diaz-Marino, Tet Theresa M B&J

Videography

Videography Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino Sales Printers Steve Polyak

North Hill News/Central Web sales@gaycalgary.com

Distribution Printers

Calgary:Web Gallant Distribution exPress GayCalgary Staff Edmonton: Clark’s Distribution Distribution Other:GayCalgary Canada PostStaff Calgary: Edmonton: Farley Foo Foo LegalCanada Council Other: Post Courtney Aarbo, and Solicitors LegalBarristers Council Courtney Aarbo, Barristers and Solicitors

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Stampede 2014

Meatier than ever

10 Amazing Race Canada Three LGBT Teams to Watch this Summer

12 A Wicked Return

Broadway smash remains popular

14 The Big Kitty Crew

Art collective illustrates the sky’s the limit when girls unite

15 The Book of Tyler

Neon Trees frontman talks reconciling gay Mormonism, atheist bashing and bear lust

17 Parenting Proud A Father’s Letter to His Son”

18 Politician Supports Anti-Gay Preacher Ric ‘Dr. No’ McIver should never have said yes to this

19 Discussing Community Safety A Visit to Toronto

20 Photos from Edmonton Pride 2014 22 Full Disclosure

e n zi

Dance duo talks gay influences, Sam Smith’s ‘classy’ coming out and the history of club music

a g a

24 Deep Inside Hollywood

The Magic Mike sequel will aim to please

26 Photos from ARGRA CRIR 2014 28 Austin Armacost

m

Trading Antics for Activism

This Month's Cover This Month's Cher and Christina AguileraCover courtesy of Sony Main: Yara Sofia, Top Right: Kenny Brain & Andrew Pictures; Annie Lennox courtesy of Mike Owen; Gordon, photo by GayCalgary Magazine Rex Goudie.

30 Out of Town

Proud Members of: Proud Members of:

32 Beach Bums

Mid Right: Austin Armacost, Bottom Right: Ryan Steele & Rob Goddard, photo by CTV/Bell Media

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Writers and Contributors

Mercedes Allen, Chris Dallas Barnes, Writers andAzzopardi, Contributors DaveAzzopardi, Brousseau,Dave SamBrousseau, Casselman,Constable Jason Clevett, Chris Andy Andrew Collins, Emily Rob Diaz-Marino, Buck, Jason Clevett, RobCollins, Diaz-Marino, Janine EvaJanine Farley Eva Trotta, JackStephen Fertig, Glen Joan Trotta, Foo Foo, Lock,Hanson, Lisa Lunney, Hilty,Polyak, Evan Kayne, Lock,San NeilVicente, McMullen, Steve MikeyStephen Rox, Romeo Jim Allan Steve Polyak, CareyNick Rutherford, Scott,Neuwirth, Krista Sylvester, Mars Tonic, Winnick Romeo San Vicente, Ed Sikov, Nick Vivian and and the LGBT Community of Calgary, Edmonton, the GLBT Community Calgary, Edmonton, and andofAlberta.

Alberta.

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Publisher: Steve Polyak Editor: Rob Diaz-Marino Copy Sales: Editor:Steve Janine Polyak Eva-Trotta Sales: DesignSteve & Layout: Polyak Rob Diaz-Marino, Design & Layout: Ara Shimoon Rob Diaz-Marino, Steve Polyak

JULY 2014

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®

Québec City

10 Sexy Swimsuits Sure to Show Off Your Best Assets

Edmonton Rainbow Business Association

34 Hot in Herre

9 Ways to Make the Most of Steamy Summer Nights

36 The True Colors of Kathy Bates Hollywood luminary talks lesbians, drag and Uma Thurman

International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association

PAGE 38

38 Best Buds from Big Brother An interview with Kenny Brain and Andrew Gordon

National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association

Gay European Tourism Association

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Table of Contents  Continued From Previous Page

40 Timeless Tori Amos

Songstress talks gay fan affinity, the Disney song she inspired and still rocking at 50

42 Toe Tag Riot

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43 Undress Me

Fringe Show on the Life of Bi Julian – Narcissist, Sex Addict, and Alcoholic

44 Welcome to Night Vale

All you need is love to destroy your enemies

45 Vivica A. Fox 46 Echa Pa’lante!

Yara Sofia talks about Gay Pride, bitches and seeing RuPaul naked!

48 Lesbian Sex Positions

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50 Queer Eye 59 A Couple of Guys 60 News Releases 62 Mr. GayCalgary July 2014 - Steve StJean

e n i

63 Directory and Events 68 Classified Ads

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History

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

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February 2013, GayCalgary® becomes a registered trademark.

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

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

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Event

Stampede 2014 Meatier than ever

By Nick Winnick Stampede is the one time of year that can either ignite a little flame of civic pride or convince a long-time Calgarian that perhaps one would be better off spending a couple of weeks in Banff. If you happen to have a rekindled interests in your city’s cowboy heritage, a hankering for a good party, or you’re just plain old curious about the novel gastronomic monstrosities on offer at the Stampede grounds this year, this article is for you.

Brand new is the Agrium Western Events Centre, which will now house the majority of the Stampede’s agricultural events. Though the spotlight has been stolen in recent years by events like Nashville North and the World’s Biggest Hamburger – more on that later – the agricultural events are the soul of the Stampede. In fact, they are its very literal raison d’être.

A few of the kid-friendly activities aim to give school-aged children a chance to connect with the process and the animals involved in agriculture that they might not have as a part of city life. Agtivity in the City has touch-oriented games and a chance to interact with animals such as piglets and llamas. The Cattle Trail is another event that aims to offer an ‘interactive journey from pasture to plate’ to offer kids a look at exactly where their food comes from. One wonders how sanitized certain aspects of such a journey might be, lest the Cattle Trail churn out a steady stream of little green-at-thegills vegans.

For the more action-oriented, the Cowboy Up Challenge, which cowboy sport, where competitors the skills essential to ranching, and cattle-penning.

the Agrium centre will also host aims to display high-performance can show off rarefied versions of including horsemanship, racing,

With the ag events shifting to the new Agrium centre, many of the other Stampede standbys have been shuffled about, opening up the prime real estate in front of the Grandstands for another new feature known as the Triple-B, for ‘barbecue, bulls, and beer’.

This thousand-person capacity venue will feature, in the words of Stampede Publicity Manager Jennifer Booth, “exactly what it sounds like!”

“We have two barbecue trucks,” Booth continues. “They’re both from California and it’s their first time in Canada.”

Juicy’s offers a plethora of barbecue options, including the aforementioned world’s largest hamburger – a 777-pound affair that requires a 24-hour pre-order, and will make a trifling $5000 dent in a prospective gourmand’s wallet. Shockingly Booth was not aware of any pre-orders at the time of our interview.

Big Bad Bubba’s BBQ brings more conventional ribs, chicken, and sandwiches to the Triple-B venue. The other two B’s are somewhat self-explanatory: plenty of beer, and the pair of mechanical bulls that will be running constantly at Triple-B. There are a bevy of ways to test one’s digestive mettle at the 2014 Stampede. Booth tells us: “The vendors that we have on Stampede

Continued on Next Page 

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 From Previous Page

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Hear Me Out

Lykke Li, Lily Allen, Natalie Merchant, Disclosure

 Stampede 2013, photo by GayCalgary Park, we have a really good relationship with them ... when we’re initially touching base with them for Stampede, our team goes out and challenges them to come up with great and creative new food items. They can be anything from bacon-wrapped corn-on-the-cob to scorpion pizza.”

This year’s experiments run from the innocuous and clever, like the Tokyo Teriyaki corn dog and the red velvet mini-donuts, to offerings that likely have the city’s physicians cringing. The deep fried cheesies, deep fried cookie dough, and deep fried donut bacon cheeseburgers come to mind.

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Physician, heal thy closeted self

A new doctor show is coming to television.

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Online Last Month (2/2) Hear Me Out

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The Elusive Chanteuse

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Michael Bublé’s Calgary Date Night Fun and Sexy “A concert is like a date. I get to know you, you get to know me, and if things go well at the end of the night we will be having dirty sex in the back of my car.” Bublé’s quip...

“There were a lot of Band-Aids last year,” Booth confides. “This year we really did our best to remediate and take preventative measures for the future. The riverbank was a really big undertaking for the Stampede, making sure that it was restored in a way that helps for future incidents, as well as sustainable for the ecology of the river.”

As perennial as the Stampede itself are the animal rights activists who object to what they see as its excess and exploitation. They likely won’t be mollified by knowing that show animals are given a stringent standard of care. Given that virtually everything edible on the Stampede grounds involves a dead animal at some point in its preparation, Booth assures us that the Stampede maintains some of the strictest guidelines in equestrian sport.

“We’re ahead of the norm when it comes to animal welfare, and making sure that animals are in the best possible environment for performance. For example, we have our Fitness to Compete program, which monitors animals on a daily basis, and up to minutes before going into, for example, a chuckwagon race. If for any reason they are slightly dehydrated, or there are any other signs showing on a test, they will not be able to race.” The single animal fatality during the 2014 Stampede as of press time is purportedly the result of a viral infection.

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Cher & Cyndi Lauper Bring Timeless Spectacle to Saddledome Just shy of a decade ago Cher said goodbye to Calgary (her second go round on her Living Proof Farewell tour.) Now 68 the ageless icon returned to Calgary on June 25th “for...

The Calgary Stampede July 3rd to 13th http://www.calgarystampede.com

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Killer Queen

Queen & Adam Lambert Champion Showmen

June 26th was a tough night to be a classic rock fan. While Heart was rocking out at the Jubilee Auditorium with a show that included a set of Led Zepplin tracks, Queen took Adam... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4144

Into the Woods

Musical for the Cheeriest of Adults

It was not a musical for the bitter at heart, or for those who can barely sit through a Disney film. This past month, Cappuccino Musical Theatre presented Into the Woods, the most... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4145

This year’s Corral show is put on by the venerable Peking Acrobats.

“It’s a pretty phenomenal show that they do,” says Booth, “and they have designed it specifically for the Calgary Stampede.”

The Coca-Cola Stage and Nashville North are both in full swing as well, offering up acts such as George Fox, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Billy Talent, and the Trews.

The biggest challenge for last year’s Stampede organizers was, of course, the flooding that ravaged our city just weeks before the show was due to open. To paraphrase Stampede CEO Vern Kimball, there was a lot of sweeping things under the bed, and hoping the visiting mother-in-law didn’t look too closely. Though the grounds have been largely repaired, Booth informs us that it will likely take until the end of the summer to have the Stampede’s digs back to 100 per cent.

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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Interview

 Ryan Steele & Rob Goddard

Amazing Race Canada Three LGBT Teams to Watch this Summer

By Janine Eva Trotta On July 8th, 7pm MST, the second season of Amazing Race Canada premiered on CTV. The season’s filming wrapped at the end of May and GayCalgary was happily granted interviews with the three LGBT teams that were selected for the challenge.

Ryan Steele & Rob Goddard Ryan and Rob – the former 2011 Mr. Gay Canada – met in a bathtub full of milk and local gay celebrities at a photo project staged some six years ago. The pair then took bartending jobs together at a night club in Vancouver right as the Olympics were gearing to take place and have been amazing friends ever since.

They took a trip to Tokyo, making a stop in Brisbane, Australia to visit Ryan’s sister, and went on to Sidney. Rob put in for a student visa and stayed to study health and fitness. Though he planned to travel onwards to Bali, the opportunity to do the show rerouted him home to Canada to begin filming instead.

GC: Why did you decide to do the Amazing Race?

RG: We get along great together; we work great together; we’re people

persons… We’ve never had a fight in our relationship... You really want to have someone you have fun with… We’re always cracking jokes and having a good time and don’t argue about anything… He’s pretty much my best friend in Vancouver so I though why not let’s do it.

GC: What did your audition tape look like?

RG: We told a little bit about each other, how we met, how we work

together, what we do, just some of the platforms that we have.

GC: What previous experience did you have on TV? RG: I did a lot of interviews as Mr. Gay Canada but nothing TV show

related, or reality… Ryan has done a TV show before so he’s always in front of the camera – he’s a natural. (Ryan does sketch comedy on YouTube).

GC: Any injuries?

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

Laura Takahashi & Jackie Skinner

RG: Going into it I was worried about my knees…I brought my knee braces and everything but it didn’t bother me at all surprisingly. I think it’s the adrenaline going through your body… You don’t think about food; you don’t think about bathroom breaks… 24 hours into it you realize oh, I haven’t eaten all day.

GC: What do you think was your weakness in this challenge?

RG: Direction… Too nice can work against you too sometimes.

GC: Would you do it again?

RG: [With Ryan] in a heartbeat… You get through these challenges

and it goes through your mind who else could I do this with… The emotions that go through your head are insane – you just think the craziest things sometimes.

GC: What were your strengths in this competition?

RG: I can definitely stay calm in a very heated, very stressful

situation… If … my partner is losing his shit I’m still able to stay calm…

I won’t let someone else’s emotions affect me.

Laura Takahashi & Jackie Skinner Jack and Tak have been together over eight years and will celebrate  YYY their second wedding anniversary this August. The two upbeat ladies met 15 years ago as camp counselors at a day camp where they both worked every summer for a decade.

GC: Why did you decide to do the Amazing Race?

JS: We’ve just been really big fans of the show ever since we started

living together.

It was one of those things, as soon as it came to Canada, we were like wow we absolutely have to try this… We love traveling; we love adventure; who wouldn’t want to be on the Amazing Race?

GC: What did your audition tape look like?

JS: We both went to school for video broadcasting and have done a

lot of media stuff together… We have traveled so much over the last ten years and videotaped so much of it, stuff like getting tattoos and having parties… we edited all that footage together.

GC: What particular skills do you think you bring to the competition?

What was your strategy?

JS: We were really good at the driving and navigating things. We do that all the time for our jobs and stuff; we are always navigating and driving…We road trip a lot together… we have driven across Canada… we drive to PEI every summer… we road tripped to Calgary actually.

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The first date took place on March 21st, the first day of spring. Bob states this without missing a beat. And it was only 28 days later that the new couple bought a home together. It was rowing season, the season of rowing widows Bob glibs, as the partner of a competitive rower rarely sees their mate during these months of 4:30am wake ups and 8pm bed times. They figured if they could make it through that, they could make it through anything.

They didn’t plan to buy straightaway, but they were shown a home they could not imagine not living in and took the plunge. That same zest for spontaneity and knowing what they want transferred to their candidacy for the Amazing Race.

Now, engaged for three years, the couple resides on a pretty 20-acre property that Bob says Rex is turning into his own green thumbed version of Versailles.

GC: Why did you decide to do the show?

BH: Just because we used to sit and watch it all the time and scream

at the TV…

We thought if we won we’d be able to pay for the wedding! (laughter)

GC: What did your audition tape look like?

BH: We opened up the laptop and did a simple video [with a new

Windows 8]…

We didn’t even know if it was working. The video had to be three minutes so we set a timer and we just did it… just sitting on the couch.

RH: We’re both very competitive I think that’s what drew us to the

show.  Rex Harrington & Bob Hope

GC: What do you think was your weakness in this challenge?

JS: The intensity of it…. basically just jumping into the unknown

having completely no idea what was going to happen next… We always try to be super prepared but [that wasn’t possible in this race]… That was also the most exciting thing as well.

BH: …In 2007 we were in Italy… we were running through the airport with our backpacks on and saying OMG this is just like the Amazing Race!

GC: What particular skills do you think you brought to the competition?

RH: I did all the sort of artistic challenges and Bob did the numbers (Rex loves driving, Bob loves reading the maps).

BH: We both are quite different and we leveraged that as much as possible.

GC: What do you think was your weakness in this challenge?

RH: We balanced out very well I think.

BH: It tested our patience becauseRH: We don’t really have any.

GC: Were there any injuries?

JS: Adrenaline takes over your body… you could do the race with a

broken leg…

At the end of the day you start feeling yourself.

GC: Was doing the race rewarding as a couple?

JS: One hundred per cent for sure. We had a blast… We’ve always

had so much fun together but this threw it over the top… For us to do it together… it made the experience even better… There was no one else we could have done it with…. You see another side of each other and you get stronger and stronger.

Rex Harrington & Bob Hope Bob and Rex have a fairy tale story, befitting a TV series all on its own.

In fact, the beginning of their courtship was caught on camera amid the filming of Rex’s spot on the CBC’s docu-series The Life and Times. Rex was a dancer with the National Ballet of Canada for 20 years. Bob would see him from time to time at events, and mentioning this to a friend, the friend coincidentally revealed that her mom was a secretary at the Ballet.

A beautiful correspondence was begun.

(laughter)

BH: We’re very sort of high energy about everything… we laugh a lot and we argue a lot… We can’t wait to see how it all pans out.

GC: Do you think the experience made you grow as a couple?

RH: During the time you get so involved and you’re so stressed but

we laughed it off as much as we argued …. It didn’t change anything….

We’ve worked through a lot of life challenges in general over ten years of being together… and took every opportunity as a gift.

BH: There weren’t really any enlightening moments… [The Amazing Race] just confirmed all the [ways] how we deal with things – that they work… It’s amazing how many people say, they’re really black and white about it… OMG I could never do that or OMG I have to do that. I would do it again in a second.

Bob would send anonymous packages to Rex through the friend’s mom, a woman close to Rex, to whom he would send postcards when performing and touring abroad. Having ended a relationship of lengthy tenure Bob was slow and cautious, and took his time before disclosing his name and suggesting a dinner rendezvous in one of his packages of intrigue.

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11

A Wicked Return Broadway smash remains popular

 Photos by Joan Marcus 2013

By Jason Clevett Since it hit Broadway in 2003 Wicked has captivated audiences in New York and around the world. So in demand is the show that just three years after playing to sold out audiences in Calgary and Edmonton in 2011, the witches return again for a summer engagement. Wicked runs in Edmonton until July 20th, then Calgary July 23rd to August 17th. The show is hosted by both city’s Jubilee Auditoriums.

Wicked takes a look at the life of Elphaba, better known in Oz as The Wicked Witch of the West. Best friends with Glinda, later known as ‘The Good Witch’, the show explores their youth and why one became ‘good’ and the other ‘wicked’.

There are two productions touring currently, and the Munchkinland Tour is the one coming to Alberta. Featuring Laurel Harris as Elphaba and Kara Lindsay as Glinda, the experienced cast brings Wicked to life on stage. GayCalgary spoke with Matt Shingledecker, who played Fiyero in the production, while the show was in Vancouver. The tour has taken him to Memphis, Austin, San Antonia, Fresno, Boise, Spokane and Vancouver. With longer runs in markets than many shows that just play a week, it is a bonus to get to spend time in the cities, he said.

“That is one of the things I like about Vancouver; most of the stops were three weeks but I got five weeks in Vancouver to really settle in,” he says. “I found a really nice apartment instead of having to live out of a hotel room. Toronto, being nine weeks, is very much a perk. That is one of the nice things about being part of such a popular show – to not have to travel every week. My previous show tour we would only do a week 12

GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

and you don’t really get a proper day off to see the city. So this is really nice.”

Shingledecker brings a variety of past experiences on Broadway and on tour to the show. Playing characters like Georg in Spring Awakening and Roger in Rent demonstrates the diversity of his acting.

“I have been lucky to be with some really amazing shows.

I haven’t had one that I wasn’t totally moved and awed over.

Spring Awakening was my first big professional gig and it was right out of college. It was a weird experience being on Broadway for a few months then going on tour. I spent over two years with that show. West Side Story was crazy because it was very short – I was only there for four months before it closed.

Rent was cool because it was my first original cast instead of replacing someone. I was the original Roger in the revival and we re-staged and did a lot of things different. It was fun to recreate the character instead of being plugged into a machine.

Wicked is a whole different thing because it is one of the only shows with job security. This is a business with very little job security until you make it really big and have tons of money and fame, and even then we see – all the time – people lose that.

It is amazing to be part of a show that you know is not going anywhere. It is booked years in advance and is doing incredible sales and companies around the world. It is nice to have some job security as an actor; it is a rare thing.”

He prepared for his role as Fiyero, and took advantage of the time prior to starting the show, by researching as well as relaxing.

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“I reread the (1995) book. I had read it in college. Even though there are a lot of differences – the book is much darker and more political and cerebral and my character is so far gone from the book – but I felt I could glean a lot from it. My girlfriend is an actress too and we like to say we steep in a role like tea.

We get as much information as we possibly can in our heads about it and then let it go; take it out and not worry about the work anymore and let it speak for itself. That is what I try to do as much as possible. I knew about this job a few months in advance so I took a lot of vacation beforehand. I got to go to Portland with my dad, I went to Miami with my girlfriend while she shot a movie, and went home for Christmas. I have had two Christmases that I haven’t spent at home because of work.

So I prepared and used my time beforehand. They really draw you in. I had three weeks of rehearsal, but it’s a few days here and there. You kind of get shot out of a cannon into it. Luckily no one got hurt, and I am pretty seasoned at it now that I have done over 100 performances.”

With that number of performances under his belt it can be a challenge to keep things exciting. Shingeldecker explained how each performance can be subtly different.

“I personally try to keep it fresh every night and explore something new, not in a forced way, but in allowing whatever happens that night be there for that night and not trying to recreate something. That is not saying I am not saying the same lines and hitting the same spots, but I am still exploring, and that is what keeps it fresh and fun. I can’t really say a focused arc – it has just evolved over time. Every time I try something new it becomes a new layer to him, even if it fails, and I won’t ever do it again. It becomes another layer on top, and I have so much more to draw from if I keep doing that. It does get more difficult over time, but if you keep that practice up for yourself, it helps keep it fresh. We also have an amazing creative team that comes out all the time. I had rehearsal today from 1 to 5 and tomorrow as well. We have a replacement character so we rehearse quite a bit and they are very open to giving notes and changing things. It is never quite the same when they come out, and they see things and try to keep it fresh, and give whatever ideas they have to make it better.”

What is the appeal of Wicked? You could ask 100 different people and get 100 different answers, especially among gay fans. For some it is the soundtrack, including the empowering anthem “Defying Gravity”. For others it is the story of friendship, or of bullying and feeling alone.

“That is definitely part of the huge appeal… that friendship aspect. What appealed to me is a line that Glinda says early in the play are people born wicked or do they have wickedness thrust upon them? That is the main theme of the book and the show, nature vs. nurture, and it doesn’t really answer it for you in the show, it just takes you on these people’s journeys.

You can decide for yourself what they were. I think, for the most part, a lot of things were thrust upon them and they made decisions based on things that happened to them. It is about looking at a story from another side. Every story is not just from the victor – there is another story that gets lost. At one point the Wizard says the truth is called history, that whoever wins writes it down. Which is fairly true historically. That is what this show does; it turns the story on its head. This woman who is so vilified in the Wizard of Oz, you get to see our take on her side of the story. I think that is really interesting. It is about labels, and how they are made up, and if we are caught in them it can be very dangerous.”

Wicked is a show with a great deal of spectacle. However, beyond the spectacle, is a show with a great deal of depth that often is missed in the first viewing. Many fans suggest seeing it a few times to truly grasp everything happening in the show so, if you caught it three years ago or this is your first time, the appeal is endless.

“I really think that is true. Because the show has so many moving parts, the Tony-winning costumes, the lights are unbelievable, you get caught up in the spectacle of it all. We have some moments that we punch up through our acting.

People have a really good time with the throwback moments www.gaycalgary.com

to Wizard of Oz. It is such a big piece that sometimes people jump on the train and they miss pieces. Any good show should have a ton of layers so you will see something new and exciting.

My character, in particular, is a little underwritten. I mean that… a lot of his change happens offstage and is an interesting challenge. It is amazing to play a carefree guy that masks any sort of real feeling to really caring and becoming a completely different person by the end of the play. That arc is a really amazing one to follow. When you come a second or third time you start to catch how all the characters change - How Boq changes, how Nessarose changes, how I change. You notice how Glinda and Elphaba change, as you are on their journey, but it examines in everyone [whether] people are born wicked or not. It shows that people can and do change depending on their circumstances, and what they want out of life. I highly recommend seeing it at least more than once so you can see it from a different angle.”

Wicked Edmonton - until July 20th Calgary - July 23rd to August 17th Tickets at Ticketmaster http://www.WickedTheMusical.com http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4150 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

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Community

The Big Kitty Crew

Art collective illustrates the sky’s the limit when girls unite

By Lisa Lunney Boring is a term that can never be applied to the Kitties.

The Big Kitty collective has been making waves of positive change in the LGBT community since its inception in 2010. They bring a unique voice to the Canadian art scene, representing positive selfexpression through a number of creative fields including visual and performance art. Bella, brand ambassador, was eager to discuss some of the ideas and values behind the group.

Bella proudly expounds that the Kitties bring positive female role models to the art community, showcasing the possibilities when creative and independent women work together in a supportive environment. The group is all about female empowerment; their actions send out the message that anything is possible for females in this generation.

The Kitties work collaboratively promoting and facilitating multidisciplinary art events that allow visual artists, performers and musicians to work together in a creative environment. These art events fundraise for a variety of artist-run centres and galleries including ARTSPOT, Motion Gallery, CJSW as well as individual projects, including the FORTUNE CAT interactive installation for Burning Man 2012.

On July 3rd the crew will be hosting a unique twopart multidisciplinary art event, opening with a visual art exhibit and reception at BoConcept in Calgary.

The exhibition will showcase the work of the Calgary

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members, and select members from Vancouver and Montreal.

Following the reception Broken City will host the “Meow Down”, a fundraising event featuring an array of live music and performances including: Azrael Raps Good, Mitchmatic, Fat Pat, DJ Cosm, MissFudge & Boondoc, Vinny Slappers, Ryan Fluxo and Dean Clark, and some surprises.

“This will be the ultimate summer kick off party featuring some of western Canada’s best artists, rappers, producers and, of course, the notorious ladies of the Big Kitty Crew,” founder Jennie Vallis boasts.

Constantly expanding their connections and reaching out to different communities, the Kitties plan to expand to the east coast over the next few years. Projects to come will include more visual and multidisciplinary exhibitions throughout Canada, as well as workshops and outreach work with younger individuals.

The Big Kitty Crew Calgary July 3rd Opening Reception @ BoConcept Meow Down @ Broken City http://www.bigkittycrew.com

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The Book of Tyler

Neon Trees frontman talks reconciling gay Mormonism, atheist bashing and bear lust  Photo by Andrew Zaeh

By Chris Azzopardi

The alt musician spoke candidly on the heels of the band’s latest album, Pop Psychology, revealing how he’s not letting other people – even the Mormon Church – define his relationship with God, the gay atheists who lambasted him for standing by his beliefs and one of the reasons he recently came out: to find love.

GC: What does being a gay Mormon mean to you? How are you able to be both without feeling like a contradiction?

TG: Yeah, it’s interesting. Because there were things about the church they didn’t agree with, or they decided they wanted to live a different lifestyle regardless of sexuality, I had seen so many of my friends fall away from the church, even if they didn’t necessarily want to. They just felt like they had to pick one or the other.

In my life, I’ve never felt like I totally wanted to do everything that I was told I had to. I’ve always been that way, and I still have a lot of faith in God and in a lot of the teachings of the church. Obviously there are things I scratch my head at, but I’ve always been that way. I just wasn’t so quick to throw away that part of me and accept this other part of me, so I guess my situation is, I want to be open and honest and say I have these beliefs, that I have these feelings and I’ve acted on these feelings and this is who I am. I’m not ashamed of it. There have been a lot of people that have come up to me

since (I came out) and said, “Thank you for being that way, because a lot of other people feel that way too.”

GC: The Mormon Church is tolerant of homosexuality as long as you abstain from homosexual relations. That said, how are you able to reconcile Mormonism and homosexuality in terms of establishing physical relationships? What happens when you’re in a relationship, and are you in one?

TG: I wish I could find a relationship. I don’t want to sound like I’m on the prowl, but when I came out, part of it was because I want to find love. I want to find somebody. I’ve never been all about the random hook-ups, although I’ve had those experiences, but that’s just not who I am. Coming out was a release. I want to meet someone in a more open, normal setting and not just have to be covert on apps and online – hiding it.

I think reconciling – I don’t know. I guess when it comes to it, I will. You know, I identify as Mormon because I believe in it, and regardless if, at some point, they decide to say, you can’t be (Mormon), I still won’t let someone here on Earth define my faith or my relationship with God and my beliefs. I will still identify with those beliefs.

GC: So, if your bishop does not approve of your relationship with another man, you wouldn’t walk away from the church?

TG: I don’t think I would be the one walking away, but I would probably be removed from the records. I mean, I do go occasionally, but I haven’t actively gone to church in about seven or eight years. I’ve always kind of felt like I didn’t fit in, but at the same time I love serving the mission, I love the teachings, I love The Book of Mormon. There are a lot of

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Neon Trees frontman Tyler Glenn is still figuring out what it means to be a gay Mormon. Not just how both modifiers can exist simultaneously, but if it’s even possible that they do.

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things I really, really believe in. It’s funny. Coming out as gay – it was almost harder to come out as Mormon. I was surprised how many people didn’t know I was Mormon, that I was raised that way. I got a lot of flak from atheists, which is interesting. A lot of gay atheists were applauding that I was coming out, but bashing me because I decided to still remain Mormon.

GC: Of all the people you’ve come out to in your life – your family, the church, the whole world – whose acceptance meant the most to you?

TG: I don’t know if it meant the most, but at the time it did.

My producer (Tim Pagnotta) and one of my really close friends who I’ve written so much music with was the first person I came out to. I really wanted him to know what the songs were about. I got the courage to tell him and his reaction was so loving and so caring. I never associated any sort of love with being gay, and then he congratulated me and it changed my world. It encouraged me to tell my parents, my family and my band. It really gave me the courage to come out publicly. I don’t know if it means the most in retrospect, but it definitely had the biggest impact on me.

GC: You mentioned hooking up and how it’s really not your thing. Has your religion made sex a struggle for you?

TG: My situation was really odd. I got really good at compartmentalizing. I assume a lot of gay men who aren’t out get really good at that. There were times when I didn’t feel guilt. It was more just the anxiety from hiding it. In my 20s, I really started to express and explore that (sexual) side of me.

It got to the point where I was 25, 26 and I was OK with being gay, but I was just at a crossroads with how to live that way, if it was even anyone’s business. There was a long period of time where I thought, “I don’t have to come out; it’s not a big deal.” But then watching so many gay documentaries and seeing the pain and frustration and sadness – that there’s

still not full equality – made me see why it’s important to come out, because it is important.

GC: You’re not dating anyone now, but do you see yourself getting married?

TG: Yeah, I want a family. I do. I know my parents support that. I think they’re a little unprepared for me to bring someone home. I didn’t know if it was something that would be a part of my reality, but I’m really happy. I don’t know how to meet that man as of yet, but I would like to.

GC: You’ve done some browsing on gay apps, presumably Grindr and Scruff. Are you on the apps often these days?

TG: I actually try to stay off the apps, but I have been on them before.

GC: Do you get recognized?

TG: When I was on them I didn’t ever have a face photo, but I currently have GROWLr because I like masculine, hairy guys – I guess we call them bears – so I have the app for that. But I’m not actively on it, so I don’t know if people are recognizing me or not.

GC: From what you’ve said, it doesn’t sound like the Mormon Church had anything to say about your coming out.

TG: Right, no one said anything.

GC: Do you think the church lets you get away with more as a gay Mormon because you’re in the limelight?

TG: I think they’ve dealt with so much PR backlash and that I’m pretty inconsequential to that. I heard from a lot of members and I’ve heard a lot from local leaders and they’ve said it’s a good thing that I did this, but there’s been no official stance.

GC: Do you think the Mormon Church will one day support gay marriage?

TG: I know that in recent years there’s a lot more acceptance. I really hate that the overall doctrine uses the word “tolerance,” because I hate that word, but I think it’s a step in the right direction. There are a lot of gay couples that actually live in my mom’s city who are also Mormon that go to church and hold callings, so that’s something you don’t see in the media. They’re actually actively able to serve; they’re not married, but they live together and they’re able to hold callings. But I don’t know, man. I would love that, of course.

GC: What would you tell a gay Mormon kid who’s experiencing the same struggle you once did?

TG: I actually have talked to a lot of them. I would hate to tell them “come out” only to find themselves in a situation where they’re kicked out of their homes, because that happens still, even in Utah. But I do remind people that it’s important to be themselves. I think that there’s a time and a place to come out, and I don’t know if waiting till I was 30 was the best thing, but it definitely has turned out fine and I’m a happy person. I’ve encouraged (kids) to just get a good support group and make sure they’re telling people that will support them. Then, when they have that support, eventually it becomes easier to tell the people who maybe aren’t as supportive.

GC: How has being an openly gay man influenced you on stage? Now that you’re not hiding, can you be yourself more than ever?

TG: Oh yeah. Man, it’s crazy. Just being able to say, “I think that guy is cute” around my friends – just normal things that people get to do – I get to do that now. Not having to lead a different identity every time I’m around a different person is really freeing and it’s made performing really effortless.

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Lifestyle

Parenting Proud A Father’s Letter to His Son”

By Jim Scott Dear A, A year ago you came into our lives like a one-year-old little ball of fire, which seems appropriate since Aiden means ‘fiery little one’ in Gaelic. Since then, I’ve watched you grow and change almost daily. When I look into your eyes I see hope for the future. I see the depths of your soul in mine. I see God. Your smile lights up my heart, like fireworks on a hot summer night, and your constant laughter tells me that you know you are right where you belong. When you crawl into bed with us in the morning, I love to watch you and Papa sleep, and know by the contented and peaceful looks on your faces that we were always meant to be a family, and in that moment it occurs to me that I truly have a hard time remembering what life was like before you arrived.

I’m the luckiest daddy in the world because I get to raise you. I get to teach you how to walk, talk, run, and read. When you took your first steps, I was there to catch you, and I will never forget that your first complete sentence was “I love you”.

The bond we share is unbreakable now, and for that I am truly grateful.

I will try and be your own personal Superhero; I’ll even wear tights if you want me to. Are there monsters in the closet? No problem for Super Daddy. Is there something under the bed?

Super Daddy is there to have a peek. Did the puppies take your treat? Super Daddy will save the day.

I hope to instill in you a love for books, reading, and education. When Daddy was a little boy he loved to read about places far and wide, and he hopes to take you on some of the very same adventures. We’ll walk through Sherwood Forest with Robin and his merry men, ride a raft with Huck and Tom down the mighty Mississippi, and fly on a magic carpet with Aladdin. We will go where the wild things are, and find out why James was in that giant peach. We’ll solve mysteries with the Hardy brothers and Nancy Drew; and Mickey, Minnie, and all their friends will come to visit too. We will visit the Hundred Acre Wood where I’ll introduce you to my all time favourite friends: Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, Kanga and Rabbit. Buckle up son, because the world will truly be your playground.

I cannot wait to teach you how to dress for any occasion.

Why a blue blazer is a must have for any season, a pair of loafers can be dressed up or down, and why a crisply starched white shirt never goes out of style. You will know the difference between a soup spoon and a teaspoon, and know that you always stand when a lady enters the room. You will know where your napkin goes and when to use it, the difference between a water glass and a wine glass, and what fine crystal sounds like when you clink your champagne flutes together in celebration.

We will play sports of all kinds. You may not know it just yet, but Daddy was a pretty good athlete back in the day and knows that you will be too. We’ll play baseball, football, volleyball, and hit golf balls by the thousands. We will run and bike together, and I’ll even let you win a few games on the tennis court, someday! Since Daddy grew up in Florida, Papa will have to teach you how to ice skate, play hockey, and ski so that you will be ready for any season.

When the time comes, I’ll be honest with you about how you came to have Daddy and Papa as your parents. It’s not a happy story, but it does have a happy ending because we got you. You are a gift from the Gods because they knew how much we needed you, and you us. Words can’t describe how you have filled my heart with happiness and joy, and although www.gaycalgary.com

I know not every day will always be great, they will be spent together at least.

I want you to know that family is everything and you have a really big one to grow into. Your grandparents love and adore you, as do your uncles, aunties and cousins. You already love them too, and I see it every time we get together. You are such a lucky little boy to have so many people who love you and will help us guide you through life’s challenges. We are all very blessed.

You are already so strong at the age of two, and you make me proud to be your daddy every day. You have already been through more drama than someone ten times your age, and through it all you are still the happiest little dude I have ever met. If we could sustain ourselves on love alone, we would be fed like kings; morning, noon and night.

Little A, I love everything about you! You have a natural ability to make us laugh, and I especially love it when we ‘dance it’ together to your favourite song, the theme from Big Bang Theory. You have a love of music that fills my heart, because it is something we share. Whether we are waltzing to Bach or Beethoven, wilding out to Eminem or Azealia Banks, getting our groove on to Donna Summer or Katie Perry, two stepping to Shania or Alan Jackson, or head banging to Guns and Roses or Queen, you never miss a beat. I cannot wait to see how your own tastes in music develop, and whatever they may be, I know that you will have a solid foundation to grow on.

Finally my cherished son, I want you to know your Daddy and Papa would move heaven and earth for you. We want you to learn from the vast amount of mistakes we have made, so that you can fly higher and farther than we ever did. Your future is so bright that a thousand suns couldn’t outshine it.

One day, when you are grown, have finished university and are out on your own, I hope you can read this letter again and know that we made every effort to give you the best chance at a happy and successful life that we could. I love you little A. Always and forever… Daddy

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Politics

Politician Supports Anti-Gay Preacher Ric ‘Dr. No’ McIver should never have said yes to this

By Stephen Lock You would think that someone who has spent as many years in public service and politics as Ric McIver, aka ‘Dr.No’ when he was on city council, would have acquired a sense of what endeavours to support and which ones to stay away from.

Naiveté can be forgiven in a political rookie – they all have to step in it a few times in order to learn how to navigate the political meadow – but McIver is no rookie. He has been around a while.

So when he lent his public support/endorsement to the rather infamous street preacher, Artur Pawlowski, and his March for Jesus this past Fathers’ Day, did he not realize what he was stepping into? One need only have listened to one of Pawlowski’s rather loud street sermons or, gee, check his website to realize that, while Pawlowski’s ministry is a street ministry and he is concerned about poverty and the disenfranchised, he also holds odd views towards homosexuality and our advancements in equality rights.

This, for those of us who have dealt with evangelical and conservative ‘born again’ type Christians, is not surprising. While one can applaud, even support, the good works such individuals and groups undertake there is also that seemingly ever-present undertow of anti-LGBTQ sentiment.

Pawlowski came to public attention not just for ministering to the homeless and street addicts, which he felt called to do, but also for his use of loud speakers and megaphones to broadcast his sermons to the people who showed up at his Feed The Homeless events. Very loud speakers and megaphones. Loud enough that he could be clearly heard all the way to Bridgeland when he was preaching in the park next to the Calgary Drop-In Centre.

This has been going on for years. When I was the Regional CoDirector for Egale Canada I received a call from an individual who lived in Bridgeland complaining not just about the noise factor, which was a concern, but the content of Pawlowski’s preaching.

Even back then, in 2005/2006, he was vehemently preaching against homosexuality.

Pawlowski ‘found Jesus’ after his son was, in his view, miraculously cured of a life-threatening illness. In his preaching he bears witness to this, and uses it to illustrate God’s love for all, even those who are on the down-and-out. He is doing what the Bible says Jesus did and, if one holds to Scripture, what all Christians are called to do. Unfortunately, such good work is too often sullied by condemnation of a whole segment of society – namely the LGBTQ community. Pawlowski has even gone so far as to describe the annual Pride Parade as a celebration of Satan.

He describes Pride as a parade of “people of wrong sexual preferences”; that it is something which “openly proclaim[s] and manifest[s] that they are not ashamed to declare the name of their master, Satan” and are “not concerned with provoking greatly the wrath of the Living God”. He goes on to state that the devastating flood that hit Calgary last summer was some sort of divine retribution, that is was Jesus “weeping for the perversions of homosexuality which includes the walking out the pride of their abominations in the streets of our cities.”

That is pretty heavy-duty stuff, and while Pawlowski is free to believe such crap, having a provincial MLA and former city council member such as McIver participate in an event specifically designed as a counter-measure reaction to the Pride parade is a whole other matter. That McIver has participated in the March for Jesus – an international event originally meant to create visibility for what the founders thought to be a too-invisible church – for the last four years, one can’t help but wonder if in all that time did he not once hear anything that would send up some red flags for him.

He maintains he never did.

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It’s not just the march in which he involved himself. He also produced a video when he was Minister of Infrastructure promoting a documentary the Street Church Ministry made about itself, attended the premiere of that film, and co-introduced it at that premiere.

McIver claims he viewed the annual March for Jesus as a celebration and an affirmation of his own faith. There is nothing wrong in that. After all, those who attend Pride are likewise celebrating and reaffirming their beliefs and self-identity. In that sense, the March for Jesus is little different than the annual Stations of the Cross march the Roman Catholic Diocese conducts each year on Good Friday. The issue is the strong anti-gay message Pawlowski has interjected into the event.

McIver spent a considerable amount of time and energy trying to distance himself from Pawlowski after the fact. I have no doubt the man had many an oh shit moment. McIver had ambitions to become the provincial Progressive Conservative’s next leader and, perhaps, premier.

He issued a statement a week after his participation calling the March for Jesus website’s anti-gay message disgusting, ugly, nasty and mean-spirited, and then apologized for “calling attention” to the website. Calling attention to such nastiness to deem it as such would have been a good thing; but the high-profile politician supported something he should have known not to support.

Putting the shoe on the other foot, the same sort of arguments now being tossed McIver’s way could be tossed towards those politicians who participate in this city’s, or any other, Pride celebrations; and they have been. The difference is that one is a celebration of a population which, for too long, was criminalized, persecuted, dismissed, and denied basic civil and human rights, while the other feeds into the hate of that same group.

The annual Pride parade is a celebration of ourselves. The origins go back to the 1969 Stonewall Riots when homosexuals rioted for three days against the New York City Police Department’s ongoing campaign of raiding gay bars and arresting homosexuals.

The Stonewall Riots have come to be seen as the birth of the modern gay movement, although Pride celebrations have long since dropped the political overtones the early marches had and now focus more on the celebratory aspects of being LGBTQ. In that, I see Pride as little different than Caribfest, for example, and nobody freaks out over that!

When asked, McIver said he would “consider” attending Calgary’s Pride Parade, schedule permitting. He did attend the ARGRA rodeo.

Politicians of all stripes like to use various events to reinforce their connection with the people, to be seen supporting the diversity of the electorate they represent. Nobody wants our political leaders to ensconce themselves in some ivory tower and not mix with the common folk. But diversity, like democracy, is messy.

If a politician innocently – and perhaps naively – lends his support to a group he thinks is doing good work, and then has it revealed that there is another agenda at work, it affects their credibility. The key is to do the research, something McIver now admits he didn’t do, and appears foolish and disingenuous for.

As a politician with leadership aspirations, McIver, as well as his advisors, failed. Damage control is one thing. The damage itself is quite another. One incident can derail an otherwise pretty decent political career. McIver may learn this the hard way.

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Community

Discussing Community Safety A Visit to Toronto

By Constable Andy Buck Hello again everyone, and a happy summer to you all!

Hopefully this recent warm spell is a sign of things to come.

This month I have decided not to issue any police-related advice as I usually do, not because I don’t care, but for two reasons. Firstly I want to tell you about my recent trip to Toronto, and secondly because I have just returned from that trip and I am a little unprepared in terms of any police content! For those of you that attended the ARGRA rodeo, I send my apologies for missing you as the conference dates coincided with the rodeo dates. I trust that you all had fun.

I was fortunate enough to attend the 2014 LGBT Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice Conference, put on by the Toronto Police Service, along with my friend and colleague Constable Tad Milmine. There were so many fabulous workshops that it was nearly impossible to decide which to attend, but in keeping with my internal work in setting up safe spaces for LGBT staff, I concentrated on topics that were relevant to that. I met some incredible people, like Greg Miraglia who is the author of “Coming Out From Behind The Badge”, and Jovan Kojicic, who is the human rights advisor to the Prime Minister of Montenegro. I also had the pleasure of meeting my counterpart in Toronto, Constable Danielle Bottineau, and some of her colleagues who were responsible for setting up their Internal Support Network for LGBT staff back in 2008. It was very eye-opening and made me realize that although we are doing some fantastic things here in Calgary we still have lots of work ahead of us.

At the end of the conference there was a panel discussion involving executive officers including Laurie Hayman, the Chief of Police at Strathroy-Caradoc, a municipality in Ontario. It was such an emotional event, listening to highranking officers speaking about their sexuality and their police careers. I can assure you that there are so many incredible people that are working so hard in law enforcement for members of the LGBT community; it was very gratifying to be a part of it all.

The weekend ended with our participation in the World Pride Parade. WOW, what an amazing event, an opportunity to network with some celebrities, and the chance to show the Calgary Police Service colours in the parade. I met with Justin Trudeau and Rick Mercer, along with Brian Burke, Mark Giordano and Sean Monahan from the Calgary Flames, as well as other sporting celebrities from Toronto-based sports teams. Being part of the “You Can Play” entry, it was

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very encouraging to see so many allies to the community, and the experience just reinforced my plan to make the parade this year in Calgary the best attended by Calgary Police Service members.

For those of you that participated in Stampede, I hope you were all sensible and to looked after each other, but still enjoyed yourselves!

As always, take care of each other and do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns, and I look forward to connecting with you again next month.

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Photography Edmonton Pride Parade, Street Festival and Dance 2014 http://gaycalgary.com/pa740

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Photography

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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Full Disclosure

Dance duo talks gay influences, Sam Smith’s ‘classy’ coming out and the history of club music  Photo by Stephanie Sian Smith

By Chris Azzopardi English dance prodigy Disclosure isn’t simply aware that club music is steeped in queer culture – they’re inspired by it. The Grammy-nominated duo, Howard and Guy Lawrence, is still lighting up the charts with songs off their debut, Settle (recently released as a deluxe edition), which, according to its creators, leans heavily on the unique gay roots found in house music.

Makes sense, then, that they’re getting their groove on with Madonna. If chummy Instagram photos with the legend are any indication, presumably they’ll be working with the icon on her next album. Word broke just after I spoke with Guy for this gay press exclusive (Howard couldn’t be reached for our scheduled interview, so like a good brother, Guy stepped in for him last-minute). Though he didn’t acknowledge Madonna at the time, the 23-year-old did reveal what other pop icon he’s drunk in love with: Beyoncé.

GC: How much has the gay community influenced your sound?

GL: Honestly, the history of the music that we take influence from, like house and garage, obviously originated in gay clubs like The Warehouse in Chicago and Paradise Garage (in New York City).

I don’t go to gay clubs now, but I feel like gay clubs just seem to be very forward-thinking, in terms of music anyway, and they’re always pushing boundaries. If you look back at the last 25 years or so, they’re playing the most original, creative stuff.

The gay community is often recognized as having its finger on the pulse. You hear people say we know when something is gonna be big before it actually is.

From what I’ve seen, I would agree. I don’t only look to the gay community for where I’m gonna go next, but generally, London is such a step ahead of most places in the world musically, especially with dance music. Wherever we travel, producers and DJs are always looking at London and the UK to see what’s coming up next. That’s

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really why I love living here. We just have such a great buzzing young producer community going on over here – it’s such a good vibe.

You say you don’t go to gay clubs much now, but it sounds like you have. Was that for research purposes?

I used to go to Brighton a lot. It’s on the south coast of England, a five-minute drive from where I used to live. It was cool – there’s a big gay community in Brighton. I can’t really remember which were gay clubs or not, but it didn’t really matter – there was always great DJs playing at them. I used to drive down there and there was definitely some research involved. When I was really into dubstep and grime and that kind of thing, I’d go down and slowly but surely everyone started playing house music and garage music. It was just a really good place to go out, especially when I was just turning 18 and wanting to learn about dance music, where it came from and the history. It was the perfect place for that.

What differences did you notice, music-wise, between gay clubs and mainstream clubs?

To be honest, man, I never ever went to clubs for the vibe of the club. I would only ever go to enjoy who was playing. I would always check the lineup first and wherever it was that that person was playing, I would go. It didn’t matter what club it was. As long as it was near and had a good sound system, it was like, I’m there.

Would you and your brother go together?

No, not at all. And we don’t really go that much anymore because we’re always touring, or we’re always busy. We spend pretty much every evening of our lives in a club, and going to a club is the last thing you wanna do when you have a day off. (Laughs) You just kind of want to chill. But yeah, when I was going out, I was just turning 18 – but I was obviously going out a little bit before I was 18 thanks to my fake ID. Howard was 14 years old – he wasn’t ready to go to a club – so I don’t think we’ve ever really gone clubbing as such together. We’ve always just played in clubs together.

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GC: Who’s the better dancer, you or your brother?

GL: (Laughs) Seeing as I’m the only one the phone, I’m gonna say

me.

GC: Hey, Howard had his chance.

GL: Exactly. I think he’s gotta take this one on the chin.

GC: Mary J. Blige laid down some soulfulness on your track “F For

You.” How did working with her come about?

GL: She was just watching TV and heard the song and loved it.

She wanted to find out who we are. She found out who we were, got in contact and basically through our management said she wanted to do a cover of the original song. I sent her all the parts to the song and then she sent back a big folder of a cappelas where she had rewritten the words and rewritten the verses. She was like, “I kind of redid it rather than covered it, so here’s all the parts. Do whatever you want with it.” Howard took all the parts, sifted through these different variants and different ad-libs, and that’s the song we have today. It just worked out really nicely. She comes and does it live with us sometimes, and it’s just a really nice, refreshing take on the original song.

GC: Her voice really fits that house vibe. She hasn’t really done a lot of straight up dance music, but she needs to do a whole album of it, and you guys need to produce it.

GL: Man, if I had some time, I would love to. She’s always been into her dance music, especially her house, but I don’t think necessarily think she’s been releasing much of it, or any of it. I hope she does because she really, really knows her shit. She knows way more than you’d think.

GC: Who are some other major female artists you’d like to collaborate with?

GL: It’s a difficult one because there’s so many. I don’t know, man.

Mary is basically setting the bar extraordinarily high, so we’re pretty happy with her for now. We haven’t gotten into writing the next record yet – that’s gonna happen later in the year – but I think we’ll have a better idea of who we wanna work with at that point.

GC: Maybe Beyoncé? Maybe Madonna?

GL: I’d love to work with Beyoncé – I don’t know who wouldn’t.

GC: What pop music informs your sound? What are you listening to currently, and who did you grow up on?

GL: Anything with class, anything with soul. Nothing cheesy and formulaic. Anything that has a touch of originality to it but is also really catchy – that’s what really impresses me. Making an eightminute techno song is an art form but writing a three-minute pop song is also an art form in itself. Both are equally difficult to do, and it’s rare you can find someone who can do both of those things. So, for me, obviously Beyoncé and people like that who are just working with amazing producers and have a really good vision about what they wanna do. Her latest album is fucking brilliant. Modern-day people like her and obviously Sam Smith, whose album is so soulful and classy and has some amazing ballads on there. In the past it was people like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. Anything with soul and good songwriting is what we’re into.

GC: You worked with Sam Smith before he became this enormous phenomenon. What’s he like to work with?

GL: He’s brilliant, man. The day I met Sam was the day we wrote “Latch.” He was still working in a bar at that point and hadn’t really started his career, so we’ve gotten to see his whole journey, which has been great. I watched his show in London recently and it was just amazing to see the amount of people and the amount of love. It’s been

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a mad journey, but he’s the same person as when we met him – really grounded, loads of fun and just a really, really nice guy, and also immensely talented. I’m not worried about him. He’ll be fine. (Laughs) GC: He also recently acknowledged publicly that he’s gay. What did you think of the way he subtly came out to the world with the video for “Leave Your Lover”?

GL: I think he did it in an amazingly classy way with that video.

He’s just being Sam. It’s just Sam being Sam, and it’s great. I’m just really happy that he’s doing what he wants to do.

GC: People have questioned your credibility because you’re inspired by sounds that existed before you were even born. How do you feel about the skepticism?

GL: I don’t know if it’s skepticism or more so just general interest of how we got there. In this day and age with the Internet it’s just incredibly easy to learn about anything you wanna learn about. We had dubstep and grime going on here when we were just starting to go to clubs and we really liked it and just wanted to learn how the scene arrived at that, how it got there. If you just go back in time throughout dance music, dubstep takes you to garage, garage takes you to house, house takes you to disco. We spent a lot of time buying old records online and just generally researching how the people back then were making the music, what machines they were using, where they got their influences from, how they were playing live, basically everything. It was five years ago and all we wanted to learn about was everything in the electronic world, and everything leads back to Chicago and Detroit.

GC: So you just completely immersed yourself in that type of music?

GL: Yeah, which is, I guess, why our music comes out sounding a little different than everyone else’s, because we grew up on pop music, not (dance). It’s only recently that we learned about that stuff, whereas most producers and DJs grew up listening to that through maybe having a dad or an uncle who is a DJ back in that time. With us, we learned to write songs first and then decided to make them in that style, in that house-y way, so I think that’s why they come out sounding a bit different.

GC: You’ve really started this dialogue regarding what differentiates dance music from pop music nowadays, and it’s really not much. The two styles have really merged, especially lately. Have you noticed a melding of the two genres?

GL: Definitely. That’s exactly what we wanted to do – make a pop record with those influences on it. I think us and a few other people were sort of the first people making that happen with a bit of commercial success, and actually hearing it on the radio and not just in clubs. Since then, loads of people in the UK especially have had No. 1 singles and top 10 hits with songs that as little as maybe a year or two years ago wouldn’t have even touched the charts. It’s been really cool seeing how the public responds, especially kids who haven’t really done the research necessarily. They don’t even know where it comes from, they don’t know house music is from Chicago, but they just really enjoy the music and the sound of it. It’s just great.

I love turning on my radio and hearing some jackin’ house tunes. I can’t think of anything better.

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Gossip the green-lighting of the next sequel, How To Train Your Dragon 3. This was probably inevitable; director Dean Deblois (Lilo & Stitch) reportedly had always imagined the Dragon story to be a trilogy. And when your project manages to hit that sweet spot of nearly unanimous acclaim, goodwill and fan support while successfully franchising and creating merchandizing opportunities and TV spinoffs and managing to avoid the troublesome trap of media saturation and burnout (see: Frozen), there’s no reason not to keep digging in that garden.

The plan right now is a 2016 release date with main voice actor Jay Baruchel already on board. Other returning cast will no doubt follow. Big question, though, for the bearish Deblois: now that Part 2 has given us the first animated gay Viking, what will happen to him in Part 3? The world awaits an answer.

Roland Emmerich forever Hey, remember Independence Day? Sure you do. It was one of the biggest box-office successes of the 1990s. So what if nobody quotes it or loves it in the way they love something like Titanic or 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain? Money begets money, and that is why, 20 years later, it’s time for not one but two sequels, ID Forever Part 1 and ID Forever Part 2, from gay Hollywood power player Roland Emmerich. So far there’s no sign of a Will Smith buy-in but Bill Pullman is reported to be back on board. We can assume that there will also be a new batch of alien invaders to out-menace the kinder, gentler monsters of 1996. After that’s handled, Emmerich has announced a sequel to another of his ’90s titles, Stargate. More on both as they develop, but all we really want to know is will Stargate: The Next Space Whatever bring The Crying Game’s Jaye Davidson out of acting retirement? Fingers crossed.

Learn this name: Desiree Akhavan

 Queen Latifa. Photo by Shutterstock.com

Deep Inside Hollywood The Magic Mike sequel will aim to please

By Romeo San Vicente If you saw Steven Soderbergh’s Magic Mike you know that it was, at its core, a serious-minded film, a little bit about halfnaked expression and a lot about downbeat economic recession.

After the titillating marketing campaign you’d be forgiven (if you were a gay man or straight woman, at least) for feeling a little cheated out of the much-promised equal opportunity prurience at the multiplex. The sequel, however, Magic Mike XXL, is shaping up to be a little different. Channing Tatum is writing the screenplay – this makes sense; he began his career that way – and he plans to tell the story of the wilder, more aggressively sexual aspects of the job, specifically a Soderbergh-sanctioned, semi-autobiographical account of the time Tatum was “…in a dark U-Haul with a bunch of these guys and we’re doing drugs driving up to the stripper convention.” Soderbergh won’t direct, but he’ll be working as director of photography and editor. It also appears that a lot of the original film’s hot cast members will return. So gather your single bills and be ready to make it rain when XXL hits theaters in 2015.

You don’t know her yet, but you will soon enough. IranianAmerican next wave talent Desiree Akhavan is a writer and filmmaker whose first feature, Appropriate Behavior, is making waves on the film festival circuit and drawing attention for its hilarious, fresh approach to the problem of identity and visibility for queer women of color. Akhavan stars in the film as Shirin, the perfect Persian daughter who’s also bisexual and who feels like she’s failing at all her various identities. Call it the LGBT Tiny Furniture if you must. Because while comparisons to Lena Dunham may seem very easy at this point, they’re also not completely out of the question, as Akhavan will also co-star on the upcoming season of Dunham’s Girls. We don’t believe in pitting women against each other ’round these parts – unless it results in a spectacular, Dynasty-level, wig-pulling catfight in a fountain, then yes, by all means, go for it – we’re just excited for the alliance of two young voices making strong work for new queer female voices in filmmaking. So don’t forget, it’s spelled A-k-h-a-v-a-n.

Romeo San Vicente, once experienced, is rarely forgotten.

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How to Train Your Dragon 3. Yes, already.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 is only now hitting theaters but the animated feature is already receiving the kind of reviews usually reserved for prestige-level Pixar releases. So here comes 24

GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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Photography CRIR 2014 presented by ARGRA, Strathmore AB http://gaycalgary.com/pa757

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Photography

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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Austin Armacost Trading Antics for Activism

By Nick Winnick When The A-List: New York premiered in 2010 it earned nearly as much condemnation as praise – often from the very same sources. It seemed like most reality TV; infuriatingly watchable. Composed of equal parts ohno-you-did-not drama and vapid navel-gazing, the show managed to become one of LogoTV’s highest rated original shows, right behind RuPaul’s Drag Race.

It may come as some surprise, then, to hear that a few members of the cast have managed to parley their time on the A-List into forces for good in their own lives, and the lives of others. Austin Armacost was certainly quick to let us know about that particular endeavour when we had a chance to interview him this past month. When asked what he had been doing since the cameras stopped rolling, the words nearly leapt from his throat.

“Only last summer the supreme court in the U.S. repealed the DOMA ... so, up until that point, I was working with a couple of organizations internationally because, as you probably know, my 28

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husband’s British, and we were unable to immigrate to the U.S. until that law was repealed,” he said.

Fans of the show will recognize Armacost’s husband, Jake Lees, by reference. Since the series concluded, much of their time has been tied up in protracted battles with immigration, and doing advocacy work toward the recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States.

“After the show ended, and I was given this platform, I really wanted to do something with it,” Armacost told us. “When I first got offered to do the show, I thought; this will be fun; a couple people will know my name and I’ll be able to walk into a gay bar and get a free martini. That was what I thought going into it. After season two, when it became a gay pop culture phenomenon in the United States, I thought, I can’t waste this opportunity. I really need to put it to good use.”

Armacost certainly seems to have been busy. In addition to working with local Indiana organizations for marriage equality, he is also a strong supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project www.gaycalgary.com

on behalf of his brother, a veteran who passed away due to a car accident while awaiting treatment from the U.S. Veterans’ Association.

As we talked activism Armacost became animated.

One got the sense that the information he gave us was information he had become very accustomed to conveying in short order.

Encouraged by the cascade of states whose rulings against marriage equality have been found unconstitutional, he said, “Now there’s been five states where same-sex couples have sued, citing the Supreme Court ruling [striking down DOMA] ... every same-sex couple that has sued the state ... has won. Before, it was not in the hands of federal judges, it was in the hands of conservative legislators. And so once it goes to somebody who puts their religious beliefs aside and just really focuses on what’s right in the world, then we gain success and equality.”

Like many campaigners for marriage equality in the U.S. – and, evidently, judges – Armacost doesn’t put much stock in the arguments of the opposition.

“One of the things that baffles my mind the most is that the United States is founded on freedom of religion, and yet every state that tries to fight or ban gay marriage… use religion as the opposition. I just think to myself, religion is supposed to play no part in politics.” We will see that Tony Perkins and Brian Brown get the memo.

For all that Armacost’s advocacy advances the cause of marriage equality as a whole, it seems that the source of his concern for the issue is his relationship with his husband, Jake. In fact, had DOMA lasted much longer, he relates, the couple may have had to try their luck across the pond. When the U.S. Supreme Court made its ruling, “[it] changed our lives... Dramatically is a complete understatement. We would have been stuck in England for years, had this all not been repealed. We had no other option.

Now we’re both living and working legally in the United States, and it’s just amazing.”

“At the time, [Jake] didn’t have any visit visa time to come to the U.S., and I was in a legal battle with United Kingdom immigration, and so we knew that there would be several months that we wouldn’t be together, and he was offered a job on a cruise ship, took the job for six months at sea, and the day that he stepped on the cruise ship was the day that DOMA was repealed. So it was definitely bittersweet. ... As soon as he got off the ship I flew over, we went to the embassy in London, we got a fiancé visa.”

By now, dedicated A-List viewers will recall that Jake and Austin’s romance wasn’t exactly the stuff of tear-jerking romcoms.

With accusations of infidelity and so much time spent apart in the early days, the relationship certainly did seem to be facing an uphill battle. It made us curious: with so many gay couples critically examining love, and fidelity, and finding ways of being together outside of traditional monogamy, did these two starcrossed young men ever end up making monogamy work?

“For us, monogamy has worked. We got together when he was 20 and I was 22, we got married a year and a half later. It was a very quick whirlwind of events, and living in two different countries and not being able to see one another... But now that we’ve panned all those problems out, it should be smooth sailing from here on out.”

Armacost doesn’t seem to think highly of that most vaunted of gay relationship superpowers – the ability to play together (or separately) and stay together. Perhaps still an Indiana boy at heart, he told us, “I think two men who are truly in love and live together... there is no reason to have sex with anybody else. I think www.gaycalgary.com

sex is a very intimate activity...

It just doesn’t make any sense. … It’s not that I disagree with it, I just don’t understand it. If you can honestly say that I love this person, but then go and make love to somebody else, that just baffles me. ... I don’t think it’s appropriate, but yet, my neighbour doesn’t think my gay relationship is appropriate.

I try not to judge.”

It has to be said: the whole conversation thus far – thoughtful and well-spoken – had seemed like a far cry from the impetuous and sometimes loudmouthed Austin Armacost we had seen on The A-List. We wondered, had the show gotten

him all wrong?

“I was given ample opportunities to go and party and have fun.

I think it was completely accurate at the time, but I think what a lot of people don’t realize is that I was 21 years old. Now, at 26, I’m a completely different person. People change – especially in your 20s. I didn’t know who I was at 21 years old. I was scared, I was figuring myself out ... Alcohol played a very big part in my life during filming.”

“When you get sucked up into that lifestyle, you’re gonna turn into a bit of a hot mess, and I turned into a hot mess, and I’m okay with that.”

It is an admirable stoicism, though we had to ask, was it hard having a younger, more hot-headed version of himself out there, representing him to the world? And would he be interested in a chance to set the record straight?

“From what I’ve heard, they’re trying to find a way to bring it back. If they brought it back, I would be excited at the fact that people could get to see the new me – the me that has evolved through time and trials and tribulations, and my relationship that now is on a good path. I would like to be able to show people this Austin, today at 26, but I’m not upset about it.”

Though the original cast of The A-List: New York has drifted apart, Armacost confided that he still speaks quite often to his fellow A-listers, Reichen Lemkuhl and Derek Saathoff.

“I speak to Derek almost every day – we’re best friends. Reichen and I speak maybe once a week… Rodiney obviously not at all.”

Armacost was circumspect when discussing his fellow cast members, with a notable exception.

“They did a great job casting us. All six characters – besides Rodiney, who is completely boring with no personality – all of us were eccentric and outgoing, and over-the-top and dramatic, and those are the types of people who, in reality, you either love or hate.”

The burning question on our minds throughout the interview was: what was the point of the show? What did we, the audience, get out of our two seasons with the cast of The A-List? As the interview went on, it became progressively ruder to ask. Clearly Armacost is doing his best with what the show gave him, whether one feels inclined to consider it altruism or penance. Maybe there is no answer. Maybe that is okay.

Austin Armacost would like to make a personal appeal for the readers of this article to check out the Wounded Warrior project, and Wounded Warriors Canada at woundedwarriorproject.org and woundedwarriors.ca.

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Out of Town Québec City

 The iconic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac sits high on a bluff in the heart of Old City Québec

by Andrew Collins With its fairytale setting high on a cliff-top overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Québec City ranks among the most romantic and historic destinations in the Western Hemisphere. Although it’s grown over the years into a thriving metropolis of slightly more than 500,000, Québec City’s ancient core, which lies inside a formidable masonry fortification, retains an intimate look and feel that reminds one more of Europe than the rest of North America.

Abundant with old-world galleries and antiques stores, cobbled lanes, inviting sidewalk cafes, historic inns and B&Bs, Québec City is a perfect place to steal away for a days with your partner.

Just three hours from Montréal, Québec is also within an afternoon’s drive of such major metropolitan areas as Boston, New York City and Toronto. Québec is a wonderfully intimate city, highly walkable and oozing with history. Geographically, it is divided between two levels, Upper Town and Lower Town – the latter section lies low along the St. Lawrence River, and the former rises high above it, perched atop a magnificent ridge on the city’s eastern flanks.

Just beyond the city’s western wall is the quaint heart of the city’s small but lively LGBT scene, concentrated along Rue Saint-Jean, where you’ll find several bars and boutiques popular with the gay community, and down the hill from here, the once prosaic Saint-Roch district has undergone a considerable renaissance, with a number of hip restaurants, bars, and shops having opened in recent years.

Dominating Upper Town, the city’s most recognizable feature is the 120-year-old Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, whose steep copper roof defines Québec’s distinctive skyline – even if you don’t stay here, be sure to peek inside for a look. Farther up the hill is La Citadelle, an imposing fortress that was begun by the French to protect Québec from the British and, when this failed, completed by the British to

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protect the city from reprisals by the French. Tours of this regal facility are a must for fans of history.

From here, stroll along Grand Allée, which commences just west of the original city wall, taking in the blocks of trendy eateries and straight but gay-friendly hangouts before eventually reaching the 1930s Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec, which contains more than 25,000 works of most French-Canadian art that span the region’s history. The museum is surrounded by Plains of Abraham Battlefield Park, which is laced with trails and sports fields, with many spots affording expansive views of the river.

Down in Lower Town, much of the fun is had simply by strolling the narrow lanes, visiting the atmospheric Old Port area, and popping in and out of quaint sidewalk cafes and shops. But be sure to set aside time to visit the city’s must-see attraction, the superb Musées de la Civilisation de Québec, a trove of interactive multimedia and computer exhibits that sheds light on every epoch of the city’s fascinating history In a city famed for its history, many top restaurants occupy oldworld buildings with stone walls and low ceilings, where traditional French and Continental fare dominates. Delightful Aux Anciens Canadians (auxancienscanadiens.qc.ca) is a wonderful example of this sort of establishment – it’s in a lovely 1675 house with a red steep-gabled roof. With outdoor tables overlooking a leafy green and Château Frontenac, Auberge du Tressor’s Restaurant 1640 (aubergedutresor.com) is another inviting spot exuding old-fashioned charm.

But make no mistake, Québec City is also home to some of the most innovative and stylish eateries in the country, with a number of creative chefs specializing in regionally sourced ingredients. Among the top draws, Laurie Raphael (laurieraphael.com) turns out some of the most boldly innovative cuisine in town in a bright, modern dining near Old Port. Also in Lower Town, Échaude (echaude.com) serves

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outstanding modern French fare and has a charming row of tables along a quaint sidewalk – note the excellent wine list.

Within the city walls, Ristorante Il Teatro (lecapitole.com) and Chez L’Autre (lecapitole.com), both near the grand Le Capitole theater, are sophisticated, gay-popular spots with ample outdoor seating. And just down the street, Chez Bouley-Bistro Boréal (chezboulay.com) is a stylish brasserie renowned for wonderfully complex, beautifully plated fare like fir tree-scented salmon tartare with birch syrup, and confit goose and duck leg with garlic-flower pesto and cooking jus.

There are several inviting queer-popular restaurants along Rue Saint-Jean. Try Hobbit Bistro (hobbitbistro.com) for classic French fare and very good breakfasts, and La Ninkasi (laninkasi.ca) for craft beers and light pub fare, and Piazzetta St-Jean (lapiazzetta.ca) serves delicious thin-crust pizza; there’s a branch in Saint-Roch, too. For artisan coffee and lively people-watching, drop by Le Brulerie SaintJean (lesbruleries.com), and don’t miss Tutto Gelato (tuttogelato. ca), which is known for its long list of interesting flavors (avocado, chocolate-chili, etc.), or Snack Bar St-Jean (snackbarsaintjean.com), a gay fave for cheap late-night burgers and poutine.

Down in Saint-Roch, Clocher Penche Bistro (clocherpenche.ca) is a smart space in which you can feast on mod Canadian brunch and dinner fare (the saddle of rabbit stuffed with ricotta and arugula is memorable). Brasserie Artisanale La Korrigane (korrigane.ca) is an exceptionally well-regarded brewpub with tasty comfort fare, and and Le Cercle (le-cercle.ca) is an airy live-music venue and restaurant with high ceilings and creative farm-to-table cooking.

Québec City doesn’t have many gay bars, but plenty of nightspots around the city – especially along Rue Saint-Jean and down the hill in Saint-Roch. The most famous gay hangout is Le Drague Cabaret Club (ledrague.com), which is a few steps from Rue Saint-Jean and has a number of appealing attributes, which helps account for its popularity with all types – gay men, lesbians, and straight friends among them.

There’s a good-size patio along the sidewalk, a big cabaret lounge with a stage on which some of the city’s top drag divas perform, stylish cocktail bar and a spacious dance floor. A block away, Bar StMatthew is a cozier neighborhood spot that’s more male-centric and cruise-y, and also caters a bit to the leather and bear set.

Among mainstream bars definitely worth a look, check out La Barberie (labarberie.com) for first-rate craft beers in a slightly out-ofthe-way part of Saint-Roch, and Le Moine Echasson (lemoineechanson. com) is a cute wine bar on Rue Saint-Jean.

As is true in Europe, bathhouses play a prominent role in Québec City’s gay social scene. The options include Sauna Bloc 225 (saunabloc225.com), a spacious place inside a distinctive Victorian building in the heart of the Rue Saint-Jean neighborhood; the very popular Sauna Hippocampe (saunahippocampe.com), which is centrally located and adjoins the inviting LGBT hotel, Hotel Hippocampe (see below); and more locally frequented Le Sauna Backboys (backboy.qc.ca), which is in the Saint-Roch neighborhood and pulls in more of a locals crowd.

Where to Stay There are enough distinctive, and downright romantic, accommodations in Québec to make choosing a place to stay something of a challenge – there are so many options to consider, and many of the best are highly gay-friendly. You’ll find one concentration of particularly cushy and inviting hotels in the oldest section of Lower Town, around the antiques district centered along rues Saint-Paul and Saint-Pierre. Here you might consider the luxurious and highly romantic rooms of Auberge Saint-Antoine (saintantoine.com), which sits next to the esteemed Musee de la Civilisation – a trove of interactive multimedia and computer exhibits that sheds light on every epoch of the city’s fascinating history. Nearby, the Hotel Le GermainDominion Québec (germaindominion.com) is a chic and gracious boutique hotel renowned for its stylish guest rooms and personable staff. Set in an eight-story 1912 building that was once the city’s tallest, rooms have tall windows and plenty of historic charm as well as such modern perks as BOSE stereos and connectivity panels.

One of the city’s most famous buildings, and undoubtedly its most iconic lodging, the grand Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (fairmont.com/ frontenac-québec) is crowned with fantastic copper-green roof of steep gables and pointy turrets that positively dominates the Upper Town skyline.

With more than 600 elegant but contemporary rooms (the hotel completed a massive update and renovation in 2013), the Fairmont overlooks the St. Lawrence River and abounds with amenities, from inviting Le St-Laurent Bar & Lounge to an impressive and extensive fitness center, pool and terrace. Those wanting the vibe of a modern, mainstream hotel that’s steps from the hip shopping and dining in up-and-coming Saint-Roch should consider the TRYP by Wyndham Québec Hotel Pur (hotelpur.com), an 18-story property with 242 smartly furnished rooms with tall windows that let in plenty of light - rooms on the upper floors have amazing city views.

Among LGBT-oriented properties, the aforementioned Hotel Hippocampe (hotelhippocampe.com) has 11 handsome, reasonably priced rooms and is adjoins the men’s sauna of the same name. Situated just inside the Old City walls, the hotel is popular with guys who favor the sauna, but plenty of gay men and lesbians stay here simply because it’s a comfortable, convenient option with a friendly and helpful staff. Some rooms have private bath, but you can save a lot of money if you opt for one that shares a bathroom.

Near the Plains of Abraham parkland and museums, the gay-owned Auberge Aux Deux Lions (aubergeauxdeuxlions.com/en) caters to a mixed crowd and is one of the most charming small properties in the city, with 15 rooms of varying size and configuration, all with private bath. Another fine smaller inn, the moderately priced Auberge Chateau des Tourelles (chateaudestourelles.qc.ca) is set along bustling Rue Saint-Jean and has 10 individually furnished rooms, including some larger suites that can easily sleep four guests. On sunny days, be sure to relax on the hotel’s lovely sun deck, soaking up views of this richly historic city.

Andrew Collins produces the website GayTravel.About.com and writes about travel for a variety of LGBT and mainstream publications.

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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Lifestyle

Beach Bums

10 Sexy Swimsuits Sure to Show Off Your Best Assets

By Mikey Rox Summer is officially here, which means that it’s time to slip into something a little lighter. So you can spend more time soakin’ up the sun instead of scouring the Internet, I’ve compiled this list of the latest and greatest swimwear styles from your favorite brands along with a few new ones that are making a splash. Dive in.

1. Starfish Hampton Swim Short Just because you don’t have a compound on Long Island to call home doesn’t mean you can’t dress for the beach like the hoity-toity. The mid-length Starfish Hampton Swim Short from 2(X)IST features a sea-life-inspired print available in Sodalite Blue and Blue Aster, an adjustable drawstring waist, and multiple pockets to stash your sunny-day essentials. The NoShow Rise, which allows the waistband to sit two inches below hips, won’t hurt your cause either. $75; 2xist.com

2. Canggu Swim Pant You’ll have all the boys saluting your shorts when you shimmy into the camouflage Canggu Swim Pant from ES Collection, based in Barcelona.

European styling helps these militarygrade trunks stand out while blending in, and the quick-drying fabric aims to keep you comfortable as you flit between sand and surf. At ease, soldier. $130; escollectionusa.com

3. A-Frrame Speedster Swim Trunk Who wears short shorts? If it’s you, Timoteo’s A-Frame Speedster Swim Trunks will likely pique your interest. More of a cross between briefs and a traditional trunk, this itty-bitty bathing suit covers the pre-requisites but little else. Probably not an ideal choice if you’re hung, but some people like to live on the edge. $48; timoteo.net

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4. Start the Fire Classic Trunks With a name like Start the Fire, you can almost guarantee a sizzlin’ day at the beach – notwithstanding the temperature.

Made from C-Infinity, a color-intense chlorine-resistant polyester exclusive to Funky Trunks, this skin-tight swimmer features a pattern of nostalgic matchbooks collected from the bedside tables of motels back in the day. Here’s hoping you see as much action as they have. $64.95; funkytrunks.com

5. Addicted Square Short Swim Trunk Get into a collegiate state of mind with the square swim trunks from Addicted, available in four color combinations, like juicy orange and royal blue. The short cut of these trunks will show off all that hard work you’ve put in at the gym, while the Ivy League-like styling – like a twocolor contrasting waistband and the Addicted logo shield – sends a loud-and-clear message that school’s out for summer. $82; escollectionusa.com

6. New York Skyline Thong You’ll need supersized confidence to show off your big apple in this revealing multicolor thong from Vuthy Sim that features scenes from the City That Never Sleeps – but, hey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it. Plus, each pair promises to be slightly different because they’re made to order by hand. (Hopefully by buff little elves.) $36; vuthysim.com

7. Key West Retro Lycra Swimmer Printed swimwear is totally in this season, and nobody’s doing it better than Sauvage.

Cover up your valuables with graphic prints plucked straight from Key West and South Beach on shorts that pop off your bod in bright, brilliant color. Made www.gaycalgary.com

from supersoft European nylon Lycra and outfitted with a white mesh liner and drawstring, you’re bound to field compliments from a few sun-kissed admirers. $72; sauvagewear.com

8. Crush Trunk You can’t go wrong with anything you buy from a company whose tag line is “Fun clothing that gets you laid,” but the Crush Trunk from Nasty Pig isn’t for everyone. Well, it is – but it shouldn’t be. These slightly shiny tone-on-tone embossed print trunks create a snakeskin effect that will only fly on dudes named Zeke or Hammer who blow into town on Harleys and who like to play daddy. Yes, they exist, and there’s no judgment here. $80; store.nastypig.com

9. Reef Garden Boardshorts Not every gay is into nut-hugging swimwear – and that’s OK. For those of us who like to leave a little more to the imagination, boardshorts are the way to go, and the Reef Garden style are as fashionable as they are functional. Made from recycled double shaka microfiber (high-five for eco-friendly!), these shorts offer a back welt pocket with zipper closure, seamless sides and UV protection. The cute octopi are just a bonus. $50; reef.com

10. Awning Stripe Rio Swim Brief You don’t have to set up shop on Copacabana Beach to capture that loose Rio vibe. In fact, you can create your own quaint Brazilian paradise by the hotel pool with a freshly made caipirinha, a spritz of sunscreen and these South Americanstyle swim briefs from 2(X)IST. Available in white and salsa red, they’re sure to spice things up. $55; 2xist.com

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BONUS FIND: You can’t hit the beach without a towel, and this summer you can make a statement with Vertty, a soright-now brand that’s reinventing the beach towel concept.

Available in nine super-fun, something-foreveryone colors, these oversized game changers feature a unique angled shape and – here’s the best part – a waterproof pocket so you never again have to worry about accidentally burying your keys in the sand. Show yourself off on Instagram when you get yours by tagging tryverrty. $89.90; tryverrty.com Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and blogger whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. He lives in Manhattan with his husband and their cuddle-buddy furbaby. Connect with Mikey on Twitter @mikeyrox.

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Lifestyle invigorating shower. Of course, if you’re a ‘G’ in LGBT, a toocold shower can present a problem that’s not conducive to the endgame of this activity, so be sure to regulate the temperature carefully.

5. Invite your friends over for a wet undies contest One of the best things about being LGBT – in my humble opinion, at least – is that we generally don’t subscribe to the social norms of our hetero counterparts. Basically because they’re boring. Case in point: It’s easier to round up our best LGBT guy and gal pals for an impromptu wet-undies contest in the backyard that will, if you’ve got really good friends, result in an afternoon of sopping-wet flirty fun with endless possibilities.

6. Hop on your bike and head to the ice cream parlor Not everything you do to beat the heat has to be tainted with sexual innuendo and opportunity, of course. A super simple and surefire way to rejuvenate your sun-worn body from the inside out is to hop your bike and take a leisurely ride to your local ice cream parlor or stationary ice cream truck for a cooland-creamy treat.

Hot in Herre

9 Ways to Make the Most of Steamy Summer Nights

by Mikey Rox When the mercury rises, so should your creativity.

Consider these 9 ways to beat the heat – and add a little sexy time to your life while you’re at it.

1. Make a batch of adult popsicles First things first: If it’s too hot outside to breathe – let alone move – it’s time to break out the blender and get phy-sicle.

Start with a pitcher of margaritas (or your favorite summertime cocktail with a kick) and pour the liquid into ice-pop molds.

Molds are abundantly available these days in all sorts of (unintentionally phallic) forms, like the rock-shaped ice pop molds from Tovolo, available on Amazon. When the hooch sets, enjoy instant refreshment (and perhaps satisfaction) that’ll not only cool you off but also help you perfect your form… if you know what I mean.

2. Use a rainstorm to act like a kid again My mom never let me play in the rain – perhaps out of fear that I’d get struck by lightning (good lookin’ out, lady) – but I’m a grownup now with the power to make all kind of stupid decisions. While playing in the rain may not be the wisest choice you can make (especially if you’re hearing cracks and booms nearby), it can be a lot of fun if all that’s in the forecast is harmless precipitation. Slip on your swim trunks and a pair of old sneakers, grab your lover and frolic in a summer shower like a modern-day Gene Kelly.

7. Drop trou and go skinny dipping If you have the good fortune to have access to a pool – preferably one surrounded by a privacy fence lest you want to end up with a court date for indecent exposure – there’s absolutely no excuse why you shouldn’t be shimmying out of whatever you’re wearing when the sun goes down to take a dip in the buff. If your partner is hesitant, do it the hard way – toss ’em in fully clothed (sans valuables in the pockets) to remind them that’s it OK to play every once in a while.

8. Get a little dirty washing the car Is there anything sexier than a shirtless hard body soaked in suds from head to toe? Fulfill your college car-wash fantasy at home by heading out to the driveway to get your ride clean as a whistle in the naughtiest way possible. Just remember, the neighbors may be watching – so put on a good show.

9. Bring a bowl of ice to the bedroom Yeah, I know what you’re thinking – this doesn’t seem practical unless you want a waterbed. Easy fix: Just put a few towels down. I’ve employed what I like to call the ‘ “Frat Sex” method for more than a decade – whether ice is involved or not (because who wants to wash the sheets every single time you get down to business) – and it’s the perfect solution to achieving all your goals by bringing ice to the bedroom. You’ll cool down, you’ll perk up, and you’ll both feel fresh as a daisy when all is said and done. Aaaaah.

Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and blogger whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. He lives in Manhattan with his husband and their cuddle-buddy furbaby. Connect with Mikey on Twitter @mikeyrox.

3. Play a game of strip (enter favorite game here) Air conditioner on the fritz? Create your own climate control by playing a game of strip whatever-you’d-like with your partner and/or a group of friends. The best part about this game is that everybody’s a winner (if you’re a glass-half-full kinda group), so there are no hurt feelings when the last player crosses the “finish line.”

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4. Take a cool shower together If you’ve been with your partner for a while, chances are the spontaneity has somewhat waned lately. Which is why a sweltering summer day is the perfect excuse to reignite some of that lost intimacy by cooling off with your clothes off in an

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The True Colors of Kathy Bates

Hollywood luminary talks lesbians, drag and Uma Thurman  Photo courtesy of Warner Bros

By Chris Azzopardi Long before dishing lesbian wisdom to Melissa McCarthy’s mess of a character in this summer’s road-trip comedy Tammy, Kathy Bates had the gay community in shackles. It didn’t take a sledgehammer to maintain our obsession with her – it just took the Hollywood icon’s every turn on television (Six Feet Under, American Horror Story), Broadway (’night, Mother) and the big screen (Titanic, Misery).

Notably with Fried Green Tomatoes, her 1991 girl dramedy, and then with Dolores Claiborne and Primary Colors, Bates has kept us captivated for over four decades, bound to her boundless greatness. Now, as one half of a lesbian couple in Tammy (Sandra Oh of Grey’s Anatomy plays her partner), she’s giving you one more reason to be her biggest fan.

GC: I’ve never been to an all-lesbian party, but based on the one your character, Lenore, throws in Tammy, clearly I’ve been missing out.

KB: You have. It was a lot of fun! It really was. And there was a scene that was cut out of the movie where all the lesbian women on the dock were singing “Fire,” the Bruce Springsteen song, which was pretty fun.

GC: You really can’t go wrong with some lesbians and “The Boss.”

KB: No, no, no. It’s a sure thing.

GC: Tell me about the best lesbian party you’ve ever been to.

KB: I don’t know if I’ve been to a lesbian party quite like the one we have in Tammy. (Laughs) I’ve known and loved many lesbians in my life … but I don’t know if I’ve ever gotten them 36

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all into the same room at the same time! I always imagined that my and Sandra’s characters lived in a very small town, so I think many of these lesbians they’ve known were shipped in and probably work in Lenore’s (pet) shops in other towns, that it’s an annual thing and they come in and hang out for the holiday.

GC: Melissa said your chemistry with Sandra was instantly palpable. Who are some other women you could see yourself going lesbian for onscreen?

KB: Let me think about that. I do know that I’m just absolutely in love with Sandra, and let me just say that she really brought our relationship to bloom. She brought a lot of love and warmth, and it was her idea to have wedding rings – because of course! – which I hadn’t thought about, and also, really, to think that our relationship is the healthiest relationship in the movie.

You know, we’re non-judgmental, and my scene on the dock with Melissa – it was important for me to be able to ad-lib how difficult it is, or was, especially 20, 25 years ago, for lesbian women to come out. I think almost more difficult than for men to come out as gay. She brought just so much love, and she really helped create the little bubble of our relationship, and now I have forgotten your question. Oh, whom else would I like to be with. Ahh, let’s see. Who do I love? Oh, I could totally see this: I shared a plane trip with Uma Thurman once and I thought she was pretty cool. I could see doing a movie with her and having a lesbian relationship – although I’m much too old for her! (Laughs) GC: These days, Kathy, that doesn’t matter.

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KB: Yeah, that would probably be a fantasy movie relationship. Who else? I don’t know really. I’m just so in love and married to Sandra that I don’t know if I could come up with anybody else. It would feel like cheating! (Laughs) GC: Growing up in the South and in the Methodist church, what was your introduction to the gay community?

KB: I really didn’t know what gay was until I got to college, but I was really in love with two of the guys who were in the theater department and then I realized they were in love with each other. It was like, “Oh. Fuck,” – excuse my language – “that just cut my opportunities in half here. It’s hard enough to find a guy, and now that means there’s 50 percent less!”

See, my parents were more of the age of grandparents in the ’60s, which certainly made it difficult for both parties. It took a little bit of doing. So, when I brought gay friends home to visit, it was really kind of funny to see them react. But they embraced them. They just thought it was hysterical that one of my friends, Milton, was walking around in a nightshirt that had been pressed beautifully. They got along with them pretty well.

I have to say my parents never said anything to me derogatory about them, which was cool.

Unfortunately, one of the guys I was in love with passed away a few years ago from lung cancer, but I’m still very close to the other love of my life. I just saw him in New York – he actually wrote the Vanities play that we did off-Broadway for many, many years; his name is Jack Heifner – and so it’s wonderful that that relationship has continued.

GC: Lenore and her partner are based on Melissa McCarthy’s own friends. Did that help inform your character? Did you base her off any lesbians you know?

KB: I didn’t know that. Melissa never told me, but cool! I really didn’t. Like I say, I mean, how do you behave lesbian?

(Laughs) I really thought about that. Unless you’re gonna go to some kind of extreme caricature that’s demanded of the script for some reason, these are just regular people and that’s their sexual orientation. Why do we have to ask if somebody’s gay or straight? I hope we get out of that. I hope I see us get out of that before, you know, I exit this plane.

GC: It’s refreshing to see a gay couple portrayed as the most “together” part of the story. What do you think that says about how far we’ve come as a society regarding gay issues?

KB: Going back to the scene on the dock, I wanted to improvise about Sandra and how she stood by me when the times were tough, how big her heart was and how comforting she was.

I remember being at a wedding; it was a male gay couple and they must’ve been in their 70s. They had been together for 50 years, and for the first time they had been able to go to Massachusetts and get married. It was so moving to me that they were able to have a wedding and celebrate their love in front of their friends and stand up together and say, “We love each other,” and be open about it and have the union blessed after all those years.

I remember last summer I was on vacation with my best friend who’s gay and we heard about Prop 8 and how people were gonna be allowed to marry, and it’s just like, why does it have to be legislated? How can you legislate something like that, really? Why is it up for discussion? That’s my feeling about it.

GC: One of your earliest lesbian roles was in Primary Colors, which is notable for the big wet one you exchanged with your co-star, Stacy Edwards.

KB: She was a doll.

GC: What do you remember of shooting that kissing scene?

KB: I was really nervous! (Laughs) I wanted to do it great, you know. I wanted to make it look like we’ve always done it. At the same time, it had to be a shock for Adrian Lester’s character, and Stacy’s so adorable. I loved the fact that everybody assumes she’s straight, or maybe she swings – who knows! I think there’s also that: People are on the spectrum sometimes.

So, I just wanted to make it look real and tough and sexy.

GC: Let’s talk about your involvement in the upcoming season of American Horror Story: Freak Show. What can you tell us so far?

KB: I gotta be honest with you, I don’t know yet. I have not read a script. Ryan keeps promising scripts. He says I’m supposed to get some this week, and I’m really hoping I do because I’m leaving town to head to New Orleans. I’m just now beginning to work on the character, so I have no idea.

GC: Including the fact that almost all of the names of the characters on American Horror Story: Coven – Myrtle Snow, Madame LaLaurie, Misty Day, Cordelia Foxx – are ones you’d likely hear in a drag queen contest…

KB: Myrtle – oh my god!

GC: Right? Coven was widely regarded as being very gay.

How aware are you, or have you become, that the show has really resonated with drag queens and the gay community?

KB: Not at all! This is the first I’m hearing of it. I mean, I don’t know if it was a male or female because he was so far away from us, but when we were doing the PaleyFest (in Hollywood) there was a guy – I think it was a guy – in a Myrtle Snow wig, which we were delighting in. She just lends herself to that, I think.

GC: But so does your character, Madame LaLaurie. And I’ve seen boys do her in drag. When that happens, can’t you retire?

Inspiring drag queens – that’s really the ultimate life goal, right?

KB: (Laughs) I hear there’s a gay bar here in West Hollywood where they do Dolores Claiborne a lot. Listen, it’s great to have your reputation still alive and kickin’ at my age, so I appreciate it wherever it comes from.

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37

Best Buds from Big Brother

An interview with Kenny Brain and Andrew Gordon  Photo by GayCalgary Magazine

By Farley Foo Foo Reuniting for one night, at Evolution Wonderlounge during Pride Week in Edmonton, best friends and Big Brother Canada season two contestants Kenny Brain and Andrew Gordon spoke with GayCalgary Magazine about how their lives have changed since appearing on the show, Kenny’s controversial decision to not reveal his sexuality for the majority of his time in the Big Brother house, and which other housemates that viewers and fans of the show might just be surprised to know the two have formed a strong friendship with post-show.

GC: Kenny, this is your second time here at the fabulous Evolution

Wonderlounge in Edmonton. Do you enjoy coming back here?

KB: Absolutely! I had an amazing time last time, everyone was awesome.

The city’s got a great vibe. It’s good to be back.

GC: Are you going to move here to Alberta?

KB: I lived here actually, in Alberta, once before. I lived in Calgary for a

few months with my sister. But I just moved to Montreal so, I’ll see what that place is like before I decide I’m moving to another place.

GC: Andrew might be happy if you move out west.

KB: He better be!

GC: What has life been like post-show? You guys have been doing a lot

of appearances. Do you have any favourite appearances or things that have happened to you since the completion of the show?

KB: Yeah I definitely do. I just did a tour across Newfoundland and when I was in my hometown, in Grand Falls, I had a woman come and she made these beautiful cupcakes, and she said that her nine-year-old son, I was his absolute idol. And he wrote me this letter, made me ball my eyes out in the middle of the bar. They were the most amazing people. His father and his mother both messaged me afterwards and told me how much of an inspiration I had been for them. Just what I had done for their son; so it was a great feeling actually to feel that.

GC: That is wonderful. And yourself Andrew?

AG: Well, for me, in regards to appearances and events, I have been

thrown back in to real life in a huge way. So for me, I’m now managing a

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Craft [Beer Market] here in Edmonton, and I haven’t had time to even think about Big Brother. But I guess a favourite thing for me is coming home and all the stories your friends and family have to tell about you, and talk about what you did on the show, and see how much of an impact you really made on people you were already close with. Or complete strangers that will come up to you and share stories [with you]. That has probably been my favourite.

GC: Have both of you had a chance to go back and look at all the film and things that you weren’t privy to, being in the house, that the audience saw?

KB: I have watched most of it. I haven’t seen the whole show yet, just because I haven’t had the chance to really sit down and dive into it. But I have seen most of it and it’s so funny to actually experience it and then see it from a viewers’ standpoint, and what the other people were saying behind your back; the whole outlook of the show from what you guys saw. It has been interesting. I really do want to sit down and dive into it to see exactly what everyone has been saying about me behind my back.

GC: Andrew, anything that was surprising or shocking to you to find out?

AG: Well I have just recently started catching up on the last two trips back

to Calgary. I have been hitting up my parent’s PVR. I went for a long time without watching any of myself on TV. I did a few of the online videos – saw a few things on there that I didn’t expect to see. Obviously you’re surprised by some of the things people said...

KB: Me coming out!

AG: Yeah well, for me that was the most mind blowing thing. Obviously

being evicted and then sitting down, and my mind was absolutely blown.

They asked me What was the most surprising thing? Allison being locked in a room? I’m like like What? Room? Kenny is gay! I had no idea about that! I couldn’t even sleep that night. So the realization of what has actually been going on from a viewer’s perspective is mind blowing.

GC: Do you wish that Kenny had been upfront about his sexuality from the beginning, especially with yourself, or do you understand what his reasons were for holding that back?

AG: Yeah, I feel that Kenny, no matter what, was comfortable enough to tell me, and the only reason that he didn’t was for the game. So really that was a thought that I dwelled on for maybe a second and a half – it really didn’t bother me. It would have been secure for him to tell me, and it wouldn’t

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have gotten out, I think he knows that. But at the same time, here we are in the outside world, real friends and no secrets, like zero. So it doesn’t change anything at all.

GC: Kenny, your reasoning behind going in and wanting to keep that

a secret – did you want to let Canada, and specifically our readership, know why you used that as a tactic and whether or not you think that was successful?

KB: Well, I went in there originally because I felt that, going in there and telling everyone I was gay right off the bat, would have shut down certain avenues that I could have pursued that could have furthered me in the game.

So by kind of leaving my sexuality a question mark, but them assuming that I was straight, because I never, ever straight up told them I was or wasn’t gay or straight, I just told them stories about my life and my background and they just assumed that I was. So that kind of let me flirt with the girls and kind of bring me forward in the game. But in that specific group of people, I feel like honestly it didn’t really hold much bearing at all. Like, I know Sabrina and I know Rachelle kind of had a thing for me, and it carried me forth a little bit because they did things I wanted them to do. But honestly, it came down to who you were paired with in the house, and I felt like that group of people that I was paired with, it didn’t really hold that much bearing. So I feel like it was a good strategy but just not the right group of people.

GC: Some people that are fans of the show watched last year and [with] Gary, they thought that being gay, and being kind of flamboyant and upfront with it, played to his advantage. Do you think that it might have helped even?

KB: Well, yes and no. I mean, it depends on the actual person and their personality. I’ve had this question before asked of me, like women love gay guys, why didn’t you just go in there and as a gay person you could have won them over? But I felt like it depends on your life, and who you are as a person, if you have that kind of relationship with women and that’s how you are. And yes I do, but I felt like, I was myself. The whole time I was on the show, I was myself. I may have not divulged a hundred per cent who I was. But I was myself. And I still developed relationships and got decently far. Not as far as I wanted to, but decently far in the end.

KB: So they can only show a certain amount of a person. He did get the loud, abrasive...

AG: Douche-bag [edit]. But I’ll be the first one to call myself a douche-bag! (laughs) KB: Exactly, and that is who Andrew is. He’s a great guy and they just never showed everything and all of Andrew. And it is hard to do that with three hours you know? It’s the highlights, and it was edited.

GC: But that’s where the ‘After Dark’ and getting to watch it online comes into play, and helps, because you get to show more facets of your personality.

It’s the real you and you’re not being edited to fit into a certain timeframe.

That said, what is it like to have eyes on you basically 24/7, when you are in certain positions, or things that you might want to be private? How hard is that to get used to, and then how hard is it to get used to when it’s not happening anymore?

KB: (Laughing) I’ll let you go first on this one bud!

AG: Well, you know, I say this. People ask you if you ever get used to the

cameras, or do you forget about them. You never forget about them. They are right there in your face all the time. They are always following; they are moving, they are pointing at you. So you don’t forget that they are there, but no matter what, at some point, you’re going to start acting like you normally act. You are going to start making the jokes and your real personality is going to start to show. You can only really camouflage to a degree, and hide, and really polish who you are for a small amount of time… When you’re locked in a place for that amount of time, things are going to happen.

KB: I do disagree a little bit. Because I did forget about the cameras a lot of the time. After like a two week or three week period, I found I did forget about them a lot. Like he said, your personality will come through because you just get comfortable with this setting and this group of people, and who you are comes though. But I know that I told a few stories about my family and stuff, and mid-story I would be like Oh yeah, I’m on national TV; I shouldn’t be telling this story! I gave out my actual address on TV! And then after I said it I was like Oh...!

AG: They are going to go back to the live feeds now! (laughs) KB: See I’m doing it again right now!

GC: So if you want to stalk Kenny, now you know how to do it!

AG: A week further than me!

KB: So it could have helped me but as who I am, I did exactly what I set

out to do and I feel that it benefitted me.

GC: Andrew, do you still have any felling of bitterness for the way you were eliminated, the fact that it was an audience vote?

AG: You know, there is bitterness in the house. Everyone in that position is going to feel [like] the entirety of your nation is coming down on you, and how have I been portrayed? How are people viewing me? Is that me? I know that it’s not, and I think a lot of the people that have seen me since have recognized that. I know that a lot of the people that I have met in person have come to that realization. But I don’t hold any bitterness, because the game is over; I’m back in my real life. I’ve got real worries, you know, things that I actually have to be concerned about. So no, I don’t. I had a great experience offered to me and I took it. I played myself the entire time. What you saw was 100 per cent Andrew – it just wasn’t 100 per cent of all of Andrew.

Maybe you don’t want to stalk Kenny, but want to hear more of what he and Andrew have to say. Watch the full interview at the link below to hear Kenny discussing his successful career as a model, the possibility of him pursuing acting and being approached to become a beard grooming product spokesman, his coming out process in his real life versus coming out on the show, the possibility of the two of them appearing on reality television again in the future, the state of Andrew’s current relationship with Allison, and which fellow Big Brother Canada contestant you might be shocked to learn the two have formed a close friendship with now that they are all out of the Big Brother house.

KB: Yeah, that is the thing. It’s like, they portray a layer of who you are. I mean, there are 24 hours a day and it’s recorded 24 hours a day, but there’s only three hours that are-

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AG: Forty-five minutes [an episode], an hour including commercials,

three times a week.

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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Timeless Tori Amos Songstress talks gay fan affinity, the Disney song she inspired and still rocking at 50

 Photos by Mercury Classics

By Chris Azzopardi “Lighting, sweetie, lighting!” is Tori Amos’ theatrical retort to my compliment about how she’s still looking as radiant as she did at the launch of her career just over three decades ago.

Amos is now 50, and with her 14th album, Unrepentant Geraldines, she’s facing age head-on. Candor isn’t unusual for the composer; from rape to religion and even her MILF status, she’s approached a bevy of topics too controversial for most artists.

That same directness extended to our recent conversation, during which Amos chatted about the LGBT influence on “Promise,” a duet with her daughter; being the muse for the big Frozen ballad, “Let It Go”; and the gay fans who share their “traumatic experiences” with her.

GC: How did your last several projects – Midwinter Graces, Night of Hunters and Gold Dust – reenergize the contemporary songwriting heard on Unrepentant Geraldines?

TA: All of them fit into giving me fresh perspective. Starting with Midwinter Graces, I was thrown into the deep end, studying carols from the last few hundred years and just immersing myself in a different genre. It’s almost as if it became a baton hand-off, from Midwinter Graces to Night of Hunters and Gold Dust, back and forth with The Light Princess (a musical written by Amos), which was floating between all these projects, because she’s been in development for five years. All of them were giving inspiration to the other. Each one was giving some kind of spark.

GC: The spark linking all of those works is very evident.

TA: They’re very interconnected, and The Light Princess cast recording – I’m producing that for Mercury Universal. That will 40

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be out globally in early 2015, and we’re making the record on the tour, so this album (Unrepentant Geraldines) will be affecting that.

They all gift each other something. I don’t always know what it is when it’s happening; you just get energy from one that propels another.

(For Unrepentant Geraldines) there was a freshness, a new perspective, that I was able to bring to contemporary writing because of all these other projects that had shown me different possibilities in structure and different possibilities in line. In that way, I feel like I’ve been rejuvenated by these other projects. When these songs were coming, they were coming not for me to make a record; they were just coming so that I could process what I was going through. And I didn’t share them with anybody. They were for my own private notebook.

GC: What do you think people expect from you at this point in your career? Do you keep tabs on that?

TA: No, because you can’t keep tabs on that. You have to stay true to the muses, and you have to push yourself. I think to be a visionary means you have to keep pushing yourself, and you don’t even know sometimes in which direction you’re pushing. How can you and I know? You don’t know what book you’re gonna write in two years’ time. You don’t know what you’re gonna write, but you trust that you’re committed to making exciting art, and that is your priority. Your priority cannot be success. Your priority has to be greatness.

GC: Which direction are you currently pushing in?

TA: Along with the 80-city tour and the new album, what we’re doing is recording the cast recording for The Light Princess while

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we’re touring. I wanna do something on the level of Jesus Christ Superstar, when it came out in the ’70s.

When I hear how they do cast albums, I say, “Yeah, no. We’re making records. We’re making rock fucking records! That’s what we’re doing!” And everybody’s just, “Well, there’s no budget for it anymore.” But you know, who cares.

My husband is on my team, so that’s just what it is – we’re gonna work during this tour. While we’re doing these shows, we’ll be working on the other record because that is the way that it has to be done. That’s just the way the music business is now. There’s no luxury to take a few months out and make that type of record unless you’re doing another project. So, we did the orchestra Easter weekend in London for 19 hours, and then we’re gonna be picking up the recordings of the actors as we travel, then editing them and mixing it in September and October.

GC: There’s so much baton-twirling going on right now in your life.

TA: But that’s the thing that you and I are talking about: Being an artist is a discipline and a devotion. You’re devoted to it, and you serve the muses.

GC: And sometimes the muses serve other people. According to Gregory E. Miller, who interviewed Kristen Anderson-Lopez for the New York Post, you were the inspiration behind the Frozen megahit she co-wrote with her husband, “Let It Go.” They had you in mind when they wrote it.

TA: Oh, really? That’s so great. How wonderful is that type of exchange? You don’t even realize that that’s happening, and I think that’s when art is really working – when the muses are working. I get inspired by something that I’m hearing or seeing, and then it’s that baton passing like you and I talked about. We’re tapping into this force that’s creation – the muse creative force – and it gets passed around, so the well never gets dry. You see, the well keeps getting filled up because people keep giving back to it and energizing each other. It’s really great to be a part of that type of process. Thanks for telling me that. That’s a great feeling.

GC: I’d like to talk about how you’re 50 but look 35. How much pressure do you put on your looks?

TA: Well, first, thank you for saying that. I have had really great people around me. Kevyn Aucoin – he was part of the gay community (Aucoin died in 2002) – was talking to me years ago about skincare. This was well over 15 years ago, and so I am very disciplined. Also, my husband has kidnapped me on and off for the last 15, 16 years, so I don’t get to see the sun much. And it rains all the time in England! I’m very disciplined, if I’m honest with you. I really watch what I eat too – except I did have two pieces of pizza today! I feel like, “Oh my god, it was my cheat day.”

GC: You’re allowed maybe one cheat day a week.

TA: But that’s all we get. Those French women, man…

GC: They eat?

TA: Yeah, but only meals. They don’t graze. They just have their meals.

GC: To many people in the gay community, you’ve been a source of strength – a lifeline, even. What parallels do you draw between you and the gay community? How do you explain this affinity?

TA: Well, I write a lot about emotions and things that I might not say or be able to say to somebody directly. In a song, though, I’m able to talk about things that I’m not able to talk about in linear terms, just because they’re too personal. I do think a lot of my friends in the gay community keep some of their feelings very private and they protect them, so therefore music and art is a way to express those feelings.

I’ve always been fascinated by the stories that I’m told. I am told a lot of stories and written a lot of letters from the gay community, from females as well as males. It shocks me sometimes some of the traumatic experiences (I hear about) – the abusive situations that some of the gay guys have told me that they’ve been through, being taken advantage of and getting involved in over their head, if you see what I’m saying. Not realizing what they’re getting involved in, thinking that they’re being appreciated for who they are and in reality they’re kind of being groomed for god knows what situation. I’ve heard quite a bit of these stories from young

men. Then they’re quite shattered and have to go through the shame of what they’ve been through. They have to find their spirituality and their sexuality and a balance in that, they have to find how to integrate those two and how to forgive the self. How to forgive the self for getting involved in a situation that they didn’t realize would be perverse – perverse to their soul. Some people don’t realize that they’re getting involved in situations whereby they’re not loved at all; they’re just desired and manipulated. I get a lot of letters about young men coming to a big city and having to realize how to protect themselves, how to protect their soul, how to look after themselves.

There’s a line on one of the new songs, “Promise,” that you share with your daughter Tash: “Promise not to judge / Judge who you love.” Was that written with the gay community in mind?

Yeah, she and I talked a lot about that. We talked a lot about her friends who are gay and having issues being accepted within their family structure. We were talking about the difference between what somebody has to go through when they’re not supported by their family, and why does this have to happen? If a parent really has unconditional love, that has to mean unconditional love. It was something thereby we were realizing with each other – and she was teaching me! You know, as she does so much. Because it’s about sharing. It’s not about, “I’m the parent so I know.” No – I’m the parent and I can learn as well. So we were saying how there aren’t a lot of relationships that are unconditional, where you say “I love you, not because of this or that.” We were talking about that with friends, peers groups, teenagers – it can be quite something. So, we did talk about the idea of being gay. Tash and I have been talking about that for years because we have gay and lesbian people in our crew.

GC: When we chatted a few years back you told me Tash said to you, “Mom, I’m not a lesbian. Black guys are hot.”

TA: Yeah, she thinks black guys are hot. That’s what she said: “Black guys are hot.” All the gay men (on our crew) were saying, “Right on, Tash.” But I think “Promise” is really about, Can we listen to each other even though we think we know the answer for ourselves? When do we realize what’s right for me is not right for anybody else but me? And when do I not need to think that I know what’s right for you? My god, the arrogance in that! So we were beginning to really turn over stones based on what kind of promises we wanted to make to each other.

GC: Musically speaking, you’re known for eliciting some pretty intense emotions. What’s a song of yours that still makes you cry?

TA: The truth is, it depends on the mood. And sometimes it depends on if somebody’s asked me to play something and they’ve told me their story – then I hear it in a completely different way.

I see it from their perspective, and I hear the song for the first time even though I’ve played it hundreds of times, and that’s the exchange.

GC: At this point in your career, are you able to reflect on what you’d call your best work?

TA: No, I can’t. I’m too close to it. I have no objectivity. Run into me in 20 years when I’m doing my granny rock…

GC: Granny rock – how exciting!

TA: Yeah, and in heels! That’s what Tash says: “Come on, you’re only 50 – go rock! When you’re a granny, you gotta do granny rock, but you’re not a granny, so no.” But we made a deal: not too much flesh on this tour and no interpretive dance. That’s the promise. (Laughs) GC: So, get back to you in 20 years and you’ll tell me what you think is your seminal work?

TA: Maybe.

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41

Interview

Toe Tag Riot

Comic book series gives Westboro a taste if its own medicine

By Krista Sylvester Now this is a comic book I can get behind. It has punk rock, zombies, villains and lesbians – oh, and did I mention the authors behind Toe Tag Riot managed to piss off the jerks behind the extremely homophobic Westboro Baptist Church?

Triple awesome.

We asked co-author Matt Miner and his crew all about it. For those interested in checking out the glorious mash of tongue-in-cheek blood and guts, Toe Tag Riot hits comic book stores in November. The work will then be collected into a paperback and available in regular bookstores and on Amazon after the four-issue series concludes.

GC: Tell us about Toe Tag Riot in all its gory detail.

Matt Miner: Toe Tag Riot is a tongue-in-cheek story of this punk rock band that is cursed to become zombies every time they perform their music. Being the ethical sometimes42

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zombies that they are, they decide to use their powers for good: by eating the terrible people of the world, like racists, misogynists, homophobes and the like. Since the transformation back to regular people is taking longer and longer after each show, the band goes on a cross country tour, chasing the cure and heading for a showdown with the Westboro Baptist Church.

GC: Where did the idea come from?

MM: I came up in the punk scene and always wanted to do a book about punk zombies. After meeting the artist on the book, Sean Von Gorman, and seeing the masterful way he draws physical comedy, we kind of brainstormed this idea together. I don’t eat meat in real life, so I started wondering what I’d eat if I were a zombie. I don’t think they can live on a diet of grains and vegetables, so what’s the next-best ethical choice? Well I guess it would be to make the world a better place by eating all the awful people.

GC: I understand there is a twist; can you tell us how the Westboro church got involved?

MM: Those clowns are quick to jump on anything they perceive will give their ridiculous cause some publicity.

They saw that their horrible signs showed in one single image on our Kickstarter page, so they jumped to champion the project as spreading God’s law or something.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to deduce that a book featuring the comedic slaughter of homophobes might side on the ‘being gay is totally alright’ side of things, but I guess WBC didn’t catch that. They did get pissed, however, when they found out that the two women in Toe Tag Riot are a lesbian couple, calling Sean and I “Insincere Pervs” and, recently, planning to picket Fall Out Boy, since Andy Hurley, the drummer and a friend of mine, decided to join the book as a character.

GC: I think we can all agree they deserved this, but why did you pull the wool over their eyes so to speak?

MM: We never lied to them or misled them, really.

Only a fool would truly think that this book was actually championing their message and not mocking it, but nobody ever accused WBC of being very smart, you know? We thought they might make asses of themselves when we launched the Kickstarter funding page, and we were right.

It was fun to watch unfold.

GC: What has their reaction been, and is it what you expected?

MM: Well, like I mentioned, their reaction started off along the lines of this is awesome, our hateful signs are showing to oh, this comic book is LGBT-positive? We totally HATE that! to We’ll get even with them by protesting Fall Out Boy concerts! Totally expected. They’re real-life cartoon villains, but not the smart kind.

GC: How big of a role did Kickstarter play?

MM: Huge. Because comics and graphic novels are so expensive to make (art costs alone on each issue are around $4000), we couldn’t have done this without Kickstarter’s crowdfunding.

GC: What’s up next?

MM: I’ve got a few comic series going now and a couple coming up that I can’t talk about yet. If you find me on Twitter at @MattMinerXVX that is the easiest way to stay in the loop about what I’m up to and what real-life bad guys I’m agitating with comics.

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Preview

Undress Me

Fringe Show on the Life of Bi Julian – Narcissist, Sex Addict, and Alcoholic

By Janine Eva Trotta Endurance is the foremost skill that actor and script-writer Kevin Gabel is gleaning from the role he created for himself in the one-man show Undress Me. Undress Me centers on Julian, a young bisexual man dealing with a recent break-up with his boyfriend, body image, and contemporary hook-up culture. Gabel originally conceived the script as a short film he intended to direct, but over time realized the piece would be better realized as a one-man stage show. “…and by that time I really wanted to play this character so I decided I’d write it for myself,” Gabel says. “…so I had a lot of time to think about his worldview, his desires, and his experiences. But, although I have all that inside information, it’s still a challenge to assemble everything into one person and make it interesting and dynamic to watch.”

Once the artist created a workable draft, he and his director/ dramaturge Ivan Henwood worked on shaping the show into what it is today and began rehearsals. Jonathan Kindzierski – a former Mr. Gay Winnipeg – stage manages the piece.

“I’ve never performed in a one-man show before, so it’s like going from running a relay to doing the whole marathon by yourself,” he allegorizes. “This isn’t a simple show to do emotionally, either; it’s going to be a roller coaster every night.”

This is also the first show the actor has done which involves nudity. “…and because of that, I’m learning a lot about my body, becoming more comfortable with it and learning more control over it, particularly for one rather provocative scene near the end of the play,” he says.

Gabel began acting in high school and taking extra roles in movies, but only in the last five or six years has he really taken his career as thespian seriously. His first major role was in a play called I Dream of Jimmy, in which he played a gay teenager struggling to come out to his parents.

Since then he has performed in five shows at the Winnipeg Fringe in various genres, including the romantic comedy People Like You, the zombie comedy Brain Cravers, and the family drama Room at Both Ends.

However, in none of these shows was he alone on the stage. In Undress Me Gabel intends to discover how much an audience shapes a show.

“It’s just going to be me and them out there, and everything they do is going to affect me and make the show new and different every night,” he says. “I can’t wait!”

Gabel hopes the show grants viewers the opportunity to reflect back on their past relationships: the people whom they’ve been taking for granted, and the work that must be done for the future, as difficult as that may be to determine.

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“I can relate a lot to Julian in that we are both dealing with similar issues in a general sense (love, sex, ambition, body image), but he has certainly had a much rougher time of it than I have!” Gabel says. “…I hope that audiences are entertained; that they go on a journey with Julian and he captures their interest and imagination all the way to the end.”

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Interview kids who live a life where that is weird for their families, or what have you. It’s a really great thing to hear.”

“One of the cool things is that we’re an independent operation,” Cecil adds.

“We can kind of make the rules up as we go. And for me, I can’t speak for Jeffrey or for Joseph, but it’s a matter of kind of reflecting the world that you want to live in. I think America and the world is ready for a time when two adult men can be in a relationship where it is natural and easy and something that is an everyday part of life, rather than tokenism.”

What better way to express that than through the medium that is Cecil Baldwin’s voice. If it was a food it would be chocolate filled cake baked in a campfire under the stars. It is the voice you want to hear inside of your head when you’re looking for direction in life, and inspires massive amounts of trust and loyalty. If people didn’t relate to Cecil Palmer the podcast would never go anywhere.

The line between Baldwin and Palmer is thin; when I discussed the life Cecil brings to his character he harkened back to his and Jeffrey’s theatre company The New York Neo Futurists.

Welcome to Night Vale

All you need is love to destroy your enemies

By Mars Tonic About a month ago my friend sent me a single text message: “Night Vale is coming to Edmonton”. I lost it. I camped out in front of the computer a few mornings later, obsessively hitting the ‘refresh’ button, until the tickets came on sale. Maybe you don’t know why I acted that way... but maybe you do.

Welcome to Night Vale (WTNV) finally came onto my radar a year ago, as it did for many others – it skyrocketed in popularity in the summer of 2013. This is not a TV show, a book, or a game: it is a podcast. A very humble medium, to be sure, yet even for people such as myself, who had never listened to a single podcast in their life, it is unquestionably a work of art, a triumph of originality, and overflowing with deliciously mastered turns of phrase.

Night Vale is a small town which, though we have never been there, we can see in our mind’s eye – a strange and uncertain community, swamped with harsh desert heat, and the location of some of the oddest scientific phenomena ever experienced. Not that anyone in Night Vale notices, or even really cares, unless it wreaks havoc on their morning commute or makes grocery shopping somewhat difficult. When things go awry, citizens can always look to the secret police for – well, for a complete lack of answers, but that’s where Cecil Palmer (voiced by stage actor, writer and director Cecil Baldwin) comes in. As a host of Night Vale’s community radio station, he is there to deliver news, opinions, observations and, of course, the weather.

Welcome to Night Vale will treat the strangest of occurrences with horror, wariness, uncaring – but never surprise. In a world where such oddities are natural, it makes complete sense that the things that we may find notable are nothing more than details to its citizens. I’m speaking about Cecil’s unwavering adoration of perfect visiting scientist Carlos, which peppers the podcast in bursts from the first episode on. It is never strange or weird or even noteworthy that Cecil is first smitten, then truly in love, with another man. It is not the threat of a gay relationship, but simply Carlos’s obsession with science that really gets in the way of their romance. Don’t worry though; they are working it out.

The relationship between Cecil and Carlos is considered the most normal element in the podcast. When I spoke to Jeffrey Cranor, one of WTNV’s two writers (the other being Joseph Fink), and Cecil Baldwin, who voices the unforgettable Cecil Palmer as the show’s narrator, they were very open and engaging on the subject.

“We get that feedback a lot,” Jeffrey says, “especially from young kids, which is really exciting to hear, too. It’s nice that the least weird thing in all of Night Vale is Cecil and Carlos’s relationship. You know what I mean? It’s just not an issue in the town or in the show in any way. I think there are a lot of

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“One of the main tenants is that you’re always yourself onstage,” Cecil says. “You don’t pretend to play a character that you’re not. So I think both Jeffrey and I kind of came from this background of I’m always me, this is my story, this is my voice; I’m not going to hoodwink the audience into thinking that I’m someone who I’m not. Using yourself for a blueprint to a character is always the best starting point, because it keeps you honest and natural and truthful. I understood right out of the gate the idea of the late night radio host. I also understood the sort of creepy, disembodied voice whispering into your ear late at night. But then as the character has grown and developed, it has given me a lot more room to flesh out who this character is as a person to where someone he meets on the street, i.e. Carlos. He gets so excited about that he has to talk about him on his radio show. And it’s just opened this world up to a whole different level of possibilities and performance.”

The voice of Carlos was once in the realm of Jeffrey who, after some contemplation, readily threw the responsibility from his shoulders.

“I wasn’t crazy about acting a part for a show that I was writing,” he describes. “I’m just not an actor. We knew Dylan [Marron], and it was one of the easiest choices I have ever had to make in my life, which was, I would like to leave this part and have Dylan play it! because he is an amazing human being.”

Beyond putting a good actor in a good role, it also had to do with the fan base, and WTNV’s presence on and offline. Despite being a podcast, they didn’t want to misrepresent their characters or roles for anyone who might see them at live shows, or even look them up online. It would also do good for the theatre community.

“It didn’t make sense to put a middle-aged straight white dude in that role,” Jeffrey states.

WTNV has been downloaded worldwide, from America to Australia. Their live shows, put on in places like New York (where the show is recorded) and Los Angeles, have sold out in seconds. Why, then, did they come to Calgary and Edmonton? It just happened to work out well with their touring schedule, and Jeffrey finds smaller cities to be a lot of fun.

“I don’t think any of us, in our group, have ever been to Alberta before,” Jeffrey muses.

“With the exception of a very brief stopover in Niagara Falls, I’ve actually never been to Canada,” Cecil chimes in. “I’m very excited to go to all these really cool, interesting, fun, new places on this tour.”

Oh, no – they think we’re interesting and fun.

“Everywhere is interesting and fun! It all depends on who you’re with!”

Cecil laughs.

Any plans for their stop here?

“With the Stampede happening there it will probably be pretty crazy,” Jeffrey says. “I met a couple from Calgary the other night, actually, and told them that we were going to be there the exact same time the Stampede was starting. So I will probably bring my boots now, and Cecil and Dylan and Joseph and Meg [Bashwiner] and I will go out two-stepping.”

We can only hope and pray for pictures.

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Vivica A. Fox Still kicking ass

 Photos from Vivicafox.com

By Jason Clevett

Vivica A. Fox has had a long and successful career.

From early appearances on shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel Aire and Who’s The Boss to films such as Independence Day and Kill Bill she has been a fixture in TV and movies for more than two decades. She is keeping busy with multiple projects lined up, including the upcoming series Celebrity Apprentice.

“It is a lot of work; I have never worked so hard!” Fox told GayCalgary at the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo in April. She had just wrapped filming of the series, which has yet to have a debut announced by NBC. “I worked six days a week, very challenging, and I took myself out of my comfort zone. I am glad I did it and I went pretty far. I cannot say too much - Mr. Trump will kill me!”

The cast includes athletes Shawn Johnson, Johnny Damon, Jamie Anderson and Terrell Owens; reality TV’s Kate Gosselin, Brandi Glanville, Kenya Moore and Sig Hansen; comic Gilbert Gottfried; pop star Kevin Jonas; journalist Geraldo Rivera; TV host Leeza Gibbons; and actors Keshia Knight Pulliam, Lorenzo Lamas and Ian Ziering. Fox played coy when asked about drama amongst the cast.

“There is drama but I can’t tell you names = you have to watch it to find out. There is definitely one person who rubs me the wrong way and I let her have it!”

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Fox also starts alongside Terminator 3’s Kristanna Loken in Mercenaries, which will be released on video in August. In the same vein as the Expendables films, a diplomatic official is captured and imprisoned while touring a war zone, so a team of elite female commandos is assembled to infiltrate a women’s prison for a daring rescue. She will also be working alongside Ian Ziering again for Sharknado 2: The Second One which airs on Space July 30th.

“When I heard about the phenom that the first one was, they called me and said you are the first and only choice to play Skye. I asked what am I going to be doing and they told me I would be Ian’s love interest. I hadn’t gotten to work with Ian since 90210 and we also did Celebrity Apprentice together. I love him. Tara Reid was great as well. I didn’t have a lot of scenes with her; most of my scenes were with Ian and the sharks.”

Will her character survive the onslaught of the Sharknado?

We will find out later this month. Fox concluded with some advice on how to deal with sharks, both in and out of tornadoes.

“Don’t get too close - they have a lot of teeth. They are pretty vicious animals and definitely a predator.”

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Interview

Echa Pa’lante!

Yara Sofia talks about Gay Pride, bitches and seeing RuPaul naked!

By Farley Foo Foo Since appearing on both the third seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race and the first edition of RuPaul’s Drag Race – All Stars, Yara Sofia has proven herself to be one of the most memorable characters on a show full of over-the-top personalities.

Aside from her gregarious and endearing personality, Yara’s performance abilities, dramatic make-up and costuming, and undoubtedly the most emotional exit in the show’s entire run, has ensured that the Drag Race fan base has kept their collective eye on this huge talent in a small package.

Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Yara has moved stateside to Los Angeles to pursue her drag career, which has also meant a lot of travel for one of the most sought after Queens in the business. Travelling to Edmonton to headline a Gay Pride party at Evolution Wonderlounge, Yara was gracious enough to speak to GayCalgary about her appearances on Drag Race, and her hectic post-show life.

GC: We are here at Evolution Wonderlounge in Edmonton for Gay Pride.

What does Gay Pride mean to you?

YS: Gay Pride means a lot of work. Sometimes I don’t see my beard for the whole summer! Because it starts in June and finishes in August, and it’s a lot of fun, but for us drag queens and performers, I love to work, but it is so much! But I think it is a big celebration. We gay people, it’s our celebration! …

Owww! (laughs) So I love being here. I’ve had a blast here so far.

GC: What do you think of Edmonton as a city? Is this your first time here?

YS: This is my first time. Last night I got SO drunk! So I’ve had a blast! (laughs)

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GC: Well we are very good at drinking here in Alberta.

YS: Yeah I see that!

GC: Have you been able to travel a lot since your appearance on the show,

and where have you visited?

YS: Oh yeah! I travel like every week I think. Sometimes I don’t see my husband. That part kinda sucks. But I’m having a blast. I’m going everywhere.

I went to Australia, I’m going to Brazil, and New Zealand I think next year.

It is gonna be so much fun. And I love Canada! And I love this city because everybody is so nice! I haven’t seen a bitch, and that is [rare] to see! (laughs) GC: There are a few here, but we’re hiding them.

YS: In L.A. there’s a lot of bitches! But everybody here is so nice and I love it here.

GC: Have you been able to go home [to Puerto Rico] and see your friends and family since being on the show?

YS: Yes. I went last Christmas. And my mom is coming to Vegas. But I have to hold that bitch because that bitch loves to gamble! And then my dad gets mad and shit, and I get [dragged into the middle of all] the fighting and shit! (laughs) But she gonna come [to] Vegas and we’re gonna have a blast.

GC: What else have you been up to since your appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race, other than appearing in Prides?

YS: I did a cellphone application; it’s called Dragopolis. They’re gonna have a new game including some other queens, but right now we have Pandora, Manila, and myself.

GC: Well those are three of the best!

YS: I like to play with myself!

GC: We can all get a chance to play with Yara Sofia.

YS: Yeah you can play as me, with me, whatever you want. Dragopolis; download it [for] free, and you can play with this fucking whore for 99 cents!

Go to the Apple store or Google Play.

GC: That sounds like a bargain to me!

YS: Right? It’s good. Angry Birds is so over, it’s so over rated. Dragopolis is the shit, and we’re not angry at all.

GC: Going back to RuPaul’s Drag Race, are you happy with how you appeared on the show and how the audience received you?

YS: When we shot the show until it [was] aired, it was so many months. So sometimes you forget things. And sometimes you watch and it’s a completely

www.gaycalgary.com

new show for you, even though you recorded it. You see it and it’s like, so different. Because… you don’t remember things, and you know the editing is magical! And my language barrier was another thing. I’m practicing my English, so sometimes it was like Oh my God I should speak more English! I should have pretended... But next year, if they do All Stars right?

GC: Well they need to have you back for another one!

YS: I hope. I mean, people ask me and I say they’re not going to call me.

Because I already did All Stars season one. But if they call me even to do the fucking picture and shit in face, but fucking underwear, I’d do it.

GC: I think they should just keep having you back every season.

YS: Right? Shangela did! (laughs) GC: Is there anything that happened during your season that we didn’t get a chance to see when watching the episodes?

YS: Well I saw RuPaul naked! She has a HUGE talent! I’m just joking, she’s gonna kill me! (laughs) Shooting is so, it is kind of stressful. Because it’s a lot of hours. And you cannot talk to each other when there are no cameras.

So it’s kind of like... and I talk a lot! In any language. In sign language, in English, in Spanish. So I cannot hold myself; I’m hyperactive. So, you see a lot of things, but at the same time it is kind of stressful. Because it’s a lot of hours, and being in drag, and then doing boy interviews, and it’s every day for one month and a half.

GC: I think you came across great. I think your personality really came across on the show, and your talent. You have certainly got a big fan base following you now. Are there any special messages you want to give to your fans?

YS: Keep shining and what people [say] about you is none of your fucking damn business! And echa pa’lante! Keep moving forward; believe in yourself before you believe in somebody else!

To watch our entire interview with Yara Sofia visit the link below and find out the one thing in Edmonton Yara Sofia was most excited to see for herself.

Hint: she is a bit of a size queen!

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4171 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

47

Review So when Katz suggests 100 assorted sex positions to try to maximize your pleasure – using everything from touch and taste to teasing and toys – you’ll probably want to dabble in at least half of them.

“It’s pretty self-explanatory at first glance – lesbian sex positions, right?,” she says. “But I also want to make sure that people know it is so much more than just an array of full colour photos showcasing lesbian sex positions. I talk about anatomy, communications skills, sex toys and lube, butt sex, kink and much more, because all of those things can play into having a spicy, fulfilling sexual connection.”

Katz believes that without the information that goes with the sizzling images you would be missing some important pieces of the puzzle. “[The book] is designed to be a guide to get your juices – creative and otherwise – flowing, and to help you and your partner(s) have the fantastic sex life that you really want.”

While many of the sex positions are fairly basic, many others are really “off the wall.”

“Many were a result of sex position twister or long nights of what if I put my leg here and my arm here and OHMYGOSH. Others were suggested by friends who were doing their own research,” Katz says, adding that every person will end up with different ‘must-trys’ from the book.

“Everyone’s sexual wants and needs are going to be different. Every person who reads the book will end up with different wants based on what they might desire or need in that particular moment, relationship or stage of their life.”

Katz says besides the awesomely graphic book, she has three rules for good sex.

First: communication is key. If you can’t communicate with the person you are having sex with, why the heck are you having sex with them? Second: you have got to laugh. Sex is awkward; between body parts and noises and fluids and projectile dildos and falling off the bed and cats jumping off the bed – the more you laugh, the more your endorphins increase, and the better your orgasms will be.

Lesbian Sex Positions More than just lesbian sex

By Krista Sylvester It’s like the bible of sex for lesbians - with pictures! But this new book of positions for women who love women reads far more than just getting it on in different ways.

“Lesbian Sex Positions” author Shanna Katz takes lovemaking to the next level with 100 passionate positions ranging from the intimate and sensual to wild, naughty and downright dirty.

Each position, from the steamy Blinded by Delight to the aerobic Spider Woman, offers a new path to red-hot desire and shared intimacy, says the author, a queer femme certified sexologist among other things.

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

Lastly: lube is love.

“Women who have sex with women tend to think that they never need lube or, if they do, it means something is wrong. Lube can make meh sex good, and good sex great, so lube up,” Katz commands.

The author admits 100 positions is A LOT of sex, and some of them were invented solely for the purpose of trying to come up with something new.

“It’s important to put effort into your relationships and/or sex lives, and I’m not just talking about physical exertion. Trying new positions, talking about what you like, what angles feel best, what activities are the most sexually fulfilling, is going to make your sex life better, keep things fresh, and ensure that everyone is getting their needs met.

Otherwise people get into a rut, do the same things over and over again, make assumptions about what their partner(s) like (s), and in the end, everything goes stale.”

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4172 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

49

Photography Third Street Theatre, Stars of the Stage and Screen, Calgary

ISCWR Country Hoedown at Evolution, Edmonton

photos by Tet Theresa M

photos by J&B

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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Photography Pride Fruitloop, Edmonton

Pride Awards and Art Show, Edmonton

photos by Farley FooFoo

http://gaycalgary.com/pa748

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

51

Photography Under the Big Top, with DJ Del Stamp at Evolution, Edmonton

Mr. Gay Canada - Edmonton Pageant at Evolution, Edmonton

http://gaycalgary.com/pa737

http://gaycalgary.com/pa752

Pride on Whyte Ave, Edmonton http://gaycalgary.com/pa749

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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Photography Kenny Brain Train at Evolution, Edmonton

Pride 2014 Yara Sofia at Evolution, Edmonton

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http://gaycalgary.com/pa755

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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Photography ISCWR - Gay Edmonton Pageant Pt 1 at Evolution, Edmonton

ISCWR - Gay Edmonton Pageant Pt 2 & Womonspace Dance

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http://gaycalgary.com/pa754

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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Photography Canadian Bear Weekend, Edmonton http://gaycalgary.com/pa738

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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Photography Pure Pride at Starlight, Edmonton http://gaycalgary.com/pa744

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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Photography Pink with Pride at Buddy’s, Edmonton

Farrah Moan & the Cowgirl Cabaret at Cowboys, Calgary

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ARGRA Last Stand Party at the Backlot, Calgary http://gaycalgary.com/pa776

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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News Releases Angelina Jolie Inspiration To Drag Queens http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1394

MOVIE REVIEW: Mariachi Gringo

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1395

NSFW - Andy Warhol @ Christie’s - ‘Andy’s Eye Candy’ global online auction live now! http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1396

Facebook Introduces Gay Pride Icons

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1397

NSFW- Steam Room Stories: Did you know hot guys are the most insecure? http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1398

NSFW - NEW Andrew Christian Video GAY & LUCKY http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1399

Get ready to Paint the Town Red! Fundraiser for the Pride Centre of Edmonton http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1400

HIV Community Link’s In the Know Fundraiser Raises over $34,000! http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1401

Shocking Video Of Reactions To Gay PDAs http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1402

NSFW - Galactic Cap seeks to reinvent the condom for better sensation and protection http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1403

GaysWithKids.com, A New Website That Helps Gay Men Navigate Fatherhood http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1404

Nordstrom to hire 400 local employees for new Chinook Centre store beginning June 6 http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1405

Upgrade Your Pop’s Style with Philips this Father’s Day http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1406

Oy Vey! My Son is Gay! Starring Lainie Kazan, Saul Rubinek and Vincent Pastore Coming to DVD http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1407

GAYSURFWEEK 2014: New Queer Winter Getaway http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1408

Activist’s Book Tells Why It’s Time to Get Angry Again About AIDS http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1409

Which LGBT Tourists Most Want to Travel to Pride Events? (The answer might surprise you.) http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1410

New Website GayFamilyTrips. com Provides Comprehensive Travel Resource for LGBT Parents http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1411

SEX TIPS: How To Keep The Love Light Glowing http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1412

MOVIE REVIEW: Truth http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1413

FILM: The Go Doc Project http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1414

COLUMN: How to Score a Second Date http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1415

American Apparel unveils new LGBT Pride tees in partnership with GLAAD http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1416

World’s Largest Rainbow Flag Illuminates Tel Aviv During Annual Gay Pride Week http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1417

Repeated Sexual Assault Victims Report More Psychological Problems Than Previously Thought http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1418

WorldPride Welcomes Country Artists and Metis Story Tellers http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1419

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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News Releases WorldPride Welcomes Hercules & Love Affair, Dance Divas Crystal Waters, and Neon Hitch

In historic first, New Yorkarea Boy Scouts to lead iconic NYC Pride March http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1433

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1420

MOVIE REVIEW: Test

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1434

Visual Database for LGBT Rights

NSFW - NEW Andrew Christian Video WORLD UN-CUPPED

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1421

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1435

Steve Martin Dismisses Gay Father Of The Bride

Bonnie Raitt to kick off upcoming Olivia Travel Thanksgiving Caribbean Cruise

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1422

NSFW - New titles from the Bruno Gmünder Group for June 2014

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1436

Seeking Help From Religious Counselors Is Associated With Increased Risk For Suicide Among LGB

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1423

INNERSPACE Not Cloning Around With Exclusive Season Recap Special, ORPHAN BLACK: AFTER THE BLACK

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1437

Federal Judge Rules Indiana Marriage Ban Unconstitutional

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1424

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1438

Oscar Wilde Tours Launches Unique Offering: Gay History for Gay Travelers

Utah Marriage Ban Unconstitutional

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1425

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1439

Perpetual Detour – Little By Little

Survey Reveals 82 Percent of Grindr Users are Out

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1426

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1440

COLUMN: Beware The Man Of Mystery

Kyrgyz ‘anti-propaganda’ bill on verge of becoming law

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1427

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1441

NSFW - New titles from the Bruno Gmünder Group for July 2014

Seattle Advertising Campaign Invites LGBTQ Couples to Marry

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1428

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1442

Barefoot Wine & Bubbly to capture historic footprint of WorldPride in Toronto

MUSIC VIDEO: Daniel Newman – Rodeo

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1443

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1429

MOVIE REVIEW: Getting Go, the Go Doc Project

GLAAD works with Instagram to launch #PridePortraits

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1444

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1430

Shia La Beouf In AntiGay Slur Shame

The Bears are Back for Season 3! WHERE THE BEARS ARE premieres online AUGUST 11TH, 2014

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1447

Alex Minsky Gets Cash Stuffed Down His Pants

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1431

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1449

Egale Launches New Program in honour of National Aboriginal Day and World Pride

And more online!

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1432 www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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Steven StJean has been living in Calgary for the past 11 years, after moving here from Northern Ontario. He completed a degree in broadcasting at a local College, then went on to host karaoke all over the city under the name “Steviokie”. He found this to be a lot of fun, but after a while he found himself growing beyond it and looking for other avenues of work.

Now, Steven has been running a successful and fast-growing cleaning business for the past 3 years: “Get a Life Cleaners”. It started off as just him, but as he kept cleaning and getting bigger contracts, he began expanding and offering sub-contract jobs to others in the LGBT community. Today he is thrilled

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

to have 3 to 4 subcontractors who have grown with him and his business. It has offered him a new level of flexibility in his schedule, and chance to have fun and live a little.

Steven is currently 31 years old and says he has never been in a serious relationship before. While he says being a single gay man has its ups and downs, he prefers to focus on the positives. He is not sure what he is looking for, but he is really happy with his life right now and wouldn’t change anything.

http://gaycalgary.com/pa777

www.gaycalgary.com

Directory & Events DOWNTOWN CALGARY

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10 12

2

6

3

7

15

1 8

4 5

13

1 2 3 4

Calgary Outlink---------- Community Groups HIV Community Link---- Community Groups Backlot------------------------Bars and Clubs Texas Lounge-----------------Bars and Clubs

5 6 7 8

Goliath’s--------------------------Bathhouses Twisted Element--------------Bars and Clubs Broken City-------------------Bars and Clubs Cowboys Nightclub-----------Bars and Clubs

FIND OUT!

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

......... Wheelchair Accessible

Spot something inaccurate or outdated? Want your business or organization listed? We welcome you to contact us!

 403-543-6960  1-888-543-6960

 magazine@gaycalgary.com http://www.gaycalgary.com/CalgaryTravelRSS http://www.gaycalgary.com/EdmontonTravelRSS Local Bars, Restaurants, and Accommodations info on the go! http://www.gaycalgary.com/Directory Browse our complete directory of over 650 gay-frieindly listings!

CALGARY Bars & Clubs (Gay) 3 Backlot---------------------------------- ✰  403-265-5211  Open 7 days a week, 2pm-close

 209 - 10th Ave SW

4 Texas Lounge------------------------------ ✰

 308 - 17 Ave SW  403-229-0911  Open 7 days a week, 11am-close

www.gaycalgary.com

6 Twisted Element

 1006 - 11th Ave SW  403-802-0230

 http:.//www.twistedelement.ca

9 10 11 12

Dickens Pub------------------Bars and Clubs Flames Central---------------Bars and Clubs Local 522---------------------Bars and Clubs Ten Nightclub-----------------Bars and Clubs

13 The Pint-----------------------Bars and Clubs 15 The Blind Monk--------------Bars and Clubs

8 Cowboys Nightclub------------------------  421 12th Avenue SE  403-265-0699

 http://www.cowboysnightclub.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.

9 Dickens Pub

 1000 9th Ave SW  info@dickenspub.ca

 http://www.dickenspub.ca

7 Broken City

 613 11th Ave SW  info@brokencity.ca

 http://www.brokencity.ca

 403-262-9976

 403-233-7550

• Western Cup 31



http://www.westerncup.com

10 Flames Central----------------------------  219 8th Ave SW  403-935-2637

 http://www.flamescentral.com

• Badminton (Absolutely Smashing)

11 Local 522----------------------------------  522 6 Ave SW  403-244-6773

 http://www.localtavern.ca

• Boot Camp

12 Ten Nightclub

 1140 10th Ave SW

• Bowling (Rainbow Riders League)

15 The Blind Monk

 918 12th Ave SW  12thave@blindmonk.ca

 http://www.blindmonk.ca  Mon-Sun: 11am-2am

 403-265-6200

• Curling

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

• Golf

 golf@apollocalgary.com

14 Vinyl & Hyde (CLOSED)

 213 10 Ave SW

 http://www.vinylandhyde.com

 587-224-5200

• Lawn Bowling

 lawnbowling@apollocalgary.com

• Outdoor Pursuits

Bathhouses/Saunas 5 Goliaths------------------------------------ ✰

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

Community Groups Alberta Society for Kink

 403-398-9968  albetasocietyforkink@hotmail.com  http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/ group.albertasocietyforkink

Apollo Calgary - Friends in Sports

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

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

 403-384-9777

 http://www.apollocalgary.com  http://www.myapollo.com

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

 403-457-4464

13 The Pint

 1428 17th Ave SW  calgary@thepint.ca

 http://www.thepint.ca/calgary

Bars & Clubs (Mixed) These venues regularly host LGBT events.

N

 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

 slow.pitch@apollocalgary.com

• Squash

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

GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

63

Directory & Events Mosaic Youth Group--------------------  7-9pm

Calgary Events

 Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW)

Mondays

Thursdays

Buddy Night-------------------------  6pm-6am

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

At 5 Goliaths

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

 Bonasera (1204 Edmonton Tr. NE)

 Kerby Center, Sunshine Room 1133 7th Ave SW

Uniform Night-----------------------  6pm-6am

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

At 5 Goliaths

Tuesdays

At 1 Calgary Outlink

See 1 Calgary Outlink

Calgary Networking Club-------------- 5-7pm See 1 Calgary Outlink

 1st

Beers for Queers--------------------------  6pm By

YYC Badboys at 13 The Pint

Student Night------------------------  6pm-6am At 5 Goliaths

 3rd

Saturdays

Saturday, July 19th

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

Boy&GuRL Live!----------------------  8-11pm

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

Live Bands Night

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

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

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

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

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

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

 1st

See

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

See

Karaoke-----------------------------------  7pm

See

At 3 Backlot

Deer Park United Church Scarboro United Church

Sunday Services---------------------  10:45am Hillhurst United Church

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

Fridays

Knox United Church

At 3 Backlot

Tuesday, July 22nd At 4 Texas Lounge Friday, July 25th

DJ Redneck Homo------------------  9pm-2am At 4 Texas Lounge

Friday, August 1st

Fendi & Conrad Show---------------  10-11pm At 3 Backlot

Friday, August 8th

Boy&GuRL Live!----------------------  8-11pm At 3 Backlot

Saturday, August 9th

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

ISCCA BBQs--------------------------------Dinner

Karaoke-------------------------  8pm-12:30am

Illusions-------------------------------  7-10pm

Flashlight Night---------------------  6pm-6am

At 3 Backlot

At 5 Goliaths

Friday, August 15th

Fetish Slosh----------------------------  Evening

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

Friday, July 11th

Fendi & Conrad Show---------------  10-11pm

See 1 Calgary Outlink

 2nd, 4th

At 4 Texas Lounge At 3 Backlot

 2nd

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

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

By

ISCCA at 3 Backlot

 2nd

See 1 Calgary Outlink

 1st

See 1 Calgary Outlink

 2nd

New Directions-------------------------- 7-9pm See 1 Calgary Outlink

 3rd

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

Wednesdays

See 1 Calgary Outlink

Communion Service-----------------  12:10pm

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

See

Knox United Church

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

 4th

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

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

Rainbow Community Church

DJ Redneck Homo------------------  9pm-2am

At 3 Backlot

At 4 Texas Lounge

Friday, August 29th

Sunday, July 13th

Fendi & Conrad Show---------------  10-11pm

Itchy and Scratchy Live Band

At 3 Backlot

At 4 Texas Lounge

Saturday, August 30th

Friday, July 18th

Boy&GuRL Live!----------------------  8-11pm

Fendi & Conrad Show---------------  10-11pm At 3 Backlot

At 5 Goliaths

right and ability to make their own choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health.

 tennis@apollocalgary.com

 vb@apollocalgary.com

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

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

• Volleyball (Recreational)

• Peer Support and Crisis Line

• Volleyball (Beach)

 beachvb@apollocalgary.com

• Volleyball (Competitive)

 recvb@apollocalgary.com

• Yoga

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

Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association (ARGRA)

 www.argra.org

✰

Calgary Expo

 http://www.calgaryexpo.com

Calgary Gay Fathers

✰

 304, 301 14th Street NW  403-283-5580  http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca A pro-choice organization that believes all people have the

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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.

 http://www.miscyouth.com

2 HIV Community Link------------------- ✰

 110, 1603 10th Avenue SW  403-508-2500  1-877-440-2437  http://www.hivcl.org

• Fake Mustache • Mosaic Youth Group

Girlsgroove

• Telephone Support

 M-F, 8:30am - 12:30pm + 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Hillhurst United Church

Deer Park United Church/Wholeness Centre

 1227 Kensington Close NW  (403) 283-1539  office@hillhurstunited.com  http://www.hillhurstunited.com

Different Strokes

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

 403-278-8263

FairyTales Presentation Society

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

Girl Friends

 http://www.girlsgroove.ca

 http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org

• Rehearsals

Gay Friends in Calgary

 http://www.gayfriendsincalgary.ca Organizes and hosts social activities catered to the LGBT people and friends.

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.

• Calgary Lesbian Ladies Meet up Group • Between Men and Between Men Online • Heading Out • Illusions Calgary • Inside Out • New Directions • Womynspace

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

 http://www.calgarymenschorus.org

Over a hundred titles to choose from. Annual membership is $10.

 girlfriends@shaw.ca

 members.shaw.ca/girlfriends

 Weeds Cafe (1903 20 Ave NW)

Calgary Men’s Chorus

• DVD Resource Library

 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 Queer Book Club

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

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

PUREPRide-------------------------------  9pm

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

• Tennis

 Arrata Opera Centre (1315 - 7 Street SW)

At 3 Backlot

 FlamesCentral (219 8th Ave SW)

 Calgary Contd.

• Monthly Dances--------------------------

Amy Hef Live!

 403-244-1956

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

GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

HIV Peer Support Group ISCCA Social Association

 http://www.iscca.ca Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch. Charity fundraising group..

Miscellaneous Youth Network

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

Mystique

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

• Coffee Night

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

NETWORKS

 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

www.gaycalgary.com

Directory & Events  Calgary Contd. 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

 403-797-6564

 www.pridecalgary.ca

Primetimers Calgary

 primetimerscalgary@gmail.com  http://www.primetimerscalgary.com Designed to foster social interaction for its members through a variety of social, educational and recreational activities. Open to all gay and bisexual men of any age, respects whatever degree of anonymity that each member desires.

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

 279R Student Union Club Spaces, U of C  403-220-6394  http://www.ucalgary.ca/~glass Formerly GLASS - Gay/Lesbian Association of Students and Staff.

✰

Safety Under the Rainbow

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

Unity Bowling

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

 1209 5th Ave NW  403-263-3070  http://www.pushingpetals.com

6th and Tenth - Sales Centre

Wild Rose United Church

Restaurants & Pubs 10 Flames Central---------------------------- See Calgary - Bars & Clubs (Mixed).

13 The Pint See Calgary - Bars & Clubs (Mixed).

• Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre

Barry Hollowell

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

• Safeworks Van

 4143- Edmonton Trail NE  403-226-7278  http://www.wheelpros.ca “Experts in Everything for Wheels”

ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects

 403-294-7402

Adult Depot (CLOSED)

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

✰

 10210 Macleod Tr S  403-271-7848

 #102 2323 32nd Ave NE  403-769-6177

 1536 16th Ave NW  403-289-4203

 4310 17th Ave SE  403-273-2710

 http://www.adultsourcecalgary.ca

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

 http://www.ATPlive.com

Fairytales

One Yellow Rabbit--------------------------

 403-253-5678  http://www.maxwellrealty.com/craigconnell

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

Pumphouse Theatre--------------------

✰

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

✰

 2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW  403-263-0079  http://www.pumphousetheatres.ca

DevaDave Salon & Boutique

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

Ellen Embury

 Theatre Junction GRAND, 608 1st St. SW  403-205-2922  info@theatrejunction.com  http://www.theatrejunction.com

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

Hardline

Holiday Retirement

 12 Deerview Terrace SE  403-879-1967  http://www.canyonmeadows.net

Theatre Junction------------------------

Third Street Theatre

 #3 306 20th Ave SW 

http://www.thirdstreet.ca

 403-703-4750

Vertigo Mystery Theatre-------------------Webster Galleries Inc.

 812 11 Ave SW  403-263-6500  http://www.webstergalleries.com

 T-S: 10am-6pm, N: 1-4pm

Hot Water Pools & Spas

EDMONTON

Interactive Male

 403-355-3335  http://www.interactivemale.com

✰

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

 2145 Summerfield Blvd  403-912-2045  http://www.hotwaterpoolsandspas.ca

Bars & Clubs (Gay)

Lorne Doucette (CIR Realtors)

3 Buddy’s Nite Club------------------------- ✰

 11725 Jasper Ave  780-488-6636

MFM Communications

6 Evolution Wonder Lounge

 10220 - 103 St  780-424-0077  http://www.yourgaybar.com

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

 403-543-6970  1-877-543-6970

 #44, 48 Brentwood Blvd, Sherwood Park, AB

 403-398-9968  info@altview.ca  http://ww.altview.ca For gender variant and sexual minorities.

Book Worm’s Book Club

See Calgary - Community Groups.

Craig Connell (Maxwell Realtors) Cruiseline

Community Groups AltView Foundation

Theatre & Fine Arts

 3rd Floor, 1131 Kensington Road NW  403-571-5120  http://www.courtneyaarbo.ca GLBT legal services.

8 Yellowhead Brewing Co.

 10229 105 St  info@yellowheadbrewery.com  http://www.yellowheadbrewery.com

5 Steamworks------------------------------- ✰

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

Wheel Pro’s

Courtney Aarbo (Barristers & Solicitors)

7 The Starlite Room

 10030 102 St contact@starliteroom.ca  http://www.starliteroom.ca

Bathhouses/Saunas

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

 403-808-7147

 Calgary: 403-770-0776

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

Retail Stores

Hooliganz Pub (CLOSED)

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

 403-819-5219  http://www.bcbhcounselling.com

4 Woody’s------------------------------------ ✰

 11725 Jasper Ave  780-488-6557

 10704 124 St NW

• Centre of Hope

 633 10th Ave SW  403-239-5511  http://www.6thandtenth.com

 M-W: 12-6pm, R: 2-7pm, S-N: 12-5pm

UpStares Ultralounge (CLOSED)

 4th Floor, Jasper Ave and 107th Street

Bars & Clubs (Mixed)

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

Services & Products

 780-938-2941

These venues regularly host LGBT events.

• Calgary Drop-in Centre

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

 1317-1st Street NW

www.gaycalgary.com

SafeWorks

Free and confidential HIV/AIDS and STI testing.

Pushing Petals

 11650 Elbow Dr SW  ctahn@thornsmeltz.com  http://www.thornsmeltz.com

FLASH (CLOSED)

 10018 105 Street  flashnightclub@hotmail.com

NRG Support Services

 1322 - 17 Ave SW  403-215-1800  http://www.priape.com Clothing and accessories. Adult toys, leather wear, movies and magazines. Gifts.

 Calgary: 403-777-9494

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

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

La Fleur

 Suite 27, Building B1, 2451 Dieppe Ave SW

 403-471-0204  780-922-3347  nrg@shaw.ca  http://www.nrgsupportservices.com

Christopher T. Tahn (Thornborough Smeltz)

 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.

 403-266-1707 Florist and Flower Shop.

Priape Calgary (CLOSED)

Calgary Civil Marriage Centre

 2nd Cup, Kensington

Best Health

 http://www.mfmcommunications.com Web site hosting and development. Computer hardware and software.

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

• Coffee Night

Adult Source----------------------------

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

 #4 - 1126 Kensington Rd NW  403-283-3555  http://www.thenakedleaf.ca Organic teas and tea ware.

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

Buck Naked Boys Club

 780-471-6993  http://www.bucknakedboys.ca Naturism club for men—being social while everyone is naked, and it does not include sexual activity. Participants do not need to be gay, only male.

Camp fYrefly

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

Edmonton Expo

 http://www.edmontonexpo.com

Edmonton Pride Festival Society (EPFS)

 http://www.edmontonpride.ca

Edmonton Prime Timers

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

Affiliated with Prime Timers World Wide.

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

 780-387-3343

 groups.yahoo.com/group/edmonton_illusions 2 Edmonton STD

 11111 Jasper Ave

Edmonton Vocal Minority

 780-479-2038  www.evmchoir.com

 sing@evmchoir.com

GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

65

Directory & Events DOWNTOWN EDMONTON

1

6

8

5 4 3

1 Pride Centre of Edm.---- Community Groups 2 Edmonton STD---------- Community Groups

Edmonton Events Boot Camp------------------------------ 7-8pm See

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

See

GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club

7

5 Steamworks----------------------Bathhouses 6 Evolution----------------------Bars and Clubs

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

Men’s Games Nights--------------  7-10:30pm

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

Youth Sports/Recreation-----------------  4pm

See

Team Edmonton Team Edmonton

See See

Men’s Games Nights

Thursdays

Saturdays

Naturalist Gettogether

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

See

 2nd, Last

Youth Understanding Youth

QH Youth Drop-in---------------------- 3-8pm

 2nd

Monthly Meeting----------------------  2:30pm

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

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

Team Edmonton

Women’s Social Circle------------------ 6-9pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

 2nd, 4th

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

 2nd

Bowling-----------------------------------  5pm Team Edmonton

Running------------------------------  10-11am

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

Yoga---------------------------------  2-3:30pm

See

 3rd

Team Edmonton

See See

Team Edmonton Team Edmonton

QH Youth Drop-in---------------------- 3-8pm

Intermediate Volleyball--------  7:30-9:30pm

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

Youth Sports/Recreation-----------------  4pm

Fridays

Ballroom Dancing--------------  7:30-8:30pm

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

See 1 Youth Understanding Youth

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

Knotty Knitters-------------------------- 6-8pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

QH Craft Night-------------------------- 6-8pm

See

Team Edmonton

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

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

Movie Night----------------------------- 6-9pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See

Team Edmonton

Soul Outing-------------------------------  7pm

 Robertson-Wesley United (10209 123 St)

 2nd

Monthly Meetings---------------------  2:30pm

 Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street) See Edmonton Primetimers

 2nd

Fellowship of Alberta Bears GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club

Living Positive Society of Alberta

 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

66

Iconika

ISCWR at 6 Evolution

Friday, August 15th

Drag Queen Sing-a-Long----------------  9pm By

ISCWR at 6 Evolution

Thursday, August 21st By

ISCWR at 6 Evolution

Friday, August 22nd

Out of Town Show By

ISCWR at

The Locker Room (Ramada)

Saturday, August 23rd

Coronation 39------------------------  4:30pm By

ISCWR at

Ramada Hotel

SMUTfest-------------------------------- 3-6pm

 Lattitude 53 (10248 106 St)

SMUTfest Afterparty----------------------  9pm

 Lattitude 53 (10248 106 St) Sunday, August 24th

Victory Brunch--------------------------- 11am ISCWR at

The Locker Room (Ramada)

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

 www.beefbearbash.com

 780-474-8240

ISCWR at 3 Woodys and 4 Buddys

Friday, August 8th

By

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

 Edmonton Contd.

Ramada Hotel

In-Town Show-----------------------------  9pm

Sundays

Book Club-----------------------------  7:30pm BookWorm’s Book Club

By ISCWR at

By

By Edmonton Primetimers  Unitarian Church, 10804 - 119th Street See

Making Mischief--------------------------  8pm

By

Buck Naked Boys Club

QH Game Night------------------------ 6-8pm

Youth Understanding Youth

Saturday, July 12th

Holiday Hey! Daze-----------------------  8pm

QH Youth Drop-in------------------  2-6:30pm

See

7 The Starlite Room------------Bars and Clubs 8 Yellowhead Brewing Co.-----Bars and Clubs

Friday, July 25th

Youth Sports/Recreation-----------------  4pm

See

Wednesdays

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

2

3 Buddy’s-----------------------Bars and Clubs 4 Woody’s-----------------------Bars and Clubs

See

Mondays

N

 #50, 9912 - 106 Street 780-424-2214  living-positive@telus.net  http://www.facebook.com/LivingPoz Living Positive through Positive Living.

• HIV Support Group

 huges@shaw.ca, curtis@optionssexualhealth.ca Support and discussion group for gay men.

Pride Centre of Edmonton-------------

• Counselling

Come OUT with your game face on and meet some awesome people through board game fun.

Men’s Games Nights OUTreach

• Knotty Knitters

 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.

GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

• Men Talking with Pride

 robwells780@hotmail.com Support & social group for gay & bisexual men to discuss current issues.

 780.488.3234 Free, short-term counselling provided by registered counsellors.

 Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street)

 780-474-8240  tuff@shaw.ca

✰

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

Come knit and socialize in a safe and accepting environment - all skill levels are welcome.

• Movie Night

Movie Night is open to everyone! Come over and sit back, relax, and watch a movie with us.

• Queer HangOUT: Game Night • Queer HangOUT: Craft Night

Come OUT and embrace your creative side in a safe space.

• Queer HangOUT: Anime Night

Come and watch ALL the anime until your heart is content.

www.gaycalgary.com

Directory & Events Pride Downtown!-------------------------  5pm

Red Deer Events

Saturday, August 16th

Sunday, August 17th

Family Friendly Fruit Float!------ 11am-4pm

Pride Church Service!---------------  10:30am

By Central Alberta Pride  The Vat (#101, 5301 43rd St)

Kate Reid w/ Dirrty Show----------------  8pm

Pride Bar-B-Q!------------------------- 1-4pm

 kickboxing@teamedmonton.ca Drop-ins welcome.

• Sports and Recreation

Wednesdays

By Central Alberta Pride  City Hall

LGBT Coffee Night------------------------  7pm

Drag-Apoca-Lips!------------------------  8pm

See

CAANS

 1st

Friday, August 15th

By Central Alberta Pride  McKenzie Trails

By Central Alberta Pride  Fratter’s Speakeasy (5114 48th St)

 St Andrew’s United Church 5226 51 Ave, Lacombe, AB

By Mr. Mikes Steakhouse  Recreation Picnic Area

 Edmonton Contd.

• TTIQ

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

Team Edmonton

 president@teamedmonton.ca  http://www.teamedmonton.ca Members are invited to attend and help determine the board for the next term. If you are interested in running for the board or getting involved in some of the committees, please contact us.

• Badminton (Mixed)

 St. Thomas Moore School, 9610 165 Street

 coedbadminton@teamedmonton.ca New group seeking male & female players.

• Badminton (Women’s)

 Oliver School, 10227 - 118 Street  780-465-3620

 badminton@teamedmonton.ca Women’s Drop-In Recreational Badminton. $40.00 season or $5.00 per drop in.

• Outdoor Pursuits

 Brendan: 780-488-3234  brendan@pridecentreofedmonton.org

 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.

Restaurants & Pubs 12 Woody’s------------------------------------ ✰ See Edmonton - Bars & Clubs (Gay).

 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.

Passion Vault

 15239 - 111 Ave  780-930-1169  pvault@telus.net “Edmonton’s Classiest Adult Store”

• Swimming (Making Waves)

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!

 NAIT Pool (11762 - 106 Street)  swimming@teamedmonton.ca  http://www.makingwavesswimclub.ca

• Soul OUTing

 Foot Notes Dance Studio, 9708-45 Avenue NW  Cynthia: 780-469-3281

• Blazin’ Bootcamp

• Tennis

• Film Night

 Garneau Elementary School 10925 - 87 Ave  bootcamp@teamedmonton.ca

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

 tennis@teamedmonton.ca

• Bowling (Northern Titans)

• Ultimate Frisbee

 Ed’s Rec Room (West Edmonton Mall)

 bowling@teamedmonton.ca $15.00 per person.

• Cross Country Skiing

 crosscountry@teamedmonton.ca

• Curling with Pride

 Granite Curling Club, 8620 107 Street NW  curling@teamedmonton.ca

• Cycling (Edmonton Prideriders)

 Dawson Park, picnic shelter  cycling@teamedmonton.ca

• Dragon Boat (Flaming Dragons)

 dragonboat@teamedmonton.ca

• Golf

 golf@teamedmonton.ca

• Gymnastics, Drop-in

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

• Hockey

 hockey@teamedmonton.ca

• Martial Arts

 15450 - 105 Ave (daycare entrance)  780-328-6414  kungfu@teamedmonton.ca

www.gaycalgary.com

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

• Volleyball, Intermediate

 Amiskiwacy Academy (101 Airport Road)  volleyball@teamedmonton.ca

• Volleyball, Recreational

 Mother Teresa School (9008 - 105 Ave)  recvolleyball@teamedmonton.ca

• Women’s Lacrosse

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

Call for info.

• Yoga

 Lion's Breath Yoga Studio (10350-124 Street)  yoga@teamedmonton.ca

Womonspace

 780-482-1794  womonspace@gmail.com  http://www.womonspace.ca Women’s social group, but all welcome at events.

 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 Exposure Festival

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

The Roxy Theatre

 10708 124th Street, Edmonton AB  780-453-2440  http://www.theatrenetwork.ca

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

Gay & Lesbian Integrity Assoc. (GALIA)

 University of Lethbridge GBLTTQQ club on campus.

 galia@uleth.ca

• Movie Night

 Room C610, University of Lethbridge

Gay Youth Alliance Group

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

Lethbridge Expo

BANFF

 http://www.lethbridgeexpo.com

Lethbridge HIV Connection

Community Groups HIV Community Link

 102 Spray Ave  PO Box 3160, Banff, AB T1L 1C8  403-762-0690

 1206 - 6 Ave S

PFLAG Canada

 1-888-530-6777

 lethbridgeab@pflagcanada.ca  www.pflagcanada.ca

Pride Lethbridge

 lethbridgepridefest@gmail.com

JASPER Accommodations

Youth Understanding Youth

 780-248-1971  www.yuyedm.ca A support and social group for queer youth 12-25.

LETHBRIDGE

Products & Services

•Ballroom Dancing

Community Groups Jasper Pride Festival

 PO Box 98, 409 Patricia St., T0E 1E0

 contact@jasperpride.ca  http://www.jasperpride.ca

Retail Stores

• Snowballs V

Whistlers Inn

 105 Miette Ave  1-800-282-9919  info@whistlersinn.com  http://www.whistlersinn.com

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

 Old Lodge Road  1-866-540-4454  http://www.fairmont.com/jasper

RED DEER Community Groups Central Alberta AIDS Network Society

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

Continued on Page 69 

GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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Ads starting at $10/mo. for the first 20 words. Submit yours at http://www.gaycalgary.com/classifieds 68

GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

www.gaycalgary.com

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Box # c/o GayCalgary 2136 17th Ave SW Calgary, AB, T2T 0G3 To reply by E-mail: box#@gaycalgary.com

 Find Out - From Page 67 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 HIV Community Link

 356 - 2 Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB  403-527-5882  1-877-440-2437

• Telephone Support

 M-F, 8:30am - 12:30pm + 1:30pm - 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

 http://www.albertaballet.com Frequent productions in Calgary and Edmonton.

CANADA Community Groups Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition

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

Egale Canada

 8 Wellington St E, Third Floor Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1C5  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.

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OUTtv

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www.gaycalgary.com

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GayCalgary Magazine #129, July 2014

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