GayCalgary Magazine - May 2015

MAY 2015

® ISSUE 138 • FREE The Voice of Alberta’s LGBT Community

Interview with

REBA McENTIRE

Brett Dalton

S.H.I.E.L.D. at the Calgary Expo

Hot Pursuit

Sofia Vergara & Reese Witherspoon

PLUS:

Edmonton Pride • Fairytales Film Fest Merrin Dungey • Victoria Smurfit Kristin Bauer van Straten ...and more!

Business Directory

Scott Eastwood On The Longest Ride

Scan to Read on Mobile Devices

Community Map

Calgary • Alberta • Canada

Events Calendar

Tourist Information

STARTING ON PAGE 55

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GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

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GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

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GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

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Table of Contents

Diane Mercedes Anderson-Minshall, Allen, Chris Azzopardi, Chris Azzopardi, Dallas Barnes, Dallas Dave Barns, Brousseau, Dave Brousseau, Sam Casselman, ConstableJason AndyClevett, Buck, Jason Andrew Clevett, Collins, Andrew Emily Collins, Janine Rob Diaz-Marino, Eva-Trotta, Janine Stephen EvaLock, Trotta, LisaJack Lunney, Fertig,Steve GlenPolyak, Hanson,Carey Joan Hilty, Rutherford, Evan Kayne, Krista Sylvester, Stephen Lock, MarsNeil Tonic, McMullen, Romeo San Allan Vicente, Neuwirth, and Steve the LGBT Polyak, Community Carey Rutherford, of Calgary, Romeo SanEdmonton, Vicente, Edand Sikov, Alberta.

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

Photography Steve Polyak, J&B

Photography

Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino, Videography SteveB&J Polyak

Videography Sales

Steve Polyak, Diaz-Marino SteveRob Polyak sales@gaycalgary.com

Printers Council Web NorthLegal Hill News/Central

Courtney Aarbo, Barristers and Solicitors

Distribution

General Inquiries Calgary: Gallant Distribution ® GayCalgary GayCalgaryMagazine Staff 2136 17th Avenue SW Edmonton: Clark’s Distribution Calgary, AB, Canada Post T2T 0G3 Other: magazine@gaycalgary.com Legal Council Office Hours: appointment ONLY Courtney Aarbo, By Barristers and Solicitors Phone: 403-543-6960 Sales & General Inquiries Toll Free: 1-888-543-6960 GayCalgary Edmonton Magazine Fax:and 403-703-0685 2136 17th Avenue SW E-Mail: magazine@gaycalgary.com Calgary, AB, Canada This Month's T2T 0G3Cover

Main: Reba McEntire, photo by Big Machine.

Top Right: Hours: Brett Dalton,By photo

by ABC. Mid Right: Reese Office appointment ONLY Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara, photo by Warner Bros.

Phone: 403-543-6960 Bottom Right: Scott Eastwood, photo by Michael Tackett Toll Free: 1-888-543-6960 Fax: 403-703-0685 E-Mail: magazine@gaycalgary.com

This Month's Cover Cher and Christina Aguilera courtesy of Sony Pictures; Annie Lennox courtesy of Mike Owen; Rex Goudie.

Proud Members of: Proud Members of:

Edmonton Rainbow Business Association

10 Sandy Page Campout

Games, campfires and good people

12 YOUth Riot and Stars of the Stage and Screen This month with Third Street Theatre

13 Monty Python’s Spamalot A Holy Grail of a show

14 Life, Lesbians and the Pursuit of Hotness

Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara talk making out, gay cred and a ‘liberating’ summer of lady-led films

16 ISIS’ Hugs of Death 17 Discussing Community Safety Announcing some exciting summer news

18 Positive Thoughts Crossing the Viral Divide

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20 Neil Diamond Still Has ‘It’

Veteran performer still resonates at Saddledome show

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22 Fairy Tales knows no boundaries

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24 Deep Inside Hollywood

HBO doing “Battle of the Sexes,” Suffragette City, Chuck Palahniuk’s Lullaby

26 Brett Dalton

Charms Over Fans At Calgary Expo

28 Once Upon a Time - It’s Good to Be Bad

Interviews with Kristin Bauer van Straten, Merrin Dungey and Victoria Smurfit

34 Out of Town

International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association

Saugatuck, Michigan

PAGE 26

National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association

Going strong and better than ever

PAGE 7

Writers and Contributors

7 Edmonton Pride Festival

PAGE 14

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

MAY 2015

PAGE 22

®

Gay European Tourism Association

Continued on Next Page  www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

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Table of Contents  Continued From Previous Page

36 The Long Ride

Scott Eastwood talks gay fans, being an ‘outcast’ and why he endorses his famous father’s gay marriage mantra

PAGE 36

On secrets, anti-bullying and letting your light shine

40 Getting Froot-y with Marina and the Diamonds Welsh superstar talks gay pandering, lesbian rumors and ‘uncomfortable’ pop phase

42 The Word of Reba McEntire

Country icon on attending her first gay wedding, the ‘practicality’ of LGBT rights and being a proud redhead

45 Queer Eye

PAGE 40

51 A Couple of Guys 52 News Releases 54 Mz. GayCalgary May 2015 - Tiara Manila 55 Directory and Events 60 Classified Ads

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Scan for Latest Issue:

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Combined total of PDF and ISSUU Downloads/Reads –100,000 copies

Total Readership of PDF/ISSUU/WEB

Readers Per Copy: 4.9 (PMB) Avg. Online Circulation: 310,000 readers Estimated Total Readership: >319,800 readers Frequency: Monthly

Proof of monthly figures are available on request.

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

Name changed to GayCalgary in 1998.

Independent company as of January 2004.

First edition of GayCalgary.com Magazine published November 2003. Name adjusted in November 2006 to GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. February 2012 returned to GayCalgary Magazine.

February 2013, GayCalgary® becomes a registered trademark. December 2014/ January 2015 is the last print edition.

February 2015 is the first digital only edition.

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

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

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

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39 Miss Fame Speaks Out

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Online: Tues, June 2nd

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Community

Edmonton Pride Festival Going strong and better than ever

By Krista Sylvester Running a successful Pride festival is no easy feat, and the Edmonton Pride Festival Society would know, after growing the popular event for almost four decades with many growths and developments.

In the ’80s a small group of Edmonton’s queer community gathered to protest against the police and, since then, the festival has grown into what it is today: a community event where the police, politicians, gay community and its allies can gather and celebrate the people that made the movement possible.

With gay rights being in the spotlight this year – hello Gay Straight Alliances – it’s a perfect time to celebrate the advancement of gay rights in the province and the people who helped make it possible. And hey, it doesn’t hurt to have a little fun in the sun while doing that, right? Edmonton Pride runs from June 5th to the 14th this year with over 40,000 people expected to attend.

We had the chance to talk to Emil Tiedemann, Communications Director of the Edmonton Pride Festival Society, about this year’s events.

GC: Wow – 35 years of Edmonton Pride. How special is the anniversary this year, and tell us about the significance of 35 years of pride in Edmonton.

ET: We are so proud and excited to be celebrating the 35th anniversary of Edmonton Pride this year! We were one of the very first pride festivals in Canada, and so marking 35 years is a rare feat that we’re ready to commemorate with what will be the best

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Edmonton Pride yet! We’ve come a long way over the last three and a half decades, as has the whole LGBTQ+ community, and so we’re going to use this special anniversary to remember and celebrate all the people and places that gave Edmonton its Pride over the years.

GC: Obviously the festival has grown over the years, but how and what are some of the biggest changes?

ET: Edmonton Pride’s roots date back to the early ’80s when a small group of Edmonton’s queer community got together as a form of protest against a police raid on a local bathhouse. In that very first march people wore paper bags over the heads to hide their identity, out of fear of losing their jobs or being isolated from their friends and family. These days, thousands of people proudly take part in the parade with absolutely no fear.

That’s another major change; the amount of people who attend Edmonton Pride every June. From the handful of folks that very first year, to the tens of thousands of people from around the world who come together to celebrate our diversity, as well as our equality. And some of those people who show up to Pride are influential public figures who may or may not identify as queer, including municipal and provincial politicians, business leaders, and even athletes, like Edmonton Oiler Andrew Ference, who proudly walked the parade last year. There’s no more hiding underneath paper bags!

GC: How has the community changed, including both Edmonton-wide and the gay community?

Continued on Next Page 

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 From Previous Page

Online Last Month (1/2) Creep of the Week Mat Staver

Like many a homo, I am anxiously awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling on whether or not my marriage is allowed by law or a Satan-spawn union of evil.

Obviously, I am hoping for... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4621

The Frivolist

10 Gay Ways to Take Advantage of April Showers

Winter is but a memory, yet we’re not quite into that sweet spot of spring. First we have to brave all those April showers that bring May flowers. To pass the time more gaily,... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4624  photos by GayCalgary

ET: Edmonton and Alberta have had sort of a bad reputation in the past when it comes to acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community, but that is no longer the case. We’re, perhaps, one of the most progressive regions in North America for LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms, and we continue to push for equality for all, because we simply cannot accept anything less.

Edmonton’s LGBTQ+ community and its allies are strong and proud, and growing every year.

GC: What’s new and exciting this year and how many people do you expect?

Continued on Next Page 

Creep of the Week Mike Pence

It’s a shame about what’s been happening to the Christians in Indiana ever since the godless homosexuals took over the state. On Oct. 7, 2014 the gays finally realized their... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4626

Creep of the Week Pat Robertson

Extra, extra! Read all about it: Pat Robertson will come to your Big Gay Wedding! There’s one condition: you’re gonna have to show him a baby conceived through butt sex. Now,... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4630

Deep Inside Hollywood

Grace Jones, Diane Sawyer talking to Bruce Jenner, Almodovar’s Silencio Grace Jones – The Musical Of My Life comes to the BBC Gay icon Grace Jones has spent decades doing exactly as she pleases, always with a somewhat menacing smile on her face,... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4632

The Frivolist

8 Free Ways to Bond With Mom This Mother’s Day

True, moms don’t mind jewelry or other trinkets on Mother’s Day – but that’s what husbands are for. All mom wants from you, her little angel, is the gift of quality time. Grant... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4635

Hear Me Out

Sufjan Stevens, Reba McEntire, Estelle, Kendrick Lamar

Sufjan Stevens, Carrie & Lowell Grief guides Sufjan Stevens’ muse on Carrie & Lowell. It’s a remarkably wrenching release from the indie darling. “The evil it spread... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4645

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GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

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 photos by GayCalgary

ET: The biggest change to this year’s Pride Festival will be our location. We are taking the festival from downtown and Churchill Square to the Old Strathcona neighbourhood for 2015, with the parade marching down Whyte Avenue, where it all began 35 years ago! We’re looking forward to returning to the Old Strathcona area for a number of reasons, namely the fact that we will have more room to work with, but also because that district is so wellknown and frequented in Edmonton, with endless opportunities for festival goers and organizers.

There’s going to be so much going on during Edmonton Pride 2015, including some brand new ideas and concepts, as well as the favourites that have become standards at Pride (for example, the parade, Pride Awards, etc.). One of the most exciting events will be the Edmonton Queer History Project, which is a historical collaboration initiated by the Edmonton Pride Festival Society,

Online Last Month (2/2) Creep of the Week Ted Cruz

Before I begin this week’s column I’d like to first offer an apology. You see, I have a bad habit of referring to anti-gay politicians and talking heads using terms like “ass,”... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4647

The OutField

Hoosier Hullabaloo

The words “NCAA” and “moral high ground” seldom share the same sentence. Yet that lofty peak is exactly where college sport’s most influential body found itself... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4646

the Edmonton Heritage Council, the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services, the Edmonton Community Foundation, and the City of Edmonton.

This project will capture the stories about the people, places and events that developed the queer community in Edmonton over the past 100 years, and will run at the Art Gallery of Alberta from June 5th to 21st.

There will also be the first-ever YEG Women & Trans Mini Festival (Sunday, June 7th) at the End of Steel Park, which is where the Pride in the Park celebration will commence after the parade on Saturday, June 6th. The Bounce Stage and Beverage Gardens will be highlighted with a performance by Canadian R&B sensation Jully Black. We will also be hosting the 2015 Rainbow Art Gallery & Pride Awards at the ATB Financial Arts Barns on Wednesday, June 10th and the Pride Family Picnic at the Oliver Community League Hall on Saturday, June 13th.

GC: Tell us about some of the highlights?

ET: We have put together a special one-time commemorative magazine called The Rainbow Effect, which will feature coming out stories, articles about the local queer movement, and interviews with some of the most prominent LGBTQ+ leaders and supporters in Edmonton, including Marni Panas, Dr. Kris Wells, Laurie Blakeman, Murray Billett, Mickey Wilson, and our Parade Grand Marshal Michael Phair. That publication will be out in mid-May and will be available for purchase at the Pride Festival and various businesses along Whyte Avenue.

GC: Anything you want to add?

ET: The Edmonton Pride Festival Society is proud to celebrate Pride every year in Edmonton, and we want to let everyone know that you’re all welcome to come out and enjoy yourself, be yourself, and take pride in yourself. Whether you’re gay, lesbian, bi, trans, queer, questioning, two-spirit, intersex, asexual, pansexual, genderqueer, straight, or whatever else you might identify as, you’re welcome to come and join us in celebrating what makes all of us who we are!

VIDEO - Dancing For a Young Transgender Actress Bella’s Civil Rights Victory

Edmonton Pride June 5th to 14th, 2015

Taken at the Calgary Expo 2015

From the Calgary Expo 2015, celebrities, cosplayer’s and more danced for the civil rights victory for a nine year old transgender girl in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was discriminated...

Check website for complete events listings https://www.edmontonpride.ca

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GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

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Sandy Page Campout

Games, campfires and good people

 photo by Greg McDonald

by Lisa Lunney This May long weekend boasts to be the best weekend of your year, according to Greg McDonald, one of the coordinators of the Sandy Page Campout. The Campout is deeply rooted and rich with history.“Thirty-five years ago there was an LGBTQ Group called CAMP 181 (each letter was for people’s names who were running the group). They used to camp in the Drumheller area and go to The Last Chance Saloon during their May long weekend campout,” McDonald says.

“One of the weekends they were planning on camping in the area, the regular campground they used flooded. So they all went to The Last Chance Saloon. Sandy asked the owner at the time, Fred, how much he would charge to use his campground.

And the rest is history.”

Campy 181 lasted for several years, and then dispersed while Sandy Page continued to host the event. The Alberta Badlands make for the perfect setting for a campout and a weekend of fun away from the city lights. Driving through the Prairies of Southern Alberta you suddenly descend into the Drumheller Valley, the landscape drastically changes into something astounding. “Quick as a snap of the fingers you feel like you’re in a world none like you are used to. The hills, the colours, are incredible, stunning and will take your breath away. There’s a great deal to do within a very short driving distance of the campground. It’s a gorgeous valley that [takes you] over 11 bridges to get to the campsite.”

Wayne is filled with small-town charm; ghost town charm to be exact. There are no electric hookups, and no water hookups. “There are, however, coin operated showers, a fully functioning 101-year-old saloon and hotel – both haunted,” boasts McDonald.

The weekend is filled with activities for all members of the family. Saturday afternoon kicks off with a shuffleboard tournament that often goes late into the night. Saturday night 10

GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

is officially the Saloon night. Additionally in the Saloon there are puzzles, games and of course socializing with good food and beverages. “We make sure Saturday night is the saloon night; we love the staff there and have such a fun time being social and playing games.”

Sunday afternoon, traditionally, is dedicated to a beanbag toss and horse shoe tournament. When darkness descends, Wayne is lit with a bonfire and filled with the sounds of musical instruments. During the bonfire prizes are awarded to those who have won the games. People bring out their guitars and other musical instruments and have an awesome jam session.

“We’ve had a lot of people joining us over the past few years, thanks to social media. So we’re looking forward to meeting new people and seeing friends from past May longs... We will have all the same activities that are above. Drumheller is such a fun place, within close driving distance there are hotels if you’re not camping people, the Royal Tyrell Dinosaur Museum, a free kids water spray park by the Biggest Dinosaur in the World, and a little further are go-karts and mini golf – not to mention the Hoodoos and so much more!”

This is the perfect weekend to kick start your summer.

Meeting new people, hiking, playing games, visiting with ghosts and, of course, spending three days filled with laughter.

The Sandy Page Annual LGBTQ Campout Wayne, AB - May 15th to May 18th $30 per person https://www.facebook.com/groups/298514076951682/ http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4648 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments www.gaycalgary.com

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GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

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Community

YOUth Riot and Stars of the Stage and Screen This month with Third Street Theatre

By Lisa Lunney This May GayCalgary had the pleasure of chatting with Weston Jacques, Third Street Theatre Board Member, about the roots of Third Street Theatre, what the company stands for and, most importantly, this month’s special events, which include the glamorous Stars of the Stage and Screen fundraiser.

May 30th attendees will be able to walk the red carpet dressed as their favourite actors and characters from the stage and screen, sample delicious hor d’oeuvres and drinks, be entertained by an awesome line up, and dance as Hot Mess takes the night away! A ton of prizes will be awarded for best dressed and a raffle will be sold to raise funds for the company.

GC: Thank you for taking the time to chat with us and showcase a bit of the rich history of Third Street Theatre for our readers. How did Third Street Theatre begin?

WJ: Third Street Theatre was formed in June, 2012, by Paul Welch

and Jonathan Brower in response to a growing concern regarding the continued negative social attitudes towards the queer community and an unfulfilled need they observed: the authentic and artful representation of queer content on our stages. As a result, Third Street Theatre has become a vehicle to artistically explore, examine, and expose both past and present social attitudes towards queer culture.

GC: What have been some of the features you have been most proud to host?

WJ: Third Street Theatre is a not-for-profit theatre company dedicated to the positive promotion of queer culture, stories, and voices, with a focus on production, mentorship, and the artistic development of queer and queer-minded talent. We are committed to work that engages and educates the community on relevant social issues pertaining to the often-marginalized queer community. We have

had the privilege of working with many queer artists in the industry and have reached an audience who are now able to see their stories presented on stage.

GC: Can you tell us a bit about YOUth riot?

WJ: Third Street Theatre has created a program specifically for

queer youth, entitled YOUth Riot. Over the course of 12 weeks, Third Street Theatre associates will facilitate a playwriting program for queer teens, helping them tell their stories through the medium of 10-minute plays. The work created in this program will culminate in a public reading festival sponsored by Third Street Theatre on May 13th, 2015 at One Yellow Rabbit’s Big Secret Theatre in Arts Commons. During the festival, professional actors and directors from the Calgary theatre community will stage the readings of the participant’s plays.

GC: Another big event this May is Stars of the Stage and Screen; what can readers expect to see?

WJ: Stars of the Stage and Screen will transform the Arrata Opera Centre into a glamorous Hollywood-themed costume ball. The rehearsal hall is the perfect space to throw a dramatic party!

GC: What makes this an event one that readers simply cannot miss?

WJ: This year four queer community organizations are joining

forces to throw the party to start the summer! Velvet Cinema, Hot Mess is the DJ, and it will be the Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival After Party. In the past, we all competed for dates and audience members – this year we are changing that and joining forces! This is huge for the community! We want to help each other and make one inclusive community for everyone to enjoy! Stars of the Stage and Screen is making that possible!

Stars of the Stage and Screen Presented by Third Street Theatre Calgary - May 30th @ 8pm, Door: $50 http://www.thirdstreet.ca/ http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4649 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

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GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

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Monty Python’s Spamalot A Holy Grail of a show

 photos by John Watson

By Jason Clevett In 2008 I ventured to New York City and saw Monty Python’s Spamalot on Broadway – although not the original cast, which featured the likes of Tim Curry as King Arthur, David Hyde Pearce as Sir Robin, and Hank Azaria as Sir Lancelot (what I would have given to see that cast). The multiple-time Tony Award winner (2005) was a big show filled with elaborate moving sets. I was curious to see how Stage West would translate it to their smaller space. I can safely say that this is a production that the team there has knocked out of the park.

Referred to as “lovingly ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail”, Spamalot was created by Eric Idle and brings many of the most popular parts of the film to life.

The French guards at the castle and Trojan rabbit? Brilliantly delivered. The knights that say “ni”? They are there. The Black Knight? He is there too. Fans of the film will absolutely love this, with its many inside jokes and references.

That doesn’t mean you have to worship Monty Python or the Holy Grail film or be left out in the cold. The show’s laughs are big and broad, and the musical aspect adds new dimensions to the story. From a Vegas nightclub setup for Camelot to many funny moments involving the Lady of the Lake, your full stomach ends up quite sore from laughing.

Casting has always been a strong point of Stage West productions, and the 18-member cast all seemed to relish playing and having fun in the show. Keiran Martin Murphy’s clueless King Arthur is delivered with the exact style the scripting calls for; Katie Beetham nails the Lady of the Lake, both vocally and in the character itself. Ian Ronningen is a www.gaycalgary.com

busy man backstage frantically changing from Sir Lancelot to characters like the lead French Taunter and Tim The Enchanter.

Mark Allen as Sir Robin is excellent. Not only do the actors play the main characters like Sir Galahad and Patsy, they also play several other characters. It’s a whirlwind and one that only skilled performers could pull off. Despite it being early in the run there seemed to be no missed cues. Nothing felt lacking from the larger scale Broadway show – I can only imagine how cramped the backstage area is!

Like last year’s Avenue Q, Spamalot is the type of show that appeals to a younger audience and will likely sell out the run shortly with demand. It is a great thing to get a new audience out to theatre of any kind, and Spamalot is the short of show that gets those people to buy more tickets to shows. Easily one of the best productions at Stage West in recent memory, do not waste time. Grab your coconut husks, shine up your armour and clippity-clop your way to Stage West to see this show.

Spamalot Presented by Stage West Calgary – Until June 21st http://stagewestcalgary.com/monty-pythons-spamalot/ http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4650 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

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13

Life, Lesbians and the Pursuit of Hotness Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara talk making out, gay cred and a ‘liberating’ summer of lady-led films

 Sofia Vergara and Reese Witherspoon. photos by Warner Bros

By Chris Azzopardi Legally… lesbian? Well, not exactly.

To the delight of their queer-lady fans, Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara may kiss up on each other, but it’s all just part of their Hot Pursuit. In the film, Witherspoon portrays Officer Cooper, a by-the-books cop assigned to protect the ultra-fashionable widow of a drug dealer (Vergara of Modern Family) – at one point faking lesbian to escape a potentially sketchy situation.

This isn’t Witherspoon’s first on-screen kiss with another woman, of course. And even though the Oscar-winning actress couldn’t recall her pre-fame woman-on-woman debut during our interview – 1996’s Freeway, when she and Brittany Murphy made out – how could we forget?

“I don’t think I’ve kissed another girl on screen,” Reese says, as we’re asked to move onto the next question.

Here’s what else the budding BFFs had to say about lesbians, Legally Blonde and female liberation during this gay press exclusive.

GC: Dealing with homosexuality in comedy can be delicate, and some people take offense to pseudo lesbianism. As actors, how do you know when not to go too far? Is there a “too far”?

Reese: I think gay people are able to play straight roles; straight people are able to play gay roles. The whole point of being an actor is to transform. If people don’t understand that we need to be malleable in our sexuality, then I think they need to lighten up.

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GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

GC: Sofia, you’re on a gay-loved TV show. Reese, you famously taught us the “bend-and-snap.” Looking back, when were you both first aware that you had a gay and lesbian following?

Reese: For me, probably Legally Blonde, or Cruel Intentions.

Sofia: I’ve never really thought about it. I’ve always had a lot of gay friends as very close friends. I don’t know! My (Modern Family) character, Gloria – they like her!

Reese: Her attitude. And the way she dresses – yeah!

GC: Reese, what did the bend-and-snap do for your gay cred?

Reese: Um, well, hopefully legitimized my dance moves! I have a strong dance game.

Sofia: She does, she does!

Reese: And now I’m working on a Latino audience with my dance game.

Sofia: Oh, the Latino audience adores her!

Reese: (Laughs) Sofia’s taught me how to Latin dance.

Sofia: You didn’t need me to teach you anything – you knew already.

Reese: I had a beat in my heart.

GC: How much of the “nuzzle Reese’s face in Sofia’s bosom” scene was improvised?

Sofia: Oh, it was half and half.

Reese: Yeah, it was in the script, and then Sofia decided she’d yank my ponytail.

Sofia: Yeah, she smelled very good!

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GC: I don’t have to tell you that your makeout scene in Hot Pursuit is already getting a lot of lesbian buzz. How accustomed are you to attention from lesbians at this point in your career?

Reese: I have a ton of lesbian friends, and I think any kind of woman who relates to us or enjoys the movie – that’s awesome!

Sofia: Half of the time I don’t know if they’re lesbian. It’s just normal. It’s not like they’re like, “Hi, I am a lesbian and I am a fan!”

Reese: (Laughs) The whole movie is: It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what your sexual orientation is, what you do for a living, what your ethnicity is – women are women, and we all have a lot in common.

GC: I’ve loved watching the evolution of female actors in the action genre. How does it feel being a part of “the girls can be just as bad as boys” movement in Hollywood?

Reese: I think it’s great. It’s liberating because it’s not all about our characters’ romantic lives or that we’re chasing men – it’s that we’re running for our lives and we have to figure out a way to get along so that we survive.

GC: How do you feel about it, Sofia?

Sofia: About her lesbian followers?!

GC: Sure! Let’s talk some more about Reese’s lesbian followers.

Sofia: (Laughs) No, like I said, I didn’t really notice. I think the thing with movies is to entertain everybody. You don’t have to be anything special to enjoy the entertainment of what we’re doing. We’re doing it for everybody.

GC: How do female-led films like Hot Pursuit – directed by a woman, Anne Fletcher, and featuring strong female leads – contribute to the feminist movement?

Reese: Anything where two women are relating to each other – and we’re the leads of the movie, and it’s directed by a woman

– it’s kind of a new thing. So, we’re excited. But it’s actually a really exciting summer for women’s films with Pitch Perfect 2, directed by a woman (Elizabeth Banks), and Spy with Melissa McCarthy, and Trainwreck with Amy Schumer. Last summer was not good for women’s films. I mean, I kept going, “What am I gonna see this summer?” And there weren’t any good movies last summer for women. I think this is the summer for women.

GC: Hillary Clinton would be happy to hear that. I bet she’d dig all this Hot Pursuit girl power.

Reese: We hope everybody likes it!

GC: So, Reese, you get to dabble in drag. You make a cute boy, by the way.

Reese: Thaaaanks!

GC: How was it determined what kind of boy you’d be for your drag debut?

Reese: It was really interesting! Like, obviously I was José Bieber, the Latin Bieber, in this movie. As soon as I put on the clothes, my whole personality changed. You know, I was talkin’ to the honeys!

Sofia: Actually, I have to say, it was one of my favorite scenes, because to see her like that was so odd. I wasn’t prepared. She suddenly showed up like that to the set and it was so hilarious.

I mean, if you see the movie, at the end there are some bloopers of me not being able to control myself.

Reese: Because she thought I was hot.

Sofia: No. I thought you looked ridiculous!

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GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

15

Politics

ISIS’ Hugs of Death

By Stephen Lock Back in March of this year I wrote of the latest campaign being launched by the terrorist group ISIS, in which they were rounding up men suspected of homosexuality and executing (murdering) them by stoning or throwing the men off the roofs of local high-rise buildings. If they survived the fall, which in at least one reported instance occurred, the victim would be ‘finished off’ by being stoned to death.

We are now getting reports that prior to the men accused of being homosexual being killed, their killers embrace them, give them a big ol’ warm hug, and tell them their sin has been forgiven. They then proceed to either stone the accused to death anyway or toss them off the roof.

Members of ISIS have reportedly taken to entrapping men they suspect of being gay by posing as gay men themselves and arranging for a date or, perhaps, even an actual tryst. Whether or not the ‘undercover’ operative actually engages in sex – just to confirm the target is actually a homosexual, you understand – is unknown. Given the culture of machismo in the Middle East (whereby a male who adopts the penetrative role, be it oral or anal, in a male-male sexual encounter is not considered by himself or others to be homosexual – only the receptive partner is) it would not surprise me if they had.

In a series of photographs released by ISIS-supporters, the soon to be killed men are shown being hugged by the very men who, in a matter of moments, would begin their killing.

The photographs were issued on social media, a favourite outlet for ISIS propaganda, apparently to reveal the terrorists’ compassionate side.

The accused men themselves appear calm and accepting of their fate. There is no indication that the hugging, in any way, led them to believe they were forgiven to the point of being let go or at least allowed to live but, of course, it is impossible to ascertain from a series of photographs what went through their minds in the moments leading up to their death. What is known is that victims are often given a potent cocktail of drugs to ‘calm them’ and reduce their anxiety prior to their execution, or a public amputation of a limb (the punishment for being found a thief).

As with all such public executions, a large crowd of men and boys have gathered to witness it. This particular execution of two men is being held out in the desert and several motorcycles and an RV can be seen parked nearby, suggesting many in the crowd had to drive out to the desert to witness these killings.

Pretty sick stuff right there.

Stoning someone to death does not result in immediate death. The rocks and stones used are usually not much bigger than a fist. It is the repeated blunt force trauma to the body over a prolonged period of time that causes eventual death. It is a particularly painful, gruesome way to die. Which is why beheading, another of ISIS’ favourite methods of execution, is seen as much more compassionate and humane. Talk about your twisted logic. Of course, as we now know, ISIS executioners don’t use sharp swords to decapitate, such as is the preferred method in Saudi Arabia, for instance. They prefer to saw the head off instead.

Information regarding this latest atrocity emerged after news that Iraqi armed forces will be receiving their first shipment of 18 F-16 fighter jets, ordered four years ago at a cost of twobillion British pounds (or $3.7 billion Cdn). The jets, along with U.S.-trained Iraqi pilots and spare parts, are scheduled to be delivered July 21st and, according to a statement released on the Iraqi Defence Ministry’s website, operations will commence

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immediately in a series of air strikes against ISIS, with whom Iraq has been engaged for several years.

It is believed by many observers that such public executions are a direct retaliation on the part of ISIS against such incursions. The last series of executions I wrote about in March also came after a series of high-profile missions against ISIS, which resulted in significant losses for them, including many high-ranking ISIS leaders.

As atrocious and disgusting as these and other executions carried out by ISIS are, it is what is done with the bodies after that is as, if not more (if possible) horrific. In some instances, the bodies are simply left to rot under the desert sun, the viscera and brain tissue left spilling across the dirt or the decapitated head posed on the lifeless body, as an object lesson to any who might dare challenge the authority of ISIS. In at least one instance, this regarding the remains of American photojournalist James Foley, his killers attempted to sell – yes, sell – his headless body to Foley’s family for a reputed $1-million US. Such evil – such outright perversion – must be dealt with and dealt with harshly.

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Community

Discussing Community Safety Announcing some exciting summer news

By Constable Andy Buck Hello again everyone. Well, everything is full-speed ahead for a season of community events. If you were participating in Western Cup I hope you were successful but, more importantly, that you had fun and made some amazing connections.

I can confirm that I will be in attendance next month at the ARGRA rodeo in Strathmore. I can’t say in what capacity, but I am scheduled to have a meeting shortly with the organizers to discuss. I will certainly be there in uniform, so I look forward to mingling with you around the rodeo grounds and campgrounds. Stop me and say “hi”, and I am always available for photo opportunities!

I can tell you that we have some exciting plans for our Pride entry in September. I can’t divulge exactly, because a lot of it is in the planning stage, but it would most definitely be the most visually amazing entry that we have ever had if we can pull everything together. I can tell you that, as a direct result of the incredible support that you have shown us with our entries over the past couple of years, I am getting more and more inquiries from police staff wanting to take part in the parade. I hate to make predictions, but after going from 3 to 30-something to 60-something participants, I would love to see us with 100 members of CPS taking part in the parade this year. That would be truly wonderful, and further demonstrate our commitment to diversity and the LGBTQ community. I have verbal commitments from some pretty high-ranking officers, so watch this space!

I have some exciting news in that I have secured the necessary permission from the CPS executive and the City of Calgary to fly the Pride flag at police headquarters again this year to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

You will be able to see the flag flying proudly over the weekend of May 16th and 17th.

I also want to tell you of an event that is taking place later this month. You may remember me telling you about Constable Tad Milmine, the openly gay officer that we recruited from the RCMP? Well, his charity, Bullying Ends Here ( http:// www.bullyingendshere.ca ), is hosting a fundraiser at Webber Academy on the evening of Saturday, May 23rd. The one and only Rick Mercer is coming to town to provide an evening of entertainment, and every penny raised goes directly to the charity. Please see the website, or contact me for further details.

In the meantime please look out for each other, look after each other, and stay safe. Get in touch if you have any questions, comments or concerns, and I will speak with you again next month.

Constable Andy Buck 403-428-8154 • pol4792@calgarypolice.ca http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4642 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

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GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

17

Lifestyle

Positive Thoughts Crossing the Viral Divide

By Diane Anderson-Minshall It was little surprise when HBO’s Looking – a critically acclaimed but poorly rated TV series about gay men in San Francisco – introduced an HIV-positive character in season two. After all, the city was once the epicenter of the AIDS crisis and now has one of the nation’s highest rates of HIV-positive gay and bi men.

The real revelation, though, was that Eddie, the character Daniel Franzese (already popular from his influential role in Mean Girls) plays, is poz, proud and body positive.

People with HIV are rarities on TV (the last series to have one was Brothers & Sisters in 2011), and when they exist there’s usually a lot of stigmatizing, handwringing and self-loathing around them, with singular storylines that play like a “very special episode.”

But Looking (and the season finale of How to Get Away With Murder, in which Conrad Ricamora’s character Oliver finds out he has HIV) broke the mold with an ordinary gay man who just happened to have HIV. Moreover, it was the first scripted television series to talk about PrEP, or Truvada, as pre-exposure prophylaxis.

“The brief conversation that we have in the Halloween episode happens in a way that I’ve heard PrEP come up amongst my friends… not too preachy,” Franzese told Plus magazine. “I really like the way that it’s handled.”

So did I. Eddie is sexy, healthy and – this is important – romantically pursued by an HIV-negative character. So that the pair can have sex without either of them worrying about transmission, the love interest begins a regimen of PrEP, the daily HIV prevention pill that the iPrEx study proved can reduce HIV infection by up to 99 percent when taken properly.

The fact that Looking handled PrEP in this manner may mean the tide has turned on PrEP, a prevention method initially debated – and actually lobbied against – by some gay men (notably AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s Michael Weinstein, who argued it was a “party drug” that would make users ditch condoms).

Today in many gay communities, on TV or otherwise, we’re increasingly hearing one thing about PrEP: It’s changing everything.

Both the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have begun recommending PrEP to gay and bi men and transgender women, in hopes of stemming the tide of the 50,000 new HIV cases each year in the U.S. It’s not the numbers, though, that are interesting. It’s the sociocultural changes we see from PrEP. The social dynamics among gay men are changing. I’ve talked to dozens of men who are dating across the viral divide: poz and negative guys dating each other, marrying each other, becoming what romantics call “magnetic couples.” (The rest of us call them serodiscordant couples, partnerships in which one is poz and one isn’t.)

Between “treatment as prevention” (a method in which someone with HIV suppresses the amount of HIV in their blood,

or their viral load, to “undetectable” levels and thus can no longer transmit HIV) and PrEP, many gay men are now having sex without the fear that they can transmit, or acquire, HIV, whether or not there are condoms involved.

My friend Alex Garner, who conducts HIV awareness and prevention programs across the country, says this has impacted how gay men now relate to each other because it’s eliminated a key emotional obstacle to love that gay men have had since the late 1980s: fear.

Like a lot of guys, Alex used to almost exclusively date other HIV-positive men, but PrEP has changed that. He told Plus magazine that the possibility of having a real relationship with someone who is serodiscordant seems much more realistic now because PrEP is available – and it changes the relationship too.

Despite Weinstien’s rants, PrEP really doesn’t seem to be really used by wanton sluts who want to man-whore about town. (But, if it is, more power to the users, I say; the LGBT rights movements was built on sexual liberation, and PrEP is to gay men in 2015 what birth control was to feminists in 1970, but I digress.)

In fact, when someone is considering PrEP because their partner has HIV, it’s very often a sign that they love and want to build a future with that person, the exact opposite of one-night stands popular in hookup culture.

Weinstein’s ditching condoms theory seems inaccurate. At least one study from Brown University found that many HIVnegative men in relationships already ditch condoms because they want more intimacy in their relationship (and they do so even when one or both of the guys are having sex outside of that relationship).

Over half the men in that study said they’d go on PrEP, which is good because we know from another study out of Emory that nearly 70 percent of all new HIV transmissions for both gay and bi men and transgender women occur in a primary relationship.

But the Brown researchers are quick to note: These men and women are willing to go on PrEP, not to suddenly ditch condoms once they’re on PrEP, but to protect themselves because they already ditched those condoms long ago.

Today, PrEP is appearing in dating profiles and on apps like Grindr and Scruff. Even sites aimed at HIV-positive men, like BarebackRT, report that HIV-negative men are now posting profiles there and touting that they are on PrEP. For generations of men and trans women who’ve lived in fear of HIV, suddenly having a prevention pill is a godsend. That it’s mired in controversy is no surprise; birth control was once as well for many of the same concerns.

But the bottom line is that Truvada as PrEP is one option, one of the best we have available today. Like birth control pills, though, it isn’t for everyone. Soon we’ll have a rectal microbicide, injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis, vaginal rings, and more. And when we do, I hope the writers of Looking get at least a tiny footnote in history for breaking ground on TV and for having helped destigmatize PrEP for a generation of LGBT viewers.

Diane Anderson-Minshall is editor in chief of Plus magazine, the HIV Plus Treatment Guide mobile app, and HIVPlusMag.com. This column is a project of Plus, Positively Aware, POZ, The Body and Q Syndicate, the LGBT wire service. Visit their websites – hivplusmag.com, positivelyaware. com, poz.com and thebody.com – for the latest updates on HIV/AIDS.

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GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

19

Review

 photos by Jason Clevett

Neil Diamond Still Has ‘It’

Veteran performer still resonates at Saddledome show

By Jason Clevett It would be so easy to fill the headline and story about May 2nd’s Saddledome appearance by Neil Diamond with cliches. Diamond Sparkles perhaps. Or Neil Diamond mines the hits. They kind of write themselves; we are talking about the man who wrote what is probably the biggest karaoke and piano bar sing along tune of all time, “Sweet Caroline”. But slipping into cliches, in many ways, would be a disservice to both the legendary performer himself and the show.

This was my first Neil Diamond concert, but he has been through Calgary many times over his five-decade career. For many in the audience it was likely one of many Neil Diamond concerts they have seen. When the lights went down and Diamond appeared, they roared and sang along to “I’m a Believer”, “Love On The Rocks” and “Girl You’ll Be A Woman Soon”. There was a familiarity between the audience and the singer that not many artists have: a connection to simpler times. I often connect with bands I see based on memories of growing up to their music and, while I know many of Diamond’s hits, they didn’t have the same influence on my life as they did many in the audience, but I could tell that the feelings I have when I see those that represent my life were definitely in the faces of those that have grown up singing “Forever In Blue Jeans”.

The show did have an element of ‘Vegas showman’, but there is nothing wrong with that. It didn’t come off cheesy. In fact, Diamond can still outperform and connect in ways that younger bands simply cannot or do not. Backed by a horn section, talented backup singers and a solid band, the spotlight still focused on Diamond who, at 74, simply moved about the stage, seemingly trying to make eye contact with everyone. A parade of hits marched its way through the two hour show – “Kentucky

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Woman”, which was added as a fan request on twitter prior to the show, “Red Red Wine”, complete with the rap portion, and many more songs and memories played out on stage. Even songs from his new album Melody Road were well received, particularly “Brooklyn Roads”, a song about growing up in New York, complete with pictures and video clips from growing up.

One of the highlights was a stripped down and beautiful cover of Joni Mitchel’s “Both Sides Now”, which he played in tribute to the ill Alberta-born singer/songwriter. In a show filled with glitz it was a genuine and touching moment.

As for that song, of course it was there in the encore. For some artists, a song that becomes so played and ingrained in the public conscience could become reviled . For 36 years he’s had to sing it – probably thousands of times – yet there was no sign of any distaste. Diamond embraced the fan sing along, encouraging the audience to sing the “ba ba ba” and “So good! So good! So good!” that has become such a part of the song. When you have sold over 125 million albums, and can still fill arenas and tour constantly, you know what your audience wants. In this, Neil Diamond delivered.

It is remarkable that at an age when most are retired Neil Diamond can still put on the show that he did, and release new albums instead of just going on nostalgia tours. While the show may not have had the impact or power on me that it did on the audience members, I walked out with an understanding of why he has been so successful for so long and am glad I got the chance to see him at least once. He is one of those artists that should be on everyone’s ‘I’ve seen them’ list.

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GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

21

Fairy Tales knows no boundaries

by Krista Sylvester Sometimes it’s okay when the lines are a little blurred, and that’s what the 17th annual Fairy Tales Film Festival is focusing on this year; integration. This year is a year of firsts, which will lead people wanting seconds and thirds, according to Fairy Tales Executive Director James Demers.

“This year we are bringing films out onto the street, bringing drag queens into brunch, and bringing dance into the movie theatre,” he says. “The integration of our films with the issues, challenges and triumphs felt by our community makes us a strong place to connect, enjoy a good party and watch some great films. Fairy Tales strives to present movies for everyone across the full LGBTAI spectrum, addressing all aspects of our community wherever possible.”

This year’s special theme is summed up by two delightful words: Movie Moments.

“The Queer community has often been defined by imperfect but impactful media representations. A queer film festival creates a place where the community can come together and experience stories for us, about our existence, in a supportive environment,” Demers explains. “Those moments where, in a dark theatre, you identify with a character. A situation or a circumstance that speaks to your identity is rare and special.

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That feeling that connects you to that piece of work and the character is powerful, and it’s a feeling that Fairy Tales has been proudly striving to present for 17 years.”

Of course it’s not an easy thing to have a successful festival grow from a one-day event in 1999 to what is now a weeklong festival boasting five galas and over 30 films, but it’s been a successful transition that has become more of a cultural experience than a single event, says Demers.

“Fairy Tales has expanded its events during the festival to create a community-centered experience, which takes audiences beyond the films, creates space for conversation and for participation,” he says, adding that there will also be opportunity for audience feedback.

And there’s the community partnerships and initiatives, including the Youth Queer Media Program and the year-round OutReels Diversity Education Program, which have become an integral part of the festival.

The Youth Queer Media Program is a film creation and production program which support between four to six youth filmmakers each year to make their first film. The OutReels Diversity Education program brings issue-based films to the community based on requests for the content, and then facilitates discussions around that content.

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“Both programs are free and accessible and unique in content across Alberta.”

These types of programs can continue to flourish, much to the ongoing support of sponsors, who are also a key component to the festival’s success.

“Our sponsors, especially the Kensington BRZ (and all its associated businesses), RBC and our government funders, have been wonderful to work with and created opportunities for us to expand our programs and events,” Demers says.

Back to the integration of it all, this year Fairy Tales is taking film to the streets of Kensington, presenting queer classics and heartbreaking documentaries for everyone.

The exciting Opening Gala on May 22nd features two sexy films and the first-ever special event out door screening at 11 p.m at the Oak tree Tavern.

“There is so much to do this year that I recommend people check out the new website in advance and plan their week, because there’s definitely a lot of things to see and do,” Demers says, adding there are still volunteer opportunities available too. www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

23

Gossip (Proof) will write the script, and Paul Giamatti has been cast as Riggs. Can’t wait.

Meryl, Carey and Helena go to Suffragette City Coming for the end of the year and awards-movie season is a film seemingly designed to be nominated for a whole variety of statuettes: Suffragette, a fictionalized account of the struggle involved in getting women the vote. The period drama, from director Sarah Gavron with a script from Abi Morgan (Shame, The Iron Lady), stars Carey Mulligan as a working mother who realizes she must become an activist and fight for the vote to make her life better. Helena Bonham Carter co-stars, along with Ben Whishaw and Brendan Gleeson. Also, Meryl Streep will star as historical figure Emmeline Pankhurst, the women’s rights activist. It will be that rare thing at the movies: a historical film about the early heroines of feminism, especially interesting since it will be the first major theatrical film to include this subject matter since 1964’s Mary Poppins.

That’s right, Mary Poppins. Other than that, there are very few representations outside of HBO’s 2004 film Iron-Jawed Angels. Clearly, it’s well past high time.

Chuck Palahniuk’s sinister little Lullaby Writer Chuck Palahniuk, author of Fight Club, has a new novel coming, his fifth one – the sweetly titled Lullaby – and it’s already been optioned for a film adaptation. Of course, knowing Palahniuk’s preferred dark tone, this lullaby will offer nothing even approaching sweet dreams. The book, picked up by filmmakers Andy Mingo and Josh Leake, involves a reporter investigating a series of sudden infant deaths, including that of his own child. He suspects that a regional African chant known as a “culling song” may, in fact, be the supernatural source of the deaths. Then he learns that the song has the power to kill just about anyone. In other words, fun all around from a gay author who’s never felt the need to make anyone feel good about, well, anything. Now, when is that movie going to happen?

Looking for more Daniel Franzese  Daniel Franzese. photo by KathClick

Deep Inside Hollywood HBO doing “Battle of the Sexes,” Suffragette City, Chuck Palahniuk’s Lullaby

By Romeo San Vicente HBO to host a ‘Battle of The Sexes’ If you were around and paying attention in 1973, you may remember that plenty of otherwise reasonable adults were still skeptical about the talent of female athletes. In fact, it was such a strange time in history – “Women’s Lib,” as it was called then, was a hot-button issue – that there came to be a tennis match known as “The Battle of the Sexes” that would transfix the entire country. Bobby Riggs, the 55-year-old Wimbledon champ, would play against the Number 2-ranked, 29-yearold star Billie Jean King. And he would lose. And it was a sensation, sparking debate and heated misogynistic weirdness as far as the eye could see. Now, thanks to producers Elizabeth Banks and Tom Hanks, an untitled HBO film starring Banks as King, will recreate that pop-culture storm. David Auburn 24

GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

As of this writing, the future of HBO’s Looking is uncertain.

Having finished two seasons now, and in a ratings trough, there might not be a third season to explore the low-key lives of this San Francisco crew. Gay audiences, it seems, are unhappy with fictional gay lives that don’t precisely mirror their own, and with narratives that meander a bit (OK, fine, whatever, a lot). Anyway, a cancellation would be a shame, especially since this season introduced a jolt of energy with big, joyful Daniel Franzese (Mean Girls). We’ll be annoyed if the show goes away, and with it one of TV’s only bears.

But if this is, indeed, the last of Looking, Franzese’s got a couple indie films in production where fans can eventually find him again. One of them is called Vows and Rites, from filmmaker Matthew Ehlers, co-starring Rose McGowan, about a wedding that collides with a funeral. The other one, about which there’s even less information, is called Mind Puppets, co-starring Vinnie Jones, from first-time filmmaker Juan Curi.

Start checking your local film festival line-ups. That’s where the independent film world warms up its talent.

Romeo San Vicente is looking for any TV show with gay lead characters.

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GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

25

Brett Dalton

Charms Over Fans At Calgary Expo  Brett Dalton in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., photos by ABC

By Jason Clevett As former S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Grant Ward, the character Brett Dalton plays on TV is cold, calculating and, as revealed in Season 1, a double agent for Hydra. The man behind the character Brett Dalton is the opposite – a warm, friendly and charming guy who seemed to want to connect in some way with every fan at the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo. From a highly entertaining panel – along with co-star Ming-Na Wen at the Corral – to his interactions with fans at his table and photo ops, he went above and beyond to make each interaction special.

Another indication of this was the media event held prior to the parade of wonders. Typically actors from major TV shows don’t do media when appearing at events like the Expo. This can be for a variety of reasons, including contracts with the networks, but Dalton spent a few fun minutes with GayCalgary to chat about the show. Much like the audience watching Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Dalton didn’t know what was coming and feared the worst for Grant Ward when asked to meet with producers.

“It was a surprise to me. I saw the producers on set on a Friday – Ming and I were doing a fight scene. The producers were like We need to talk to you. Nothing bad but we need to talk. We were shooting late; it was like 10 or 11. I was like Oh my god this is it. This is a Joss (Whedon) show; we know people die... well I’ve had a lot of fun. I just thought this was my green mile. I was saying goodbye to things on my way there. They sat me down and said Bill Paxton is the Clairvoyant so that makes 26

GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

Watch the video interview online p

you... and I said fired? No, that makes you part of Hydra. You are a spy for them and we are going to make that reveal next episode. I didn’t have a lot of time – it was a big pivot.”

Initially Grant Ward just seemed to be a badass with an attitude but, over the course of two seasons, his back story has unfolded and answered many questions.

“When they gave me the initiative I ran with it. I was very happy with where they took the character. We’d had hints of his back story but, for me, it all made sense. Instead of that being the character, instead we were seeing the tip of the iceberg.

The majority was underwater; this rich back story about this other stuff and the choices he has made. I took it and just ran with it.”

As one of People’s sexiest men in 2013 (a YouTube video called ‘Shirtless Brett Dalton cuddling a puppy’ from the photo shoot gives us another look at Dalton’s personality) the 32-yearold has been considered the ‘hot agent’ by female and gay fans alike. Dalton blushed at being touted a sex symbol.

“It helps when I write my own tweets, doesn’t it?” he quipped, adding “that is flattering, that is cool. I just try and play the truth of the moment – if sexy comes out, cool. I guess there is a little bit of the bad boy thing. We have a lot of good looking guys on the show and good looking agents in general. That must be a requirement. If not, they will stick you as a Hydra guard at the back with the goggles and mask on. Agent Carter is about the founding of S.H.I.E.L.D., so being beautiful must have been a requirement starting at that point because she is so beautiful.”

The second season will wrap up with a two-hour season finale May 12th. ABC just announced a third season after our www.gaycalgary.com

interview with Brett, who was hopeful and excited to bring more S.H.I.E.L.D to the screen.

“I am definitely looking forward to another season. The second season I feel is incredibly strong; we know exactly who we are and where we are going, and it has been really cool to be a part of it. We do finales really, really well and this is no exception. We just continue to go there and pull out all the stops… This is crazy; I can’t wait to share this with everyone. It tees up the third season quite nicely and there are a lot of things that could really explode our show. This is saying something without saying anything; that’s what I am doing. It is going to

be incredible. I had tweeted out I was going to be in episode 17 and I hope my friends have forgiven me, because I wasn’t in it, but I am in the rest of the season. I hope people are tuning in for what I think is some very good television.”

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27

Once Upon a Time It’s Good to Be Bad Interviews with Kristin Bauer van Straten, Merrin Dungey and Victoria Smurfit  Merrin Dungey. photos by ABC

by Mars Tonic These days, a redone fairy tale is not exactly new.

But, just because the idea itself isn’t new, doesn’t mean nothing creative gets put in. Once Upon A Time is unusual in that it is a show with two realities – the past, and the present. While we follow the goings-on of characters now, the flashbacks allow us a peek back in time to what made them the way they are.

Once Upon A Time, if it could be known for two things, would be its abundance of diverse female characters, and their absolutely stunning wardrobes. The latter you can thank Eduardo Castro for – he’s the show’s costume designer. But for the characters themselves, it is the actresses that give them life.

Kristin Bauer van Straten, Merrin Dungey and Victoria Smurfit certainly know a thing or two about it, since their respective characters of Maleficent, Ursula and Cruella de Vil flaunt effortless style in both the Enchanted Forest and Maine.

We caught up with the three dazzling and diabolical figures currently dominating the latter half of the show’s fourth season.

When it came to approaching such iconic roles, they admitted it was a huge responsibility.

“It reminded me of jumping out of a plane,” Kristin said.

“Everything leading up to jumping out was a lot of thought process and worry. But then on the day, ultimately, you are saying dialogue that has been written for you; you’re just trying to say those lines believably. You take it one step at a time.”

For her character, she has not just an animated counterpart, but another live version to match herself up against. Her way 28

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 Kristin Bauer von Straten

Watch the video interview online p

of approaching it was to avoid it. “I did not watch the movie Maleficent, purposefully, until I was done filming this year. I just didn’t want to have other colours and thoughts in my head.”

Victoria, who is just as roguishly (and vogueishly?) stylish and terrifying as her Disney counterpart, echoed her costar’s sentiments. “I did the same with Glenn Close. I watched the cartoon but I didn’t go close to the movie.”

“Before you step over the edge of the black hole when you play an iconic character, it’s quite terrifying and overwhelming. But once you’re in, you’re in, and you get to give it your own spin – and it has been fun.”

The show is known not just for its interesting spins on characters, but also for its casting choices, and all three ladies fill very big shoes with grace and style. “I’m clearly not overweight and purple, you know?” Merrin laughed. “It’s a nice take on it. But once you wear the costume and get in the groove of the whole thing, it kind of does the work for you. You can just do your jam. You get to play.”

Merrin Dungey She wouldn’t have been what we first would have expected as a casting choice, but the television veteran brings a sombre seriousness to Ursula that audiences weren’t expecting.

Naturally, fans loved her – Merrin’s Ursula is a serious, angry, yet heartbreaking vision from the purple diva we grew up watching on VHS. From the scene of her working in an aquarium in New York to her backstory with Killian Jones, we were, well, hooked. It’s unquestionable that Merrin was a great choice for the part, and the actress enjoyed herself immensely www.gaycalgary.com

 Victoria Smurfit

 Merrin Dungey

 Kristin Bauer von Straten

in the role. Her talents are inarguable, since it is practically impossible to see the angry sea queen underneath her adorable bubbly personality.

GC: How is it meeting all of your fans?

MD: It’s amazing. It’s so rewarding because you’re working in this box and you don’t get to interact with other people, and then it’s great to actually hear what people think and have their opinions. We get a lot of young fans, a lot of gay fans; it’s just the coolest thing ever. I had someone today tell me they’re so pumped there are more powerful women of colour – she started

crying, and then I started crying, because that’s all I care about doing. That’s my job.

GC: The casting of you as Ursula was so impressive.

MD: It’s bananas. I was like, I am not purple, I am not overweight, but you want me for this part? How awesome for them to think that outside of the box!

GC: The fairy tales belong to everybody, regardless of colour, race, and gender – right?

MD: They’re just gonna make it great for the fans; they just want to make a great story.

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 Victoria Smurfit

GC: It’s a show you can watch with young kids, which is great.

MD: It’s a family show. I go to my kid’s school and they go bananas. They want me to autograph scraps of homework and I’m like, you need to turn this in, I shouldn’t be signing this! It is the coolest thing. I did a career day thing at my daughter’s class to be able to show them stuff from the show, and to have them so excited – it has just been really cool.

GC: We were disappointed when we went into your backstory and there was no romantic connection to Captain Hook.

MD: You were disappointed? I was disappointed! It was very sweet how he helped me and it all turned out beautifully, but it was a wrinkle they didn’t need to add. And the ‘Captain Swan’ fans would have been like, grr!

The shipping on that show is insane. They ship me and Vic [Smurfit]! Sea Devil. The Twitter fans ship the Sea Devil. What’s so cool about that, though, I think it’s because we have such a connection as people and friends, which showed. And they wrote us as Starsky and Hutch-like compatriots, and that chemistry showed. People like that chemistry, so let’s ship it. I ship it in my heart.

GC: It is great, as a romance or a bromance.

MD: Is it a chomance if it’s chicks? A chomance. Let’s make it so. Mic drop.

Kristin Bauer Kristin Bauer van Straten. You probably know her. And, if you know her, you love her. That was the predominant reaction the minute she was announced as a guest for Calgary Expo.

Though some of her most famous roles bring to mind terrifying

 Kristin Bauer von Straten and Victoria Smurfit

and impressive women, in person Kristen is joyful, polite, professional and kindly.

GC: What was it like being on a show like True Blood, based on books, which had such longevity to it as well as a rabid fan base?

KB: That’s a wonderful experience, because if you’re having fun doing the character it means that you get to do more of it.

Also, that kind of show – the fans are very involved and they really participate, like with cosplay. This [conventions] is a whole new world to me which, if I had gotten on a procedural, I would never have known about. It adds another layer of fun.

GC: Do you think your enjoyment of Pam may have helped further bring her into the show than they might have otherwise?

KB: I always said that I was very lucky because the writing was so amazing and the lines that they wrote for Pam were just gifts. At one point one of the writers that became the showrunner said We have fun playing with you. That’s another thing that was unique to True Blood, that they would enjoy what you were doing and write more of it – it seemed. As an actor you never really know when you get the script.

GC: It was responsive.

KB: Yes, that was what I heard from the writers at one point. I also heard things like, the after the Godric-Eric relationship they realized that, wait, Pam and Eric would have that relationship.

So there were many things that were layered.

GC: In Once Upon a Time, you and the other ladies are kind of like Charlie’s Angels in that you’re all really stellar fashionably.

KB: We are the supernatural Charlie’s Angels.

GC: Your current look is like a noir gangster in Once Upon a Time.

KB: It’s a female gangster, which I think is so beautiful. I love the hat. Oh, Eduardo Castro!

GC: When we were talking to Merrin [Dungey] and asked her what storyline she would write if she could, she said she would like a spinoff with all of the Queens of Darkness.

KB: Selfishly, I would love that as well because I just love hanging out with those ladies. They are all so incredibly committed, fierce, playful actors, and that is really fun to work across from.

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Out of Town Saugatuck, Michigan

 Relaxing on the Kalamazoo River in downtown Saugatuck. Photo by Andrew Collins

by Andrew Collins Although it maintains a relatively low profile outside the region, the charming and artsy “twin towns” of Saugatuck and Douglas are the most significant gay resort destination in the Midwest. A little more than two hours from Chicago and three hours from Detroit, this laid-back area offers a bounty of urbane restaurants, handsome B&Bs, dapper boutiques and antiques shops, and more than 25 high-quality art galleries, as well picturesque beach frontage on Lake Michigan. The pace here is pretty chill – it’s not a nightlife-driven singles destination but rather a picturesque, all-American community that affords visitors the opportunity to get away from it all while still enjoying access to plenty of great diversions.

Generally, when people mention Saugatuck they’re also referring to the neighboring village of Douglas, which share the same very helpful tourism office; the Saugatuck-Douglas Visitors Bureau ( http://www.saugatuck.com ) is actually where many of the area’s gay-owned businesses and homes are. The towns are separated in part by a wide expanse of the Kalamazoo River, which forms a large lake that’s popular for boating and kayaking. From one village center to the other,

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it’s just a mile’s drive or stroll, and it’s also a mile from either community to Lake Michigan.

Historically, Saugatuck claimed more of the area’s shopping and dining, but Douglas’ smaller downtown has gentrified rapidly in the past few years, and now the main drag, Center Street, is lined with interesting businesses. In Saugatuck, you’ll find most of the shops and restaurants clustered around a roughly eight-square-block area along the waterfront, which is lined with boat slips. The two-town region is highly compact and accessible, although a handful of gay-owned accommodations are in outlying areas, a 10- to 20-minute drive away.

The prime tourist season runs from May through September, although most businesses operate year-round. Fall is beautiful when the foliage is changing, and winter offers a quiet and romantic (if chilly) respite, so don’t count out the off-season for a visit. Along the sweeping, sandy Lake Michigan shoreline, Oval Beach is the main area for lazing in the sun. Gays and lesbians tend to congregate more at the northern section of the beach. Lake Michigan’s surf packs a wallop, and the strong winds have formed huge dunes, covered with shrubs.

There are a plenty of other fun things to do in the area.

You can make the 20-minute drive to Fenn Valley Vineyards ( http://www.fennvalley.com ), which has been producing award-winning wines since 1973 – the Dry Riesling and Capriccio (a red wine) are particularly well-regarded. Or stop

by Fennville’s Virtue Cider ( http://www.virtuecider.com ), the maker of artisan farmhouse-style hard ciders that have gained a following throughout the Midwest. Outside the tasting room, there’s a lovely garden patio to while away an afternoon sampling wine. In a handsome space in the center of Saugatuck, the Saugatuck Center for the Arts is an exceptional resource, presenting nationally known musicians and comedians, and first-rate professional musicals and plays, through its Mason www.gaycalgary.com

Street Warehouse theater company (there’s also a farmers market held on the grounds in summer on Monday afternoons).

And if you’re in an outdoorsy mood, consider paddling around town in a kayak – Big Lake Outfitters can set you up with rentals. For a little more exercise, climb the 282 steps to the top of the area’s highest sand dune, Mt. Baldhead, from which you’ll enjoy stunning views of Lake Michigan.

Downtown Saugatuck has no shortage of noteworthy dining options. A major favorite for breakfast, Ida’s Red Cottage is as much fun for people-watching as it is for enjoying the fluffy pancakes and hearty omelets. Phil’s Bar and Grille ( http:// www.philsbarandgrille.com ) is a great spot for a well-prepared lunch or dinner; the kitchen specializes in upscale versions of Midwestern American fare, like potato-crusted walleye with Dijon cream, and double-cut lamb chops charbroiled with a pomegranate gastrique. Marro’s Italian Restaurant ( http:// www.marrosrestaurant.com ), serving authentic Italian fare and superb thin-crust pizzas, is another local favorite. Enjoy live music in the piano lounge most nights.

As coffeehouses go, Uncommon Grounds ( http://www. uncommoncoffeeroasters.com ) is a truly stellar operation, and a great friend of the local LGBT community. It’s a good place to pick up an over-stuffed sandwich, smoothie, light breakfast or delicious carrot cake, in addition to all sorts of espresso drinks made with high-quality, house-roasted beans and homemade syrups. The sunny deck out front is nice for ogling passers-by.

In downtown Douglas, the outstanding Everyday People Cafe ( http://www.everydaypeoplecafe.com ) is an unpretentious neighborhood eatery, but the kitchen turns out superb, creative contemporary American fare with global influences – Koreanstyle braised pork cheek with Michigan maple and Meyer lemon confit. There’s a great wine list, too. Gay-owned Zing Eat Drink ( http://www.zingeatdrink.com ) is a stylish spot with a hip bar up front, two different romantic outdoor seating areas, and an art-filled dining room. It’s a hot spot early in the day for house specialty Maryland crab-cake Benedicts and cranberry-walnut French toast. In the evening, enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail, and tuck into a plate of cedar-planked salmon or grilled meatloaf with caramelized onion jam. Lots of LGBT revelers stop in here for happy hour or drinks before continuing their partying just down the street at Dunes Resort.

Craft-beer lovers should stop by Saugatuck Brewing Co. ( http://www.saugatuckbrewing.com ) to sample the expertly made local brews, such as hoppy Singapore IPA and crisp Oval Beach Blonde, while relaxing on the expansive patio and nibbling on tasty pub fare. In the historic part of downtown, Respite Cappuccino Court ( http://www.respitedouglas.com ) is another great little spot serving first-rate java, tasty breakfast bowls and salads, and tempting baked goods.

When it comes to nightlife, the only game in town is the 20acre Douglas Dunes Resort ( http://www.dunesresort.com ), which has a large and fun disco, a cocktail lounge and video bar, a game room, a huge private sundeck and bar with a large pool and lush foliage, and a piano cabaret. The largest gay resort

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in the entire Midwest, this highly popular resort has a great range of accommodations options, including large two-bedroom cottages, simple and contemporary standard rooms in two motel-type buildings, and even bargain-priced “bunk rooms” ideal for singles. The accommodations are nicely maintained, and some rooms have fireplaces and hot tubs.

One relatively recent development has been the transformation of some of the area’s old-timey motor courts into smartly furnished, mid-century-modern boutique inns. Innkeepers Steve Laughner and Rob Goeke have done a wonderful job with a pair of these properties, the Pines Motorlodge ( http://www. thepinesmotorlodge.com ) – which is more centrally located in Douglas and is right near Lake Kalamazoo – and The Saugatuck ( http://www.thesaugatuck.com ), which enjoys a quieter setting nestled beneath pine trees a short drive from town. Also gay-owned and highly recommended is the Blue Star Motel ( http://www.bluestardouglas.com ), which is within walking distance of Douglas shopping and dining, and their newest accommodation, the Starlite Resort ( http://www.starliteresort. com ), which opened in spring 2015.

You’ll find no shortage of historic B&Bs in the area, too. A stately 1890 Queen Anne on the edge of downtown Douglas, the Kirby House ( http://www.thekirbyhotel.com ) is one of the region’s most elegant properties. After closing for a time, the inn was recently sold and completely revamped with a more contemporary yet still classic design. With five fireplaces and fine oak detailing distinguish, the inn retains its architectural prowess but now feels more airy and urbane. Additionally, there’s a new restaurant and wine lounge on the ground floor, J. Paul’s, which serves tasty tapas and cheese-and-charcuterie boards.

One exceptionally gracious property in this part of the world is the Belvedere Inn ( http://www.thebelvedereinn.com ), a regal 1913 mansion designed by a colleague of Frank Lloyd Wright – it’s about three miles northeast of downtown Saugatuck.

Innkeepers Shaun Glynn and Pete Ta run this spectacular hideaway, tending carefully to guests’ needs (they also operate a lovely three-room vacation house, called the Bellevue Harbour House, overlooking the riverfront in Saugatuck).

Inside the Belvedere, you can choose from among 10 richly furnished rooms and suites, and rates include an opulent breakfast as well as afternoon tea. Glynn is also the chef at the Belvedere’s superb restaurant, which serves such rarified Continental cuisine as roasted butternut squash and crab bisque, and pan-roasted, lightly curried monkfish with saffron risotto. If it’s a romantic getaway or a special-occasion dinner you’re celebrating, the Belvedere is your answer.

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

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The Long Ride Scott Eastwood talks gay fans, being an ‘outcast’ and why he endorses his famous father’s gay marriage mantra

 photos by Michael Tackett

By Chris Azzopardi Scott Eastwood has already provided a generous hunk of swoon-worthy shirtlessness, but the model-turnedactor is just getting started. In his first lead role as Luke Collins in the film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ The Longest Ride, Clint’s sexy son makes you feel all the feels as a bull rider pursuing a hard-won girl (and, for good measure, flashing his now-famous abs).

During our recent interview, the 29-year-old talked about winning over the gay world as a full-time stud, identifying with his father’s Libertarian beliefs on LGBT equality, his Martin Luther King man crush, and keeping his thoughts (and other stuff) in check during sex scenes.

GC: Scott, you were obviously blessed with good genes, and people have taken note of that, many of them in the gay community. At this point in your career, how aware are you that gay men enjoy you?

SE: Now I am – you’re bringing it to my attention! I love it.

I don’t discriminate against any fans. Fans are fans, and gay men are great. I support gay marriage and the whole bit. I think everybody should be able to be with who they want to be with.

My dad is the same way. He’s a total Libertarian – everyone leave everyone alone. Everyone live their own private life. And why does everyone gotta be all up in arms about it?

GC: Your dad put it best when he spoke about gay marriage: “I don’t give a fuck about who wants to get married to anybody else! Why not?!”

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SE: I’d give the same fucking quote – that’s perfect. I’m a firm believer that everyone’s human. We’re only on this planet for a short period of time, and we should all just be as kind as we can to other people because, in life, all you really have is how you affect people, in a negative way or a positive way.

GC: How did you learn to embrace that mentality?

SE: My mom – and my dad too – was really a firm believer (of it), and really compassionate and selfless. She’s such a firm believer that in life you gotta be compassionate. Everyone’s from different walks of life and everyone has their own reality, and to be uncompassionate is not very human.

GC: You were a model for so long – SE: I wasn’t really a model for that long. People say that, but they don’t really know. I mean, I did a couple of modeling jobs, but I never really pursued that. I was like, “Oh well, that’s not really for me. I’m gonna do something different.”

GC: Why wasn’t modeling for you?

SE: I didn’t find it creative enough. It was cool, though. It paid some bills when I was in college as a struggling, broke actor.

GC: Your body, however, is breaking barriers. I read a web comment recently that said, “Even I, as a Gold Star lesbian, look at this guy and state categorically, ‘A-hummina-humminahummina.’” What’s it like to know you can have that effect on even the lesbian community?

SE: (Laughs) That’s awesome! I mean, I don’t really know what I’ve done that’s worthy of it.

GC: You’ve taken your shirt off a few times, so there’s that.

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SE: (Laughs) Yup! GC: The hat, the Levis, the boots. You rock that look like you were born a cowboy.

SE: There’s probably a little bit of cowboy in me somewhere.

GC: When it comes to gay roles, could you see yourself playing one? Is it too soon to get you in a Brokeback Mountain remake?

SE: Oh my gosh – that’s funny! (Laughs) To me, it’s all about the script and the director. I’m very director-driven and material-oriented, so if it’s a great script and a great director, then yeah.

GC: What do you look for in a great script and a great director?

SE: Ohh. That’s hard to put into effect. It’s gotta have that je ne sais quoi, as they say. You don’t know why it’s amazing but it is.

GC: What about this Nicholas Sparks movie stuck out to you when you read the script?

SE: Well, for one, I love (director) George Tillman, Jr. – his films are great. I loved Men of Honor. I thought it was a fantastic movie. I thought that movie was an old ’90s drama, which don’t exist anymore. I was really so excited to work with him.

I thought it was a very unorthodox choice to have him direct a Nicholas Sparks movie. And then geez – what else? The script was great.

GC: The name of the movie, The Longest Ride, really lends itself to a porn spinoff down the line, don’t you think?

SE: That would be amazing. That’d be so funny if that happened. And why not?!

GC: Your sex scene in this movie wasn’t your first.

SE: I’ve had a few. I’ve had about four or five.

GC: What’s the trick to shooting a sexy sex scene?

SE: Keeping your thoughts sort of... controlled.

GC: In addition to keeping other things “controlled.”

SE: (Laughs) I’m only one man! I can only do what I can do.

But I think it’s sexy. I mean, being in a shower with a beautiful, sexy woman – I was turned on! I had fun!

GC: In The Longest Ride or during every sex scene you’ve done?

SE: (Laughs) Some more than others.

GC: You’ve shown full butt before, and in The Longest Ride, you graciously give us a glimpse. With this movie, how was it determined how much butt would be in the shot?

SE: (Laughs) For me, I didn’t really care. The butt thing – to me, this was a really classy story and a really classy movie, so I didn’t care about showing a little butt in there. That’s part of it. Sex scenes – you see a little bit of action, right? And that’s

what makes a good sex scene. Not too much. You don’t wanna give it all away. You gotta leave something to the imagination.

GC: Has your father seen the movie?

SE: He hasn’t.

GC: How do you feel about him seeing those scenes?

SE: I’m really proud of the film, and I hope he enjoys it. It’s not all the time you do a film you’re really proud of.

GC: When you’re in a movie about love and relationships and sex, people are interested in your own personal experiences.

SE: (Laughs) GC: How do you deal with those kinds of questions? Are you an open book?

SE: Partially. I don’t give everything away. You gotta have your private life too. But I’m not shy. I love women.

GC: Well, then, barn sex – yay or nay?

SE: I mean, why not?!

GC: On Twitter recently you said your man crush is your dad.

Who are some of your other man crushes?

SE: People who have the balls to change the world. Guys like Martin Luther King, who said things at a time when they weren’t acceptable. People who are out doing great things.

Guys like Enric Sala who are saving the world. The Pristine Seas project. People who are working toward curing cancer, or working with kids – that’s really great stuff to me.

GC: What are or have been some of the challenges of creating a career independent of your father?

SE: That people take me seriously. I’ve been doing it for 12 years, and I always say Hollywood is like high school. If you’re not the cool kid, you’re the outcast. And nobody really cares and people don’t take you seriously. I was never the cool kid.

Definitely not the cool kid. And so I split. I split LA. I lived in San Diego. And there’s been a couple of moments I thought about throwing in the towel, for sure. I once heard from Mel Gibson. His advice was, “Just stick around and keep plugging away at it. Keep your head down and keep working hard.”

GC: With so much attention on your shirtlessness, is there more pressure to prove yourself beyond the hunky exterior?

SE: I don’t really think about it like that. I don’t spend a lot of time on it. There’d be a lot of wasted time if I let that consume my thoughts. I just keep my head down and do the best I can.

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Interview

Miss Fame Speaks Out

On secrets, anti-bullying and letting your light shine

By Carey Rutherford Well, no kidding! She’s a drag queen on national television; she’s about as out as it gets; oh, but she has secrets, believe you me . . . just not the kind you think.

Firstly, moving from a small-town California chicken farm to Hell’s Kitchen, New York, has been repeated on all of the social networks that she frequents (MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook – just add your own). Secondly, the chicken thing isn’t just a gimmick.

Secret #1: “When we got to meet the queens at the very introduction of Drag Race, before we got to watch the first episode, I talked about growing up on a chicken farm, and that it would make sense later. When I said that, I had no idea that I’d ever talk about chickens again. I thought maybe they were asking me something, and I just trailed off of the question by saying that.

 photo by Marcelo Cantu

“The ‘chicken episode’, as we watched it (later), was pretty inspiring to people for weird reasons; it was really spontaneous, and I didn’t realize I went into it so deep! . . . So, all that truth fell out, but it makes me happy, because it’s a part of my youth, and I do feel really connected to nature and that sort of joy: that youthful wonder.”

living in Russia, being in fear, having issues with their own self-esteem . . . I think I’m meant to be of service, to help people. So right now I’m trying to be a voice for overcoming the challenges we face; overcoming abuse and trauma, and living to your greatest potential.”

True to the life of celebrity, whether it’s new or familiar, his fans went a little nuts on Twitter, Instagram, and elsewhere, with images, videos, shoes, toys – even wicker sculptures. They bring these chicken things to his promotional events: stuffed toy chickens, hats with chickens on them, origami.

It’s a good thing he likes them!

“There has been some pretty amazing things coming forward with it. I can’t deny: it’s pretty cool that something so funny from my youth – that I love – happens to make people happy!”

GayCalgary, always concerned for others, asked Miss Fame how she takes care of herself amongst this growing attention and madness of television, live shows, her own makeup artistry business, her online presence with YouTube makeup how-tos, all of the other social media, and philanthropic events (more about that later).

“It’s so important; it’s mind, body and spirit. You have to take care of all of the elements of yourself as a human being and as an artist. To be able to stay on top of the volume, especially as we’re growing artistically.”

Secret #2: “A part of my truth is that I’ve been sober for a long time, so a large part of me staying ‘right’ in my mind has just been staying sober, and staying close to my recovery. It takes a terrible lot out of me – the internal stresses – but I have a lot of places to go get solutions now. I have a lot of people I surround myself with who are like-minded; who are going through a lot of the same internal struggles, and also overcoming a lot of fear. That, to me, is a huge part of being grounded in the midst of everything.

“The reason I even bring that up is that watching that on the show, seeing that honesty, that personal side of me (that I was very hesitant to bring up, but my mom brought it up in “Untucked”), so it made it an open conversation for people who might not have known I’m actually sober.

“I realized that there’s a huge impact in being able to relate to people that might have similar struggles. That they’re not alone, and you can pursue your dreams even if you’re afraid, by overcoming your personal obstacles . . . That there’s hope; that you can actually live your life with a bigger dream, and not be stifled by your fears. It’s been a long journey, but that’s a huge part of my help.”

Wow. “People paid attention when I dressed as a glamorous, beautiful, superhero-supermodel: there’s something about the way that I look that has allure for people, and when I give them the funny and my truth and the chicken farm, they laugh, and I love to laugh. That’s so great, we need to laugh.

“But I also want the other side of me – whether I’m wearing the makeup or stripping it free – to talk on behalf of all of the truths, about being human, being a young gay person growing up in the middle of nowhere, without any examples or role models to trust. I felt so alone, and I don’t like that there are kids out there that don’t have community.

It’s my responsibility, as a gay man, to show up in a positive light for that community. . . If (only) we were all willing to take action from the exposure, and did something for somebody else. You can’t keep all of this glamour without giving some of it back!”

Miss Fame is currently blowing our minds! Is this a drag queen, or Bono?

On a less altruistic note, we asked her about her rather astonishing YouTube makeup how-to videos. She mentions that their instructional nature is based partly on the fact that she actually teaches makeup classes to companies and individuals (when she’s not hustling her own butt into gear for a show), and that she has a portraiture background: when she’s doing makeup, she’s painting a portrait, just on a living canvas! THAT explains the astoundingly perfect eyebrows!

Miss Fame will be showcasing those perfect eyebrows in Edmonton’s The Starlite Room (10030 - 102 Street) on Saturday as part of Pure Pride’s 10th anniversary celebration. Contact Pure Pride for details.

Miss Fame’s final word? “My advice is to push yourself to your full potential, because you never know exactly where your light’s going to shine the brightest.”

Miss Fame Presented by Pure Pride

We asked Miss Fame about her take on projects like ‘It Gets Better’, and she agrees that they’re a great idea, saying “I love a positive message,” and mentions that she attended an anti-bullying seminar just this past weekend where she heard Tyler Clementi’s mother speak. This is part of a trend, which you can see on some of on her Instagram (etc.) channels, to become more involved in anti-bullying and be a positive role model for youth.

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“I get a lot of young kids writing me personally, messaging me, or on Twitter (etc.), telling me about not being able to come out to their families,

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Getting Froot-y with Marina and the Diamonds Welsh superstar talks gay pandering, lesbian rumors and ‘uncomfortable’ pop phase

 photos by Charlotte Rutherford

By Chris Azzopardi “This line is so sketchy!” says Marina Lambrini Diamandis (better known by her stage name, Marina and the Diamonds). But despite the fallible international phone connection, the Welsh indie-pop artist’s refreshing truthfulness is not impeded as she promotes her latest album, FROOT. Marina can be heard loud and clear while serving major dish on a variety of hot topics: lesbian rumors, Katy Perry parties, interviews she calls “complete shit” and what she thinks of artists who pander to the gay community (Hint: “It’s insulting”).

GC: So, your new album, Marina: I cried.

MLD: Noooo! (Laughs) GC: Was the experience of creating the music as emotional of an experience for you?

MLD: Yeah. I mean, maybe in a less intense way because I was writing it for over 18 months. With everything (I’m) very kind of exposed, but particularly so with this one.

GC: How did you end up making an album that’s very much about self-confidence and loving yourself first?

MLD: I can’t really tell you. There’s not an answer for the way I got to that point. The relationship you have with yourself – you can’t really orchestrate that or make that happen. It’s more than just a point you get to in your life. It was very gradual. Obviously, I must’ve got to a point where I was inspired enough to write about it for songs like “Happy,” but that was quite late in (the recording stage), so songs like 40

GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

“Immortal” and “Gold” were written on the way to getting to that point, if that makes sense.

GC: So you were working yourself out as you went along?

MLD: Yeah, totally.

GC: The album really resonates with me in a way that I think will also resonate with a lot of people in the LGBT community.

MLD: A lot of the reason I think I have a gay fan base is because a lot of the themes, and the core of the songs, are usually stemming from something to do with identity or acceptance. I know that I always felt like that and I don’t anymore. FROOT definitely focuses on that, but I suppose, yeah, it is a lot about letting go of certain things. Anyone who feels rejection, prejudice or discrimination in some way would connect to that.

GC: When we spoke in 2012, you were reluctant to gush too much about your gay fan base. At the time you said, “I don’t want to be a cliché pop star saying, ‘I love my gays!’” When does talking about one’s gay fan base become a cliché?

MLD: It’s not that it’s a cliché – it’s more that, perhaps, I was cynical about it. I felt that people in pop use that to express themselves in that way for calculated means because they know the gay fan base is extremely loyal and extremely expressive and is a tastemaker demographic. You know what I mean? It’s like, “Oh, god.” It’s insulting to both sides.

I kind of feel the same way now, because, yeah, of course I have a really strong gay fan base, and the fact is that it is a really enjoyable factor for me to have a really strong demographic because it makes the shows a lot more fun, for www.gaycalgary.com

one, and because they are really expressive. But all types of people should be appreciated. I’m sure the gays would back me up on that! (Laughs) GC: Do you think the appreciation of one’s following can morph into pandering?

MLD: On Twitter, I don’t really like it when I see loads of messages from an artist saying (talks in baby voice) “I love you guys! I love you guys! I love you guys!” because I don’t think there’s any kind of intelligence in that. Also, how can you be genuine and say that so many times? Maybe that’s when it becomes pandering, when you’re dumbing down your fan base.

GC: You’ve opened up for some big names, including Coldplay and Katy Perry.

What is the extent of your interactions with these people when you’re on tour with them? Did Katy invite you to hang out with her?

MLD: (Laughs) She did actually! She invited me to a Fourth of July celebration; it was really nice. She looks after her supports nicely, but I didn’t hang out with her personally loads. And then with Coldplay – Chris (Martin) came and said hi a few times, but just as much as you’re busy, they’re busy.

I do promo, and Coldplay has to do god knows what. I mean, they have bloody kids to look after! To be honest, even with the supports that I’ve had, you don’t really get to talk to each other that much. Sometimes you might get to hang out, but it’s pretty common to not really see each other that much.

GC: Could you see yourself working with Katy at some point?

MLD: You never know! With collaborations, I’ve been very picky in that I’ve only ever done one, so I’m kind of looking forward to doing more. Now that I’ve done this album and created what I want, I feel much more open to doing other stuff.

GC: FROOT has more in common musically with your debut than its follow up, Electra Heart. It’s very DIY, less mainstream pop. Why the change?

MLD: Because I felt like this is the essence of who I am as an artist. Pre getting signed, that was the music I was creating, and it’s not like “this is the real me.” It’s more that I feel like with Electra Heart it was very conceptual and I wholeheartedly embraced working with big writers and big producers in American pop to further my fan base and to expose me to a lot of new people. I did that because you literally can’t get on the radio in any other way.

So, for me, doing another album like that again would not make sense because I didn’t enjoy the experience of trying to try to fit into this mold. I felt that, though there were so many really enjoyable parts to Electra Heart, particularly with the visuals that we were creating, there were also parts – the everyday stuff, the kind of interviews that I was having to do, and the perception that people had of me – that I just felt really uncomfortable.

With this one, I just wanted to try it on my own.

GC: What about the interviews during the Electra Heart period made you feel uncomfortable?

MLD: Just uncomfortable in that they were complete shit. Actually, I have to say, for whatever reason, except the ones that were for gay publications, it seemed like everything was very surface layer because of the music that I was making. Like, “You’re making pop songs, so of course you’re this kind of person.”

GC: I’m guessing you won’t be returning to mainstream pop in that way, then.

MLD: Umm, probably not.

Not for myself, no.

GC: There are many theories about FROOT on the Internet. One is that this is allegedly your coming out album.

MLD: (Laughs) No, sorry, it is not. It certainly isn’t.

GC: Are you aware of how many lesbians wish you were gay, though?

MLD: Actually, I’m not.

Interesting! I’m afraid to disappoint.

GC: The other is that the double Os in FROOT are actually a pair of tits.

MLD: (Laughs) I’m happy to back that rumor!

GC: Was that really the intention?

MLD: (Laughs) No – it’s just that I liked the double O because it looks almost a bit synthetic and playful. It gave (the album) a playful edge, so that’s why the two Os happened. But also, when we came to design the logo, I actually liked it from a design aspect, because when you interlink the Os you can form a little diamond.

GC: Plus, spelling it “fruit” is so boring.

MLD: It’s too serious.

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41

The Word of Reba McEntire

Country icon on attending her first gay wedding, the ‘practicality’ of LGBT rights and being a proud redhead

 photos by Big Machine

By Chris Azzopardi Even by phone, Reba McEntire makes you feel right at home. “Thanks for the visit; I’ve enjoyed visitin’ with you!” the singer drawls, wrapping up our conversation as if I’d just stopped by for buttered grits and a cup of hot coffee.

A music, television, film and theater superstar with a trove of prestigious awards, Reba is enormously famous, but talking to her, you wouldn’t know it. She comes across more like a friend.

Fancy? Not so much. And she certainly won’t let her rabid gay following down – she has delighted in a friendship with the LGBT community since the beginning of her 40-year career.

Now, as she releases her 27th studio album, Love Somebody, the country icon’s ready to take some serious stands.

In our chat, Reba stresses the importance of gay marriage, how “sad” it is to know that some country artists feel they can’t come out, and her message to parents who can’t accept a child who’s not straight.

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GC: You grew up in a town with, like, 16 people and lots of cows. I imagine there weren’t a lot of gay people in Chockie, Oklahoma.

RM: Nope, nope. Not at all that I know of, or in high school. I guess in college was the first time I was around any gay people, and they became my friends first and then I found out they were gay, so there ya go! Didn’t change my opinion of ’em; I still liked ’em a lot.

One was a very dear friend of mine who helped me a lot with my singing and my music, and he was just a super sweet, gentle man who loved music with all his heart. I’m pretty sure that was my first introduction, the first time I met anyone who was gay.

GC: As a longtime ally, how important are LGBT equality and same-sex marriage rights to you?

RM: Very important. I just went to my first gay wedding a couple of months ago in California for Michael and Steven, my two great friends. They’ve been together for 20 years! I thought that it was not fair, and I didn’t understand why they couldn’t get married. It wasn’t because they just wanted to get married. If one of them had gotten injured and gone to the hospital, the other

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one couldn’t make decisions for them. It’s very upsetting.

It’s not only for convenience or for romantic reasons – it’s for practicality. For practical reasons! I get a kick out of what Dolly said: “Why shouldn’t they get married and be as miserable as the rest of us?” (Laughs) GC: You don’t seem so miserable in your marriage, though.

RM: No, not at all. But I don’t understand why people have a problem with it. I’m a very spiritual person, but I don’t judge. I try not to; I’m only human. To each his own, and everybody is different.

God did not make us all the same. So, I just pray for an open mind and a loving heart, and I think that’s all I can do.

GC: In your four decades as a country musician, how much progress do you think the genre has made when it comes to embracing LGBT fans with open arms?

RM: Well, I’ve always embraced gay and lesbian fans with both arms. I have a huge gay following!

GC: Absolutely. But country music as a whole – do you see progress when it comes to LGBT equality?

RM: Yeah, I do. There are more (artists) speaking out about it, but I can’t really speak for anyone else other than myself.

GC: If Reba, Wynonna and Dolly drag queens were to compete, how would you mentor the Reba queen to ensure her victory?

RM: Good lands – that’s a hard question! Because Wynonna is such a character! I love her with all my heart. Dolly is bigger than life, and I love her with all my heart. So I’d say, get out there and work your tail off!

GC: Throughout the years, there’s been some pretty darn good Rebas. I’m sure you’ve encountered some yourself.

RM: Totally, absolutely!

I’ve had a Reba impersonator in my (touring) show before, and David (Lowman aka Coti Collins) came off the stage one night and he said he’d done such a good job of impersonating me in the song “Fancy” that the limo driver opened the door for him.

GC: Have you ever been mistaken for a fake Reba?

RM: Not that I know of!

GC: Female country artists aren’t getting the same radio airplay as their male counterparts these days. Why aren’t the ladies getting a fair shake?

RM: It goes cyclical. It’s always in phases, and it’ll come back around. In my 40-year career I’ve seen it go from very contemporary country music to very traditional, and then it goes back to contemporary and then you can’t get a male song recorded or a male on the radio, and then you can’t get a female song recorded or a female on the radio.

It’s gonna come back. It’s been the good ol’ boy season right now, but it’ll change.

It’ll go back to more romantic, more females. But we’ve gotta promote these younger females coming on. I’m with ya. There’s a bunch that have been lost in the shuffle – female singers – that I don’t know they’ll get a second chance, but they’re out there. We just need to get them on the radio and get them out to the public to listen to.

GC: Who comes to mind?

RM: Brandy Clark. My gosh, that girl! I’ve got three or four songs of hers on my new album. She’s got great material. I mean,

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Miranda’s recorded them. All the girls have recorded her songs.

GC: I have to know: When’s the big hair coming back?

RM: (Laughs) I can’t get (my stylist) Brett Freedman to get it that high anymore! My good friend Shane Tarleton is always saying, “Get that big hair out. Jack it up to Jesus!”

GC: Is that your real hair?

RM: Yeah, it’s my real hair now. I did wear wigs when I did Annie Get Your Gun, and then on one tour where we went from Reba in 1974 to present Reba, I did wear the big wigs and had my short hair at the end. And I’ve done it on vacation, ya know. You go from the swimming pool to getting ready for dinner in 30 minutes when you’re wearing wigs! They’re great!

GC: Redheads sometimes get a lot of flak when they’re young. As a redhead in a small town, what was it like for you?

Did you ever feel like an outsider?

RM: No, absolutely not. I loved my red hair. My mom was a redhead, so I felt she gave me her red hair. I’ve always been very, very proud of it.

GC: And people didn’t treat you any differently because of it?

RM: Oh, I didn’t care!

GC: What has made you gravitate toward themes of empowerment, then?

RM: Because I think they’re important. To be encouraging.

These songs are encouraging; they’re encouraging to folks.

Every song I sing has a message, and it might not be for me and I might not have experienced what’s going on in the song, but I think it’s for somebody who needs to hear it. I’ve had people come up to me before saying, “You have no idea how so-and-so song changed my life. It helped me through a bad situation.”

God knows what he’s doing.

He gives me the gut feeling to say yes to this song, yes to that song. And it might not have anything to do with my career, my lifestyle, but he’s got somebody down the road

who needs to hear it.

GC: Would you consider recording a country song inspired by a gay person’s story?

RM: It just depends on the song. If it touches my heart, absolutely.

GC: Your daughter-in-law, Kelly Clarkson, told me recently that she didn’t care if one of her kids turned out to be gay. And then you actually backed her on that on Facebook, posting “amen!” on the article. As a grandparent, and a parent yourself, what kind of message do you hope to send by affirming your open-mindedness when it comes to loving and caring for a child regardless of sexual orientation?

RM: What a child needs when they’re growing up is support and love, mainly love. Love can go a long, long ways whether they’re gay or not. All the troubles and the problems and the obstacles that they are going to face in their lives are going to be astronomical, especially in their very young, inexperienced minds. And if they do happen to be gay, that’s going to be a harder hurdle to get over. What a parent needs to do more than anything is jump in there with love and support. You made ’em.

They’re a gift from God. Love ’em as they are.

GC: With Billy Gilman, Ty Herndon and Brandy Clark, there’s been a recent wave of country musicians coming out. What are your thoughts on these artists taking that step and coming out publicly?

RM: It’s really, really sad what they’re living with before they decide to come out. And then why they decide to come out, and how they deal with it after they’ve come out – the pressure society puts upon them, their families and what they put upon them, whether they accept it or they don’t. You know, my new album is called Love Somebody … I wish it’d been called Love Everybody. You gotta love people for who they are. Accept them, and then go on with life.

GC: Love Everybody – the title of the next album.

RM: I’m gonna work on that!

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Photography Pure Pride 10th Anniversary Party, Edmonton at Starlite Lounge http://gaycalgary.com/pa949

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Photography BEARACCHUS III, Calgary at Blind Monk & Arrata Opera Centre http://gaycalgary.com/pa945

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Photography ISCWR - Ruby Reunion College Show, Edmonton photos by J&B

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Photography Apollo Western Cup Weekend, Calgary http://gaycalgary.com/pa937

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Photography

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News Releases NSFW - New Andrew Christian Video! THE BLOW! SHOW

Obama Supports Banning Ex-Gay Therapy For Minors

MUSIC: “Make My Body Rock” By Round Sky Music. Getty Images MODELS: Peter Le, Ryan Rose, Sean Zevran, Jacob Ford ALSO...

Lambda Legal Applauds President Obama for Supporting Banning ‘Ex-gay Therapy’ for Minors “So-called ‘ex-gay therapy’ devastates...

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Jane Austen fans invited to have a ball in Calgary

Major Child Advocacy Groups Strongly Oppose Michigan’s Extreme AntiLGBT Adoption Bills

On May 16 of this year, Calgarians will have the unique opportunity to experience Jane Austen’s England without leaving the city.... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1817

Neil Patrick Harris to attend Calgary Expo TOMORROW, Friday April 17 Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo announced that Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother, Gone Girl, Dr. Horrible’s SingAlong... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1818

CALGARY EXPO closes 10th Anniversary event with record-breaking attendance over 102,000 The 10th Anniversary of Calgary Comic & Entertainment has announced that final attendance numbers have broken a new record....

Bills would enshrine special taxpayer funded discrimination rights into law and could be voted on by the Senate as early as... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1823

Jenner Interview with ABC’s Sawyer Highlights Visibility, Understanding of Transgender People Olympic Champion’s Appearance Comes as HRC Poll Shows That 66 Percent of Americans Who Know a Transgender Person Support Equality Tonight,... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1824

‘Unfriended’ Isn’t the Only Social Media Film There is an apparent disconnect between the way people act in real life and on social media that is being depicted in recent films...

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Listen to Josh Groban New Album STAGES now Streaming on GayCalgary.com

ISCWR Joins Artists for Life as Bronze Sponsors

Album release on April 28th, via Reprise Records STAGES Features Groban’s Renditions Of Some Of The Greatest Musical Theater... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1820

Top 15 Reasons To Be Single This Summer As a newly single lady, I was quite surprised when I announced my break-up to friends and family. Expecting cheers of liberation...

JTMF West is proud to announce http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1826

Another Day, Another Poll Showing Americans Embracing Marriage Equality Just days before oral arguments on marriage equality are scheduled to begin at the Supreme Court, a new Washington Post/ABC Poll... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1827

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News Releases Survey Shows Striking Increase in Americans Who Personally Know and Support Transgender People

100+ Tech Leaders Now Call for LGBT Non-Discrimination Protections in America Reflecting an ever-increasing wave of support for LGBT equality, more than 100 technology industry leaders and counting have joined...

New Polling Data Reveals That 22 Percent Say They Know Or Work With Someone Who Is Transgender, Up Five Percentage Points In...

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Vocal Improvisation with Karen Porkka, Artist-inResidence at RobertsonWesley United Church

San Antonio Shame: Mayor Calls LGBT Protections a “Waste of Time” Mayor Ivy Taylor, elevated after pro-equality Julian Castro left office, derides the nondiscrimination ordinance he championed Taking...

April 12th to May 31st, 2015 Sundays from 4:00 pm to 6:00pm Robertson-Wesley United Church (10209 - 123 Street) Karen Porkka... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1834

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Calling All Flatheads! The Kids in the Hall Announce North American Tour

BBQ buried under the snow? Sear your steak indoors with the Thermador Professional Grill

Venerable Canadian comedy troupe The Kids in the Hall are going back out on the road, with stops in nine Canadian cities from...

Luxury kitchen appliance brand offers the flavours of summer year round with innovative new grill for Thermador Professional Style...

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NSFW - Steam Room Stories: Who would straight guys go gay for?

Alberta Ballet & Azuridge Estate Hotel Present La Bayadère

With a wealth of hot celebrities in front of our eyes on a daily basis, it’s no surprise that even straight guys are admitting...

Alberta Ballet and Azuridge Estate Hotel are delighted to present acclaimed choreographer Stanton Welch’s La Bayadère, performed...

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Mormon Apostle’s Criticism of LGBT Families Underscores Work Still Ahead To Ensure Full Equality

MOVIE NEWS: Ab Fabulous Darling!

After many years of speculation, and many a gay man’s dream, it has been announced that there will be an Absolutely Fabulous movie...

Comments by Oldest Member of A Mormon Governing Board Harms LGBT Youth In the Church The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s...

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Support for Same-Sex Marriage is Rising in all 50 States, Study Shows

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Permitting same-sex couples to marry leads to more social acceptance of same-sex marriage, not backlash against it Public support... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n1838

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Tiara Manila has made a brilliant impression on the Edmonton Drag scene since coming to Canada from Manila, Philippines in 2008. Otherwise known as Jude Yangzos, Edmonton native Manila started doing drag in 2010, being inspired by the performers at the Odyssey in Vancouver.

In the short 5 years she has been performing, Manila has made a name for herself as co-creator of Queens of the Orient, a drag show headlining at Buddies in Edmonton. This show was inspired by an impromptu Miss Universe fashion show she and some friends decided to put on at a friend’s apartment.

She is heavily involved in the Edmonton LGBT community, and has produced a fundraising event which resulted in a donation of $1400 to the Philippines after the disastrous typhoon that struck in 2014. In addition, she holds the current “Alberta’s Drag Superstar” title.

In her off time, Manila loves sewing her own costumes and those of her costars - a skill that was completely self-taught with the influence of watching her mom at a young age - and busying herself with outdoor sports. A self-proclaimed adventurous, she has recently changed careers after working 7 years in the hotel industry. She is now a talented makeup artist at MAC cosmetics.

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Directory & Events DOWNTOWN CALGARY

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2

6

3

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1 8

4 5

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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 750 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

 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

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

 slow.pitch@apollocalgary.com

• Squash

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.

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

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Directory & Events Fetish Slosh----------------------------  Evening

Calgary Events

At 3 Backlot

Mondays

 2nd

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

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

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

Saturdays

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

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

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

At 5 Goliaths

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

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

Wednesdays

Fridays

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

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

See

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

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

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

At 5 Goliaths

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

Tuesdays

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

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

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

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

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

Thursdays

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

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

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

 Kerby Center, Sunshine Room 1133 7th Ave SW

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

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

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

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

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

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

See 1 Calgary Outlink By

 1st

YYC Badboys at 13 The Pint

At 5 Goliaths

At 3 Backlot

Knox United Church

 Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW)

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

 3rd

Between Men--------------------------- 7-9pm Karaoke-------------------------  8pm-12:30am

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

 2nd, 4th

At 4 Texas Lounge

ISCCA at 3 Backlot

See 1 Calgary Outlink

 tennis@apollocalgary.com

• Yoga

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

Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association (ARGRA)

 www.argra.org

✰

At 5 Goliaths

At 1 Calgary Outlink

See 1 Calgary Outlink

 3rd  4th

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

 1st

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

Deer Park United Church/Wholeness Centre

 http://www.calgaryexpo.com

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

Calgary Gay Fathers

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

 403-278-8263

Different Strokes

 http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org

FairyTales Presentation Society

Calgary Men’s Chorus

 403-244-1956

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

 http://www.calgarymenschorus.org

• Rehearsals

• DVD Resource Library

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

✰

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

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

Gay Friends in Calgary

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

Girl Friends

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

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

 girlfriends@shaw.ca

 members.shaw.ca/girlfriends

• Peer Support and Crisis Line

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

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

 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.

• Telephone Support

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

Hillhurst United Church

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

HIV Peer Support Group

Girlsgroove

 http://www.girlsgroove.ca

ISCCA Social Association

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

Knox United Church

 506 - 4th Street SW  403-269-8382  http://www.knoxunited.ab.ca Knox United Church is an all-inclusive church located in downtown Calgary. A variety of facility rentals are also available for meetings, events and concerts.

Lesbian Meetup Group

 http://www.meetup.com/CalgaryLesbian Monthly events planned for Queer women over 18+ such as book clubs, games nights, movie nights, dinners out, and volunteering events.

Miscellaneous Youth Network

 http://www.miscyouth.com

• Fake Mustache • Mosaic Youth Group

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

Mystique

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

• Coffee Night

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

NETWORKS

 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

56

Sundays See See See See See

Deer Park United Church Scarboro United Church Hillhurst United Church Knox United Church

Rainbow Community Church

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

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

 Weeds Cafe (1903 20 Ave NW)

Calgary Expo

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

 2nd

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

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

• Tennis

 Arrata Opera Centre (1315 - 7 Street SW)

 1st

See 1 Calgary Outlink

 Calgary Contd.

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

 2nd

See 1 Calgary Outlink

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

See 1 Calgary Outlink

By

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

GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

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.

✰

• Coffee Night

 2nd Cup, Kensington

Safety Under the Rainbow

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

Scarboro United Church

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

Sharp Foundation

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

Spectrum Volleyball Calgary

 http://www.spectrumvolleyball.ca  spectrumvolleyball@gmail.com Join us for recreational, competitive or beach volleyball.

www.gaycalgary.com

Directory & Events  Calgary Contd.

Unity Bowling

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

Wild Rose United Church

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

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

DevaDave Salon & Boutique

 1317-1st Street NW

Restaurants & Pubs

Ellen Embury

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

Hardline

Adult Depot (CLOSED)

 Calgary: 403-770-0776

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

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

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

Retail Stores

 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

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

 T-S: 10am-6pm, N: 1-4pm

MFM Communications

NRG Support Services

Priape Calgary (CLOSED)

 Suite 27, Building B1, 2451 Dieppe Ave SW

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

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

SafeWorks

Pushing Petals

Free and confidential HIV/AIDS and STI testing.

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

6th and Tenth - Sales Centre

Bars & Clubs (Gay) 3 Buddy’s Nite Club------------------------- ✰

 11725 Jasper Ave  780-488-6636 6 Evolution Wonder Lounge

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

FLASH (CLOSED)

 10018 105 Street  flashnightclub@hotmail.com

Barry Hollowell

UpStares Ultralounge (CLOSED)

 4th Floor, Jasper Ave and 107th Street

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

 11725 Jasper Ave  780-488-6557

Bars & Clubs (Mixed)

Calgary Civil Marriage Centre

These venues regularly host LGBT events.

Hooliganz Pub (CLOSED)

ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects

 403-294-7402

 http://www.ATPlive.com

Fairytales

Craig Connell (Maxwell Realtors)

See Calgary - Community Groups.

Cruiseline

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

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

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

Fellowship of Alberta Bears

 www.beefbearbash.com

GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club

 780-474-8240

 tuff@shaw.ca

HIV Network Of Edmonton Society----

InQueeries

Bathhouses/Saunas 5 Steamworks------------------------------- ✰

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

Community Groups AltView Foundation

 #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

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

✰

 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.

 http://www.iscwr.ca

Theatre & Fine Arts

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

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.

8 Yellowhead Brewing Co.

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

Wheel Pro’s

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

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.

• Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre

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

Courtney Aarbo (Barristers & Solicitors)

Edmonton Pride Festival Society (EPFS)

 http://www.edmontonpride.ca

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

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

 403-808-7147

Edmonton Expo

 http://www.edmontonexpo.com

7 The Starlite Room

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

• Safeworks Van

Christopher T. Tahn (Thornborough Smeltz)

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

 10704 124 St NW

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

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

 780-938-2941

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.

• Centre of Hope

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

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

www.gaycalgary.com

EDMONTON

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

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

 M-W: 12-6pm, R: 2-7pm, S-N: 12-5pm

 Calgary: 403-777-9494

 Edmonton: 780-413-7122  Other Cities: 1-877-882-2010

Webster Galleries Inc.

• Calgary Drop-in Centre

Services & Products

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

Vertigo Mystery Theatre--------------------

Hot Water Pools & Spas

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

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

 403-703-4750

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

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

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

✰

 #3 306 20th Ave SW 

http://www.thirdstreet.ca

Lorne Doucette (CIR Realtors)

La Fleur

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

Third Street Theatre

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

 403-266-1707 Florist and Flower Shop.

✰

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

Interactive Male

Best Health

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

Holiday Retirement

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

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

✰

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

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

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

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

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

Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose

Living Positive Society of Alberta

 #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.

Men’s Games Nights

 Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street)

 780-474-8240  tuff@shaw.ca

OUTreach

 University of Alberta, basement of SUB  outreach@ualberta.ca  http://www.ualberta.ca/~outreach Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender/transsexual, Queer, Questioning and Straight-but-not-Narrow student group.

Pride Centre of Edmonton-------------

✰

 10608 - 105 Ave  780-488-3234  admin@pridecentreofedmonton.org  http://www.pridecentreofedmonton.org  Tue-Fri 12pm-9pm, Sat 2pm-6:30pm

GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

57

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

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

Martial Arts---------------------  7:30-8:30pm Team Edmonton

7

3 Buddy’s-----------------------Bars and Clubs 4 Woody’s-----------------------Bars and Clubs

5 Steamworks----------------------Bathhouses 6 Evolution----------------------Bars and Clubs

7 The Starlite Room------------Bars and Clubs 8 Yellowhead Brewing Co.-----Bars and Clubs

Youth Sports/Recreation-----------------  4pm

Women’s Social Circle------------------ 6-9pm

QH Youth Drop-in------------------  2-6:30pm

Counseling----------------------  5:30-8:30pm

Book Club-----------------------------  7:30pm

Monthly Meeting----------------------  2:30pm

Knotty Knitters-------------------------- 6-8pm

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

QH Craft Night-------------------------- 6-8pm

Intermediate Volleyball--------  7:30-9:30pm

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

Fridays

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See

Tuesdays

See

2

See 1 Youth Understanding Youth

Mondays

N

Team Edmonton

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

Team Edmonton

Thursdays

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See See See

 2nd, 4th

BookWorm’s Book Club

 3rd

Team Edmonton 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

Youth Sports/Recreation-----------------  4pm

Men’s Games Nights--------------  7-10:30pm

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

QH Game Night------------------------ 6-8pm

Youth Sports/Recreation-----------------  4pm

QH Youth Drop-in---------------------- 3-8pm

Swim Practice--------------------------- 7-8pm

Saturdays

See

Team Edmonton

See

Wednesdays See

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

Youth Understanding Youth

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See

Team Edmonton

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See See

Men’s Games Nights

Youth Understanding Youth

• TTIQ

• Counselling

• Women’s Social Circle

Come knit and socialize in a safe and accepting environment - all skill levels are welcome.

• Men Talking with Pride

 robwells780@hotmail.com Support & social group for gay & bisexual men to discuss current issues.

• Movie Night

Movie Night is open to everyone! Come over and sit back, relax, and watch a movie with us.

• Queer HangOUT: Game Night

Come OUT with your game face on and meet some awesome people through board game fun.

• 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.

58

See

Team Edmonton

Sundays See

Team Edmonton

Yoga---------------------------------  2-3:30pm See

Team Edmonton

Men Talking with Pride---------------- 7-9pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

Ballroom Dancing--------------  7:30-8:30pm See

Team Edmonton

Soul Outing-------------------------------  7pm

 Robertson-Wesley United (10209 123 St)

 2nd

Monthly Meetings---------------------  2:30pm  2nd

 2nd

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

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.

• Knotty Knitters

 2nd

Bowling-----------------------------------  5pm

 Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street) See Edmonton Primetimers

Buck Naked Boys Club

 Edmonton Contd.

 780.488.3234 Free, short-term counselling provided by registered counsellors.

 2nd, Last

Naturalist Gettogether See

By Edmonton Primetimers  Unitarian Church, 10804 - 119th Street

Running------------------------------  10-11am

QH Youth Drop-in---------------------- 3-8pm

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

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

A support and information group for all those who fall under the transgender umbrella and their family or supporters.  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

GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

Women’s Drop-In Recreational Badminton. $40.00 season or $5.00 per drop in.

• Gymnastics, Drop-in

•Ballroom Dancing

 Foot Notes Dance Studio, 9708-45 Avenue NW  Cynthia: 780-469-3281

 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.

• Blazin’ Bootcamp

• Hockey

 Garneau Elementary School 10925 - 87 Ave  bootcamp@teamedmonton.ca

 hockey@teamedmonton.ca

• Martial Arts

 Ed’s Rec Room (West Edmonton Mall)

 bowling@teamedmonton.ca $15.00 per person.

 15450 - 105 Ave (daycare entrance)  780-328-6414  kungfu@teamedmonton.ca  kickboxing@teamedmonton.ca Drop-ins welcome.

• Cross Country Skiing

• Outdoor Pursuits

• Bowling (Northern Titans)

 crosscountry@teamedmonton.ca

• Curling with Pride

 Granite Curling Club, 8620 107 Street NW  curling@teamedmonton.ca

• Cycling (Edmonton Prideriders)

 Dawson Park, picnic shelter  cycling@teamedmonton.ca

• Dragon Boat (Flaming Dragons)

 dragonboat@teamedmonton.ca

• Golf

 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.

 golf@teamedmonton.ca

www.gaycalgary.com

Directory & Events Red Deer Events Wednesdays

LGBT Coffee Night------------------------  7pm See

CAANS

 1st

Friday, August 15th

 Edmonton Contd.

• Snowballs V

 January 27-29, 2012  snowballs@teamedmonton.ca Skiing and Snowboarding Weekend.

• Soccer

 soccer@teamedmonton.ca

• Spin

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

• Swimming (Making Waves)

 NAIT Pool (11762 - 106 Street)  swimming@teamedmonton.ca  http://www.makingwavesswimclub.ca

• Tennis

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

 tennis@teamedmonton.ca

• Ultimate Frisbee

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

• Volleyball, 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.

Youth Understanding Youth

 780-248-1971  www.yuyedm.ca A support and social group for queer youth 12-25.

• Sports and Recreation

 Brendan: 780-488-3234  brendan@pridecentreofedmonton.org

Restaurants & Pubs 12 Woody’s------------------------------------ ✰ See Edmonton - Bars & Clubs (Gay).

Retail Stores Passion Vault

 15239 - 111 Ave  780-930-1169  pvault@telus.net “Edmonton’s Classiest Adult Store”

Products & Services Cruiseline

LETHBRIDGE

 780-413-7122 trial code 3500  http://www.cruiseline.ca Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY.

Robertson-Wesley United Church

 10209 - 123 St. NW  780-482-1587  jravenscroft@rwuc.org  www.rwuc.org  Worship: Sunday mornings at 10:30am People of all sexual orientations welcome. Other LGBT events include a monthly book club and a bi-monthly film night. As a caring spiritual community, we’d love to have you join us!

• Soul OUTing

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

• Film Night

 Bi-monthly, contact us for exact dates.

• Book Club

 Monthly, contact us for exact dates.

Theatre & Fine Arts

Community Groups GALA/LA

 356 - 2 Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB  403-527-5882  1-877-440-2437

• Monthly Dances

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

 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

Exposure Festival

The Roxy Theatre

 University of Lethbridge GBLTTQQ club on campus.

 10708 124th Street, Edmonton AB  780-453-2440  http://www.theatrenetwork.ca

BANFF Community Groups HIV Community Link

 102 Spray Ave  PO Box 3160, Banff, AB T1L 1C8  403-762-0690

JASPER Accommodations Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

 Old Lodge Road  1-866-540-4454  http://www.fairmont.com/jasper

Community Groups Jasper Pride Festival

 PO Box 98, 409 Patricia St., T0E 1E0

 contact@jasperpride.ca  http://www.jasperpride.ca

• Telephone Support

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.

Gay & Lesbian Integrity Assoc. (GALIA)

 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

 http://www.lethbridgeexpo.com

Lethbridge HIV Connection

 1206 - 6 Ave S

PFLAG Canada

 1-888-530-6777

 lethbridgeab@pflagcanada.ca  www.pflagcanada.ca

Pride Lethbridge

 lethbridgepridefest@gmail.com

RED DEER Community Groups

Whistlers Inn

 105 Miette Ave  1-800-282-9919  info@whistlersinn.com  http://www.whistlersinn.com

Community Groups HIV Community Link

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

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

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

MEDICINE HAT

Central Alberta AIDS Network Society

 4611-50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB  http://www.caans.org The Central Alberta AIDS Network Society is the local charity responsible for HIV prevention and support in Central Alberta.

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.

Products & Services Squirt

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

Theatre & Fine Arts Broadway Across Canada

 http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca

OUTtv

 http://www.outtv.ca GLBT Television Station.

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.

www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

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Classifieds Event

140

The Fetish Slosh at the Backlot!

Come on down to the Backlot the 2nd Tuesday of every month for a no-cover Fetish party. Upcoming dates are November 13, December 11th, etc. You can dress up in Leather, Latex, cuffs, collars, or just your skivvies. Have the conversation you like without offending a vanilla in sight. The Backlot supports and promotes the alternative lifestyles of Calgary so feel free to express your KINK!

Wedding/Union

190

Magical Music DJs

Specializing in LGBT Weddings and Unions.

Everyone deserves the wedding they’ve always dreamed of with the person they love! Call us for a quote today 403.254.9754 Email: magicalmusic@shaw.ca Website: www.magicalmusicdjs.com

McDougall United Church (Edmonton), an Affirming congregation proudly performing same-sex unions or same-sex marriages since 1998. http://www.mcdougallunited.com

Employment

240

Barrio Fiesta Restaurant LTD. Located at 170-6800 Memorial Drive NE Calgary AB we are currently recruiting a cook This is a full time position starting ASAP $13.85 per hour Duties include Preparing and cooking specialty food, Oversee kitchen operations Set and oversee buffet Keep kitchen and work area clean Train staff Must have a strong knowledge of Filipino cuisine and experience of a minimum of one year is required. This is shift work afternoon, late evening to apply please email to bfresto. hiring@gmail.com for more information call 403-272-2970

Employment

240

Dandelion Harbour LTD O/A Subway Canada Located at 725-17 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta is looking for Restaurant Supervisor $14 40.0 hours per week full-time start ASAP Shift, Overtime,Weekend,Day,Night,Evening high school diploma Min 1 year Fast food outlet or concession experience Supervisory Experience an asset Supervise and co-ordinate staff who prepare and portion food Establish work schedule Estimate and order ingredients and supplies Ensure food service and quality control Maintain records of stock repairs sales and wastage Prepare and submit reports; Establish work schedules; Train staff in job duties sanitation and safety procedures Bondable This is a Fast-paced environment Work under pressure Combination of sitting standing, walking Standing for extended periods Bending crouching kneeling Walking Supervise 5 to 10 people Preferred application By e-mail kevin@richardsonperez.ca In person: from 13:30 to 14:00

Employment

240

Barrio Fiesta Restaurant LTD. Located at 170-6800 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB we are currently recruiting a Food Service supervisor This is a full time position starting ASAP $14 per hour. Duties include Supervise and Coordinate up to 5 staff who prepare and portion food to serve, Estimate and order ingredients and supplies, Establish methods to meet work schedule, Maintain record of stocks and repairs, sales and wastage, train staff, ensure food meets quality standard, Must have a strong knowledge of Filipino cuisine and experience of a minimum of one year is required. This is afternoon and late evening position. to apply please email to bfresto.hiring@gmail.com for more information call 403-272-2970

Help Wanted

240

GayCalgary Magazine is looking for salespeople, graphic designers, and writers in Calgary or Edmonton. For more info, contact: magazine@gaycalgary.com 403-543-6960

Sales

270

COLLECTOR’S II Antiques and Accessories Clearance SALE 1005a 1st Street S.W. Parking in back 4032786446 Tues to Friday 10:30-5:30 Sat10-5 Sun 12-4

Sales/Rentals

335

Safe Step Walk-In Tub Co. Safe Step Walk-In Tub Alert for Seniors.

Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included.

Call 1-800-594-9682 for $750 Off.

Internet

415

Products/Services 500 Rork Hilford MC

Officiant - Marriage Commissioner Commissioner for Oaths in Alberta WEDDINGS AND MARRIAGES at your venue or in my home studio.

Destination Location Style • Elopement Style • Quick and Legal • Formal or Stylish • Immediate or in the Future • Religion Free • Standard or Customized Ceremonies • Cross Cultural • Same Sex - LGBT-TTQ hilford@shaw.ca • 403-246-4134

Certified Personal Trainer

GUYSPY ALL MALE HOT GAY HOOKUPS! Call FREE! 800-913-8509 only 18 and over

Erotic Massage

420

UltimateMaleMassage.com

Upcoming wedding/event/trip/class reunion?

If you want to look/feel better, increase your strength/endurance/flexibility, I CAN HELP YOU! call/text me 4038263305 or email me j_d_short@hotmail.com

Consulting

527

Want to attract the LGBT local or traveler to your business?

Best Erotic Male Massage In Calgary.

Studio with free parking. Deep Tissue and Relaxation. Licensed, Professional.

Video on website. 403-680-0533 mike@ultimatemalemassage.com

It’s not about special treatment. You can’t assume the LGBT person, or the straight person will follow the pack anymore. The LGBT market is becoming more and more aware of what organizations support them, and which ones don’t, ultimately sending them away from businesses and communities that do not recognize them or their lifestyle. Does your staff need LGBT sensitivity training? Want to attract the market but unsure how to proceed?

Local, Domestic, International, We can assist.

Check us out at http://blueflameventures.ca, Email us at info@blueflameventures.ca, Call us at 604-369-1472. Based in Alberta.

Ads starting at $10/mo. for the first 20 words. Submit yours at http://www.gaycalgary.com/classifieds 60

GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

www.gaycalgary.com

Bookkeeping

537

Cleaning

517

Health

GET A LIFE! Commercial Cleaning

Crunch Accounting offers accounting and bookkeeping services to small businesses in the Calgary area. We offer competitive rates and exceptional service. Visit us at www. crunchaccounting.ca for more information or call 403 629-7677.

 Mail Forwarding

Does your business need a professional cleaner? Steve is bonded/Insured. Flexible prices and brings all his own supplies. Steve is a part of the LGBT Community and has been cleaning for over 5 years in Calgary.

(403)200-7384 getalifecleaner@gmail.com www.getalifecleaner.com www.facebook.com/getalifecleaner

550

Lose 15-22 Lbs in 30 days (average) Fight fatigue, have more energy and lose weight. Results backed by a 30 day full money back guarantee! You have nothing to lose but weight and I will be here to help you with any questions you have along the way! Also, great earnings potential for those looking to make extra $$$ from home. For More Info: clay1976. isagenix.com, 587-919-5744 (text or call)

Photography

572

Hire an Amateur Photographer Need new photos? Want something for LinkedIn, Facebook, holiday cards? Personal, couples, share-able or adult - no limits, you retain all rights. Creative Queer photographer, cheap rates. photo@chaoticwow.ca

Mail replies to Box 1018 c/o GayCalgary, or E-mail box1018@gaycalgary.com.

Scan below to view Classified Ads Online!

To reply by post, mail to: Box # c/o GayCalgary 2136 17th Ave SW Calgary, AB, T2T 0G3 To reply by E-mail: box#@gaycalgary.com

www.gaycalgary.com

Private House Cleaner Will clean for the gay community. Very detailed. Includes vacuuming, dusting, cleaning floors, kitchens and bathrooms. Cute clean appearance. Must have own cleaning supplies.

Call for rates. Kevin 403-797-6336

GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

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GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

www.gaycalgary.com

www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #138, May 2015

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