GayCalgary Magazine - November 2015

NOVEMBER 2015

® ISSUE 144 • FREE The Voice of Alberta’s LGBTQ Community

James Marsters

Music, mayhem & John Barrowman

Interview with

SELENA

DJ Pornstar

GOMEZ

toys to touring

PLUS:

Peaches • Sara Bareilles Levi Karter • Ricky Roman GayCalgary 12th Anniversary ...and more!

Business Directory

BJ Britt

Scan to Read on Mobile Devices

Community Map

Calgary • Alberta • Canada

Events Calendar

We’re Trippin’: Exactly

Tourist Information

STARTING ON PAGE 43

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Table of Contents

Videography Photography Steve Polyak

Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino, B&J Sales Steve Polyak Videography sales@gaycalgary.com Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino

Legal Council

Courtney Aarbo,Printers Barristers and Solicitors North Hill News/Central Web

General Inquiries ® GayCalgary Magazine Distribution

2136 17th Avenue SW Calgary: Gallant Distribution Calgary,GayCalgary AB, CanadaStaff T2T 0G3 magazine@gaycalgary.com Edmonton: Clark’s Distribution Other: Canada Post

Office Hours: By appointment ONLY Legal403-543-6960 Council Phone: Courtney and Solicitors Toll Aarbo, Free: Barristers 1-888-543-6960 Fax: 403-703-0685 Salesmagazine@gaycalgary.com & General Inquiries E-Mail:

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine This Month's Cover 2136 17th Avenue SW Main: SelenaCalgary, Gomez, photo

by Interscope Records.

AB, Canada Top Right: James Marsters, photo by The WB/CW. Mid T2T 0G3 Right: DJ Pornstar, photo by Steve Polyak/GayCalgary Magazine.

Bottom Right: BJ Britt, photo by ABC/ Office Hours: By appointment ONLY Phone:Marvel.com 403-543-6960 Toll Free: 1-888-543-6960 Fax: 403-703-0685 E-Mail: magazine@gaycalgary.com

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

Proud Members of: Proud Members of:

Publisher’s Column

PAGE 11

Writers and Contributors

Mercedes Chris Azzopardi, Allen, Chris Dave Azzopardi, Brousseau, Dallas David-lee Barnes, Gauthier, Dave Brousseau, MarsTonic, Sam Oriol Casselman, R. Gutierrez JasonJr.,Clevett, Romeo San Andrew Vicente, Collins, staffEmily of Loft Collins, 112, Steve Rob Diaz-Marino, Polyak, V.N. Janine Winnick, Evaand Trotta, the Jack LGBTFertig, Community Glen Hanson, of Calgary, Joan Hilty, Evan Kayne, Edmonton, Stephen andLock, Alberta.

Neil McMullen, Allan Neuwirth, Steve Polyak, Carey Rutherford, Romeo San Vicente, Ed Sikov, Nick Vivian and Photography the GLBT Edmonton, SteveCommunity Polyak, Jeffof&Calgary, Brian, Kurtis Allan and Alberta.

5 12th Anniversary, the busy summer of 2015, and LGBT community changes 10 Homos on the Range

A prairie AIDS play re-emerges after two decades

11 Video Interview - James Marsters Music, mayhem and John Barrowman

13 Peaches Lets It All Hang Out

‘F*ck the Pain Away’ performer talks childhood trans friend, penis onesies and vagina love

16 Positive Thoughts Q&A with Mondo Guerra

18 Bravely Bareilles

PAGE 13

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

NOVEMBER 2015

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Sara Bareilles on growing up with gay ‘brothers and sisters,’ feminism and fan hugs

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22 Deep Inside Hollywood

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, That Funny Gay Guy, Bette Midler, ‘Dance From the Dance’

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23 Video Interview - We’re Trippin’: Exactly (But Not Really)

PAGE 18

®

36 Seconds with BJ Britt

24 DevaDave Edmonton Rainbow Business Association

26 Video Interview PAGE 23

DJ Pornstar

International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association

National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association

The positive message within the salon, boutique and new eatery

Gay European Tourism Association

Continued on Next Page  www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

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Table of Contents  Continued From Previous Page ® Magazine Figures

27 Video Interview PAGE 26

Ricky Roman and Levi Karter at Evolution Wonderlounge

28 The Gay World of Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez talks lesbian rumors, (maybe) dating gay men and how she’s proud of Nick Jonas’s ‘love for everyone’

34 Queer Eye

PAGE 27

42 Mz. GayCalgary November 2015 - Vanity Fair 43 Directory and Events 48 Classified Ads

a m

PAGE 28

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ga

Scan for Latest Issue:

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

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.

http://www.gaycalgary.com/RSS Articles • Recent News • Prize Draws • Events • Travel Info

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Total Readership of PDF/ISSUU/WEB

History

40 News Releases

4

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

Proof of monthly figures are available on request.

39 A Couple of Guys

Scan for this Issue:

Monthly Online Magazine Readership:

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GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

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Editorial

 ISCWR Coronation 40, taken on Nokia 920

12th Anniversary, the busy summer of 2015, and LGBTQ community changes Publisher’s Column

By Steve Polyak If you have been reading us since 2003, you would know that I wrote the publisher’s column for the first nine months of the magazine’s life. After that Rob took over.

He knew I had a lot of work on my hands starting the magazine, but he also hated having to proof my articles.

He pretty much rewrote chunks of them before taking over writing the publisher’s column. So hopefully our current editor, Janine, will be able to handle what I send her each month.

I am reintroducing the publisher’s column because, I feel, that so many things change within the community that sometimes we either can’t do a whole article about it – due to time constraints – or don’t have enough writers for the articles that need to be written. As I am out talking to people in the community, I often hear things like I didn’t know that [insert name of town] is doing Pride or I didn’t know that straight bars did gay events. So my attempt will be to to talk about these

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items in the column every edition, and to follow up post event with summation and pics.

12th Anniversary Last year, on the 11th anniversary of the magazine, my partner in the magazine and editor, Rob Diaz-Marino, announced that he would be leaving the magazine at the end of 2014. I knew I would have a lot more work on my shoulders but wow: that was an understatement. Rob has helped on some things throughout the year, which I have been grateful for, like the voiceover on the ads we have running on OutTV, some graphic design work, car rides (remember I don’t fully drive yet), and a number of other things, but it has been pretty much non-stop work for the whole year. Having Janine Eva Trotta doing the copy-editing has helped. She is a godsend to what I do around here. Jason Clevett and Stephen Lock being around for just about all the 12 years the magazine has operated is great to see in this industry.

Continued on Next Page 

GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

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 From Previous Page

Online Last Month Creep of the Week Mike Huckabee

Bust out the rainbow M16 assault rifles because things are about to get FABULOUS! The United States Army is about to become the world’s biggest pride parade thanks to President... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4870

Deep Inside Hollywood

Mary Poppins 2, ‘Oscillate Wildly,’ Cameron Esposito, ‘Hart to Hart’

 GayCalgary November 2003 Edition

I would also like to thank all the other writers who have written for the magazine over the last year.

Running a magazine is not easy. One thing that helped was that GayCalgary.com, as a website, was running seven years prior to the start of the printed version of the magazine. So we had a brand, subscriber base and a site that the magazine could expand on. When Rob announced last year that we were going to stop printing hard copies, it shocked lots of our readers. Over the next months, many other publications would announce major changes: FFWD Weekly, which had been printing alternative news in Calgary for 18 years, stopped printing at the start of this year; Xtra announced that they were going digital-only as dailyxtra.ca; and OutWord Magazine in Winnipeg announced they would be reducing to quarterly publications.

Judging by the sparse racks I see in the free magazine shelves, it looks like several other magazines have also disappeared.

Making the move to digital-only was the right direction for us to take, especially considering Alberta’s current economic climate. Being based out of Calgary, with the name GayCalgary Magazine, it’s proven difficult to get large advertisers on board monthly from ad agencies. Although we can demonstrate that we receive traffic from across Canada – and are the most popular online LGBT magazines in the country according to the third party site Alexa.com – it is hard to make agencies change their mind on advertising with us. One thing I was told in a conversation I had a couple years back is that they are only looking to advertise to the LGBT communities of Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal – the LGBT market in Calgary, or even Alberta, is too small for them.

When you hear something like that, and then realize that a publication like Xtra had also gone solely digital because the advertising income was not enough to support printing anymore in Vancouver or Toronto, you start to realize how hard it must be across the country for LGBT media to survive. Some LGBT magazines rely on income from dating sites/companies.

Even though GayCalgary started as Men For Men BBS in 1992, which was a pre-Internet dating service, once the early Internet sites started becoming popular, I decided to concentrate more on the magazine and covering community news than competing with those sites. Surprisingly enough, those sites still exist, but are rarely used or updated. With current Apps like Scruff, Growlr and Grindr, or mobile friendly websites, it’s proving wise that I did not try to continue upgrading Men For Men over the years – plus Rob might have killed me trying to run both projects simultaneously.

Just think of how many gay dating apps are out there with no one on them. How much money was spent to do those apps or websites without getting the traffic needed to even break even 6

GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

Mary Poppins 2: The Possibly Very Bad Idea We’ve reached a point in film history – and more specifically, in the history of the business of Hollywood – where remakes and reboots... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4871

The Frivolist - Scream Queens 13 Hot Scary-Movie Villains Who Give Us Beautiful Nightmares

Hot horror movie villains are hard to come by – what with all the blood and guts that usually characterize those that terrorize – but there are a few smokin’ standouts in the genre.... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4873

AC/DC

A Wet & Wild Show at Commonwealth

Rock or Bust; indeed. Cold winds, a non-stop downpour – nothing stopped rock legends AC/DC from blowing the non-existent roof off of Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium September... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4822

The Tenors

Bring Heart and Warmth to Under One Sky Tour

Since forming in 2008, the vocal quartet of Clifton Murray, Remigio Pereira, Victor Micallef and Fraser Walters, The Tenors, have become global stars. Their combination of pop... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4824

The Tea Party

Make Rock Magic On Edges of Twilight Tour

In our interview, prior to the September 24th Tea Party concert at the Jack Singer Concert Hall, singer Jeff Martin stated that this tour – playing the album The Edges of Twilight... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4823

Creep of the Week Star Parker

The 2015 Values Voter Summit — an annual event where conservatives gather round to bitch about abortion, big government and gays — has come and gone. Many delusional and hateful... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4876

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Hear Me Out

11 Classic Madonna Moments From Her ‘Rebel Heart Tour’

Be still my gay heart. Though Madonna’s latest spectacle, Rebel Heart Tour, spotlights her 13th studio album of the same name, the concert queen still reached into her back pocket... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4877

Creep of the Week Franklin Graham

In a recent interview evangelist Franklin Graham used the “s” word. And he used it a lot. That word is, of course, “sin,” as in, “(T)he Obama administration... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4855

The Frivolist

Scare Tactics - 10 Halloween Marathons For You and Your Boo

Before the ghoulish parties kick off and trick-or-treaters roam the night, curl up with your own special cuddle monster for these scary TV-and-movie marathons sure to give a fright. FearFest,... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4882

Slash Concert More Than A Nostalgia Trip

It would be easy for Slash to rest on his laurels and cash in. As one of the greatest guitarists of all time, the ex Gun’s n Roses and Velvet Revolver player could simply play... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4838

Madonna Makes Spectacular Alberta Debut

When Madonna’s Rebel Heart tour was announced in the spring, you could almost hear the collective scream of joy from Alberta fans as for the first time ever the Material Girl would... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4837

Creep of the Week Eric Metaxas

I may be a grown up, but I read a lot of young adult fiction aimed at LGBT teens.

Wait. I shouldn’t use the term “aimed at” less I fuel the fire behind Eric Metaxas’s... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4885

Daisy Theatre Returns Ronnie Burkett’s Puppet Variety Show A Riot

In entertainment there are those rare things that you instantly connect with.

Whether it’s a song you’ve listened to a thousand times, a movie you saw repeatedly in the theatre,... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4866

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financially? So for GayCalgary to operate, without a partner dating site to help cover the costs, we need advertisers and we need to run tight. That is why most of the work was done by Rob and I with our freelance writers doing the articles. Without Rob, it is just me doing most of the work, so having more people on board would be ideal.

People always want to try to help us with the magazine, so I am putting it out here: help us get advertisers. A poor economy means they are harder to find, but we are hoping that our loyal readers will help bring new advertisers to us. Don’t forget to support our advertisers and supporters too! Shop in their stores, attend their events, visit their website or call the ones that have a phone number only. We are also looking for more writers, and hopefully a sales person to take care of finding more advertisers. I don’t like getting behind on things but, over the year, I did fall behind on things like getting through the 300 to 500 emails I receive per day, tagging photos in the photo gallery, minor website updates, and so forth. Not having hard copies to distribute did take close to a week’s work off my plate.

Our online readership is still the same as it was last year. We are still in the top 3,500 most popular websites that Canadians visit, in the top 25 sites in Alberta based that Albertans visit, and the top 10 Calgary based websites that Calgarians visit, according to Alexa.com. That was a big worry for us – that maybe the readership would drop – but it did not. Visitors to the website are still spending an average of half an hour perusing, whereas on most media sites, they usually only last a couple of minutes. Our digital subscribers are over 20,000 and it keeps growing.

So achieving 12 years of readership, especially now, is something to celebrate!

Summer Recap, Edmonton Coronation, Calgary Pride and Camera Failures August to the first weekend of October is the craziest time of year for Alberta’s LGBT Community, and thus the magazine.

Amid those weekends Rob was really happy that he was not part of the magazine anymore, so he could enjoy himself and take in the events, oppose to working hard covering them.

August 8th began the Great Canadian Bear Weekend III in Edmonton. The weekend included an afternoon at the West Edmonton Mall Water Park, Bear Bingo, Mr. Alberta Bear Competition and more. It was great to see guys from across Alberta attend this event. Hot weather meant wet fur. The guys did a great job keeping all the bears entertained and, of course, there was lots of food. Daren Dare Behr Kavich was cooking all three days portions so ample they still had leftovers. Check out the photos at http://www.gaycalgary. com/pa1021 .

Red Deer Pride was the weekend of August 15th. Rain meant the cancellation of some outdoor events. The Friday night show was a Night of Comedy at the Scott Black Theatre, performed by the Bull Skit Comedy troop, and it was all improv. It was really funny: the actors were drinking on stage so, as the night went on, you could see it was starting to affect them. The Saturday night dance was held at the Legion, a larger venue than prior years. Drag queens from around Alberta performed alongside drag kings from Calgary’s Fake Moustache Troup.

Photos can be seen at http://www.gaycalgary.com/pa1026.

The ISCWR Coronation XL in Edmonton was on the weekend of August 22nd. Coronations can be really boring when you are standing behind a video camera; you can’t talk to people, or even get up to stretch. So, with Rob off, this was the first year we took only photos. Sadly, there were some amazing numbers performed, and I wish I could enjoy them again.

During the number of the third set, my Canon PowerShot SX50HS camera decided to fail. All it wanted to do is take solid black photos. The most critical photos of the night are the step down numbers of the out-going emperor and empress and the crowning of the new monarchs. Without the main camera working, I had to improvise and use my Nokia 920 Windows Phone with the portable video light to take the remaining

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7

photos. My 4-year-old smart phone has always done amazing photos, so we were able to pull it off. Once I got back home, the Canon camera was sent for repair (I always buy an extended warranty on cameras). With the amount of photos Rob and I take at events, just about every camera has ended up in the shop. Photos can be seen at http://www.gaycalgary.com/ pa1009.

The first event of Calgary Pride Weekend was Derrick Barry – Britney Spears impersonator – at Cowboys Nightclub. The event was very well attended for a Wednesday night show.

I had with me an older Canon that Rob used to use and a replacement. As the show started I realized the reason why the last camera was replaced. It would actually fail after about 3 or 4 photos are taken and you would have to pop the battery out to get it working again. So I switched over to Rob’s Canon but, for the standard of photos we take now, it could not keep up. We still got some great shots, but I know we could have done better. You can check them out at http://www. gaycalgary.com/pa1042.

I knew that I would not be able to handle the rest of the Pride events without a better camera so checked in with BestBuy. They were nice enough to offer me a temp Canon PowerShot SX60HS until mine came back from repair.

Thursday night was the Pro Pride event, where LGBT professionals and allies from corporate Calgary get together and celebrate Pride at Hotel Arts http://www.gaycalgary.com/ pa1040 and then Factory 112 – Head Shots at a new venue called Loft 112 http://www.gaycalgary.com/pa1041.

Friday night was also jam packed. Starting at Wild Pride at the Standard http://www.gaycalgary.com/pa1037 . I popped out to cover the annual Homo Hop, held at Loft 112 http:// www.gaycalgary.com/pa1038 and then over to True Colors – Pride Edition at the Night Owl, which was in the old Boyztown Space http://www.gaycalgary.com/pa1039.

Calgary Pride weekend was mostly a rainy mess. Other big outdoor events were getting cancelled but, on Saturday afternoon, the Dyke and Trans* March still went on. The attendees walked very fast and close together to cover each other with umbrellas. The street festival was moved to the Old Y Centre where the drenched had a chance to dry out and watch some great live music and drag kings http://www. gaycalgary.com/pa1043.

PurePride at Flames Central was Saturday night the only event that evening for me to cover. At close to 1,500 in attendance, the place was sold out and packed. Everything was going on without a hitch until the headliner, International Superstar Dev, started to do her live numbers. Part way in she grabs a bottle of water and throws its contents at the audience.

I received most of the dousing, along with the loaner camera 8

GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

from BestBuy! She decided to sit down on the edge of the stage right beside me and totally ignored me as I was wiping down the camera whilst glaring at her. I was so dripping wet that I had to go off to the side of the stage just to dry off, but the camera was fine http://www.gaycalgary.com/pa1047.

The rain held out for the Pride Parade and Street Festival on Sunday, though it was cold and overcast. Pride Calgary received so many parade entries this year they actually needed to turn groups away. The Street Festival was a mud pit with wood boards covering the worst spots. Though people were getting stuck, they were still enjoying themselves http://www. gaycalgary.com/pa1050.

Right after the street festival, I ran over to Broken City for the SHARP Foundation fundraiser http://www.gaycalgary. com/pa1057, then over to the sold out event, Hot Mess Pride Patio Party at the National on 8th which, for having an outdoor heated patio able to hold 550 people, was packed http://www. gaycalgary.com/pa1060, as was the Summer Send-off with DJ Ruby Rose that night at Cowboys, with a sold out crowd of 1,200 http://www.gaycalgary.com/pa1061.

Last event of Pride was on Monday afternoon: the Donnie Peters Memorial Cut-a-thon at Tomkins Park http://www. gaycalgary.com/pa1048. By the weekend’s end I had taken close to 15,000 photos and I know there were events I just was not able to attend!

Weekend of September 12th was the Evolution Wonderlounge’s 2nd Anniversary. Saturday night I did a video interview with Ricky Roman and Levi Karter inside the bar.

During the interview I asked if the guys had any new tattoos since it had been a year or so since I had last seen them. Levi had nothing new, but pulled down Ricky’s shorts to reveal something not PG. So there is a censored and uncensored version of the interview; you will need to sign up for a free digital subscription to watch the uncensored version http:// www.gaycalgary.com/pa1062 .

Medicine Hat Pride was on September 19th. During Calgary Pride I was told that the event was cancelled but, with one week’s notice, I received the news it was back on http://www. gaycalgary.com/pa1068 .

Edmonton Expo was held on the weekend of September 26th. This year we decided not to have a booth, leaving MarsTonic and I able to wander the floor and take photos of the great cosplay outfits. It was a nice change. MarsTonic was the only writer again with me covering the Edmonton Expo, and she did six great video interviews. She never ceases to impress me with what she does with 10 to 15 minutes notice before an interview http://www.gaycalgary.com/pa1035.

The last event from this busy stretch was Banff Pride on October 3rd, the last Pride in Alberta for 2015. The drag show and dance at Wild Bills is always sold out with over 500 people attending http://www.gaycalgary.com/pa1073.

By this time my camera was finally ready for pick up. Its repair tag read: #998ACUNT8. After such a busy season, it was great to end it on a good laugh.

Things happening in November Congratulations to Goliaths and the Texas Lounge on their 28th Anniversary, the party for which takes place on November 26th. Sadly though, we loose Buddies nightclub in Edmonton on November 21st. Woody’s will remain open and will have some of the staff brought over to it. Buddies had been running in that location for six years, but 21 years in total. Something new in Calgary’s gay nightclub scene, Backwards Nightclub, will be opening by year’s end. I have walked through the space and it is going to be amazing. The club will be located at 628 8th Ave SW; you can check out their website at http://www. backwards.club.

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4888 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments www.gaycalgary.com

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GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

9

Theatre

 1994 production still from Brave Hearts, Steve Gin (l) and Barry Thorson (r) – photo by David Scollard

Homos on the Range

A prairie AIDS play re-emerges after two decades By staff, Loft 112 Supposedly, lightning never strikes twice in the same spot. But after 21 years apart, Calgary actors Barry Thorson and Steve Gin are challenging that notion.

In 1994, Thorson and Gin self-produced Harry Rintoul’s searing AIDS drama Brave Hearts, set atypically in the backyard of a party in Saskatoon. Equally uncharacteristic for the time were the play’s bluecollar characters: a bitter, closeted seismologist and an openly gay ranch hand.

“At the time, AIDS was still a white-collar crime,” reflects Gin, who played the wisecracking, Glen Campbell-loving ranch hand, GW. “Most of the AIDS dramas at that time were about well-to-do white gay men who lived in New York, San Francisco or Fire Island. AIDS – let along gay men – were still an invisible presence on the prairies.”

“These (characters) are people that an Alberta or a prairie audience identify with readily and understand,” adds Thorson. “They’re so downto-earth, which I think is very appealing.”

On the evening of December 4th, as part of events honouring World AIDS Day, Brave Hearts receives a staged reading at Calgary’s Loft 112 in Calgary’s East Village, with Thorson and Gin back in the saddle as GW and Rafe. A panel discussion follows, with representatives from the Calgary Gay History Project, HIV Community Link and Chromatic Theatre participating.

Brave Hearts first opened at Toronto’s Buddies in Bad Times Theatre in 1991, at a time when a diagnosis of AIDS was still considered a death sentence for many. Three years later the prognosis wasn’t much better when the play premiered in Calgary at The Pumphouse Theatres. The actors rehearsed at the AIDS Calgary offices, and resource personnel from the organization facilitated talkbacks after each performance.

Critical response to the production was positive, with the Calgary Herald proclaiming it ‘an act of courage’.

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GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

 2015 photo of Steve Gin (l) and Barry Thorson (r) – photo by Declan O’Reilly “AIDS claimed a lot of the people we got to know through that show,” remembers Gin. “But others we came to know, especially the ones who were just recently diagnosed, are still here. They’re fine. And that’s so encouraging.”

So why revisit the show two decades later?

First and foremost, it’s a great script, garnering a Dora Mavor Moore Award nomination in its Toronto production. For both actors in the Calgary production, there is a feeling that people need to be reminded of the impact of AIDS in the community, especially the younger generation of gay youth who never witnessed its devastation first-hand.

Gin went on to helm Calgary’s first queer theatre company, Teatro Berdache, which ran professional productions in Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal from 2000 to 2008. This year, it re-emerged as an interdisciplinary arts facilitator, running the successful Warholinspired Factory 112 series at Loft 112. A new queer theatre company, Third Street Theatre, has since emerged to assume the role of mounting mainstream productions.

“We’re definitely older and greyer than we were in 1994,” laughs Gin, “and there’s no damn way we could ever pull this off onstage, ’cause the characters are 26 and 31. “ “But so much of this play is about loneliness, and the need to reconnect. And I think that’s gonna resonate even more now, especially when the audience has a chance to talk about it with us afterward in the intimate space of the reading.”

Admission by donation, proceeds to HIV Community Link http://www.loft112.org. https://www.facebook.com/events/514455328731817 .

Lonesome Cowboys & Brave Hearts Presented by Factory 112 December 4th Doors @ 7 pm #112, 535 – 8th Avenue SE http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4889 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

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Interview

 photo by the WB/CW

 photo by the WB/CW

Video Interview James Marsters

Music, mayhem and John Barrowman

By MarsTonic James Marsters hooked us when he took on the role of Spike in Joss Whedon’s hit Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but he is one of those people that gets better with age.

Over a decade later, he’s still an easy man to love.

Getting a chance to speak to him was difficult – he was very in demand by his fans when he stopped at the Edmonton Expo this year – but he was able to spare a few minutes for us to talk about what was currently happening, specifically in regards to his music. James fronts the band Ghost of the Robot, and has been releasing music with them since 2003.

Their newest album Bourgeois Faux Pas is debuting this year.

“This album is a return to our hard-driving pop sound of our first album,” he said. “Our first album was just really ferocious pop rock music, but it was also very raw, because we were new. And we have learned a lot about music production, so we’ve applied that to that sound. So there’s a glimmer and a gloss to that now.” The album is currently available on iTunes, Amazon, and the band’s website, http://www.GhostoftheRobot. com. If you want to hear the music, that is your best bet because, at the moment, touring is somewhat crippled.

“One of our band members is in college, and our bassist is touring with Lana Del Rey, and she’s paying him so much money that it’s hard to get him back for a tour right now.”

The band member currently in college is Sullivan, James’ son. They try to work touring around so that it doesn’t interfere with his schooling.

“We try to do a big tour in the summer when he’s off, and we try to hit a couple places close to his college for Christmas. He is up near Seattle, so, we could hit Vancouver.” Fingers crossed.

If the tour doesn’t happen though, there are quite a few video recordings up on YouTube to slake your thirst (search ‘JamesMarstersandSon’ and ‘GOTRMusic’).

When we asked him how he felt about coming to the Expo with his former costars Eliza Dushku and Amber Benson mere metres away, he could not have been happier. “Amber and Eliza are two of my favourite people in the world,” he said. “Amber actually directed me in a film called Chance years ago, that she wrote and produced. And I think it’s one of my favourite performances.”

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p

Watch the video interview online

 photo by the BBC

Not surprisingly, he also had quite a lot to say about one of his costars from his stint on Torchwood, John Barrowman. “He is crazy – in a good way!” James said. “He will not allow you to be tired. I remember, it was 4 o’clock in the morning, we were starting the day, and they were painting my eyeballs onto my eyelids. I was so tired. And I was just laying in the chair, and he comes into the makeup trailer like HEYYYYYYY MUTHERF*CKAAASSSS AHHHH! – like that. And just woke everybody up.”

Like many iconic actors, James comes from a strong theatre background. So does John, and that created a special sort of cooperation and work ethic on set for the both of them. “[John] and I, I think we both understand that you have to have fun. There is a saying in theatre – and we both come from theatre – It’s called a play for a reason. No one pays to watch you work. So, a lot of times in television and film, you are freezing to death, or you’re really hot, or people are throwing small rocks at your face, and it’s hard to have fun.”

An example of this… fun? “On this particular morning we were out on a cow patch, and it was cold and it was raining, and there was cow stuff all over the place. The crew was miserable and everyone was tired, and John and I were like, okay, we are gonna have to have fun. So we’re running around, just like lunatics, because we’re trying to pump ourselves up to have fun in the scene. And the guy playing John’s younger brother was fresh out of drama school and was very serious. And I go up to him and I say, you know, I bet when this is over you’re gonna go back to theatre and you are never coming back to television. And he was like How did you know? And so John and I had to explain to him about the whole theory on how to have fun.”

One of the notable scenes in Torchwood was the on-screen kiss shared between the two of them, which is, well, quite popular – and understandably so. When we asked whether John was a good kisser, James had a surprisingly touching response. “Stage kissing is not romantic kissing. It is really about trust, and I would probably rather do a stage kiss with John than anyone else that I have kissed. I trust him with my life and, you know, what really built that trust was a fight scene afterwards. The kiss was awesome. But John and I, we had a fight scene after that, and we’re both from stage where you don’t get a stunt man. And I think the stunt people got in for one shot? And that builds trust. So I’ll kiss John anytime.”

James also learned something that day about the ladies. “My fiancé was on a bar stool five feet away and I learned something that I never knew before, which was that you ladies like the guy on guy stuff. I had no idea! Now this is fabulous! I’m married now and thinking, maybe we should have John over again; I should get a kiss, we could get this thing going again.”

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Peaches Lets It All Hang Out

‘F*ck the Pain Away’ performer talks childhood trans friend, penis onesies and vagina love  photos by Daria Marchik

By Chris Azzopardi “Look. I don’t have breasts anymore.”

Peaches is reminiscing on a dear friend she grew up with, when he showed up at her door, and came out to her as transgender. Memories of their summers spent together spill out of her as if they happened yesterday.

They didn’t, of course. Those summers are long past. But the influence of Sean (then Susan) on young Peaches endures because it was “quite big,” the music-making provocateur reveals as she traces her own path to self-discovery.

The Toronto-born, Berlin-based Peaches is 46 now, and as a revered wielder of raunch, she has devoted her 20-year career to cutting down gender norms with her electroclash throwdowns. And sex – she sings a lot about that too.

After dropping her 1995 debut Fancypants Hoodlum, released under her birth name, Merrill Beth Nisker, she ignited a sexual frenzy with “Fuck the Pain Away,” a song that’s about as sub-tle as its title. With a colorful tracklist that includes “Vaginoplasty” and “Dick in the Air,” Rub, her latest queer contribution, doesn’t beat around the bush either.

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In conversation, Peaches is just as freewheeling. During our interview, the performance artist talked penis onesies, menstruation and learning to love your vagina.

GC: You studied theater but then ended up going into music. How surrounded were you by queer culture during that period in your life?

And how did what you experience shape you and your desire to explore queerness in your art?

P: It was an arts culture, but it wasn’t necessarily queer at that time.

But I did have a serious rela-tionship at the time with a woman – or a girl, or a girl becoming a woman – so I was growing up spending my summers, from when I was 7 to 14, with one person. Her childhood name was Su-san, and she told me when she was 7, “I’m a guy. I don’t know why I’m in this woman’s body.”

She used to punch me in the stomach and be like, “See how strong I am!” She was just a very strong character. Also humorous but scathing too – quite tortured. And then slowly, she became a man. At 18 she came over and said, “Look. I don’t have breasts anymore,” and became who he wanted to be: Sean. So early on I was already questioning these things through the experience of the one person I spent all my summers with.

GC: When did you feel you had a handle on who you were?

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P: I was pretty spaced out for a long time and then, I don’t know. I guess, like, 30. (Laughs) GC: How would you describe Rub to a 12-year-old kid?

P: “This is an album you listen to to make your parents angry.” It’s exactly what a 12-year-old wants to listen to. You wanna giggle along to “Dick in the Air.” Kids are way more advanced now. They can handle this.

GC: You think so?

P: Yeah. And if they can’t, then they have very good mechanisms of denial. I know I did in my head, and then years later, I’d be like, “Oh wait, I like that song” or, “That thing I didn’t understand – I get it now!”

I remember hearing that song by Berlin called “Sex (I’m A)” on the radio and being like, “What was that?!”

GC: How did you first learn about sex?

P: Wow. I don’t really remember, which is funny. I do remember being in the shower with my mother and asking her what a period was.

GC: How did she explain a period?

P: Just very matter of factly. I remember kids three years older than me being like, “Do you put a period at the end of a sentence?”

GC: Pun intended.

P: Yeah – see. It’s probably why I’m so punny.

GC: Why has sex – and not just sex, but visceral, in-your-face sex – been such a muse in your career?

P: It’s not just sex. My concern is, why aren’t people comfortable in their own bodies? Why are we denying ourselves talking directly about what it is that makes us tick, and why do we have to cover it up? And then also, just in pop music – back then, why was it always skirting around the issue? Literally skirting around the issue. Pun intended.

It just amazed me, the imbalance of how men would express themselves in classic rock songs. Rod Stewart stuff. “Spread your wings and let me come inside.” Why am I singing that? Why is half the population singing that? I wanna sing my way. So I did it my way, wondering why there was this imbalance and why I like these songs. I’m singing along with old blues songs too. But, actually, old blues songs were more balanced, like Bessie Smith: “I need a little sugar in my bowl; I need a little hot dog on my roll.” You know, there’s nothing subtle about that.

GC: There was a time when it was taboo for females to be frank about their sexuality. You really blazed that trail.

P: And I’m really happy about that. (People) would be like, “Why do you write these songs?” And I’d be like, “I feel like this is a missing link in what we actually need to evolve into,” and also, yeah, questioning what was mainstream and saying, “I don’t want to bow to the mainstream; I want the mainstream to come up to me.” Now, 15 years later, the mainstream actually is coming to me. So I’m like, “Woooohoooo.”

GC: What is your opinion of sex in mainstream culture these days?

P: The same. What do you think?

GC: Not because I like it, but what comes to mind is that J. Lo and Iggy Azalea video for “Booty.”

P: Ack! It just doesn’t work as a song. If it worked as a song, maybe it would be interesting. I would think more of Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé’s “Feeling Myself,” and (Nicki) says “I’m feelin’ myself, jack rabbit” – that’s such a good line. I think that Nicki Minaj broke it. And people say, “Peaches, how can you like Nicki Minaj?” I’m like, no, she broke through hip-hop. She slays all these guys and they know it. It’s undeniable.

GC: Beyond sex, you’ve famously subverted gender norms.

P: Yeah, make it all fluid.

GC: What kind of influence do you think Miley Cyrus and Caitlyn Jenner are having on the gen-der dialogue?

P: They’re just opening up the dialogue. Let’s see if it’s a trend or if we’re really gonna change things, because things are moving exponentially in every direction. I mean, we still have Kim Da-vis. I love that whoever wrote “Eye of a Tiger” (Survivor frontman Frankie Sullivan) sued her for using the song. I’m so happy. When she got out of jail she did this whole speech, but she’s obvi-ously mentally imbalanced. And Donald Trump too.

And anybody who’s going by these completely heteronormative patriarchal attitudes – what are you hiding from? Not them specifically, but why do you find what I do, which is like, “Hey, let’s be open,” offensive or transgressive? It’s about being open so that everybody can actually

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become the person they are and feel comfortable in their own bodies.

We do all these things to get away from our own bodies, but we live in them. I wrote a song called “Vaginoplasty” be-cause people are like, “Oh, my vagina looks horrible; I need plastic surgery on my vagina” – not because of gender reassignment, not because of accidents, but purely for cosmetic reasons. And it’s like, “You came out of that thing – why are you so afraid of it?” It’s ridiculous to me.

It’s ridiculous how we deny our bodies and have all these stipulations and family values, which are just patriarchal family values, it seems.

Like Ashley Madison websites – come on. That is not a normal way to live, where you have all these secrets because you can’t keep that front.

There are urges and things we really need. Why are we denying ourselves that?

GC: There’s always been subtext to your hypersexual songs. And there are layers and layers there, and listeners can choose to dig and dig or purely see them as bedroom bump songs.

P: Then goal achieved. Thank you. It should be a bedroom bump song or a party song, or you go like, “Oh, what am I singing about? What am I singing along to?” And then you’re like, “Oh. Cool. Wow.” In that way, regarding multiple purposes, I relate more to female comedians like Tina Fey, Nata-sha Leggero, Amy Schumer, Tig Notaro and Margaret Cho because they do the same thing – they make you laugh, and then you’re like, “Oh my god, she’s right. Holy shit. What are we real-ly doing?” So I realize that I relate more to, actually, a lot of older female comedians and per-formance artists than I do musicians.

GC: When it comes to Rub, what do you want the primary takeaway to be?

P: It’s just a celebration. Seriously. I want it to be like a post-gender and post-age celebration of becoming who you are.

GC: Is it a reflection of who you are at this point in your life?

P: Definitely. Do you want to get into the breakup songs yet?

GC: Yes! Let’s talk about those.

P: Yeah, because that helped in the middle of (working on) the album.

Especially a song like “Free Drink Ticket,” which is a very angry song, but it’s a real emotion that everybody can relate to. When hurt happens to someone you love the most and then it becomes complete hate. It’s amazing that someone you love becomes someone you totally wanna murder, at least for a few months.

GC: And this is how you felt after the breakup you experienced while recording this album?

P: Yeah, definitely. I think a lot of people do. “I wanna kill that person!”

But then you get over it. It was an interesting twist of events, not unlike Kim Gordon or Björk – very similar situation. It was just bizarre that I was in sort of the same position; they’re both in my age range, so it was kind of like, “Wow, how am I gonna deal with this?”

GC: Have you ever had sex to your own music?

P: No! Are you crazy? That’s disgusting. Someone tried and I was like, “Forget it, buddy – get out!” Actually... it was a woman.

GC: Where can I get a knitted dick onesie like the one you and Margaret Cho wear in the video for “Dick in the Air”?

P: A friend of mine found those, so I think you’ll have to knit one yourself. Also, I found a doc-umentary online where they used these outfits to talk about family units, and it’s funny because they blur out the knitted penises and the knitted breasts. It’s amazing.

But what she found were five Caucasian outfits – an old man, an old woman, a young boy, a young woman and a person with both breasts and dick – and then there was a brown person’s costume, and a yellow one for Asian people and also a redhead with a very little weenie. Actually, the Asian one had the largest penis.

GC: What’s it like wearing it?

P: Um, very hot and sweaty. We were in L.A. I chose the old man’s outfit. I wanted to know what it’s like when your balls hang low.

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GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

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Lifestyle

Positive Thoughts Q&A with Mondo Guerra

By Oriol R. Gutierrez Jr. Mondo Guerra is a fashion designer who first came to fame in 2010 as a contestant on the eighth season of the reality television show Project Runway. Although he didn’t win, Guerra was a fan favorite, even before he disclosed his HIV-positive status on the show. At that moment he also took on the role of HIV/AIDS activist.

Guerra went through a whirlwind of media attention.

Since then, his celebrity profile has certainly increased.

He won the debut season of Project Runway All Stars and became a mentor on Under the Gunn (a spinoff series named after Project Runway host Tim Gunn). His designs include apparel, accessories and jewelry.

Guerra has also found a way to connect his design career with his advocacy. In addition to being a spokesperson for “I Design,” an HIV/AIDS media campaign sponsored

by Merck, Guerra is a spokesperson for “Dining Out for Life,” an annual fundraiser sponsored by Subaru, in which restaurants donate proceeds to local HIV/AIDS groups.

Five years after publicly disclosing he has HIV, Guerra explains how his life has changed and shares his goals for the future.

GC: What prompted you to get tested for the virus in 2001 at the age of 22?

MG: When I was younger, I believed, like every young person, that I was invincible. I was not making the best decisions. I could feel there was something different about me. So I got tested, and my test came back positive.

After the diagnosis, I was devastated. I grew up in a Latino household and community, and there was never any discussion about HIV/AIDS, so it was definitely scary to me.

I did not know how to deal with it.

When I was newly diagnosed, I was very ashamed and afraid. I didn’t really seek any support. I hate to say this, but in a lot of ways, looking back now, being raised Roman Catholic, I felt like it was some kind of punishment.

I stayed silent about my positive status even up to when I was in the hospital with pneumonia over Christmas in 2009. With my family and friends visiting me, I asked my doctors not to disclose any information.

They were walking into a room with a bed where I was hooked up to this and that, and in my heart and mind I was dying of AIDS. I still didn’t talk about it. I hit rock bottom, and I knew I had to start taking better care of myself.

I started taking medical advice and the proper treatments that I needed, and I got better very quickly. I had goals.

For such a long time before I was in the hospital, HIV was defining who I was as a person and also as a creative.

The creative part of me was dying, so I had no reason to live. This creativity, the outlets where I was able to express myself, I used them to escape, a way to get through the day.

This emotional and spiritual support is an important part of keeping me going.

GC: Tell us about your decision to disclose on Project Runway in 2010.

MG: My revelation on Project Runway was life-changing. It came from fear and turned into a huge sense of responsibility.

I walked out on that runway in such a mood, but two hours later I was like, “What are people going to say?”

I was completely scared, so it wasn’t until four days before the episode aired that I told my parents. My parents still live 16

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 Mondo Guerra

in the home that I grew up in. At the dinner table, we have assigned seating that has never changed.

We had dinner. I knew in my heart – which was beating a million miles an hour – that I just had to come out with it, so I told my parents. “I know” was the first thing my mom told me, that motherly instinct I have always heard about.

We talked some more, then my mom said, “I am proud of you.”

That helped me to talk about HIV/AIDS more. I get very emotional about it still because I felt the love that came from the table that night, and it hurts me still because I didn’t trust them and that made me feel bad.

GC: Speaking of your family, your mom and aunts inspired some of your eyewear.

MG: My eyewear collection is inspired by family and friends. There is a whole set of eyewear that is named after www.gaycalgary.com

my mom and her sisters. It is my way to give back to them, because they have been so supportive and inspirational. It is the least I can do.

I’ve had the great opportunity to have a reality show competition pivot me into some visibility for my designs. It has been such a blessing to have a crossover between my creative work and my advocacy.

Any collaboration that I do at this point must have some kind of way to give back. So I’m glad that part of the See eyewear proceeds goes to amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. It just makes sense to me to be able to do that for others.

GC: What’s next for you?

MG: Right now, I am focusing on restructuring my business. I would love to focus more on my fashion.

Advocacy remains dear to me, so I would like more ways to do this crossover of my interests.

I am working on a new show where I am allowed to communicate about HIV and my creative work. I’m not very sure on the direction of it, but it’s important for me to give inspiration and information to young people.

This interview originally appeared on POZ.com.

Oriol R. Gutierrez Jr. is the editor-in-chief of POZ magazine. Find him on Twitter @oriolgutierrez. This column is a project of Plus, Positively Aware, POZ, TheBody.com and Q Syndicate, the LGBT wire service. Visit their websites — http://hivplusmag.com, http://positivelyaware.com, http://poz. com and http://thebody.com — for the latest updates on HIV/AIDS.

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Bravely Bareilles

Sara Bareilles on growing up with gay ‘brothers and sisters,’ feminism and fan hugs

 photos by Shervin Lainez

By Chris Azzopardi Sara Bareilles was enjoying a bite at a Boston restaurant recently, and on her way out, the manager stopped her.

He wanted a hug.

Inspired by her empowering anthem “Brave,” this particular young fella, she says, felt compelled to express his gratitude. “As a teen growing up in Oklahoma,” Bareilles recalls him telling her while they hugged, “thank you for your music.”

The urge to give the “Gravity” singer a big squeeze is, of course, unavoidable – she’s like a friend, and her voice has literally saved lives (in her newly-released memoir, Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song, Bareilles tells the story of a fan whose suicide attempt was thwarted when her song “Hold My Heart” came on the radio).

The hug-friendly fan, then, would certainly be happy to know that Bareilles has new music; her latest, What’s Inside: Songs From Waitress, is a mix of previously unheard tracks and songs Bareilles wrote for the film-turned-Broadway musical Waitress.

In a recent interview with Bareilles, the lovable singersongwriter opened up about another longtime passion of hers: LGBT advocacy. During the chat, she recalled growing up around her gay “big brothers and sisters,” and also shared her thoughts on whether celebrities should come out, why she can’t be anything other than herself and her hope for females in pop music.

GC: How do you react to stories like the one from the Boston restaurant manager?

SB: It’s still hard for me to understand the impact the song is having. I wrote it as a love letter to a friend who was struggling 18

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with coming out as an adult, and it was such an intimate story.

It was also so impacted by (fun. guitarist) Jack Antonoff and all the incredible advocacy work he does in the gay community.

So, I’m so grateful that the song has taken on a life of its own and is speaking to a message that I deeply, deeply believe in.

I’m so proud that it brings either comfort or anything helpful to anybody out there.

GC: As an ally, how and when did you become so passionate about LGBT rights?

SB: Growing up, my mom had a lot of gay friends, and so people in the gay community were, essentially, big brothers and sisters to me all my life. I never even thought twice about it until I got older and realized that that wasn’t the norm – it wasn’t everyone’s experience to have an open-hearted and accepting family unit toward a community they weren’t necessarily a part of. To me, it’s about being accepting of an idea that we’re all the same community; it’s almost like, I can’t believe we’re still having the conversation. It’s how I feel about it sometimes. I’m like, “Everybody fuckin’ get on board already! Relax!”

But it’s such an exciting time. It really, really is. And so I feel really grateful that I was raised with the mentality of being an open-hearted and accepting individual. I feel sad for those who weren’t given that opportunity as a child, but I think those patterns of thinking can be unlearned, and I think that’s what’s happening.

GC: It might surprise some people that you grew up in an open-minded environment. You grew up Catholic, right?

SB: Yeah, I did.

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GC: How did you and your family reconcile religion with the gay “brothers and sisters” you grew up with?

SB: The way my parents always dealt with that was… (Laughs) I suppose we weren’t the most devout Catholics in that way. Certainly, it was distilled into this idea that you treat everyone the way you want to be treated. Period. And there are no exceptions to that rule, and that’s the kind of religion that I want to be a part of.

GC: Regarding “Brave,” you once said in a webisode, “It’s important to be brave because by doing that you also give others permission to do the same.” How do you react, then, to people in the limelight who are hesitant to come out but could potentially inspire so many people if they did?

SB: (Sigh) That’s a really hard thing to speak to. Honestly, I understand both sides of it. Everyone is on their path, and I really believe that, at the end of the day, people are doing the best they can with what they’ve got. Not everyone is comfortable enough to step into a leadership position and you can’t really judge them for that.

I would love to see everyone step into this holy space of carrying the torch of bravery – it’s just not everyone’s role. If you make someone feel bad because they’re not (out), isn’t that similar to punishing them because they’re quote-end quote “different” in the first place? All of that is a form of judgment. I would rather hope that everyone’s doing the best they can and that eventually people feel safe to be exactly who they are. It’s just so hard. You can’t know what’s going on behind the scenes – why someone is as complicated as they are – and I just wouldn’t want to judge someone’s experience.

GC: In an industry where authenticity isn’t easy to come by, you have always remained true to yourself. Why has it always been important to give the public your most authentic self?

SB: I have to give my family a lot of credit. I don’t really know how to be any other way. My whole family – we’re all very bad liars. (Laughs) We don’t know how to do it! There are people out there who are much more graceful and adept at navigating social

situations; I just think I default to awkwardness, because when I feel awkward I have to just be awkward. So I give them a lot of credit. But also, those are the kinds of people I relate to. When I see someone being honest in the media, I’m so grateful for it.

I think everyone has vulnerabilities and everyone feels messy or shameful or not good enough, and I would rather share that and hope to create connection than pretend my life is a highlight reel. It’s just not. It’s human. Celebrity or otherwise, there’s no human out there that has some sort of plateau of happiness – it just doesn’t exist. So, I would rather speak to the highs and lows of what it means to have a dynamic lifestyle and a dynamic life than pretend I’m fucking happy all the time. I’m a mess. (Laughs) GC: You featured a lesbian couple, Aly and Andrea, and their surprise proposal in your video for “I Choose You.” How often are you asked to do gay weddings now that’s it’s legal?

SB: (Laughs) Well, I am asked to do a lot of weddings, and I love weddings, don’t get me wrong. But yeah… it’s really fun. It’s so beautiful to have made a statement with a song that’s really just about love at the end of the day.

The song was inspired by a guy who came up to me after a show and said, “My wife and I wanted to use your music in our wedding, but everything you write is so depressing.” (Laughs) I thought about my catalog of songs, and went, “Wow, I haven’t really said anything positive about love yet.” (Laughs) So that song was sort of inspired by this backhanded compliment. But

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to be with Aly and Andrea – they were so courageous; they didn’t have the full support of their families, and Colorado was a hotbed at that moment.

Not for our video shoot, but there was a lot of conversation happening around this issue at that time.

It was just really beautiful.

Those girls stepped out into this very public space with their love, and it was really a beautiful thing to witness.

I felt so privileged to be there with them.

GC: What songs on the Waitress album do you think your LGBT fans might relate to most?

SB: The lead single, “She Used to Be Mine,” speaks to the idea of anyone’s character and the parts of ourselves that are multi-faceted, the fact that we all can be messy, we all can be forgotten and lonely and strong. That message is not even a female-centric message; it’s more about taking a look at who you’ve become and who you thought you were going to become and juxtaposing those two images.

I don’t know if it’s a gay or straight thing – it’s more just about a human condition experience, which I think that song really speaks to.

GC: For Waitress, how much pie did you eat to get in character to write those songs?

SB: (Laughs) There was a lot of pie! But I love pie. I mean, I didn’t use the pie to get into these characters, but once the rehearsal process started, there was a lot of pie: pie-making seminars, and gifts from fans and friends of the community bringing pies to the rehearsals and performances – oh yeah, a lot of pie.

GC: Are you a cream pie or a fruit pie gal?

SB: I’m a fruit pie gal.

GC: What kind of fruit?

SB: My favorite is blackberry. I used to make blackberry pies with my mom growing up, so I have this very visceral memory – it’s so nostalgic to me. There’s actually a scene in the show and in the movie where she (the waitress, Jenna) is making blackberry pie and that scene always stuck with me because that’s exactly what I used to do with my mom.

GC: How does writing for a musical compare to writing your own songs?

SB: The biggest difference is that within my own music I’m telling my own story. My songs tend to be very autobiographical, and so it was a challenge to find my way into telling the story on behalf of another character. But it ended up being one of the most delicious parts of the show for me, that I got to play with the psyche of these characters. I got to challenge myself to find my way into how the crotchety old man who owns the diner would speak to our lead character (Jenna). What would he say to her?

What would he want her to know? How does his life inform him as a storyteller? It was a really cool and very exciting challenge to find my way into these characters, and in a way, there was a 20

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kind of instinctual impulse I was following with writing for the show and that was very similar to the way I write for myself, except I was telling someone else’s story for the first time.

GC: When “Brave” came out in 2013, Katy Perry was criticized for releasing “Roar,” a song some said resembled “Brave,” shortly thereafter.

How much of the “Brave” vs.

“Roar” debacle was the result of women being pitted against women? And in general, what are your feelings on the way women are treated in this industry in comparison to their male counterparts?

SB: We’re in the middle of a really exciting time for feminism. I think it’s going to take on a lot of different shapes and faces within kind of any industry. My issue with that particular experience was the idea that music is a competition, that there isn’t enough for everybody.

That’s part of the philosophy behind the creation of music – that there’s always more to draw from, with the intent of creating a bigger and broader music community. And so it was a strange experience to watch people get so angry on my behalf and to pit us against each other.

Women, as much as we can, should continue to build up a sisterhood. That doesn’t mean you have to like everybody out there either. It’s a little kumbaya to think that we’re all just gonna hold hands and wonder off into the sunset.

But I do think that being treated with respect and fairness and equality is really important to me, and being a woman who wants to feel that my opinion and my creative ideas are accepted as equally as any man or any other human in the room – it’s something that I will continue to walk toward expecting that it will be there. I don’t walk into a room and expect not to be heard.

I am surprised when I am not heard.

GC: Speaking of “sisterhood,” you’ve been one of Taylor Swift’s many surprise guests on tour when you two duetted on “Brave” in 2013.

SB: Taylor was beyond welcoming. It’s one of the things she does so well. She really champions other artists with this idea that there’s enough for everybody and you don’t have to pit yourself against other artists. We can celebrate each other’s art and then let people decide who they gravitate toward, but it doesn’t have to be based on a feeling of competition.

GC: Does this mean you’re in her squad now?

SB: (Laughs) I don’t know what the squad rules are. I don’t have a T-shirt or, like, anything.

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GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

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Gossip latter, the answer is YAAAAASS. And now you know how this weird world works.

That funny gay guy whose name you don’t know is getting a TV show Happy Endings cultists remember him. He was the frantic, perpetual motion gay guy who drove shlubby homosexual Max crazy. The devoted throngs of bearded film-festival-goers who’ve made the Bear City movies into an unlikely franchise (a third one is in the works – yes, really) also know the man in question.

He’s a comic actor named Stephen Guarino, he used to be on The Big Gay Sketch Show with SNL supernova Kate McKinnon, and now he’s about to star in the Showtime series I’m Dying Up Here, from producer Jim Carrey. Guarino will play a struggling stand-up comic who is described as “over the top, to the point of being tiresome,” in a pilot to be directed by 50/50 and Warm Bodies helmer Jonathan Levine. We’re excited about this one, mostly because we already know Guarino’s name and just how very talented he is. You’re about to, too.

Trudie Styler and Bette Midler go back to high school Freak Show is the best-selling YA novel from James St. James. The author’s earlier book, Disco Bloodbath, about his experience as a New York club kid involved with murderer Michael Alig, was made into the film Party Monster. This means St. James knows a lot about dressing up and making an impression, just like Freak Show’s hero, teenage force-of-nature Billy Bloom, whose bold, gender-disregarding queerness in a conservative Florida high school has turned him into something of an outcast. Now Freak Show is getting the movie treatment from producer/director Trudie Styler, starring Bette Midler and AnnaSophia Robb. Yes, those are female names, which means Billy has yet to be cast. More on this as it develops, but we’re hoping for an openly queer teen actor. Maybe there aren’t that many yet, but a project like this seems to deserve one.

Dancer From the Dance: The Movie

 Joseph Gordon-Levitt, photo by Debby Wong

Deep Inside Hollywood Joseph Gordon-Levitt, That Funny Gay Guy, Bette Midler, ‘Dance From the Dance’

By Romeo San Vicente

It’s not just James Franco, you guys. The queer past is very hot right now. (Exception: the brain-damaged Stonewall).

If you’re young and paying attention, it’s everywhere. So the time is right for Andrew Holleran’s gay cult novel, Dancer From the Dance, to find its way to screens. The 1978 novel explored chic gay life in New York City’s club culture and the unlikely relationships it fostered. Alan Poul (Six Feet Under) will direct from a script by Joshua Harmon, John Krokidas and Austin Bunn, and the shoot is planned for 2016. No casting news just yet, but this one ought to be memorable. You have plenty of time to get a vintage-appearing, yet still brand new, Paradise Garage T-shirt for the inevitable viewing party.

Romeo San Vicente is always ready to make you feel mighty real.

Who’s gayer: Joseph Gordon-Levitt or Nicki Minaj?

This week in tangentially-queer news, Joseph Gordon-Levitt will star in the new psychological thriller In Sight. Is it an LGBTbased project? No. Written or directed by someone gay? Not that we’re aware of just yet. But super-producers and power-gays Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are the ones getting it done, and that means a lot to them and to the ability of gay creatives to get their projects sent down the pipeline to viewing audiences.

Therefore, it counts in a you-really-have-no-idea-what-goes-onbehind-the-scenes way, got it? And speaking of scenes, Nicki Minaj is getting a sitcom with ABC Family based on her life growing up in Queens, New York. Technically, this one is even less gay than In Sight, but if you were to poll your local group of favorite youthful gays and ask which one means the most to them, guess which one they’d probably pick? If you said the

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Interview

 photos by ABC/Marvel.com

Video Interview We’re Trippin’: Exactly (But Not Really) 36 Seconds with BJ Britt

By MarsTonic Everyone wants a sexy special agent who is also a doctor; I believe it’s a requirement for any television, movie or story worth knowing, let alone a requirement for our real lives. Fans of the Marvel universe are lucky because that position gets to be filled by BJ Britt. He plays Antoine ‘Trip’ Triplett, a very wellrounded (and gorgeous) agent of SHIELD. “I only do 36-second interviews!” he exclaimed before we had even begun rolling. He tried hard, but it is impossible for a man so sunny and positive to ever be mistaken for a diva – he is possibly one of the most entertaining, tongue-in-cheek, delicious men we have ever had the pleasure of meeting. And, for the record, the interview went well over the 36-second mark. He was kind enough to allow this.

We spoke to him on a Sunday morning during the Edmonton Expo, where he was practically bouncing off the walls with energy, while being able to meet his fans and have a great time. He is clearly a man who loves his job. Since he seemed so excited, we had to ask how he was enjoying Edmonton, and the opportunity of being able to meet his enthusiasts.

“It’s so awesome to meet everybody, because when we’re working we never get a chance to meet the fans,” he said. The convention offers the opportunity to get out of that zone and see the people who appreciate his work. “We can have fun and trip out with them,” he ribbed. “Get it?”

Give him the opportunity, and he will make a play on words. Give him a little tease, and he will pretend to blow up, stalking off and shouting end of interview! and security! before returning half a second later, grinning.

As an actor, he has had several walk-on roles in various shows – Bones, Nikita, Grimm, and The Vampire Diaries. But it was his role on Agents of SHIELD that really got him noticed. So what was it like embodying a character who is both a medic and a skilled fighter?

“Well, I mean... he’s a fighter. He’s a lover. He’s a medic. He’s a pilot.

He’s a man. He’s a man’s man.” (If you watch the interview, this is the part where the video starts shaking from our editor’s laughter). More

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Watch the video interview online

seriously, BJ continued, “It was so freaking awesome just to be able to play that character, and each episode learn more and more about him.

The writers and producers do all of the hard work; we just relay the message onscreen. It was a lot of fun.”

His character on the show, like many of the others, goes through tests of loyalty to determine whether or not anyone is from the enemy organization, HYDRA. In a very tense scene, Trip and fellow agent Simmons are both tested for their loyalty, and the possibility that Trip might be a HYDRA agent made many viewers nervous.

According to BJ, he got more than his fair share of notes about that. “I got so many text messages when that episode was going, like If you are HYDRA, I swear-! I was like just watch, just watch the show – no spoiler alerts! And then when I switched the knife and gave it to [Simmons] everyone was like…” and he mimicked a big, relieved sigh.

“Even when I was reading the script it was like, oh my God, if I am HYDRA... I see it both ways: I see it from the fan’s point; I see it from the actor’s point.”

When we interviewed another SHIELD actor, Brett Dalton, he told us that when he first joined the show he had no idea that his character was a traitor. Apparently that’s not unusual; the actors only find out after they are given the script. “They just spring it on you,” BJ said before adding, “just like I didn’t know that Tripp was going to... trip, and fall, and die.”

Trip’s death upset a lot of people – including BJ himself – but is happy his character died a hero. “If he had to he would do it all over again.” But, hopefully, survive the next time. If he had the chance, would he go to HYDRA to save himself? Absolutely not. “You know what, he would have figured out a way to keep that cave door open. He would have figured it out.”

Now that his stint on Agents of SHIELD is done, at least for the foreseeable future, BJ is free to pursue other projects. He can currently be seen on Being Mary Jane as Paul Patterson Jr. But we will still have a special place in our heart for Agent Triplett: lover; medic; pilot; man.

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DevaDave

The positive message within the salon, boutique and new eatery ď ° DevaDave Boutique, photos by GayCalgary

By David-lee Gauthier In this day and age we live in a world defined by the spotlight. North American superstars are taking over our televisions, news media and charitable organizations.

When are we, as individuals, inside our recognized communities, taking a step forward to have our ideas heard, and improving our sense of self-worth?

One local gay advocate, Dave Richards, owner and operator of DevaDave’s boutique and salon, is stepping up his responsibilities and turning the tables right here in Calgary.

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Having a sense of self-worth, and reaching out to the community at large, gives us all the ability to improve community support and to acknowledge that all our voices are being heard. DevaDave: we hear you loud and clear and take Pride in helping make your goals a reality.

In 1995, Richards began his transformation into who we all know and love as DevaDave, drag diva extraordinaire, and performing artist. He takes his craft seriously and continues to promote self-worth and education inside the gay, straight and transgender community.

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Calgary’s Next Drag Superstar, hosted by RuPaul winner Sharon Needles and Cowboys Nightclub, was an honour and unexpected win for Richards. “It was overwhelming,” he said in our interview.

The experience gave him a sense of community and appreciation for all the incredible support he received. His intention was never to win; it was to have the opportunity to step out of his comfort zone and be “a gay man in drag performing in front of other gay men, lesbians, transgender, straight men and woman.”

Now, retired since September 2014, his focus is on being a father to his two-and half-year-old son, which brings him the most joy out of life. “It’s hard – very hard – but it’s fun. I have to stay very organized. I have great daycare and a nanny, which helps.”

He goes on to say quality time with his son is extremely important, and he looks forward to bedtime, which includes daily hygiene, reading and watching television.

In 2004, we celebrated the opening of DevaDave Boutique and Salon on 4th Street. The boutique specializes in wigs, make-up and accessories, alongside women’s and men’s underwear and shoes. His smart business sense and appealing selection makes the boutique a definite go-to for people from all walks of life. Moving locations was ambitious and needed drive. The help of fresh staff, with their new input and social media skills, made it possible.

Located at 810 Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary, for the last seven years, DevaDave’s isn’t moving anytime soon, and continues to grow through word of mouth within the community, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

It’s now 2015 and Richards is taking on even more with his new restaurant and bar, Le Ber, location to be announced. Stemming from his experience in Paris, France, he wants this establishment to feel welcoming and enjoyable for all patrons. It includes a patio with ample seating, an exciting menu, and drink specials.

His ability to please and entertain will make this venue a serious attraction and will encourage people – night after night – to sit, chat, eat, drink, laugh, love and put down their cell phones, look each other in the eye, and enjoy the moment.

Everything is moving forward as planned. Richards wants everyone, including the young LGBT community, to realize how important it is to sit down, sit close, and set realistic intentions on communication, relationships, a home, a job – and to know that it’s not impossible to achieve. “It’s so important to plan for the future surround yourself with people who are smarter than you, and find friends who will elevate you – people who have self-worth.

Don’t let anyone bring you down.”

His words expressed integrity, and a healthy outlook for us all.

I personally am grateful to have had the opportunity to interview him.

I encourage you to take the time to visit DevaDave’s boutique.

Learn some new tricks of the trade while educating yourself inside the store. Get a new haircut, or some new underwear; get that

wig you have wanted to buy and, hey, spoil yourself with a new pair of shoes. Plus you can look forward to the grand opening in three weeks of Le Ber restaurant and bar. Keep your eyes, mouth and heart open to great people, delicious food, and welcoming conversations.

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Interview

 DJ Ponstar, photos by GayCalgary

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Watch the video interview online

Video Interview DJ Pornstar

by V.N. Winnick Our publisher, Steve Polyak, had a chance to chat with musician and model DJ Pornstar (aka Dominic Pacifico) recently, and covered a lot of ground – from sex toys to touring – in their quick conversation.

Pacifico opened up with the reason that music has been such a large focus for him of late. Having recently suffered an injury, he took some time off from modeling and, instead, focused on writing songs and playing gigs. Along with exciting news on the musical front – more on that later – Pacifico’s time off filming has also given him time to work on the launch of his forthcoming website, http://www. dominicpacifico.com. The porn polymath promises the new site will be absolutely bursting with specialty fetish content.

Pacifico also confided that he will be releasing his first sex toy line to accompany website launch. “There has been a lot of requests to have a mould,” he said, stating that both a butt and cock mould would be available once the line 26

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launches. The special DJ touch? The toys are able to vibrate in sync with the bass line of any music playing nearby. The toys will also be activated by remote. “The company I’m working with is just really excited to be able to keep the cross-branding and the cross-promotion of me as a DJ and as a porn star. That was a perfect fit for a product line, to extend my brand.”

When asked about the moulding process, Pacifico said, “You have got to stay well endowed through the entire time, but ... they have moulding artists that kind of fix and correct things. So, it is real – it’s not enhanced in any way whatsoever.” As to whether the silicone versions of his anatomy would end up ‘guest-starring’ in future Dominic Pacifico productions... “I assume that I’m gonna be asked to use it, and film it, and I don’t mind. I think it would be really interesting to see what it would be like to be inside of yourself.”

As the conversation turned to music, Pacifico spoke about his influences, rooted in his beginnings with the club scene in the 1990s. Pacifco’s love of house music is universal, particularly that produced by DJ Keoki.

Though he began DJing at 18, Pacifico is just now grinding out his first album, and he promises it will be stellar. He will be writing, producing and singing on the album’s tracks, and producing videos as well – a talent for which he credits his experience as a porn producer. “It seems to be a natural evolution for me – all around – to be producing and directing different types of stuff. I love both. I love the music, and I love the porn, but I love ... the creative aspect of all of it; entertaining people.”

Pacifico also mentioned that he is still missing a few states on his goal of playing every state in the U.S. Perhaps once that is accomplished, we can convince him to hit every province in Canada too.

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Interview

 Ricky Roman

 Levi Karter

Video Interview

Ricky Roman and Levi Karter at Evolution Wonderlounge

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Visiting Edmonton for Pride season, Ricky Roman and Levi Karter made a stop at Evolution Wonderlounge for the venue’s second anniversary. The pair were elated to be in Edmonton, and had a lovely conversation with our own Steve Polyak, in which they were open with him, and affectionate with each other.

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 photos by GayCalgary

NSFW - Video Interview Ricky Roman and Levi Karter UNCENSORED

by V.N. Winnick

The pair had a lot fun things to talk about, leading off with Ricky’s experiences using the (in)famous ‘Clone-a-Willy’ kit.

As a guest on Davey Wavey’s YouTube channel (https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=8RY_HZvQstg), Roman was convinced to try out the home-dildo-making product, and seemed impressed with the results. “It actually turned out really well – it’s a good product. They’re not even paying me to say this right now.” Naturally, this led to the question of whether Roman had an official line of toys moulded from his own physique, but the unfortunate answer is “no”, though he did hint that eager fans should keep their eyes (among other things) open for developments on that front in the not-too-distant future.

The adorable Levi Karter, talking about his own downtime activities, told us that, of all things, he’s into knitting! Learning the craft at the hands of Cockyboys exec Benny Morecock, Karter said, “I keep messing up, so I don’t have a finished product yet... I want to make a scarf for Bailey… Benny’s dog.

It seems easy because you don’t have to knit as much.”

Roman interjected, “I can’t wait for you to get really good at it and make me a scarf.”

“I’ll make you a cock sock. Or a ball sack.”

Later on, Roman discussed life as a new arrival in Los Angeles, having moved to the city recently, and both boys got excited talking about the new reality-style program coming to Cockyboys called, naturally, ‘Meet the Morecocks’, promised to delve into the lives and personalities of of everyone’s favourite adult models. “I just saw the draft for the first episode,” Karter confided. “I’m super excited for it.”

Being as confident in their bodies as these two are, it wasn’t long before a little skin was showing. At Karter’s insistence, Roman shows off a new tattoo. Or, perhaps it would be more

Watch the video interview online

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accurate to say, that Karter shows it off for him by hauling down Roman’s pants. “That’s my latest and greatest. Got that a couple of months ago,” Roman said of a piece on his left thigh, while waggling his hips.

Eventually Karter and Roman moved on to talk about what’s up next for them, and Karter immediately hit on his excitement to be travelling back to Fire Island. “It’s seriously just gay heaven,” he said. “It has got the best energy; the best vibes.”

To which Roman responded, “Gay heaven or gay hell, but that’s what you make of it – like any place.”

To run the risk of editorializing, Karter and Roman clearly enjoy one another’s presence. Throughout the interview both boys were very close, affectionate and at ease. At the time the interview was filmed, they had been separated by their respective commitments for some time. “We were super excited for the trip, because it has been the longest we have gone without seeing each other for a while,” Roman said. “So to be able to come to a place like this, and work with one of my best friends, is a blessing.”

Be sure to check out the tail end of the video for Ricky Roman’s special message to his fans.

“I can’t top that,” said Karter, “but I’m not a top, so it doesn’t matter.”

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The Gay World of Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez talks lesbian rumors, (maybe) dating gay men and how she’s proud of Nick Jonas’s ‘love for everyone’  photos by Interscope Records

By Chris Azzopardi Selena Gomez is alive, revived and relieved.

After photos turned up in 2014 of Gomez scrub-a-dubdubbing with gal pal Cara Delevingne, who’s openly bisexual, what transpired? Gay gossip, of course.

Gomez doesn’t care, she says, “because they weren’t talking about other people in my life for once, which was wonderful.”

In fact, regarding the blogosphere buzz, Gomez, 23, tells me she “loved it,” a testament to the entertainer’s true-toherself, not-really-caring-what-you-think-anymore persona.

That same perspective is reflected in all the dizzying latenight pillow talk throbbing throughout her sexually liberated and self-reflective second studio album, Revival.

For a small-screen darling who grew up under the watchful eye of Disney, Gomez’s openness both on the album and in conversation is refreshing. After recently revealing that she was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease lupus in 2013, she concurs that, yes, this is her coming out party of sorts.

(Actually, the way she puts it is, “werk!”)

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And so it is, as Gomez speaks candidly about other aspects of her life: “absolutely” questioning her sexuality, growing up around her mom’s gaggle of mimosa-sippin’ gays and – cue the awws – her admiration for ex-flame Nick Jonas’ “love and compassion for everyone.”

GC: Growing up in Grand Prairie, Texas, what was your introduction to the gay community?

SG: You have to understand: My mother is absolutely fantastic and she worked at a modeling agency when I was a very young girl, so every Sunday I would have brunch with her and all of her gays, and I just remember a lot of mimosas.

It was the best. So, I’ve been around it my whole life and, you know, I love it. I have to tell you: On my 16th birthday my mom had a bunch of drag queens come out and they sang “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” and it was sooo funny.

GC: As someone raised Catholic, accepting the LGBT community was never an issue for you then?

SG: Not at all. Look: There’s a huge difference in how I was brought up; the word “religion” is a very complex thing. It’s something you have to follow, and that’s not what faith is.

Anybody who has a higher power, anybody who has anything they believe in: If you don’t know how to love other people, I don’t believe in it. It doesn’t work that way.

GC: Have you ever met a Selena Gomez drag queen?

SG: Yes! I had one who did one of the viral videos of “Love You Like a Love Song” (Willam Belli’s “Love You Like a Big Schlong”). (She) did a nasty version of it, which was hysterical, and I went to the Logo NewNowNext Awards and I got to meet her, which was amazing. Honestly, I feel www.gaycalgary.com

like that’s when I made it – genuinely! I emailed it to my mom and she emailed it and CC’d everybody.

GC: You say Selena drag queens were the true measure of success for you.

But isn’t it true that you’re not truly famous until you’ve been the subject of a gay rumor? And last year, the tabloids had a field day with photos of you and Cara Delevingne.

SG: I’ve made it!

GC: How did you react to those rumors?

SG: Honestly, I loved it.

I didn’t mind it. Especially because they weren’t talking about other people in my life for once, which was wonderful. Honestly, though, she’s incredible and very open and she just makes me open. She’s so fun and she’s just extremely adventurous, and sometimes I just want that in my life, so I didn’t mind it. I loved it.

GC: Have you ever questioned your sexuality?

SG: Oh, I think everybody does, no matter who they are. I do, yeah, of course.

Absolutely. I think it’s healthy to gain a perspective on who you are deep down, question yourself and challenge yourself; it’s important to do that.

GC: Your friend Demi Lovato played a lesbian on Glee, starring as Naya Rivera’s love interest.

Who would you choose as an onscreen lesbian love interest?

SG: That’s a long list! Suki Waterhouse – she’s a model; she was Bradley Cooper’s girlfriend.

GC: As a performer, when were you first aware you had an LGBT following?

SG: My first single was when I was 16 and that went to No. 1 on the Dance Club charts so that was my introduction. I don’t think people really knew me, so I don’t know if it was a following necessarily, but once I hit “Love You Like a Love Song” status, that’s really when I started realizing it. And it was the best!

My concerts used to be little kids, and then seeing the entire front row being all www.gaycalgary.com

these guys who were wearing neon T-shirts and just losing their minds – it’s incredible.

And then you see the jocks in the other corner throwing their boxers on stage. It’s like, “Oh gosh.” It’s amazing.

GC: You say “oh gosh” like it’s a problem.

SG: (Laughs) Well, it is a little bit; come on.

GC: Do you keep your gay fans in mind when you create music, particularly with Revival?

SG: Absolutely.

Onehundred percent. Even with my earlier stuff, I’ve always tapped into it, and at the end of the day I’m a full-on pop artist, so I wanted the tracks to be incredible because I know how important that is.

But on top of that, having the lyrics be equally as important was something I needed to do for this album. I think it just kind of came together really well. I spent a year on it and I poured everything I had into this album, and I was thinking of everyone. I was thinking of my diehard fans from everywhere.

GC: Have you ever dated or fallen for a gay man?

SG: Honestly, I don’t have that story, but two of my best friends do and it’s very Will and Grace-like, which I love.

But no, I haven’t actually experienced it – wait, maybe that’s not fair to say. Maybe I won’t know? Maybe I don’t know? (Laughs) I just thought about that. Oh my gosh. I’m thinking about my whole life now.

GC: Nick Jonas, Justin Bieber, Taylor Lautner: Aesthetically speaking, you have good taste in men.

How jealous do your gay guy friends get of the people you’ve dated?

SG: Oh gosh, they’re more into it than I am. Honestly!

Part of the reason I probably went out on a few dates is because of them. They’re just like, “Go! Go!” I’m like, “No!” They’re all about it, for sure.

GC: So your gay friends are your matchmakers?

SG: All the time. Whoever I’m with or like or don’t like, they’re all about dissecting it and putting me with other people.

GC: It must be fascinating for you to see Nick Jonas

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become such a gay icon. His outreach… his underwear pics…

SG: And his (gay) characters that he’s been playing! Scream Queens and the other show, Kingdom, which I thought was super rad. We actually talked about it at dinner one time.

He’s incredible, and I think it’s amazing. I’ve known him for years – we were 14 when we met – so it’s crazy, because I actually knew him at a different time in his life.

Now, to see him have this amazing perspective on life is awesome. I’m really proud of him.

GC: Are you surprised by the way he’s connected with the gay community?

SG: Yeah, for sure! Not in a bad way, but I was like, “Thank you.” It was kind of incredible for somebody to step out of their zone for a minute. It’s really incredible to see what he’s done.

It’s incredible to not really be in a judgmental place and to really let down all of your guards. I just think you have to really let go, and you do have to find this in your heart. He clearly has had a love and compassion for everyone, and I think that’s great.

GC: The cover of your album, where you’re basically naked, is pure empowerment. You seem very comfortable in your own skin.

SG: Every other day it changes, but this year is a very important year for me. A lot of discovering and exploring who I am. It was exciting for me while also being a little complicated; I had dealt with certain body issues and things like that.

Once the album was put together and I went through so many different emotions, I knew that this was my moment to really share my heart, because there are so many people who follow or look up to me who are dealing with so much in their own life. I just want to give my all to it – give all of myself literally.

GC: Are there any gay people in your life currently who helped you on your journey to self-actualization?

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SG: Yes, one of my dearest – his name is Gweny. He’s been on my Instagram many times – featured on my Insta! (Laughs) But he’s very sweet and unbelievably confident. He’s a dancer, so he knows how to move his body. Even when I dance, sometimes I’ll ask him to dance with me in the mirror so I can be comfortable in my movements. Sometimes I get a little self-conscious and don’t think I’m a great dancer and he’s able to pull me out of my head instantly. Also, I’ll wake up one morning and he’ll be cooking breakfast, and all of a sudden The Sound of Music is on and it just makes my life happy. He’ll just run into my room and cheer me up and yeah, he’s been a huge part of the last four years of my life. He’s changed my life.

GC: You have had to become an adult in front of the whole world. For you, how hard is it to grow up in the limelight?

SG: The worst part about it is the lack of forgiveness.

When you’re a quote-end quote “child star,” it’s just unfair to be able to throw things at people when they don’t even know who they are yet. So that’s the only frustrating part, because, ultimately, that’s life.

Everybody goes through things, and more than anything, I think it’s just the judgmental part. But I enjoy it. I love my life, and I’m so thankful for it. I have been able to experience life in a different way, and even though there are some low moments, it’s incredible to do what I do.

GC: You’ve credited Taylor Swift as not just a friend but someone you admire. How often do you and her shake it off at the gay clubs?

SG: Oh my gosh – how chic! And all the time. Taylor and I literally will have mini dance parties with all of her dancers who are 100 percent gay (laughs) – and it’s the best feeling ever! It is so fun, and we just lose our minds.

GC: So wherever you and Taylor are, it’s always a gay club? Even in her apartment?

SG: Yeah, in New York! On tour! Backstage! The whole thing.

www.gaycalgary.com

GC: What is the most common misconception people have of you?

SG: Lack of credibility. I understand that I come from Disney or whatever, but I feel like I’ve just scratched the surface of what I wanna do in film and music, to be honest.

Even though I’ve been doing it for a while, I don’t feel like I have really gone there yet, and that’s fine. I think I gotta grow into it and make mistakes and learn and whatnot, but I do feel like that (credibility) is the one thing that people don’t give me enough of.

GC: Do you ever Google yourself?

SG: I have, yes. It’s very dangerous. I can’t do it often. I didn’t do it after the album came out because I didn’t know what the reviews were gonna be, and I mean, I can’t do anything about it now – the album is out – so I have to be confident in what I released. But yes, I have, of course. If people text me things or if I hear people talking about stuff, yeah, I’ll do it.

GC: What is the craziest thing you’ve read about yourself?

SG: What have I not read about myself at this point?! My gosh. I think I’ve been pregnant 15 times. That’s always been the craziest thing for me, which is my favorite. I’ll be at the beach and have the flattest stomach or not, and regardless, I’ll be pregnant. It’s the most hysterical thing to me.

GC: To debunk any rumors of a 16th baby – are you pregnant right now?

SG: No, nope – definitely not! (Laughs)

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4886 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

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GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

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GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

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GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

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Photography Banff Pride 2015 at Wild Bills Saloon, Banff http://gaycalgary.com/pa1073

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GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

www.gaycalgary.com

Photography Annual Calgary Chinook Fund Dinner at Parc, Calgary

ISCWR Kick off to Reign 40 at Evolution, Edmonton

http://gaycalgary.com/pa1047

photos by J&B

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Photography Halloween at Evolution with Raja, Edmonton photos by Kurtis Allan

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GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

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Photography Hot Mess Halloween Bash at Flames Central, Calgary http://gaycalgary.com/pa1075

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GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

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News Releases Australian Leadership Ousts Prime Minister Who Stood in the Way of Marriage Equality

NSFW - Homoerotic Orthodox Wall Calendar 2016 - Of priests, c*cks and acceptance of all desires

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2004

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2011

Travel Gay Canada announces partnership with Association of Canadian Travel Agencies

Developers of the EatBy App recommend eating flesh at Halloween! Delicious Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who last month refused to allow a vote for marriage equality in the Parliament, was...

Travel Gay Canada (TGC), Canada’s national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) tourism industry association and the Association...

Pumpkin flesh, of course. Halloween pumpkins contribute to the problem of food waste and this is a concern to the EatBy App developers...

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2005

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2012

12th Annual Arosa Gay Ski Week – one of the most popular gay ski weeks in Europe

Hunks of London Calendar: raising awareness for the Prostate Project

From January 10th to 17th, 2016 the gay friendly resort of Arosa revs up again for it’s lively and colorful winter Pride festival.... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2006

Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada Announces Dessert Before Dinner’s Signature Cocktail

Master Mixologist Francesco Lafranconi Creates Signature Drink Inspired by Girl Scouts Cookie Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada...

Hunks of London 2016 Calendar – raising awareness for the Prostate Project UK Featuring Gay Actors Darius Ferdynand & Theo... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2013

Lesbian Love Addiction Understanding the Urge to Merge and How to Heal When Things go Wrong

In Lesbian Love Addiction, Lauren Costine offers insight for lesbians, bisexual women in relationships with women, queer women,...

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2007

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2014

“The Right To Be Heard” - A short film about Trans Folks during Elections

Rand Paul’s Solution to LGBT Discrimination: Go Back in the Closet

“The Right To Be Heard” is a 13 minute documentary focusing on the barriers and social experiences of Trans Folks and...

Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization,...

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2008

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2015

Cinema Kabuki 2015 Calgary - Kabuki Theatre in high definition on the big screen

NSFW - Bruno Gmünder - Book News in November 2015

In Kabuki Theatre of Japan, all characters have been performed by men for over four hundred years. Kabuki Theatre, with origins... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2009

Andrew Christian VIDEO: OUR TIME

MUSIC: “Timeless” By AG soundtrax, Courtesy Of Envato Marketplace http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2010

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Father Vitaly Milonov, an Eastern European Orthodox priest, travels to the West, eager to explore the diversity of desires described...

GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

New in November 2015 from Bruno Gmünder Group. Click on photos for more info on each book. Visit their website today! http://www. gaycalgary.com/n2016

Walmart Hit With Third Discrimination Lawsuit in Five Months

Making Change at Walmart (MCAW), the national campaign to change Walmart, released the following statement in response to a third... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2017

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News Releases New Cookbook, CELEBRATE, Answers the Question: Why We Cook for Family and Friends

Kylie Gets Festive with Her New Album ‘Kylie Christmas’ Out November 13th, 2015

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2018

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2025

Andrew Christian VIDEO: OUR TIME - BULLYING

RuPaul’s Drag Race’s KELLY MANTLE Releases AntiCyberBullying Song

Chef Elizabeth Kurtz creates sensational recipes easy enough for everyday and special enough for Shabbos. A home cooked meal...

Recorded at Angel Studios and Sarm Music Village, the album features 13 tracks – including several duets and a mix of original...

MUSIC: “Timeless” By AGsoundtrax, Courtesy Of Envato Marketplace ALSO FEATURING: For National Spirit Day Andrew Christian...

First, Prince William and wife Kate Middleton announced plans to tackle cyber-bullying; now, a queen is joining the fight. RuPaul’s...

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2019

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2026

The Loden Named #1 Hotel In Vancouver by Condé Nast Traveler 2015 Readers’ Choice Awards

AlandChuck.Travel Announce First Gay Cuba Cruise In History

For the second year in a row, The Loden lands on the “Top 100 Hotels & Resorts In the World” list with a distinguished...

Today gay travel specialist ALandCHUCK.travel announced the first gay cruise in history to the US embargoed island of Cuba. Cuba...

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2020

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2027

96,000 Same-sex Couples Married in the USA Since Supreme Court Decision

USA - Weddings of Samesex Couples Boosted State and Local Economies by $813M This Summer

The number of married same-sex couples has doubled to 486,000 after the Windsor and Obergefell decisions of the last two years....

Spending by the 96,000 same-sex couples who married in the four months following the Supreme Court’s marriage decision generated...

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2021

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2028

Finn Jones joins Lucy Lawless as initial guest announcements for Calgary Expo 2016

HRC Calls For Investigation Into Utah Judge Who Removed Foster Child From Same-Sex Couple

Tickets on sale November 7; last year VIP packages sold out within minutes Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo (Calgary Expo)...

Ruling may violate Utah’s Judicial Code of Conduct, leading to possible sanctions for judge with history of inappropriate conduct...

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2022

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2029

Matthew Rettenmund announces two new books: ‘Encyclopedia Madonnica 20’ and ‘Starf*cker’

Calgary’s Top 12 Men of Meat Come Together in One Juicy Charitable Calendar

Matthew Rettenmund, the blogger at BoyCulture. com (which turns 10 on Nov. 6) and...

Introducing Offcuts 2016, Calgary’s finest stripped-down charity calendar, officially off the presses and ripe for purchasing...

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2023

2015 Banff Craft Beer Festival - The World’s Most Beautiful Beer Festival!

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2030

Thousands of Mormon Faithful Resign From Church In Support of LGBT Community

Alberta Beer Festivals presents the first ever Banff Craft Beer Festival November 27th and 28th at the Cave and Basin in Banff...

Ban on baptism for the children of same-sex couples spurs mass resignation In a formidable display of support for the LGBT...

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2024

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2031

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GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

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If you have seen a drag show in Edmonton over the last 20 years, you have likely seen Vanity Fair perform. David Chimko, aka Vanity Fair, was born in Whitecourt, Alberta and, as a child, lived in Lloydminster, then Vegreville and finally Edmonton in 1998, where he is still proud to call home.

Vanity Fair has made a number of accomplishments within Edmonton’s LGBTQ community, including being crowned Ms. Gay Edmonton 12 and 22, Miss Mary Christmas 2002 and 2006, Imperial Crown Princess 36 of the ISCWR, Empress 37 of Edmonton, and so much more. She has also hosted the Pride Parade coverage of Edmonton Pride on Shaw TV for the past two years. “It is such an amazing experience and I think, to date, the most enjoyable of all my pride duties over the years,” she says. “There is nothing like the energy during the parade, it has always been my weak spot with pride – the emotions always get the better of me – so being in the heart of that energy, at street level, is an amazing high.”

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GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

With the work she does with the ISCWR, she has helped fundraise money for several organizations including HIV Edmonton, Camp Fyrefly, the Pride Centre of Edmonton, plus provided volunteer time with the Pride Centre doing drag workshops, and has volunteered for Edmonton Pride, ALT View and INqueeries at Grant MacEwan. Her involvement with the ISCWR started pretty much right after she started living in Edmonton in 1998.

Outside of the charity and volunteer work, David is a hairstylist by trade, for about the last 10 years. “I love my work; I love making people feel great about themselves and it really never seems like work to me. I feel lucky that work, to me, is going to the salon and socializing with clients all day. ” “Edmonton has done so much for me over the years, so I try to give back to the community as much as I can. The littlest gestures, over time, can make a huge difference in someone’s life or the world, so I just keep chipping away one good deed at a time – that’s all any of us can do. “

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Directory & Events DOWNTOWN CALGARY

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6

3

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15

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. ..........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)  403-457-4464

15 The Blind Monk---------------------------  918 12th Ave SW  403-265-6200  12thave@blindmonk.ca

 http://www.blindmonk.ca  Mon-Sun: 11am-2am  403-384-9777

14 Vinyl & Hyde (CLOSED)

 213 10 Ave SW

 http://www.vinylandhyde.com

 587-224-5200

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

• Curling

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

• Golf

• Lawn Bowling

• Outdoor Pursuits

Bathhouses/Saunas

Community Groups Alberta Society for Kink

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

Apollo Calgary - Friends in Sports

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

 lawnbowling@apollocalgary.com

5 Goliaths

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

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

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

 golf@apollocalgary.com

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

• Running (Calgary Frontrunners)

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

• Slow Pitch

 slow.pitch@apollocalgary.com

• Squash

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

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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

• Monthly Dances

 Arrata Opera Centre (1315 - 7 Street SW)

Calgary Expo

 http://www.calgaryexpo.com

Calgary Gay Fathers

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

Calgary Men’s Chorus

 http://www.calgarymenschorus.org

• Rehearsals

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

Calgary Sexual Health Centre

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

At 5 Goliaths

At 1 Calgary Outlink

 2nd

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

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

Calgary Queer Book Club

 Weeds Cafe (1903 20 Ave NW)

Deer Park United Church/Wholeness Centre

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

• 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

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

 403-278-8263

Different Strokes

 http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org

FairyTales Presentation Society

 403-244-1956

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

• DVD Resource Library

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

Gay Friends in Calgary

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

Girl Friends

 girlfriends@shaw.ca

 members.shaw.ca/girlfriends

• 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

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

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

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

1 Calgary Outlink

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

 1st

See 1 Calgary Outlink

 Calgary Contd.

• Tennis

 2nd

See 1 Calgary Outlink

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

See 1 Calgary Outlink

By

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

GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 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

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

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

Ellen Embury

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

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

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

Third Street Theatre

 #3 306 20th Ave SW 

http://www.thirdstreet.ca

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

Hot Water Pools & Spas

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

 T-S: 10am-6pm, N: 1-4pm

Webster Galleries Inc.

EDMONTON

Lorne Doucette (CIR Realtors)

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

La Fleur

MFM Communications

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

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

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

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

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

 11725 Jasper Ave

FLASH (CLOSED)

 10018 105 Street  flashnightclub@hotmail.com

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

 M-W: 12-6pm, R: 2-7pm, S-N: 12-5pm

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

 11725 Jasper Ave

Barry Hollowell

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--------

 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

Bathhouses/Saunas 5 Steamworks

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

Community Groups

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.

 780-488-6557

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

 780-938-2941

UpStares Ultralounge (CLOSED)

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

Services & Products

 780-488-6636

6 Evolution Wonder Lounge

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

• Calgary Drop-in Centre

6th and Tenth - Sales Centre

 403-703-4750

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

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

 403-266-1707 Florist and Flower Shop.

www.gaycalgary.com

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

Interactive Male

Best Health

 Calgary: 403-777-9494

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

InQueeries

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 #144, November 2015

45

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.

46

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 #144, November 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 (closed)

 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 #144, November 2015

47

Classifieds Event

140

Antique

305

The Fetish Slosh at the Backlot!

COLECTOR’S II is RELOCATING

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!

Collector’s II is closing it’s doors towards the end of November...1005a 1 Street S.W. ph.4032786446 closed Mondays

Wedding/Union

190

Rork Hilford MC OFFICIANT

MARRIAGE COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS IN ALBERTA WEDDINGS AND MARRIAGES at your venue or in my home studio starting at $150 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

Magical Music DJs

Furniture

Home for Rent

347

“IMMACULATE INNER CITY NEWLY RENOVATED WINSTON HEIGHTS HOME” Perfect for the Professional Executive moving or already living in Calgary. This newly renovated 3 bedroom home (1 bedroom has been converted into an office with furnishings) offers high end luxury furnishings throughout with brand name appliances, authentic hardwood floors, gas fireplace, alarm system & granite counter tops. Five minutes from down town with a golf course 1 block away. Located ideally close to community center, grocery stores, trendy restaurants, shopping, transit, fitness, banks, cycling, walking paths plus much more.

240

GayCalgary Magazine is looking for salespeople, graphic designers, and writers in Calgary or Edmonton. For more info, contact:

INTERACTIVE MALE Interested in guys? You aren’t the only curious one. It’s just a phone call. Sexy.

Discreet. Free. Why not try? 1-800-913-8509

LIVELINKS Meet singles right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free.

Call now: 1-800-692-5415

magazine@gaycalgary.com 403-543-6960

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

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

Consulting Calgary Erotic Male Massage Enjoy the pleasure of sensual eroticrelaxation male-to-male massage from the Calgary’s Premier Asian Male Masseur, Reynolds Onyx. Straight, gay, bisexual and curious guys are welcome.

To learn more or book an appointment, visit his website at http://www.calgarymalemassage.com or email reynoldsmassage@gmail.com

Products/Services 500 Certified Personal Trainer

415

GUYSPY

GET A LIFE! Commercial Cleaning

UltimateMaleMassage.com

Safe Step Walk-In Tub Co.

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

Help Wanted

420

335

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.

Dating Service

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

Erotic Massage

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

Cleaning

517

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

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

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.

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Travel

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Puerto Vallarta Condos for Rent 2 x 2 Bdrm for Rent. Ocean views. daily maid service included. Wi-fi , high speed internet.

Secure Quiet 9 suite building. 1/2 block to Blue Chairs Beach. On site English speaking Manager. Contact Rob - rburla21@gmail.com

Ads starting at $10/mo. for the first 20 words. Submit yours at http://www.gaycalgary.com/classifieds 48

GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

www.gaycalgary.com

www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #144, November 2015

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