GayCalgary Magazine - June 2016

JUNE 2016

® ISSUE 150 • FREE The Voice of Alberta’s LGBTQ Community

Interview with

MARIAH CAREY

Manila Luzon

Unabashed Creator

Lea DeLaria

Butch Beneath Our Wings

PLUS:

Rufus Wainwright Garrett Wang • Lena Dunham Lethbridge Pride 2016 ...and more!

Business Directory

Scan to Read on Mobile Devices

Community Map

Calgary • Alberta • Canada

Events Calendar

Jinkx Monsoon

Making waves post Drag Race win

Tourist Information

STARTING ON PAGE 55

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GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

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Table of Contents

JUNE 2016

®

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: MariahCalgary, Carey, photo

by Denise Truscello.

AB, Canada Top Right: Manila Luzon, photo courtesy Producer T2T 0G3 Entertainment. Mid Right: Lea DeLaria, photo by Netflix. Bottom Right: Monsoon, photo by Office Hours: ByJinkx appointment ONLY Magnus Hastings Phone: 403-543-6960 Toll Free: 1-888-543-6960 Fax: 403-703-0685 E-Mail: magazine@gaycalgary.com

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

Proud Members of:

Words from the Publisher

150th Edition, Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo, and Pride

PAGE 12

11 Stage West’s Young Frankenstein is Electrifying

12 Lethbridge Pride Colouring the streets in rainbow

13 Garrett Wang Live from the Lethbridge EXPO

15 Monsoon Season

Iconic queen on making waves post Drag Race win

19 Discussing Community Safety Domestic Violence

20 Manila Luzon, Unabashed Creator

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How food, fan art, and free drinks inspire drag’s most famous concept queen

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24 Deep Inside Hollywood

Alan Cumming in ‘After Louie,’ Ellen DeGeneres, Teyonah Parris, Jessica Lange

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26 HIV in America Hatred and Acceptance

27 The Unruly World of Rufus Wainwright

PAGE 15

Writers and Contributors

Mercedes BrandonAllen, Schultz, Chris Chris Azzopardi, Azzopardi, Dallas Constable Barnes, Andy DaveBuck, Brousseau, Dave Brousseau, Sam Casselman, Jason Jason Clevett,Clevett, Krista Sylvester, Andrew Collins, Mikey Emily Rox, Myles Collins, Helfand, Rob Diaz-Marino, Romeo San Vicente, Janine Eva Steve Trotta, Polyak, JackV.N. Fertig, Winnick, Glen Hanson, and the LGBT Joan Hilty, Community Evan Kayne, of Calgary, Stephen Edmonton, Lock, Neil andMcMullen, Alberta.

Allan Neuwirth, Steve Polyak, Carey Rutherford, Romeo San Vicente, Ed Sikov, Nick Vivian and Photography the GLBT Community of Calgary, Edmonton, and Steve Polyak, Jeff & Brian Alberta.

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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

Singer-songwriter on being ‘the gay Elizabeth Taylor,’ giving up on Björk and not jibing with the LGBT community

National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association

Girls creator on recognizing ‘seemingly mundane’ LGBT issues, channeling masculinity and the influence of her sister’s queerness

Gay European Tourism Association

PAGE 20

33 Lena Dunham Mans Up

International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association

Continued on Next Page  www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

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Table of Contents  Continued From Previous Page ®

PAGE 27

37 7 Ways Social Media Has Made You a Sex Addict 38 5 Reasons You Need to Stop Treating Your Gym Like a Bathhouse

40 The Butch Beneath Our Wings

Lea DeLaria reflects on her landmark TV moment, talks ‘hero’ Bette Midler and making tough lesbians cry with Orange Is the New Black

PAGE 33

44 The Heroism of Mariah Carey

Visions of love, bravery and bad hair through the lens of a longtime ‘lamb’

48 Queer Eye 51 A Couple of Guys 52 News Releases 55 Directory and Events 60 Classified Ads

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PAGE 40

Scan for this Issue:

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Scan for Latest Issue:

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Monthly Online Magazine Readership:

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

Total Readership of PDF/ISSUU/WEB

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

Proof of monthly figures are available on request.

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

Name changed to GayCalgary in 1998.

Independent company as of January 2004.

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

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

February 2015 is the first digital only edition.

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

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

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

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Magazine Figures

Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.

GayCalgary® is a registered trademark.

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Online: Monday, July 11th

http://www.gaycalgary.com/i150 More articles and exclusive content online!

GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

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Editorial

Words from the Publisher

150th Edition, Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo, and Pride

By Steve Polyak June, 2016, GayCalgary Magazine celebrates its 150th edition. This is a pretty big milestone when it comes to LGBT Publications in Canada. Running the magazine for this many editions is not easy, but it does help having some great writers and amazing editor plus, when I am in a crunch, Rob does help with other tasks. Sadly, all the other tasks, too many to be named, do need to be done by me.

It surprises me still how much content has come together to produce 150 editions. There are about 5,500 articles that have been written, plus about 135,000 photos in the online GayCalgary photo gallery, with about 250,000 waiting still to go online. The magazine also has about 20,200 digital subscribers, which is pretty impressive. We still have over 300,000 readers per month spending on average 25 minutes on the site.

After doing 150 editions of the magazine, one would assume that eventually it would get easier, but this one, especially, went sideways on me. I started planning the 150th edition at the start of the year, but just about everything changed on me in the middle of May. It felt like a cascade of things were creating challenges barring things coming together.

In May, even though none of my writers were directly impacted by the fires in Fort McMurray, there was a trickle down effect; everyone was watching the news to see what the current status was, or going out to help friends and family

that were impacted by the fire. The planned interviews with the mayors of Edmonton and Calgary needed to be pushed from the 150th Edition to the July edition due to their constantly changing schedules. Interviews with talent for RuPaul’s Battle of the Seasons were also not coming together easily, since it was a little hard to do interviews while they were on tour.

The plan was to celebrate the 150th edition as part of the Canadian International Rodeo and Music Festival weekend, but when Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association (ARGRA) cancelled the event, things changed. We lost all those interviews of performers that were part of the music festival and the exposure of the anniversary edition. More about ARGRA later on in this article.

So our 150th edition is still something special – regardless if it came together the way I wanted it to – but that is the joy of being media in our ever-changing gay community. As long as each edition makes it way out, that is something to celebrate.

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Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association In May, ARGRA announced that they were cancelling the Canadian Rockies International Rodeo and Music Festival 2016 event. The announcement shook the gay community.

Continued on Next Page 

GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

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 From Previous Page ARGRA is a unique group in Canada. With Calgary being in cowboy country, it only made sense that Calgary would be the home of the only gay rodeo in Canada. This year would have marked their 23rd run, so it was a shock that a regular summer event was no longer happening. The rodeo and music festival was seen as the small gay version of the Calgary Stampede.

When Pride happens, the festival, parade and dance usually occur on one day, at several different locations. The rodeo usually started on a Thursday or Friday and ran until Sunday night. ARGRA had areas set up for camping/RV, rodeo arena, dance hall, beer gardens, retail and the new music festival area. This way people did not need to travel far to go to different events throughout the day.

There was always the rodeo during Saturday and Sunday starting 8:30am, and it ran until 5 or 6 in the afternoon, depending on how many contestants and if there were any injuries. Late at night, once everything else shut down, the dances would start. Since people were camping just outside the entrance to all the events, they could sit back, drink, socialize and take part of all the ARGRA events that they were interested in, in ease. ARGRA created something that brought people back year after year, where you could make new friends, and embrace a sense of family. Attendees came from around the world so, many times, it was the only chance you would get to see them.

Outside their rodeo weekend, members of ARGRA were present at just about every gay event throughout the province. You just looked for the group of people wearing their cowboy hats and you knew that ARGRA was in the room.

They wanted to show their support in many ways, including fundraisers, dances, sports, annual general meetings and more. They were there to protect other nonprofit groups when outsiders wanted to bully their way in. They were also there

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Deep Inside Hollywood

Billie Jean King, J.A. Bayona, Elle Fanning, ‘Noah’s Arc’

How many Billie Jean King movies, again?

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Hear Me Out

Rihanna, Cyndi Lauper, Margo Price, Lukas Graham

Cyndi Lauper, Detour Girls just want to have... a country album? If you’re Cyndi Lauper and your repertoire is as delightfully ADHD as hers – the American Songbook, pop ear-candy,... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5131

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Ted Cruz is creepy. That’s not only a widely held opinion, it’s scientific fact.

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GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

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CANCELLED - Canadian Rockies International Rodeo and Music Festival 2016 ARGRA Cancels Upcoming Event in Strathmore, Alberta

ARGRA (Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association) board of directors have cancelled the upcoming CRIR 2016 which was to happen on June 30th to July 3rd, 2016 in Strathmore Alberta.... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5103

Queen Bey Reigns at Commonwealth Stadium Beyoncé’s massive show nearly flawless

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Creep of the Week Michael Brown

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The OutField

Cheering on #EveryFan

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Curb Appeal – Making Your Home Attractive to Buyers

Once a homeowner has decided to sell their home, one of the first things they do is start to clean up the property. Making basic repairs to the interior of your home, such as putting... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5122

when other nonprofit groups stumbled and needed a strong, helping hand and guidance.

After running as long as ARGRA has, maybe it is their turn to get a helping hand from the community, as they have lent to everyone else. When it was posted that the rodeo was cancelled, it was visible on Facebook that the help and support was there to, conceivably, bring them back.

Things have not been easy for them for several years now: from moving the venue from inside the Calgary city limits to the town of Strathmore, to a tornado that hit close to the venue; to the rains that flooded Calgary the week before the rodeo happened so volunteers and organizers were stuck trying the put on an event and deal with friends and family caught in the flood; to the current poor economy. It is not easy for an outdoor event to endure something out of their control year after year. The ARGRA board and volunteers tried to put on a brave face, smiled, and persevered in keeping the event running year after year.

ARGRA tried to change with the times, as most groups have had to, making them more mainstream: adding things like a music festival in the beer gardens, then expanding it to be a three-day evening event. They also introduced a community carnival to allow other nonprofit groups to fundraise using traditional amusement park attractions like a dunk tank or bake sale. These measures increased attendance from people who lived in Strathmore, and made it easier to get sponsors that would usually only sponsor gay pride events.

When GayCalgary reached out to the board for further information about what is going on, they were unable to comment. We did make sure they understand that the community is here for them as ARGRA was for them. At this point we don’t know if ARGRA will reboot as something new, or if it will it be gone for good. The board and members are still a strong part of what makes Alberta’s LGBTQ community.

They won’t be able to talk about any of it, so maybe give them a hug, or buy them a drink or two, since the decision they made was not an easy one. These people who volunteered their time for ARGRA are instrumental to what we have as a community.

Upcoming Events July is a busy month in general, with Edmonton Pride running from June 3rd to 12th. There is also Lethbridge Pride from June 1st to June 29th. Check out the ads we are running for the main events, plus some of the other side events like Pure Pride, Bears in the Park BBQ, Pride in Fashion, and more! The word is that Backwards is finally going to open before the end of the month, so check out their Facebook page for details.

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GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

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Stage West’s Young Frankenstein is Electrifying  photo by John Watson

By Jason Clevett It has been a real pleasure the last few years seeing some of the big broadway comedies come to Stage West. Recent presentations of shows like Avenue Q and Monty Python’s Spamalot brought new audiences to the theatre and have been highlights of recent seasons.

While Mel Brook’s Young Frankenstein, on stage until June 26th, doesn’t have the same name recognition as the previously listed shows, this laugh a minute over the top production is a must see. Whether a regular patron or someone who loved the previous comedies, there is something for everyone.

Based on the 1974 film starring Gene Wilder, the stage musical opened on Broadway in 2007. It is the story of Dr. Frankenstein (Kevin Dennis) arriving in Transylvania after the death of his Grandfather Victor, the creator of the monster that terrorized a village. The doctor meets hunchback Igor (a brilliant portrayal by Greg Pember) and the mysterious Frau Blucher (Jayne Lewis) – who try to convince him to join the family business. What unfolds is a typical story – boy meets lab sexy lab assistant, boy and girl make a giant green corpse come to life, boy’s fiancé shows up unexpectedly, and everyone sings Puttin On the Ritz.

It is a ridiculously fun show, and part of why it works so well is that it is evident that the large cast of 19 is having an absolute blast. Their enthusiasm is infectious. They take some

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lines and songs that should be eye-roll inducing but deliver them in a way that delivers big laughs instead. There are a number of Stage West regulars in the show such as Adam Stevenson – a chameleon whose talents have been shown in multiple Stage West music reviews as the Monster and Kevin Rothery in multiple roles.

It’s a risqué show – an elaborate and hilarious number Roll In The Hay had the audience in stitches while Please Don’t Touch Me has an entire verse about boobs. It’s part burlesque show, part homage to the musical genre, part slapstick comedy. It all works and is a wonderful evening. You do not have to have seen the movie to love the play. $10 from every ticket sold goes to Fort. McMurray relief. There are a number of summer promos on as well, so take advantage, support a good cause and have a great meal and lots of laughs with Young Frankenstein.

Mel Brook’s Young Frankenstein Playing until June 26th, 2016 Stage West Theatre Restaurant http://stagewestcalgary.com/ http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5133 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

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Lethbridge Pride

Colouring the streets in rainbow

 Lethbridge Pride 2015, photo by GayCalgary

By Krista Sylvester It’s a first for Lethbridge and hopefully the advent of many more to come.

The city’s first rainbow crosswalks – four of them in total, leading to Galt Gardens – were unveiled this week as part of the festivities for this year’s Lethbridge Pride Fest. The event is bigger and better than ever, according to festival board vicechair, Devon Hargreaves.

“It is really exciting for us, as a community, to have the mayor come out and paint the sidewalk with our board of directors,” Hargreaves says.

The four rainbow-painted crosswalks were paid for by Lethbridge Pride Fest and will serve as an entrance into Galt Gardens for Pride in the Park on June 25th, but will be on display for everyone to enjoy as part of the celebration this month.

“It’s a colourful and exciting time in the city,” he says.

This is a big step for a festival that began as a small barbecue eight years ago. Lethbridge Pride has now morphed into an entire month-long event with a variety of daily offerings for people of all ages to enjoy.

“The organization has grown, the partnerships have grown, the number of people attending has grown, the community support has grown; everything is growing and I think it will continue to grow,” Hargreaves adds.

While Hargreaves acknowledges more events mean more work, he says it is worth it; more and more community sponsors are jumping on board as well. This is the first time that the organization has been able to put on events every day of the 12

GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

month, ranging from movie nights to dance nights and everything in between.

“I think there is something for everyone at this festival – regardless of your orientation. Pride Fest is for everyone, and it is a great place to come out to show support. If you’re questioning your orientation, or just want to sit in the beer gardens and sit in 30 above and enjoy your weekend, you can do that as well. We are very accepting.”

J.B Johnson and her partner have been attending Lethbridge Pride events for the last six or seven years, and say they have watched it grow from a one day event to what is now a monthlong celebration. They couldn’t be prouder.

“It’s a really beautiful thing to watch something like this grow from a grass-roots event, for a small group of people, to something that is being celebrated by many people from all different types of communities,” she says. “It feels a lot more open and accepting and it’s just really nice to see so many people involved.”

Check out the Lethbridge Pride Fest Facebook group for a full schedule of all of the different events.

Lethbridge Pride Fest http://lethbridgepridefest.com/ http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5159 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments www.gaycalgary.com

Garrett Wang Live from the Lethbridge EXPO  photos by Paramount Pictures

By V.N. Winnick Back in 2014, the charming and gregarious Garrett Wang, of Star Trek: Voyager fame, gave us a tremendous interview covering: his experiences with Trek, both with official and fanmade productions; his geek-to-the-core nature and love of the convention circuit; and a deep-dive into his experiences as an Asian man acting in Hollywood – including his good-natured lament on the fact that he wasn’t able to play Glenn on The Walking Dead. Read on for a brief excerpt of the interview, and check out the full video on our website. If you’re a fan of Star Trek, geek culture in general, or just handsome, friendly guys, you’ll love this dip into the GayCalgary vaults.

Garrett Wang: I love going to conventions and letting the fans see

the part of me that they’re not used to seeing – which is the real me, you know? Everyone sees the very serious Ensign Kim on episodes of Voyager, so I like to show the other side.

Gay Calgary: Compared to an Avery Brooks or a Brent Spiner, you

seem to be a lot more willing to embrace the convention circuit. Where does that come from?

GW: Being a geek first, probably? Being a science fiction, fantasy fan, before getting on Voyager, I think changes a lot of it. A lot of people don’t realize that, of the 44 or 45 living actors from Star Trek, including the cast from TOS, TNG, DS9, Voyager, Enterprise, and JJ Abrams’ crew, there are only like four of us that are fans first, and that changes it big time. If you’re already into sci-fi, and then an actor on a TV show, going to conventions is a no-brainer. Like, yeah, of course! If I wasn’t an actor on a show, I would be here anyway.

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Watch the video online: http://gaycalgary.com/a5156 

CG: What sorts of stories and media were you into before being cast on Voyager?

GW: First fandom would be 1977 Star Wars... and then, after that, I watched original Battlestar Galactica, and pretty much anything… scifi or fantasy-based that would come out before I got onto Voyager. I followed it, I watched it.

GC: You had some really interesting perspectives on race in a previous panel – would you tell us a bit about your experience as an actor through that lens?

GW: [One of DW Griffiths’ early films] Broken Blossom was basically a film about a Chinese man who falls in love with this Irish girl and, before they can consummate their love, the father of the Irish girl finds the Chinese man, and kills him! So that just sort of set the precedent in Hollywood. I don’t know how to put it, other than, it has been ‘unfortunate’ that Asian-American males, specifically, have not been portrayed as sexual beings whatsoever.

GC: So as fan of Star Trek, an actor and an Asian man, what did it mean to you to see George Takei in the role of Sulu?

GW: It was really an eye-opener. Just a sense of pride knowing that, look, that Asian male actor is not speaking with some crazy chop-socky accent; he is not delivering Chinese food... and he was really the only one at that time who was allowed. So thank God Gene Roddenberry had the vision and the foresight and the emphasis on IDIC – infinite diversity in infinite combinations – that was just so groundbreaking at that time.”

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5156 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

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GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

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Monsoon Season

Iconic queen on making waves post Drag Race win

 photo by Magnus Hastings

By Brandon Schultz

“We never knew when we started doing drag that one day we’d be performing in huge concert venues and completely packing the place,” says Monsoon of Battle of the Seasons, the epic drag variety show, and its unexpected success over the past three years. “Each year it gets a little bit bigger, and the audiences come out in droves to see each of us perform our specific talents. It is really amazing for us!”

It’s a golden age for drag queens, who have found themselves exploding onto the mainstream entertainment scene due, in no small part, to the reality TV contest that Monsoon won in 2013.

However, like all queens who aren’t new to the game, Monsoon remembers a time when drag love wasn’t the norm.

“People are really starting to respect the art form of drag in a way they haven’t before, and that goes particularly for our gay audience, too. I have been doing drag for 14 years and, when I started, there was definitely a negative stigma around being a drag queen that I don’t think exists in the same capacity today.

Now even the butchest, most straight acting guy will watch Drag Race and snap his fingers at the TV, you know?!”

With success comes demand, especially for a queen crowned ‘America’s next drag superstar’ and, even four years after filming, Monsoon is not wasting the opportunities that are presented to her.

“Drag Race took what I used to do one day a week for a little extra cash and turned it into my career, and that’s what I’m so thankful for. I still do legitimate acting in plays and stuff, but whenever I don’t have a big-time project to worry about I get to create my own work, and slap a wig and a dress on, and bring new material anywhere that’ll take me. Or old material to be rehashed in new places!”

On top of touring the world with Battle of the Seasons, guest appearances as an RPDR winner, performing her one-woman cabaret, and building her YouTube channel, Monsoon performs as her other, lesser-known characters when she can squeeze them in.

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When an interview starts with cabernet sauvignon and ends next to the toilet, it can only be a Friday night with RuPaul’s Drag Race season 5 champion, Jinkx Monsoon.

Between her two improv cabaret performances at New York City’s Laurie Beechman Theatre, the tireless queen spared a few minutes for a sit-down with GayCalgary to discuss the RPDR Battle of the Seasons 2016 Extravaganza Tour, with comments on body shaming, Joan Rivers, and which drag queens should be shot.

GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

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“I love being busy and I love creating new work, and I got into drag to do exactly what I’m doing. The Vaudevillians features my character Kitty Witless, who only exists in that show. I also have a Southern medium character (I haven’t done her in awhile), and every year in Provincetown I do these shows as Aunt Cassiopeia. She’s Jinkx’s great aunt and she’s basically my rip-off of Bette Davis – but with orange hair.”

She is mega busy – as a star should be – but she has felt the price of fame very personally.

“The higher they put you on that pedestal, the more people there are watching to see how you’ll fall,” she lamented during her performance earlier that night.

When I asked her to elaborate afterward, and why, specifically, she fires back so regularly on Twitter about her weight (even Michelle Visage recently tweeted, in support, “WHY THE HELL DO YOU FEEL THE NEED TO DO THIS, JINKXY? YOU ARE PERFECTION”) she explained: “It’s something that I didn’t used to do.

I feel a certain freedom n o w that I ’ m n o t t h e current reigning drag race superstar.

If people have the right to give their stupid horrible opinions, then I absolutely have the right to answer them. I try not to get in fights with anyone, and there have been plenty of times where I had a little back and forth argument with people, but it always ended with both of us at least agreeing to disagree.

But lately there have been a lot of comments about me gaining weight. In the drag community, there is absolutely no room for body shaming.

The whole point of drag is taking whatever you are – 16

whatever you have going on – and creating the most fully glamorized, fully realized version of it.

“We celebrate plus-size drag queens, but we demonize skinny queens who put on weight, which is not okay. If you’re gonna celebrate plus-size drag queens, you have to celebrate all queens of all weights; whether they are skinny, plussize, or skinny and become plus-size. It happened to Joslyn Fox, it happened to Adore Delano, it happened to me. It’s absolutely 100 per cent unacceptable.

Body shaming has no place in the world of drag.”

Taking on another hot button issue in the drag universe, Monsoon is equally outspoken about the relationship between drag and the trans community, and does not personally identify as cisgender herself (I refer to her in this article with the female pronouns in reference to her drag character).

“I think it was about two years ago that there were a lot of publicized issues around the word ‘tranny’, and drag queens using t h e word

specifically.

There was a lot of hate toward drag queens because there was this assumption that every drag queen is cisgender when out of drag. People were saying drag queens don’t get to have an opinion on trans issues because they’re not trans.

“They are assuming every drag queen is cisgender out of drag, and that’s just not true. There are lots of trans women who still participate in the drag world. Even though they have transitioned, they have roots in drag, and they have every right to remain drag queens if they want to. There are plenty of drag queens that don’t identify as cisgender, or male,  photo by Tim Harmon

GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

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 photo by Tim Harmon

out of drag. There’s no reason to believe that we don’t get an opinion.

“To be a drag queen you have to have one foot in the world of being trans. No drag queen is completely ignorant to trans issues, and if she is she might as well be tied up and shot to death. Because then it’s just her own fault and her own ignorance.”

The icy fans are a very small minority in Jinkx’s world, where it’s perennially Monsoon season. A quick glance around her audience showed just how wide-ranging Monsoon’s reach is.

In front of me, a hot-pink-wigged 14-year-old superfan whose Twitter is dedicated to the drag superstar (@femaleJinkx). Next to me, a gaggle of finger-snapping lesbians, and beyond them a gentleman too ‘overwhelmed’ by Monsoon’s starpower to “name any musical” during a moment of audience (non)participation.

It’s no wonder her audience is a cross-section of society: her comedy crosses an almost paradoxical span of generations and tastes, as does her cabaret repertoire.

“I like musicals and rock. And especially rock musicals!”.

Monsoon’s insane schedule is packed to the minute, and this night was no different. Just after ordering orecchiette to eat between her own shows, we quickly had to clear the theater for a different show to begin. Impossible to fluster, the queen famous for her self-assuring catchphrase, “water off a duck’s back”, shrugged off the eviction, grabbed her glass of wine, and suggested we continue elsewhere.

“Let’s just finish this in the back on the toilet like we said we wouldn’t!” As we entered what amounted to a small closet with, indeed, a toilet in one corner, not unlike a miniature jail cell, Monsoon quipped, “welcome to my glamorous dressing room!”

It was here that she revealed what she considered to be one of the coolest experiences she has had as a drag queen, and recalled a very special fan.

“When I first starting working at the Laurie Beechman, Joan Rivers’s show would start at 7pm on Tuesdays, and my show would start at 9:30, so that meant there was a half hour between her show and mine where I just got to say, ‘Hey Joan, how you doin’? How’d your show go tonight?’ And she’d be like ‘Oh, it was wonderful. But you know, I hate all the horrible people.

You’re very funny so you keep working at it and someday you’ll hate everyone, too.’ That was amazing. She was such a legend and I got to share a theatre with her shortly before she passed.

“She watched my show one night and there was definitely a joke in there about her, because she was the earlier show and everyone knew she was doing it there weekly, so we could use that. The characters that we do in that show (The Vaudevillians) are characters that were frozen alive in the 1920s and just recently thawed out, so we had this joke, like ‘Oh, and we’re performing in such a prestigious venue with the likes of Joan Rivers! It’s so nice to see her again!’ When she came, I was so nervous about doing that joke, but I went through with it and she loved it. She was the first one to stand and clap the night she came to see it. I have gotten to meet so many people like that – people I never in my lifetime thought I would get to meet – and now I know them. That is really surreal to me.”

Hosted by Michelle Visage and featuring queens from across the years, Battle of the Seasons tours worldwide and sashays through Calgary on June 17th.

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Community

Discussing Community Safety Domestic Violence

By Constable Andy Buck Hello again everybody, it is always good to be able to speak with you. Unfortunately, it is with less positive news than normal. First, as I am sure that you are by now already aware, is the fact that the ARGRA rodeo in Strathmore has been cancelled. Of course, this means that I now won’t have the opportunity to interact with all of you wonderful people at this event which is too bad. However, I know a number of the board members from ARGRA, having had the chance to form a good professional relationship with them over the past few years, and I know that this is not a decision that would have been taken lightly.

They all have the best interests of the community at heart, and being responsible for making the decision to disappoint many of you is something that weighs heavy with them. They are all honourable people, so please spare a thought for them. I know that it is easy to be critical when we feel that we are owed something, but I am convinced that the board members of ARGRA will be working as hard as they can to try and come up with a satisfactory resolution to this unfortunate situation.

How can I help someone I know who is being abused?

Be there and listen, be non-judgmental, help your friend or family member develop safety plans, help them contact resources.

If you are a victim of domestic conflict or domestic violence, please have the confidence to confide in somebody, and please know that the Calgary Police Service are here to help you. If needed, I can speak personally with you to discuss your options and help to reduce any fears you may have. I have lots of connections with resources and can point you in the right direction in terms of getting the help that you will need. It is important that you place value on your own personal safety and recognize that it is not a sign of weakness to ask for help.

The Calgary Stampede is only a few weeks away, so enjoy yourselves if you partake in the festivities there. Feel free to come and see myself or other Diversity Resource Team members at the CPS tipi in Indian Village.

As always, look after yourselves and look out for each other, and I will speak with you again soon.

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Earlier this week we heard about the homicide unit investigating another murder, and it would appear as though the latest one is domestic related. I know that, on this occasion, it is not one that is connected to the community, but let’s not kid ourselves. Domestic conflict and domestic violence are prevalent within the community, and we here at the Calgary Police Service know that it is hugely under reported. The media released information recently about how these offences seem to be on the rise and I want to touch on a couple of things that I feel are important.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is defined as physical violence, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, stalking and harassment between family members or persons in a relationship or related by virtue of children, marriage, or adoption.

What are the warning signs of domestic violence?

-

Personality changes (angry, moody, agitated etc.).

Becoming withdrawn, closed, suddenly fearful or secretive.

Difficulty sleeping or abnormally tired.

Lower self-esteem, feeling negative about themselves.

Difficulty concentrating.

Neglecting personal hygiene or personal appearance.

Physical signs of injuries like bruises, sores and cuts.

Making excuses for injuries which seem implausible.

Hiding injuries with excessive make-up, sunglasses, extra clothing.

- Appetite changes - weight loss or weight gain.

- Starting to use substances or increasing in substance use.

- Stops attending usual activities (church, gym, family and holiday gatherings).

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Manila Luzon, Unabashed Creator

How food, fan art, and free drinks inspire drag’s most famous concept queen

By Brandon Schultz “I’ve been putting out crappy music ever since Ru Paul’s Drag Race and I’m working on even more, if that’s possible!” Manila Luzon, season three runner-up and returning favourite on the only All Stars season to date, quips. The star hasn’t squandered any opportunities to create in the five years since she first exploded onto the national scene with her elaborate looks and over-the-top antics. She may be through accepting challenges from Ru for now, but Luzon’s perennial challenge is topping herself, and nothing seems to excite her more than finding ways to do just that.

During the New York City leg of the Ru Paul’s Drag Race Battle of the Seasons 2016 Extravaganza Tour, Luzon took a few minutes away from the VIP Meet-and-Greet to talk to Gay Calgary about becoming a drag queen, becoming too expensive to afford herself, and becoming a plate of spaghetti.

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“I just love the whole creative process from costumes to performances to videos. I love all of it,” she says.

Famous for the attention to detail in her conceptual ensembles, it comes as no surprise that Luzon was featured in the recently released Why Drag?, Magnus Hastings’s new coffee table book that includes over a decade of the photographer’s interactions with legendary drag performers. No collection of the drag elite would be complete without her.

“Any time Magnus Hastings asks me, ‘Wanna do a shoot?’

I’m like, ‘YES!’ We’ve done so many shoots, and I’m really, really honoured that he chose some of my shots to be put into his book. He shoots some of the most beautiful and fabulous drag queens, and I’m just honoured to be part of that, in the book, forever. History!”

The book features not only photos of the queens, but their answers to its titular question. So what did lead Luzon down her path to drag history?

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“When I first moved to New York City, I was really young (like 21-years-old) and I’d go to the bars and clubs, and I was just another twinky boy in line. But when I would put on a dress I would go right up to the front, and the door bitch would be like, ‘Hey Manila, come on in! Here’s drink tickets!’ So I was like, ‘Well, I’m not leaving the house ever again unless I’m in drag’. That’s why I do drag. Skip the line and get some free drink tickets.”

It wasn’t long before dresses brought her more than just drink tickets. Luzon cemented her standing in drag superstardom when she unveiled her now famous pineapple dress in a RPDR episode, f o r which she drew some heavy criticism f r o m her co-

contestants for her potentially racist performance.

The dress was so singular that she overcame the shade to take home the win that week, and high-end doll designer NiniMomo recreated the eyecatching look on a collectible Manila Luzon doll.

“I don’t think it’s true that I’m the only RPDR queen with a doll of her – by the way, I didn’t write my fucking Wikipedia page! I have no idea who made that claim – but that doll was beautifully made and her dress had Swarokvski crystal beads.

She cost more than the real pineapple dress. That doll was $700, so I don’t have one. I can’t afford me. But I have the actual dress at home. I am the doll.”

What truly inspires her to create amazing looks isn’t the attention of doll-makers; it is love from her fans, and their dolls are the ones she treasures.

“I’ve gotten to travel the world and meet all different fans of drag. I spend a lot of time in airplanes, but it’s really cool to travel and see different cultures and the way people live life, especially in the gay scene. It can be so different, and it’s really interesting. And a lot of my fans make me little dolls of myself that I love. I have such creative fans!”

Luzon is quick to admit she is another girl out there trying to get a stocking-ed leg up in the world (“I don’t have a cause right now – I’m just out here makin’ some coins!”), but don’t let her comedic self-deprecation and jovial spirit fool you. There is nothing  photo by Kate McLaren

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ordinary about her. Creativity is like oxygen for this queen, who relishes the opportunity to invent the looks for which she has become famous. When I challenged her to choose her next theme on the spot, she surprised even herself with how quickly she went from blank slate to show-stopping detail.

“Oh my god, how could you ask me to do this?! I love costumes and I love a good theme to a costume, but I have this fight with myself all the time, trying to come up with inspiration.

I really love food lately, so more food is probably coming up.

The popcorn dress is my favorite, and the pineapple, of course.

Food is always a good inspiration. You can go to Chinatown and be inspired to do a shrimp lo mein look, or Little Italy and do spaghetti.”

I suggested meatballs as a hair bow.

“Ooh, and two dogs sitting on my shoulders slurping a spaghetti wig like Lady & the Tramp! And a red and white checkerboard dress! Oh, hell yeah! Thank you so much for my next look!”

I’m not sure whether it was the meatballs that she thanked me for, or simply indulging her mile-a-minute extemporaneous brainstorming sesh, but I gladly accept full credit for the forthcoming ‘Little Italy’ look from Manila Luzon.

Hosted by Michelle Visage and featuring queens from across the years, Battle of the Seasons tours worldwide and sashays through Calgary on June 17th, when you will have your chance to see one of Luzon’s newest looks in person.

Follow Brandon Schultz on Instagram @thebrandonalexandr

 photo by Andrew Werner

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Gossip David Drake, Justin Vivian Bond and Joey Arias. We wish them all the Kickstarter luck in the world, but could some power-gay producer just step in and handle this, please? You know who you are.

Ellen DeGeneres launches Ellen Digital Network While you weren’t paying attention, Ellen DeGeneres was gently promoting digital content on daytime TV, making YouTube, Vine and Snapchat understandable and accessible to an entire population usually ignored by those platforms. Who cares if some of it is remedial (like explaining Ryan Gosling “Hey Girl” memes years after their inception)? The point is that she’s basically explaining the internet to people who didn’t know they wanted to care. And this is why her next step as an all-powerful mogul is so potentially lucrative. She’s launching the Ellen Digital Network, a programming slate that includes the Damn, Daniel kids, an animated series about her own pets called Ellen’s Pet Dish, new episodes of Dance Challenge, a usergenerated content show called #MadeByYou, the Ellen Show game called Epic or Fail, and a content development deal with social media star Tyler Oakley. Bottom line: Ellen is taking your mom into the future with her, and you’ll know your own life has jumped the shark when she makes a show out of unicycling frog meme, “Here Come Dat Boi.” Teyonah Parris: From Mad Men to Soldier Girl

 of Ellen DeGeneres, photo by Starfrenzy

Deep Inside Hollywood Alan Cumming in ‘After Louie,’ Ellen DeGeneres, Teyonah Parris, Jessica Lange

By Romeo San Vicente After Louie wants to turn back time LGBT film has moved past the moment when virtually all the stories produced were about AIDS, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t many more stories to tell about the trauma and devastation of the first wave of the disease. After Louie, a film by first-time feature director Vincent Gagliostro, co-written by Antony Johnston, will look at the perspectives of two generations of men on either side of the timeline. Alan Cumming has been cast as an older artist and activist, a man who survived the ’80s and ’90s, and who now finds himself in a relationship with a younger man (Zachary Booth) for whom the era is something only heard about second-hand. The film is in the middle of a Kickstarter funding campaign, but the technical team and cast are ready to go: attached in supporting roles are Wilson Cruz,

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Still not sure who Teyonah Parris is? Then you’re not watching the right stuff. Already called the “Next Big Thing” by industry trade The Hollywood Reporter, Parris made a big impression as Dawn, the first black secretary hired on Mad Men, before moving on to Justin Simien’s feature Dear White People and starring in Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq. And now she’s in talks to star in Buffalo Soldier Girl, to be directed by Christine Swanson (the upcoming TV movie The Miki Howard Story) from an original script by 2015 Texas Writer of the Year, author Sarah Bird. Set up by the production company Pantheon of Women, the script is based on the true story of a woman named Cathy Williams, who, disguised as a man, enlisted and fought with the African American postCivil-War-era Buffalo Soldiers. The film is expected to shoot in Texas this fall for a 2017 release. Be on the lookout for this one.

Jessica Lange v. Susan Sarandon in feud By now, if you even come close to other human beings who have access to the internet, you’ve already heard about this one: Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange will play Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, respectively, in Ryan Murphy’s new eight-part limited series, Feud. Murphy’s TV domination is an uncontested fact these days, recently bolstered by American Crime Story: The People Vs O.J. Simpson’s sweeping critical approval and great ratings. And this latest effort is going to be catnip to Baby Boomer and senior age gay men who grew up obsessed with the very real ongoing battle between Crawford and Davis, two stars who loved to hate each other so much that their stunning early 1960s collaboration, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? felt more like real life than fiction. Our not-sosecret wish, though, is for some women on the writing staff to have a Marcia Clark-level of empathy for these two vintage Hollywood warriors. The last thing anyone needs is a typical gay male wallow in comic misogyny. Look, someone has to say this stuff out loud, you know?

Romeo San Vicente never feuds, he merely triumphs quietly in all ways.

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Lifestyle

HIV in America Hatred and Acceptance

By Myles Helfand “If you have a deadly disease, it is only proper that other people be warned against getting infected by you,” the comment began. It went quickly downhill from there.

“The HIV infected should be placed on a mandatory tracking list and be tattooed with the BIOHAZARD symbol, just above the genitals, as fair warning,” it continued.

“They should also have a distinctive license and license plate for the protection of LEO’s [law enforcement officials] they encounter,” it concluded, just for good measure.

All of this, ironically, was recently posted on an article on TheBody.com entitled, “What Does HIV/AIDS Stigma Look Like in Your Life?”

I deleted the comment, of course; TheBody.com isn’t a place for people to beat each other down. But in a twisted way, I appreciated the commenter’s inadvertently perfect crystallization of what HIV stigma looks like in the U.S. today – more than a generation after we learned what the virus is, how it works, and how dangerous it can be for all of humanity when we ignorantly condemn a broad swath of society for living with it.

There’s so much about the comment that we could unpack and dissect, but the one that really sticks with me is the feeling it holds at its core that HIV somehow renders a person nonhuman. That it makes them a thing: one of “the HIV infected.”

An object to be isolated, tagged as toxic, and cordoned off from the uncorrupted.

I mean, I suppose I could try to address the comment by mentioning pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis B or C, infectious diarrhea and the vast, varied constellation of microbes that have attempted to use the human body as an incubator for as long as human bodies have existed on Earth – and which the commenter is likely exposed to (or may even expose others to) on a near-daily basis. In some cases, exposure to that microbe occurs through the biologically imperative action of having sex. In others, it’s through the biologically imperative action of breathing air.

Or I could try to explain why it’s kind of unlikely that a person with HIV who’s driving down a highway will have condomless sex with the police officer who stops them for speeding. Or that, even if a porn video broke out in the middle of that traffic stop, the officer still wouldn’t be at risk if the person was on HIV treatment and had an undetectable viral load.

Or I could ask what additional personal characteristics should warrant such a high level of warning for others who might encounter those people in the world. What level of abstract theoretical risk should trigger a tattoo- or license plate-level notice? Just HIV? Maybe syphilis, too? All infectious diseases, for good measure? How about mental illness?

Epilepsy? Unstable blood sugar levels due to diabetes? Texting while driving?

A part of me feels there’s not much point in responding, because any reply I make would be a rational response to a completely irrational train of thought. For more than 30 years, the global HIV community has tried to use research, science and education to counter presumption, ignorance and silence.

Yet we still find ourselves surrounded by people who believe 26

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that HIV stigma and discrimination isn’t just acceptable, but that it’s necessary.

It’s exhausting. It’s demoralizing. It can make resistance feel pointless.

And, I’m sorry to say, I don’t have any answers.

Look, I realize I’m not remotely the first person to write about how much HIV stigma sucks, and I unfortunately won’t be remotely the last person who’ll write about it either. I also don’t pretend I’ve got a magic solution to the problem; if anything, I think it’s dangerous for us to pretend there is one out there, just waiting to be discovered. Doing so ignores the reality of how wide a turning radius we often have as a society.

We may be more interconnected as a species today than we’ve ever been, but in many ways we’ve also become more fragmented, more easily distracted and more forcefully isolated (both online and off). We’re also more closed off from points of view that might change our minds – as well as from people whose minds we might be able to change.

I don’t think there’s an ideal way to counter stigma and bigotry. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to acceptance. I’m not even writing this article to offer advice; there’s plenty of that already out there, on my website and those run by the other writers who share this column (among many other people).

I’m just writing this article to say that I know. I hear the stigma, I see it, and I accept that it exists – and I hate that it does. I can wipe away a single destructive comment, but I can’t make the stigma go away. Instead I acknowledge it.

I’m just one person. But if you feel this way, too, then there’s two of us in this boat. If you know another person who does, then we’ve got three. Maybe it’s not unreasonable to suspect there are a whole lot more, even though this fragmented world of ours can often make it feel like there aren’t.

Maybe, just maybe, if enough of us acknowledge HIV stigma, and make the world aware that we acknowledge it, we’ll find there are enough of us on this boat to help humanity slowly turn away from it.

Or maybe it’s enough, for some of us, just to know we’re not alone. That try as some might to label and judge, they can’t take away our humanity.

Myles Helfand is the editorial director of TheBody.com and TheBodyPRO. com. Find him on Twitter @MylesatTheBody. 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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Interview

The Unruly World of Rufus Wainwright

Singer-songwriter on being ‘the gay Elizabeth Taylor,’ giving up on Björk and not jibing with the LGBT community

By Chris Azzopardi “I’m not at the psychiatrist’s office.”

Rufus Wainwright realizes that now, years later. There was a time, he acknowledges, amused by the notion, that interviews such as the one we’re engaged in passed as therapy. For that reason, the singer and composer is transparent, a book that never closes. That frankness has long marked his raw musings, windows into his life as a gay man, as a former drug addict, as a son, as a father. The personal catharsis of his latest work is less discernible.

Featuring guest collaborators Helena Bonham Carter, Carrie Fisher, William Shatner, Florence Welch and sister Martha Wainwright, Take All My Loves: 9 Shakespeare Sonnets adapts the Bard’s work within noticeably non-traditional sonic structures, because this is a Rufus Wainwright album.

Before we launch into a wide-ranging conversation – encompassing issues he sorted through while recording the Shakespearian project, how his “very wry” personality rubs gay people the wrong way and the Benedict Cumberbatch conundrum – Wainwright says “don’t worry,” reassuring me that even though this isn’t quite psychiatry, “I’m still pretty open.”

GC: Just when I think you’ve reached peaked ambition, you release an album of Shakespeare sonnets set to music. Where do you think your desire to be so outside of the box comes from?

RW: Well, I was never in the closet, I was never in the box… I was never in my right mind! I don’t know. This album, in a lot of ways, is kind of a miracle in the sense that it’s nothing that I ever really planned on or was working toward; it sort of made itself, and all in conjunction, of course, with the 400-year anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

It just so happens that many years ago I was working on a project of the sonnets (Five Shakespeare Sonnets, in 2010) and somehow the work that I was doing with these poems really resonated with all sorts of people, whether it was the San Francisco Symphony wanting arrangements of them or Songs for Lulu (his 2010 album grieving the loss of his mother, Kate McGarrigle) or other singers performing them. In fact, there are a few dance choreographers now who have started to choreograph pieces to the work, so it’s just something that happened, and lo and behold it fell right in line with this 400th anniversary. I just had to facilitate that as much as I could. What a lot of people think is outside of my box is really just me following my brute instincts and going with that fully. I’ve never been able to work otherwise, so I suppose that will continue to be the case.

GC: Yes, you seem a bit artistically restless.

RW: Yes. Also, for me, music is where I really – I mean, speaking about being in a psychiatrist’s office – exorcise a lot of my demons and emotionally confront issues, and in order to do that I can’t really coast now. I have to crack the ice a little bit.

That’s the way it is.

GC: With this piece in particular, what issues are you confronting?

RW: I think a lot of this is centered around my mother’s illness and death (in 2010), and also aging is in here. I think one of the reasons “A Woman’s Face” is repeated several times – it’s really about an older man kind of fawning over a younger man and www.gaycalgary.com

 photo by Matthew Welch

that’s a tradition that now I’m on both sides of (laughs). I’ve been a younger man and I am that older man now, and so I see it from both sides. To have a woman (Anna Prohaska) sing it is very interesting, because that takes it into a whole other mirrored image, which is what’s amazing about Shakespeare – how many reflections (we) can illustrate depending on how old one is or how young one is or what gender one is relating to at that moment.

It’s a vortex of possibilities.

GC: When it comes to aging, what has been your experience as a middle-aged gay man who’s a public figure?

RW: The catch-22 is that in 20 years – I’m 42 now – I’ll probably look back at this period as really my zenith, when I was probably the most attractive I’ve ever been. But now that I’m in the middle of it, I’m looking backwards to when I was 22... and when I was 22 I was really miserable! (Laughs) So it’s, “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone,” as Joni Mitchell said. But I think artistically in one’s 40s you do feel the joint rapture of both experience and still a sense of youth that can combine and really make you feel like you’re in the present.

GC: Your cross-genre collaborations are constantly surprising people, and there are some unexpected ones on this album. Who is someone you want to work with that we wouldn’t expect?

RW: The other day my sister Martha had her 40th birthday and we had some people up to the house. One of them was Sufjan Stevens, who I’ve admired for a long time and, yeah, he’d be fun to write a song with. I’ve given up on Björk. She’s not taken my lead. (Laughs) I’m like, “Hey Björk, let’s do this” and she’s, like, hanging out with aliens or something.

GC: I saw you in Toronto in 2014 for If I Loved You: Gentlemen Prefer Broadway, which was wonderful.

RW: Thank you.

GC: And I’ve seen you many times before, but not in that dynamic, with a bunch of men, many of whom were straight. So I was watching you and, of course, admiring the performances, but I was also noticing the way you interacted with the other fellas on stage and I’m like, “Rufus is such a shameless flirt.”

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 photo by Matthew Welch

RW: (Laughs) I know! I’m terrible!

GC: Have you always been that way?

RW: I have. I’m just built that way. I’m sort of a gay Elizabeth Taylor.

GC: When you’re singing a love song with Josh Groban, I can’t blame you.

RW: Yes, yes. He’s a handsome man.

GC: Did you get a chance to meet Benedict Cumberbatch while recording the BBC’s The Shakespeare Show: Recorded Live from the Royal Shakespeare Company?

RW: Yeah! I’ve hung out with Benedict a couple of times. He’s... he’s quite the figure. Most amazing thing is, I can’t tell if he’s gorgeous or incredibly ugly. (Laughs) It’s a weird combination. At certain angles he looks like my aunt, and then at certain angles he looks the man who’s gonna ruin my marriage.

GC: A couple of years ago, I was surprised to hear you say you didn’t think you had a big gay following. I’ve been following you since “Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk” and I’m definitely gay.

RW: Aww! Well, thank you. I guess I just feel with the gay community my kind of very wry and frank opinion on things can be misinterpreted. Us queers are kind of a sensitive bunch, so sometimes there’s a bit of a tempest in a teapot (reaction) when I put out certain concepts. Some people enjoy the dialectic of that and other people shy from it and, well, the gay community... it can get a little insular.

GC: You never had to make a coming out announcement, so I wonder: How do you feel about famous people coming out making headlines in 2016?

RW: Yeah, well… I mean, it’s good that they’re doing it.

(Hesitates) I don’t know. I just... it’s still to be applauded because the sad truth is we are living in reactionary times now and whether it’s Donald Trump or ISIS, there is this kind of tremendous backlash to a lot of the advancements that have been made in the last 20 years, and so I think it’s probably harder in certain places to be gay now than it was a while ago. The pendulum has started to swing the other way. So, as long as people are coming out and continuing the battle, then I think it’s good.

GC: I know you have a lot of opinions on today’s pop divas. So Lady Gaga, Adele and Beyoncé: Which would you fuck, marry, kill?

RW: Fuck, marry, kill – oh boy. Dangerous. I guess I would marry Adele. Ahh, I would, you know, fuck Gaga and kill Beyoncé.

GC: Did you not like Lemonade?

RW: I just, ahhh...whatever. I was only given a few choices, so it’s not my fault. (Laughs) GC: You don’t have any tour stops in North Carolina, but what’s your take on how artists are handling the situation regarding House Bill 2, the “bathroom bill”? And if you did have a date there, what would you do?

RW: This relates back to what I said before: I think that any kind of pushback against this rising wave of right-wing extremism coming from large sectors in the world is a positive act. What’s good about the North Carolina thing is, I mean, I think the artists are doing their part, which is great, but I think it’s also the business leaders who are really pulling the money out of the state that’s gonna really make a huge difference. It’s all people working in conjunction from all different fields that’s important. And yeah, I’d probably pull out.

GC: So, no North Carolina shows anytime soon?

RW: No, and I don’t have any gigs there. I’ll go to the ladies room one time in protest and scare everybody. (Laughs) GC: You’re restaging Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall on June 16-17 in New York and June 23-24 in Toronto. How will the music and the show reflect the way the world’s changed in the last 10 years since you first performed it?

RW: The main reason I’m doing the show again is to see what condition my voice is in. I mean, I have an inkling that it’s at the top if its game, and the only way to really prove that is to sing that material, so it’s more of a practical exercise for me to do this show again. I’ve been working very hard on my singing over the years and I want to show that off, but on a more philosophical level: I originally did this show because of my broken feelings toward the Iraq War. I needed something to remind me of how great America could be when it wanted to be, and sadly we’re in the same predicament with Donald Trump and this racist, sexist blowback. I don’t know, it just seems to be something that occurs every 10 years in the United States and I’m happy that the Judy show is gonna be back out there again because it is all the good that this country can represent.

GC: Regarding your voice: Haven’t you already proven yourself as a singer?

RW: Well, I’m a big opera fan and in the world of opera, you don’t really hit your stride until you’re in your 40s vocally. That’s when you get all the big roles, so it’s just more of a personal thing. I’m not trying to prove it to anybody; I’m just proving it to myself, and also just to be really on top of the material. I loved doing Judy the first time because it was this kind of mad rollercoaster ride that I just attached myself to with handcuffs (laughs) and went along with, but this time I feel like I can hold onto the reigns a little better and just really nail it.

GC: You’ve done Judy and Shakespeare. Which other legendary figures intrigue you enough to make you want to dedicate an entire album’s worth of material to their work?

RW: The figure that’s kind of looming all of a sudden – I’m just hearing little squeaks of this in my psyche, but I’m a big (William) Blake fan. I love Blake. Who knows. Maybe something like that.

I’d also like to do a French record at some point to just sort of, you know, loosen it in up a bit. (Laughs) And of course there are my own songs from my own life, so there are a lot of possibilities.

GC: And the Shakespeare character you call your spirit animal?

RW: Oh, gee. I would say I’ve always wanted to be Titania from a Midsummer Night’s Dream, because I’m a sad queen, really.

(Laughs)

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Lena Dunham Mans Up

Girls creator on recognizing ‘seemingly mundane’ LGBT issues, channeling masculinity and the influence of her sister’s queerness

 photo by HBO

By Chris Azzopardi Producer of the thought-provoking documentary about the powerful relationship between fashion and identity, Dunham knows firsthand that bending the gender rules by wearing a suit can be a transformative experience. During this year’s annual Met Gala, the multi-hyphenate – actor, author, director, social activist, feminist, out and proud proponent of the word “no” – rocked an androgynous look, sporting black-tie attire and slicked-back hair as if she were a GQ cover model. The masc moment was classic Dunham – meaning, yet another strong statement. Known for her Emmy Award-winning HBO series Girls, the 30-year-old has made it her life’s mission to tear down societal standards.

Backing Suited only seemed natural, then. During Jason Benjamin’s directorial debut, airing on HBO beginning June 20 (the film initially premiered in January at Sundance), transgender and genderfluid suit-buyers uncover a deeper sense of self as they find garments that speak to their identity at Bindle & Keep, a Brooklyn-based bespoke men and womenswear company.

Dunham’s genderqueer sister, Grace, appears in the documentary while on a quest for a “dark wool suit … to run around in.”

Dunham recently phoned for a candid conversation about how Grace’s gender subversions have influenced her to challenge Hollywood norms. During the interview, the actor also elaborated on the “strength” she gained from wearing her own tailored suit, seeking to break stereotypes with her zeitgeist

coming-of-age dramedy Girls, and being so gay adjacent she calls her significant other, fun.’s lead guitarist Jack Antonoff, her “partner.”

GC: I’m gonna try not to cry again just thinking about one of the doc’s subjects, 12-year-old Aidan Star Jones. I’m not transgender, but I felt like I was watching a version of myself.

LD: That makes me so happy! And by the way, I’ve seen the movie a million times and I still weep every time I watch it. I weep every time my sister comes on screen. I just weep because I love that it’s kind of a feel-good movie. People are expecting this gritty documentary and I’m like, yes, there are moments of that, but really it’s the family movie I would want to watch if I thought that queerness was more accepted in the world of family movies, which I hope it will be soon.

GC: In what ways did you find yourself empathizing with some of the people who visited Bindle & Keep?

LD: I don’t identify as queer in my sexuality, but I have a lot of really close relationships with queer people, and queer culture has been hugely influential. Like so many disenfranchised women, queer culture has been a huge part of my coming of age.

Like I said, I’m a straight girl, but what I really empathized with was the need to find yourself in fashion when there aren’t representations of you. I know that when I entered high school and became a chubby girl – I’d always been a little skinny kid and then suddenly I gained 40 pounds in four months and didn’t know what to do with my body and didn’t feel like there was a place (for me). I could either walk into a Lane Bryant and sheath myself in something that didn’t make me feel like

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Suited is the perfect fit for Lena Dunham.

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 photo by Mark Schafer/HBO

myself at all or I could continue to wear my too-tight hot pink sweatpants. I didn’t feel like there was a place for my body to be seen or known or understood.

So, for me, what’s been really powerful as an adult has been having my clothes tailored, which is something I only started doing once I started going to red-carpet events, and even though I’ve had that experience, I actually had a Bindle & Keep suit made for our Sundance premiere. The experience of putting on something that just fucking fit was so remarkable, and I looked in the mirror and there was this strength that came from not trying to hide any part of myself. So, I think we can all relate to that feeling of trying to find the look – of fashion being a way to try and express yourself, and not feeling like there’s any place to turn in the commercial marketplace where your identity’s being accepted. In that way, fashion turns from something that is very superficial to something that is extremely emotional.

GC: Recently, I finally fit into a shirt that I’d been wanting to fit into for a long time, so I get it.

LD: It’s amazing. It’s so subtle but it’s so important. My dad has always been into tailoring. He’s a real suit guy. My friends will be like, “I saw your dad and I knew it was him from far away because he was wearing this super sharp suit at 10 a.m. on a Wednesday heading to the grocery store,” and this made me really understand that part of the reason my dad does that is because it makes him feel that he can own his identity.

Something that I love in our family is, my dad has all these suits and then my sibling, Grace, who’s in the movie, will take his old suits and tailor them to her body.

It’s funny, when we were little girls my dad always wanted to dress us in a super androgynous way. If we were alone with

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 Still from Bindle & Keep. Courtesy of HBO

him for the day, it was a plaid shirt, jeans, sneakers; he just thinks androgynous fashion on women is super cool. One of the first presents that he bought each of us: He got me a suit in eighth grade; he got my sister a suit in high school. He would really push the-ladies-in-suits angle. My mom came up in New York in the ’80s wearing a power suit, so the idea of suiting as something that kind of already defies gender lines, I already felt like I had an understanding of. This (movie) obviously takes it to a whole new level.

GC: How do you hope the stories that you are a part of telling, such as Suited and your work as creator of Girls, can enrich and embolden the lives of the LGBTQ community?

LD: I think my biggest hope – and my (creative) partner Jenni Konner’s definitely coming from the same place – is just that these stories make people feel seen. That was always our goal with Girls. I went into HBO and said, “Hey, I don’t see any shows that represent my friends.” And then when we put it on, and we got our own critiques about what we were representing, we were going, “Wait, a bunch of other people feel that way too,” because I didn’t see kind of my weirdo, anxious chubby self on television. Other women didn’t see complex women of color represented on television; other women went, “Hey, I’m Asian and I’ve never seen a character who doesn’t just have her nose in a book and is playing the violin.” We’re always just trying to push back against stereotypical representation or play with it in an intelligent way.

And what I loved about Suited: This is about an aspect of queer life – we spend so much time thinking about, and rightfully so, these huge issues like marriage equality, raising families, job discrimination; this is a much more seemingly mundane issue. For the queer community and members of

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the gender nonconforming community, it actually ripples to every part of their life. Because you see, if (doc subject) Everett (Arthur) doesn’t get a suit then Everett doesn’t feel confident and Everett’s not gonna get a job and Everett’s not gonna show that, hey, a gender nonconforming trans lawyer is an option in the South. It goes so far. I just hope people see it and go, “I’m seeing myself represented whether I’m queer or not in these characters, and this is a version of the queer story that I haven’t seen before.”

GC: How has having a sister who identifies as a gender nonconforming person changed your perspective on yourself and your sexuality?

LD: This is an overused word, but Grace is a really brave person. Grace very much came into the world – age 3 – being like, “I don’t wanna wear a dress and I’m being myself.” Grace always makes a joke that she was briefly straight from the ages of 7 to 10. She very much came into the world with this radicalized approach to being a woman. She did an interview recently in the New York Times in which she was having a conversation with her friend Nicole Eisenman, who is also a queer woman, and they asked Grace about her pronouns and Grace was like, I’m a gender nonconforming person but I’m OK with being called “she” because I like to really push the boundaries of what “she” can be, and that really resonated with me. Because even though I consider myself female and I have a more binary approach to my sexuality, I think that Grace’s idea about expanding the definition of what “she” can mean has really opened me up.

Before Grace became so deeply embedded in her identity, I think that I was still thinking of the world as… I accepted the idea of transness but I felt like I didn’t understand the idea of a person whose gender and sexuality could contain elements of everything that they’d seen. It’s funny: You know, I wore a tuxedo to the Met Ball this year and it was such a great feeling to go to a big fashion event where you’re surrounded by girls in gowns and feel this kind of strength that comes from being feminine while owning some masculine attributes.

GC: How did it feel to be the odd man out, so to speak?

LD: It’s this very ineffable thing where you’re like, “I feel cool, I feel sexy, I feel like myself.” I felt a little bit at the Met Ball – I’d go up to ladies and be like (deepens voice to resemble a man), “You look great!” (Laughs) I was owning these kind of masculine clothes I had on and it felt really good, and I feel without Grace in my life I wouldn’t. I think, especially when you’re working in Hollywood, there’s a real pressure to conform to femininity in a traditional way, especially if you don’t look like what people think a TV star should look like. When I was first getting styled I’d go, “I just wanna wear a really pretty dress and really pretty makeup, so when I go to an event people think, ‘Oh, she’s way prettier in person than I thought she would be.’” That’s all I wanted. And now, Grace has made me feel like I can go in with a fucking suit with my hair messed up because the rules have changed.

GC: I love that you’ve taken her lead. Speaking of people who’ve influenced your world, I talked to Jack a few years ago.

LD: Mmm! My partner.

GC: Yes, your partner. Is that what you call him?

LD: (Laughs) I use partner because I like it. We’re not married, but also, he’s not my boyfriend. I feel like it’s another one where I’m like, I’m kind of down with the queer community. I have my partner! He’s my partner!

GC: Your refusal to marry until your sister could was admirable, and you wrote a wonderful essay after the Supreme Court ruling last June. It’s been a year since the ruling. Have you thought about what you might have the queer people in your wedding party wear?

LD: That’s an amazing question, and actually, Jack and I have talked about it and we’ve always said that when we get married we want our wedding party to just be our two sisters in tuxedos. Jack has a straight sister, I have a queer sister; they’d be our best men / women and we’ll call it a day. That’s our dream. www.gaycalgary.com

 photo by Craig Blankenhorn/HBO

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Lifestyle

7 Ways Social Media Has Made You a Sex Addict

by Mikey Rox Ten years ago, when Facebook was in its infancy and iPhones were but a glimmer in Steve Jobs’ eyes, you had to work hard to be a perv. Now, fulfilling your friskiness is just a flick away, and that’s not exactly a good thing.

Social media has taken over our lives, both personally and professionally, and the dark underbelly of our online world is as dank and seedy as a dimly lit bathhouse. As a result, you may very well be a sex addict; here are seven ways to find out.

1. DM on Twitter and Facebook Has Gotten You in Trouble With Your Boo What starts out as innocent “likes” and flirty comments on Facebook and Twitter soon evolves into a deep-see-diving expedition into the object of your burgeoning affection’s profile, left-swiping on the family and milestone photos but holding steady on the shirtless-vacay jackpot. Eventually one DMs the other in an attempt to push the boundaries of social-stranger etiquette – even though you know you shouldn’t – until a sordid relationship of sexts and sweet-nothings arises. Which is all well and good if it’s as innocuous as you say it is, but your partner doesn’t believe you when you get caught (as well he shouldn’t since you’re being dishonest), and therein lies your problem – likely one of many.

2. You Spend Way Too Much Time on Grindr Thanks to social media – and very specifically Grindr with regards to our gay community – most of us have developed not only a need but, more dastardly, an affinity for 375-feet-away validation and instant gratification. You open the app every 15 minutes to see if someone new has pinged you or, hopefully, that brick-bodied bro you’ve got your eye on has finally responded to your “Sup?” Friday and Saturday nights? Forget about it. What were once bastions of freedom and nightlife exploration have devolved into afternoon-to-evening-long sessions of sitting on the couch surfing headless thumbnails while Netflix plays in the background as you consistently turn down the so-sos and frequently get rejected or ignored by the more-sos. It’s cyclical, and you can’t quit it – until you hit it, that is (and you’re almost always compromising, which makes the whole situation even sadder), ultimately ushering in a brief respite before ending up back at square one a few hours later.

3. When There’s a Grindr Outage You Turn to Scruff Gay Twitter loses it collective mind when Grindr experiences an outage, like it did recently – at least on the West Coast (and during the Palm Springs White Party, no less) – driving hordes of Grindr loyalists to other apps like Scruff to fulfill their insatiable desires. If you find yourself in a cold sweat, clamoring to connect nakedly with somebody – anybody! – nearby when the Grindr gods throw down the gauntlet, it’s probably hightime for reflection… and confession.

5. You Bookmark YouPorn More Than Any Other Website We all have a handful of super-hot vids saved that are our go-tos. But if you’ve got them bookmarked on your phone or computer so you can have them at the ready whenever you’re ready – and they outnumber the more relevant and G-rated content you have stored – it’s time to pull up your pants, put the devices away and introduce yourself to the real world again.

6. We Can All Agree That Snapchat Exists to Share Dick Pics A friend of mine asked me a few months ago if I’m on Snapchat. My response? No, because I’m not a 17-year-old kid trying to sext undercover. I’m grown, and when I send you my dick pic you get to keep it forever – because I’m confident like that. But I digress. My point that Snapchat is strictly for younger Millennials and high-schoolers to trade nudies with no cyber trail (even though that’s inaccurate) is proven by this appropriately worded statistic from research firm MartinWilbourn Partners: “Snapchat is now the third most popular social app among Millennials, with a 32.9 percent penetration on the demographic’s mobile phones, trailing only Instagram (43.1 percent) and Facebook (75.6 percent).”

7. You Visit Tumblr For Celeb Nudes and Homemade Sex Tapes Does anybody even understand Tumblr? I don’t – except when I’m googling a celebrity’s junk or looking for amateur porn (because watching normal people do it as awkwardly as I do is comforting). That’s really all Tumblr is good for. Anybody who tries to tell you differently is either a liar or a 13-year-old girl, or probably both.

Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. He splits his time between homes in New York City and the Jersey Shore with his dog Jaxon. Connect with Mikey on Twitter @mikeyrox.

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4. You’re Really on Instagram for the Man-Butts You’re kidding yourself if you think you’re on Instagram for the sweeping views and vistas of other people’s getaways, pics of kittens and your BFF’s brunch plate. Real talk, you’re there to scroll through the endless images of the buffed-out, swole-up models and meatheads you daydream about tossing you around like a rag doll. If you follow @seductionboys, @themuscleleague or @datbubblebutt, you might be a sex addict.

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Lifestyle about with their junk hanging out. Rather, it’s the older crowd that likes to walk around naked, stand at their locker for an extended period of time in the buff (sending minutes-long emails, no less), and generally move at a glacial pace drying off every nook and cranny of their bodies. Certainly that’s not a definitive statement – there are men of all ages trying to entice the rippling mass of man-flesh next to them with an ample showing of their own skin – but from my experience there’s consistently an age gap between those of us who from go from soaking wet post-shower to dry and draped in clothing in less than 60 seconds and those who could’ve had a three-martini lunch in the time it takes them to put on a pair of underwear.

3. Likewise, Most Guys Came to Workout and Relax – Not Hookup

5 Reasons You Need to Stop Treating Your Gym Like a Bathhouse

by Mikey Rox Visit a gym in any major city and you’ll quickly pick up on the local “culture.” You know what I’m talking about.

New York and Los Angeles, specifically, are notorious for the goings-on in its gyms showers, steam rooms and saunas. It’s become such a huge problem in certain places that there are signs posted warning guests about lascivious behavior, and a handful of locations have removed the locker-room relaxation stations altogether to discourage such activities. While I contend that exercising your demons to completion can be exciting and fun and – probably, the most appealing part of it – anonymous, it can make other gym-goers uncomfortable.

Thus, five reasons you need to stop treating your gym like a bathhouse – if you know what’s good for you.

1. You’re Making Other People Uncomfortable With All That Cruising Although it may seem like everybody came to the gym to get a “full body” workout – from your perspective, anyway – not every guy in the joint is looking for play. Believe it or not, the majority of dudes are there to get their lift on and go about their day. Staring bros down with come-hither glances may work on some patrons, but there are a high percentage of people who aren’t into it – at all. Of course, as gay men we think every hot bloke pumping iron must be at least a little bit homo, but that’s rarely the case. Do what you came to the gym to do – stay active and healthy – and save the cruising for the bars and bedroom apps where they belong, lest you become a homophobe’s new punching bag.

2. Most Guys Prefer Discretion in the Locker Room It must be a generational thing, because when I’m in the locker room I rarely see guys my age – I’m 35 years old – milling 38

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Your gym’s saunas and steam rooms exist to serve its customers with a place to unwind and loosen tight muscles after an intense workout. They were not installed for anybody to have sex inside them, despite popular opinion. But thanks to the bathhouse culture that’s deeply rooted within our community, we’ve come to regard any heated, clothing-optional area as a destination of desire. Sure, these spaces and situations can be sexy – exposed private parts have a way of getting a rise out of people, after all – but not all occupants are up for getting down. That’s not to say that two consenting adults can’t make a go of it, but you shouldn’t put anyone else out, run them off, or otherwise make them uncomfortable because you want to act out a fantasy. You have a bedroom for that. And if your boyfriend is home – making a one-on-one tryst with a gym trick a no-go – that’s your problem and nobody else’s.

4. What You’re Doing in the ‘Facilities’ is Unsanitary All that grimy sweat pooling on the benches and floors of steam rooms and saunas aside, the fact remains that not everyone showers before they enter; that’s issue number one, and it’s pretty disgusting if you’ve just come from a five-mile run on the treadmill. Secondly, if you’re having sexual contact with another person in these rooms, you’re introducing a whole host of other bacteria to the scenario that, personally, I’d rather do without – and I’m not alone. I’ve witnessed plenty of questionable activities happen here – from making out to oral sex to full-on penetration – and I’m never more disgusted (or run out of a room quicker) than when a guy blows his load all over the wood or tile structures instead of his towel and quickly exits without a second thought about cleaning it up. This is how things like death get spread, and it needs to stop.

5. Performing Lewd Acts in Public Is Illegal While the after-exercise facilities at your gym seem like private places – low lights and condensation-covered doors have a way of suggesting to your subconscious that they are – they’re still very much public. As such, if you get caught performing lewd acts in public, you’re subject to the codes of conduct that help keep our world free from sexual predators – and that’s exactly how you’ll be defined, perhaps forever if you’re charged with a criminal act. Now, most gyms will simply ask you to leave and revoke your membership in this case, but if you’ve offended or touched someone else without their consent, it could mean big trouble, and in the end that’s just not worth it. Which brings me back to the bathhouse: If you’re feeling frisky, head over there. Otherwise, keep your love muscle to yourself at the gym and nobody gets hurt.

Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. He splits his time between homes in New York City and the Jersey Shore with his dog Jaxon. Connect with Mikey on Twitter @mikeyrox.

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The Butch Beneath Our Wings Lea DeLaria reflects on her landmark TV moment, talks ‘hero’ Bette Midler and making tough lesbians cry with Orange Is the New Black

 photos by Netflix

By Chris Azzopardi First the screwdriver, then the peanut butter.

But Lea DeLaria’s love for Orange Is the New Black goes beyond the craftiness of her shenanigans with both a hand tool and a classic sandwich spread as a regular on TV’s Emmywinning prison drama. Sure, Netflix has afforded the veteran actress a deep cargo-pocket of outrageous antics, but Orange isn’t only here for your amusement. More importantly, the series and DeLaria’s riotous, randy character, Big Boo, are part of the show’s heralded inclusivity.

Breaking ground as the first openly gay comic to perform on American television, in 1993 on The Arsenio Hall Show, DeLaria is still carrying the torch on TV two decades later, representing a deeply unsung subset in the queer community on Orange: the butch lesbian.

As the show embarks on its icy fourth season, the 58-yearold called in for a tell-all interview about the “lesser known” controversy surrounding her historical TV debut: How the Fox network was not fond of the actress’ lavish gayness and wanted to put the brakes on her groundbreaking Arsenio appearance.

Who stepped in to fight Fox’s resistance to the landmark stint?

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longtime collective acronym, LGBT? Read on as DeLaria reveals all.

GC: Orange Is the New Black is now in its fourth season. Is that hard to believe?

LD: It’s really shocking for me to believe it’s our fourth season. I thought I’d have way more money by now!

GC: What about this fourth season stands out from the past three?

LD: I think what people are going to find about the fourth season is that it’s darker than the other seasons. They really explore some of the shitty things about being in prison. There’s a lot I can’t talk about. I think it’s going to be much darker than you’ve seen in the past. Still funny, but there’s definitely a darkness involved. But Boo is going to be Boo as Boo always is.

GC: You get to do some crazy stuff on this show. What’s your relationship like with peanut butter at this point?

LD: Yeah, I can’t eat peanut butter at all, as a matter of fact.

(Laughs) GC: Seriously?

LD: Yeah, I don’t really eat peanut butter. But yeah, I believe that the writers sit around and go, “What’s the fucking most

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insane thing we can think of? Let’s give it to DeLaria!” They know I’ll do anything for a laugh.

GC: When it comes to acting, you’ve been at it longer than most people know. An eternity, right?

LD: It feels like an eternity.

GC: You don’t look like an eternity.

LD: Good genes, I can assure you. It’s certainly not from taking care of myself, as anyone who’s seen me in the West Village, drunk on my butt at 4 in the morning, knows.

GC: How is post-Orange life different from pre-Orange life? Are you recognized more often on the streets?

LD: Oh yeah, I’m recognized nonstop. Before – first of all, not everybody was carrying their camera with them like they do now, so I would get stopped… I’d get stopped enough. I wouldn’t say frequently, and I wouldn’t say infrequently; it was somewhere in the middle. Generally, it’s “Hey, you’re Lea DeLaria; can I have your autograph?” Now I can’t even walk out of my front doorstep. It’s like, “Oh my god! Orange is the New Black!” It just goes on all day.

GC: Can you still even go to gay bars?

LD: All the time. I could never go to a gay bar before! I mean, before Orange that would be the one place everyone knew who I was. I made the decision very early on in my life that I’m going to live my life, and if people come up to me, I’m going to be friendly and charming the way I am. I don’t want to lock myself in my room. I just don’t want to do that, so I’m out all the time.

GC: How does the treatment of LGBT characters and sexuality on Orange compare to your previous lesbian roles, both big and small?

LD: What’s different about it more than anything else in the world is that it’s real. Believe me, as you’ve said, I played a lot of them, big and small, and I can assure you I’ve said “no” more than I’ve said “yes” to these roles. A lot of roles I say no to are because they’re just so completely stereotyped and bullshit that I won’t play them anymore.

GC: You say “anymore.” What changed?

LD: When I started out in the business, I played them because it was work. And then it just got to be ridiculous. I just said, “This is it. I can’t do this anymore unless someone is going to give me a real character.” Like the chick I played on Californication! If you’re going to give me a real character, I’m going to knock it out of the park for you. If you’re just gonna make it the same ol’ stereotypical bullshit butch, I’m not interested.

But that’s what’s great about our show, and not just with the queer characters but with what it does with women, what it does for trans people – what it does for everybody. We’re real. We’re three dimensional.

We’re honest. We cry. We laugh. We talk about life, you know? That’s the biggest difference. And not to mention the very warm, friendly, threedimensional positive portrayal of a butch dyke that is incredibly unique and unusual, and so I’m loving doing that.

GC: As a butch lesbian yourself, how do you think Boo is opening doors for the butch lesbian community?

LD: I know that she is because I get direct messages on Instagram. I get, like, 150 of them a day from all over the world, from all these different women saying, “Thank god for Orange Is the New Black, thank god for Big Boo. I now know that it is OK for me to be www.gaycalgary.com

who I am,” and they’re not just talking about being gay; they’re talking about being a butch. I get constant messages about it.

Constant! And then people come up to me on the street. I’ve had really hard-ass butches cry when they talk to me, which is… trust me, it’s hard for us to cry. So finally somebody is putting out there who we actually are. I feel like Season 3, episode four, which is the Boo backstory episode – I believe that’s done as much for butches as Season 1, episode three, did for the transgender community.

GC: Do lesbians send you letters from jail?

LD: I don’t get letters from people in jail. What I do get are the conversations with them after they’re out. I hear from guards, from COs, from wardens, from assistant wardens and from exprisoners on the street telling me how much our show hits the nail on the head. It’s very real. It’s very much like that. I think that’s a really intense compliment. I’m not that kind of actor.

Like Taylor (Schilling), who is an amazing actor, she went to a women’s prison. Kate Mulgrew went to a women’s prison. To look at, to get the feel, to get the backbone of their character. I watched Lockup. (Laughs) GC: What’s your earliest memory of subverting gender norms? Were you a tomboy?

LD: Yeah, I was what we called a tomboy back then. It’s very interesting… when I went to a thrift store and got my first suit and put it on for the first time, it was like putting on my own skin. I was 17.

GC: When did you get the “butch” tattoo on your forearm?

LD: It must’ve been the ’90s.

GC: What’s the story behind it?

LD: I like tattoos! I’ve got a lot of ’em. I just wanted it to say “butch,” and I went in and told (the tattoo artist) what I wanted.

After we got done, I couldn’t see it because of the angle, and he goes, “It’s fantastic! It says ‘bitch’ perfectly!” And I went insane.

“YOU PUT BITCH ON THERE?” And he laughed – he got me so good. He laughed soooo hard at me. He totally got me. But he was just messing with me – he knew better than to put bitch on my arm.

GC: So 1993 comes around and you’re the first openly gay comic to break through the late night talk-show circuit with an appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show.

LD: It was more than that – I was the first openly gay comic to perform on television, period, in America. I mean, it was latenight, which was really huge, but yeah. Nobody. It was me.

GC: What were you feeling in that moment?

LD: Scared as shit! Terrified, just terrified. All I could think was, “What if I bomb?” And I had 20/20 following me. So I wasn’t just doing The Arsenio Hall Show – I was also doing fucking 20/20. It was craziness because it was such a big deal.

I’m not sure how it happened but the universe aligned and the planets aligned perfectly and I killed. It was nine and a half minutes of television gold, so yeah, I was lucky. Could’ve gone either way. The audience could have hated me. I was not lightly gay, if you know what I mean. I wasn’t gay-lite. I was as queer as it gets.

They did an article in The Advocate right after it happened.

They taped it and apparently I said the words “dyke,” “fag” and “queer” 47 times. I mean, it was the second sentence I uttered: “Hello everybody, I’m Lea DeLaria. It’s the 1990s, it’s hip to be queer and I’m a big dyke.”

GC: We needed somebody to be that person.

LD: I think that was probably right. It was the early part of the ’90s, so we were having that rift about the words queer and dyke and fag. The lesser known story is that they almost didn’t air it because I said queer and dyke and fag. The lawyers called Arsenio in and said, “We don’t think you should let this go out.”

They were trying to pull it and Arsenio – again this is the lesser story that people don’t know – had a fit and said, “She’s a dyke.

If she wants to call herself a dyke then it’s none of your fucking business.” He fought for it and got me on the air. The lawyers at Fox were saying, “Noooo.”

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It was a big deal at the time; now it’s ho-hum. But back then it was huge. You gotta remember, Ellen (DeGeneres) wasn’t out yet. Rosie (O’Donnell) wasn’t out yet. None of these guys were out yet.

GC: Shifting gears: Let’s talk about your cameo in one of the gayest classics of all time, First Wives Club. What’s an onscreen scolding from Bette Midler like?

LD: Just like an offscreen scolding! (Laughs) GC: Wait wait, there’s a story there.

LD: I gotta say, you must be about my fiancée’s age because everybody of her generation – she’s 31 – loves that movie. That’s her favorite movie. I’m like, mine’s Rebecca. I’m just saying, First Wives Club is your favorite movie?!

The best thing about First Wives Club, though, beyond the fact that I got to be in it and beyond the fact that Paul Rudnick wrote that for me, which was very cool, was getting to work with Bette, who is my hero and one of the reasons I went into show business. But more than that was becoming friends with Goldie Hawn. Goldie is just an absolute unbelievable doll. Talented.

Brilliant. Charming. Just a lovely human being. I had a blast doing First Wives Club.

GC: More recently, you called out a preacher while on the New York subway.

LD: That guy? It’s an insult to preachers to call him a preacher. He’s just a homophobic asshole.

GC: It went viral.

LD: It went viral so fast I couldn’t believe it, in fact. I was on TMZ within a half hour. That was the thing: I was on a subway on my way to the studio – we were filming – so what had happened, I got out of the subway and I called my manager. I said, “Look, I had a confrontation. Somebody pulled out their phone and they videotaped it soooo there might be something on social media.” Twenty minutes later, he called me and said, “You’re on TMZ.” It was hilarious! It just went nuts.

GC: You famously dropped out of Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival in 2014 because of their womyn-born-womyn stipulation, which discourages transgender people from attending. And you’ve spoken many times on the topic of “infighting,” saying once, “We queers need to find a way to stop this fighting and work together towards our common goal.” In the years since canceling your MichFest appearance, have you seen any noticeable change regarding the unification of the queer community?

LD: Absolutely not. I speak at universities now because apparently I’m a role model (laughs). It just makes me laugh.

Like, honey, if I’m a role model, queers are in a lot of fucking trouble. I speak about it a lot, but when we come together and don’t infight we get a lot done. That’s how we defeated DOMA, that’s how we defeated Prop 8, that’s why the SCOTUS decision happened.

But in the midst of all that I still find myself constantly dealing with the more conservative queers and the more radical queers like myself, and as I said in the statement when I pulled out of MichFest: How fucked up is it when I’m the voice of reason?

You’ve got to be kidding me that you guys can’t see this. When Lea DeLaria and Larry Kramer are the voices of reasons, people are fucked. ’Cause we’re the two biggest bitches on the planet!

We’re little brats. We scream and yell until people listen to us, that’s who we are.

This is the biggest issue we have in the queer community to date and will continue to be the biggest issue until we learn to accept our differences, and that’s the issue. And part of me believes that this inclusivity of calling us the LGBTQQTYwhatever-LMNOP tends to stress our differences. And that’s why I refuse to do it. I say queer. Queer is everybody.

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The Heroism of Mariah Carey

Visions of love, bravery and bad hair through the lens of a longtime ‘lamb’

 photos by Denise Truscello

By Chris Azzopardi I told my mom I interviewed Mariah Carey and she cried. “I know how much this means to you,” she said, verklempt.

She knows Mariah saved my life. I was 10 and confused and gay when I first heard her voice. It was one of those meant-to-be moments: A friend eagerly, and thankfully, played me the cassette single of “Emotions.” That voice, all seven octaves, captivated me, changed me.

Years later, when I heard the curly-haired, hand-wavey songstress singing pick-me-ups like “Hero,” “Make It Happen” and “Can’t Take That Away (Mariah’s Theme),” I was lifted beyond those signature high notes.

In 1997, I was 15 and still confused, on the brink of self-discovery, without a role model. The parallel wasn’t lost on me – Mariah was coming into her authentic self, channeling the artist she never could be on the triumphant confessional Butterfly, a metaphorical nod to the newfound freedom she was feeling after years of professional and personal captivity. The album, which turns 20 next year, ended on a deeply intimate note with “Outside,” where she referenced the inferior feelings she harbored as a biracial child.

As a gay adolescent internalizing the “feeling there’s no one completely the same,” as the song goes, my already-strong bond to the chart-topper, the diva, the survivor – my musical salvation, my “it gets better” – was strengthened. It was more than music. It is

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and has always been a palpable affinity to Mariah’s courageous and encouraging life story.

The story of an emancipated 27-year-old woman asserting independence. The story of a broken-winged 31-year-old woman who, a decade into her illustrious career, hit rock bottom, entered rehab for “exhaustion” and more than made it through the rain – four years later, in 2005, “We Belong Together,” the second single off The Emancipation of Mimi, held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks. For Mariah’s ever-faithful “lambs” who, too, have experienced, or are still experiencing the outside, it’s her inspirational narrative they’ve clung to with undying devotion.

Nearly 25 years after first hearing her voice on cassette, my phone rings. It’s Mariah Carey, the sales-crushing icon with a whopping 18 No. 1 singles, the five-time Grammy winner, my childhood lifeline, our ally. As we speak, I’d be remiss not to acknowledge the roots of our connection, so I do. We also, of course, talk about Vegas, where she’s headlining The Colosseum at Caesars Palace with her hits show, Mariah #1 to Infinity, now armed with more “confidence,” she says, to go on vocal “tangents.” Naturally, her lingerie collection comes up.

Furthermore, Mariah elaborates on the “unconditional love” she’s experienced from the LGBT community, which she emphasized when GLAAD recently recognized her with an Ally Award for all the lives she’s changed. An honor she received, in part, and most admirably, by changing her own.

GC: You can’t see me right now but I’m bowing down.

MC: Awww! I’m bowing down right back.

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GC: I’m going to start with the GLAAD Media Awards because what a big moment for me, too, as a gay man to finally see you honored for being an ally. You acknowledged the “unconditional love” from the LGBTQ community, and it’s true: I’ve never had anything less than that for you. To be completely honest, you and your music were why I followed my dream of being a writer who one day wanted to interview you. And here we are. Anyway, Lamb 4 Life right here; not even kidding.

MC: Oh, wow; that’s amazing! L4L! Seriously – that’s such a great

thing to hear; thank you for telling me that.

GC: What did you mean when you said you haven’t experienced much unconditional love outside of the gay community? And why do you think the gay community in particular has stuck by you through thick and thin?

You know! It’s just like different moments. Even a friend of mine when I was growing up, her mom was in a relationship with another woman and they lived together and the whole thing, but she didn’t know – she didn’t understand it. But because I had such an open-minded mother who explained that kind of stuff to me, I wasn’t gonna out her mother to her. I was just like, “OK, fine.”

GC: You’ve been a lifeline for many of your LGBT fans, including myself, because you’ve showed us that even an outsider can find his or her place. When was the first time in your life you were exactly the person you wanted to be?

MC: What I was trying to express – and it was all so fast and it wasn’t the world’s greatest speech ’cause I just wanted to try and speak from my heart and, you know, sometimes there’s so much going on and it’s not the best representation of what I really wanted to say, which would’ve been simpler. Which is basically: Some of the songs that I have written, like I have a song called “Outside” that a lot of people from the gay community have always said they grew up listening to and were like, “That helped me come out to my family.” Different things.

And so, as a songwriter, I wrote that song about me feeling like an outsider, about being biracial and a lot of other things in my life. I like to leave it open so people can relate it to their own lives, and a lot of my fans tell me, “This song helped me get through having to talk about being gay with my family and with my friends,” and stuff like that.

There are other songs, too, because I kind of come from that place of feeling different or not accepted, and so that’s what I meant.

GC: For me, as a teenager, “Outside” really resonated. Those lyrics – “ambiguous, without a sense of belonging to touch” – are ingrained in my head, and they had a big influence on my own life. “Looking In” as well. When were you first aware that you were kindred spirits with the gay community?

MC: The whole thing in terms of me feeling really comfortable around all different types of people, including different races, religions, gay, straight, whatever, started as a kid. Most kids that I grew up around had never even met anyone gay, but my mom was always very theatrical and she had a lot of gay friends, so I grew up with her two best friends who were guncles before people knew what that was. And yeah, they were great to me. They really treated me well as a little girl.

Obviously gay marriage wasn’t, you know, like it is now – it wasn’t legal – so they weren’t married. But they lived together and they were my example of a really great couple. They stayed together for as long as I knew them, and so to me, that was just normal. I wasn’t like, “Oh, wow, this is weird; my mom’s friend is gay.”

I guess I was just always comfortable because they were kind to me, and cool. And so then when I grew up I would always naturally gravitate toward the fun gay guy in school, you know what I mean?

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MC: Wow. The first time I can think of, and this is a great thing that actually incorporated work and fun and being free and music, was when I made the video for “Honey” (in 1997), and I went swimming in the shoes. It was just… I always wanted to have the freedom to be myself and I wasn’t in a situation where that was OK; I wasn’t allowed to because of that, uhh, first relationship (to ex-husband and then-Sony Music head Tommy Mottola). I had to overcome a lot to get through that, but that video – prior to that, I always had to settle for less than I wanted to be, and I wasn’t allowed to be who I was. And it really took a lot of courage. It wasn’t just like, “I’m gonna make a video.” It was, “I am moving on with my life, and I have to for my own self because I’m trapped in a situation.”

GC: I know what you’re saying – I’ve been there. I mean, I’ve not

made a music video...

MC: (Laughs) Treat the music video as “I had a great time somewhere!” But it included me doing work and making a video, which for me, that’s not really work if it’s fun. And then also just all the elements that I love: the beach, the water, the freedom, the whole narrative of the thing. But yeah, it took a while to get there.

GC: You’re doing some of your earliest songs during your Vegas residency. How has your voice and your approach to singing these songs, some of which are over 20 years old, changed?

MC: You know what, certain days I’m like, “Oh, this is a really good day for me; I had a lot of vocal rest today and blah, blah, blah,” and some days for me I have to be a little bit more experimental and play around on stage because maybe it’s not as strong for that minute.

Really, I just think I’ve become more confident and more experimental in a good way, if you know what I mean, in using different parts of my voice and things. I always did it, but I was more “stick to the script” and “don’t go off on a tangent.” You know, I think that people kind of like the tangents that I have! (Laughs) Singing tangents. Breaking a high heel on stage tangents; whatever the case may be.

GC: You in your lingerie making pizza tangents – all of it.

MC: (Laughs uproariously) It was real! That’s what I walk around in!

I barely own any clothes! All I have is friggin’ lingerie.

GC: How have you made yourself feel at home in Vegas?

MC: I just bought a lot of lingerie! (Laughs) GC: What do you think 1990 Mariah would think of 2016 Mariah?

MC: (Ponders; tongue sputters) Ah, I don’t knoooow! I was such a

kid, just in over my head, but I knew that I was gonna do this for my life and soooo: I probably would’ve been like, “Who does your hair and makeup?” (Laughs) ’Cause they had me with some people who didn’t know what they were doing and I knew it wasn’t really good and I’d just be like, “Who does your lighting, hair and makeup?” is what I’d ask her.

GC: They liked to put you in a lot of black.

MC: They diiiiid. It was just like, ahhh, such a long story. You don’t

even wanna know.

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GC: We’ve seen a lot of greats pass away in the last several years: Prince, Whitney and David Bowie. In what ways do their untimely deaths have you reflecting on your own legacy and what you want that to be?

MC: It’s really interesting: I loved Prince and I still do. I love his music, and I’ll always have it, and I grew up listening to Prince, ya know what I mean? I was lucky enough to get to know him, but before I knew him I was listening to his music as an adolescent, as a kid, so his passing was very… I really felt like he was one of those people who would be around for a really long time because he just was kind of ageless in a lot of ways.

But in terms of me reflecting on my legacy? I’m not at that place right now. I’m still very much doing fun, creative things that, you know, I don’t want to go into a long, drawn out thing about, but a lot of different projects. Some movie things. I’m getting ready to go back in the studio really soon, and obviously I’m doing this residency in Vegas. It’s really fun, but I’m not trapped there. I can do other things. We just got back from the European tour, which was amazing audiences, and then we went to Africa, so it’s like, all that stuff is great.

But what do I think my legacy will be? It’s really hard for me to answer that. I just hope the fans who’ve been so supportive of me throughout my whole career will have my music and it’ll make a difference in people’s lives as you told me it did for you, which is amazing, because not everyone knows songs like “Outside” or “Looking In” or “Close My Eyes.”

GC: “I was a wayward child”… trust me, I know those words by

heart.

MC: Trust me, I do too. “...with the weight of the world that I held deep inside.”

GC: Is the weight lifted?

MC: You know what – is the weight lifted? Ahhh, I think that it’s

different now. It’s just different. ... I don’t want that to be misinterpreted; I don’t want you to misinterpret that. I just mean like, in a lot of ways there are other things that are the “weight of the world” to me. Like my life now, I have other responsibilities. I was really writing that about the child version of me; I really did have the weight of the world on my shoulders as a kid, that’s how deep it felt for me.

GC: Thanks for clarifying so nobody takes that out of context.

MC: (Groans dramatically) I knooooow.

GC: Mariah, I so deeply appreciate this moment and it means more

than you’ll ever know. I hope our paths will cross again at some point soon.

MC: I really thank you so much. I thank you for talking about the music. Really – I appreciate that. I adore you, daaahhhling!

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Photography

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ISCWR - School’s Out at Evolution, Edmonton

ISCWR - Let’s Duet at Woodys, Edmonton

photos by B&J

photos by B&J

GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

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Photography ISCWR - Draggin’ Dizney at the Unitarian Church, Edmonton

36th Annual Sandy Page Campout, Wayne Alberta

photos by B&J

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Fairytales Film Festival, Calgary http://gaycalgary.com/pa1163

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News Releases NSFW - Steam Room Stories: Your cat is dead!

The last thing you want to hear when you return from your honeymoon is bad news about your pet isn’t it? In the latest episode... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2186

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Raphael’s 10-song debut album, “The Dark of My Mind”, is a journey through modern love set to sexy, moody trip-hop and... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2193

Michael Lucas’ Israeli Documentary To Be Available for Free Viewing

Xyrena Resurrects the VHS as Pop Art Fragrance Packaging: Industry 1st Commercial w/ Trans Model

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TESA supports government introduction of federal trans equality bill

The Internet’s Favorite Queer TV Network Celebrates A Very ‘Sherry’ PRIDE Month

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Calgary Pride applauds introduction of federal trans rights bill

Trans Trans: Transgender Histories Between Germany & the USA, 1882-1966 Exhibition at UofC

Filmmaker, entrepreneur and columnist Michael Lucas will release his 2013 documentary, Undressing Israel: Gay Men in the Promised...

The Trans Equality Society of Alberta (TESA) strongly supports the Government of Canada’s anticipated tabling of legislation to...

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Vegan Fragrance House Continues to Disrupt the Beauty Industry with Innovation, Inclusion, and Social Responsibility LA fragrance...

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News Releases Puerto Vallarta Becomes First “Gay Travel Approved” City in Mexico

NSFW - NEW Andrew Christian VIDEO: Rock, Paper, Scissors Naked Strip Challenge

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Royal Caribbean is “Coming Out” for Equality

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WOW air names new aircraft TF-GAY in support of LGBT community

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MODELS: Ryan Rose, Jacob Ford, Jon Pastor Rock, Paper, Scissors SHOOT! Watch Jacob Ford, Ryan Rose, and Jon Pastor battle it...

MODELS: Topher DiMaggio, Arad Choose your favorite hero with our super-sexy AC Trophy Boys! Director/Editor: Erica Dorsey...

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MODELS: Cory Zwierzynski, Asher Join this handsome duo as they duke it out over who gets splattered with a ball(oon) full of...

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Calgary based filmmaker announces Season 2 of The Girls Guide to be produced in August 2016

Toronto Pride at the Gaystone 2016

As one of Toronto’s key LGBTQ landmarks, the Gladstone Hotel has been a creative hub...

Justine Stevens, writer and director of the award winning 8 episode series The Girls Guide, along with creative collaborator Kara...

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Inaya Day Celebrates 20 Years in Club Music with “One Night In Heaven”

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Directory & Events DOWNTOWN CALGARY

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2

6

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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!

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!

Bars & Clubs (Gay) 3 Backlot-------------------------------------  209 - 10th Ave SW  403-265-5211  Open 7 days a week, 2pm-close 4 Texas Lounge

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

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6 Twisted Element

 1006 - 11th Ave SW  403-802-0230

 http:.//www.twistedelement.ca

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

Bodega

 318A 10th Street NW  tim.richards@labodega.ca

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

7 Broken City

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

 http://www.brokencity.ca

LGBT Community Directory

CALGARY

9 10 11 12

 403-262-9976

 403-233-7550

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

 http://www.localtavern.ca  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

Community Groups

• Badminton (Absolutely Smashing)

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

• Boot Camp

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

• Bowling (Rainbow Riders League)

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

• Curling

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

 golf@apollocalgary.com

 lawnbowling@apollocalgary.com

Bathhouses/Saunas

Alberta Society for Kink



http://www.westerncup.com

• Lawn Bowling

5 Goliaths

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

 403-398-9968  masdenn@yahoo.com

 http://www.apollocalgary.com  http://www.myapollo.com A volunteer operated, non-profit organization serving primarily members of the LGBT communities but open to all members of all communities. Primary focus is to provide members with well-organized and fun sporting events and other activities.

• Golf

13 The Pint

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

 http://www.thepint.ca/calgary

 403-475-9227

 http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/ group.albertasocietyforkink

• Western Cup 31

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

 http://www.flamescentral.com

12 Ten Nightclub (closed)

 1140 10th Ave SW

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

Apollo Calgary - Friends in Sports

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

 http://www.cowboysnightclub.com 9 Dickens Pub

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

 http://www.dickenspub.ca

N

• Outdoor Pursuits

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

• Running (Calgary Frontrunners)

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

• Slow Pitch

 slow.pitch@apollocalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

55

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

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

• Tennis

 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.

1 Calgary Outlink

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

 1st

See 1 Calgary Outlink

 2nd

See 1 Calgary Outlink

At 5 Goliaths

 3rd

At 1 Calgary Outlink

 4th

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

 1st

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

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

• Peer Support and Crisis Line

 1-877-OUT-IS-OK (1-877-688-4765) Front-line help service for GLBT individuals and their family and friends, or anyone questioning their sexuality.

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

 Weeds Cafe (1903 20 Ave NW)

Deer Park United Church/Wholeness Centre

 403-278-8263

Different Strokes

 http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org

FairyTales Presentation Society

 403-244-1956

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

• DVD Resource Library

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

Gay Friends in Calgary

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

Girl Friends

 girlfriends@shaw.ca

 members.shaw.ca/girlfriends

Girlsgroove

 http://www.girlsgroove.ca

• 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

Calgary Queer Book Club

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

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

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.

56

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

At 5 Goliaths

 Calgary Contd.

• Squash

 2nd

See 1 Calgary Outlink

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

See 1 Calgary Outlink

By

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

GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

Parents for Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

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

Positive Space Committee

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

Pride Calgary Planning Committee

 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

www.gaycalgary.com

Directory & Events  Calgary Contd.

Spectrum Volleyball Calgary

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

Unity Bowling

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

DevaDave Salon & Boutique (closed)

 1317-1st Street NW

Restaurants & Pubs Bodega

See Calgary - Bars & Clubs (Mixed).

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

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

Retail Stores Adult Depot (CLOSED)

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

 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

Best Health

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

La Fleur (closed)

 403-266-1707 Florist and Flower Shop.

Ellen Embury

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

Hardline

 Calgary: 403-770-0776

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

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

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

Pushing Petals

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

Services & Products 6th and Tenth - Sales Centre

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

 M-W: 12-6pm, R: 2-7pm, S-N: 12-5pm

Barry Hollowell

Calgary Civil Marriage Centre

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

Christopher T. Tahn (Thornborough Smeltz)

 403-808-7147

Courtney Aarbo (Barristers & Solicitors)

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

www.gaycalgary.com

 #3 306 20th Ave SW 

http://www.thirdstreet.ca

MFM Communications

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

 Suite 27, Building B1, 2451 Dieppe Ave SW

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

SafeWorks

 403-703-4750

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

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

Webster Galleries Inc.

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

 T-S: 10am-6pm, N: 1-4pm

EDMONTON

Lorne Doucette (CIR Realtors)

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

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

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

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

FLASH (CLOSED)

 10018 105 Street  flashnightclub@hotmail.com

 780-938-2941

UpStares Ultralounge (CLOSED)

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

 11725 Jasper Ave

 780-488-6557

Bars & Clubs (Mixed)

• Calgary Drop-in Centre

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

These venues regularly host LGBT events.

Hooliganz Pub (CLOSED)

Buck Naked Boys Club

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

Camp fYrefly

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

Edmonton Expo

 http://www.edmontonexpo.com

Edmonton Pride Festival Society (EPFS)

 http://www.edmontonpride.ca

Edmonton Prime Timers

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

Affiliated with Prime Timers World Wide.

Edmonton Rainbow Business Association

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

Edmonton Illusions Social Club

 780-387-3343

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

 11111 Jasper Ave

Edmonton Vocal Minority

 780-479-2038  www.evmchoir.com

 sing@evmchoir.com

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.

• Centre of Hope

 10704 124 St NW

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

• Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre

7 The Starlite Room

 10030 102 St contact@starliteroom.ca  http://www.starliteroom.ca 8 Yellowhead Brewing Co.

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

 http://www.iscwr.ca

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

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

• Safeworks Van

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

Wheel Pro’s

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

Third Street Theatre

Interactive Male

Free and confidential HIV/AIDS and STI testing.

Priape Calgary (CLOSED)

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

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

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

NRG Support Services

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

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

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

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

Hot Water Pools & Spas

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

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

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

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

Wild Rose United Church

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

Cruiseline

 Calgary: 403-777-9494

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

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

Bathhouses/Saunas 5 Steamworks

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

Community Groups

Theatre & Fine Arts ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects

 403-294-7402

 http://www.ATPlive.com

Fairytales

See Calgary - Community Groups.

AltView Foundation

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

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

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

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

InQueeries

Book Worm’s Book Club

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

Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose

Living Positive Society of Alberta

 #50, 9912 - 106 Street 780-424-2214  living-positive@telus.net  http://www.facebook.com/LivingPoz Living Positive through Positive Living.

• HIV Support Group

 huges@shaw.ca, curtis@optionssexualhealth.ca Support and discussion group for gay men.

Men’s Games Nights

 Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street)

 780-474-8240  tuff@shaw.ca

OUTreach

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

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

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

GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

57

Directory & Events DOWNTOWN EDMONTON

1

6

8

5 4 3

1 Pride Centre of Edm.---- Community Groups 2 Edmonton STD---------- Community Groups

Edmonton Events Boot Camp------------------------------ 7-8pm See

Team Edmonton

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

 3rd

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

 2nd

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

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

7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fridays

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

Tuesdays

See

2

See 1 Youth Understanding Youth

Mondays

N

Team Edmonton

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

Team Edmonton

Thursdays

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See See See

 2nd, 4th

BookWorm’s Book Club

 3rd

Team Edmonton Team Edmonton

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

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

Movie Night----------------------------- 6-9pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturdays

See

Team Edmonton

See

Wednesdays See

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

Youth Understanding Youth

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See

Team Edmonton

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See See

Men’s Games Nights

Youth Understanding Youth

• TTIQ

• Counselling

• Women’s Social Circle

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

• Men Talking with Pride

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

• Movie Night

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

• Queer HangOUT: Game Night

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

• Queer HangOUT: Craft Night

Come OUT and embrace your creative side in a safe space.

• Queer HangOUT: Anime Night

Come and watch ALL the anime until your heart is content.

58

See

Team Edmonton

Sundays See

Team Edmonton

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

Team Edmonton

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

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

Team Edmonton

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

 Robertson-Wesley United (10209 123 St)

 2nd

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

 2nd

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

We provide a safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental drop-in space, and offer support programs and resources for members of the GLBTQ community and for their families and friends.

• Knotty Knitters

 2nd

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

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

Buck Naked Boys Club

 Edmonton Contd.

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

 2nd, Last

Naturalist Gettogether See

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

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

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

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

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

A support and information group for all those who fall under the transgender umbrella and their family or supporters.  andrea@pridecentreofedmonton.org Women’s Social Circle: A social support group for all female-identified persons over 18 years of age in the GLBT community - new members are always welcome.

Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton

 780-474-8240

 tuff@shaw.ca

Team Edmonton

 president@teamedmonton.ca  http://www.teamedmonton.ca Members are invited to attend and help determine the board for the next term. If you are interested in running for the board or getting involved in some of the committees, please contact us.

• Badminton (Mixed)

 St. Thomas Moore School, 9610 165 Street

 coedbadminton@teamedmonton.ca New group seeking male & female players.

• Badminton (Women’s)

 Oliver School, 10227 - 118 Street  780-465-3620

 badminton@teamedmonton.ca

GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

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 #150, June 2016

59

Classifieds Event

140

The Fetish Slosh at the Backlot!

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

Wedding/Union

190

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 • Opposite Sex • Same Sex LGBT-TTQ hilford@shaw.ca • 403-246-4134

Furniture

335

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

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

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

Home for Rent

347

VICTIMS OF RENTAL SCAM IN NEED OF HELP! Hello, we are a couple that recently moved to Calgary from Vancouver only to find out 2 days after moving in that we got scammed. We had to move out that night, NO QUESTIONS ASKED. This situation put us out $4000 and we are going to have to borrow to move into another place. Luckily we had a friend here who graciously helped us out with a place to stay but she has a family and we don’t want to overstay our welcome. If there is ANYONE out there with a big heart that can help us out with a place to rent, we would appreciate it ten fold. We are a respectable and responsible, trustworthy and hardworking couple that has had far too much bad luck lately and need a little help. If you own or know of someone who has a place downtown or close to PLEASE GIVE US A SHOUT! 587-774-1978 TEXT ONLY Sleep in my bed, an adjustable bed. Spend a night/week/month. Very private. Close to the PLC and not far from the Airport. SuperSuite VRBO 842294

Magical Music DJs

Home to Share

350

Furnished Room For Rent in West Springs SW 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

Help Wanted

240

Seeking a clean/tidy, responsible, single, mature working person for quiet, clean, secure, furnished bedroom to rent in working MALE COUPLED household in modern home; 10 minute bus ride to amenities; beautiful location, house has 3 cats, rent includes utilities; bedroom located in walkout basement, private bathroom ; street parking; references required + proof of steady income.

403-660-6300

Dating Service

415

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

Cleaning

517

GET A LIFE! Commercial Cleaning

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

Erotic Massage

420

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

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

Consulting Best Erotic Male Massage In Calgary.

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

Video on website. 403-680-0533

527

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

mike@ultimatemalemassage.com

Products/Services 500 Certified Personal Trainer

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

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

Local, Domestic, International, We can assist.

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

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

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

GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

www.gaycalgary.com

Legal

557

Award Winning One Stop Paralegal, Immigration & Business Services since 1999. Gay Friendly Staff. Call 403-590-3818 http://www.ActiveProfessionals.com Active Professionals #200, 2705 Centre Street N.W. Calgary T2E 2V5

Travel

680

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

Retirement Homes 580 A PLACE FOR MOM A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-800-830-6628

www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

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GayCalgary Magazine #150, June 2016

www.gaycalgary.com