GayCalgary Magazine - September 2016 by GayCalgary Magazine

SEPTEMBER 2016

® ISSUE 153 • FREE The Voice of Alberta’s LGBTQ Community

Interview with

MERYL

STREEP

Dolly Parton

Pure and Simple

Tegan & Sara

Won’t Love You To Death

PLUS:

Photos from IGLA Travel - Miami Beach Peaches • Hugh Grant ...and more!

Business Directory

Jeffery Straker

Scan to Read on Mobile Devices

Community Map

Calgary • Alberta • Canada

Events Calendar

Audacious Authenticity

Tourist Information

STARTING ON PAGE 55

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Table of Contents

SEPTEMBER 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: Meryl Streep, photo Paramount Pictures. Calgary, AB,byCanada Top Right: Dolly Parton. T2T Mid 0G3Right: Tegan & Sara,

Publisher’s Column

Great Canadian Bear Weekend, IGLA, ISCWR Coronation 41, and LGBT bar transitions

Queerer Than Ever

The Calgary International Film Festival Returns

10 Tegan & Sara Won’t Love You To Death Calgary raised twins return home with new album

14 Jeffery Straker Audacious Authenticity

16 Edmonton Emperor and Empress 40 Reflect A Year of Imperial Glitz, Glam and Ham

18 Hugh Looks Like a Lady

A-list rom-com’er on his early gay films, gender-bending youth and advocating for open relationships The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative marks 20 years

a g a

photo by Pamela Littky. Bottom Right: Jeffery Straker Office Hours: By appointment ONLY Phone: 403-543-6960 Toll Free: 1-888-543-6960 Fax: 403-703-0685 E-Mail: magazine@gaycalgary.com

This Month's Cover Cher andProud ChristinaMembers Aguilera courtesy of: of Sony Pictures; Annie Lennox courtesy of Mike Owen; Rex Goudie.

Proud Members of:

e n zi

21 The HIV Vaccine Search

22 Deep Inside Hollywood

‘Hairspray Live!,’ Rowan Blanchard, Colton Haynes, Ingrid Jungermann

23 Peaches m Rubs Through Alberta 25 Shining Star

PAGE 18

Writers and Contributors

Chris Mercedes Azzopardi, Allen, Chris DallasAzzopardi, Barnes, Dave Dallas Brousseau, Barnes, Jason Dave Brousseau, Clevett, OriolSam R. Gutierrez Casselman,Jr.,Jason EvanClevett, Kayne, Andrew Steve Polyak, Collins,Jessica EmilyRobb, Collins,Romeo Rob Diaz-Marino, San Vicente, V.N. Janine Winnick, Eva Trotta, and the JackLGBT Fertig, Community Glen Hanson, of Calgary, Joan Hilty, Evan Kayne, Edmonton, Stephen andLock, Alberta. Neil McMullen, Allan Neuwirth, Steve Polyak, Carey Rutherford, Romeo San Vicente, Ed Sikov, Nick Vivian and Photography the GLBT Community Calgary, Edmonton, and SteveofPolyak Alberta.

PAGE 13 PAGE 14

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

PAGE 10

Local performer inspires Orlando community to keep dancing after Pulse tragedy

26 Miami Hotels and men

National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association

PAGE 23

International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association

Gay European Tourism Association

Continued on Next Page  www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

Table of Contents  Continued From Previous Page ®

35 Pure and Simple Dolly

PAGE 38

PAGE 35

PAGE 26

Country Icon comes to Alberta

38 A Moment with Meryl

Acting luminary opens up about being ‘in love with gay people,’ the Snapchat conundrum and her beloved LGBT roles

43 51 52 55 60

Queer Eye A Couple of Guys News Releases Directory and Events Classified Ads

PAGE 43

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

History

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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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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

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Editorial

Publisher’s Column

Great Canadian Bear Weekend, IGLA, ISCWR Coronation 41, and LGBT bar transitions By Steve Polyak In the August edition you would have noticed that the Publisher’s Column had been replaced with an article called “Privilege and Pride – VOICES: The Coalition of Calgary’s POC Equality”. The article placement was important, in that it was the first thing people saw written in the magazine. It was there to help explain the other side of what goes on during pride, while ads for pride events were scattered throughout the edition. Sometimes we forget that we still have steps to make in our diverse community; that everyone should feel welcome. Pride, as an event, should be a safe space for everyone in our community. Hearing the stories of discrimination, based on skin colour or gender, happening in certain gay bars makes evident we still have a long way to go. Now, with both gay bars and straight bars acting as venues for gay events, people have options. For Calgary Pride, Backwards Nightclub was able to do some great fundraising for the Dyke and Trans March, as well as be the location for the Saturday night party for it. Backwards showed that they are open to our complete community; not to just a segment of it. I will talk more about Calgary Pride in the October edition, along with several pages of photos from the Pride weekend.

I still have to sort through over 10,000 photos that were taken across the five days.

A busy month in Edmonton

August was a crazy month in Edmonton. It started with the Great Canadian Bear Weekend, put on by the Fellowship of the Alberta Bears (FAB). Attendance was more than they expected; they were at capacity for most of Saturday night! Even the water park and other events on the side had more people attending than last year. This group has helped bring out members of the community that usually don’t get a chance to make it out. FAB helps create an environment where body shape or size doesn’t matter; you are all welcome. Rob and Justin came up with me for the weekend, to also help celebrate my birthday, too. There was a small screw up in dates, so Justin and Rob surprised me with a DQ Birthday Cake on Friday night, even though my birthday was on Saturday. It was decorated with Snoopy and, as the cake was coming out, I was already taking photos of the event so unlike typical birthday photos, I took photos of the cake coming towards me. Check out the spelling of my name on the cake. Photos of the event appear on page 44.

Continued on Next Page 

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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

 From Previous Page

Online Last Month Creep of the Week

Mike Pence Was anyone really surprised that Donald Trump picked Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his cocaptain for the most terrifying boat ride since the Titanic? Pence may be best known... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5248

Creep of the Week

Donald Trump Donald Trump made history at the Republican National Convention by daring to utter a string of five letters: LGBTQ. More specifically, he said, “Only weeks ago, in Orlando,... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5251

 My birthday cake, photo by GayCalgary

The weekend following saw the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics Championship. The event hosted participants from around the world. Though the championship was week-long, I was only able to attend the last two days. Though I have covered tons of events over the past 20 years, this was a first for me – to cover so many aquatic events. These people sure know how to play and party hard. Enjoy the photos on page 46. Following a weekend of water, came the weekend of all drag. The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose (ISCWR) had their 41st Coronation. It was a great celebration of the year that Empress HISM Myra Maines and Emperor Yeust Bobb had, as they stepped down with their upper house, and the crowning of Emperor Bull Dozr and Empress Ruby Hymen capped off the end of the night. Check out the photos on page 48

Closing of Woody’s to the Grand Opening of Mama’s Gin Joint

After being around for 16 years, Woody’s in Edmonton closed its doors at the end of June. Lisa Robinson, who was manager of Woody’s, is holding onto the space and reopened the last weekend of IGLA as Mama’s Gin Joint. Rob, Justin and I were able to check out the space during the renovations and a lot was done in two weeks. A new stage was built on the dance floor as well as a new DJ booth. The place was adjusted for better air circulation, using the fresh air from the big windows along Jasper Ave, which should help cool the place down. The bar will still be a LGBTQ+ spot, so Edmonton will continue having two bars for right now. Hopefully more will happen soon.

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Deep Inside Hollywood

Queen Latifah, ‘Rebel in the Rye,’ ‘Southwest of Salem,’ ‘The Office Christmas Party’ Latifah is taking a Girls Trip If we have one complaint about Queen Latifah’s career, it’s that everything she does isn’t Set It Off. Not only is it our favorite film featuring... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5252

The Frivolist

5 Pieces of Financial Advice for Living With a Roommate Splitting rent with a roommate saves money – and it can be the ticket out of your parents’ house (which means no more sneaking those Grindr tricks in through the basement window,... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5254

Creep of the Week

Scott Lively Full disclosure: I did not watch the Republican National Convention. I just don’t hate myself enough. But I have watched clips online. And my belief that Donald Trump is a brainless... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5260

Hear Me Out

Lori McKenna, Tegan and Sara, Fantasia, Michael Blume Lori McKenna, The Bird & the Rifle Music Row’s renowned wordsmith Lori McKenna doesn’t exactly bury this casual burn, but still, you might miss it. You might because Lori... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5261

GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

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Legends of Rock N Roll a Nostalgic Night

The musical revue style is something that Stage West has absolutely mastered. Often a highlight of the season are there themed shows (this Christmas season will feature a movie... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5220

Creep of the Week

Ben Kinchlow It has come to the attention to many people, including and especially many Republicans, that Donald Trump is a Looney Tunes character come to life who would probably throw a fit... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5265

4 Scientific Reasons You Should Laugh More in Bed

This may sound odd to you, but I love laughing during sex. No, I’m not laughing at my partner (well, maybe sometimes I am), but rather, we’re usually laughing together. Maybe we... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5269

Creep of the Week

Nico Hines It is no secret that Olympic athletes have sex. It’s also no secret that they hook up with each other in the Olympic village. I mean, we’re talking about a land full of young people... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5275

Duran Duran Brings New Wave Nostalgia to Dome

In recent years there have been a number of artists that exploded in the 80’s and 90’s on tour. Sometimes it is purely a cash grab and the audience can tell. Phoned in performances... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5255

Don’t be Wowed – Little Details to Look for in a Potential Home

When you walk into what turns out to be your dream home, you’re blown away. It might be the color scheme or the vaulted ceilings or the massive fireplace that does it, but you’re... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5245

Calgary Pride 2016 Weekend - List of Bars with Extended Hours of Service

Earlier this week, Alberta Gaming and Liquor Control (AGLC) announced bars that participate in Calgary Pride events would be able to serve alcohol until 3am instead of 2am, and... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5256

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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

Event

 Hunky Dory

 Below Her Mouth

Queerer Than Ever

The Calgary International Film Festival Returns By Dallas Barnes The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) is celebrating its 16th year, and things sure have changed. In its first year, the festival was held over six days, attended by 8,000 people. Today the flurry of first-class films span over ten days and welcome over 20,000 guests. Perhaps – what is most exciting – is the level and veracity of the queer content offered in this year’s film selections. These Cocksucking Tears tells the story of Patrick Haggerty, the voice behind the revolutionary band Lavender Country, the first artist to create a gay-themed country album: 43 years ago. This winner of the Jury Prize for Best Doc Short at the Seattle International Film Festival addresses the experience of making an iconic album, and the fallout that came after it. Haggerty was discharged from the Peace Corps in 1966 for being gay, later becoming an artist and activist within his local chapter of the Gay Liberation Front. The album of discussion was funded by the Gay Community Social Services of Seattle, and performed at the inaugural Seattle Pride event, in1974. Adult Life Skills should appeal to folks such as myself: perpetual non-adults. This story, which follows a near 30 Anna, quite possibly offers a wake-up call for those of us approaching the big 3-O. She works a mundane job, lives in a garden shed in her mom’s backyard, and spends her days making videos using her thumbs as actors. Her mom has had enough, and gives her an ultimatum – she needs to move out of the shed, “get a haircut that doesn’t put her gender in question, and stop dressing like a homeless teenager”. The film has been described as a quirky coming of age comedy about confronting the things we are most scared of, being lost and finding yourself, making peace with who you are and regaining self-confidence and dignity. Below Her Mouth is uniquely Canadian and uniquely hot. Toronto-based filmmaker, April Mullen, and her all-female production crew tell the story of roofer, Dallas (Erika Linder), and fashion editor, Jasmine (Natalie Krill), who embark on a steamy and torrid affair that does nothing else; but entice and devastate. Not only is Dallas an enemy of commitment, but Jasmine becomes tasked with choosing the affair over her fiancé. www.gaycalgary.com

 Adult Life Skills

As one publication states, Below Her Mouth is a daring and emotional film that finally gets right what so many queer films get wrong. Rather than dwelling on the simple fact that two women are sexually involved, something that’s not necessarily exciting to those who are on a daily basis, these characters are defined more by their personalities and the way they interact. Hunky Dory tells the story of rock drag queen Sidney (Tomas Pais) and his recent cohabitation with his 11-year-old-son Georgoe (Edouard Holdener). Described as a thoroughly modern portrait of love, family, and the ever-elusive search for fame, the film explores themes of intimacy, addiction, celebrity, and unconditional love. Of course CIFF explores all genres of film, not only queer content, making it a progressive and full ten days of well-rounded, award-winning films guaranteed to appeal to any film buff.

Calgary International Film Festival http://www.calgaryfilm.com/schedule September 21st to October 2nd, 2016 various locations http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5278 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

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Tegan & Sara Won’t Love You To Death

Calgary raised twins return home with new album  photo by Pamela Littky

By Jason Clevett It has been a whirlwind few years for sister Tegan and Sara Quin. With the release of their 2013 album Heartthrob and the single Closer their successful career suddenly went to another level. The duo was everywhere, nabbing multiple JUNO awards, joining the Lonely Island on the song Everything is Awesome from The Lego Movie, playing arenas opening for Katy Perry, multiple festivals, and a Quebec opening slot for Lady Gaga. They left the road in 2015 to work on a new album and the result - Love You To Death - was released June 3rd. GayCalgary spoke with Sara Quin in advance of their concerts October 7th in Calgary and October 8th in Edmonton. Sara reflected on the whirlwind of the last 3 years. “As things got bigger I think we put more of being in control into action. Our lives don’t feel that different it just felt like the volume of what was expected and needed from us changed. We tried to increase our stamina and say yes to as many things as we can while also trying to maintain some semblance of a personal life. We were really grateful for the year and a half to be home writing and recording and working on some other projects. We are feeling very refreshed and excited to come back,” she said. “We definitely never imagined that some of these things would happen. We saw ourselves as having ambition and knew we wanted to do as much as we could with the band. I just don’t think when we started out in the 1990s thinking much more than ‘I hope one day we can play our own tours to our own 10

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audiences.’ We had very limited ideas about what it would be to be successful in the music business. It is a joy for us to be entering a new stage in our career with increased visibility and a new fan base. We are very humbled by it. We know very quickly bands can disappear and right now it feels like we are just getting bigger. There is a lot of pride for that.” Of the many exciting moments of the last few years, it is their performance of Everything is Awesome at the 2015 Academy Awards that stands out as a favourite and showed just how far a couple of girls from Calgary have come. “The Oscars were pretty out of this world. I don’t think there is anything else to compare to that. It was just such a substantial opportunity and the anxiety and fear that we would screw it up was very intense. I had an amazing time and it was one of those opportunities where we could never have known that it would blow up on such a big level. That was definitely a pinch me moment.” After a successful album, there is often pressure and expectations on the follow up release, which did influence Quin as she began writing. The sisters each write individually then meet in the studio to put the album together. “I always feel sort of stressed out that I’m not going to be able to write or that it won’t be as popular and cherished by the fan base. That kind of burns behind me all the time. I am always thinking about how to be better and do something fresh. On the other hand, I feel very confident about where we are at and that we are probably writing some of the best songs of our career so there is a confidence too. The writing process hasn’t changed much over the years. We have our go to routines. I like to write www.gaycalgary.com

 photo by Pamela Littky

at home and spend a few months really hashing out material and recording stuff and then send it to Tegan for feedback. We don’t do a lot of actual collaborating until we get into the studio. Then we will sing background harmonies on each other’s songs or throw down certain ideas. On this record Tegan let me fool around with her lyrics and tinker a bit. That allows us to have this time almost as solo artists and we get to have our own vision and then we go in and start collaborating and adding that Tegan and Sara sound later on. The first single Boyfriend definitely continues the sound and style of recent singles. “There are a couple of songs on the record that are strong contenders and will probably have their time on the radio. Boyfriend is what we like to call a first listen song, most people with one listen will get into it right away. I felt that lyrically it is very interesting and pretty on the nose for what is happening in the world right now. It is a straightforward pop song but also plays with this idea of gender and sexuality which are topics that a lot of people are having fun with in the entertainment industry right now.”

Tegan and Sara have spent the summer touring the world before launching their North American tour in Saskatoon September 9th. This tour took them to places like Taiwan and South Korea, showing that music is universal and can transcend language. “At the beginning of our career we had traditional ideas of where you went in your music career – London, New York, Berlin, LA. Those were the things I knew about touring. It is really only been in random situations that we have ended up outside of Europe, Australia and North America. With our last album cycle we were able to spend some time in Southeast Asia and China and the market is really exploding. There is a real excitement for western music. It feels really cool after so many years of playing music to go places that you haven’t been before. It is really different. English isn’t spoken there and in some cases we are not talking about alphabets its characters. It is one thing if you are in Germany or France and you can sort of figure out what things say or food is on the menu. It is a whole other thing to rely on pictures and hand signals to get around. I just love the travelling and new experiences and the fact that we can play shows there is such a privilege.”

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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

 photo by Pamela Littky

Also a privilege is coming home to perform. “We have always had one of our strongest fan bases in Canada, so touring and hanging out at home always feels really good. There is a vibe and social language that we have ingrained in us so it feels like some of our most poignant and intimate shows can be at home. As we have gotten older and had success outside of Canada it almost makes that connection even more special and important to us. It’s definitely the part of our touring cycle that we really, really look forward too.” There is a certain amount of pride in seeing someone from Alberta be successful. There also seems to some common traits amongst musicians that are born and/or raised in Alberta across genres. Whether an established artist like Terri Clark, Jann Arden and Paul Brandt or artists that have come on the scene in more recent years like Michael Bernard Fitzgerald or Rueben & The Dark, having a reputation of being a hard worker, humble, and often hilarious seems to be an Alberta thing. These traits are also found in the Quins. “We saw a real shift in the early part of our career with the rise of the internet. When we first started going down into the states people were acting like we were coming from a foreign planet. Oh my god you are from Canada? Do they have electricity up there? It was almost like people couldn’t believe that it was a civilized place. I think the boundaries of what is Canadian or American or British has become somewhat blurred. It is funny because I will be asked ‘what are your favourite Canadian bands’ and I have to think ‘which bands do I listen to that are Canadian?’ Music almost now to me doesn’t have an origin. When I meet Canadian bands and specifically Albertans that we have some 12

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common DNA. There is a sense of humour and level headed groundedness to people from Alberta. I feel really proud of that. Alberta is a beautiful and wonderful place to grow up and I like to think that sense of humour and hardworking attitude came from the people that we grew up with. Seeing people support artists from Alberta and Canada is something I feel very proud about when I go around the world and talk about it.” When Tegan and Sara perform for their “hometown” crowds at the BMO Centre in Calgary and Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, the setlist will primarily feature songs from the last two albums but will also have some fan favourites. “I think somewhere along the lines we figured out what is most satisfying for both the audience and for us is to play the songs that we know people want to hear. Sometimes when you start out you go I don’t care if people like this song, I like it so I am going to play it. Now I just want to make sure that people feel like they came and had an amazing night and heard the songs they love. That feels very satisfying. We try very hard to play something from every record. We did four warm up shows to test out the new stuff but we also changed some of the old material to sound a little more consistent sonically with the new album and it went over really well. People seemed to be really excited and I am looking forward to getting out and doing bigger shows and doing those songs. Over time Tegan and Sara have become less about their sexuality and more about their artistry. Both of them are still outspoken advocates for the community and continue to push for equality around the world. “I like to take an international perspective on the whole thing. Sometimes it can become too easy to become apathetic when things are better for one group of people. We were fortunate enough to be becoming adults and our career had started when the LGBT movement in Canada for same sex marriage and adoption and the inclusive language became law in Canada. We were very impressed with that and thought to ourselves we were not a part of that movement we are just benefitting from it. Let’s go down to the States and be outspoken and advocates and talk about how important these legislative changes are for millions of Americans. Once that started to happen it became what about these other countries we go to? Australia has kind of lame LGBT rights. What about Croatia? What about France? For us it is about our closeness to the LGBT community in being visible and able to talk about it and advocate for people. That has brought us a lot of purpose and comfort. When I was growing up there were a lot of people in my parents age group that were trailblazers in that community. People like kd Lang, Ellen DeGeneres, Melissa Etheridge, Elton John, Madonna – there was this whole generation that was either queer-friendly or queer. I was looking at our generation and going where are our queer people? To see so many bands and artists and actors coming out and being out it feels like there is real change happening. It is necessary because there are places all around the world that still need people like us be visible, inspire them and inspire change.”

Tegan & Sara http://www.teganandsara.com

Love You To Death available now October 7th Calgary – BMO Centre October 8th Edmonton – Shaw Conference Centre http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5272 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments www.gaycalgary.com

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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

Jeffery Straker

Audacious Authenticity

By V.N. Winnick A performing artist for more than a decade, Jeffery Straker’s indefatigable approach is paying off in a big way. With a bevy of awards and national TV coverage, his unique blend of folk storytelling and pop sensibility have made his music a hit with a diverse group of listeners. Amiable and outgoing, Straker was charmingly eager to share his thoughts on being out in the folk world; mixing idealism and the practicalities of the performing arts; and the occasional and unfortunate interactions of Facebook and Grindr. GayCalgary: For artists of about our age, it can be really tough to balance a creative passion, and more mundane things like eating and having a place to live. How did you walk that line, and what made you jump to full-time musicianship? JS: My job-job… I had an office job in Toronto and I worked in marketing for a big company, and in all honesty, it was a pretty good job… I probably could have done it for a very long time, but I guess I became really self-aware, and I was doing some deep diving

GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

of myself, and I was like, ‘I think there’s something else I could be doing that would make me even happier’, and that would be trying to do music full time. I started to see that the more I did it, the more ears were perking up, and I thought, ‘Oh, there is something here’, but the million dollar question is, how do you make that leap? What’s going to make you make that leap from the paycheque and the dental benefits to nothing? There’s no security on the other side!… So something has to be a catalyst to make that happen, and I had a really specific thing – long story short – I visited a great aunt in an old folks’ home… and she had Alzheimer’s, and that was my moment. I was like, ‘Aw, man; that might be me’. And it very well might be, and I just want to enjoy the road to wherever it is I’m heading, and I quit my job. GC: As someone who is unapologetically out, did you ever have anyone telling you, early in your career, ‘write songs this way’, or ‘don’t sing about this or that’? JS: One person did pull me aside, early on in the curve, and their advice was, ‘don’t be too gay; that’ll ruin your career’. I was kind of like, that seems a little lacking in integrity: to go up on a stage, or write a song, and hide who you are. Like, the whole thing seemed kind of ridiculous, and I kind of surveyed the crowd of other peer musicians, and most other people were like, ‘are you kidding? That seems like stupid advice’. In truth, one thing I have noticed, is that if I’m doing a show in, say, some arts council tour through rural prairie provinces, that are stereotypically less quote-unquote accepting, what I have found is that, A, that’s not true, and B, what people tend to gravitate to is honesty. The second I step on stage people can tell that I’m gay. Everything just connects a lot better when people feel like they know the [artist]. And it’s a weird thing out there in the air,

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but if you’re hiding something, even if people don’t know what it is, they can sense that you’re hiding something, and I think it’s absolutely pointless.

that some of these people have seen… I do find that those small gestures are doing something. If they’re opening a few eyes, a little bit, I think that helps. All that inching everything forward in tiny steps, all those tiny steps added up, make a leap. I think everyone has a job to make a tiny step. Yeah, I have a bit of a platform, and I do what I can do with it, but I also think everyone on our side has a bit of a job… I hear things like, oh, ‘walking down the street I feel nervous to be holding my partner’s hand’, or leaning into the kiss and, the truth is, if everyone did it, it wouldn’t be an issue… I know it’s hard, but it also wasn’t easy for the people in the Stonewall riots to do what they did. And of course, on the other side of the equation, of course straight people have a duty to be more open, but I kinda think the ones who are open to that sentiment are open already. There’s certain people that – no matter if you hit them with a rainbow-coloured baseball bat – they still wouldn’t get it.

GC: Speaking of authenticity, you have mentioned in the past that it really makes you grind your teeth when you hear a gay singer doing a very hetero song. JS: OH, it drives me insane! And there [are] a few out there who are doing it… One thing I find kind of crazy, too, is that there are some fairly wellknown, major-label Canadian artists who are clearly gay or lesbian, who have never officially come out, and that also drives me crazy, because I think it just does a huge disservice to anyone in the LGBTQ spectrum – it sends this big signal that ‘it’s not okay’, you know what I mean? Not saying it isn’t, but by not coming out, by not being forthcoming, it sends a weird signal. Obviously commerce plays into it, and people’s bank accounts play into it, but the whole thing seems weird. I don’t have an answer.

GC: But as you were saying, there are those people for whom you are their first exposure to a real live gay person. Don’t you think that there’s a group in the middle, for whom it’s just not on their radar?

GC: When it comes to dating, it’s kind of expected that gay men will put themselves out there, whether on Grindr or in another way – do you find that tough to manage when you have, for lack of a better term, a ‘brand’?

JS: It’s a survey of one, but every now and then, I get an email from such a person… Usually the way it’s worded is ‘thank you for being you, in the concert I just saw’. There are those people who are ignorant – not in any bad way of the word – but literally ignorant from lack of experience. So I have the opportunity; but I think many people have the opportunity to be a first

JS: I do have a profile on Grindr; I’m a pretty gardenvariety gay in that regard. That’s where the dating’s at – and I’m single – so I am looking to date. I have been sort of striking up chats here and there as I tour, but it is funny... often like three questions in, it’s like, ‘Oh, I know who you are’. I was on a date on Sunday, and we had a chat about this – he said that he thought it was odd that I had a profile but, thinking about it, figured well, of course – this is how people date. [But] I have noticed over the last, say, five or six years, the more you become known, let’s say, I think people become less and less forgiving. I have run into a couple instances on Facebook, where people have seen my Grindr profile, and have commented on Facebook with weird remarks. And if I wasn’t doing music, this would be a complete non-issue; no one would care. But because there’s this tiny ounce of people knowing me, it becomes a thing.

positive experience, for them to see, ‘Oh, actually these people aren’t monsters’.

Jeffery Straker http://www.jefferystraker.com in concert - Paint the Town Red, Edmonton October 7th, 20016

GC: It seems like, whether we want it or not, the world has put the onus on us – as queer people – to stake out our right to be who we are. Do you feel that more strongly as someone with this sort of platform?

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JS: I’ll go to places in Canada – I have played small towns and big cities – and sometimes I’m the first gay or out gay performer

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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

Community

 Empress 40 Mrya Maines and Emperor 40 Yeust Bobb

Edmonton Emperor and Empress 40 Reflect A Year of Imperial Glitz, Glam and Ham By Jessica Robb For the past 41 years the The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose (ISCWR), a registered non-profit society, have worked to raise funds for charities and other organizations to provide support and direct services to the LGBT+ community of Edmonton. The organization is governed by an executive board, whom are elected at an annual general meeting each year. The emperor and empress are the two highest titles within the court system, whom act as figureheads and are responsible for the organization of fundraising events throughout the year. Last month, His Imperial Sovereign Majesty Emperor 40 Yeust Bobb and The Empress Elect 40 Myra Maines stepped down from their positions, and reflected on their reign with the 40th Imperial House of Glitz, Glam and Side of Ham. Myra Maines, known as Michael Connolly, is no stranger to the ISCWR board. Since becoming involved in 2010, Connolly has held titles ranging from King of Hearts, Imperial Crown Prince 36, Imperial Grand Duchess 38 and, finally, empress. “In the middle of my involvement I did switch from being a bioperformer to being a drag queen. I couldn’t help it; the jewels were calling!” said Connolly. But be sure not to mistake him for a local parliament member. “One of my favourite memories was being introduced in the legislature by MLA Calgary Hawkwood. Being that we have the same name, [this] has always got a few chuckles, as we happen to be involved in a few of the same circles. After empress, though, I have no intentions of running for Legislative Assembly. I’ll stick with drag; he can have parliament!” said Connolly. It was after talking with a friend that Emperor 40 Yeust Bobb, known as Robert Contant, began his involvement with the organization nine years ago. He believes this year has marked a revived interest in the court system, and increased involvement by the community. “One of my goals was to inform and encourage the youth within our community to get involved

GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

with our organization. By their attendance at our events and meetings, I feel, this has been achieved,” he said. Fuelled by inspiration and determination, Emperor 40 Yeust Bobb and Empress 40 Myra Maines ensured that their reign was nothing short of dull. “This, like with any year, you have to have the determination to give back and work for the community,” said Connolly. “Through that work, I have been inspired by people I have met, and the feeling of being able to give back to the community that has given me so much.” Attending a number of balls that took the two from coast to coast, working with youth within the city, and fundraising – it is no surprise the year has left them feeling accomplished, humbled and enlightened. “As I supported and worked with other organizations in our community, I became aware that they are dealing with the same challenges as our court,” said Contant. The 2016 reign is one that both are extremely proud of. “This year was a very different year in the organization: we saw an amazing amount of growth and many new members,” said Connolly. Growth for not only the ISCWR, but also for the sovereigns. “I can’t stress enough how much this year has changed me, I believe, for the better,” said Connolly. “It has tested me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.” No reign, however, can be picture perfect. Emperor 40 Yeust Bobb and Empress 40 Myra Maines faced one major obstacle this year that both considered to be their biggest test. The hit the Alberta economy took this year was felt by everyone and, unfortunately, took a toll on fundraising efforts… but the duo continued to bolster a positive attitude. “Due to the economic times people can’t donate what they don’t have to give. But I have always believed – even if you give away $40,000 or $4 – that’s money that your charities didn’t have before,” said Connolly. After an incredible year of highs, lows and self-growth, it was on August 20th, 2016 that Myra Mains and Yeust Bobb stepped down from their positions. “Seeing your friends and peers help you celebrate your year warms your heart and lets you know that what you have done made a difference to someone,” said Contant. The emotional process is one neither felt they could fully prepare for. “I have stepped down from previous positions in the past, but I don’t think you are ever ready for the emotions,” said Connolly. “I just am making sure I have good setting spray and waterproof makeup.” Although the two no longer hold their titles of emperor and empress, both show no signs of slowing their involvement with the ISCWR. Contant plans to work alongside the new reign, in any way he can, and to attend courts throughout Canada and the U.S.; Connolly plans to relax and further his education and training, but promises that just because he is stepping down does not mean he is stepping away. Some advice for an aspiring emperor? “I always encourage people who ask about joining or running for titles to go to our webpage, as there is vital information about our organization, as well as the commitments involved with all positions,” said Contant. And for the aspiring Empress? “There is no handbook on how to be an empress; you just have to be you,” said Connolly. “Every year is different a different rollercoaster of challenges. You just need to hold on and be ready for the ride.”

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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

Hugh Looks Like a Lady

A-list rom-com’er on his early gay films, gender-bending youth and advocating for open relationships

 photos by Paramount Pictures

By Chris Azzopardi For more than 20 years as a leading man, rom-com vet Hugh Grant has been the object of many actresses’ (and, yes, even some actors’) affection. But get this: He’s also been an actress himself. As a kid, the actor’s feminine features earned him numerous lady roles in plays he and his classmates performed at London’s all-male Wetherby School. “This was a necessity,” he says of his gender-bending days. “It was dictated that some of us had to become little actresses and, yes, I was particularly moving as Brigitta von Trapp, one of the von Trapp daughters, in The Sound of Music.” The role, he enthusiastically notes, entailed a full-on drag transformation, with your mom’s ’90s movie crush “in a white dress with a blue satin sash.” You’re thinking: Is this really the same Hugh Grant who charmed Julia Roberts as a bookshop owner in 1999’s Notting Hill? Who was Sandra Bullock’s pompous boss-turned-lover in Two Weeks Notice? Who famously played Daniel Cleaver and swept Renée Zellweger off her feet in Bridget Jones’s Diary? Who danced down a set of stairs to The Pointer Sisters’ “Jump for My Love” in Love Actually and then won over Natalie (Martine McCutcheon) and everyone who wished they were Natalie? (Hey, that dance scene was epic.)

Did his femininity ever call into question his sexuality? He ponders before settling on a response. “No. They just thought I was a girl. I looked like a girl, let’s face it. I had long, very dodgy ’70s hair.” Fast forward 40 years and “I look like a scrotum now,” he zings. Yes, folks: Tell your mom that Hugh Grant thinks his face looks like a man’s genitals. When I assure him that his face is not scrotumlike, he replies in his dainty English accent, “Very well. Thank you for cheering me up.” Whether he truly agrees is uncertain, but now 55, the actor’s selfproclaimed ball-sac face makes a welcome return to the big screen in Florence Foster Jenkins. The actor portrays shoddy actor St. Clair Bayfield, who lets his equally-untalented wife, the film’s eponymous Florence, a well-intentioned socialite, believe she can sing. According to the Oscar-bound dramedy, which is loosely based on the real-life Jenkins, their marriage was open, and after tucking Jenkins into bed, Bayfield spent his nights getting frisky with a much younger woman.

Yup, same Hugh. Because before becoming the lady’s man he was, well, the lady.

“I think it’s certainly possible to love – to properly love – different people in different ways simultaneously,” he says. Suddenly realizing that statement is essentially a summary of his own romantic life, Grant unleashes a tickled laugh. “I’ve always been an advocate of that, and sometimes I think the only reason (director) Stephen Frears thought of me for this part was, he thought, ‘OK, who do I know who has a very unorthodox domestic life? Oh, Hugh.’”

“In my teenage years, I was very girly,” Grant says, “I remember when I used to go on a French exchange in Paris and all the locals called me ‘mademoiselle’ because they thought I was a girl.”

I joke that the film, then, is a documentary. He snickers and playfully agrees. The film’s subversive nature, he adds, may “speak particularly to the LGBT community.”

GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

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The topic of open relationships – or any union that breaks tradition, really – is one Grant’s clearly interested in speaking about, so he gladly elaborates: “I felt like the script and the film was kind of a celebration of unorthodoxy and of the very strange shapes that we fall into in life, in ourselves and in our relationships. It’s all great as long it’s done with passion and love, and so yeah, I think that’s what the film is.”

“We’ve had straight men playing gay men in romantic situations, but I’m struggling to think of an out gay actor playing a straight relationship in a high-profile film,” the actor says. Grant doesn’t come up with any names because they don’t exist. Yet, that is. “Yeah,” he says, optimistically. “I’m sure it’s coming.”

He’s not done with his telling discourse, fortunately.

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“I’ve never really understood why people should think men and women or men and men or women and women have to be in 40-year monogamous relationships and that that’s the natural state of human beings, because I’m pretty damn sure it isn’t,” Grant insists. “I think it’s just a social norm or the ghost of a religious norm being passed down, and I’m not entirely sure it’s a recipe for happiness.” The same could be said about Maurice, Grant’s 1987 film that brought the actor closer to the queer community after he portrayed Clive, a repressed gay man living in early 20th-century England. As Grant puts it, “My character ends up married and smug with a mustache, but you can tell everything is being bottled up.” To this day, the movie is held in high regard, mentioned alongside Torch Song Trilogy and My Own Private Idaho in Steven Paul Davies’ book Out at the Movies: A History of Gay Cinema as well as in Alonso Duralde’s 101 Must See Movies for Gay Men. For Grant, its legacy within the LGBT community is a revelation. “I didn’t realize that it had that status!” he says, laughing. “But I’m very pleased that it does, and I’m sure that (the book’s author) E. M. Forster would be very pleased that it does. After all, it was a novel he wrote and kept under his bed for many years, and it was only published after his death because he was too nervous of the law to publish it during his lifetime. I think he’d be pleased that it’s struck a chord now.” Several gay roles followed Maurice, including Grant’s turn as a gay director in the obscure backstage tragicomedy An Awfully Big Adventure, released a year after his big rom-com break in 1994’s Four Weddings and a Funeral. Earlier, in 1991’s TV movie Our Sons, the actor played Julie Andrews’ son James, the lover of an AIDS-stricken man. Reflecting on his gay roles from the late ’80s to the early ’90s, a time when taking on such parts could be considered taboo, he says, “Maybe it was considered fractionally more daring to do that, but it didn’t feel daring to me.” Though LGBT-themed narratives have thankfully evolved beyond AIDS as a death sentence (because it’s not) and forbidden love (because it doesn’t have to be), Grant contemplates whether an out gay actor could rule the same genre he did for over two decades. Is the world ready for a gay Grant?

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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

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Lifestyle

The HIV Vaccine Search

The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative marks 20 years By Oriol R. Gutierrez Jr. Mark Feinberg, MD, PhD, is the new president and CEO of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). He took over as head of the organization in September 2015. He leads a global team of scientists, clinicians and advocates in the search for preventive HIV vaccines that are safe, effective and accessible. Prior to joining IAVI, Feinberg was the chief public health and science officer for Merck Vaccines. He served 11 years in total at Merck & Co. in various leadership roles, working on the pharmaceutical company’s vaccine and infectious disease efforts, which included rotavirus, human papillomavirus, shingles and HIV. Most recently, he led the company’s efforts on a promising Ebola vaccine. Feinberg has more than 30 years of experience in HIV care and research. He was on the faculty at the University of California, San Francisco and the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. He was on the medical staff at San Francisco General Hospital and Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, and he was a medical officer in the Office of AIDS Research at the National Institutes of Health. What are your thoughts on IAVI marking its 20th anniversary this year? It’s both a chance to reflect on what the organization has accomplished, as well as to think about its future. This year also marks 20 years since the advent of effective antiretroviral therapy. Before IAVI, that was a time when the most effective approaches to treating HIV had not yet been codified. However, the discussions to create an entity like IAVI predated the biomedical success of effective therapy. IAVI is committed to the overall goal of ending AIDS. We recognize that AIDS will only come to an end if an effective vaccine is developed, but while that work goes on, every aspect of the response to HIV needs to be maximized. That includes getting as many people as possible who have HIV to know they have the virus and getting as many people with HIV on therapy as soon as they are able. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) should also be widely available. When an HIV vaccine is developed, it will coexist with other treatment and prevention modalities. That creates complexity, but it also creates opportunity and is a testament to how much progress has been made in 20 years. That said, the needs remain enormous. Most people living with HIV don’t know their status, most with the virus are not on treatment around the world, and most who could benefit from PrEP have no way of getting access to it. A vaccine would be the best possible solution to address a lot of the barriers that currently limit the impact of available interventions in protecting at-risk populations. A characteristic that distinguishes a vaccine from therapy or PrEP is that you can have a defined regimen of administration that would take place over a short period of time and would offer long-term protection. What is IAVI’s mission? IAVI is focused on the goal of developing an HIV vaccine. That includes work that we do in our own research labs and programs. But I think even more important than that is our commitment to maximizing the success of the overall HIV vaccine field. That means that we want to put in place resources that can support the work of investigators outside of IAVI, whether they’re from academic labs or government labs. One example of that is a service that we provide to investigators who don’t have experience taking promising ideas from the laboratory into the clinic. That involves all kinds of complicated issues, like properly manufacturing the vaccine candidate, assuring its quality, dealing with regulatory issues and designing appropriate clinical trials. Many of the most brilliant scientists don’t have that expertise and it wouldn’t be the best use of their time to try to acquire it.

What are some of IAVI’s successes? IAVI, our scientists and our collaborators have made major contributions to understanding the immune response in people with HIV and to using that information to guide vaccine development. In the course of that work, we have a much more detailed understanding of the structure of the key components of HIV that will likely be the target of protective immune responses, and we have a much better idea about how to design vaccines. Part of that work has led to the isolation of a series of monoclonal antibodies, both by IAVI and other investigators, that are now being explored for passive administration to prevent HIV infection. The goal would be to serve the same purpose as oral PrEP, but you might administer it once every three or six months via an injection rather than having to take a pill every day. There are lots of other, even more promising, antibodies including a number that IAVI and partners helped discover, isolate and characterize, that are also being explored as therapeutic or curative agents. Are there other interventions, including immunologic ones like broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, that could help promote clearance of infected cells that are not somehow reached by drugs themselves? Are there ways of activating the expression of HIV proteins that could then be targeted by immunologic intervention, such as antibodies, to work in concert with the antiretroviral drugs to cure people of HIV? And if it’s not a definitive cure, can you achieve a so-called functional cure? That exploratory research is going on. Why is this process so difficult? Developing an HIV vaccine or some modality to cure people of HIV is dependent upon solving many complicated – and currently incompletely understood – aspects of the biology of HIV infection. They’re much more complicated than anything the scientific community has ever been asked to solve for before. HIV causes an infection that the immune systems of people with the virus aren’t able to get rid of and persists in them throughout their lives. We don’t yet have vaccines that protect against infections the immune system itself is not naturally able to clear. Making an HIV vaccine means that we’ll have to do better than the immune system normally does itself. There are a number of exciting ideas about how to do that. Will they work? I don’t know. Is it important to find ways of testing them as quickly as possible? Definitely. The main barrier is the science, but other barriers relate to how effectively people work together to address complicated challenges like this one, which involves a long-term effort. It involves stakeholders from the public sector, the private sector, academia, government and nonprofit organizations. We’re gratified to see increased collaboration in the field. We want to do everything we can to foster that. What can individuals do to help? I started working in HIV in 1984. I had no idea at the time that I would be spending my entire career on it. This will outlast me for sure. One of the real challenges is the level of public attention to HIV has waned. Maintaining a durable commitment for as long as it’s going to take to get rid of AIDS is something that I think is an important area for advocacy, not only for IAVI. Individuals can make sure that the world doesn’t forget about the importance of continuing to pay attention to this issue. Continue to advocate for the development of new innovations. In addition, there is always the opportunity for participation in research studies. There’s a lot of work that will need to be done that will require clinical trials involving both people with the virus and HIV-negative people. Without the commitment of people who have been in clinical trials to date, we wouldn’t have the modalities that we have today.

We provide that as a function to investigators. In many ways, what IAVI has designed itself to be in 2016 is an organization that seeks to identify opportunities for greater collaboration in the field. And it seeks to both identify and solve barriers that exist. We are advancing candidate vaccines that have demonstrated promise.

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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

Gossip Rowan Blanchard taking a trip to A World Away What kind of teen actor comes out in the middle of her tenure on a popular sitcom? The kind who grows up in an accepting environment that lets her know it’s fine to be exactly who she is. And that’s exactly the situation 14-year-old actor Rowan Blanchard is in. She stars on Girl Meets World as, you know, The Girl, and this year she made the decision to talk about her queerness as naturally and easily as a human being should be allowed to discuss the subject. There’s already some fan discussion on whether or not her character on the show should also be allowed to come out (though if she continues to play a heterosexual teen, to paraphrase Jerry Seinfeld, there’ll be nothing wrong with that). But in the meantime, the kid has a movie career to kick-start. She’s starring in the upcoming adventure film, A World Away. The plot revolves around six kids who take a trip to the Grand Canyon, but who them find themselves in what is being referred to as “a whole other world.” So… Land of the Lost? With some dinosaurs? Talking cavemanesque friends? Wherever she winds up on screen, this young woman is clearly on her way. The Triumph of Colton Haynes

 photo of Sean Hayes, photo by KathClick

Deep Inside Hollywood ‘Hairspray Live!,’ Rowan Blanchard, Colton Haynes, Ingrid Jungermann By Romeo San Vicente Hairspray Live! adds Rosie O’Donnell and Sean Hayes to cast Sean Hayes will play the role of Hefty Hideaway Dress Shop proprietor Mr. Pinky and Rosie O’Donnell will play the gym teacher in NBC’s holiday season production of Hairspray Live!. The 1960s-set musical – based on the John Waters film – about a young Baltimore girl named Tracy Turnblad (newcomer Maddie Baillio) who dreams of appearing on, and then desegregating, a local TV teenage dance show, already features an enticing cast of queer audience favorites. Hayes and O’Donnell join Kristin Chenoweth, Dove Cameron, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson and Harvey Fierstein (who’ll reprise his Broadway role as Edna Turnblad). In the wake of the ambitious and wildly successful Grease Live, the live-musical-on-TV genre was put on creative notice, so expect a lot of extravagant, inventive staging for this one. And while we’re on the subject of Broadway we can flop on the couch for, we would like to request Grey Gardens, Fun Home, Hamilton, and possibly Carrie. Not necessarily in that order, mind you, but at least before and/or instead of Les Miz and Phantom. Please. 22

GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

You knew Colton Haynes from Teen Wolf. Then you knew Colton Haynes from Arrow. Then you knew him because he came out. Then you knew him from that wild, unscripted moment when Noah Galvin from The Real O’Neals attacked him in an interview for not coming out the right way (and, come on, this is a far preferable set of circumstances than trying to figure out who to fake-hetero-marry to keep your career intact). So now Colton Haynes is working on making himself known to movie audiences in the upcoming teen drama Triumph. Yes, that title is the essence of corniness, especially when you learn that the plot involves RJ Mitte (Breaking Bad), an actor with cerebral palsy, as a teenager who must overcome adversity, join the wrestling team, and win over the girl of his dreams. But we’re going to give all of it the benefit of the doubt, if for no other reason than it’s long overdue that Hollywood stopped being so horribly ableist all the time and gave some leading roles to guys like Mitte. Haynes, it can be assumed, will play a friend or foe of the hero, possibly a fellow wrestler, maybe someone’s parent (he is nearly 30, after all, and this is Hollywood). Whatever happens, we’ll be watching. Ingrid Jungermann takes F to 7th to Showtime You don’t know Ingrid Jungermann yet. That’s fine. You will. Her first feature, Women Who Kill, is bringing her film festival acclaim from Outfest to Tribeca, and her popular web series, F to 7th, is headed for Showtime. The half-hour comedy follows a young woman in her 30s navigating New York’s queer terrain, a cultural space where the old ways of being a lesbian have given way to newer understandings of gender and sexuality. The web series starred Jungermann – who has not signed on to appear on the Showtime version – and featured people like Amy Sedaris, Michael Showalter (Wet Hot American Summer), Gaby Hoffman, Olympia Dukakis and Janeane Garofalo. Jungermann will produce the adaptation alongside Showalter and lesbian filmmaker Jamie Babbit (But I’m A Cheerleader). It’s been way too long since Showtime gave us any women-who-love-women content to fill the dark, nonsense-shaped void left by The L Word, so really it’s about time. Hurry up and bring this to series, Entertainment Power Lesbians. We’re waiting.. Romeo San Vicente’s wet hot American summer is simply too wet and too hot for cable TV.

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Interview

Peaches Rubs Through Alberta By Jason Clevett It has been a busy year for Canadian born artist Peaches. Her album Rub launched in September 2015 and was shortlisted for the Polaris Prize. Just a few months ago she was a guest curator for the Sled Island Festival. Now in the midst of a world tour, she performs at The Needle in Edmonton September 25th and Commonwealth Stage in Calgary September 26th. On the line during a traffic jam from the airport in Chicago, Peaches was just a week removed from the debut of her latest video Sick in the Head. “The costume and make up idea was because I was working with this all girl tribute band called Black Sabbitch in LA. We did War Pigs for Halloween so I had that costume made. I thought it was a great look so I decided to team it up with something from my live show. I have this large inflatable that I walk over on the audience that is featured in the Dick in the Air video with Margaret Cho. This is shot in that, we blew it up and did live lighting with it. There is a very small hole so we decided the best camera to use was an iPhone 6 and then I just performed in the condom.” The start of the video features her putting in hair extensions, make up and getting dressed. It’s a look into her typical preshow routine. “Kind of like that except the hair extensions are glued in for good. There is no real big ritual just put on the makeup and get going,” she said, explaining she doesn’t need much to prepare mentally for her show. “I am singing the songs and get into it. Talking to you is different from being on stage when you are singing and communicating with 1000 or 5000 people instead of one on one. It is a different kind of communication in general.” The critically acclaimed Rub album was recorded over a year in Peaches garage at her house in LA. The result features songs that are both sexy and thought provoking. One of the standouts is Vaginoplasty. “I was starting to hear reports of really young teenage girls getting vaginoplasty because they were worried it didn’t look right or they were worried boys wouldn’t like what it looked like. I thought that was a horrible setback for insecurity of women and super dangerous and super unnecessary. There was a documentary that said it was 300% on the rise in the UK. The best part about this is they did a survey of men and they don’t really care what the vagina looks like as long as they can get it.” When not on the road, Peaches splits her time between Berlin and Los Angeles. “I like to just live in any place that will give me enough headspace to create. In Berlin it is a pretty safe city, you can walk everywhere or ride your bike and normal shit. It’s not too expensive and a lot is going on creatively in the arts. It’s not hype crazy it is manageable.” Peaches was thrilled to learn about recent safe space inclusionary steps in Alberta schools. As someone who has long been a proponent of LGBT rights she continues to watch the challenges and forward movement both in Canada and the USA. “We just see where people are at don’t we? We see very progressive ideas and very conservative ideas. It is growing exponentially in both directions so we just have to keep fighting the good fight,” she said, acknowledging that her music does impact people gay and straight. “Some people really need to know that it’s ok and feel comfortable in their own body. If my music can help great, I want to be inclusive.” www.gaycalgary.com

For her upcoming shows, expect a set list focusing on Rub. Peaches is thrilled to return to Canada with her show that has received rave reviews. She promises a memorable night. “It is very special. I have never played in Saskatoon or Victoria. With this album I am getting a bit more love in Canada then I have on other albums which is nice. Almost every song is from the album, it is based on this album. Just a very entertaining, fun and high energy show. It is something that you want to be there and experience because there are things about the show that will never be able to be experienced by watching it on the internet. Being there is a part of it.” In an industry that is often cookie cutter, Peaches stands out as a unique artist both in the recording studio and on stage. She’s definitely made a lasting impact on her fans and will continue to do so. “I just keep doing it. I don’t listen to people that tell me I am a one trick pony. I used to be seen as a weirdo and now apparently I’m important.”

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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

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Community

Shining Star

Local performer inspires Orlando community to keep dancing after Pulse tragedy By Chris Azzopardi Dance can heal, we know that. It can be a cathartic soulsoother, as it’s been, ironically, in Orlan-do after the recent June 12 Pulse Nightclub shooting claimed 49 lives and left the city, and the world, devastated and shaken and scared. It can heal people like Blue Star at the age of 4, when ballet classes fixed her “weird, turned-in legs,” and once again now, at 42, as a professional dancer who finds comfort in her art – the same art that has brought light to the Orlando commu-nity when it needed it most. “You look around,” says the out dancer, recalling the days after her space, The Venue, reopened, “and everybody is just smiling and having a great time and they’re loving the song and they’re dancing and they’re dancing.” In the hours and weeks after the tragic shooting, they kept moving only to stop to make noble contributions. Water, gift cards, paper towels, food. You name it. Blue, along with others in the community, organized the call for donations, putting together care packages for the victims, the victims’ families and Pulse employees, whom she calls her “family.” “I always say that I’m the facilitator of fun,” says Blue, affectionately known to the community as the “Mother of Burlesque,” “and I became a facilitator in another way. I had these volunteers show up, and it was amazing to watch that happen – my staff just pulling together. To be able to walk into a place that we established four years ago – you never know what you’re preparing for, but these last four years have really been preparation for what happened.” Since 2012, Blue has been the brainchild behind The Venue, a rental and performance establish-ment – a “safe space” for people to come together in artistic unity, or, yes, even to celebrate the impending birth of a newborn. Just a few miles from Pulse, on Virginia Drive, the space has host-ed a variety of gatherings, from cabarets and burlesque shows to baby showers and bar mitzvahs. But then the massacre happened, the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history, and suddenly Blue knew the community needed this space, which she says she “built with love.” Love abounded in the days following the incident, and The Venue was full of overflow from The Center, Orlando’s preeminent LGBT community organization. “From sunrise to sunset,” she remembers, “it was this ongoing energy field of hugs and donations and coping.” And healing. When Venue officially reopened the following Friday with a burlesque show, Blue recalls the vibe being “gentle.” “These four walls – that’s our imagination land,” she says, “and that’s where we get to get away from things. Unfortunately, that was taken away from (the Pulse victims).” After Pulse, Blue’s movement-oriented hashtags – #ArtHeals, #BurlesqueHeals and #HealingOr-lando – have helped mend the community’s wounds. “She’s sort of grassroots, low-budget while simultaneously shining like a diamond in both dance and song,” says Billy Manes, editor of Florida LGBT publication Watermark. “She’d just as soon play Donna Summer’s ‘On the Radio’ and lose her mind in the living room as she would kick a leg up, collapse and cry within the span of second on stage in front of hundreds. Blue Star is the real deal. “She has changed this town for the better. She’s changed me for the better.” www.gaycalgary.com

 Photo courtesy of Amanda Voisard

For Blue, her compassion for her fellow Orlando friends and “family” is a no-brainer. “You do what you’re supposed to do,” Blue says, simply, “and we are here to help one another and so I feel like it’s kind of just the way it goes. This is what you need to do and you’re gonna do it and then the next step comes and you’re gonna do that too.” Even before Pulse, Blue was offering hope in the midst of tragedy through other altruistic en-deavors. In 2014 she cofounded the Barber Fund, a grassroots organization established to assist men, women and children with cancer. The nonprofit is named in honor of Blue’s friend, the late John “Tweeka” Barber, who died of sinonasal carcinoma in 2011. The Barber Fund’s “One Love” slogan, inspired by a David Guetta and Estelle song of the same name, “has been so im-portant since 2011.” In recent months, following Pulse, “it’s everywhere,” she says. “When her best friend John ‘Tweeka’ Barber died, she gave her all to start the One Love Foun-dation to fund others who are dealing with the terrors of cancer. When the Pulse massacre hap-pened, she danced this city through its pain, showing up where necessary and never showboat-ing,” says Manes. “Blue is a sort of pivotal bar of light in Orlando, an insurmountable force of nature in her com-passion for others,” he continues. “You wouldn’t think a classically trained dancer with that smirk and wit would give a damn about anyone, but she gives all the damns.”

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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

Miami

Hotels and men

 Art Deco District Walking Tour, photo by GayCalgary

More photos and videos online: http://gaycalgary.com/a5281 

By Evan Kayne A long flight with a connection in Toronto meant a long day, but a reason to start the experience when I finally touched down. Arriving a little late for the cabaret act Blood, Sweat & Mouseketears, starring Lindsey Alley at the National hotel, I met up with one of my guides for the trip and the rest of the writers, and decided: I’m going to drink, eat and have fun regardless of how tired I am from my flight. Even in my state, I felt the excitement one has on visiting a place one has never been and, if I was to describe how Miami’s night looked to me even through tired eyes, “bright and electric” comes to mind. Pulling into the YVE hotel in downtown Miami, around midnight, I was looking forward to getting into a nice bed and relaxing. That is, after I removed from my bed the tourism information and gifts (Oooh! Tequila!) the hotel and my guests (the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, or GMCVB) had provided. Just from reading some of the tourism brochures and looking at my itinerary for the weekend, I immediately wished for another three, or even seven days. While it’s nice to come to cities for events like Pride and attend parties and events, I often think if you can afford it, take a few days either before or after a major event and explore the city – especially a city like Miami and the South Beach (SoBe). Exploring was of course on the itinerary. The community information tour with the LGBT Visitor Center and the World OutGames presentation I appreciated (given my past interest in community events here in Calgary). The walking tour of SoBe – amazing. I could probably take three tours and not learn enough about the architecture and history of the SoBe neighbourhood. This is the same neighbourhood featured in many commercials; in Miami Vice (TV series) and in The Birdcage, among others. Whether I was hitting the Deck Gardens at W South Beach hotel and consuming appetizers and drinks (and more drinks – however you did sweat off every third drink) for

GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

 Sights around Miami Beach, photos by GayCalgary

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 Sights around Miami Beach, photos by GayCalgary

the Pride Red Carpet kickoff event or talking to locals, or my fellow writers, there was always something going on. In a major centre like Miami, you get to see fashion you wouldn’t see in Calgary – from the numerous hot bodied guys to the sensationally be-frocked local drag queens, to the “Oh dear god someone tell those two the Jersey Shore look is NOT their friend” bad. I saw a gentleman with a strap-on gold fabric beard; if you have a moment, look up the amazing Lexx Effects Creative Costuming on Facebook and be amazed. In Miami, I experienced art, architecture and fashion, all in styles which paint Calgary kind of cold and sterile in comparison. Of course, there were the many beautiful men. Beautiful, shirtless, gay, and “dear lord the way he moves his hips when he dances” men. Unless you have a gym body and model looks, it’s a bit intimidating, but after awhile the beauty of the people becomes another colour in the rainbow palette of food, events and places you will encounter there. It does become hard to concentrate on one thing with all the colour and beauty around you. When I was at the Palace for the drag brunch, I got a bit dizzy deciding which to watch – the hot shirtless men or the drag performers putting on an incredible performance. On top of that, I had to review the food, so it was hard figuring out what to pay attention to – food, hot

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Tamara Bistro at the National Hotel

After spending six hours snacking on crappy airplane or airport snacks, I was looking forward to a great meal. The Tamara Bistro at the National Hotel provided welcome culinary relief. The setting of the restaurant was stunning enough – massive floor to ceiling windows overlooking an infinity pool and al fresco dining area – but most noticeable was the ceiling mosaic. An Art Deco scene done in the style of the famous period artist, Tamara de Lempicka, gave the restaurant its namesake. As we were ‘VIP’ guests, so to speak, most restaurants we went to would do special items, which may not be on the menu. The Tamara did a little of both – a few opening off-menu appetizers were presented to us, followed by the main courses which were items currently on their menu. Two memorable items were the Mahi-Mahi filet with mango and onion salsa and white rice, and the seared pork tenderloin with sweet mashed potatoes and bacon bits. The consensus around the table was that both the tenderloin and filet were impressive in taste and in presentation. Dessert was again off menu – chocolate ice cream with a macaron. Simple, but a great way to end the meal. International cuisine is the description they give for the Tamara; whatever they label it, it was delicious and a great introduction to Miami’s South Beach. Most nights at the Tamara, you can expect to be entertained. Their performers sing all types of music: whether it be jazz, blues, R&B, pop, rock, Spanish or Broadway. As we noshed, we watched many different artists get up and perform. The one who stood out was Victor Valdez. Both pianist and vocalist his range and knowledge of pop

Continued on Page 28   Food photos by GayCalgary

Continued on Page 28  www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

 Food in Miami - From Page 27 songs were incredible, and he took the time to connect to the crowd, taking requests and earning applause.

Biscayne Tavern at YVE Hotel The next evening (Friday) our group of international writers tried out the Biscayne Tavern, the restaurant in the YVE hotel where we stayed the first two nights. The description I was given on it was “Comfort meets style in Miami’s newest gastro tavern. Serving a variety of craft and seasonal ales, combined with irresistibly delicious updated takes on globally inspired classics, this is the new neighborhood gathering post.” I was kind of leery about this after being… well, I wouldn’t call it disappointed, but unimpressed by their breakfast buffet. It’s not like their breakfast was bad, it just wasn’t exceptional – we experienced confusion over billing, and the layout for a buffet breakfast was a bit crowded. Like I said, nothing really bad; just mostly forgettable. Anyhow – supper. Starting off with their Passion Fruit Margarita, again we saw an assortment of items on and off menu. We started with the Wedge Salad - iceberg lettuce, cherry tomato, Stilton blue cheese and bacon. The staff then brought out three large trays as a mini-buffet for our group. These appeared to be samples from the mains – fish and chips, chicken breast, steak, and shrimp scampi. The food was good, and definitely matches the “Gastro Tavern” style of dining they are aiming for. We finished off with a delicious cheesecake and more drinks. I’m kind of split on this… I do think the Biscayne Tavern has potential. After looking at the reviews online, the consensus is much the same – great location and nice space, however a little tweak here and there is needed to make this place pop.

Brunch and drag show at The Palace The Palace is the first and only gay restaurant/bar on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach; for 28 years it has continued to entertain countless men and women.  photos by GayCalgary

men, or show (I’d have to say the drag queens won out by the sheer quality of performance). The Pride Festival grounds at Lummus Park – well, it’s the same as many other Pride festival stage setups; however, since it’s a bigger market and American, there is a certain slicked packaged-ness to it. This isn’t a bad thing – especially since we had access to the carpeted and special VIP Only area, where we were first introduced to parade grand marshal Elvis Duran. He may not be known to Canadians, but to Americans, he is the host of the weekly morning radio program Elvis Duran and the Morning Show in New York on

Z100 – a show in syndication on Premiere Radio Networks and heard live in over 80 markets. Well known in the radio and music industry, Out’s 20th Anniversary Out 100 list in 2014 featured Duran as one of the most influential figures in the LGBT community, and getting him as the grand marshal, plus having Iggy Azalea as a parade special guest, was a major event for Miami Beach. I was amused how many times our group kept running into Iggy: first at the Dutch restaurant, and then dancing with drag queens at the W’s nightclub Wall. Yes, I took photos, but I’m usually non-plussed about celebrities. The only

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 Food in Miami - From Page 28 And wow… the Saturday we were there, I would say the ratio was more men than women, and this is where I really noticed the amount of yummy men in Miami – many of whom were shirtless. Of course, it wasn’t just the men in the cafe who were the attraction. The Palace had drag queens performing, and while usually this is something I can take or leave, the quality and skill of these performers tempted our focus away from the food. Selected from the Brunchic menu, three dishes were delivered to our table. Some selected the blueberry stuffed pancakes, served with blueberry sauce, bacon and scrambled eggs. Beside me, a fellow writer noshed on the oven roasted mini-lamb chops on a bed of couscous, while I chose the chicken salad wrap with cheddar Jack cheese. With the noise and the managed chaos of a show going on at a restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised at the service and the food. It’s easy to see why it’s busy here – everything comes together to create a memorable experience.

The Dutch – at W Hotel South Beach New York restaurateurs Andrew Carmellini, Josh Pickard and Luke Ostrom partnered up with long-time locals Karim Masri and Nicola Siervo to bring The Dutch, their SoHo hot spot, down to Miami Beach. We ate ‘family’ style at the suggestion of W’s Marketing Manager Michelle Rodriguez. Some, yet not all of the items pictured and consumed, include: • Sheep’s Milk Ricotta, Grilled Bread, Herbs. • Little Lobster Roll, Yuzu, Tobiko, Pickles. • Baby Kale Salad, Bailey Hazen Cheese, Radish, Brown Butter. The Dutch was possibly one of the best dining experiences I have had in a while. The service was professional – not intrusive – and while my clothing strained at all the food, my taste buds regret nothing. And I haven’t yet gotten to describing dessert: a little bit of everything to satisfy the sweet tooth: steamed lemon pudding; roasted pineapple; banana ice cream; chocolate on chocolate; devil’s food cake with chocolate milk ice cream; churros; doughnuts; funnel cake. Even now, I’m drooling, just remembering the desserts. For a restaurant the quality of the Dutch in a hotel like the W South Beach, it could have been an intimidating atmosphere; fortunately, everything from the service to the cozy design and space, made you feel welcome. Hotel restaurants are often forgettable, unless they really screw up or really go over the top. The Dutch is definitely a place I would recommend. You will pay around $150 for a night out there; it is money well spent. The one downside to all the great food and parties during the day was that for breakfast at the Dutch, I was barely awake, so both mornings I went for simplicity: the yummy breakfast burrito, with egg, chorizo, and pico de gallo. I did get to try a bite of banana-walnut French toast and smoked maple syrup courtesy of Andreas, one of the other writers, and while I have never liked French toast, this dish would get me to reconsider… especially with the smoked maple syrup. This is to regular maple syrup like the Lamborghini Aventador Superveloce Roadster is to a Ford Focus.

The Sugar Factory at Hotel Victor The Sugar Factory, located in the Hotel Victor on Ocean Drive, is part of a small chain of restaurants, which usually means it will suffer compared to other restaurants on my trip. That being said, if you’re out with a group of friends at the right location, even a chain restaurant can be fun. When the server showed up with goblet-sized alcoholic drinks chilled with dry ice, on a patio facing Ocean Drive as the Pride Parade passed by, well, one must make the effort to have fun. The various drinks we had – including a peanut butter cup chocolate martini – were delicious, sweet perfection. As for the food, it wasn’t pretentious – this restaurant knows what it is – a little bit of a greasy spoon mixed with a lot of sugar. If you’re looking for comfort food and aren’t diabetic, this is the place. The presentation of the desserts was exceptional; unfortunately, by that point we could only nibble as we were all about 20 calories away from a food coma. This was  photos by GayCalgary

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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

 photos by GayCalgary

joy and panic I had when we were in Iggy’s presence – and I had to ensure I snapped a great photo of her with fellow writer Luis from Argentina. I know how some people enjoy meeting their idols; for me it’s more interesting seeing their joy even if I’m ambivalent. We saw her again at the PreParade VIP reception Sunday at TD Bank. Yes, TD Bank…America’s Most Canadian Bank…er, sorry, convenient Bank. Once I stopped arching an eyebrow over that slogan, I was proud to see TD is continuing its support of the LGBT community in the United States. With Iggy attracting attention, it distracted us from some of the interesting local residents, I only realized later. I did manage to take a picture of the beautiful Kalah Mendoza, 2016’s reigning Miss Miami Beach Gay Pride, and I also got a chance to talk to someone who has long helped the gay community in Miami Beach: Michael Aller, a.k.a. Mr. Miami Beach “The First Gay Man on Miami Beach”. He has been here for 50 years, was one of the first men in the Pride Parade, and is still going strong as the Tourism and Convention Director at the City of Miami Beach. I’ll have to be honest and say I didn’t get much of a chance to watch the actual Pride Parade because I was busy being overfed at the Sugar Factory, but we have gotten some photos courtesy of the GMCVB.

 Food in Miami - From Page 28 a pity because the meal ended with a bang as they brought out their “World Famous Sugar Factory King Kong Sundae”. At $99, it feeds 12, and comes equipped with lollipops and sparklers. While I can still hear my pancreas screaming “NOOOOOO!” (along with my pants) it was a fun afternoon.

Bâoli Miami “The Bâoli Group features three high standard gastronomic venues: Bâoli Cannes, Bâoli Beach (France) and Bâoli Miami. Each transforms into a partying paradise where conviviality reigns in between the stars and the international jetsetters” – Bâoli Group website. When we pulled up to Bâoli Miami, it conveyed nothing special… almost ‘blink and you’ll miss it’. Even as you walk down a narrow hallway and spill into the main dining area, I wasn’t blown away. Then we turned and sat in the outdoor courtyard, under trees lit up with strings of lights, while we were serenaded by live jazz music mere meters away from our table. Bâoli Miami combines exceptional Asian Fusion with great service in a beautiful space. This night we were fed with some of the following dishes, all of which I would have again in a heartbeat: • Sake Maki Roll: peppered salmon/ cream cheese/cucumber/avocado/serrano pepper/onion/ponzu/yuzu tobico • Hamachi Sashimi Tacos • Marinated lime yuzu yellowtail/ guacamole/radish salad • Roasted Beets: delicately sliced beets/mizuna salad/feta cheese/wasabi dressing/pumpkin seed • Organic Airline Chicken: goma miso sauce It was a nice contrast to the Sugar Factory – the portions were certainly more sensible, and while the former was sunshine, playfulness and laughter, Bâoli, like the Dutch, conveyed a ‘Moment in the Garden’ experience for me. If I could but stay in this restaurant – eating, talking to friends, drinking, as jazz music played under a starry sky – for years, I would. The service was great, the ambiance better, and the food outstanding. I would have to say that out of all the restaurants, Bâoli and the Dutch were tied for best though, truthfully, I didn’t have a bad meal in Miami at all. http://nationalhotel.com/food/tamara/ http://www.biscaynetavern.com/ http://palacesouthbeach.com/ http://thedutchmiami.com/ http://www.sugarfactory.com/miami http://www.baolimiami.com/  photos by GayCalgary

GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

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Art, Architecture and Miami Not the cowtown fare http://gaycalgary.com/a5283 Hailing from Calgary, where any public art is debated, mocked, and defended, to see the art and beauty in Miami so ubiquitous – to the point it becomes background noise – is quite the contrast. Case in point: hotels. Upon my arrival to the Florida ville, I had a quick tour of the historic National Hotel. Located in South Beach’s celebrated Art Deco neighbourhood, they recently renovated with 116 newly built city and direct ocean-view guestrooms in the historic tower, as well as 36 luxurious cabanas and suites, skirted alongside native tropical palm trees and Miami Beach’s longest infinityedge pool. Thanks to hotel management, our group of writers did get a tour of one of the cabanas facing the pool. The design of the room could be called “Dixie Wetsworth from ‘Cabana Chat’ on MadTV meets Edith Prickly from SCTV” as they were a bit heavy on the leopard and animal patterns, yet the look was pulled off with hints of style and opulence. Unfortunately, due to my late evening arrival and exhaustion from the flight, the National’s architecture didn’t register as much as it should have, especially after viewing their website’s gallery of pictures. I would have loved to have had the time to see it during the day. A somewhat close comparison of a hotel, built around the same time and in the same area, would be the Tides South Beach. On our walking tour of South Beach (see below) it was a hotel whose exterior definitely caught my eye, and rightly so, given its nickname ‘The Diva of Ocean Drive’. A newer hotel we toured, W South Beach, made up in artwork what it lacked in history. Yes, I know…most hotels have artwork, it’s nothing exciting – except when the works are Andy Warhols. In addition, many of their public areas were stocked with art and uniquely designed furniture; essentially a decadent touch of surrounding guests with art. On some level, immersing yourself in art and experiencing the architecture of a place like the South Beach instills the feeling you are walking through art and, by extension for a moment, have become part of it.

Friday – Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) One of the highlights of the trip, both for me and our group of writers, was the Art Deco District Walking tour. It’s an introduction to Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern (MiMo), found in the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District.

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 photos by GayCalgary

Regarding my lodgings, YVE first. For downtown it’s fine; it’s functional. Most downtown hotels usually provide good service and, unless you want an executive hotel for fivestar service, that’s all you need. The room was a decent size, well organized, clean, and adequate with a nice view of the Biscayne bay and area. The style of the lobby and rooms is ‘urban chic’, and a walk around the neighborhood reminds you that you’re in a downtown of a metropolis… there’s nothing much to do within walking distance – unlike SoBe. Yet, that being said, whether it was the downtown neighbourhood or just my excitement, I would have to say the YVE did exude a sense of electricity. Now the W hotel South Beach: $pectacular, $tupendous, and $pecial. Food, staff, artwork, layout, view, pool: all amazing. Yes, it’s expensive – it is a high-end hotel – yet you don’t feel like it’s shoved in your face. The presentation of the hotel was, to me, very welcoming. It’s a resort hotel and, quite frankly, amazing enough to make you think you’re in

a gay version of a James Bond movie, where he’s off to some exotic location. Coming from Calgary, it was an exotic location and, as such, there was a bittersweet note to my trip as it was way too short. I got a chance to dip my feet in the ocean, and walk along the beach back to W hotel, yet there were so many other activities I simply did not have the time to get to. If you get a chance to go, whether it be “just because it’s there”, for the White Party in November, for Pride, for the World OutGames next year… whatever your reason, go and spend it wisely in the beautiful city of Miami.

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 Art in Miami - From Page 31 Started in the mid-1970s, the founders of the MDPL worked to identify a concentration of 1930s buildings in South Miami Beach the group felt could be a historic district of 20th Century architecture. By the late ’70s, this area known as the “Art Deco District” or “Old Miami Beach”, was recognized as the U.S.A.’s first 20th Century Historic District, after being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As historic places sometimes attract those in touch with culture, consequently, it has seen its share of renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Bruce Weber, Chirsto and Jeanne-Claude. It was used as the backdrop for many episodes of the 1980’s TV series Miami Vice, fashion photo shoots, and in movies like Robin William’s The Birdcage. To a certain degree, this neighbourhood has become ingrained in our ‘cultural subconscious’; walking through it you feel flashes of familiarity.

 Photo: © Julio Le Parc / Atelier Le Parc

Our tour mostly touched on styles of architecture (Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco, and Miami Modern a.k.a. “MiMo”) and the great thing about the tour – especially as it hugged Ocean Drive – is that we really didn’t have far to walk to discover, photograph, and discuss the different styles and the history behind it. Our guide, Rick Baugher, was well versed on the history of the buildings, and also the history of the community itself; how back in the 1980s and 1990s, it was very much the gay neighborhood. “We were actually referred to as the Greenwich Village of the South… because it was very, very gay. I was here and there were 11 gay bars. We ran this place. It was really amazing… then the millennium came and changed things.” After 2010, there was a lot more integration with the straight community, some conflict, and sadly, large portions of the gay community migrated to Fort Lauderdale. From 11 it’s now down to two gay bars. There are ‘gay friendly establishments’, but only the two fully gay bars, Twist and Score. It’s a sad yet familiar refrain heard from many cities with shrinking LGBT neighbourhoods.

 John Ahearn - Double Dutch, 1981/2010

 Matthew Ronay - Yellow Imperishable, 2015

Saturday – Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

For this event, I really regretted having to follow a timetable. I always find museums and art galleries reflective places: even if I don’t “get” all the artwork within, I always enjoy what the artists are trying to communicate in their works. Visiting the PAMM was amazing; having only a few hours to experience the reflective nature of art was not. Located downtown in Museum Park, Pérez Art Museum Miami is dedicated to collecting and exhibiting modern and contemporary art of the 20th and 21st centuries. The PAMM also boasts an attached restaurant – Verde – which, sadly, we did not get a chance to dine at. A pity because, besides the sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, the food was rumoured to be quite good. I would guess if you really had the time, the best way to experience the PAMM would be to leisurely saunter through the exhibits for two to three hours and then enjoy a slow meal at the restaurant. Some other time, I hope. Finally, my weekend ended in a blast of music, fashion and colour at the late night Macy’s Men Music Fashion at ICON Nightclub. Armed with two cameras, I was disappointed I couldn’t get any better shots of Taryn Manning (“Pennsatucky”) from Orange is the New Black performing. I did get lots of photos of the various drag superstars modelling, and some of the men… I’m not sure I know what they were modelling, because I was enjoying the spectacle too much. All I can remember is bright colours, fantastic styles, and shirtless men which, if not the main theme of my Miami trip, was certainly a significant part of it. WEBSITE for the National Hotel http://nationalhotel.com/ Friday – Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) http://www.mdpl.org/welcome-center/visitors-center/

 Robert Rauschenberg - Aria (Scenario), 2006

Saturday Perez Art Museum Miami http://www.pamm.org/

GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

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LGBT Visitor Center in Miami Beach And the 2017 World OutGames http://gaycalgary.com/a5284 Being a tropical coastal city, with a vibrant LGBTQ community, Miami and the beaches is one of the top LGBTQ destinations in the world. Travel is a great adventure, and while it is fun to explore a city on your own, sometimes you want a resident of your destination city to advise you on where to go and what to see. The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) LGBT Visitor Center, located in the historic Old City Hall building in Miami Beach, is a great community resource available for LGBTQ tourists travelling to the Florida hub. The LGBT Visitor Center provides a place for you to feel welcomed, and is a great resource if you need information about the South Beach, Miami and Miami are. They can also assist with any last minute needs, such as hotel and excursion reservations, and make recommendations about dining and attraction options available to you. For locals, it’s also a place of community, information and resources. The LGBT Visitor Center offers weekly support groups, including: Narcotics Anonymous and Smart Recovery; yoga and dance classes; educational workshops; and an array of social events. Furthermore, when our group of writers toured the center and spoke with MDGLCC President Steve Adkins and Executive Director Lori Lynch, I had a chance to discuss the political evolution of LGBTQ rights in the U.S.A., as compared to Canada. Consequently, I was referred to Tony Lima, executive director of SAVE. SAVE is recognized as South Florida’s leading organization dedicated to protecting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender against discrimination. As a group of international tourists, we were curious to see how local LGBTQ Miami residents respond to some of the over-the-top reactions the Republicans and right wingers in the U.S. have to even a hint of equal rights for LGBTQ citizens. It is disheartening to see the ‘religious liberty’ bills enacted in state after state, but Tony and his team have advocated for equal rights for persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities since 1993. They work to change opinions by building community consensus, educating the people of South Florida about LGBT issues, and supporting political leaders committed to ending LGBT discrimination. Getting that conversation rolling and changing peoples’ minds is important, not just for everyday life, but to make LGBT guests welcome in the city for special events. Case in point: in little under a year, there may be a lot of tourists using the LGBT Visitor Center and running into SAVE members, as the 2017 World OutGames comes to Miami Friday, May 26th, and continues through Sunday, June 4th, 2017. Stopping into the Miami Beach Convention Center, I had a chance to discuss the ongoing expansion and, more importantly, the 2017 World OutGames coming to Miami, with several members of the Miami OutGames organization. Sadly, all renovations won’t be complete until 2018, but the east side of the convention center will be fully renovated and ready by the time of the games, which is good, given the size of the event. They are expecting 15,000 participants to compete in 38 sports (size-wise, it’s comparable to the Olympics; in some areas numbers even exceed them). While the Games will primarily be a sporting event, they will additionally host a choral competition, band competitions, a film festival, art exhibits, concerts and theatrical performances, as well as an integral human rights conference May 26th to 28th. Labelled ‘The World OutGames Miami Global Conference on Human Rights’, this conference is planning to arrange for the most powerful global gathering of internationally respected human rights activists, researchers, legal scholars and organizations to descend on Miami and share experiences, victories and plans for the road ahead. The oceanfront location of Lummus Park (where the 2016 Miami Beach Pride placed their main stage and vendor’s area) will become Festival Village during the OutGames. The village will host an abundance of vendors and endless entertainment. Of the community organizers I spoke to, the feeling is this might help reinvigorate the gay community in the South Beach… many of whom have left for Fort Lauderdale in the past few years. The website is still a little empty in spots of information, but expect more details to be revealed as the dates grow closer. I definitely would suggest you book your hotels now if you’re planning on going. If there are any athletes in the Calgary area attending, please let us know as we may consider doing a profile. Websites: Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) LGBT Visitor Center http://www.gogaymiami.com SAVE - http://www.save.lgbt/ Miami World OutGames May 26-29, 2017 http://www.outgames.org/  photos by Juan Saco Mironoff, Miami-Gay-Blog.com

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Pure and Simple Dolly Country Icon comes to Alberta By Jason Clevett I Just Love You Pure and Simple. Pure and simple and sublime. Dolly Parton’s music has always been about love. For decades she has captured our hearts whether it was a song about a mother’s love (Coat of Many Colours), romantic love (Islands In The Stream) or losing love (I Will Always Love You.) With her 43rd album Pure and Simple Parton returns to her roots. A stripped down show is also what fans can expect when Parton brings her Pure and Simple tour to Calgary September 16th and Edmonton September 17th. “I just wanted to do a plain and simple album. We decided early on that we were going to do a tour. We did production and calling the tour Pure and Simple and I didn’t have time to do an album but we needed one. It’s my 50th anniversary this year so I wrote an album of love songs. Since they were pure and simple in their nature it seemed just natural to scale it down and not have a big production. A lot of the songs sound like my early productions and a lot of people seem to like it,” Parton told a media conference call recently. “I’d like to think that my old fans will like it and I will pick up some new ones. I wasn’t going for a different sound. I just wanted a pure and simple sound reminiscent to the songs I did early in my career.” The album shot to #1 on country charts around the world, showing that fans both old and new have clicked with Pure and Simple. One of the standout songs is I’m 16 which Parton feels would make a great music video. “We have not done any videos or even talked about it yet. We are on tour. I think they have recorded me singing on stage and they might put that out as a video. Once the album comes out and we see what people are responding to and if they decide to play some on the radio then we may do a video based on that. There is one song on my album that would make a fantastic video which is I’m 16. I had the most fun writing that song. I based it on one of my sisters who had gone through some bad relationships and thought she was never going to find true love. Of course she up and did and they act like they are 16 years old. I thought what a cute idea, love is so rejuvenating and makes you feel young again. When I was writing it I thought Oh my lord this would be the greatest video ever! To get a bunch of old people thinking they were still young and dressing in poodle skirts and doing the jitterbug but then have a young couple flashback to where they are skinny dipping and doing all the things kids do. There is a line it goes to show you’re never old unless you choose to be. I’ll be 16 forever just as long as you love me. That would make a good video.” When the reporter suggested the video would include some senior citizen nudity, Parton’s musical laugh echoed over the phone. “I’ve got my giggle box turned over,” she said, instantly charming everyone. Parton’s charm, along with her songwriting ability, is one of the keys to her longevity in an often harsh industry. Just like our first interview with her in the November 2009 issue, Parton is a pleasure to talk to. For many the connection also lies in her longstanding support and love of the LGBT community. “I would like to think they know I love them and accept them. I have a lot of gays and lesbians in my family and in my businesses. I don’t even think about if you are straight or gay, I love you because I love you and I think people respond to that. Everybody should be allowed to be exactly who they are and love who they love. We are all God’s children and have the right to our own happiness. I’ve been loved for being accepting I guess. I have been persecuted for the way I look. I just care about the soul and the heart of people,” she said. Country music fans (and stars – Blake Shelton has recently been

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taken to task for some homophobic remarks for example) aren’t always known for being open minded, something Parton hopes will change. “What really gets me is there are so many country people that are supposed to be good Christian people. If they would exercise more of what the bible says – to love your neighbor and not to judge – God is the judge. There is room for everybody to be more accepting of all people. There is so much prejudice in this world. We are all God’s children and should love and accept one another. People should get over themselves and think about what would make this world a better place. A good place to start would be to allow people to be free and happy in their own selves. I can’t imagine that you can be happy judging and criticizing people.” Whether it is Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, kd Lang or current country artists like Taylor Swift, female country artists often have a strong connection to the lesbian audience as well. “Music speaks to all women. We are women in this business and my songs are very positive towards women and to do what you want to do. Just the fact that we are hanging together doing our thing, the stories and emotions are things we all feel whether we are gay or straight.” History will be made this weekend. Dolly Parton will be the second performer at Edmonton’s new Rogers Place arena – the first being Keith Urban. Parton was excited to perform in the new venue as one of the first to grace its stage, stating that she has visited friends in Edmonton many times and loves Alberta. Reviews for the tour thus far have been glowingly positive. “Knowing that I’m going to be performing in a new building, I’ll try to just work extra hard and make a special memory for all of us. People just seem to love (the show.) It seems like a more intimate setting and they can hear me better because there are not a lot of distractions. We are focused on each other and I am enjoying it. I love singing with great musicians but I don’t have to sing hard. It has been a very pleasant and enjoyable thing.” Staying healthy on the road is a challenge for the confessed potato fanatic. “When I am on tour I have to try and stay on a low carb diet and I am a big eater. I have to stay in my stage clothes. On days off though I am a big junk food person. Potatoes are my weakness, every diet I ever fell off of has been because of a potato in some form. I have always got to have my starches like macaroni and cheese that are comfort foods. I am short and older and don’t get as much exercise as I should so I have to balance it out because I have the tendency to get fat if I ain’t careful cause I’m little. I eat the potatoes on my days off, everybody seems to think that I spend a lot more energy then I feel like. I am just an active person and kind of hyper and in motion all of the time. Hopefully I burn off some of the stuff I eat on those off days the next night.” 36

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In a disappointing trend, more and more current artists are playing 80 or 90 minute shows it is incredible to see established artists play for 2+ hours. Preparing for a tour mentally and physically at 70 is a challenge as well as deciding on which songs between the new album and her many classics is really difficult. “I love doing shows and the audience gives me a lot of energy. The hardest part of doing a show is actually working it up and deciding what you are going to do. I still love it like I always did and pace myself pretty well. I try to choose the songs based on the dynamics of the show and keep the energy level at a good pace. I love to tell stories and place them throughout the show so we are all in it together. I base some of my talking on the audience, I can tell if they are into the stories and will talk more if they are more into the music I will do less talk and more music. If you are in tune to your audience you will do a good show.” It is clear in her shows and in speaking to her how much Parton still loves all of this – performing, her interactions with fans, and even doing press – something that is becoming rarer among artists at her level. Although this is Parton’s first large scale cross Canada tour in decades, one can hope it is not the last “I love it as much as the day I first performed. I really can’t tell you how I love to do it now and how important it is. I want to do this forever. I recognize the number of my age and so I ain’t got as much time as I used to have so I want to make the most of every single minute. I will never retire. I hope to drop dead in the middle of a song on stage in the future. I really do love it because time is precious and I have accomplished so much. I have to be responsible for the dreams I dreamed of accomplishing. I don’t ever want to be slack or take that for granted and I am so appreciative to the fans and grateful to god for that opportunity.”

Dolly Parton http://www.DollyParton.com Pure and Simple available now On Tour September 16th – Calgary – Saddledome September 17th – Edmonton – Rogers Place http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5262 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments www.gaycalgary.com

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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

A Moment with Meryl

Acting luminary opens up about being ‘in love with gay people,’ the Snapchat conundrum and her beloved LGBT roles

 photos by Paramount Pictures

By Chris Azzopardi Meryl Streep is laughing her signature laugh. You know it: Sometimes light and airy, sometimes a surge of boisterous euphoria that carries well into the next question – but always unmistakably Meryl. Cinema’s grand dame cracks one of her warm, famous chortles during our recent interview, while entertaining the idea that her latest chameleonic role, as real-life opera diva Florence Foster Jenkins in the movie of the same name, could once again spur drag queens to emulate another one of her queer-loved characters. Then she laughs again as she fondly remembers locking lips with Allison Janney in 2002’s The Hours. Meanwhile, the mere mention of 1992’s Death Becomes Her has Meryl unleashing a hearty roar. Another laugh, too, when she ponders how sexting and Snapchat are related. Gay audiences know this laugh because they know Meryl Streep. They also know her compassion for LGBT issues, both as an extension of her queer-inclusive acting repertoire and more explicitly, when, during her Golden Globe acceptance speech in 2004, she slammed then-president George W. Bush by condemning his anti-gay marriage stance. They’ve learned the art of shade from her sharp, searing tongue in The Devil Wears Prada, and they live for all the campy one-liners in Death Becomes Her. And during Angels in America, HBO’s 2003 watershed miniseries about the AIDS crisis, they wept. Now, Streep, 67, sheds her skin once again to portray Jenkins, one of the worst singers in the world. In the poignant dramedy Florence Foster Jenkins from Stephen Frears, director of The Queen, the esteemed once-in-a-lifetime luminary plays a 38

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wannabe opera singer with a voice so hysterically appalling her loyal husband (Hugh Grant) bribes critics into letting her think she can sing. Here, during this rare and revealing one-on-one conversation with Streep, the three-time Academy Award winner and record holder for most Oscar nominations discusses why she regards Angels in America as one of the most important LGBT-themed films she’s done and how she feels about gay men performing Meryl monologues. And looking ahead, is the biopic queen ready to consider her own story becoming a feature-length film in the future? Streep laughs at the very thought, of course, but she’s not kidding when she says, “I hope I fade into oblivion.” GC: You’ve given the gay community a breadth of greatness over the last four decades. When you look back at your gay roles, which has been the most important to you? MS: Oh, gosh. To me, I mean, Angels is such an important piece of history, and I felt really lucky to be part of that because I don’t think there was anything like it before. It really felt like being at the Democratic National Convention in the moment that Hillary shattered the glass ceiling – a big deal. The Hours was important too. And of course I got to kiss Allison Janney, which was a perk! (Laughs) GC: Don’t tell Emma Thompson, who famously tongue-kissed you and gave you an orgasm in Angels. MS: (Laughs) Yeah, right! (The Hours) was nothing like that! GC: I remember Emma talking about that kiss in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. She’s very proud of it. She said she learned that “you have to use tongues even if you’re not a lesbian.” www.gaycalgary.com

MS: Oh yeah, you really do. (Laughs) GC: When you look back at that moment, how does your takeaway from that kissing scene compare to Emma’s? MS: It’s just, you can’t take the baby from the bathwater. You can’t. It’s just the whole thing of it – that (orgasm scene) was just like the culmination of it. But what (screenwriter Tony Kushner) was doing was for a really mainstream HBO audience at that point – just groundbreaking. That hadn’t been on television. Movies, yes. But not television. So it was very cool. GC: You discovered you were a gay icon in 2012, when you found out about Streep Tease – gay men taking on Meryl monologues in West Hollywood. Did you ever get a chance to see it? MS: I didn’t. We went immediately to London to shoot something else. GC: How do you feel about watching other people – gay men, for instance – do Meryl? MS: I love it when they do other people! (Laughs) I don’t know. I’m sure it would tickle me, but I’m just not – I don’t have a distance on myself yet that I probably should have. It’s like when my kids imitate me. I laugh but I kind of don’t like it. (Laughs) GC: Do they imitate you often? MS: Oh my god, yes. Endlessly. Especially when I answer the phone and they can tell that it’s (me pretending to be), like, a Jamaican operator or something, because I sort of start talking in the accent of the person I’m talking to. Oh, they’re merciless. GC: Do you feel a connection to the LGBT community?

MS: I just can’t remember when LGBT people were not in my life. You know, gosh. My piano teachers when I was 11 and 12 were two gay men in a little town in New Jersey who had a collection of Mexican art and piñatas and silver lantern covers, and their house was wonderful, not like anybody else’s house in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. And yeah, I came of age when everything was kind of opening up and that’s a good time, right like now. This film harkens back to the ’40s when communities were kind of cloaked and undercover, and yet in Greenwich Village and just communities of people in the artistic world, they were always embracing of people, every kind. That freedom – very staid people were drawn to that world because of its imagination and exoticism and willingness to embrace life in a different way. GC: How do you think the message of Florence – doing something you love because you love it and not because of what other people think – will resonate with the LGBT community? MS: Well, to the extent that anybody tells you that you can’t be a certain way or you shouldn’t be a certain way. You know, I think the limits other people put on you are the least valuable. A child announces who they are and people who encourage them are the ones to be around... and you have to get rid of everybody else who doesn’t help! (Laughs) I feel that way about everything, but certainly LGBT audiences will understand that. GC: In 1979, when you played a lesbian in Manhattan, being LGBT wasn’t cool. Why did you take on a role that might’ve been deemed “too much” during that time period?

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 photos by Paramount Pictures

MS: I didn’t think of it that way. I mean, I was coming to movies sort of sideways from the theater. I got an early movie and I thought, “Well, this is a one-off; they’ll never ask me again.” I was fine with that. I was happy in the theater. And in the theater I had lots of gay friends and my longtime collaborator Roy Helland is gay. I’ve grown up with gay people and been in love with gay people. GC: Romantic love? MS: Oh no, not that kind! GC: I mean, I know women who’ve had gay boyfriends and gay husbands. MS: No, no. Well… not that I know of! (Laughs) GC: If you were to play another lesbian role, who would be your dream co-star? MS: Oh, well, someone younger, clearly. (Laughs) GC: But who? I mean, you and Sandra Bullock have already had practice making out at the 2010 Critics Choice Movie Awards. MS: Yeah! That was famous. But I don’t know! I can’t pick! There are so many. One thing I think is, there are so many young talented actresses and actors. I grew up in a time when people emerged – like, there were a handful of people. Now, there’s like 35, 40 people who are just beyond talented, and because of the opening up of long-form television and all the other platforms – webisodes and things like that – I think there are more opportunities for people to demonstrate their talent. There are so many talented people. GC: And streaming – I heard you say you’re learning about it. MS: Getting on that, yes. Not really. (Laughs) Somebody told me that I Snapchatted but I don’t know how to Snapchat and I thought it was the thing that you do when you’re sexting sort of and then you want it to be erased. I didn’t know what they were talking about! GC: It’s very confusing out there, Meryl. Stay in your bubble. MS: OK, fine! (Laughs) GC: Emily Blunt said she’s interested in doing another Devil Wears Prada if everybody else returns. Would you be interested in doing a sequel?

MS: In theory. But the heart sinks until you read the script. It’s like, somebody said (they want a) Mamma Mia 2! and it just – ack! I thought, Gram-Mamma Mia!? Really? No. (Laughs) So it would depend on the script; the script is everything. If somebody has the imagination and wit to apply and has an interesting story, yeah, sure. But absent that, no. GC: Your gay fans wouldn’t mind, I’ll tell you that – as long there’s a solid script, of course. MS: No, I wouldn’t mind either if the script were good. GC: Your Death Becomes Her co-star Isabella Rossellini said that she didn’t know she was making what became a gay cult film until after some market research. When did you realize Death Becomes Her would become a gay cult classic? MS: I knew when I met the writer! (Laughs) When I met Martin (Donovan), I thought, “OK, here we go.” And then (when I sang) my first number, I thought, “Oh, all right, I’ll see this in a club somewhere.” I mean, with lines like, “Now a warning?!” – I mean, come on! It was so much fun, and it’s sort of a documentary on aging in Los Angeles now, it seems to me. GC: For years you’ve been playing real-life people: Julia Child, Margaret Thatcher, now Florence Foster Jenkins. If one day there’s a Meryl Streep biopic, what do you hope it captures about your life and career? MS: I hope that doesn’t happen! You know, I treasure my life and the fact that it’s not on Facebook, and I really love my solitude and privacy – all these old-fashioned concepts. In a job where I’m with hundreds of people all the time and going on these press things, I just really love to get away and not be in the chattering world. That’s really important to me. So, I hope I fade into oblivion. We rode in from the airport and Roy – my hair and makeup guy – pointed out the Will Rogers museum here in LA that’s closing and I said, “Why?” He said because nobody knows who he was and nobody cares, and there was no more central figure in his time that could sort of translate the best of the wit and charm of his era. So, you know, then it’s over. He’s gone. Nobody cares. GC: And you’re OK with that happening to you? MS: Yeah, I’m fine with that! (Laughs) I seriously feel like you can only speak to your moment, and right now your work should reflect it. Your work has to just be important right now. And in 10 years if it looks obsolete or like you were overdoing it, that’s fine, because for that time you were.

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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

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Photography A Midsummer’s Night Wet Dream at Evo, Edmonton

Mama’s Gin Joint Grand Opening, Edmonton

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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

Photography Great Canadian Bear Weekend IV, Edmonton http://gaycalgary.com/pa1193

GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

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Photography PURE AQUA IGLA 2016 Closing Party at Starlite, Edmonton http://gaycalgary.com/pa1205

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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

Photography International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics 2016, Edmonton http://gaycalgary.com/pa1198

GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

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Photography

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Photography ISCWR Coronation XLI at the Ramada, Edmonton http://gaycalgary.com/pa1207

GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

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Photography

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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

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GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

News Releases LGBT Cartoon “Doc and Raider” Celebrates 30 Years of Publication Sean Martin’s long running LGBT comic strip, “Doc and Raider” (http://docandraider.com),... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2259

Social Media and Dating Meets Live Cam - for the Gay Male Market

How to bring innovation in the adult industry? A totally unique LiveCam – Social Media – Hookup / Dating and forum platform is... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2266

Nadkins Celebrates Men’s National Grooming Day Exclusive Sale on Nadkins, Personal Hygiene Wipes Manager Inc.’s Nadkins, the world’s first 100%... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2260

Celebrate the Sweetness of the Jewish New Year with Delicious Recipes from Kosher Taste Cookbook

Author Amy Stopnicki shares her formula for culinary success in her groundbreaking cookbook: Plan, Prepare, Plate. The Jewish... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2261

NSFW - ANAL SEX BASICS: A new book featuring The Equal Opportunity Orifice

According to the US National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (NSSHB) 40% of women and men aged 25 to 49 have engaged in anal... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2262

NSFW - Bruno Gmünder - Book News in September 2016

New in September 2016 from Bruno Gmünder Group. Click on photos for more info on each book. Visit their website today! http://www. gaycalgary.com/n2263

Edmonton Expo adds stars Stephen Amell (Arrow), and more to 2016 event

Expo to celebrate 5th Anniversary September 23-25; one of the fastest growing pop culture events of its kind in North America... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2267

Where to dine in Calgary for Pride 2016

To help the thousands of hungry Pride 2016 attendees who will soon be descending upon Calgary, OpenTable has crafted a guide to... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2268

Calgary Pride on a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the Parade

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New Cookbook Brings Family and Friends Together at “Our Table” A tavola in Italian means “at the table.” The table is where we gather to talk, to socialize, to catch up, and most... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2270

Premier Rachel Notley to attend 2016 Calgary Pride Parade

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Alexander COBB® presents Alan in gym wearing swimwear and underwear

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BORDER2BORDER ENTERTAINMENT tees up new documentary I’M A PORN STAR: Gay4Pay

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BOOK: The Transgender Teen

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News Releases Pride Week Coverage: ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW returns to Globe Cinema

Canadians Walk to Raise Money in Support of Those Living With AIDS

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Calgary Pride - Join us at the 2016 Pride Parade, Sunday September 4th

Netflix Signs Streaming Rights For Oriented, A DocFilm Chronicling the Lives of Gay Palestinians

CUFF, Fairy Tales and Hole in the Wall Studios partner for another edition of ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW during Pride Week For...

Scotiabank is proud to once again be the title sponsor of the Scotiabank Aids Walk, taking place this month in 28 communities...

This Sunday, tens of thousands of Calgarians are gearing up to celebrate Calgary Pride 2016 – with the largest Pride Parade our...

Oriented...

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Jack’d Urges Gay Men To Cut the B.S.

NSFW - Steam Room Stories: How to pick up guys

Launches New #ChangeTheGame Campaign, Challenging Preconceived Notions of What It Means To Be Gay Jack’d, a leading gay...

Do pick up techniques really work when it comes to scoring a date or a hook-up? The latest episode of Steam Room Stories explores...

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OUTtv’s Latest Original Drama #STI Premieres on September 11, 2016

Study: Budweiser Drinkers ‘More Approachable’ Than Wine Lovers

“Why do beer drinkers get chatted up more at bars?” To put this anecdotal observation to the test, Budweiser launched...

OUTtv is proud to announce the premiere of its latest original drama #STI. #STI features the stories of distraught patients recently...

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car2go Confessional - Pride 2016

OpenTable Announces 100 Best Restaurants for Foodies in Canada for 2016

For Gay Pride car2go decided to do something a bit different and turn one of their signature cars into a “confessional.”...

Restaurants from coast-to-coast make inaugural list of Canada’s greatest gastronomic destinations As executive chefs and restaurateurs...

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Directory & Events DOWNTOWN CALGARY

11 16

10 12

6 15

1 8

4 5

1 2 3 4

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

5 6 7 8

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

9 10 11 12

FIND OUT!

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

Bars & Clubs (Mixed)

LGBT Community Directory GayCalgary Magazine is the go-to source for information about Alberta LGBT businesses and community groups—the most extensive and accurate resource of its kind! This print supplement contains a subset of active community groups and venues, with premium business listings of paid advertisers. ..........Wheelchair Accessible

These venues regularly host LGBT events. 7 Broken City  613 11th Ave SW  info@brokencity.ca  http://www.brokencity.ca

 403-262-9976

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

 403-233-7550

13 The Pint-----------------------Bars and Clubs 15 The Blind Monk--------------Bars and Clubs 16 Backwards Nightclub---------Bars and Clubs

Community Groups Alberta Society for Kink

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

Apollo Calgary - Friends in Sports

 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.

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

10 Flames Central----------------------------  219 8th Ave SW  403-935-2637  http://www.flamescentral.com

• Western Cup

 403-543-6960  1-888-543-6960  magazine@gaycalgary.com

11 Local 522----------------------------------  522 6 Ave SW  403-244-6773  http://www.localtavern.ca

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

http://www.gaycalgary.com/CalgaryTravelRSS http://www.gaycalgary.com/EdmontonTravelRSS Local Bars, Restaurants, and Accommodations info on the go! http://www.gaycalgary.com/Directory Browse our complete directory of over 750 gay-frieindly listings!

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

 209 - 10th Ave SW

16 Backwards Restaurant and Nightclub----  628 8th Avenue SW  587-352-2582  staff@backwardsclub.com  http://www.backwards.club

www.gaycalgary.com

4 Texas Lounge  308 - 17 Ave SW  403-229-0911  Open 7 days a week, 11am-close 6 Twisted Element  1006 - 11th Ave SW  403-802-0230  http:.//www.twistedelement.ca

12 Ten Nightclub (closed)  1140 10th Ave SW

 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 13 The Pint  1428 17th Ave SW  calgary@thepint.ca  http://www.thepint.ca/calgary

 403-384-9777

14 Night Owl  213 10 Ave SW  http://www.vinylandhyde.com

 587-224-5200

 http://www.westerncup.com

• Badminton (Absolutely Smashing) • 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

 golf@apollocalgary.com

• Lawn Bowling

Bathhouses/Saunas 5 Goliaths  308 - 17 Ave SW  403-229-0911  www.goliaths.ca  Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

 lawnbowling@apollocalgary.com

• Outdoor Pursuits

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

• Running (Calgary Frontrunners)

 YMCA Eau Claire (4th St, 1st Ave SW)  calgaryfrontrunners@shaw.ca East Doors (directly off the Bow river pathway). Distances

GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

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

• Slow Pitch

 slow.pitch@apollocalgary.com

• Squash

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

• Tennis

 tennis@apollocalgary.com

• Yoga

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

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.

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

At 5 Goliaths

 Calgary Contd. vary from 8 km - 15 km. Runners from 6 minutes/mile to 9+ minute miles.

 2nd

See 1 Calgary Outlink

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

See 1 Calgary Outlink

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

GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 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 16 Backwards Restaurants and Nightclub--- See Calgary - Bars & Clubs (Gay). 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 Mama’s Gin Joint  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

Book Worm’s Book Club

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

InQueeries

Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose

Living Positive Society of Alberta

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

• HIV Support Group

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

Men’s Games Nights

 Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street)  780-474-8240  tuff@shaw.ca

OUTreach

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

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

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

GayCalgary Magazine #153, September 2016

Directory & Events DOWNTOWN EDMONTON

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

3 Buddy’s-----------------------Bars and Clubs 4 Mama’s Gin Joint-------------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

See 1 Youth Understanding Youth

Mondays

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.

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 #153, September 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 Mama’s Gin Joint 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 #153, September 2016

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 sales people, 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 #153, September 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 nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 #153, September 2016