GayCalgary Magazine - March 2017 by GayCalgary Magazine

MARCH 2017

® ISSUE 158 • FREE The Voice of Alberta’s LGBTQ Community

Interview with

LISA LAMPANELLI

Dolly Parton

on her LGBT kinship

Alexa Heart

openly trans cosplayer

PLUS:

Travel - Phuket, Thailand Interview - David Khan Indigo Girls • Chi Chi LaRue ...and more!

Business Directory

Geisha Vi

Scan to Read on Mobile Devices

Community Map

Calgary • Alberta • Canada

Events Calendar

a woman of style and taste

Tourist Information

STARTING ON PAGE 53

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GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

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Table of Contents

Mercedes Chris Azzopardi, Allen, Chris JasonAzzopardi, Clevett, JDDallas Davids, Barnes, Kelly Dave Ernst,Brousseau, Keith Johnson, SamEvan Casselman, Kayne,Jason Lisa Lunney, Clevett, Andrew Steve Polyak, Collins,Romeo Emily Collins, San Vicente, Rob Diaz-Marino, Mars Tonic, Janine and theEva LGBT Trotta, Community Jack Fertig, of Calgary, Glen Hanson, Edmonton, Joan Hilty, Evan Kayne,and Stephen Alberta. Lock, 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.

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 E-Mail: magazine@gaycalgary.com Sales & General Inquiries

Thisand Month's Cover GayCalgary Edmonton Magazine Main: Lisa Lampanelli, photos courtesy of Lisa 2136 17th Avenue SW Lampanelli.Calgary, Top Right: Parton, photos AB,Dolly Canada by Webster Public Relations. T2T 0G3 Mid Right: Alexa

Heart photo by Thomas G. Ricks. Bottom Right: Vi. Office Hours:Geisha 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 and Christina Aguilera courtesy of Sony Pictures; Annie Lennox courtesy of Mike Owen; Rex Goudie.

Proud Members of: Proud Member of:

Men For Men BBS – What Gay Geeks did in the early ’90s

11 Urinetown The Musical

PAGE 16

Writers and Contributors

7 Publisher’s Column

14 Alice In Wonderland by the Alberta Ballet

16 Yes, They Can (and Did)

Indigo Girls Emily Saliers and Amy Ray look back on ‘fearful’ coming out, talk new music and how art will affect the Trump era

21 In our Community

David Khan, Alberta Liberal party leadership candidate

22 Hold On to Your socks or These Ladies Will Knock Them Off Interviews with Alexa Heart and Geisha Vi

e n zi

25 Activist Basics for the Trump Era 26 Deep Inside Hollywood

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Greg Berlanti, Rowan Blanchard, Amy Schumer, Chloe Grace Moretz

28 The Heart of Excellence LGBTQ+ Awards Brings History Back to Life

30 Interviewm with Chi Chi La Rue

PAGE 22

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

MARCH 2017

PAGE 13 PAGE 21

Rehab Was Great

32 Phenomenal Phuket Journey to Thailand’s Island Paradise

National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association

PAGE 22

International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association

Gay European Tourism Association

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GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

Table of Contents  Continued From Previous Page ®

PAGE 30

39 My 11 Minutes with Dolly Parton

Queen of Country on inspiring gay family members to come out, her LGBT kinship and ‘queer’ introduction

44 Double the dirty

‘Queen of Mean’ Lisa Lampanelli talks unamused lesbians, drag inspiration and how to survive Trump

48 Queer Eye

PAGE 39

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53 Directory and Events 58 Classified Ads

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

Total Readership of PDF/ISSUU/WEB

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

Proof of monthly figures are available on request. Originally established in January 1992 as Men for Men BBS by MFM Communications. Name changed to GayCalgary in 1998. Independent company as of January 2004. First edition of GayCalgary.com Magazine published November 2003. Name adjusted in November 2006 to GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. February 2012 returned to GayCalgary Magazine. February 2013, GayCalgary® becomes a registered trademark. December 2014/ January 2015 is the last print edition. February 2015 is the first digital only edition.

Disclaimer and Copyright Opinions expressed in this magazine are specific to the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of GayCalgary staff and contributors. Those involved in the making of this publication, whether advertisers, contributors, or the subjects of articles or photographs, are not necessarily gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans. This magazine also includes straight allies and those who are gay friendly. No part of this publication may be reprinted or modified without the expressed written permission of the editor or publisher.

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

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Monthly Online Magazine Readership:

History

50 News Releases

Magazine Figures

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Editorial

 Scourge from the original Transformers

 Men For Men login screen

Publisher’s Column

Men For Men BBS – What Gay Geeks did in the early ’90s By Steve Polyak

As part of our 25th anniversary, I should talk about what things were like when I first started Men For Men. When I bring it up in public, some people look at me like a deer in headlights, but it is a pretty important part of gay culture – especially the gay geek culture. Back before the Internet became accessible to everyone, when there was no Scruff, Grindr, Bing or Google, it was not very easy to find things about being gay as a teen. Growing up, going through the Calgary Catholic School System, I knew from experience to stay away from talking about it. It was bad enough to be teased by students in junior high who suspected that you were gay, but when I talked to the school counselor about being teased, he just told me to lift weights. Since I did not have weights, he suggested weight lifting buckets of water. Yah, that did not happen. I knew that I was attracted to guys in grade 7, but outside of that, I knew very little about it. Instead of worrying about getting teased and bullied, I concentrated on computers. There was no such thing as GSAs back then; the books in the school library did not offer anything positive about being gay. So, sitting in the computer lab, being a geek and learning everything there was to know about computers, was a great way to avoid the bullies and learn things for which, in the end, the bullies would come to you for help. I had my own key to the computer room for all of junior high. I would stay in the lab so late that the janitors would need to let me know they were leaving, and about to alarm the school for the night. As I was exploring what you could do with computers back then, I came across this wonderful world of Bulletin Board Systems (BBS). My parents got me a modem for my Atari 8-bit computer and it was like a huge door opened for me. BBSs were run by computer stores, libraries, computer groups or home computer hobbyists. They allowed people who could understand how to use the software and the technology to send messages to others on the system, download public domain software, get drivers or software updates, or play online games. Throughout high school I continued to hide away in the computer lab but, on evenings and weekends, I got a job working computer retail in Chinook Centre. Working in the store expanded my computer knowledge exponentially. The store had a BBS at one point – 68000 Mice, which ran on an Atari ST computer – and I

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GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

 From Previous Page volunteered to get it back up and running. I wanted to see what it was like on the other side of the system. While running 68000 Mice, I started meeting other people that ran BBS. They were called SysOps which was short for System Operators. These people were like the early Web developers. I did not find anything local for gay BBS, but as phone number lists were being created, I noticed that there were some gay BBS in the U.S. That is when I started to explore being gay using computer tech. Exploring my sexuality this way was much easier and less embarrassing than going to the Calgary Public Library, which I was also doing, but taking out the books and returning them was a challenge. Hiding the books from my family was not easy either. I was not over 18 and accessing adult material; but when you are in a world where Sears catalogs were not enough, and you could not buy material from a bookstore or a magazine shop, you really had no choice. I couldn’t afford expensive phone bills for calls to U.S. chat lines. Digital cameras did not exist at that point, so people were not swapping personal photos on BBS. But I did get to read things about the gay community, leave messages about my sexuality, and download scans of gay porn magazine spreads. One of the BBS that I frequented was Studs Net out of San Francisco. People that were on BBS had handles and never used real names on most of them. My handle was Scourge, which I still sometimes use online. I know it is a weird handle, but being a young gay geek, it was from the Transformers Movies and TV show. Scourge is a Decepticon, which is one of the bad guys. But the out of all the transformers, he had a goatee and the Decepticons seemed to have a what I figured out years later, more leather rough and tumble/ daddy/S&M/bondage type feel, where the Autobots were your more typical gay man. Over a couple of years, more local BBS started running. When a person ran one, you had to worry about the cost of the additional phone line you needed to be dedicated to the system, which was at least $35 per month for residential. Today, that would be worth

Online Last Month Creep of the Week Samuel Rodriguez

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The OutField

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Creep of the Week Gordon Klingenschmitt

Something truly terrible happened in Minnesota. An elementary school teacher and his husband were busted for having sex with underage teenagers and filming it. Once they knew... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5466

The Frivolist

8 Pieces of Ridiculous Relationship Advice You Should Disavow

Another Valentine’s Day is sneaking up on us, and if you’re currently in a relationship, you’re probably acting a little more lovey-dovey than usual. There’s nothing wrong with... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5468

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The Colson Center for Christian Worldview

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GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

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How to Increase Your Home’s Value Before You List It

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Creep of the Week Mat Staver

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The Frivolist

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When you grow up in Minnesota, you play hockey. If your family is “masculine and sportsoriented,” you play lots of other sports too. Ryan Adams was a hockey player,... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5504

Should You Bring in a Professional Stager?

When you and your real estate agent are preparing to sell your home, one of the most important tasks is to make sure it looks amazing. Potential buyers are going to start making...

 Back side of “trick” cards about $58 per month. So, it was something the SysOp needed to factor in alongside of a dedicated computer. After I turned 18 I noticed there were BBS in Calgary for the Gay Community: there was Tiger BBS, run by DJ Krazay Steve off his Mac; The Rainbow Connection BBS, run by J. Steve Mayo and Brent Rector, on a PC; Upper Echelons BBS, run by Chris McBrien, also on a PC. There was also a BBS in Red Deer called Eridu BBS, run by James Heggie, on PC. I decided I would join them with Men For Men BBS in 1992, running on my Amiga computer. Since the computer could multitask, I could run the system easily in the background while using the computer for other stuff. While running 68000 Mice, I had started to create a list of BBS in Calgary, and adding to it Men For Men BBS and these other gay BBS was my way of finding out if customers in the store were gay or bi. When I had started Men For Men, I had not stepped foot into a gay bar or met in person local gay people whom I knew were openly gay. I was not out of the closet other than to a couple of close friends. Working in the store is when I met DJ Krazay Steve, whom was the first openly gay person I met. Men For Men let me, as a shy gay geek, finally start interacting directly with gay men. As I handed out the list to the customers, it also let me know which customers were homophobes, by the comments they made when they saw Men For Men listed. It also let me know who was gay friendly, which helped me come out of the closet to some close customers. Since guys were required to use their real name to get adult access, and send in a photo copy of their driver’s license, I also came across guys I had gone to school with, teachers and school counselors who had become part of the BBS. It was an eyeopening experience; I would have never guessed that these guys were gay or too scared to come out when we were in school. The BBS also had a lot of closeted married guys on it. When I spoke to them, it was pretty much the same story: they felt parents and society put them in a position where they were forced to hide their sexuality and follow a straight, married lifestyle. A lot of them had children, and the thought of divorce to break up the family was not an option. They were happy that the system existed; that they could interact with other guys without outing themselves. As Men for Men picked up in popularity, I needed to add phonelines. I had to change over to business lines to be able to get a series that would automatically move callers to a line that was not busy. That is when Men For Men got the phone number 403-543-6969. GayCalgary’s voice line is 403-543-6960, which was originally one of the numbers that modem callers would call. Each phoneline was, back then, $65 per month. Now that would be $95 per month, and I had four lines! Studs Net BBS, which was

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GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

 Close-up of Scourge

 Front side of “trick” cards the largest gay BBS in the world, boasted 24 phonelines and over 50,000 members. I can’t remember how many members I had in the end. I would have never expected that I would be writing about the system in a magazine. Alongside chatting with other guys on the system and playing the online games, the x-rated photo galleries were very popular. Hard drives were not cheap back then. I remember selling a brand-new Quantum Empire 1GB drive for $1000. Now it would be worth about $1500. So, to help the BBS get around hard drive space limitations, we used a six CD Disc Changer from Pioneer. We could load the CD caddy with six CDs filled with either shareware or freeware downloads or x-rated images of guys on a 650MB CD. Only one CD could be accessed as a time, so the BBS was set up to automatically swap the CD out and copy the specific file temporarily to the hard drive for the user to download. I knew BBS that had several of these changers. Nowadays, you can get a 10TB drive for less than $800! To get the four phone lines, I needed to move the system from home down to Boyztown and the Rekroom. The BBS ran out of

GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

the Rekroom office, eventually hanging from the ceiling on chains. Having the system there made it easy to set up standalone computers throughout the bar: two for the Rekroom and two for Boyztown. They could not connect to anything but the Men For Men System and the computers were all running off of 3.5” floppy drives. Even with the BBS running out of home, I would still find myself in front of the computer when I was not at my job. I would be there when the staff would arrive first thing the in the morning, and leave at the end of the night. People could be drinking and partying away in the bar, where I would be doing updates on the BBS or adding new content. The only time I would be out in the open was to use the restroom or grab a drink from the bar. Users from the system who wanted to pay for access to additional features, which helped cover some of the costs of running the system, could also pay in the Rekroom. This way I did not need their ID; they would already need to be over 18 to get into the bar. Men For Men “trick” cards were placed throughout the bar, so guys could write down contact information of guys they want to hook up with. Men For Men Fridays became a weekly event to help bring those guys out from behind their keyboards to finally meet face to face for a drink. Everyone used handles online; it took a while to learn everyone’s names. Most of the time, guys were still using their handles while talking to one another. These events helped me become a little bit more social. Internet access was still pretty new, but dial up connections started being possible, so guys were finally able to access Internet Explorer or Netscape. For the system to get a dedicated connection, I needed to get an ADSL connection with Cadvision, which required a year payment upfront. Once I had a connection up and running, I added access to the BBS to allow users to come in using an internet feature called Telnet. That is also when the Men For Men, Rekroom. com and GayCalgary website were set up as portals to access the BBS. Eventually everything, terminals included, was converted over to be Internet only and the BBS was turned off. I could have continued pushing the gay dating hook-up features of the BBS, but didn’t have the time or the energy; larger companies from the U.S. were coming into play. I was also happy that Men For Men/GayCalgary was becoming more a resource and community portal. When I started Men For Men, it was supposed to be a hobby, with the additional bonus of learning more about computer and technology while exploring the gay lifestyle. I did not think it would have become what it is today. BBS pretty much disappeared in the late ’90s, though the software I was using was still being developed until 2006. There are even some underground BBS still available on Telnet. I have had requests to get the system back up and running: I have everything so it is possible to pop it online and see how it would work with today’s tech. It is also interesting to see how apps like Grindr, Scruff, Growlr or websites like Squirt and Manhunt, have overtaken gay bars in terms of meet ups. I always tried to get both sides to connect – to give those who were shy and in the closet a reason to make it out

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Review

Urinetown The Musical By Lisa Lunney

Concordia University proudly hosted a production of Urinetown, The Musical in the Al and Trish Huen Theatre with multiple performances throughout March. Urinetown has a reputation as being a much-lauded, irreverent contemporary musical satire. It certainly holds true to its colourful reputation!

 Advertising for Men For Men

Urintetown was staged by acclaimed Edmonton actor/ director, Michael Peng with musical direction by Kim Cosineau. In a dystopian near future, decades of drought have created water shortages so severe that private toilets have been outlawed. An evil corporation runs all the public amenities in the city; corrupt policemen govern and enforce harsh laws forcing the people to live without hope. All is grim and gloomy until we meet an unlikely hero. Bobby Strong, a custodian, finds the courage to lead the people against the tyranny they are experiencing. Bobby and the catharsis he brought to the performance oddly inspired me. Unlikely for a comedic musical! About the musical part, I should address that: I normally dislike musicals, yet the musicality of Urinetown was a delightful mix of social satire, romance and humour. It certainly wasn’t the typical ‘musical’. This performance was a labour of love, without the collective hard work of the theatre community it could not be possible. Betty Kolodziej, who recently created the costumes for CUE’s, A Midsummer Night’s Dream designed the costumes for this performance. Resident special effects guru, Josiah Himestra oversaw production design and technical direction. CUE student, Olivia Babiak, choreographed the entire show. The show was stage managed by Makenzie Ferfuson and the assistant stage manager—Stephanie St. Onge. Student performers and production crew from the Concordia Community include: Alex Berry, Andrea McHenry, Arsalan Ayyaz, Brenden MacIntosh, Darian King, Erin Strand, Hailey Mills, Jaden Demas, Jessica PenhaleLaxon, Joel Dinicola, Joey Chartier, Macalan Boniec-Jedras, Megan Vickers, Nathan Hall, Teagan Kamstra, and Tyson Goudreau. An absolutely absurd, original and hilarious show. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and I still don’t know what I was delivered! One to keep you on your toes. Kudos, to the team at Concordia for a great run.

to the bars to meet others on the site. It is good to see apps like Scruff sponsoring events the same way, getting users out to events. With Bing and Google, GSAs in schools, lots of support services and books geared toward helping queer youth, things are getting better for teens. As a gay geek, at least I had technology to help figure things out. Do I wish I had the same access to resources as gay youth do today? I don’t think so. I doubt that I would have been able to become the person I am today and also have created a legacy like GayCalgary.

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GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

Alice In Wonderland by the Alberta Ballet

 photo by Alberta Ballet

by Lisa Lunney Albertans were treated to the return of Alice In Wonderland after almost a ten-year wait! In 2006, Alberta Ballet brought Alice In Wonderland to life with a performance that charmed audiences so much, they demanded its return. 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the Alberta Ballet, and a perfect time to bring an old favourite back to life to as the penultimate performance in an amazing season of dance and storytelling. Alice, is a treasured family favourite in Alberta Ballet’s repertoire. This performance is one of the many original creations British-born Edmund Stripe has choreographed for the Alberta Ballet. This is Stripe’s third rendition of his original ballet, rejuvenated for new generations of audiences and dancers alike. The story of Alice In Wonderland has seen many colourful and sometimes nonsensical interpretations. With such a fantastical story, it is tricky to find the line between balance and mayhem—Stripe certainly hit the mark. It is refreshing to see Stripe’s adaptation pay such respect to the classic. All the distinct eccentrics of Wonderland remain true to the story. Stripe’s selection of composition paired with enthralling and effective movement vocabulary brings the story to life. Alice is a heart-warming and fun performance filled with wit, humour and adventure. Unlike other Alice performances, this rendition was light on dialogue and more powerful because of it. It allowed audiences to really interact with the performers, and to have fun creating their own dialogue within their minds whilst watching the story unfold. Ballet is a one-of-a-kind medium; the lack of speech in performances creates a distinct form of storytelling, one that truly engages the viewer. 14

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The costumes were absolutely stunning. Some were quite funny; Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum whilst others like the Red Queen were absolutely gorgeous. It was unique to see a show touch on every emotion, every visual and set the visual standards of modern ballet higher. It was terrific to see a packed audience at the Northern Alberta Jubilee partaking in the fun. It warmed my heart to hear children laugh at the antics of the crazy twins, and swooning over how fabulous and entertaining Alice was to the audience. It is an understatement to say, Luna Sasaki wowed audiences with her performance of Alice Liddell. Across the board—every movie, cartoon, and ballet—Luna is now Alice to me. I cannot read the story without picturing her in my mind. So much hard work went into this production. Blood, sweat and tears from each dancer, costume maker and of course, the choreographers and instructors. The collective team for Alice went above and beyond and the finished production was one I hope to experience again in my life. This IS what ballet is. Over the top, fantastical and above all else—beautiful. Alice In Wonderland is a performance that brings joy to audience members of all ages. A true adventure, for families and friends to embark on with the Alberta Ballet performers. An utterly phenomenal and flawless showcase of a classic story.

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GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

Yes, They Can (and Did)

Indigo Girls Emily Saliers and Amy Ray look back on ‘fearful’ coming out, talk new music and how art will affect the Trump era  Photos by Jeremy Cowart

By Chris Azzopardi Marriage equality was a mere pipe dream when Indigo Girls duo Emily Saliers and Amy Ray came out in 1988, coinciding with the release of their eponymous Epic Records debut. There was no groundbreaking Ellen sitcom. Melissa Etheridge wasn’t formally out, and wouldn’t be until 1993, when she released Yes I Am. With regard to popular entertainment, particularly within the music business, Saliers and Ray were at the forefront of the queer rights movement. They won a Grammy and released chart-toppers like “Closer to Fine.” And they refused to let their sexuality get in the way of their success, brazenly being themselves at a time when being a gay public figure was uncommon and even downright scary. I caught up with Saliers, 53, and Ray, 52, at the beginning of 2017, just days before Donald Trump would become our 45th president. The trailblazers talked about how music will unify despite the divisiveness of his administration, why “this is a really good time for artists to come to the forefront and stand up and be brave,” and their initial grade-school encounter that led to a devoted musical career and dear friendship spanning three decades.

GC: You’re on the road fairly frequently. What keeps you touring as often as you do? Amy Ray: Every audience is different, so every experience is different, and I just think it’s good to get out there and play in front of people and keep that community… build it and keep it vibrant and have that exchange.

GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

Emily Saliers: The demographic is more mixed now, and there are younger people who come to the shows. I don’t know how they find out about us, maybe their parents. Also, a lot of young women who are looking for bands that have a feminist reality about them. Selfempowered, self-worth, self-questioning – all those things that are all over our lyrics. Even though we’ve gotten much older, I don’t feel like the experience of going to one of our shows is like we’re just this old band that’s been around forever. It still feels new and fresh. I love it as much or more than I ever have. GC: Given the divisiveness of what’s happening politically, is building that sense of community more important now? Ray: It might be. I guess in some ways there are other levels where community is always important, because even when you have the best kind of administration and a president that you love, there are still pockets within our own country that need community and need that glue where there’s hard things going on, whether it’s different queer communities or Native American communities or communities of color that are disenfranchised in some way. But right now, it’s pretty daunting. There might be reversals that are negative environmentally and human rights-wise. I think it’s definitely a time to batten down the hatches and roll up the sleeves and start working. GC: What part do you think the arts, including music, will play in the political climate of Trump’s America? Ray: This is a really good time for artists to come to the forefront and stand up and be brave and make themselves known, and not be worried about alienating people with their art. Sometimes in the music community – still – there are people who go, “Oh, we don’t want to rock the boat and alienate our audience.” But I feel like people are feeling less of that and more like, “Screw it.” I can see it happening around me with my friends even, who didn’t want to rock the boat, who might’ve

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been scared to alienate somebody in their audience. But now I think it’s like, “Well, what do we have to lose?” Visual art and movies and theater right now are very important – music, also. Popular culture, like with Ellen, the original sitcom, for instance, really impacted people. It broadened a lot of people’s horizons, and Transparent does that as far as issues around queerness and trans issues and issues around Jewishness. During Obama’s administration, there was, in a good way, a lot of permission given to all this really beautiful art to blossom, and I think that’s good because there’s this strong groundwork that’s been laid that just needs to continue happening well into the next administration. Art can really bring people together who might feel alienated from each other, like in my community. I live in a rural community where maybe 80 or 90 percent of the people voted for Trump, but I don’t really demonize people. I can’t go there ’cause they’re my neighbors, and I know them. I know them in their best moments. And I just try to understand where they’re coming from.

Saliers: I think (art is) going to play a huge part. For me, personally, the second the election was over I wrote a song about it, and it’s gonna be on my new record, because for my own personal reasons, I had to have a catharsis. I know people need music to help speak their challenges and their struggles, and I think music is going to do two things, maybe more. First of all, for people who are just horrified that he’s our president, and the cabinet that he’s bringing in – possibly the Supreme Court justices – it’s gonna let them know they’re not alone. They’re gonna be able to tap into music that makes them realize that they’re part of a vast community of people who are opposed to all that stuff, and that’s really important. It’s going to remind Trump that the musical culture is not with him. That can be a very real pressure – that there is a movement against hate. Also, it’s a way for us to soothe our souls in troubled times. Go out and hear live music and listen to music

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and keep the conversation going, and don’t forget that we have elected someone who is frightening and incapable. Americans get lethargic, and we forget bad things happen. But this is an ongoing reality. We can’t forget, and I really believe music is going to keep reminding all of us what we’re up against.

GC: Amy, what was your post-election catharsis? Ray: I definitely wrote. I write all the time. I just didn’t have the

visceral... it didn’t totally surprise me, I guess. I’ve worked it out in my community. I really made this commitment to myself to reach out to people even though I know they voted for Trump (laughs) – family members. I really tried to take Michelle Obama’s word and “go high.” She’s a very important person to me, and so is Barack. I just really tried to look at how they were dealing with the situation and follow their example. I hate to say that, because I am my own person, but in some ways, I needed some inspiration, and they inspire me in a lot of ways to reach beyond my little world and little bubble of friends. I’m the kind of person who processes by doing, and so volunteering – something concrete – is how I process stuff. Writing helps me. Generally, I write every day, so I’m always processing everything. But I haven’t written an anti-Trump song, and I probably won’t.

GC: People have long revered you as gay icons. Ray: (Laughs.) I think it’s funny. GC: Why is it funny? Ray: I mean, it’s flattering, but my god, we have such a lot to

learn. I feel like we’ve been students more than teachers in the world of activism. The people who came before us and the people who are younger than us have really constantly challenged us to think about things and look at intersectionality, things that more people in their teens and 20s are really focusing on.

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Our activism is really an area that is constantly evolving and morphing, so it’s hard to think about myself as an icon when I still think of myself as a student.

were always the punching bag for gay humor. It just felt like a bummer sometimes. Over time, we’ve had to learn how to just look at it as a positive thing.

I guess we’ve been at it a long time and we’re older, and we certainly have seen a lot of things change. We’re stronger than we used to be in our convictions and are able to love ourselves more than we used to, so in some ways I guess we have some experience. A little bit of gained wisdom. But that’s always been a long road, and we’ve made mistakes along the way and been scared, so in that way we can still understand people and how they feel if they’re struggling with it. We don’t forget our struggles.

Back then, I did think about visibility, and that’s probably what spurred us to (come out). We were feeling guilty because we were hiding something. We were out in our communities and we were community activists, so our lens, even in the late ’80s, early ’90s, was a political lens, although it definitely got more and more political through the ’90s. But we did think about (visibility) because where we lived in Atlanta, post high school, when we were in college at Emory, HIV/ AIDS activism was really big, and they were trying to get artists, actors and people in the arts to come out in support of HIV/AIDS activism. So, it was something we were thinking about. It wasn’t like we were scared we were going to get caught and then crucified. It was more like, “This is a compelling reason. If we’re sitting in front of our audience and talking about the importance of self-esteem and individualism, and we’re activists and we’re not willing to be visible when all these other people are willing to be visible, there’s something wrong with that.” That was our conversation with each other.

GC: Emily, what does being a gay icon mean to you? Saliers: I feel humbled to hear that, but I don’t feel like an icon. I

always feel like somebody built the bridge, paved the path and suffered more before I got to be part of the movement.

GC: Someone’s gotta carry the torch, though. Saliers: I feel like a torch-carrier, that’s what I feel like. I also feel

like the fact that we’ve been able to be out, open and supportive of the queer rights movement and of the trans evolution and of civil rights now has just been – I’m so grateful for it. I’m happy that we’ve been able to be out and free for so long, and real active members for the community, standing up for our family members who are still suffering.

GC: Does being an out artist mean anything different to you now than it did when you first came out? Ray: When we first came out, we were fearful of what it meant. Our biggest fear was alienating part of our audience – I wouldn’t even think about that now, honestly. It’s a more positive thing now. Back then it was… there was so much derogatory language around us being gay in the first half of our career. So many reviews that would refer to us in a really negative way, and people would make fun of our audience. We

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Saliers: We were always out in our lives, and with our families, friends and locally, and then we got signed to a major label and the national press wanted to talk about it. I had a lot of fear at that time about talking about it in the national press. When I got the courage to be out, it was a feeling of relief and pride. I had fears that we’d be stigmatized and judged and the same old crap. We ended up being all those things, but it didn’t matter. The way I felt about being an out musician then was like (whispers), “OK, we’ve announced it. We’re in it.” Now, it’s like, this is really who we are and we are part of a community and things are too important not to take a stand.

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GC: I think it’s become a very important part of what the Indigo Girls represent. Saliers: And I’m really thankful for that. Over time, and with age and wisdom, I think you just have a different perspective on how important it is. GC: Are you working on any solo material, Amy? Ray: I’m writing right now for it, and I’d say I’m about a third of

the way through. It’ll be a country-tinged record with punk influences. Emily’s got her record coming out; we just gotta figure out timing. And how to make another Indigo record, ’cause we’re both like, “We’re ready for the next record,” but then we’re like, “When are we gonna write for the next record?” I think her solo record is gonna be bigger than she thinks it will be, so I’m standing back a little bit. She wrote me a text and was like, “I’m really excited to write for the next Indigo record.” She’s such a team player. It’s good for us. We’re both in it for each other.

GC: Amy, what’s your earliest memory of Emily? Ray: I remember seeing her in the lunchroom with a gaggle of girls

around her and she was playing a song on her guitar and singing. I think a couple of them were singing with her, maybe, and I was like, “That’s the new girl and she plays and sings.” I was playing guitar already too. And I think my first memory was immediately realizing how far ahead she was of the curve. (Laughs) It kind of made me feel intimidated. She was a year older, and you know, we didn’t get to be friends until high school, when we were around 15. I was 9 when I first saw her.

always saw you with all these people around you, and you were always singing and everybody was adoring you, and I was totally intimidated. So, in my little world, you were very popular.” We ended up being the best of friends, so it all worked out.

GC: Was there ever a moment in your career when you wanted to pursue something outside of music? Saliers: The only time I ever thought about the possibility of not doing what I was doing was when I had stage fright for a year-anda-half, and it just derailed me. I thought, “I can’t do this.” This was a long, long time ago – over 10, 15 years ago. Honestly, that’s the only time I’ve ever thought, “I can’t do this.” And it was because of the fear, not anything else. Also, we get to do so many outside projects from Indigo Girls I’ve never felt like I’d rather be doing something else. I just finished tracking my solo record! I’m very excited. I’ve been talking about it for years. It’s very rhythm-centric. A lot of R&B inspiration. I set out to make a record for what I wanted that I wasn’t hearing. I really wanted the African-American presence of drummers who come from the soul-gospel-church background. GC: When can we expect your debut solo album? Saliers: In the spring. I hope for April, maybe May. In the spring,

we’re gonna go record with University of Colorado’s symphony orchestra, and (Amy and I are) gonna make a record of symphonically performed songs. We’re also working toward making another Indigo Girls studio record. It’s just onto the next thing. There’s no stopping us.

GC: You were just admiring her from afar? Ray: Yeah, just kind of taking stock. Emily has this revision of

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history that she wasn’t popular, and I beg to differ with her about that all the time. I’m always like, “Well, to me, you were popular because I

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Politics

In our Community

David Khan, Alberta Liberal party leadership candidate By Evan Kayne The last four elections have not been kind to the Alberta Liberal Party, with their seats dropping from a high of 16 in 2004 to just 1 in the 2015 election. David Khan is hoping to reverse that as he campaigns to be the next leader of the party. If David wins, he will be the first openly gay leader of a political party in Alberta. Discussing his sexuality was kind of an odd moment – we are seeing a lot more members of our community represented in careers that as little as 20 years ago would be closed to them. However, it’s still a gray area with politicians; there are those who are openly gay, there are those who are closeted, and there are those who change the subject or say that part of their life is private. While David’s sexuality is part of his life and he doesn’t hide it, David thinks we are at a point in society where a person’s sexuality should be a non-issue regardless of their political affiliation. Now, if the name David Khan seems familiar to some, he was the Alberta Liberal Party candidate in the 2014 Calgary-West by-election and in the 2015 Calgary-Buffalo provincial general election. Until recently he was the Executive Vice-President of the Alberta Liberal Party. He’s a native Calgarian and a lawyer who’s practiced indigenous law at all levels of courts in numerous Canadian jurisdictions. David is aiming to “provide a real choice to the majority of Albertans who are neither far left nor socially conservative on the right.” More detailed policies are to come, but some of the general objectives he did discuss were jobs and environmental sustainability, fairness for future generations, investing in infrastructure but tackling government suspending. “Politics has been very volatile in recent years, mirroring the challenges we’ve all faced with the collapse of oil prices and the loss of tens of thousands of jobs in the oil patch and related industries.” What we’ve heard before, ever since the fall of the Progressive Conservative (PC) dynasty, is we are in a new era...definitely a new era of possibilities for provincial politics. Like many of the other parties, David talks about guiding us towards a better Alberta. For the Liberal party itself here in Alberta, he’s promising a new vision, better communication, strong leadership, a stronger, rebuilt party infrastructure, and reaching out and building connections with business and community leaders. As to the top issues facing Alberta, of course the main one was the collapse of the Oil industry in Alberta. “Following up on that we have to recognize we can’t depend on $80 or $100/barrel oil in the future. We have got to diversify and we have to look at spending.” He did reassure me he was “vehemently against the gutting of social services, but we need to look at reigning in our costs, and we’re not doing it now.” In the past, the PCs may have thrown money at a problem in a careless manner just to make it go away and we can’t do that anymore. Speaking of conservative parties, David does think the confusion and infighting on the right could mean opportunities for his party. “If they do manage to unite, it’s going to be a socially conservative far right party that’s not going to appeal to the general public.” To the left, while he recognizes the progressive strides and policies the NDP has put in place, he thinks they are isolated in “Fortress Edmonton” and separated from the real problems the average Albertan faces. In a province which has not been strong supporters of NDP in the past it could cost them any goodwill and support. “A lot of people voted NDP because they wanted change.” The next election people may examine their votes a lot closer, as David feels a large chunk of those votes aren’t traditional NDP voters. David did take the time to dismiss talk of accommodation with the Alberta party, as some people think they have similar platforms (progressive but fiscally responsible). He stated his focus was on rebuilding the Liberal party. He did hint at one of the issues any nonconservative political movements in Alberta had in the last few decades – talent and ideas were poached by the ruling party: “I think politics in Alberta has been dysfunctional over the last few decades because we

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 David Khan had such a huge PC party that tried to monopolize the discourse and monopolize all the politicians and the people in this province.” He believes now we’ve broken that choke-hold of one party rule there are opportunities to be had. While some argue with an NDP juggernaut and two conservative parties there’s no room for a centrist party, David did again counter that the last election was a wild-card election with the possibility many of the votes for the NDP were protest votes, votes which were seen as the only way to finally oust the PC dynasty. As things progress towards the next election he feels there will be real discourse and real choices for Albertans. This open discourse and reworking of ideas has been recently demonstrated with the confusion both right-wing parties have demonstrated towards Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) in schools. The problem as David sees it is both leaders are having to “throw red meat” at their social conservative wing, which is the base of their support. Unfortunately for those parties, the feeling the majority of Albertans have had for a while is opposition to GSAs is regressive – a step backwards. This makes both Progressive Conservatives and Wild Rose in a bind - they have to appease their base, but they also have to attract the majority of Albertans. Given the majority of Albertans support GSAs (or at least don’t care), David promised to fight to protect GSAs: “We’re not going back to the 1950s or 1980s and neither are Albertans” so if a right-wing party got in power and tried to chip away at this legislation through various means it may be a losing fight. GSAs were enshrined into law because of the Liberals, with former MLAs Kent Hehr and Laurie Blakeman putting forward motions and legislation, so this is something near and dear to the hearts of Alberta Liberals. However, we have seen (in the United States) how populist movements or leaders can hijack the direction of government. Even if the rightwing parties manage to make some kind of accommodation by the next election, David suspects the majority of voters will not be swayed by demagoguery and a populist leader. “I have faith in Albertans in their sense of fairness, fair play, their level of education, their concern for their neighbors, and their concern for their direction of our province.”

David Khan will be running against Kerry Cundal for the leadership of the Alberta Liberals. The party plans to announce the new leader on June 4.

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Hold On to Your socks or These Ladies Will Knock Them Off

Interviews with Alexa Heart and Geisha Vi

 Alexa Heart (photo by Thomas G. Ricks) and Geisha Vi

By Mars Tonic We’ve written about cosplayers in this magazine before. They’ve all been exceptionally wonderful people with incredible talent – but, as they say, there are many more fish in the sea. Cosplay, just like any hobby, has its ups and downs, and is more complicated than any outsider can imagine. And if you don’t cosplay, you’ve probably done some form of costuming before, or come across it – especially in its incarnation of drag. Like drag, cosplay

has a community where parts of it can be welcoming and inclusive one moment, and elitist and vicious the next. We were able to speak to two cosplayers who buck the norm quite brilliantly, offering a bit more than the garden variety cosplayer you might see in a commercial for Comic-Con. In a world where the most well-known in the cosplay world tend to be thin, busty, and (especially in the West and outside of mega cosplay hot spots like Japan) overwhelmingly white and female, these two pave their own way – and help make room for others. Alexa Heart First off is openly trans Alexa Heart – actually, she’s open about a lot of things. She’s as tough and as salty as they can get, with additional dashes of glamour and business savvy dropped on top. She attends conventions as a vendor as well as a cosplay guest, selling her prints and glass-etched wares. At Calgary Expo last year she spoke in a panel about diversity in cosplay and current issues she’s had to face – something which hits home for many nerds who also happen to be in the LGBTQA community. “I’m probably one of the more visible trans faces in the nerd community,” Alexa admitted. “I get a lot of hate, even if it’s not towards me, even if it’s towards another trans cosplayer.” In case you spent 2016 under a rock (which actually might have been preferable to suffering through it like the rest of us did) there has been a lot of hate towards transgender individuals in America. The ridiculous and idiotic bathroom laws, for example, which Alexa has had to deal with firsthand. “I’m very outspoken about the whole bathroom thing; when I see negative threads, I make sure to comment on them,” she said.

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More photos and videos online: http://gaycalgary.com/a5511 

Despite all the negativity she has had to face, Alexa is a hard nut to crack. It’s been a long slog for her, but she’s come out on top, and cosplay has helped her express herself along the way. “I was super unsure of myself, coming into cosplay. Before I started to transition, I never took pictures of myself; I hated me. But being able to cosplay, it was kind of an awakening, because people saw me as I was comfortable. It’s made me be comfy. That’s the best way I know how to put it.” Geisha Vi

 Alexa Heart and Geisha Vi

and then I got more into the beauty makeup where you have to tone down to look more natural, so I lost that extra bit on the theatrical scale. But drag makeup reinvigorated that with me. More is less when it comes to theatrical stuff.” It’s not just makeup, though; she draws inspiration from the performance art of drag itself. “I take the acting aspect into it a lot, too. It’s very enriching and educational for me to see them project their charisma onstage.”

Geisha is a woman of style and taste, letting her creativity flow through the art of cosplay. She also isn’t white, a rare thing in cosplay that many are pushing to change. Her costumes are varied, but no matter what she does she always ends up being a showstopper. This has a lot to do with her beauty and presence, but also partly due to her background and involvement in the American drag community. “I love drag culture and the community, I used to host in New York City,” she said. “I became very familiar and almost sisters with the Drag Queens that worked at Lucky Cheng’s at its original location. And let me tell you, for cosplayers: when a drag queen who is a professional at what they do tells you they like your headdress, you accept that compliment and you go to the moon with it.” Cosplay and drag both have heavy ties when it comes to transformational and performance art, so we asked Geisha what tactics she employs in her cosplay that harken back to her love of drag. “At this point, how they put more makeup on to emphasize the eyes,” Geisha says. “I’m a makeup artist, so you would think that on the regular I would add extra. I used to in the beginning, www.gaycalgary.com

Alexa Heart https://www.facebook.com/alexaheartcosplay Geisha Vi https://www.facebook.com/GeishaViCosplay http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5511 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

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Politics

Activist Basics for the Trump Era By JD Davids Regardless of where we sit – or where we toss and turn – during these long nights since the United States presidential election, many of us are wondering what we can do to take care of ourselves and each other, and how we can even hold our gains in the HIV epidemic, much less prevent the loss of significant ground. Given the platform of the Trump/Pence campaign and the leadership of Congress, there is not a lot of promise that we’ll get closer to the end of the HIV epidemic. In fact, there will likely be significant changes in programs serving people with HIV or seeking to prevent new HIV cases. In addition, members of communities with high rates of HIV are facing threats to our health, our relationships and our families, to say the least. A lot is already emerging in terms of ways to respond. In fact, there may be too much; in keeping with our time of information overload, the sheer volume of resources and opportunities to contribute can itself be an overwhelming impediment to action. Yet, as the HIV community, we have a robust history of resistance, resilience and victory that calls us to the forefront of where we need to go today. Within hours after the election results came in, HIV leaders joined with others to form the Activist-Led Emergency Response Team (ALERT), a growing activist network for sharing information and ideas. And I’m working with HIV activist Jennifer Johnson Avril on a new effort called #ActivistBasics, which draws from the rich history and present-day efforts of HIV and other activist movements to provide tools, information and inspiration for our present and coming struggles.

A Movement Born in a Moment of Challenges

The HIV community was born in the Reagan era, a time that may hold the closest parallel to today in terms of political conservatism and policies that impede an effective response to the epidemic. Today brings additional challenges, including a weary and polarized population that has in many cases seen its standard of living decline as a direct result of the very policies Reagan unleashed. As a young adult, I was raised in the HIV movement during the presidency of the first George Bush, and I know that this movement has much to offer those who are looking for the way forward today. I have learned that our time, energy and passion are precious resources. That drives my urgency to ensure that we’re using them in the best possible ways to further justice and to help sustain our efforts, rather than exhausting ourselves without hope of success. Working on key HIV issues, as well as being a part of broader movements concerned with our moment today, gives us the opportunity to combat HIV stigma, as we – people with HIV and their friends, families, and communities – stand shoulder to shoulder with old and new allies as we come to learn and appreciate the issues that affect each others’ lives. Here are some ideas that we’re talking about in our #ActivistBasics effort:

Going With What We Know: Ourselves

Just as I have reached out to comrades and loved ones, asking, “What are we doing? What should I do?” others have reached out to me. It is an honor for us to hold each other in this moment, valuing each other’s hearts and minds and spirits, and sitting in uncertainty together. And in this uncertainty, I encourage us to go with what we know: ourselves.

Make a list of your skills and qualities, your areas of interest and those about which you are curious, and bring that self-knowledge to take your seat in our coming efforts for HIV justice. There’s going to be a lot to do, and no one person can do it all, so go with what feels productive and important to you. Make a list of what current initiatives and groups appeal to you. Then put them into a 2-by-2 grid. There are four boxes in a 2-by-2 grid: one for efforts that are easier for you and may have the most impact, one for those that are easy but may have less impact, plus one each for harder efforts that have more or less impact. That can help you decide where to start first – probably something in the box of things that are easier to do and have a greater possible impact. You don’t have to go it alone. I encourage people to start an “affinity group,” a cluster of two to eight people you already know and trust who are dedicated to supporting each other. Whether you all work on different efforts and come together to replenish at a weekly potluck dinner, or whether you decide to join a group and work together to make sure you can get to the meetings and events, you’ll have this base to come home to in the long struggle ahead.

Feeling Scared, Moving Forward

I’ve been an HIV journalist and activist since the pre-antiretroviral era, and I’m a Jewish queer and trans survivor of abuse and gender violence. I would say it’s been a rollercoaster of fear and panic since the election – but mostly the downhill plunge part. I’m also a white, middle-class, HIV negative U.S. citizen with tremendous privilege and a good job. I live in a relatively amazing bubble of robust solidarity and safety in a place (New York City) that has vowed to resist the Trump agenda of deportation, registries and divisiveness and the expected deep and sweeping funding cuts and redistribution of public resources. Pulling together #ActivistBasics isn’t just a way for me to feel useful. It’s the result of me going through the very process I’ve just recommended – looking at my skills, resources, realities and passions to determine what will help me connect with my past, calm my breath in the present and get ready to face the future. As always, it is an honor to work in the HIV community, and I welcome your ideas, your strategies and your collaboration.

JD Davids is the managing editor of TheBody.com. Find him on Twitter @JDatTheBody. This article is an adaptation of a piece that originally published on TheBody.com on Nov. 23, 2016. This column is a project of Plus, Positively Aware, POZ, TheBody.com and Q Syndicate, the LGBT wire service. Visit their websites — http://hivplusmag.com, http:// positivelyaware.com, http://poz.com and http://thebody.com — for the latest updates on HIV/AIDS.

In this moment, what do you know about your strengths, your skills, your drive? In what areas do you feel confident, and how can you bring that together with the areas in which you hope to grow?

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Gossip up somewhere during the murder mystery montages when the show comes to the CW sometime in 2017. A Wrinkle In Time adds Rowan Blanchard to cast Rowan Blanchard, the 15-year-old Girl Meets World actress who came out as non-specifically queer earlier this year, has joined the all-star cast of Ava DuVernay’s (13th, Selma) upcoming fantasy-adventure epic A Wrinkle In Time. The film, a big budget adaptation of the classic Madeleine L’Engle novel, is about a young brother and sister sent into space to find their missing father, and the cast is a very cool mix of veterans and up-and-comers. Pan’s Levi Miller and newcomer Storm Reid will be joined by Blanchard and big names like Zach Galifianakis, Reese Witherspoon, Michael Peña, Gugu MbathaRaw, Mindy Kaling, Chris Pine and Oprah Winfrey. This is the kind of diversity that flies in the face of traditional mostly-white Hollywood casting and it’s a welcome breath of fresh air. And with DuVernay’s reputation as a sure-handed filmmaker, it almost feels like an easy bet to say the finished product will be worth your time. Now wait until 2018 to find out. Get excited about Untitled Mother-Daughter/Action Comedy Project

 Chloe Grace Moretz, photo by Vonora

Deep Inside Hollywood Greg Berlanti, Rowan Blanchard, Amy Schumer, Chloe Grace Moretz By Romeo San Vicente Riverdale pushes Archie into the present Greg Berlanti, the gay producing dynamo whose comic book loyalty has given TV Arrow, The Flash and Supergirl, is about to debut his next move. It’s a bit of a lateral one, firmly planted in comic book history, but minus the superheroes: Archie. The new CW series, Riverdale, will update the Archie gang in a liveaction series that will be part teen drama, part mystery, and much more sexy than you ever remember these characters being (this is the CW, after all). Developing the show with Berlanti is producer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Looking), and the pair have stated that they look to cinematic influences like The Virgin Suicides for the tone of the series, which will star New Zealand actor K.J. Apa as Archie, a racially diverse cast as the rest of the gang, Luke Perry as Archie’s dad, and newcomer Casey Cott as Riverdale’s gay teen, Kevin Keller. We’ll be listening for the slowed-down, minor-key cover version of “Sugar Sugar” to pop

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We kind of wish that Untitled Mother-Daughter/Action Comedy Project was the actual title of the latest film from Jonathan Levine (The Night Before, 50/50). But we’re pretty sure its current generic status isn’t going to last. The film, cowritten by Kim Caramele (Trainwreck), Katie Dippold (Parks and Recreation) and Amy Schumer, will star Schumer and Goldie Hawn as the “Mother-Daughter.” And while the plot is being kept strictly under wraps, we do know that it will involve “action” and “comedy,” which is pretty much all we need to know right now to be interested. Mostly, though, we’re happy that Wanda Sykes is in it and she won’t simply be voicing a prehistoric muskrat. The woman deserves screentime as herself and we are Team Her every step of the way. Finally, it doesn’t hurt that the very funny Randall Park (Fresh Off The Boat) and our O.G. Oz crush Christopher Meloni are also on board. When this one finally graduates to a project with a title and it winds up in theaters (2017, they say), it’ll be up to you to put two and two together. Chloe Grace Moretz winds up in conversion therapy Desiree Akhavan has a new project. The acclaimed young writer, director and star of the Sundance hit Appropriate Behavior (a semi-autobiographical comedy about a queer Persian woman and her complicated relationships) will tackle The Miseducation of Cameron Post, and Chloe Grace Moretz is set to star. Based on Emily Danforth’s coming-of-age novel of the same name, the story follows a young high school girl in 1993, who is sent to gay conversion therapy after she’s caught with the prom queen. Moretz plays Cameron, and American Honey’s breakout star Sasha Lane will play her best friend at the conversion therapy clinic. We’re not sure of the tone this one will take, if it will veer toward comedic satire or straightforward drama, but it’s a topic that’s highly relevant right now, since the current U.S. Vice President-elect, Mike Pence, is a firm supporter of gay conversion therapy, which is a form of torture for any LGBT person forced into it. Never forget it. Romeo San Vicente is a proud member of the queer resistance.

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GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

Event

The Heart of Excellence LGBTQ+ Awards Brings History Back to Life By Kelly Ernst, Executive Director, Calgary Outlink The Heart of Excellence Awards will occur on April 28th at Studio Bell, the National Music Centre. These awards are Calgary’s LGBTQ+ Awards that honour community volunteerism within the LGBTQ+ community over the past year. The idea for the awards came directly from volunteers asking Calgary Outlink to officially recognize the efforts of people in our community that make living in Calgary a continually better and more inclusive city. Calgary once had an awards ceremony, the Speak Sebastian awards from 1991 to 1993. These awards were tied to the CJSW LGBTQ+ radio show, Speak Sebastian. It is fitting that the Heart of Excellence Awards are returning as Calgary’s LGBTQ awards ceremony in the same year that a new LGBTQ+ radio show has been resurrected, called Calgary Rainbow Radio. It is also fitting that the Heart of Excellence is being sponsored by CJSW. The Chinook Lesbian and Gay Endowment Fund does give out one annual life-time Hero award for service in Alberta at their dinner each year. The Heart of Excellence will not replace the life-time achievement award given by Chinook. Outlink hopes that the Heart Awards can focus on encouraging youth and the community to create legacies in Calgary going forward. Perhaps one day award winners from the Heart of Excellence will receive the prestigious Hero award for their lifetimes of

giving and of having an impact well beyond Calgary, just as past the past Heros have so graciously modelled. Outlink wanted a participatory format so that gala participants could become intimately involved. In Outlink’s search for ideas regarding how to put the event together, past volunteers suggested that the format could parallel past Calgary LGBTQ+ events, such as Small Change Big Change. Small Change Big Change was an annual event that ran for approximately 10 years to support HIV research and services at the Southern Alberta Clinic. The concept was to obtain a piggy bank, fill it with change, then bring it to a large party as your donation and entry to the event. It is a concept widely used for fundraising across North America. The Heart of Excellence will bring back the ‘collecting small change to make larger impact’ concept to the LGBTQ+ community in Calgary with a launch on March 15th. At the launch, people will again pick-up money banks and be encouraged to fundraise for the 6 weeks leading up to the main awards event. As a part of getting the participants involved, the awards nominees are identified as candidates by the community. A committee then reviews all the candidates and selects the very best for the final slate of nominees. Anyone who agrees to take a money bank will receive the opportunity to vote for their preferred nominees in each category. The winners will then be announced at the awards ceremony. Categories for the award include The Youth Heart for the LGBTQ+ youth of the year; The Service Heart for involvement in LGBTQ+ community organizations; The Resilient Heart for LGBTQ+ volunteerism; The Artistic Heart for the LGBTQ+ artist of the year; the Entrepreneurial Heart for the LGBTQ+ business or entrepreneur of the year; and the Grand Heart, an LGBTQ+ human rights award. It is fitting that TD Bank Group is sponsoring the awards this year and encouraging saving to have an impact. FS Financial Strategies is similarly hosting the launch through their Mission of Care foundation. Wentworth Family Dental and Dave Gowryluk Re/Max Realty Professionals are also sponsoring the events. Gay Calgary Magazine is a media sponsor. The Heart of Excellence Awards merges LGBTQ+ Awards with fundraising to celebrate Calgary’s best LGBTQ volunteers of the past year in a gala evening. It will honour outstanding individuals in Calgary’s LGBTQ+ community by paying tribute to their contribution to community service, leadership, business, arts, and mentorship in Alberta. The ceremony will take place at Studio Bell, the National Music Centre in East Village on April 28th at 7pm. As the awards are given out, various musicians and artists will exhibit their works. It will truly be a night to remember.

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GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

Interview with Chi Chi LaRue

Rehab Was Great

More photos and videos online: http://gaycalgary.com/a5512 

By Keith Johnson Drag Diva persona Chi Chi LaRue appears to agree favorably with her short stint in rehab as it has left her healthy, happy and at the top of her game. The self-outed pornographic film director told Gay Calgary Magazine’s Steve Polyak that she is back and is shooting a movie with Naked Sword Videos (the Netflix of gay porn) entitled Scared Stiff. The recent film boasts an Eighties theme and the characters range from punk rockers, to stoners, to park rangers. She explains it was shot in cabin outside of San Francisco and from her giggles of delight she appears to be having the time of her life. Her past times include a healthy addiction to Rupaul’s Drag Race. “It is really polished” she proclaims. “And the budget must have gone up as the show has some great production numbers” she adds. Loving the new format as it adds to the “bitchiness” factor it doesn’t take long to realize why this prolific porn director is the darling of the often highly criticized gay porn industry. “Rupaul and I have been friends for thirty years and she tries her best to put me into whatever productions she can” she says. Clearly not fitting into any societal “box” this legend ticks all the boxes if you are looking to be entertained to the nines. 30

GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

 photos by GayCalgary

Are you interested in joining the competitive and difficult industry of gay porn? Then you need to watch this revealing interview. Chi Chi divulges the secret to breaking into this market and explains how to be get noticed by those important directors! If you want advice, then she is your gal. With scores of titles under her proverbial belt, her ownership of Catalina Video, all of which is mingled with a great deal of world experience, this porn titan never fails to entertain!

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GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

Phenomenal Phuket Journey to Thailand’s Island Paradise

By Jason Clevett Thailand has been a destination for travelers for decades. Renowned for its culture, stunning scenery, affordable travel options and kind people. It is also a top destination for LGBT travelers – the country was supportive of Trans folk long before the west and is known for being gay friendly. In April 2016, I joined other gay media from North America to sample some of what Thailand has to offer. The biggest challenge of traveling to Thailand is getting there. Over 20 hours of travel makes for a weary person once you finally arrive. It can take a day or 2 to adjust, which is why our first stop, Phuket, is an ideal place to start or end your Thailand visit. Located in Southern Thailand, Phuket consists of the main island (the country’s largest) and another 32 smaller islands. The Angsana Languna Phuket resort (http:// www.angsana.com/en/ap-thailand-phuket ) boasts beautiful beaches, a series of connecting pools, and all the amenities one wants for a relaxing vacation. The hotel was also the host of TropOut! (http://www.tropout. com ) Designed as an alternative to mega-cruises and circuit parties, the inaugural TropOut saw gentleman from over 20 nations descend on Phuket for an unforgettable week-long experience. From nightly parties to excursions, TropOut is designed for gay men to chill, party and explore together. To be part of a group from around the world with common interests is a fun and unique experience – creator Aaron Zoanetti and his team have created something special. The next TropOut takes

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 Phuket - From Page 32 place in New Caledonia in May 2017 and returns to Thailand in December 2017. While sitting on the beach after enjoying Angsana Laguna’s glorious breakfast buffet has its appeal, travelling to the other side of the world means wanting to experience the culture. An excellent way to do so is at the Phuket Thai Cookery School. (http://www.phuketthaicookery.com ). A breathtaking seaside view relaxes you before the charismatic and skilled chefs teach you how to make delicious Thai Food. We even learned how to make the little tomato roses that garnish the plate! Guests take home recipe cards and a certificate of completion. Journeying around Old Phuket Town, one cannot help but be taken in by the beautiful vistas high in the hills that allow you to see the town and sea. A trip to the Big Buddha (http:// www.phuket-big-buddha.com ) is a must. This free attraction is located on the peak of mount Nagakerd. A massive 24.45m wide and 45m tall it is the largest Buddha in Thailand. We would see many Buddha statues on the trip but the Big Buddha is one that remains in your memory. Astonishing views also greet visitors, as do monkeys which run around looking adorable but must be respected and not touched or fed. They are wild animals and can give a nasty bite – not what you want to remember from your vacation! Cap off your visit to Phuket Town’s historical district. Impressive mansions occupied by Phuket’s tin barons 100 years ago along with temples, shops and restaurants make it easy to spend an entire day browsing, A long day of touring combined with lingering jetlag meant skipping a visit to the Patong District – home to several gay bars as well as other

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adventures for the party minded. Some of our new TropOut friends did visit and regaled us with entertaining stories of the great time they had. The Phi Phi Islands is another popular destination. Maya Bay at Phi Phi Ley Island – where Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach was filmed - is flocked to by tourists and does get quite crowded. Other islands include Monkey Island – named for the small primates that climb down to watch the boats and sometimes even surprise tourists by jumping on them, and Phi Phi Don. Crystal clear water for swimming and snorkeling, tall mountains and pristine views make it clear why the Phi Phi Islands are so popular among locals and tourists. Another popular film related destination is Ko Khao Phing Kan. Since 1974 is has been dubbed “James Bond Island” as it was featured in The Man With The Golden Gun. It would be easy to spend a week in Phuket alone. The travel time and cost to get there makes it less ideal for travelers seeking a simple beach vacation compared to destinations in North America and the Caribbean. As part of a larger scale Thailand visit, Phuket is an ideal place to catch up on jetlag and prepare for your journey, or to wrap up your trip with some sun and sand.

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My 11 Minutes with Dolly Parton

Queen of Country on inspiring gay family members to come out, her LGBT kinship and ‘queer’ introduction

 photos by Webster Public Relations

By Chris Azzopardi There are no angel wings. Instead, Dolly Parton scoots into a drab backstage garage on her own two legs like a unicorn dream: knee-length canary yellow dress, rhinestones, more rhinestones, and a glow that can apparently turn even an industrial underground into heaven on earth. But something’s off. Something is missing. Angel wings, I think. Which, of course, you expect from a beaming Dolly Parton, even as she literally just stands in front of you. Her presence alone radiates her own healing power as she greets a mishmash of fans one by one, all of them basking in her shine. Moms, dads, kids. An elderly woman in a wheelchair. Me, a gay man. This woman – a country queen, a “backwoods Barbie,” the self-proclaimed fairy godmother – has united us all merely by existing. And if it wasn’t already evident, it certainly is in her midst: Dolly Parton is the only religion we may ever agree on. For over two transcendent hours during her Pure & Simple tour, in support of her 43rd studio album of the same name, the Goddess of Goodness emerges as something too precious for this world. During her song “Little Sparrow,” the stage goes dark as screened-in birds take to the sky alongside Dolly’s silhouette – or, in this case, the Grand Rapids, Michigan arena she was setting aglow. Add “bird whisperer” to the long list of Dolly’s accomplishments, which is seemingly endless: 100 million albums sold worldwide; 25 certified gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards; 25 No. 1 songs on the Billboard www.gaycalgary.com

Country charts, a record for a female artist; seven Grammy awards and 10 Country Music Association awards; one of only five female artists to win the CMA’s Entertainer of the Year Award; an Oscar nomination for writing the title song to one of her many films, 9 to 5, and obviously, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. An angel, though? Parton demurs. “I don’t know if I’d go that far! I don’t think I’m all that!” she says, as humbly as you’d expect, laughing the squeakiest of laughs. Our 11-minute chat is peppered with that trademark Dolly charm (I conclude the interview by thanking her for bringing joy to my life and she responds like my mother: “Love you too!”). And yes, 11 minutes. “I don’t know where you got that odd number,” she squeaks again in her godly Southern accent, acknowledging the bonus minute her manager, Danny Nozell, has graciously given us. “He’s saying you’re getting a li’l something extra!” Read on as Dolly blesses us with an extra 60 seconds of divinity, along with a look back on her introduction to the gay community, that time she may have gotten a contact buzz from Willie Nelson’s grass and, like any paragon of virtue, helping her own family members come to terms with their sexuality. GC: Growing up in the Great Smoky Mountains, did you know any gay people? DP: If I did, I didn’t know they were at the time! (Laughs) We were just mountain people, and I did not know at that time – I sure did not.

GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

GC: What was your introduction to the gay community then? DP: As I started to be a teenager there were a couple of guys downtown that everybody was sayin’ were queer, ya know? I know they often said that about anybody who was odd or different – “they’re just queer, just strange and odd” – but the way they would talk about these two guys they would say, “Well, they’re sissies, they’re girls.” I was a teenager then. But in my early days we did not know (what gay was). It didn’t take me long to know that people were different and that was always fine with me ’cause I was different too, and I embraced and accepted them and I knew them. I knew them well. But no, in my early days I did not know. But I know a lot of them now! I have a huge gay and lesbian following and I’m proud of ’em, I love ’em and I think everybody should be themselves and be allowed to be themselves whoever they are, whatever they are. GC: How big is your gay circle these days? DP: You know what, I have so many (gay) people in my companies. And later on, I did find out I have many gays and lesbians in my own family. We accept them, we embrace them. Oh, there are some in the mountains who still don’t know quite what to make of it or how they should feel about it, but they’re ours and they’re who they are and we know they’re wonderful and they’re like us. We love the fact that they are who they are and we nurture that. We don’t try to make them feel separate or different. We embrace it. GC: Because you’ve always been so LGBT-affirming, are you a safe place for them to open up about their sexuality? DP: Yes! Actually, I’ve had many people through the years who I have helped to feel good about themselves. I say, “You need to let people know who you are and you need to come on out. You don’t need to live your life in darkness – what’s the point in that? You’re never gonna be happy; you’re gonna be sick. You’re not gonna be healthy if you try to suppress your feelings and who you are.” I have a couple of transgender people in my company who are on salary with me, so I am totally open for that. And a lot of people feel like they can come to me… and they do! Whether it’s about being gay or whatever, a lot of people do me like they used to do my mama and come to talk to me about things. Hopefully I’m able to help. I think I have. GC: When were you first aware of transgender people? DP: I remember watching the news when I was a girl and they (were talking about the) first operation that somebody had. That’s the first time I ever heard about that, and so that was many, many years ago. But yeah, I’ve known a lot since then, though. GC: Throughout your career, gay people have leaned on you for musical moral support while also absorbing your sage wisdom. But what have you learned from the gay people in your life? DP: I certainly know that the gay people I know are the most sensitive and most caring of all. I think they go through so much that they have to live with their feelings on their sleeve. They’ve had to go through so much that I think they’re very emotional and tenderhearted and more open to feelings, so I’ve just learned the same things I try to learn from everybody. I know they’re good people and I’ve tried to learn from that as well. They’re very creative, most of them. And I think that also comes from just embracing the fact that they’re different. Most of the gays I know just want to make the world a more beautiful place like I do. GC: After 50 years of marriage, what inspired your new selfproclaimed “friends with benefits” song, “Outside Your Door”? DP: Well, I’m married, but I’m not dead! I’m a romantic, fantasy person and I’ve felt all of those feelings. I’ve been through everything in my life. And when I don’t write about myself, I write about other people that I know and their relationships, and people I know who don’t know how to express themselves. So I gather my ideas from everything. And hell, you don’t get too old to fantasize!

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 Dolly Parton and writer Chris Azzopardi in Grand Rapids, Michigan

GC: There’s a 20-minute intermission during your Pure & Simple show. What do you do for those 20 minutes? DP: It takes every bit of my time! I fly back to my bus right after intermission, and I go back and I change. I take a little breather to cool off for a minute, and then I change clothes – that’s the only change I do (during the show). Then, I change my hair, change my wig, and I touch up my makeup. And by the time I’m done with all that it’s time to go back on. GC: What if you have to pee? DP: Oh, I take a pee break and drink a little bit of water. But yeah, it’s just a pee and pray break! (Laughs) GC: You jokingly mentioned during the show that you should run for president. Say you were elected – what would be your first order of business? DP: I would just resign! That’d be my first order if I got elected – I’d say, “No, I don’t want it, I don’t want it!” (Laughs) But no, I don’t know what I’d do. I don’t even think on those terms. I’d make this world a better place, I’ll tell you that. GC: During the show you hysterically joked about how you could get a contact buzz from Willie Nelson’s tour bus. Where do you get your sense of humor and sharp wit? DP: Oh, that comes from both sides of my family. My mama’s people were hysterical; my daddy’s people were hysterical. They just had a different sense of humor, and that’s how we got through everything, with our sense of humor. And as a writer I just think funny. I try to find things to laugh about and so anyway, I just say whatever I say. GC: What’s the closest you’ve gotten to Willie and his weed? DP: Oh, I know Willie really well! I sang with him on my last album. We did a duet together called “From Here to the Moon

and Back” and I was singing – well, I was trying to sing and I said, “Willie, I’ll tell you, you’re the worst person I ever tried to sing with. I mean, you’re brazen! I can’t keep up with you! I’mma need a sack of your grass! I’mma need something!” But he laughed so hard. But anyway, I love him, but he’s Willie and that’s OK. GC: He smoked in the studio with you there is what you’re saying? DP: Oh, yeah! Willie smokes at the drop of a hat! I probably had a contact high from that too! GC: You’ve been singing “I Will Always Love You” since the early ’70s. What does that song mean to you now that it didn’t mean to you when you first wrote it? DP: Well, you appreciate things more as you get older. That song is just the gift that keeps on giving. It’s always getting licensing in my publishing company; somebody’s recorded it and we’re signing off on that. And so the fact that people are always calling me and always wanting rights for (the song for) a wedding – I actually rewrote it as a wedding song; it makes a beautiful song – it just makes me appreciate the fact that I’ve been able to write something that’s been that meaningful to so many people through the years. So, it does touch me. And it turned out to be the perfect song to sing to my fans – it’s the song I like to dedicate to the fans. Not the sad parts, but the good parts – especially the line of, “I will always love you” for letting me do this.

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GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

Double the dirty

‘Queen of Mean’ Lisa Lampanelli talks unamused lesbians, drag inspiration and how to survive Trump By Chris Azzopardi If you know her racy sense of humor, you practically expect Lisa Lampanelli to hurl a slur at you when she calls. Once, she wanted to know “if this was the same cornholer I talked to the last time,” and because she’s Lisa Lampanelli, I took that as a compliment. Known for her stereotype-mocking comedy routines and hilariously foul roasts (during 2011’s Comedy Central roast of Donald Trump, Lampanelli called the now-president a “bloated, stinky douche”), the 55-year-old Connecticut native acknowledges that her interview persona is either a version of her exaggerated standup self or the “real” Lisa. Both showed up to my recent candid talk with Lampanelli, who spoke about Oprah’s bread obsession, why she would perform at Trump’s inauguration and how drag icon Miss Coco Peru inspired her to consider becoming a motivational speaker. And about those dual personalities: “It’s like I’m becoming two people merging into one, so enjoy the double-ended dildo interview.” GC: Hey, Lisa. Took you long enough. Three minutes late. LL: Listen, bitch, you’re lucky I wasn’t 12 months late. Wuz up? Explain to me how you decide who you’ll be during an interview, because I’ve only ever been on the receiving end of crass, stand-up Lisa, but I’ve also read interviews with you where you come across much softer. Yes, it’s like, you kind of have to combine them for an interview, usually because that’s who we (comedians) are anyway. Sometimes you just wanna have fun, and then you interject some serious stuff, or you wanna be serious and you interject some fun stuff. So it’s kind of like, whatever mood I’m in. Like your interview today is based probably a lot on the fact that the guy before you was not a dick. GC: When did you first feel like you’d made it in the gay community? LL: It sort of built. I remember being able to make fun of everybody and have them not get mad, except the occasional guy or girl who has no sense of humor. I never felt until recently like the lesbians understood me, but in the last 10 years, which for me is recent, I’m like, “Oh, they get it, they don’t hate me.” Because it used to be, when I started, I had played a few places that lesbians were not happy, honey. GC: Why do you think it took longer for the lesbians to come around? LL: Oh, because those bitches used to take themselves too seriously. Couldn’t stand it! I’m like, “Listen!” GC: What changed? LL: They stopped being a bunch of clams with no sense of humor. I mean, honestly. I almost feel like the younger lesbians coming up kind of were like, “This is cool; she doesn’t mean anything she says.” You know, I’m sure there are plenty of people out there who hate my act, and it’s fine, and they’re allowed to, but I can no longer say the lesbians don’t have a sense of humor – they do! GC: How does the current political climate and racial tension in the country affect your comedy? LL: I push more because I think my push has always been in the direction of making fun as love, so I think it’s like going, if I sort of stop pushing hard, people could go, “She has some hate or prejudice behind it now.” It’s like putting up a light between how I say it and how true racists or homophobes say it. They see such a difference between me saying horrible things and those people saying horrible things. Thankfully my audience gets it and understands why. GC: What’s scary are the people who may not get the difference between real bigots and a comedian who’s mocking bigots.

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LL: I’m lucky that I really don’t get any feedback like that. I really don’t have people coming up after shows saying, “Thanks for those faggot jokes.” I’m lucky people get it on the level it’s intended. Also if they don’t, like Cher says, she only answers to two people: herself and God. And I can look in the mirror and say, “I’m just answering to me because I get me.” GC: From what I’ve read, your act these days is more self-reflective. LL: I mean, I’ll be just more vulnerable on stage, meaning I’ll tell you real stuff from my life. A lot of the past life was over-exaggerated sexual stuff that either just didn’t happen or were funny stories that I blew out of proportion for humor’s sake. Now, I just tell the truth behind my divorce (from Jimmy Cannizzaro in 2014), behind my weight loss, behind the struggle to keep it off, behind the self-help journey I’ve gone on. So yeah, I just tell the truth more.

LL: I mean, what am I gonna do? No – really. What exactly am I gonna do? I still will donate to the charities I want to that have nothing to do with him, I’ll still do shows or appearances for the charities I like, I’ll still sign petitions for women’s rights and various charities and different causes that have clearly opposing views. But what am I gonna do? Am I gonna get him un-elected? Am I gonna sit here and cry and go on my swooning couch? Nothing’s bugged me more than my friends after the election going, “I couldn’t get out of bed for a week.” Really? How about you go online and create a charity and get some petitions out there? How about that instead of lying on your swooning couch? I have a friend who created an entire – after one day of mourning this little homo created a website where you go to donate time to different charities that Trump doesn’t support, and I’m like, “You did the right thing.” Take action. For some reason we have been saddled with this president and we have to figure out what to do despite it. Maybe it’s to make people more united. But whatever’s gonna happen is gonna happen. Look, if I’m dead tomorrow because of a nuclear bomb – what, did I worry about it the day before? No, I had game night and dinner with my mom and my friends and went out on a nice note because we didn’t stop our lives. I can’t cry about this. GC: You’ve crossed paths with Donald Trump several times. You roasted him on Comedy Central, and you competed in the fifth season of the Celebrity Apprentice in 2012. Would you perform at his inauguration? LL: Absolutely, but only if I could roast him. You understand, there’s a fine line of what I would do. Like, if they asked me to be the White House Correspondents’ Dinner host to perform, I’d be like, “in a second,” because I could reaaaally do a good roast on him and that’s the best, so it would be a way of sticking it to him a little bit and it’d be fine. I would absolutely have a clear conscience about making fun of Trump. I always do. GC: Maybe that’s your “in” for his cabinet. LL: I wanna be the minister of gay affairs! You totally need me to be in there making sure you faggots can get married even though I don’t know why you’d want to. GC: You wanna get married again, don’t you? LL: Nooo. I was. And honestly, I don’t even think about dating or men because I’ve been working so hard on myself. When I got a divorce, I was like, “I’m free of being

GC: So, wait. You didn’t have sex with all those black men like you claimed? LL: Well, I mean, I had a black boyfriend, and we dated for three-and-a-half years, which I thought was pretty good! He cheated on me with another white bitch, so I cut him loose. GC: Wanda Sykes was recently booed at one of her shows for calling Donald Trump a “racist, sexist, homophobic president.” She shouted expletives at the audience and gave them the middle finger. LL: By the way, who’s coming to see her not believing that? GC: Exactly. How would you have handled Trump hecklers at your show? LL: I do a whole Trump roast now. I wrote this really funny Trump roast – an updated one for Howard Stern – and I’m doing even more Trump jokes. But I get away with that kind of roast humor all the time. Nobody gets mad, even Trump supporters, if I say something serious about Trump, which I hardly ever do because I don’t talk politics much. Not my thing. Once people booed something and I go, “Oh, shut up. I’m a comedian, not a senator. Shut the fuck up.” And they shut up. I have no political agenda, and I think they know Wanda really has that strong belief, so maybe that’s why they booed, and it’s fine. But people know I’m not, like, all serious about stuff, so that’s probably why I don’t get a hard time. GC: You say you stay out of politics. LL: I don’t care. GC: Do you not care that Trump is the President of the United States?

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with somebody who isn’t my spiritual equal.” So I never even think about that. It’s weird, but such a gift. I’m so happy all the time. It lifted this weird pressure off of me to be myself. GC: You seem very fulfilled by your work too. In 2015, you premiered your first play, Stuffed. As someone who has dealt with food issues throughout her life, can we please talk about Oprah’s “I love bread” Weight Watchers campaign? LL: I am so angry with her. And I’ll tell you why I’m angry with her. First of all, it’s idiotic. It’s the dumbest thing. The biggest joy in her life is bread? Then, bitch, you’ve been preaching wrong for all these years, and you tricked us. Because I thought her biggest joy was helping people; I thought her biggest joy was about self-improvement. I would’ve taken anything except the name of a food, so I was like, “Dude, show us some enlightenment here.” I just can’t stand the un-selfawareness of her putting that out there, but it’s her journey. It’s none of my business. I don’t like to watch that one, ever. I always flip right by it. I’m like, “ack!” I’d rather watch those poor dogs with the one eye from the “Angel” ads and I hate those. GC: My thing is, how can anyone be that obsessed with bread and keep the weight off? LL:’Cause she’s not keeping any weight off. GC: How are you finding the theater work you’re doing fulfilling in a way that standup isn’t? LL: Just because it’s emotional, because you can have emotional moments and humor in a play, and it was more of a conversation. It was challenging to write dialogue instead of monologue, and having four actors as an ensemble was really cool too, because working every day with other people was fun, especially if you cast a bunch of great people like these were. I just loved having a place to go that was super warm in spirit,

GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

and I was like, “Aw, man, six months of my year I’m gonna spend doing plays, for sure.” GC: I heard that a drag queen inspired you to move into humorous motivational speaking. LL: Oh, Coco Peru! The best, best, best. She does this routine, and there is such a real great sort of emotional and spiritual element to it that you don’t see usually with drag queens. When I saw that, I said, “I am definitely going to make sure more of that vulnerability is in my act.” I frickin’ love her. It’s like, you never know what you’re gonna learn when you go and see something, and that was the last thing I expected from a drag performer. I’m so glad I went to that. GC: What can we expect from you in the new year? LL: I wanna write about different issues with women. I don’t want to just stick to the food one. I also wanna do one about these four women – the same four characters and their love relationship. I wanna do another play about them and anger, and them and grief, and then maybe test the waters and start seeing what’s out there as far as what I wanna talk about if I were ever going to do a motivational (speaking) thing. Gonna have to see in my gut what feels right, but I think the plays are a bridge to really doing that. GC: I love that you – insult comic – have now become this emblem of empowerment not just for women but men. LL: It was funny how gay men really responded to the play, because I think gay men, unfortunately, have just as big of a problem with body image as women do. So, I’m so lucky that they really responded to the show, because, man, who doesn’t have a problem with the way they look? It’s just so hard. It’s nice that they would actually come to me and be like, “I went through that too,” which I’m pretty grateful for.

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GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

Photography Official Much Video Dance Hosted by HOT MESS at the Palace http://gaycalgary.com/pa1308

GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

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GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

News Releases USA - Incarceration Rate of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual People Three Times the General Population

Over 40% of incarcerated women are sexual minorities A new study by scholars at the Williams Institute found that sexual minorities... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2355

New and Innovative Programming at OUTtv in February 2017 OUTtv, Canada’s national LGBTQ television network, is thrilled to announce new February programming. This new programming is... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2356

NSFW - Andrew Christian VIDEO: Slippery When Wet with Andrew Christian

Cameron, Nicco Sky, and Vladamir sneak into Andrew Christian’s house pool... Find out what happened in this wet video. Andrew... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2357

Social Media Campaign Aims to Raise Support for Only Trans Youth Clinic in Alberta

“When I came out as transgender everyone supported me. I was supported by family, friends and school. But it was still hell... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2358

ALBERTA BALLET Hosts Contemporary Dance Powerhouse BALLETBOYZ

Alberta Ballet brings to Alberta the acclaimed BalletBoyz to perform Life: Rabbit and Fiction. BalletBoyz is an all-male troupe... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2359

NSFW - Steam Room Stories: Straight guys giving gay gifts

Is it gay to give your straight friend a Valentine’s Day gift? With Cupid set to shoot his arrows for the annual celebration... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2360

NEW Book: Handbook Of LGBT Tourism And Hospitality

Harrington Park Press will release the Handbook of LGBT Tourism and Hospitality: A Guide for Business Practice on March 7, 2017.... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2361

GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

NSFW - Bruno Gmünder Book News in March 2017

New in March 2017 from Bruno Gmünder Group. Click on photos for more info on each book. Visit their website today! http://www. gaycalgary.com/n2362

CIVIL - A Tribute to SameSex Biracial Couples

Civil is a short film centred around same-sex biracial couples set in and around the Alberta Badlands of Canada. Featuring a cast... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2363

New Cookbook Provides Delicious and Innovative Recipes That Are Perfect for Pesach

Author Naomi Nachman, known as “The Aussie Gourmet,” shares some of her favorite Passover recipes that make delicious... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2364

Award-winning gay web series “Where the Bears Are” launching Kickstarter campaign for a Season 6

Donate for Season 6 of the show people say is “The Golden Girls” meets “Murder, She Wrote” but with big, hairy,... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2365

Video Explains Why Baby Boomers Are Experiencing Surge in Sexually Transmitted Throat Cancer Expert Advises Those Active in the Sexual Revolution of the 1960s and ‘70s to Get Checked WHAT: In... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2366

RuPaul’s Drag Race WERQ the World 2017 Tour

Featuring Live Performances By Bianca Del Rio, Shangela, Willam, Latrice Royale, Alaska, Alyssa Edwards, Detox and More... The... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2367

NSFW - Steam Room Stories: Scents that attract men

Why spend hundreds of dollars on cologne when pheromones are more affective when it comes to finding a mate? Billions of dollars... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2368

www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

www.gaycalgary.com

Directory & Events DOWNTOWN CALGARY

11 16

10 12

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

FIND OUT!

GayCalgary Magazine is the go-to source for information about Alberta LGBT businesses and community groups—the most extensive and accurate resource of its kind! This print supplement contains a subset of active community groups and venues, with premium business listings of paid advertisers. ..........Wheelchair Accessible Spot something inaccurate or outdated? Want your business or organization listed? We welcome you to contact us!

 403-543-6960  1-888-543-6960  magazine@gaycalgary.com http://www.gaycalgary.com/CalgaryTravelRSS http://www.gaycalgary.com/EdmontonTravelRSS Local Bars, Restaurants, and Accommodations info on the go! http://www.gaycalgary.com/Directory Browse our complete directory of over 750 gay-frieindly listings!

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

 209 - 10th Ave SW

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

www.gaycalgary.com

6 Twisted Element  1006 - 11th Ave SW  403-802-0230  http:.//www.twistedelement.ca

Bars & Clubs (Mixed)

9 Dickens Pub  1000 9th Ave SW  info@dickenspub.ca  http://www.dickenspub.ca

 403-262-9976

 403-233-7550

13 The Pint-----------------------Bars and Clubs 15 The Blind Monk--------------Bars and Clubs 16 Backwards / Six 2 Eight------Bars and Clubs

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.

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

• Western Cup

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

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

 587-224-5200

16 Six 2 Eight Stage--------------------------  628 8th Avenue SW  587-352-2582  http://www.628stage.com 12 Ten Nightclub (closed)  1140 10th Ave SW

 403-457-4464

15 The Blind Monk (closed) -----------------  918 12th Ave SW  403-265-6200  12thave@blindmonk.ca  http://www.blindmonk.ca  Mon-Sun: 11am-2am 10 The Palace Theatre -----------------------  219 8th Ave SW  403-935-2637  https://www.thepalacetheatre.ca 13 The Pint  1428 17th Ave SW  calgary@thepint.ca  http://www.thepint.ca/calgary

 403-384-9777

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

Community Groups

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

Dickens Pub------------------Bars and Clubs The Palace Theatre ----------Bars and Clubs Local 522---------------------Bars and Clubs Ten Nightclub-----------------Bars and Clubs

8 Cowboys Nightclub------------------------  421 12th Avenue SE  403-265-0699  http://www.cowboysnightclub.com

LGBT Community Directory

CALGARY

9 10 11 12

Alberta Society for Kink

 403-398-9968  masdenn@yahoo.com

 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

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

• Slow Pitch

 slow.pitch@apollocalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

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

Calgary Events

At 3 Backlot

Mondays

 2nd

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

Alcoholics Anonymous--------------------  8pm  Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW

Saturdays

Coffee------------------------------------ 10am By Prime Timers Calgary  Midtown Co-op (1130 - 11th Ave SW)

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

At 5 Goliaths

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

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

Wednesdays

Fridays

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

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

See

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

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

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

At 5 Goliaths

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

Tuesdays

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

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

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

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

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

Thursdays

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

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

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

 Kerby Center, Sunshine Room 1133 7th Ave SW

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

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

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

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

Buddy Night-------------------------  6pm-6am  Bonasera (1204 Edmonton Tr. NE) See 1 Calgary Outlink

See 1 Calgary Outlink By

 1st

YYC Badboys at 13 The Pint

At 5 Goliaths

At 3 Backlot

Knox United Church

 Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW)

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

 3rd

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

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

 2nd, 4th

At 4 Texas Lounge

ISCCA at 3 Backlot

See 1 Calgary Outlink

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

• Tennis

 tennis@apollocalgary.com

• Yoga

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

At 5 Goliaths

At 1 Calgary Outlink

See 1 Calgary Outlink

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

 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.

Calgary Men’s Chorus

• Rehearsals

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

Calgary Pride

 http://www.calgarypride.ca 1 Calgary Outlink  Old Y Centre (303 – 223, 12 Ave SW)  403-234-8973  info@calgaryoutlink.ca  http://www.calgaryoutlink.com

• 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.

 4th

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

Calgary Sexual Health Centre

Deer Park United Church/Wholeness Centre

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

 403-278-8263

Different Strokes

 http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org

FairyTales Presentation Society

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

 http://www.iscca.co 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

 403-244-1956  http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com Alberta Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.

 http://www.miscyouth.com

• DVD Resource Library

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

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

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

• Telephone Support

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

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

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

• Fake Mustache • Mosaic Youth Group Mystique

• Coffee Night

NETWORKS

 networkscalgary@gmail.com A social, cultural, and service organization for the mature minded and “Plus 40” LGBT individuals seeking to meet others at age-appropriate activities within a positive, safe environment.

Parents for Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

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

Sundays See See See See See

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

Rainbow Community Church

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

ISCCA Social Association

Calgary Queer Book Club

Calgary Gay Fathers

 http://www.calgarymenschorus.org

 3rd

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

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

 Weeds Cafe (1903 20 Ave NW)

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

 2nd

 1st

Calgary Expo

 http://www.calgaryexpo.com

 1st

See 1 Calgary Outlink

 Calgary Contd. • Squash

 2nd

See 1 Calgary Outlink

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

See 1 Calgary Outlink

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

GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

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.

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://suclubs.orgsync.com/org/qcucampus Formerly GLASS - Gay/Lesbian Association of Students and Staff.

• Coffee Night

 2nd Cup, Kensington

Safety Under the Rainbow

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

Scarboro United Church

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

Sharp Foundation

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

Spectrum Volleyball Calgary

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

Unity Bowling

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

Wild Rose United Church

 1317-1st Street NW

www.gaycalgary.com

Directory & Events  Calgary Contd.

Restaurants & Pubs 16 Six 2 Eight --------------------------------- See Calgary - Bars & Clubs (Mixed). 13 The Pint See Calgary - Bars & Clubs (Mixed).

Retail Stores Adult Depot (CLOSED)

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

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

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

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

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.

Services & Products 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.

Interactive Male

 800-913-8509  http://www.interactivemale.com

MFM Communications

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

SafeWorks

Free and confidential HIV/AIDS and STI testing.

• Calgary Drop-in Centre

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

• Centre of Hope

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

• Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre

 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

Theatre & Fine Arts ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects

 403-294-7402

 http://www.ATPlive.com

Fairytales

See Calgary - Community Groups.

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

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

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

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

www.gaycalgary.com

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

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G5  http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca

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

 http://www.edmontonexpo.com

 727 - 42 Avenue SE  403-243-6642  http://www.stagewestcalgary.com  Theatre Junction GRAND, 608 1st St. SW  403-205-2922  info@theatrejunction.com  http://www.theatrejunction.com

Third Street Theatre

 #3 306 20th Ave SW  http://www.thirdstreet.ca

 403-703-4750

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

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

EDMONTON 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 (CLOSED)  11725 Jasper Ave  780-488-6557

Edmonton Expo

InQueeries

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

Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose

Edmonton Pride Festival Society (EPFS)

 http://www.iscwr.ca

Edmonton Prime Timers

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

 http://www.edmontonpride.ca

Living Positive Society of Alberta

 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 Illusions Social Club

 780-387-3343  groups.yahoo.com/group/edmonton_illusions 2 Edmonton STD  11111 Jasper Ave  sing@evmchoir.com

Fellowship of Alberta Bears

 www.beefbearbash.com

GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club

 780-474-8240

 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

Edmonton Vocal Minority

 780-479-2038  www.evmchoir.com

• HIV Support Group

 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-----------------

 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.

 10608 - 105 Ave  780-488-3234  admin@pridecentreofedmonton.org  http://www.pridecentreofedmonton.org  Tue-Fri 12pm-9pm, Sat 2pm-6:30pm We provide a safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental drop-in space, and offer support programs and resources for members of the GLBTQ community and for their families and friends.

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

Hooliganz Pub (CLOSED)

 10704 124 St NW

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

Bathhouses/Saunas 5 Steamworks  11745 Jasper Ave  780-451-5554  http://www.steamworksedmonton.com

Community Groups AltView Foundation

 #44, 48 Brentwood Blvd, Sherwood Park, AB  403-398-9968  info@altview.ca  http://ww.altview.ca For gender variant and sexual minorities.

Book Worm’s Book Club

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

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

GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

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

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

• Knotty Knitters

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.

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

• 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.

• TTIQ

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

• Women’s Social Circle

 andrea@pridecentreofedmonton.org Women’s Social Circle: A social support group for all female-identified persons over 18 years of age in the GLBT community - new members are always welcome.

Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton

 780-474-8240  tuff@shaw.ca

Team Edmonton

 crosscountry@teamedmonton.ca

• Badminton (Mixed)

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

 St. Thomas Moore School, 9610 165 Street  coedbadminton@teamedmonton.ca New group seeking male & female players.

• Badminton (Women’s)

 Oliver School, 10227 - 118 Street  780-465-3620  badminton@teamedmonton.ca Women’s Drop-In Recreational Badminton. $40.00 season or $5.00 per drop in.

•Ballroom Dancing • Blazin’ Bootcamp

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

• Bowling (Northern Titans)

 Ed’s Rec Room (West Edmonton Mall)  bowling@teamedmonton.ca $15.00 per person.

GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

• Cross Country Skiing

 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.

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

 2nd

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

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

Buck Naked Boys Club

 Edmonton Contd. • Counselling

 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

• Curling with Pride

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

• Cycling (Edmonton Prideriders) • Dragon Boat (Flaming Dragons)  dragonboat@teamedmonton.ca

• Golf

 golf@teamedmonton.ca

• Gymnastics, Drop-in

 Ortona Gymnastics Club, 8755 - 50 Avenue  gymnastics@teamedmonton.ca Have the whole gym to yourselves and an instructor to help you achieve your individual goals. Cost is $5.00 per session.

• Hockey

 hockey@teamedmonton.ca

• Martial Arts

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

www.gaycalgary.com

Directory & Events Red Deer Events Wednesdays

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

CAANS

 1st

Friday, August 15th

 Edmonton Contd. • Outdoor Pursuits

 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.

• 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

Products & Services Interactive Male

 800-913-8509  http://www.interactivemale.com

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

• Support Line

 403-308-2893  Monday OR Wednesday, 7pm-11pm Leave a message any other time.

• Friday Mixer

• Book Club

Gay & Lesbian Integrity Assoc. (GALIA)

 University of Lethbridge GBLTTQQ club on campus.

Theatre & Fine Arts The Roxy Theatre (closed)

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

BANFF HIV Community Link

JASPER Community Groups Jasper Pride Festival

 PO Box 98, 409 Patricia St., T0E 1E0  contact@jasperpride.ca  http://www.jasperpride.ca

LETHBRIDGE

Gay Youth Alliance Group

 Betty, 403-381-5260  bneil@chr.ab.ca  Every second Wednesday, 3:30pm-5pm

Lethbridge HIV Connection

 1206 - 6 Ave S

Pride Lethbridge

 lethbridgepridefest@gmail.com

RED DEER Community Groups 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.

Pride on Campus

 rdcprideoncampus@gmail.com A group of LGBTQ persons and Allies at Red Deer College.

• Monthly Dances

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

12 Mama’s Gin Joint (CLOSED) See Edmonton - Bars & Clubs (Gay).

www.gaycalgary.com

 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 Interactive Male

 800-913-8509  http://www.interactivemale.com  http://www.squirt.org Website for dating and hook-ups. 18+ ONLY!

Theatre & Fine Arts Broadway Across Canada

 http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca

Community Groups

• Sports and Recreation

Restaurants & Pubs

Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition

HIV Community Link

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

 Henotic (402 - 2 Ave S) Bring your membership card and photo ID.

CANADA

MEDICINE HAT

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

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

 http://www.albertaballet.com Frequent productions in Calgary and Edmonton.

Squirt

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.

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

Youth Understanding Youth

Theatre & Fine Arts

Community Groups

PFLAG Canada

 1-888-530-6777  lethbridgeab@pflagcanada.ca  www.pflagcanada.ca

Community Groups GALA/LA

 http://www.albertatrans.org A nexus for transgendered persons, regardless of where they may be on the continuum.

Alberta Ballet

 Room C610, University of Lethbridge

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

 galia@uleth.ca

• Movie Night

 Monthly, contact us for exact dates.

Community Groups Alberta Trans Support/Activities Group

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

 Bi-monthly, contact us for exact dates.

ALBERTA

• Telephone Support

• 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.

GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017

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Help Wanted

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Computers

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420

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Consulting

527

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GayCalgary Magazine #158, March 2017