GayCalgary Magazine - May 2017

MAY 2017

® ISSUE 160 • FREE The Voice of Alberta’s LGBTQ Community

Interview with

RAPH

SOLO

Paul Abrahamian

on Big Brother 18

Melissa O’Neil

Canadian Idol on Dark Matter

PLUS:

It Gets Better Canada Travel - Thailand Anantara Resort Victor Arroyo • Kristin Chenoweth ...and more!

Business Directory

Roger Cross

Scan to Read on Mobile Devices

Community Map

Calgary • Alberta • Canada

Events Calendar

Dark Matter at Calgary Expo

Tourist Information

STARTING ON PAGE 53

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GayCalgary Magazine #160, May 2017

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GayCalgary Magazine #160, May 2017

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Table of Contents

MAY 2017

®

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: Raph2136 Solo, 17th photoAvenue

by Michele SW Martinoli.

Top Right: Paul Abrahamian, photo by Corus Calgary, AB, Canada Entertainment. Mid T2T Right: Melissa O’Neil, photo 0G3

by Bell Media. Bottom Right: Roger Cross, photo

by Bell Media.

Office Hours: By appointment ONLY Phone: 403-543-6960 Toll Free: 1-888-543-6960 Fax: 403-703-0685 E-Mail: magazine@gaycalgary.com This Month's Cover Cher and Christina Aguilera courtesy of Sony Pictures; Annie Lennox courtesy of Mike Owen; Rex Goudie.

Proud Members of: Proud Member of:

The Ever-Changing Gay Bar Scene in Alberta

10 Edmonton Pride 2017

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Achiru, Mercedes ChrisAllen, Azzopardi, Chris Azzopardi, Jason Clevett, Dallas Janine Barnes, EvaTrotta, Dave Brousseau, Keith Johnson, Sam Casselman, Evan Kayne,Jason Lisa Lunney, Clevett, Andrew Steve Polyak, Collins,Romeo Emily Collins, San Vicente, Rob Diaz-Marino, John Stein, 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.

Publisher’s Column

12 Alberta Ballet Celebrates End of 50th Season and Canada 150

14 Lethbridge Pride 2017 16 Dark Matter at Calgary Expoo Interview with Melissa O’Neil and Roger Cross

18 Beer Lovers Take Heed

Craft Brewmaster’s Dinners Pair Eclectic Brews with Excellent Grub

20 Taber Pride 2017 21 Connections are the Core

e n zi

Christopher Gudgeon on being Executive Director for “It Gets Better Canada”

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23 Big Brother 18

Interview with Paul Abrahamian & Victor Arroyo

m

26 Deep Inside Hollywood

‘Sex and the City,’ ‘The Good Wife,’ Kristin Wiig, Reba McEntire

28 Dolly Varden Outdoor Clothing

Functional Clothes Locally Designed for the Canadian Outdoors

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Writers and Contributors

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PAGE 13 PAGE 16

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

32 Jungle Paradise Awaits Asia’s Golden Triangle Offers History and Beauty

National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association

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International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association

Gay European Tourism Association

Continued on Next Page  www.gaycalgary.com

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Table of Contents  Continued From Previous Page ®

37 Changed For the Better PAGE 23

Kristin Chenoweth on LGBT love during her ‘nobody’ years, dismissing homophobes and the Christian man she saved

41 Raph Solo’s Love Lives This Summer 45 Queer Eye

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58 Classified Ads

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ga

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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

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

Name changed to GayCalgary in 1998.

Independent company as of January 2004.

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

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

February 2015 is the first digital only edition.

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

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

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

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History

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Publisher’s Column The Ever-Changing Gay Bar Scene in Alberta

 photos by GayCalgary

by Steve Polyak

The first bar we had stepped into that night was Detours.

The bar was quiet with hardly anyone in it = we found out later it had just re-opened under a new branding. Detours had been called Dicks and 318. I had been in the space beside it when it was Empire, before it converted to Arena. It is now Model Milk.

Arena had the best drag stage out of any gay bar I have visited in Alberta. There were three levels that you could watch the stage from: the main floor; the mezzanine; and, a little higher up, was the DJ booth and a lounge. The stage height was in between the main floor and mezzanine, plus it had a catwalk into the audience on the main floor. The back area of Detours was called the Loading Dock, which was their lounge for happy hour. The upstairs lounge area of Arena, which was above Victoria’s, was also where Aids Calgary/HIV Community Link had one of their first offices.

After that, we hit BBX (Ballz, Bubblez and Xtasy). This bar did not last long, but it had a lot of potential. The main floor was for dancing, the top floor homed a small lounge, and the basement had pool tables. The space where it was located has

seen several bars pass through, as well as an Italian grocery store.

From there we headed to Boyztown Metro and the Rekroom.

This place was packed solid full of guys, way over what would be allowed by today’s capacity standards. It did not matter where you went in the bar, you needed to push through the crowd to get there. That location is now the Nite Owl. Boyztown was as far as we made it that night, so I made it out to Trax – a country western gay bar – on a solo outing. I felt more at home here, amongst the bears and rough and tumble type of guys. The bar was in the space building, but not the same space as Club Sapien on 10th Ave SW. There were other gay bars open during the first couple years when I first started venturing out, but I did not frequent them as often as I did Detours/Arena, Boyztown/Rekroom and Trax, though they had their own appeal.

One of the bars I wish was still around was the Midnight Café. If you were transgender, a drag queen or a cross dresser, this bar was the place to be. The owners made sure that part of the community had a place where they could be themselves.

Every time I was there, it was busy. Even though I had never done drag, cross-dressed or was interested in changing my sex, hanging out at Midnight Café opened my eyes. In the ’80s, guys that crossed dressed were usually represented negatively on TV and in movies, or were used as part of a gag. My mom constantly warned me to ‘watch out for those types of people’, because they are sexually depraved, criminals or have something wrong with them mentally. Even icons who tried to break the gender norms – people like David Bowie, Boy George, Pete Burns of the group

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In the 25 years of running Men for Men BBS/GayCalgary the changes to Calgary and Edmonton LGBTQ community have been dramatic, especially in the last 10 years. When my straight friends decided to push me out from being in front of a computer all the time to check out the bar scene, we tried to visit every gay bar in Calgary in just one night. The BBS had already been running; they wanted me to see what the gay community was about in the real world.

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 photos by GayCalgary

 From Previous Page Dead or Alive – couldn’t sway the older generations, though the younger generations of the ’70s and ’80s largely accepted them breaking the gender binary.

Hanging out at Midnight Café showed me that transgender individuals and drag queens are just like everyone else out there. They want to live their lives organically; they just want to be happy. There is nothing wrong with them, and the stigma or fear that has been put out there was not justified at all.

After coming out as gay to my mom, I decided to bring her out to meet my gay friends at the gay bars. The first place I took her to was Midnight Café. I introduced her to the owners and several patrons. I was not sure how my mom was going to react. Was it going to be like I put her into a snake pit, or would she open her mind and see them the way I do? I think I opened her mind. After a couple hours there, I took her to Boyztown, where she complained about all the guys using the women’s bathroom, and making a mess on the toilet seats and floor.

There were many gay bars that opened and closed their doors prior to the magazine starting in November 2003, but in the first year of the magazine running, there were still many in operation: Boyztown and the Rekroom; Detours, Loading Dock and Arena; Calgary’s longest running gay bar, the Texas Lounge; the Backlot; Calgary Eagle; Solar Café; Money-Pennies; the Verge; Indulge; and then Twisted Element.

In 2007, I finally took my first trip into Edmonton to check out their community. I visited the Roost, which turned out to be Canada’s longest running gay nightclub, and possibly the longest running nightclub too. The Roost had two floors and a 8

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large patio. In the entrance of the bar was a deli, so you could purchase hot food while the bar was open. The Roost staff and

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management held a special Christmas party for LGBTQ parents so they could bring their kids down and get gifts from Santa.

Boots was just about as old as the Roost. Part of the bar homed Garage Burger, which won several local awards for their grub. Boots hosted events for the Bears, leather community and drag shows. I think I spent the most time in Edmonton at Boots.

There was Prism Bar, which I do believe was the last lesbian bar in Canada. It held a good number of ISCWR drag shows too, and men were always welcome. When Boots closed, the owners of Prism decided to move to the Boots space and rebrand themselves as the Junction. It was a bar for everyone in the LGBTQ community.

On Jasper Avenue was Woody’s and Buddy’s. Woody’s, on the top floor, was a large lounge. Buddy’s, in the basement, was a nightclub. Though the bars had separate entrances, they were run by the same people. Woody’s could open just about all their front windows so patrons could look down upon the street and enjoy fresh, outdoor air without being on a patio. When Woody’s closed, Mama’s Gin Joint took over the space.

We are now left with three gay bars in Calgary: the Texas Lounge, the Backlot and Twisted Element; and only one in Edmonton: Evolution Wonderlounge. Evolution Wonderlounge will be celebrating their fourth anniversary in September, and is the location of some of our video interviews with porn stars and celebrity drag queens.

As I talked in previous columns this year about how much things have changed in the tech world, things have changed equally in the gay bar scene in Calgary and Edmonton. It might appear that because we don’t have more gay bars there has been a collapse in gay culture, but it is not the case. Some closures were economic, others due to market correction, or a lack of demand.

Some of the bars got pushed out of business because their leases got too high; a landlord wanted to change the direction of the building and terminate the lease. Fierce competition from other gay bars was a factor. It is hard to compete if your competition resorts to attacks – making artificial claims of being the “first” or “only”, or copying a competitor and modifying it just enough to take customers away from the other, as also happens in the tech world.

Sometimes it was just simply bad management or failure to keep up with the changing tastes of the gay community. In the past, you could open a gay bar, paint the walls a dark colour, play dance music and have customers walk in. Now the LGBTQ community has progressed enough that we can also comfortably go to straight bars, so there’s more competition. Websites like squirt.org, manhunt.net, dudesnude.com and Craigslist have removed the need for hook up spots. You can also easily find other people in the community using apps like Grindr, Scruff and Growlr, which are location specific, and let you find gay men in a straight bar. Straight bars are not immune to similar changes. You can see them closing or rebranding constantly.

They invite the gay community in, while the gay bars do vice versa.

When Boyztown and the Rekroom were running, they were a male member only bar, but women could go in as guests. Near the end of their run, they started to allow women to become members too. The younger generations are coming out earlier and their friends accept them for who they are, whereas in the past, a lot of us stayed in the closet and only when we stepped into a gay bar we could be ourselves. There are people in the LGBTQ community who wish we still had our own space, but the demand is simply not there.

A lot of these changes are also happening in LGBTQ media too. The number of gay magazines across Canada has been reduced substantially. There are only maybe two publications still printing in Canada while the rest – just like us – have moved to online only. Our competition is gay media outside of Canada as well as mainstream media that can quickly do an article within a couple hours. We don’t have the staff to pull that speed off. But even mainstream media has been cutting

back. The Calgary Herald, Calgary Sun, Edmonton Journal and Edmonton Sun have all their editorial being controlled out of one office in Edmonton. We’re all trying to keep up with the constant changes in media landscape as new technology is introduced or readership changes.

With several of the gay bars lasting 10 or more years, some owners were ready to retire; some passed away. The Texas Lounge has been running for close to 30 years, so having new owners taking over about eight years ago helped keep the brand running, along with some improvement o the attached bathhouse, Goliaths. The Backlot too has gone through ownership change, which has seen them do many renos to the space and provide an amazing outdoor patio.

As of February 1st, Twisted Element is under new owners and management. Unlike the Texas Lounge and the Backlot, where existing staff took over, the new owners of Twisted have taken a hands-off approach to the business. They have put all their trust of day to day operations in bar manager Keon Brawn. Within just a few months, the club has taken some major steps in the community, as you will see in this edition’s advertising. Also look for coverage of more events to be hosted there. GayCalgary is very excited about this next chapter of Twisted Element and happy to again be working with them.

It will be interesting to see what our gay bar scene will be like in the next five to ten years. Take a look at the GayCalgary Website for articles we have done with many of the gay bar owners past or present.

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Event

 Edmonton Pride 2016, photos by GayCalgary

Edmonton Pride 2017

by Lisa Lunney Summer is here, and that means Pride events are in Edmonton are in full swing. Edmonton is Alberta’s capital city and the LGBT community takes a bold stand to ensure the message of pride is coming from such a large community. The Edmonton LGBTQ has made significant

contributions towards the pursuit of equality. The history of the Edmonton LGBTQ community is a remarkable one.

Dating from the early Pride Marches and demonstration, to the first attendance at a Pride celebration by an Alberta Premier.

Edmonton Pride is very special to the Edmonton community, it is a time Edmontonian’s collectively look forward to. Stephanie Dickie, of the Edmonton Pride Centre is proud of the calendar of Pride events.

The focus is on enhancing and celebrating all parts of the Edmonton LGBTQ2S+ community, shares Dickie. “The involvement of so many community groups mean there is truly something for everyone at Edmonton Pride. This year we have everything from a family BBQ with info about same sex adoption, to a gala awards night featuring drag and burlesque dancers.”

The 2017 edition of Edmonton Pride marks the 37th year of festivities.

Bigger and better is what Pride-goers can expect. The Parade features over 100 entries that highlight both allies and community members.

This year’s grand marshal is the Edmonton Two Spirit Community, a group typically underrepresented at past Pride events. Set to make an appearance, is ally, Mayor Don Iveson.

The parade is our biggest event, of course, boasts Dickie. ‘I’m also excited about our live music lineups for the all ages main stage and the beverage garden stage. We have a very diverse group of talents, everything from local singers, to dance groups, to DJ’s. We’re also featuring an art exhibit, the Queer History Project, a Human Library, and a chill zone for if festival-goers need a quiet space to recharge’. There’s really something for everyone at the Festival in the park this year.

New to this year’s schedule of events - The Human Library, youth art jams, and an exhibition of the Queer History Project.

Edmonton Pride is unique, and constantly changing. ’The community comes together and a large city feels like a small town’. The love and community of Edmonton Pride is what makes these events so successful and fulfilling.

Parade, beer gardens and festivities return to Old Strathcona June 10th

Edmonton Pride https://www.edmontonpride.ca June 9 to 18, 2017 Strathcona Park, Edmonton http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5542 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments 10

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Theatre

 Alberta Ballet

Alberta Ballet Celebrates End of 50th Season and Canada 150

By Lisa Lunney Our Canada, is a legacy ballet, both honouring and celebrating the history of Canada, set to the sounds of one of the country’s greats--Gordon Lightfoot.

love era imagery using a freedom of movement to symbolize the “fiery autumn haze.”

The numbers chosen for Our Canada reflect on freedom, love and loss—the fuel that keeps our world spinning. Despite having included some of Lightfoot’s most heartbreaking songs, including: Affair On 8th Ave, The Last Time I Saw Her and the gut-wrenching If You Could Read My Mind the performances always had a positive feel. The movements were consistently fluid, under the spell of a showcase of the grand skillset we have come to expect from the Alberta Ballet, the sadness became something of beauty. To be rejoiced in.

Each song was paired with dynamic movements and colourful backdrops. The Canadian Railway elicited roaring applause when the dancers appeared behind a screen, swinging spike hammers, demonstrating the gruelling labour of building the national railway.

The most visually stunning and powerful performance was The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. This story was shown so eloquently, cast in images of stormy Lake Superior waters; they danced, snapping wires while wearing lifejackets in the midst of a brutal storm. Never did I think I would witness a ballet performance that brought such a scene to life.

A fun addition to Our Canada, a celebration of the prairies— Round Dancers came out for The Auctioneer. Dressed in traditional bright dresses, some even donning the Canadian flag, both audience and dancers clapped and stomped.

The project was pure heart. Having seen dozens of Albert Ballet performances, not a single other performance struck as deep an emotional chord. The dancers set out to honour Canada, and with standing ovations after each performance, they did more than just honour.

Our Canada tells the story of our past, and hopes for the future. The 50th season couldn’t have ended on a higher note.

This poetic daydream is a ballet that won’t easily be outdone.

Alberta Ballet http://www.albertaballet.com http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5543 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

“Our Canada is a multidisciplinary sensation hailing our home, our geography, our great diversity and our empowered collective spirit. As much as this ballet celebrates our nation, I also think it’s an honest look at both the high and low points of our national story,” said Artistic Director Jean Grand-Maître.

The set showcases Canada as a house mosaic, a threesided room with three oversized doors. Images of different cities, landscapes and seasons within Canada were projected onto the ‘house’ throughout show’s twenty-two numbers. The set and imagery were stunning, pulling the audience further under Lightfoot’s lyrical spell.

Opening to an archival montage and overview of Canadian history, we realize, just how far this nation has truly come. The horrors seen before us, the trials past generations endured just so we can live as freely as we do today. It is a lot to take in.

Grand-Maître did an excellent job of spreading the emotional weight of Lightfoot’s poetry. Some choices were heavy, and heartbreaking; whilst other choices were fun and fantastic.

Grand-Maître’s song selections showcased Lightfoot’s beautiful high range, unmistakable tone and signature poetic utterance.

Seven Island Suite was one of the most memorable, lighter performances. Featuring seven swaying ’60s hippies in rich Autumnal images. Choreography captured the essence of free-

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Lethbridge Pride 2017  photos by GayCalgary

By Lisa Lunney This year marked the ninth annual Pride Festivities in Lethbridge. In nine years, Pride has come quite a long way. ‘The Lethbridge Pride Fest Society became an incorporated society in Alberta in 2011. Taking over the work of GALA/LA (the Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area) Lethbridge Pride Fest Society has a proud history of celebrating and to promoting equality for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Two-Spirit, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual community. The first Lethbridge Pride Festival was held in 2007 and consisted of a BBQ on the outskirts of Lethbridge and a dance roughly 20 minutes outside of city limits. Lethbridge’s first pride was organized by a handful of individuals who had a dream that Lethbridge Pride Fest would grow and rival major center’s like Edmonton or Calgary’.

This year’s festivities are quite bigger and brighter than the communities’ humble beginnings. List of events include: a crash course on Queer Terminology, swing dancing, support groups, International

Pride Rally and even a Princess Show. The family friendly events made for a wonderful community gathering for celebration and remembrance.

In preparation for festivities, the Pride Committee in Lethbridge proudly painted two crosswalks in bright rainbow colours. In a direct attack on the LGBTQ community, the crosswalks were left with visible skid marks late in the night of their unveiling. A street sweeper attempted to wash away the marks before the morning. “Unfortunately, the marks are still visible, but our spirits are higher than ever. This will not bring us down,” said the organization’s release.

Devon Hargreaves, Pride Fest Chair says the community is trying to focus on the positive and move on. “The purpose of the crosswalks in the first place is to be a symbol of unity as well as respect. “They indicated to us that it helped bring their pride community stronger together.”

The voice of the courageous and proud rang much louder than the actions of those that chose hatred. The community band together, and Pride celebrations rivalled those of Calgary and Edmonton.

Lethbridge Pride 2017 http://www.lethbridgepride.ca June 16 to 24, 2017 Various Venues http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5544 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

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Dark Matter at Calgary Expo

Interview with Melissa O’Neil and Roger Cross  Melissa O’Neil and Roger Cross, photos by Bell Media

By Evan Kayne Dark Matter is a Canadian produced space opera in its third year on the Space channel. We caught up with Melissa O’Neil (Two/Rebecca/Portia Lin) and Roger Cross (Six/Griffin Jones/Lt. Kal Varrick) when they were recently in town for the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo.

This is not the first time we’d interviewed Calgary born Melissa O’Neil – we had interviewed her years back about her win on 2005’s Canadian Idol and her performance at Stage West in 2010 as part of British Invasion. She was impressed we remembered that “Stage West?! Even Stage West was so long after Canadian Idol...I had to wear a horrible blond wig for that show.”

Since that time, she’s been involved in several other musical theatre productions, so we did ask if she’s waiting for a musical episode to show up on Dark Matter. While Melissa said no, Roger piped up “We’re pushing for it.” The problem Melissa stated was that she doesn’t believe the character Two should sing; however, she did give some wiggle room in that Portia (the original personality of Two) could: “Portia...I could see her singing a sexy song. Not Two – I think it’d be so out of character.” She was aware that status could change in the season(s) to come, yet Melissa says Dark Matter is not a show to derail characters. “It’s a dark show.”

When she got cast, she at first didn’t realize how grim the show would be – compared to the utopia world of Star Trek for example.

Roger did: “That’s what is great...you have a great starting point. It causes controversy and conflict. Makes great stories, and without that drama you don’t have this character development, you don’t 16

GayCalgary Magazine #160, May 2017

have to wrestle with anything. That would be kind of dull if we were happy all the time.” He thinks this is a logical conclusion of where we are now as a society...yet the show asks some universal questions – nature versus nurture, can you be forgiven for past sins, can you forgive yourself, etc.

And because unlike Star Trek, the characters are in conflict with each other, it provides for more compelling viewing. Melissa said “That’s one of the things...I remember talking to Paul (creator/ executive producer Paul Mullie) about it, because he felt that was more interesting and compelling – seeing what would happen when you put a powder keg of people into a confined environment. How do they react? How do they navigate their conflict?” The writers of Star Trek may have had an altruistic view of future society, but Paul and Joe (co-creator) think we will be eating at each other if we’re still around as the corporations control everything.

Dark Matter has proven to be successful enough to warrant a third season which is now airing on Space. You can also find more Dark Matter related information on Instagram, and Twitter.

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Beer Lovers Take Heed

Craft Brewmaster’s Dinners Pair Eclectic Brews with Excellent Grub

 photos by Janine Eva Trotta

By Janine Eva Trotta It began with a raddler, the hue of a sunset in Nice, the “German drink for cyclists to enjoy,” quipped Graham With, the head brewer for Parallel 49. The East Vancouver brewery teamed up with Craft Beer Market’s kitchen in downtown Calgary to present June 27th‘s decadent Brewmaster’s Dinner. The wonderful pairing event happens monthly at Craft, with July 10th seeing dishes inspired by Mill St. Brew Pub’s fine ales. Head brewer from St. Johns, Newfoundland, Daniel Bouldrini, will be in attendance to explain the beers.

If future dates reflect the dinner GayCalgary was happy to attend in June, wear loose pants and pace yourself. The dishes were full flavoured and portions were not lacking: five courses and beers in just under three hours.

The raddler, a combination of grapefruit juice from Texas and Parallel 49’s lager, was paired with a sightly amuse bouche of a ‘scallop benny’. The scallop sat atop a thin crostini-like biscuit with bacon and mint, drizzled in sauce.

Next up a house-smoked cheddar croquette, breaded and fried to perfection akin a zesty organic beat salad, paired with a refreshingly light IPA – the Wobbly Pop – brewed from a Vermont yeast.

Then we climaxed: Ancho coffee crusted pork belly, served with a green garbanzo take on wasabi, charred pineapple and kale crisp. This licentious dish was aptly served with a stronger IPA, the Filthy Dirty, a hearty beverage that finishes with hoppy notes of citrus.

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The main course could have lived up to its predecessor, however we found the beef dish over salted and less interesting than the belly, despite being absolutely swathed in lobster butter.

This came served with Gypsy Tears, an easy drinking, robust red ale, that helped to cut the salt and fat the dish was rife with.

Finally the dessert: an absolutely lovely Bodhisattva sour ale, a great contrast to a sweet crème brulee (that I do not believe was torched) and a caramel that was a bit too hard to dig into.

Needless to say we were filled to the brim and absolutely satisfied with the experience. The ambiance of Craft is eye appealing and comfortable, the service polite and efficient, and the speakers informative and friendly. This is a perfect first date, anniversary or friends’ night out. Starting at $60 a ticket, inclusive of tax and gratuity, the night is very well priced. We were sent home with gorgeous Parallel 49 glasses that I cannot wait to pour my next raddler into après a Sunday morning cycle.

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Event

 Lethbridge Pride 2016, photo by GayCalgary

Taber Pride 2017

By Lisa Lunney This year was the first pride for Southern Alberta’s, Taber community. 2017 marked the first time the pride flag was raised on a public flagpole in Taber.

Jayce spoke with GayCalgary on behalf of Taber Pride and shared some of the highlights of festivities. ‘We had many vendors including Lethbridge Pride Fest, OutReach Southern Alberta, McKillop United Church, Arches in Lethbridge, Safe Haven Women’s Shelter and much more.

We had stage performances from many local performers including Haley Platt, Salem Salem (the Drag Queen), Girl Power, Wild Bill Lawson, and others’. Pride was a family friendly event, with face painting, glitter tattoos plus treats for young and old.

For Jayce, the most memorable and touching moment was the flag raising ceremony. Seeing the Pride flag flying proudly for the first time in Taber was special. Seeing all the small children playing and having fun, with their parents setting a good example of acceptance and inclusion. Being able to see and feel all the love in one place. Also, being able to witness Taber’s first public drag performance by Salem Salem.

“Pride Events are so important. For both the LGBTQ community, and for this generation. They give us an opportunity to come together as a community and share in each other’s stories and experiences. These events give each one of us a safe place to express ourselves. But I think most importantly we can raise awareness in the public, start conversations, and open up peaceful dialogue.

Celebrating Pride has pushed Taber forward. Taber is now a part of something bigger, the Gay rights movement, and has made a step towards being a safe inclusive community”, boasts Jayce.

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“I am most proud of the Flag Raising Ceremony and seeing history being made. There were many wonderful speeches that touched hearts and moved people to tears. The love and acceptance were overwhelming as I watched the flag being raised. Words cannot describe how I felt”, shares Jayce.

Pride was met mostly with positive responses, but unfortunately there was some resistance which resulted in a test to the communities’ LGBTQ courage. Jillian Demontigny of the Taber Equality Alliance released a statement to media sharing, ‘her group was notified Sunday that a police officer noticed damage to the flag and scorch marks up the flagpole while driving past Confederation Park’. Demontigny says they’ve been told gasoline was used to light the pole on fire, partially melting the flag. She says the group raised their original flag on June 12 when they held the town’s first Pride party in the park, and it was supposed to continue flying until the end of the month. That flag was stolen, so they raised another one in its place. Taber Police have been helpful and are taking the offence very seriously.

The LGBTQ community in Taber will refuse to back down and let sour grapes spoil a tremendous step forward in Alberta Pride.

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Community

Connections are the Core Christopher Gudgeon on being Executive Director for “It Gets Better Canada”

By Achiru LGBTQ2 youth are seven times more likely to commit suicide than their straight peers, and the stats are even worse if the kids are aboriginal or transgender. It Gets Better Canada wants to show these kids they are supported and loved and what better time to do this than during PRIDE? Canadian LGBT stories matter because Canada is the second largest country by landmass on the earth. Our communities, especially our marginalized communities, can be separated for miles. Christopher Gudgeon makes this geographic isolation a case for why the “It Gets Better” campaign is particularly relevant to Canadians. Chris is an author, poet, screenwriter in addition to his role as Executive Director of It Gets Better Canada, a non-profit organization promoting positive messages of hope for LGBTQ+ youth. He agreed to share with Steve Polyak from Gay Calgary Magazine how “It Gets Better Canada” got founded: CG: I started talking to the parent organization “It Gets Better Project” in Los Angeles just about a year ago and I was looking for an organization to get involved with that could tie in a lot of my talents and interests, with my background in Interactive [Software], in making entertainment content and writing and working with young people. So, I came across “It Get Better” and I’ve heard of them but I hadn’t really paid attention. Then I noticed they didn’t have a Canadian Affiliate. There’s other offices around the world so we talked back and forth for six or seven months and then in November signed an official affiliate agreement settled. “It Gets Better Canada” were the official affiliate. We’re independent but we’re part of the international umbrella of “It Gets Better”.

SP: So...

CG: So yeah I’ve been the executive director from the start ‘cause basically I started it?

What makes him qualified for the position? Chris shares with Steve a plethora of work experiences and expertise relevant to directing It Gets Better Canada: CG: I’ve been a writer for 35 years. I’ve done a lot of television and film or I’ve created a couple TV series, one series Ghost Trackers ran on YTV for 5 years, I became creative producer.

So, I’m familiar with developing [long-term content] and I’ve done a lot of social media on Interactive [Software]. So, I understand how social media works, I understand how Interactive works, I understand how to bring it together to create content. I also started off as a family-youth counsellor and I did a lot of work with particularly government and NGOs around engaging youth in particular at-risk communities, different kinds of initiatives. [...] So I’ve got a background in creating education materials; background in social media, background in dealing with, working with youth and their families, background in production, creating content and just a background in writing. And I’ve got a background working with a number of non-for-profits, especially on the governance side with the boards and the communications side. I’ve done a lot of community and corporate and government and organization and communication.

What Chris saw in the original “It Gets Better” project was “a strong brand that had a clear vision and a clear mission.

The idea is to use social media to provide positive messages help LGBT youth and help connect them to a larger community.

Social media is a great outlet for doing that.”

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It Gets Better Canada doesn’t directly provide healthcare, school, or a place to sleep but through the use and power of social media they can get kids’ attention, especially those hard to reach kids and at-risk kids and direct them to those services closest to them or national services. The organization works closely with affiliated programs and corporate institutions that fit their framework to provide a space for kids to build an online community that can support, provide care and other services needed by LGBT youth including GSAs and partners that already work with established GSAs. On the topic of how he will spearhead ongoing buzz in the movement to increase engagement, visibility, social acceptance and story sharing, Chris says, “We’re going to create specific social media campaigns. So, there’ll be very simply a SnapChat style video campaign for high school news and we’re going to partner with some corporate organizations to promote that.”

Instead of leaving video creation and sharing up to chance and hope, Chris is determined to bridge everyday kids with queer role models that are closer to their own communities. He notes that, “You read the story about famous rock stars who’s gay and that’s great and it’s inspirational and empowers you but it’s also really remote. But someone who’s in your community who’s had success, a high profile, that’s way more accessible.”

Examples include provincial MLAs, teachers, artists, authors and other community leaders who have all achieved some level of success without being Vegas celebrities. People like you.

Chris himself is open to being vulnerable and sharing some personal details that connect us to him as a fellow human being: SP: Now to your book. I don’t know how many books you’ve written so far...

CG: 20.

SP: 20! And have they all been poetry?

CG: No this is my first [poetry] book.

SP: So that is your first book. What made you want to do poetry compared to all the rest?

CG: For me it’s whatever captures my attention. I’ve written some poems over the years and then I wrote a poem called,

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“Waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ... in the Maple Leaf Lounge at the John G. Diefenbaker Airport in Saskatoon Saskatchewan.”

I wrote that for Giest magazine about 5 years ago and it was really successful and it occurred to me that I wanted to write more poetry. So, most of the poems were written over the past two years, since I came out... Since the last 2 and a half years.

So nothing really happened, just poetry caught my attention.

SP: Did you say you just recently came out over the last several years?

CG: No, no, I’ve never fitting in or out. It doesn’t really register that strongly to be...

SP: So you’ve been... Just basically been out there.

CG: Being the... Yeah. If someone asked me technically I would say I’m bisexual but that honestly doesn’t mean anything to me because it doesn’t make me feel or think anything differently.

SP: Being with some of the artists and whatnot nowadays the term they’re using is the word sexually fluid, at least it gives that larger spectrum. It’s like I’m not gay, I’m not straight. I’m not really bi. I’m just whatever.

CG: I identify with the struggle that we all have because we’re “unnatural”... “Out of the ordinary” or worse. We offend people; we anger people; we scare people. I identify with that more than a sexual label, if that makes sense. I can sit down with almost any gay guy in the world and we have something in common.

It’s not fucking. That’s not what we talk about... Well that’s not true.

SP: Ha ha ha ha ha!

CG: What do you know, that’s a shorter conversation than the actual things that we’ve all experienced, actual human connections and disconnects that we experience in a very similar way. That’s what I think brings us together and that’s what the actual community is. The sex is an element of the

community. I think if you actually got down to it connection is the core of the community.

“People love to focus on the sex because it’s sexier,” Chris continues, but on the other side of a great time in bed, what we all want to feel is human connection. That’s what It Gets Better Canada stands for: to be the hub of all these beautiful connections we make from our core. So, help Canada kick off our new national social media campaign to support Canada’s LGBTQ2 youth for PRIDE this month of June 2017!

Chris believes we can create at least 10,000 videos and have them posted on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram by the end of this summer! Post a 10-second video saying “Hi, I’m___ from ____, and I support Canada’s LGBTQ and Two Spirit Youth!” with the hashtag #ISupportCanadasLGBTQ2youth. Connect to your core now: It’s time to show your pride.

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Big Brother 18

Interview with Paul Abrahamian & Victor Arroyo  Paul Abrahamian & Victor Arroyo, photos courtesy Corus

By Keith Johnson Prepare for the hottie quotient to multiply (well at least double) when Victor Arroyo and Paul Abrahamian of Big Brother season 18 fame spend some time in our nation.

It’s hard to manage expectations when you actually get a face-to-face with reality stars. How much of their performance is “reality” and how much of their performance is “performing”. It’s a game people and these two are men who, like most men, love to play games. Being super competitive, super hot and super controversial creates a recipe for reality television that is tailor made. Their tour includes Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver and if you have a chance to get a real glimpse of them be sure to chat them up. They love their fans. “I didn’t know that we had that type of reach! We are recognized wherever we go”, says Victor. “We are two very different people though”, Paul quickly adds. Seeming afraid to be forever linked to his partner-in-crime and the long running show.

one forgets they have been deprived of the outside world and all of its trappings including the confiscation of their personal cell phones. “I assumed the viewers hated me so all the love and support is surprising”, says Paul. Turns out they hated the Big Brother Paul but love the new and improved on-the-street everyday Paul. And what’s not to love? He was a great social player and put on a strategic game. Many believed he lost the game because the jury was simply bitter. No matter, he appears to be doing just fine in his new role and has adapted well to a life that has gone from zero to sixty overnight. “When you leave that house the over stimulation is everywhere”, he says. “That’s a good thing”, adds Victor.

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California native Paul Abrahamian (runner-up on Big Brother season 18) is a clothing designer who loves to play music but doesn’t miss an opportunity to spend time in the great outdoors. Victor Arroyo, who ended up a Jury Member, is also from California where he manages a gym. “The shock of getting on the show is overwhelming. I kept saying it wouldn’t happen because I had applied for 6 other seasons’’, Victor recalls. And that is only the beginning of very long and exciting ride that has propelled these to hunks into pop culture Heaven.

“We would love to do other reality programs” they chime in unison.

Amazing Race in particular. As they exited the Big Brother House

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Gossip with care and intelligence, a script that matters, and direction that understands why we loved them in the first place. We’re all counting on you SATC3: don’t fuck it up.

The Good Wife spinoff delivers a lesbian lead CBS’s The Good Wife has a spinoff series on the way. It’s called The Good Fight, and will star Game of Thrones actor Rose Leslie as Maia, the goddaughter of Wife regular Diane (Christine Baranski). Maia will get caught up in a financial scam, one that also affects Diane, and will then have to rethink/jump-start her career. She will also be lesbian, with a regular girlfriend, although CBS declines to comment on that narrative move. It’s a terrific hook, and we can’t wait to see a lesbian take the lead and simply live her life, rather than be a novelty supporting character. The ensemble cast will include other Good Wife actors like Gary Cole, Cush Jumbo and Sarah Steele, alongside newly cast Delroy Lindo (Chicago Code), Paul Guilfoyle (CSI), Bernadette Peters (Smash), Justin Bartha (The New Normal) and Erica Tazel (Justified). Get your all-lady watching party set for Sunday, Feb. 19.

Kristin Wiig and Will Ferrell sing for the screen

 Reba McEntire, photo by KathClick

Deep Inside Hollywood ‘Sex and the City,’ ‘The Good Wife,’ Kristin Wiig, Reba McEntire

By Romeo San Vicente Why we’re actually glad Sex and the City 3 is happening It’s official. The ladies have signed on. There will now be a third Sex and the City film. We don’t know what it’s going to be about. But we’re happy, and here’s why: the second one was godawful. If you have not yet admitted that to yourself, now is your opportunity. Bloated, tone-deaf, unfunny and glib, the second movie managed to turn off longtime fans -- who often comfort-watch the TV series and first film – and give ammunition to those inclined to hate the franchise just for existing. But another shot at restoring the good name of this beloved foursome is very welcome. It’ll be a chance to see the brunching, shopping New Yorkers bring heart and soul, not merely style, to middle-age life, something we know can and should be a part of these stories. All it needs is to be handled 26

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There is an odd and fascinating book you should read; it’s called Everything’s Coming Up Profits: The Golden Age of Industrial Musicals, from Steve Young and Mike Murphy. It’s about the history of corporate America employing Broadway song and dance people to perform in industrial shows at corporate conventions. These shows would motivate the salespeople and push new products, and the Broadway actors would sing their hearts out about air conditioners, sometimes playing the role of the air conditioner. Better yet, some of these shows were recorded and still exist. And now that uniquely weird American story is going to be a movie musical itself.

To be produced by Marc Platt (La La Land), the film will star Kristin Wiig and Will Ferrell, with a script from Steven Levenson (Masters of Sex), and music from Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray, Broadway’s upcoming Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). We want – no, need – to see Kristin Wiig singing the role of a refrigerator, in a love duet with Will Ferrell as a stand-alone freezer. Not that we want anything rushed into production, but please rush this into production and take our ticket money yesterday.

Reba McEntire: She’s the sheriff Marc Cherry, gay creator of Desperate Housewives, has a new series in the works. It has no name, but it has a star in country music legend Reba McEntire. Described as a “Southern Gothic soap opera,” the dramatic series is set immediately following a suspected terrorist act at a 4th of July parade in a small Kentucky town. And when the FBI sends a hot-shot Middle Eastern agent to investigate the aftermath, the local sheriff (McEntire) joins him in digging for clues and discovering local secrets. That’s everything we know about it for the moment, but we’re going to keep an eye on how this develops because it sounds like a strange, Twin Peaks-style situation in the making. Also because even though we never watched Reba’s sitcom and never will, we loved her in Tremors and we want material worthy of her status. Cherry should be able to provide that.

Romeo San Vicente slays Reba’s version of “Fancy” at karaoke.

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Dolly Varden Outdoor Clothing

Functional Clothes Locally Designed for the Canadian Outdoors

By Steve Polyak As a magazine running several interviews with Dolly Parton, coming across a clothing line called Dolly Varden, you do a double take. Dolly Varden Outdoor Clothing is based in Calgary, founded by Dan and Joanne Berezan.

They wanted to set up a functional line of clothes that fit an outdoor lifestyle. Dolly Varden is a type of trout, which pairs well with this outdoor brand of clothes. I tried out the men’s clothing, but they do also offer a line of women’s clothing like the men’s line.

GayCalgary was sent a pair of pants, a long sleeve button shirt, and a long sleeve t-shirt to try out. One thing I noticed right away was that all three items are made from stretchable and breathable material.

I tried on the Men’s Willowemoc Creek Cargo Pants, which were sized at XL, but they did not fit quite right. Since I do have a stocky build, finding larger sized clothes is always an issue.

I had Justin wear it over a period of a month, since they did fit him. They were a little snug but still stretched and wore well.

The pants have large zippered pockets on the outside of both upper thighs. The zippers are designed to be easily grabbed and pulled. Each pocket has a smaller outer pocket too. There are pockets on the back that are deep with large flaps. One of the things that Justin pointed out is that he wished they had snaps or Velcro to keep them closed. He was worried about things falling out while he was sitting down, but then he could transfer those items to the pockets with the zippers.

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There is also a metal loop on the left leg pocket so that you could clip on keys, RF ID cards, or outdoor gear, like a compass.

The pant fabric is quick dry, breathable, and UPF 50 protection from the sun.

The Biscayne Ball Tee was one of the two shirts I got. The shirt fabric is thinner than I am used to but that is by design to, again, allow the great features of being quick dry, moisture wicking and UPF 50 sun protection. The shirt fit a little tight, but would be great for guys who would like to show off the muscles they have been working out. Guys have commented to me that they have problems buying shirts and pants because the clothes not typically designed for larger biceps and chests.

If they try to bend, they run into the problem of the shirts or pants splitting or their mobility is restricted. The fabric and design that Dolly Varden is using should work perfectly for these guys. I do recommend going up one size though, just in case. However if it doesn’t fit, they do have a no hassles exchange and return policy.

My favourite shirt is the green gingham Men’s Frying Pan Shirt. I wore this shirt out at several events, including the launch of Hudson, which is on the top floor of the Bay in downtown Calgary. At the Hudson event, several people asked me about the shirt and thought it was available from the Bay. They loved the look and feel of it, which was great, seeing as that I was wearing the shirt at a fancy event. The pocket fits my Microsoft Lumia 950XL smart phone with case perfectly, which is a 5.7” display, so it should be able to handle most smart phones. www.gaycalgary.com

Wearning my camera bag, I did notice the shoulder strap would pop open the shirt buttons, which can be ok depending on the event. The shirt stretched nicely as I was running around doing photos, and still maintained a professional look. The shirt fabric boasts some extra features too, like quick dry, anti-odor and UPF 30 protection from the sun.

While the Frying Pan Shirt is made of a lighter fabric, they also have the Men’s Wasatach Shirt, their mid-weight flannels with zippered side pockets and a hidden chest pocket. The company sells hoodies as well as t-shirts with either the Dolly Varden logo or phrases like “I’D FISH IT” or “For the doers, drifters, anglers, and punks”. Just about all styles come in about three colour varieties. Dolly Varden additionally offers baseball hats in their collection, with either the brand logo or some of the statements from their t-shirt line.

Check out the Dolly Varden Outdoor Clothing line and support a great new outdoor clothing line designed in Calgary for embracing the Canadian Outdoors.

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Jungle Paradise Awaits Asia’s Golden Triangle Offers History and Beauty

By Jason Clevett While the initial draw to the Anantara Golden Triangle is the opportunity to experience their elephants, the resort and surrounding area are breathtaking. Thailand has so many different gorgeous parts to it, but escaping to the jungle stands out.

The hotels rooms are gorgeous and luxurious, with a comfortable bed and a massive tub – perfect for taking a bubble bath after a day with the elephants or exploring.

Each room has a balcony overlooking the forest and Mekong river below. Sitting on the balcony at sunset or sunrise, watching the mist over the trees and hearing the insects and birds calling is magical.

There are many different activities to participate in at the resort. Join their master chef for a visit to town to collect ingredients for a cooking class. Relax and enjoy a massage from their skilled therapists in the spa. Enjoy lounging in the pool that continues the amazing view of the valley below.

There are many excursions available as well. Visit three countries by boat in one day with a unique boat trip

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that takes you across the river to Laos and Myanmar. Be forewarned however that while Thailand and Laos are LGBT friendly, Myanmar is not. Same sex activity is illegal and punishable by fines and imprisonment. Visit some of the nearby temples and Buddha statues or stay on resort to try your hand at rice or tree planting. The resorts boasts yoga, a full fitness centre, and squash and tennis courts.

The golden triangle is known for its history of producing opium. Across the street from the resort is the multi-million dollar Hall of Opium museum. Walk through and learn the history dating back 5’000 years and take an in-depth look at the infamous history of the Golden Triangle’s previous role in world opium trade. The museum focuses on opium, opiates, narcotics and the drug eradication measures carried out by Thailand’s late Princess Mother through intriguing interactive displays.

Anantera is an all-inclusive resort. Enjoy traditional Thai food and international cuisine for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Sala Mae Nam. Often young elephants will join hotel guests on the patio to participate in the dining experience.

Baan Dahlia offers delicious Italian and Mediterranean meals for dinner.

As you head back to your room in the evening keep your eyes peeled for the hotels nocturnal guests. One of the world’s largest geckos calls the area home. Tokay Geckos get their name because of their distinctive call that sounds like “To-kaaayyyy.” These beautiful purple and orange lizards hunt smaller lizards and insects – including pests like mosquitos – and are a fun discovery. Water buffalo

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 Phuket - From Page 33 wander the grounds as do the elephants, which are visible from your room.

Whether wanting to explore the area, or just relax and spend time with the elephants, the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort is the perfect jungle paradise.

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Changed For the Better

Kristin Chenoweth on LGBT love during her ‘nobody’ years, dismissing homophobes and the Christian man she saved  photos by Gian Andrea di Stefano

By Chris Azzopardi Before celebrated soprano Kristin Chenoweth morphed into a mélange of nice and naughty personalities both on stage and screen, from Glinda in Wicked in 2003 to her forthcoming role as Velma Von Tussle in NBC’s Hairspray Live!, the Broadway icon was a “nobody.”

Except, she notes, to the gay community.

Our bond with Chenoweth is for good, as demonstrated on a recent afternoon, the same day as the release of her sixth studio album, The Art of Elegance. Then, the 48-year-old rang to look back at the unexpected exchange that established her place within the LGBT community, along with an unforgettable moment in her career that “really affected me” – when a gay Christian man revealed to her that she saved his life.

GC: Happy release day, Kristin! Where are you in the world right now?

KC: I am in terrible traffic in New York trying to get to Morristown, New Jersey for my show tonight.

GC: Are you gonna make it?

KC: Well, I’m supposed to do a live Facebook feed at 5:30, so we might be pushing it a little. But it’s OK. I’ll get there some way or another. The Facebook feed might be from the car!

GC: A la James Corden’s “Carpool Karaoke”?

KC: I’ll do my warmups from the car, exactly.

GC: You and your Wicked co-star, Idina Menzel, both have solo albums being released today. Why have we not heard another duet with you two since Wicked? www.gaycalgary.com

KC: I don’t know.

GC: I’m surprised.

KC: Me too! I’m surprised too. I think it’s just timing and scheduling, and what would we do? We’d probably want to make it really cool and different and original. But I don’t know. I think it’d be something we could write ourselves, maybe. That’d be cool.

GC: What goes through your mind on album release day?

KC: You just have to release it and just go, “That’s my creation and I hope you like it!” (Laughs) You know, it’s a lot of pressure, actually. But then once it’s out, it’s not, because then it’s just… what it is. And that’s a lot of relief.

GC: So aside from the traffic right now, you’re feeling relief?

KC: Yeah, I am. I am!

GC: How can a gay man like myself achieve elegance if he can’t sing?

KC: (Laughs) You guys actually have nailed the whole elegance thing already. You don’t really need my help! And if you can’t sing, I’m positive you’re doing it in other ways. I’ve always said: “If you want anything done right, if you want anything done good, if you want anything to look good, hire your gay best friend.” You guys have nailed it – nailed it! – when it comes to just about everything.

GC: So, you’ve been employing a good portion of the gay community since the beginning of your career?

KC: (Laughs) I can’t imagine that that would not be true! Yes. That is true! That is very true. And it’s just a bond I have. I can’t explain it. I just can’t.

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GC: For your upcoming return to Broadway in November, what’s it like to know that your out costume designer and Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano, also designed for Michelle Obama?

KC: I am a smart girl; I know everyone who he designs for. I am lucky that he said yes!

GC: What’s the most memorable conversation you’ve had with a gay fan?

KC: The second record I made was a Christian record (2005’s As I Am). So, I was doing one of those talks – one of those moderated talks. After it was over I did a meet and greet, and

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I was signing the album and a guy comes up to me – he was probably about 35 and he was so cute and kind – and he just said, “I want to thank you for helping me. Just recently you helped save my life.” And I was like, “Wait, whoa, what?” And he just said, “My whole life I’ve been told I was going to hell. And I’m gay and I love God and I’m Christian and I was able to show my family that, ‘Look at this girl. She made this album and she thinks I’m OK.’” That was 10, 12 years ago. That really affected me and stayed with me. One I really remember.

GC: Do you think about these powerful exchanges when you’re making music?

KC: Yeah, I do. I think about lots of kids who are persecuted by their very own families for who they are or what they believe or even what they want to do with their life. That’s a really – that’s harsh. My parents weren’t that way. I have such deep compassion for anyone who feels like they’ve been ostracized by their own family.

GC: When in your professional career did you know the gay community loved you back?

KC: Oh gosh. The first time I felt it I was doing a show on Broadway called Steel Pier (in 1997), and it was not a hit. But it was a big, splashy Broadway musical, and I had a pretty incredibly difficult aria to sing in that show. I remember leaving the show one night. I was a nobody. I was just starting. And there was a group waiting for me. I figured they were waiting for Karen Ziemba or Debra Monk, and all of a sudden they were like, “Kristin, Kristin!” and I turned over and there’s this fabulous group standing there and they go, “Will you sign our program?” And I said, “Me? Are you sure? Really?” (Laughs) They said, “Yeah. You! You’re incredible. Your voice, your voice!

And you’re not lip syncing – that’s fabulous!”

So I was signing the program and this one guy reached over and grabbed my hand and said, “Us gays love you!” I just remember smiling so big and feeling the power and the love and I sent it right back. I guess that’s been going on ever since. But really, ever since I was a little girl too, because I had friends who were outsiders because of their orientation. I am so thrilled at how far things have come and how far they’re coming. I just keep praying that it keeps evolving and changing and becoming more open and that people are allowed to love who they love and marry who they want to marry.

GC: As someone who’s been a staunch supporter of LGBT issues and rights, what’s going through your mind regarding this election and whether, if elected, Donald Trump could affect the progress we’ve made in the LGBT community?

KC: I don’t think it will affect it that much in that arena, but I worry about other arenas. I worry about world safety – our safety. When your brother is kind of running off at the mouth, you go, “OK.” But when somebody you don’t know does it, it’s scary. That’s the way I view it. Like, how will we be viewed? So, I am like the rest of the world. I am in shock.

GC: How much flak have you received from conservative Christians because of your support of the community?

KC: Oh, I’ve definitely lost fans. I’ve been fired from Women of Faith. The haters online and on social media are there. But I don’t know... I think I’ve gotten tougher or somethin’.

GC: The negativity has had the opposite effect on you?

KC: Yeah, yeah. I think so.

GC: Why do you think that is?

KC: Well, even if you believe different things, you still want to be able to have music in common. And now, I guess maybe what’s changed is, it’s OK if you don’t like my music. If you don’t like what I believe, maybe I don’t want you to.

GC: If you have a random run-in with a gay man, what work of yours is he most likely to compliment?

KC: It varies! It’s so interesting. A lot of times it will be Candide, a lot of times it will be Glee or Pushing Daisies. A lot of Pushing Daisies! It was a good one, right?

GC: So good. And GCB!

www.gaycalgary.com

KC: And GCB! Oh my gosh, of course. How could I leave that one out? They love that one.

GC: There’s a song on this new album for just about every occasion. If you could dedicate any classic song from this album to your gay following, which would it be?

KC: Just on sheer orchestration, melody and lyric and, of course, no soprano – all belt – I’m gonna go with “Skylark” because it’s complicated. It’s not easy to sing, and I feel like they’d know that and appreciate it and love it.

GC: Your voice is surprisingly deeper on this album.

KC: I do go deep! It’s changing!

GC: You’re going through a late puberty?

KC: I guess so! I’m like, when was someone gonna tell me this was gonna happen? I’ve still got the high, but my voice is dropping.

GC: Are you comfortable with your voice changing?

KC: Oh yeah! Because I think 10 years ago – five years ago even! – I would’ve done an even different piece and it would’ve been what you would’ve expected from me. But this necessarily isn’t. I love that.

GC: As someone who played Glinda the Good Witch, what can people expect when you play her antithesis, Velma Von Tussle, in December in Hairspray Live!?

KC: I’m so lucky that I haven’t been too terribly typecast! You know, I’m definitely gonna have a fabulous wig. I’m definitely gonna have fabulous makeup and costumes. I’m also going to really go there with her. I mean, she’s not necessarily lovable, but I’m gonna try to make her fun to hate. (Hairspray Live! composer) Marc Shaiman has been working with me a little bit to make the song “Miss Baltimore Crabs” a little more my own.

More crazy high notes, some low ones too. Physically, a lot of fun stuff. I’m excited.

GC: How do you like playing someone with opposite morals and values?

KC: I think that’s why I enjoy her – I’m thinking, “Kristin, you would never be that way!” (Laughs) It’s kind of fun to delve into someone who is polar opposite because she is polar opposite.

GC: You’ve collaborated with many people throughout your career. What comes to mind when you think of the following?

First, obviously: Idina Menzel.

KC: We made magic together.

GC: She’s not into the idea of having other actresses take your parts in a Wicked film. How do you feel about it?

KC: I totally agree with her. We want someone who can do what we did. We don’t want someone who can make it sound good in the studio. We want someone who can actually sing.

GC: How about when you sang Mika’s “Popular” mashup with him in 2013 in New York City?

KC: Oh my gosh. He is – oh, let’s see – an open vessel! He has no edit. He’s like Prince in a way. He’s just music. So, I have so much deep love and respect for him. He is a star.

GC: And Jennifer Lopez, whose BFF you played in 2015’s The Boy Next Door.

KC: She wants the best for me. Loyal. Real. A friend. And fun to work with! We laughed all the time. Ahh, I love her. And that movie – it’s a guilty pleasure.

GC: I have a feeling the gay community might have found it more pleasurable than the general public.

KC: I think so! And I’m fine with that.

GC: Your Glee co-star Matthew Morrison?

KC: Beautiful, best spirit, supportive, protective. He wants to be great so he works hard. Again, nothing but respect there.

GC: And you worked with Betty White when you guest starred on an episode of Hot in Cleveland – what stands out to you about her?

KC: I said to her, “How do I find the balance in life?” And she said, “You don’t. You’re a lifer. Accept it. You’re a lifer. You

www.gaycalgary.com

were born to do this and this is what you’re supposed to do, period.”

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Raph Solo’s Love Lives This Summer  photos by Michele Martinoli

By John Stein In “Love Lives,” pop singer Raph Solo boldly declares that he is no less equal than any other person for who he is or who he loves.

“People’s attitudes towards one another needs to change,” he says. “Too many people speak in the name of God with no divine authority. Who is anyone to judge another human

“I have worked very hard to gain the self-respect and acceptance I enjoy today,” he explains. “It’s been a difficult journey but I’m finally at a point where I know that I don’t need anyone’s approval to feel comfortable in my own skin.”

Written and produced by Solo, “Love Lives” is an R&B, modern pop groove; melodic with an edgy tech feel. Sonically, its very different from Solo’s previous tracks, and for good reason. Solo has evolved since his last album, Good Morning London, and “Love Lives” reflects his current state of artistry.

“I wanted to take my sound onto the streets and into the clubs,” he says. “These days, more and more damning rhetoric is being directed at anyone who belongs to a minority.

I’m a minority, not only of the LGBT community, but of race as well.”

He says he wasn’t originally planning to release the song.

He recorded it on his birthday as a special gift to himself.

Ultimately, however, he felt the message in “Love Lives” was too important to keep to himself. He saw it as his duty to let it be heard.

The message is simple: “Love is Love”. It’s a sentiment that entered the mainstream vernacular when Lin-Manuel Miranda passionately declared it during his Orlando tribute at the 2016 Tony Awards, however, Solo has expressed similar feelings in many of his songs, including “Glass of Wine,” his hit track from 2013. www.gaycalgary.com

GayCalgary Magazine #160, May 2017

41

being? Focus on yourself, practice love and work toward being a better person before seeking to change another person. I respect the rights of others to dislike me for who I am and who I love as long as they respect my right to be me and they do not infringe on my freedom and right to love who I want to love.”

Born to Lebanese/Chilean parents on the Gulf of Guinea in Nigeria, West Africa, Raph Solo is a singer, songwriter and music producer. He has released three full-length albums, including last summer’s THE ANONYMOUS ICON, featuring “Star” and “Good Morning London”.

Today, he is a proud gay man in a loving relationship — with an English man from the East Midlands who shares his core values and beliefs — but it wasn’t always that way.

Just a few years ago, he fought his feelings for men and even underwent reparative therapy in an attempt to cure himself of his homosexuality. In the end, it was even more damaging to Solo and his self-esteem. “It made me feel like a failure because no matter how hard I tried, I could not change my feelings.”

Along with the release of “Love Lives,” Solo is unveiling a brand new music video that shows a different side to the artist. “I dance a lot in this one! It’s all very tongue-and cheek compared to my previous story-based, cinematic music videos. I hope fans like the choreography and chutzpah.”

In the meantime, Raph Solo is putting the finishing touches on his next full-length album. “I had hoped to get it out this year but it’s not going to be ready in time,” he explains. “I don’t believe in rushing things. It’s a new sound for me so it’s taking a little more time to master but I have faith that the final product will be worth the wait.”.

Raph Solo’s “Love Lives” is being released globally through Angel King Musique and is available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon as well all other online retail outlets. Its music video is available on YouTube.

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5553 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments 42

GayCalgary Magazine #160, May 2017

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Photography Calgary Expo 2017 http://gaycalgary.com/pa1341

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Photography Apollo Western Cup 2017, Calgary http://gaycalgary.com/pa1332

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GayCalgary Magazine #160, May 2017

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Photography

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GayCalgary Magazine #160, May 2017

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Photography Apollo Western Cup 2017, Calgary http://gaycalgary.com/pa1332

Fairytales Film Festival Launch at Brasserie Kensington, Calgary http://gaycalgary.com/pa1340

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News Releases Kent Monkman’s Shame and Prejudice Begins Canadian Tour

After premiering at the Art Museum at the University of Toronto with over 23,000 visitors, Kent Monkman’s Shame and Prejudice:... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2383

Sporting Life Launches Free Speaking Series In Celebration of Canada’s 150th

Local ambassadors and experts share stories, insight and expertise in fashion, motivation, travel and the outdoors Sporting... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2384

Calgary Pride grows to new home on Prince’s Island Park

After unprecedented growth and tremendous local support, the Calgary Pride Festival has outgrown its former home at Shaw Millennium... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2385

US Government Rolls Back Important Data Collection on LGBT Population

On March 28, 2017, the Trump Administration removed “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as proposed... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2386

NSFW - Steam Room Stories: Trophy Boys

Nobody likes being treated like a piece of meat do they? In the latest episode of Steam Room Stories, Chris Boudreaux and Tyler... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2387

Contiki Celebrates Inclusivity with Greek Week Pride Trips

Contiki announces two ‘Greek Week Pride’ summer 2017 departures featuring Mykonos and Athens Pride festivals Contiki (http://www. gaycalgary.com/n2390

Ascension Party Debuts in Asbury Park: For Its Twelfth Steamy Summer of Fun Packed Parties Ascension Party, the summer’s wildest weekend festival of music, dance and friendship takes place August 4-6 in the beautiful... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2391

“The Golden Penis” set to push the boundaries of Calgary audiences

Provocative performance digging up dark side of male privilege, patriarchy, and gender roles but are audiences brave enough... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2392

US Government Appoints Hate Group Representatives to Annual Women’s Rights Meeting at UN

On Monday, 13 March, the United States Department of State announced that its official delegation to the 61st annual United Nations... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2393

NSFW - Alexander COBB® Active Mesh Underwear

We proudly present our new underwear line ACTIVE MESH. Alexander COBB® is introducing its active men’s underwear collection... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2394

Calgary Outlink Celebrates Three New Initiatives

Between Femme Between Femme is a Queer femme Support Group designed by femme identified people.... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2388

Discrimination Against LGBT People Could Cost Indonesia Almost Twelve Billion US Dollars a Year

Discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Indonesians in workplaces, schools, and social opportunities... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2389

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GayCalgary Magazine #160, May 2017

NSFW - Andrew Christian VIDEO: Coolflex 2017

Sexy, Soft, And Cool... Jorge & Asher show you why you need the Coolfex Collection.... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2395

LGBTQ Youth Disproportionately Incarcerated in the US Juvenile Justice System Almost 60 Percent of incarcerated girls are sexual minorities This time focused on youth in detention, a new study by scholars... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2396

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News Releases Neighbours moves in to OUTtv - Australian Serial Drama Heads to Canada April 20th, 2017

Same-Sex Penguin Pair & Foster Chick Celebrate World Penguin Day

OUTtv, Canada’s LGBTQ television network today announced that Australia’s longest running drama, Neighbours, is coming to Canada....

Tuesday, April 25 marks World Penguin Day – and nowhere celebrates penguins quite like New Zealand. It’s in the land of the long... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2403

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2397

NSFW - Bruno Gmünder Book News in May 2017

Alberta Ballet Announces 2017.18 Season and a World Premiere of a Tragically Hip Ballet

New in May 2017 from Bruno Gmünder Group.

Click on photos for more info on each book.

Visit their website today! http://www.gaycalgary. com/n2404

Alberta Ballet Artistic Director Jean GrandMaître and Executive Director Christopher George today announced the company’s 2017.18...

NSFW - NEW Andrew Christian VIDEO: MASSIVE Collection 2017

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2398

Welcome To Massive 2017! This is one party that will have you on the edge of your seats, and leave you craving for more. Andrew...

Stop the Killings and Persecution of Gays in Chechnya

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2405

On 1 April 2017, Novaya Gazeta reported that more than 100 men have been arbitrarily detained and at least three have been murdered...

TORONTO - TreeHouse Party returns on June 25 with biggest and best show yet

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2399

Tickets go on sale April 13 Miami’s Oscar G added to DJ lineup New temporary location at Ryerson University - Jarvis and...

NSFW - Steam Room Stories: Easter Vs Passover

What happens when Jesus (Ray Tezanos), the Easter Bunny (Jordan Jones) and the Tooth Fairy (Chris Boudreaux) get together in a...

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2406

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2400

MTV’s Davis Mallory Is Getting “Loud”; Releases the Title Track From His Upcoming EP

OutRight Calls on Exxon, BP, and Shell to Stand Up for Persecuted Gay Men In Chechnya

Davis Mallory from MTV’s The Real World is gearing up to get “Loud”... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2407

OutRight Action International is calling on British Petroleum, Exxon Mobil, and Royal Dutch Shell to take a stand against the...

YYCFit Health & Fitness Expo Launches in Calgary, Featuring Emily Abbott and Daniel Maguire

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2401

A Taste for Life Calgary. Where are you dining on April 26th? A SHARP Foundation Fundraiser

More than 100 booths feature vendors representing the full spectrum of health and fitness happening on May 13 and 14, 2017 YYCfit...

We would love to have you join us for lunch, dinner and (or) the amazing Comic Con afterparty at Broken City! A Taste For Life...

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2408

http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2402

NSFW - YouTube Star Bryan Hawn teams up with Reese Rideout in Chainsmokers Superhero Parody Youtube Star, Bryan Hawn and former pornstar Reese Rideout do some hilarious superhero cosplay parody to the Chainsmokers song... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2409

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Directory & Events DOWNTOWN CALGARY

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10 12

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1 8

4 5

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1 2 3 4

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

5 6 7 8

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

FIND OUT!

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

N



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

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

Calgary Events

At 3 Backlot

Mondays

 2nd

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

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

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

Saturdays

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

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

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

At 5 Goliaths

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

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

Wednesdays

Fridays

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

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

See

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

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

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

At 5 Goliaths

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

Tuesdays

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

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

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

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

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

Thursdays

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

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

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

 Kerby Center, Sunshine Room 1133 7th Ave SW

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

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

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

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

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

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

See 1 Calgary Outlink By

 1st

YYC Badboys at 13 The Pint

At 5 Goliaths

At 3 Backlot

Knox United Church

 Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW)

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

 3rd

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

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

 2nd, 4th

At 4 Texas Lounge

ISCCA at 3 Backlot

See 1 Calgary Outlink

 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.

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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

By

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

GayCalgary Magazine #160, May 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 #160, May 2017

55

Directory & Events DOWNTOWN EDMONTON

1

6

8

5 4 3

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

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

Team Edmonton

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

 3rd

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

 2nd

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

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

7

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

2

See 1 Youth Understanding Youth

Mondays

N

Team Edmonton

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

Team Edmonton

Thursdays

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See See See

 2nd, 4th

BookWorm’s Book Club

 3rd

Team Edmonton Team Edmonton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturdays

See

Team Edmonton

See

Wednesdays See

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton

Youth Understanding Youth

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See

Team Edmonton

See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See See

Men’s Games Nights

Youth Understanding Youth

 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 #160, May 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

56

 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

Egale Canada

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.

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

Theatre & Fine Arts Broadway Across Canada

 http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca

Community Groups

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

www.gaycalgary.com

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

HIV Community Link

• Monthly Dances

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

Products & Services Interactive Male

MEDICINE HAT

• Sports and Recreation

Restaurants & Pubs

 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.

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.

 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

 P..O. Box 3043, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3S9  (306) 955-5135  1-800-955-5129  http://www.rainbowhealth.ca

 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.

Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition

 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 #160, May 2017

57

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190

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Help Wanted

240

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

Computers

Erotic Massage

420

UltimateMaleMassage.com

MICROSOFT CANADA

Best Erotic Male Massage In Calgary.

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

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

Products/Services 500 Certified Personal Trainer Save on Surface, Xbox, and PCs. Free shipping.

Free returns. http://gaycalgary.com/u751

Vehicle

Bar/Resturaunt

220

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GET A LIFE! Commercial Cleaning

Does your business need a professional cleaner?

Steve is bonded/Insured. Flexible prices and brings all his own supplies. Steve is a part of the LGBT Community and has been cleaning for over 5 years in Calgary. (403)200-7384 getalifecleaner@gmail.com www.getalifecleaner.com www.facebook.com/getalifecleaner

Consulting

527

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385

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

517

330

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Magical Music DJs

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Canada Drives offers Canada`s easiest car loans. Free to apply. Any credit approved. Fast approvals. $0 down options. Low payments available. Pick a vehicle, pick a payment, get approved. 1-800-956-1703

Dating Service

415

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

fiverr

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Retirement Homes 580

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GayCalgary Magazine #160, May 2017

www.gaycalgary.com