'N Touch News Magazine Issue #88, November 2011

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FROM THE EDITOR We’re moving ‘N Touch is on the move - look for the print magazine now at the first of the month! There are several reasons for the move, but mostly because of some new surprises - so stay tuned!

The entire ‘N Touch staff has had a tough couple of weeks. The server our website was on crashed losing all content since Aug 31, including emails. Then one of the editorial computer’s hard-drive broke losing the content I had not yet backed-up.

Needless to say I was not in the best of moods, and did like most people do. “Why did this happen to me?”, “Why right now?”… “Why, why, why?” at every turn.

Then a few nights later I heard Abraham Foxman, the

National Director of the Anti-Defamation League, speak. A child of the Holocaust, Foxman said he struggled for years asking “why”.

Why did the German people allow the Nazi Party to round up people with disabilities, gays and lesbians, Jews, and so on? Why did the majority of the world standby when they knew what was happening to the Jewish people? Why did two countries in Europe wave their Jewish populations instead of giving in? Why did he survive when 1.2 million children perished?

Suddenly, my “whys” didn’t seem so important.

Perspective is everything. I hope I remember that.

P.O. Box 17674 • Phoenix, AZ 85011-7674 (602) 373-9490 • info@ntouchaz.com

Editor

Gina Read

Creative & Technical Director

M. Shelby Blanton

Assistant Editor

Luis Garcia

Advertising Sales Joseph A Gaxiola, Danny Catt National Advertising Sales Rivendell Media - (212) 242-6863 Photographers Patrick Kelley, Jamie Saragosa, Joseph A. Gaxiola, Danny Catt Writers

Dr Damien L. Brandeis, Dorian Kreiling, Kirk Matthews, Dr. Dina Evan, Jane O. Ross, Dr. Alicia Ruiz, Kyrsten Sinema, J. Ursone, John Thomas Lotardo, Edward Pulley

Additional Distribution Support Ted Kirby, Paul Sanchez To advertise in ‘N Touch News, contact Joseph Gaxiola at (602) 410-9825 Danny Catt at (520) 429-5905

Publisher

Gina Read

© 2011-15 WriteBrain Productions, LLC, Design & Layout by Lionwood Visual Design.

Published on the 15th of every month ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

All original artwork for ‘N TOUCH NEWS remains property of LIONWOOD VISUAL DESIGN and cannot be reproduced, altered, or sold without authorization and compensation. Limited usage rights can be purchased for a small fee.

NOTE: The opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect the views of ‘N TOUCH NEWS, its staff, or that of its parent company.

Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization within ‘N TOUCH NEWS is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organization. Some photos were submitted by our readers. To our knowledge, they own the copyrights, and they have given us permission to reproduce them. If you see a picture that you own, please call us immediately and we will remove if from future publications. All copy, text, display, photos and illustrations in the ads are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized, have secured proper written consent for the use of names, pictures, and testimonials of any living person, and that ‘N Touch News is not responsible for unlawful use of such content.

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4 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com

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LOCAL NEWS

Magical Traditions continues with “An Evening with Nicole Pesce”

By Gina Read PHOENIX - On Sunday, Dec. 4, the Community Church of Hope kicks-off the holiday season with “Magical Traditions An Intimate Evening with Nicole Pesce.”

Known throughout the Southwest as an extraordinary pianist, Pesce has composed over 300 songs, performed with The Moscow Ballet, the cast of Mary Poppins, the cast of Young Frankenstein, actress/ singer Debbie Reynolds, and toured with Jerry Lewis and his16-piece orchestra at age 14.

Named “One of the top 10 musicians in the Valley” by The Arizona Republic in 2010, Pesce became a favorite of the community when she began performing at the now defunct My Florist Café.

“Amazing,” says La Dessa Coleman, a fan of Pesce and a member of the Community Church of Hope Praise Team.

“There is no doubt that she is a gifted musician, but what makes her even more extraordinary is her memory. I requested a couple of songs the very first time I heard her and a few weeks later when I returned to see her play she acknowledged me as I sat down and started playing those songs. Unbelievable.”

Pesce, who was taught to play the piano by her father Nick at age seven, has committed over 12,000 songs to memory ranging from Bach to Lady Gaga.

“Once I have listened to a song a couple of times I can play it,” says Pesce, adding, “The song just has to have some kind of harmonic structure to work on the piano.”

Amazing as that may be, it is not what makes her a truly impres-

sive musician. Rather it is the variety of genres that she can embody.

Whether it is classical, jazz, funk, pop, opera, swing, country, hip hop or rock-and-roll, she performs each style with absolute brilliance. Her transitions between musical pieces is also phenomenal. The young woman can transition from a Katy Perry song to a Rachmaninoff masterpiece so smoothly that you would swear the two belonged together.

The extremely humble Pesce does not seem to recognize that what she does on the keyboards is quite unique. “I just love to play and listen to music. If I can put a new twist on a song then that makes me happy.”

Pesce says she is happy to be back at the Community Church of Hope performing. “It is such a pleasure.

The last time was so special. I’m hoping we can recreate that.”

Pesce will be playing some holiday music, but has much more in store for those attending the fund-

raiser. She says she will also take 12 to 15 requests from the audience. “’Magical Traditions, An Intimate Evening with Nicole Pesce’ is truly an event that will bring many

people together, which Community Church of Hope does so well, and provide an opportunity for to you to see old friends, make some new ones, hear an extraordinary performer, while being able to experience CCH in a new way. This event is just a great way to kick off the holidays,” says Richard Tally a member of CCH and the technical, lighting, and stage director at the church.

The event is being held Sunday, Dec. 4 at 7p.m. due to the APS Electric Light Parade the night before.

Tickets are $25 and available online at communitychurchofhope. com, at the church on Sunday mornings or at Off Chute Too (4115 N. 7th Ave in Phoenix).

Community Church of Hope is located at 4121 North 7th Avenue in Phoenix. The entrance is off of 6th Drive.

Cover Photo and Photos Above Courtesy of

Nathan Young Photography

www.nathanyoungphotography.com news / politics / business / opinion

ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 5

LOCAL NEWS

Phoenix will pick new Mayor

By Luis Garcia PHOENIX - The gloves may be coming off in the run-off race for the office of mayor in Phoenix when it comes to issues of the economy, education and on their ideas on how to fuel job growth, but no matter who comes out on top it seems that the Phoenix LGBT community will come out winning.

Both candidates, Greg Stanton and Wes Gullett, have promised to be an ally of LGBT individuals. Despite the fact that the mayoral race is nonpartisan, the Republican Party recently sent out a mailer endorsing Gullett and attacking Stanton because of his support for the LGBT community.

Stanton, who is endorsed by Equality Arizona, has been recently endorsed by current Phoenix mayor, Phil Gordon. Gordon has called Stanton a thoughtful, collaborative, hardworking leader who is truly passionate about building a stronger, brighter future for all Phoenix citizens.

“Greg is exactly who we need as our next Mayor,” said Gordon. “As a city councilman, Greg had the right priorities and did the right thing time and again - even when it was the hard thing.”

While Stanton has picked up a huge endorsement in Gordon a lot of the LGBT vote is split. Councilman Tom Simplot, who has endorsed Wes Gullett, says that his candidate truly wishes to engage with the LGBT community.

“Each candidate may differ on economic policy, union support, or even how to fill a pothole, but we in

Greg Stanton

Wes Gullett

the gay community have already won the race if one of these candidates becomes our next mayor. As your openly gay councilman these past eight years, I have endorsed Wes Gullett, but I would be honored to serve with either Gullett or Stanton as our next mayor.”

Gullett, has come close to publically supporting the idea of same-sex marriage, and he has said that “government shouldn’t discriminate in any way.” He has said is willing to talk to people in the LGBT community to come up with a decision.

Stanton on the other hand has had no issue supporting marriage between two individuals of the same sex.

Stanton told ‘N touch that he has been proud to support the LGBT community ever since being elected to public office.

“I have voted to support domestic partner benefits on the city council.

For me that was a no brainer. When the vote of a domestic registry came

up again that was a no brainer. I consider my relationship with the LGBT community a true partnership. It has been a great positive supportive relationship on both our sides,” said Stanton.

Gullett believes that every person in Phoenix should be treated with respect and be afforded equal rights under law.

“In my time in public service

6 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com

and in my private life I have always worked to be fair and inclusive,” said Gullett. I believe in working together, celebrating diversity and partnering with the entire community to accomplish our shared objectives. I will continue the practice of inclusion as Mayor of Phoenix.”

For more information on Greg Stanton, upcoming events, and volunteer information or to find out more in the issues visit GregStantonforMayor.com or call 602-882-7335.

For more information on Wes Gullett, upcoming events, and volunteer information or to find out more in the issues visit wesgullett.com. com or call 602-363-7341.

If you plan to vote in person, remember you can do so at any of the 26 voting centers around the city on Saturday, Nov. 5, Monday, Nov. 7 and Tuesday, Nov. 8. For more information about the voting stations and a map of their locations go to phoenix.gov/ELECTION

Equality Arizona Endorsements Equality Arizona has endorsed the following candidates:

Phoenix Mayor:

Greg Stanton

Phoenix District 1:

Thelda Williams

Phoenix District 5:

Brenda Sperduti Daniel Valanzuela

(co-endorsed and listed in alphabetical order)

news / politics / business / opinion

LOCAL NEWS

One Voice “Glitters”

Gala will help fund LGBT community center

By Luis Garcia

PHOENIX - Merriam-Webster defines glitter as brilliantly attractive, lavish, or spectacular. That is the perfect expression to describe the honorees at this year’s One Voice Community Center Benefit Gala, “All that Glitters” to be held on Nov. 19 at the Embassy Suites North in Phoenix.

To put icing on the cake One Voice has tapped Lady Christian to host the event. The native Phoenician has been a female impersonator for five years and the current Reigning Empress VI of the Sovereign Imperial Court of Arizona.

“It is my honor to be a part of such a great community event,” says Lady Christian. “I hope everyone is

ready for a night of fun, love, and giving to the best community center in the world!

“All of my free time is spent raising money for the community. It is so important that we give back. I personally have had a better life as a direct result of the generosity of someone else.”

The gala will also feature Kim Pearson, Executive Director/cofounder, and TransYouth Family Allies. Pearson is one of the most sought after educators on the topic of gender diversity in children. Earlier this year Pearson was awarded the prominent Vanguard Award at the 5th annual LGBTA Youth Awards presented by the Gay and Lesbian Administrators and Allies (GALAA).

The Board of Directors of One Voice Community Center will present awards to recognize achievements by members of the community.

The Ally Award, created to recognize the exceptional ways individuals make the world a better place for the LGBT community, will be presented to Gail Loose, Program Director for Tumbleweed Center for Youth De-

velopment.

The Legacy Award, recognizing an individual who has demonstrated leadership and a commitment to making the Metro Phoenix LGBT community better through multiple years of service, will be given to Bill McDonald founder of Equality Arizona and current Phoenix Pride Treasurer.

The Social Justice Award, created to recognize individuals who have fought and continue to fight for full equality for LGBT people and families under local, state and federal law, will be presented to Detective Chris Wilson of the Phoenix Police Department.

The Impact Award recognizes individuals who continue working for change in society to benefit the LGBT community will be bestowed to Jimmy Gruender, local community activist and chair of One Voice Community Center. And lastly, the Rocco Menagaule Award will be awarded to Marisa Zelaya Tristan, Vice Chair of One Voice Community Center for her dedication and hard work as a board member of the One Voice Community Center.

“Being nominated for this award was a surprise because I don’t do this work to receive awards. I do it for my love of my community and its members. I’m deeply honored and appreciative of my fellow Board of Directors that nominated me for this award. Two years ago I became involved with One Voice Community Center as a volunteer. I never thought when I started as a volunteer that I could become a Board of Director of One Voice Community Center. But my passion lead me here, and showed me one person can touch so many people’s lives.”

The event will also include a silent auction, sponsored by ‘N Touch News Magazine, and special performances by Voices of the Desert Chorus and Desert Overtures Concert Band.

Table host opportunities are available. Tables seat 10 people. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor please email galachair@1vcc.org for more information. General admission tickets are $50, VIP tickets are $75.

For more information visit 1vcc. org or call 602-712-0111.

Community Turkey Drive 2011

By J. Ursone PHOENIX - The annual Turkey Drive is about to get underway.

AGAPE Network, Joshua Tree Feeding Program and their allies will be selling tax deductible $5 tickets which will ensure that individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS have a Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings.

Since 1988 AGAPE Network has been providing food to individuals and families living with HIV/ AIDS. Their clients live throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. Currently, AGAPE distributes approximately 300 food boxes a month.

AGAPE Network provides food boxes twice a month and emergency food boxes as needed. The food boxes contain products from each of the

news / politics / business / opinion

five food groups of the USDA MyPlate icon: frozen meats; fresh produce; canned fruits, vegetables, and proteins; dairy products; and grains.

The food boxes also contain nutritional information sheets that clients can collect and use as a resource.

With a good selection of wholesome food and nutritional information, clients will be better able to make healthy eating choices and prepare healthy meals. In addition, one Friday a month there is a nutritionist from Southwest Center on site and available for consultation.

The Joshua Tree Feeding Program was started in 1988 to provide a safe environment where people living with HIV/AIDS could come together to share experiences, good food and

mutual support. From this humble beginning it has grown into a well established organization that serves an ever increasing membership.

Joshua Tree serves an average of 120 clients a weekly hot lunch and send 100 clients home with supplemental groceries.

In the down economy it has become even harder for agencies serving HIV+ people. Support the agencies and those living with HIV/ AIDS by donating $5 to the Turkey Drive today!

The AGAPE Network and Joshua Tree are non-profit 501(c)3 organizations.

Agape Network , 2425 E Thomas Rd #6 Phoenix, AZ 85016 Phone: 602-234-6143

Email: agape2011@agapenetwork1.org Web: agapenetwork1.org Joshua Tree Feeding Program, Inc., 1601 W. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ. 85015-5233 Phone: 602-264-0223 Email: joshuatreefeedingprograminc@cox.net Web: joshuatreefeedingprograminc.org

ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 7

LOCAL NEWS

$2.8 million grant to fund causes behind suicide risk for LGBT youth TUCSON - Researchers at the New York University (NYU) and the University of Arizona (UA) will study the causes behind suicide risk for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth over a three-year period. Their study, funded with a $2.8 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, also focuses on interventions to lower the risk of suicide among LGBT teenagers and those in their early 20s.

“Study after study has found higher rates of suicidal behaviors among LGBT youth than for their heterosexual peers,” explained Arnold Grossman, a professor in the Department of Applied Psychology at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development and the project’s principal investigator. “Other research has pointed to potential causes. For instance, compared to prior gen-

erations, today’s LGBT youth are increasingly aware of, identifying and disclosing their sexual and gender identities earlier in life. As a result, they are more likely to be exposed to suicidal risk factors—such as bullying, harassment, marginalization, and victimization by family members and peers.”

The study’s co-investigator is Distinguished Professor and Endowed Chair Stephen Russell, who directs the Frances McClelland Institute for Children, Youth, & Families at the UA’s Norton School of Family and Consumer Studies.

Their research will follow, over a three-year period, more than 1,000 LGBT youth aged 15 to 21 in three metropolitan areas in the United States. It will focus on a series of psychological factors associated with suicide. These include thwarted belongingness (e.g., being excluded

from family events) and perceived burdensomeness (i.e., belief that they are making things worse for others).

It will also document how two factors for suicide are uniquely related to LGBT youths’ developmental milestones (i.e., identity recognition and disclosure): risk, which includes threats, verbal and physical abuse; and resilience, which includes supportive environments, coping mechanisms, and personality characteristics.

“Our emphasis will be comparing LGBT youth who do and do not

experience any suicidal behaviors, which can include suicidal thoughts, threats, and even attempts,” said Russell. “The knowledge we generate will allow us to assess more accurately LGBT youth at risk for suicidal behaviors, identify those risk factors that can be diminished at various developmental stages, and create preventive messaging and interventions that simultaneously increase protective factors, such as feeling more hopeful about the future, and reduce risk factors.”

23rd annual Jerome Beillard Festival for Life

By Luis Garcia

TUCSON - The Jerome Beillard Festival for Life will celebrate its 23rd anniversary Nov. 19 at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center.

Festival for Life is an evening featuring a live and silent auction of fine art and other unique gifts benefitting the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation.

The annual event features fine artwork, unique experiences, travel packages, jewelry and one-of-a-kind gifts. Hors d’oeuvres, a chocolate fountain, no-host bar, and entertainment make it one of the more unique fundraising events.

In 1989, the first “Festival” took place. Entitled the “Festival of the Trees,” it was a fundraiser for the People with AIDS Coalition of Tucson (P.A.C.T). The event auctioned off nearly 200 decorated

8 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com

trees and wreathes for the holiday season. Over the years, the event grew and in 1992, Festival of the Trees became Festival for Life adding artwork, menorahs, and celebrity items.

In 1995, P.A.C.T.’s co-founder and Executive Director, Jerôme Beillard, passed away from AIDS complications and Festival for Life was renamed to the Jerôme Beillard Festival for Life - honoring the work and spirit of a great man.

In 1997, the three local AIDS Service Organizations merged to form SAAF, which serves hundreds of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Arizona.

Tickets will be available for purchase at SAAF’s website. For more information or to make a donation go to saaf.org or call 520-628-7223. news / politics / business / opinion

LOCAL NEWS

New standards of care for Transgender individuals

By Luis Garcia

Dr. Rebecca Allison

Late last month, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) released a newly-revised edition of the Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People at the WPATH conference in Atlanta.

The Standards of Care were published in 1979, and is considered the standard document of reference on caring for the transsexual, transgender, and gender nonconforming population.

According to Dr. Rebecca (Becky) Allison, Immediate Past President, and Co-Chair of the Education Committee of WPATH. and co-organizer of the Phoenix Transgender Day of Remembrance, the revised SOC explicitly repudiate “reparative therapy.”

“The new SOC include a section on gender diversity entitled ‘Being Transsexual, Transgender, or Gender Nonconforming Is a Matter of Diversity, Not Pathology.’ They change the name of the diagnosis from Gender Identity Disorder to Gender Dysphoria to remove this ‘disorder’ terminology,” said Allison.

“SOC no longer require psychotherapy for every person with gender dysphoria. A ‘mental health assessment’ by a behavioral health specialist or a qualified primary care provider is now sufficient to begin hormone therapy.”

The SOC focus is on primary care, gynecologic and urologic care, reproductive options, voice and communication therapy, mental health services

and hormonal and surgical treatment.

In addition the new SOC incorporate an expanded Appendix section with details on hormone therapy. They also discuss specific risks of cross-gender hormone therapy, what to monitor and how frequently.

There are more than 20 pages of references from the medical literature, for professional documentation to support the recommendations.

“In summary I feel that the 2011 SOC version 11 are a significant improvement over the older editions,” says Allison. “They will enable health professionals to play the role of health partner and advocate at a higher level, while educating interested parties about the medical treatments available to patients.”

SOC Committee Chair, Eli Coleman, PhD, Professor and Director at Program in Human Sexuality, University of Minnesota believes the 2011 revisions to the SOC will help promote overall health and well-being of transgender individuals, and that

Transgender victory in Maricopa County

On Sept. 27, three years after a similar proposal was rejected, Equality Maricopa, led by former Tucsonan Lori Gershik, joyfully watched as the governing board of the nation’s largest community-college system, the Maricopa County Community College District, voted to add “gender identity” to its anti-discrimination policy.

This victory, and the lessons learned from the battle to achieve it, will have a lasting and far-reaching impact as other transgender-advonews / politics / business / opinion

cacy groups and their allies petition for similar policy changes in other jurisdictions.

Three SAGA members, including SAGA Program Coordinator Erin Russ, attended this historic meeting as a show of solidarity and to speak about Tucson’s experience with transgender-inclusive policies in support of the policy change.

The organization efforts before the meeting resulted in a tremendous show of support. Equality Maricopa had organizers on site handing out buttons in the transgender-flag colors with YES printed on them to every supporter in attendance. Those supporters filled the room and overflowed into the hallway. Audience members were overwhelmingly in favor of the proposal, demonstrating support by the button each wore, the audible applause for each supporting speaker, and the stone silence when the lone dissenter spoke.

Erica Kepler, a leader in the Phoe-

nix transgender community, said afterward: “I can’t begin to describe the satisfaction I feel for having finally beaten [the opposition], after [they] took this away from us three years ago.

“We did it. Real progress. It’s been years since we’ve seen real progress, but we did it. We could not have done this on our own, and it was achieved with tremendous support from the gay and lesbian community.

With good partners we can achieve great things.”

SAGA Program Coordinator Erin Russ said: “I strongly agree with Erica’s sentiment. It is a feeling I get on a regular basis when I experience the support we, in Tucson’s transgender community, receive on a daily basis from our Wingspan family and the Greater Southern Arizona LGBT community.

“I would like to echo Erica’s words: With good partners, we will continue to achieve great things!”

those needs extend beyond hormonal treatment and surgical intervention.

This is the seventh version of the Standards of Care. The original SOC were published in 1979. Previous revisions occurred in 1980, 1981, 1990, 1998 and 2001.

“The previous versions of the SOC were always perceived to be about the things that a trans person must do to satisfy clinicians, this version is much more clearly about every aspect of what clinicians ought to do in order to properly serve their clients. That is a truly radical reversal . . . one that serves both parties very well,” said Christine Burns, SOC International Advisory Committee Member.

List of Standards of Care Revisions: • Recognition that gender nonconformity in and of itself is not a disorder.

• Strong affirmation that attempts to change a person’s gender identity through “reparative” therapy are ineffective and unethical.

• Strong affirmation that transitionrelated treatments such as hormone therapy and surgery are medically necessary for many individuals and should be covered by insurance.

• Continued emphasis on the individual nature of transition-related care and the flexibility of treatment guidelines.

• Additional guidance on the treatment of adolescents and children, including guidelines for puberty-delaying treatment.

• Near elimination of the “real-life experience” requirement as a prerequisite criteria for medical transition in adults, with the exception of some genital surgeries.

• Discussion of a wider range of treatment options, including voice and communication therapy.

• Discussion of the preventive care needs of transgender people.

• Clarification that the Standards of Care should be applied in their entirety to those who are incarcerated or otherwise living in an institutionalized setting.

• A call for health professionals to advocate not only for their patients – for example by helping them obtain updated identity documents – but also for larger policy and legal reform promoting tolerance and equality.

ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 9

LOCAL NEWS

C.A.R.E. elects new board

By J. Ursone CASA GRANDE - Central Arizona Rainbow Education (C.A.R.E.) is Pinal County’s only active LGBTQ organization whose mission is to provide both resources and services to underserved areas in Central Arizona by working with already existing LGBTQ organizations across the state.

C.A.R.E. was founded in 2009 by Christopher Hall who now lives in Phoenix, but remains on the board as their Public Relations Executive. “I feel this is a position I was meant to have all along. I look forward to the upcoming year and have great faith in this year’s board. I believe the community can expect great things from the board this year.”

Elections for the board were recently held. Besides Hall, Armando Murillo was elected President of the organization, with Shannon Dippel as Vice-President/Secretary, and Wayne Dippel as Treasurer.

Murillo, a native of Southern California, moved to Pinal County three years ago. He volunteered for five years with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. He enjoys volunteering his time to help make a difference in his community. He currently attends Central Arizona College where he is pursuing his Nursing Degree.

“Everywhere I have lived, I have been very fortunate to have a sense of freedom and acceptance.

Shortly after moving out here, I realized that it wasn’t as easy and accepting in Pinal County. I was on a mission to seek the LGBTQ Community and see what resources were available in this area. I had

New C.A.R.E. President, Amanda Murillo

come across a flyer for C.A.R.E.’s annual March For Equality that was held here in Casa Grande. I decided to check it out and see how the event was.

I went and not only had a great time but met quite a few influential people in the community one of which was Christopher. While talking to Chris, I realized how small and fairly new the organization was and showed interest in helping make his dream come true. I have been with the organization for almost two years now and have several aspirations and goals for this group to succeed. One of which is to help reach out to local youth and allow that freedom. I would like to see a GSA in every school to help provide a safe resource and outreach for youth. I will continue to have monthly socials in our surrounding areas to help connect communities and allow individuals the opportunity to meet new people from within the community. I will also continue to not only provide resources to the local LGBTQ community but fight for equal rights in

Local groups confront NARTH conference

By J. Ursone PHOENIX - The National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality will hold its national training conference Nov. 4-6 at the Phoenix Airport Marriott Hotel. NARTH promotes reparative therapies for people who want to stifle their same-gender attraction or their sense of gender identity. These therapies have been repudiated by numerous studies and have been deemed harmful by the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Medical Association.

No Longer Silent: Clergy for Justice, H.E.R.O. - Human & Equal Rights Organizers and PFLAG Phoenix plan to be a positive witness throughout the weekend.

“We must send a clear and strong message that hate will be met with relentless challenge and radically inclusive love or those who espouse these antigay positions will continue to spread their harmful message,” said Brad Wishon a member of No Longer Silent:Clergy for Justice and H.E.R.O. On Friday, Nov. 4 at 10:30a.m. professionals from the psychological community will hold a press conference outside the Marriot to refute the

10 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com

mis-information being taught at the conference.

That evening at 6 p.m. a sign making party will be held at One Voice Community Center at 4442 N. 7th Ave, Phoenix. Signs will be created for Saturday’s conference.” Pizza provided.

On Saturday, Nov. 5 from 7:30-10:30 a.m. No Longer Silent will present “Psychology & Theology – Why Homosexuality is Neither a Sin Nor a Sickness”.

From 10:15-noon there will be survivors telling their stories about surviving “Ex”-Gay Therapy.

From Noon-1:30p.m. HERO is encouraging people to lunch inside the Marriott Hotel with conference attendees.

From 1:30-3p.m. welcoming congregations will share information on the blessings of including LGBT people and families. Then PFLAG hosts stories of loving your LGBT children unconditionally from 3:15-4:45p.m Then from 5-6:15 p.m. HERO invites you to join the conference inside for a Town Hall meeting.

The Phoenix Airport Marriott is located at 1101 N. 44th St, in Phoenix.

which we deserve.”

Murillo says he would also like to see Casa Grande’s first Pride Festival and make it as big as ones in Phoenix and Tucson.

“I feel that we should celebrate life and any accomplishment as small or as big as it may be as a community. I’m very excited to have been given this opportunity to continue such a great and much needed organization. I look forward to meeting new people and having the opportunity to do great things in the community.”

Shannon Dippel, born and raised in Casa Grande, is a single mother. She attended Casa Grande Union High School where she was active in the adaptive P.E. program helping people with mental disabilities.

After graduating, Shannon went to work as a pet groomer and later took over the company and joined the world of small business owners. After seeing what her brother Wayne went though as a member of the GLBTQ community, she decided to step in and help prevent other people from having to deal with the same issues he did. Her mission with C.A.R.E. is to tackle the bullying epidemic s in schools and within society at large.

Wayne Dippel was born and raised in Casa Grande. He attended Casa Grande Union High School where he was active in both theater and mass communication. In school, Dippel volunteered to help those with special needs. After high school, he attended Central Arizona College where he was again active in the theater program and the drama club where he committed himself to many community service projects. Wayne currently works for a call center doing telephone surveys and interviews.

Wayne has been a member of C.A.R.E. for less than a year and believes he has grown a lot by being a part of the organization. His goal with C.A.R.E. is to help establish a stronger sense of community amongst the local LGBTQ population. “If I can open just one closed-mind, then my mission has been a success.”

Hall has spent most of his life growing up in rural Arizona. It was in 2006 that he first became involved with the LGBTQ community when he took it upon himself to become the President of the Florence Gay-Straight Alliance. He has been active within the LGBTQ community ever since.

He currently attends Northern Arizona University and plans to major in Public Management with a minor in Social Work. Hall also sits on the Human and Equal Rights Organizers (H.E.R.O.) Steering Committee as Secretary.

C.A.R.E. currently meets monthly on the third Monday of each month at 8:30p.m. Meetings take place at St. Michael’s and All Angels Liberal Catholic Church which is located at 545 E. Palm Parke Blvd.

Casa Grande, AZ. All are welcome to attend. news / politics / business / opinion

L I C E N S E D

P S Y C H O L O G I S T

520.906.7048 Phone 5956 E. Pima, Suite 130 520.296.8157 Fax Tucson, AZ 85712

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PEAKS Pride needs you!

FLAGSTAFF - PEAKS Pride is looking for

two additional board members! If you want to be a part of the non-profit’s board and help with shaping Northern Arizona’s future, please send an email to info@peakspride.org or call 928-8143984 to express your interest and to discuss the opportunities open.

Annual Summer Food Drive - N. AZ Food Bank The annual PEAKS Pride Summer Food Drive resulted in several hundred pounds of food that was collected and donated to the Northern Arizona Food Bank. Organizers would like to thank everyone that donated time, money and/or canned goods!

Adopt an Avenue volunteers are needed Saturday, Nov. 5. The group will meet at Starlight Pines Bed and Breakfast, 3380 E Lockett Road, at 11am.

A FREE hot lunch will be served!

For more information go to peakspride.org.

Checkout One Voice Community Center PHOENIX - As a thriving community center, One Voice Community Center’s primary focus is to effectively service, provide and educate our LGBT community. As such, the center has a variety of resources, programs and services that are open to all. From support groups, wellness services, education, health, resource materials and more, these programs are facilitated by experts, enthusiasts and volunteers alike.

Please check the daily calendar or reference the Center Calendar for program meeting times and dates at 1vcc.org.

For more information or suggestions on programs or services you’d like to see at the center, please email Thom Kasch at programs@1vcc.org.

The Center is located at 4442 North 7th Avenue, Phoenix.

GSA Leadership Challenge 2011 PHOENIX - Please join the 1st East Valley GSA Leadership Challenge 2011 on Saturday, November 5th from 12noon until 5pm. The event will be held on the campus of Mesa Community

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College (corner of Southern Ave & Dobson Rd) in the Kirk Student Center.

Workshops and discussion will be conducted by members of the program team from 1n10 and training specialists from GLSEN Phoenix. It will be a creative and exciting afternoon focusing on establishing and sustaining your GSA with the aim to assist young leaders stand up for the rights of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

The event is free and open to current GSA members, youth wanting to start a GSA at their schools or youth interested in inclusive leadership in their churches, synagogues, charter school or other clubs and organizations outside their school environment.

To apply online: phoenix.glsen.org/signup For more information search Facebook: East Valley GSA Leadership Challenge 2011 Email: Karen Hewell at development.intern@domail. maricopa.edu or call Julie Roberts 602-509-4808.

Who’s on Top Tournament PHOENIX - The Dating Experiment are having a fundraiser “Who’s on Top” for three charitable organizations 1n10, This is H.O.W, and One Voice Community Center on Nov. 20 from 12-8 p.m. There will be celebrity hostess, Kelsey from the Real L Word and VH1’s Jesse Lewis IV from American’s Smartest Model.

Ticket can be purchased at Club Inferno or at Love Endless events around town. Pre-Sale: $20 or at the door: $25.

There will be 3 different events: Bar Vs. Bar; Drag To The Top Lip Sync; and Public Relay.

This Event will be held at the Irish Cultural Center, 1106 North Central Avenue in Phoenix.

Registration deadline is Nov. 11, 2011. For more info Facebook at facebook.com/thedatingexperiment or call 623-204-0489.

Immediate needs include administrative support during business hours, distribution of performance information, and concierge support at evening and weekend performances.

As a thank you for their donation of time and effort, ATC provides volunteers with a variety of special perks - including complimentary tickets to Arizona Theatre Company performances!

To volunteer for ATC in Phoenix, please contact Gary Edwards, at 602-256-6899 ext. 6303 or gedwards@arizonatheatre.org. To support ATC in Tucson, please contact Jonathon Crider at 520884-8210 x 8201 or jcrider@arizonatheatre.org.

Accept Me Picnic TUCSON - The “Accept Me Picnic” on Nov. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. is a picnic celebrating and supporting the LGBTQS community. There will be pizza, drinks, activities and music. Music will be performed by Picasso’s Wall.

Tickets are $1. Advance Purchase Only.

Please RSVP to 520-404-2776 or acceptmepicnic@gmail.com The picnic will be held at Himmel Park Northeast Picnic Area, 1000 North Tucson Boulevard, Tucson.

Mamasitas!

TUCSON - Mamasitas! is a group of cool and down to earth women that get together to play sports such as soccer, softball, and basketball. They gather the 2nd Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. and the 3rd Saturday at 10 a.m. at Menlo Park.

The group can be found on Myspace and Facebook or email mamasitas2009@live.com.

Email: mamasitas2009@live.com Menlo Park is located at 427 N Grande.

Sisters meeting The Sisters of Perpetual indulgence board/officers meeting will be held Nov. 30 from 7-9p.m. at One Voice Community Center.

If you would like to attend this meeting, please contact the Grand Canyon Sisters Secretary at secretary@azsisiters.org

Arizona Theatre Company seeks volunteers PHOENIX/TUCSON - Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) is currently recruiting for its Volunteer program. As a non-profit organization, ATC proudly enlists the help of theatre lovers from around the state of Arizona to help support its mission of providing world class theatre to all members of the Arizona community.

Queer Film Series: Screaming Queens TUCSON - On Nov. 16, the Queer Film Series presents “Screaming Queens”. This award winning documentary explores the impact of the 1966 riot that launched the modern transgender movement.

Three years before the famous uprising at New York’s Stonewall Inn, a group of transgender women and gay street-hustlers fought back for the first time in history against everyday police harassment.

The Queer Film Series is a monthly film series

news / politics / business / opinion

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS featuring documentaries about the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community. Films take place on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in Gallagher Theatre, and each screening is followed by a guest speaker.

All films are free!

40s & Better Breakfast TUCSON - A Lesbian monthly breakfast gathering. It’s a great opportunity for social networking and for new women over 40 who are new in town and want to meet other lesbians in the community.

For information, call Carol at 520-584-0339 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

National GSA taps Zami TUCSON - Zami Tinashe Hyemingway has been named to the National Association of GSA Networks Steering Committee, one of five new members who will bring a variety of experience, energy and fresh ideas to the national GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) movement.

Zami is the Youth Programs coordinator at Wingspan, where he is the youth outreach specialist at the Eon Youth Lounge. He works on the iTEAM project, a collaborative effort to help LGBTQ and straight allied youth ages 15-23 establish stable housing, get free counseling from a licensed therapist and receive comprehensive safer-sex information.

New International Film Festival comes to Tucson TUCSON - The Southwest LGBT Film Society announced the “Out in the Desert”, Tucson’s International LGBT Film Festival. The festival is scheduled for February 17-19 and February 24-26, 2012 at the Screening Room, 127 E Congress St. Out in the Desert is a celebration of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender films. The six-day event will showcase the best features, documentaries, shorts and musical films exploring LGBT issues and/or created by members of the LGBT community, and promises to be an exciting and diverse addition to Tucson’s art culture.

“With many years of experience in the LGBT film-festival circuit, I can tell you firsthand that film can and does change peoples’ lives,” says Festival Director Joe Sprague.

The committee is seeking additional chair/committee members and volunteers. For more information, visit the official website at outinthedesertff.org

Yuma PFLAG YUMA - The Yuma PFLAG group meets the 4th Sunday of every month, at 5 p.m. at The Foothills Alano Club, 12535 S. Foothills Blvd.

Parents, family members, and friends of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and “questioning” (GLBTQ) individuals, couples, and families. GLBTQ individuals are also fully welcome and encouraged to attend so that we may all learn from one another. Straight allies who support our work, and anyone who’d like to learn more about GLBTQ issues are also welcome.

Call their helpline at 928-580-9553 or email yuma@pflagarizona.org

news / politics / business / opinion

ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 13

YOUTH

Strength in numbers

By Stacey Jay Cavaliere, 1n10 Prevention Coordinator PHOENIX - Over 350 people attended the 1st Annual Sources of Strength Celebration: Showcasing Music, Art, & Community Oct. 7 at the Downtown Phoenix Civic Space.

The official launch of 1n10’s new suicide prevention marketing campaign, “My Sources of Strength”, the downtown Phoenix First Friday event, highlighted a youth-created art exhibition, local bands BLATHO and Super Stereo, DJ Musa, the Fusion Dance Team, and local agencies providing important materials and information related to teen suicide prevention and empowerment practices.

According to the Center of Disease Control, suicide is the third leading cause of death in the United States. In addition, LGBT youth are 2 to 3 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.

The event went extremely well due to a committed and energized group of volunteers from 1n10. Participants began strolling through the space in at 5:45pm. Event started at 6 p.m. with introductions from Michelle Ponce of Public Allies. Rep. Katie Hobbs D-15 delivered the welcome address, followed by announcements of all the local non-profit and youth-serving agencies

news / politics / business / opinion

Photo © Fernando Hernández of Nightfuse.com

in attendance.

The Fusion Dance Team performed and were followed by local bands Born Loser and the Hangers On and Super Stereo who took to the stage to provide some energetic and exciting music. DJ Musa Mind provided her amazing talent intermittently throughout the evening as well while folks perused the art exhibition, featuring artwork created by 1n10 youth. Overall the event was a huge success. Participants commented on the positive and energetic atmosphere and welcomed the sense of community and support throughout the evening.

The event was sponsored 1n10, in partner-

ship with the Downtown Phoenix Civic Space Collaboration and Fair Trade Café. Participating agencies included Chrysalis, YMCA Building Futures Mentoring Program, Stonewall Institute, LA FRONTERA ARIZONA EMPACT -- Suicide Prevention Center, Teen Lifeline, Planned Parenthood, 3rd Space, Phoenix Sunfish, Storm Rugby, Organizing for America and R.I.S.E. Phoenix.

For more information on 1n10’s suicide prevention program please visit: facebook.com/ LifeInMyShoesAZ or contact Stacey Jay Cavaliere at staceyjay@1n10.org.

1N10: Fun, safe, & free programs for LGBT Youth & Allies ages 14-24. A place where LGBTQ & Allied youth can be themselves, be empowered, and build community. So come and meet friends, hang out, get support & resources.

Just show up or call/TXT 602-754-1175.

For information on 1n10 and their services, go to 1n10.org, myspace.com/1n10youth or facebook.com/1n10.org ‘N Touch is happy to donate this space to 1n10, an organization that helps countless young people, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and straight.

ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 15

NATIONAL NEWS

‘Occupy’ camps provide food, shelter for homeless

By Nigel Duara PORTLAND, Oregon (AP) - When Occupy Wall Street protesters took over two parks in Portland’s soggy downtown, they pitched 300 tents and offered free food, medical care and shelter to anyone. They weren’t just building, like so many of their brethren across the nation, a community to protest what they see as corporate greed.

They also created an ideal place for the homeless. Some were already living in the parks, while others were drawn from elsewhere to the encampment’s open doors.

Now, protesters from Portland to Los Angeles to Atlanta are trying to distinguish between homeless people who are joining their movement and those who are there for the amenities. When night falls in Portland, for instance, protesters have been dealing with fights, drunken arguments and the display of the occasional knife.

However, many homeless say the protests have helped them speak out against the economic troubles that sent them to the streets in the first place.

“The city wasn’t giving us what we needed,” said Joseph Gordon, 31, who trekked his way from Cincinnati two months ago and noted that there is nearly always enough food but never enough shelter. “You can’t feed your problem away. It took this camp to show people how it really is.”

As protesters across the country try to coalescence around an agenda in the coming weeks and months, they are trying to make life work in camps that have become small-scale replicas of the cities in which they were erected. And just like those cities, they are dealing with many of the same problems the local governments have struggled for decades to solve.

Some organizers see the protest and the inclusion of the homeless as an opportunity to demonstrate their political ideals. They see the possibility to show that the homeless are not hopeless and that they, too, can become a functional part of society.

In Portland, the protest has swallowed up two square blocks. There are shaggy haired college kids, do-gooder hippies, and couples with their young children. They came by the dozen, in cars and vans, on bikes and on foot and in rides hitched on the highway. Rain falls daily and dry socks are at a premium.

At the center of the camp are the medical, in-

More News Online! ntouchaz.com 16 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com

formation, library and wellness tents. Along one side are families, who established a play area for children. On the opposite side is the “A-Camp” — for anarchist. It’s where the city’s anarchist faction and long-term homeless sleep.

“We’re here to spoil each other,” said Kat Enyeart, a 25-year-old medic who says she spends half her time tending to the homeless, some of whom are physically and mentally ill. “It’s a big, messy, beautiful thing.”

As the occupation enters its fourth week, divisions have begun to emerge. Without the ability to enforce laws and with little capacity to deal with disruptive or even violent people, the camp is holding together as it struggles to maintain a sense of order and purpose.

One man recently created a stir when he registered with police as a sex offender living in the park. A man with mental health problems threatened to spread AIDS via a syringe. At night, the park echoes with screaming matches and scuffles over space, blankets, tents or nothing at all.

Last week, a homeless man menaced a crowd of spectators with a pair of scissors. Micaiah Dutt, a four-tour veteran of the Iraq War, and two other former soldiers had no problem tackling and subduing the man. Other members of the protest’s volunteer security detail have been punched and threatened with knives.

Dutt said he felt helpless at times and noted that the man he helped subdue could, in theory, press assault charges against him.

“I served four tours in Iraq, and I felt more safe there at times than here,” he told a gathering of protest organizers under a drizzly evening sky. “There, I had a weapon and knew the people around me were with me. Here, I don’t know.”

Dutt said the protests are not just about the radicals and the politicians. “It’s about our community taking care of itself because the city, county and federal governments have neglected this population,” he said.

In Los Angeles, protesters are dealing with similar issues: Homeless transplants from the city’s Skid Row have set up their tents within the larger tent city. No violence has been reported, but protest organizers are attempting to discourage people who are only at the encampment for the amenities.

Some, like Steven Pierieto, said they’ve fallen on difficult times but are at the protest because they support the movement. They scorn those who come for the sandwiches but never lift a protest sign. Life in camp, Pierieto said, is far better than life on Skid Row. “I’m very comfortable right here,” Pierieto

said. “I don’t have to smell urine. I don’t have to see people smoking crack. I have porta-potties right here. It’s peaceful.”

In Oakland, California, where the camp on the City Hall lawn has become a tourist attraction, organizer Susanne Sarley said getting along for a common cause will be an ongoing challenge.

“This is the homeless people’s turf,” Sarley said.

“This area we’re occupying is their home. We can’t move them. We have to cooperate and respect the community that we’re in.”

The friction between the homeless and the protesters has not been the case in other cities.

In Atlanta, for instance, it has been a benefit. The homeless have helped newbie protesters learn how to put up tents that can withstand wind gusts, maintain peace in close quarters and survive the outdoors.

Billy Jones, 28, provides security at the protests.

Jones said he’s not just looking for free food.

“Don’t have the misconception that most homeless people are always out for a meal,” Jones said. “I’m here because there are things I can lend that are helpful to the movement. I can get food anywhere. I don’t have to be at Occupy Atlanta to get food.”

In Salt Lake City, protesters see working with the homeless as an opportunity to demonstrate their political views. “We can help people get out of homelessness,” said organizer Jesse Fruhwirth, 30. “We have already surpassed any effort the state or city has ever made to create a sober, happy space for the homeless.”

Brent Jackson, 46, is one of the homeless who has been recruited as a volunteer and is an active member of a planning group. He said the protest’s message rings especially true with homeless people. “The homeless are the bottom of the 99 percent,” Jackson said, referring to the percent of Americans the protest says it represents apart from the wealthiest 1 percent.

“We have a lot of disillusioned Americans, but they don’t think what happened to us can happen to them,” he said. “Except it can.” news / politics / business / opinion

NATIONAL NEWS

DADT repeal allows Navy Soldier to openly be with fiancé

By Diderique Konig

After being deployed by the military for months, Amanda Tecson was eager for her plane to land in the United States on Oct. 8. Newly engaged, she couldn’t wait to embrace her fiancé again.

Tecson, an E-5 interior communications electrician in the Navy, knew her superiors and fellow shipmates would understand her relatively quick engagement. After all, many military personnel have done the same.

Her engagement, however, isn’t to a man. Her fiancé, Megan Brooks, is female.

Despite the possibility of getting discharged from the Navy because of her sexual orientation, she came out to her supervisor on Sept. 20. He “was the only one that if I told could be required to report it,” Tecson said. That would have had major consequences for Tecson, had it not been for one important fact. On this same day, with the words “our military will no longer be deprived of the talents and skills of patriotic Americans just because they happen to be gay or lesbian,” in a White House press release, Barack Obama’s repeal of the ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ policy went into effect.

Originally a compromise measure by former President Bill Clinton who had campaigned on the promise to allow all citizens to serve in the military regardless of sexual orientation, DADT backfired making it so that countless people fight-

news / politics / business / opinion

ing, and giving their lives for the United States had to hide their sexual orientation. The ban was put into place in 1993 but ultimately was repealed last month in part because many soldiers are becoming more vocal about their sexual orientation or are being forced to come out for other reasons.

Before the repeal went into practice, the U.S. military held training and informational sessions regarding DADT. “During the DADT training we had in the spring of this year, they explained that we will still not be recognized as a married couple because it’s only a state law. However, once gay marriage is a federal law then the government can look at it as legal and start to grant benefits,” Tecson stated. In regards to the couple going to military functions together as an openly lesbian duo, Brooks said that “even though [Amanda] is ‘allowed’ to be gay, it is still testing the waters. I am sure a lot of people don’t approve in the military and we don’t want to make it difficult.”

The biggest obstacle, according to both women, however, is one that every military family can re-

late to. Being away from your loved ones for an extended amount of time. “It feels like torture trying to be with the one you love the most but not being able to. The time difference made it a million times worse. But her and I communicated by all means capable. We sent packages to each other and that made the time go by easier,” said Tecson about keeping her relationship strong with Brooks.

They still may not be eligible for the same benefits as heterosexual couples, but Brooks says that although she still will not “get benefits and we may still have to be cautious, I am still proud to be the future wife of a Navy soldier and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It is 100% worth it no matter what.”

The couple is set to wed in California next September, whether the military grants them the same benefits or not.

“We will get our rights, our time will come. It has come so far, thus far, and I know soon enough we will all be equal,” according to Brooks.

The fight for equal rights in the gay community is far from over, but with DADT, another step has been taken in the process towards this goal.

ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 17

WORLD NEWS

Champion hockey player comes out SYDNEY - Gus Johnston was a champion hockey goalkeeper. A gutsy player who regularly put his body on the line for his team, Johnston represented Victoria for 12 years. While his striking red hair and natural ability made him a big identity in his sport, he was little known outside hockey circles. Until last month, that is, when he posted an emotional video on YouTube in which he outed himself as gay.

In the 12-minute film, which he called The Reality of Homophobia in Sport, Johnston looks the viewer in the eye as he says: ‘’I’m a writer, art director, filmmaker and a hockey goalkeeper. I’m also a gay man - and that’s something I never thought I would say in such a public forum … ‘’I regret immensely that I wasn’t strong enough as a leader, that I didn’t step up when I was playing and share this about myself,’’ he says, explaining that he has done so 10 months after retiring to let young gay athletes know they are not alone and to alert the broader sporting community that gossip and ‘’jokes’’ peddled in locker rooms are homophobic and hurtful.

Posting an email address at the end of his YouTube clip enabled hundreds of people to send him their congratulations, among them an AFL coach and several players. ‘’I went from someone who has never been in the public eye in the slightest to someone experiencing a tidal wave of complete positivity,’’ Johnston says.

In coming out he joins an exclusive club of elite Australian athletes. Only three other men have come out: Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham, Olympic swimmer Daniel Kowalski and rugby league player Ian Roberts.

For lesbians the landscape is different. Only former Olympic cyclist Michelle Ferris has publicly spoken about being gay.

Yet in public life it is no longer a career-ending move to be ‘’out’’. MPs Penny Wong and Bob Brown, comedian Josh Thomas, former judge Michael Kirby, Dr Kerryn Phelps and DJ Ruby Rose, among others, are public about their private lives.

Sport is the last bastion of public life in Australia in which same sex attraction is kept under wraps. The last closet in which it is safer to stay silent than speak up. Elite Australian athletes who are gay or lesbian mostly play it straight. It is, as academic Mariah Nelson put it, ‘’a silence so loud it screams’’.

For men, sport is a potentially lucrative, extremely heterosexual environment. There is a perception there is a lot to lose by coming out.

But as the experiences of Johnston, Kowalski and Mitcham attest, the consequences are not as dire as some predict and fear. In fact, each has had an overwhelmingly positive response since revealing he is gay.

It is harder to learn about the stories of gay elite

news / politics / business / opinion

sportswomen. Several lesbian athletes were contacted for this story but Ferris was the only woman prepared to speak. Other former athletes declined to speak, even anonymously.

Does the silence matter? Sexuality is intrinsically private and if gay and lesbian athletes choose to keep their sexual orientation to themselves, ought it be an issue?

Kowalski and Johnston believe it does matter.

They say the lack of anyone to talk to about the difficulties they faced as young gay men in strongly heterosexual sporting cultures left them feeling lonely and, ultimately, depressed. ‘’It led to some really dark times because you feel isolated and loneliness on top of whatever else you’ve got going on in your life and sport and I think that’s really dangerous,’’ Kowalski says. ‘’You can call Lifeline or some other number and they’re fantastic but it’s not the same as having face to face or real personal interaction to talk about things with - someone who has been in your position.’’

In grappling with what it is that makes coming out such an apparently fraught step for elite athletes, Caroline Symons, a senior lecturer at Victoria University, traces competitive sport back to its origins. ‘’Team sports were founded in the 1800s as institutions to turn boys into men,’’ Symons says.

To this day sport remains a place where a conservative gender order is reinforced. The dominant male codes in Australia are aggressively heterosexual, in which the perceived masculine attributes of power, speed and domination are celebrated.

In this macho environment, homosexuality is derided as weak. Symons has researched the experiences of gay athletes at junior and community levels and heard of coaches deriding losing teams as ‘’playing like a pack of poofters’’ or ‘’playing like girls’’.

Conversely, team sports enable an unusual closeness among male participants. Victorious players embrace each other, though generally bring a hug to a close by butching it up with a backslap. ‘’It is the place in our culture where heterosexual men are permitted to be affectionate and close, so long as homoerotic lines are not crossed,’’ Symons says.

Acknowledging homosexuality in such a world would threaten the established order, or so the belief goes. Recently, however, there are signs this view is under challenge.

Eric Anderson, professor of sports studies at the University of Winchester in England, is an American who has researched gay male athletes for years. He is optimistic that young athletes lack the homophobic beliefs of their predecessors. Having grown up in a world in which gay relationships are normalised on popular television shows such as Glee and Modern Family and in which opinion has swung in support of gay marriage, their world view is more relaxed.

The issue, he says, is that those who run the sporting codes are mostly former players who grew up believing the negative myths and stereotypes about homosexuals.

Symons cites remarks in 2008 by then Hawthorn AFL club president Jeff Kennett in which he was alleged to have compared employing a bisexual football trainer to having a paedophile working as a masseur. ‘’I know Jeff Kennett was shouted down but what he implied was a total myth, a horrible myth, but for the older generation it still resonates.’’

It is why Symons believes that for cultural change to occur, leadership is required from sport’s impresarios.

As to why so few male athletes come out once they retire, Anderson says: ‘’It seems to be that whether you are an athlete or not, if you don’t come out of the closet by your mid-20s, then you lose that ability … They’ve set a precedent for themselves and they often feel it just gets harder and harder for them.’’

Kowalski, who waited until he retired before coming out publicly, endorses Anderson’s remarks and suggests many retired gay athletes fear they have too much to lose.

Kowalski explains that he is really proud to have been a part of the Australian swimming team and built a lot of his identity around his success as an athlete. ‘’So I get why, if you’re a footballer and you’re a part of one club, you don’t want to lose that. It is a part of your identity and with it come a lot of great opportunities, networks and friendships and there would be a fear that you’d lose that if you come out.

The funny thing for Johnston is that he was.

His YouTube clip has been promoted by his sport’s Victorian chief executive and his club, Essendon.

Of the belief that coming out would affect an athlete’s ability to win sponsorship dollars, Kowalski says: ‘’No one ever told me that but I did hear it linked to other people like, ‘If this person was gay and they came out it would cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars.’’’

But the experience of diver Matthew Mitcham tells otherwise. He went to Beijing an unknown, openly gay athlete, won a gold medal and returned a hero. His manager, Robyn Watson, agrees that on top of winning a gold medal, being gay helped continued on page 47 >

ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 19

Gay Chambers

Information

BUSINESS PROFILE

Pilates by Fitness Solutions

By J. Ursone

Phoenix Gay Chamber

November NetMix

The November 16 Net-Mix will be held at Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix from 5:30- 7:30 p.m.

The mixer will take place in the Binn’s Wildflower Pavilion. Please dress for the weather. Appetizers will be served, cash bar available. Please RSVP to rsvp@ phoenixgaychamber.com

Board of Directors Meeting The GPGLCC Board of Directors meets every month on the second Wednesday at 8 a.m.

Members are welcome to attend the meeting.

If you wish to address the board, you must do so in writing by emailing Tony Felice at development@gpglcc.org and by calling in advance 602-237-5572.

Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees, Dec. 10. Each year, it grows bigger & better than the year before.

Decorators & Chamber members with Christmas flare reserve, decorate and display their fabulous trees for this event! ALL SIZES will be on display including wreaths & menorahs. The event will be held at the Wyndham Hotel, 50 East Adams Street, Phoenix. This event is open to the public and always brings 300+ attendees.

Tucson Gay Chamber

Net Breakfast

Breakfast Meetings will be held the third Thursday of the month at The Manning House, Lavender Ballroom, 450 W Paseo Redondo #212 in Tucson. Go to tucsonglbtchamber.org for more info and to rsvp.

22 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com

Pilates by Fitness Solution’s philosophy is a simple one - to help you achieve amazing physical results in the areas of mind and body control based in the time-proven, classical Pilates instruction of Joseph Pilates.

Around 1914, Joseph Pilates was a performer and a boxer living in England and, at the outbreak of WWI, was placed under forced internment in Lancaster, England. There he taught fellow camp members the concepts and exercises developed over 20 years. It was at this time that he began devising the system of original exercises known today as “matwork”, or exercises done on the floor.

A few years later, he was transferred to another camp, where he began devising equipment to rehabilitate his “patients,” taking springs from the beds to create spring resistance.

Because of the remarkable nature of the equipment to both challenge and support the body as it learns to move more efficiently, Pilates is good for people regardless of their age, body type, or physical condition.

Fitness Solution’s studio promotes a friendly, open atmosphere for beginners to advanced students. The staff specializes in accommodating for past or present injury and flexibility needs.

Owner, Lauren Tomasulo, is New York Guild certified and also certified through Power Pilates Inc. Tomasulo has extensive knowledge of ballet, modern and musical theatre. She holds a BFA in dance through Adelphi University, a MA in Educational Theatre through NYU and an MS in Elementary Education through Hunter College.

Tomasulo became interested in Pilates through her dance studies in New York. Many of her peers were raving about the benefits of Pilates. From the time she tried it she was hooked. The results have been wonderful, she says.”I love seeing the progress others can make in Pilates.”

The hectic pace of today’s lifestyle leaves many of people with a body full of stress, extra weight or muscle stiffness. These symptoms often point to imbalances where focused exercise and relaxing breathing can significantly improve our overall health, quality of life and personal appearance.

Cleo Crimmins can attest to the benefits she has seen since joining Fitness Solutions.

“At age fifty something, thanks to Pilates and particularly to Lauren Tomasulo, I am in better physical shape than I was in my twenties. Pilates

workouts can be modified to take into account injuries or physical limitations. One week after an appendectomy I was back in the Pilates studio doing a modified workout.”

Pilates offers a unique blend of deep breathing combined with targeted muscle-based stretches from the “powerhouse,” the abdominal and back muscles.

These core muscles radiate outwards to all muscles in your body.

This gives you a total body workout every time, instead of only working select muscle groups.

This holistic approach improves overall fitness and engages the mind to work with your body to improve your overall physical and mental harmony.

This combination provides incredible results in mind and body health for all ages and physical ability levels. Pilates by Fitness Solutions offers a unique, life changing opportunity for all ages.

Practiced faithfully, Pilates yields numerous benefits including: • Strength and flexibility, particularly of the abdomen and back muscles • Coordination-both muscular and mental • Posture, balance, and core strength • Balance and control over the body and mind • Increased lung capacity and circulation Sessions at Pilates by Fitness Solutions typically last one hour whether it is a one-on-one session or a mat class.

“Generally you will see results within a minimum of 10 sessions. You will notice that your physical and mental fitness and stamina have improved and your muscles are overall tighter and more toned. In 20 sessions you will see a noticeable improvement in your muscle strength and stamina.

Your waist will typically shape up as well. In 30 sessions you will have a ‘whole new body.’ This means you will see inches reduced in your abdominal area while significantly improving your overall physical fitness, physical tonality and more distinct and a more visually pleasing physical appearance.”

These days everyone has a different schedule and many demands on their time. That is why Pilates by Fitness Solutions offers a wide variety of instructional options. To learn more about the right fit for your schedule and your budget call 602-631-9698 or email at mail@pilatesaz.com Fitness Solutions, Inc. is located at 4113 North 7th Avenue in Phoenix.

Pilates by Fitness Solutions is a Power Pilates Participating studio. news / politics / business / opinion

BUSINESS NEWS BRIEFS

See the Fall foliage at Hotel Aspen in Northern AZ FLAGSTAFF - Hotel Aspen Flagstaff Grand Canyon InnSuites Hotel & Suites is located right on ‘old Route 66’, less than a mile to historic downtown Flagstaff, minutes to Flagstaff airport, and a perfect gateway to Grand Canyon National Park, Sunset Crater National Monument and the Native American ruins at Wupatki National Monument. So if you’re looking for the very best deal of Flagstaff hotels, come stay at Hotel Aspen Flagstaff featuring your suite choice value of Studios, Two-room Executive/Family Suites and Romantic Presidential Jacuzzi Suites.

Hotel Aspen includes a hot breakfast buffet in Flagstaff at PJ’s Historic Route 66 Café, featuring scrambled eggs, potatoes, homemade Belgian waffles and cereal plus free afternoon social hour to relax and meet new friends.

There are many free hotel amenities available such as Cloud 9 Pillowtop Beds with Deluxe Bedding, Free reliable hard “Wired” Hi-Speed Internet access in every guest room & convenient Free “Wireless” Internet in our Lobby, PJ’s Café and guest studios & suites. Our Flagstaff hotel also provides easy access to hiking, fishing, golfing, skiing and other activities which sets us apart from other area Flagstaff hotels.

Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, at Hotel Aspen Flagstaff we give comfort with ease for all visitors to our hotel near the Grand Canyon. Contact them for more information on group rates. For discount hotel deals, see InnSuites Specials.

Call Karan Patel today and tell him you saw this in ‘N Touch News, 928-774-7356 or 888-2FLAGSTAFF.

LGBT Business Equality Index Awards PHOENIX - The Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber is excited to invite you to attend the first-ever Business Equality Index (BEI) Awards! The results are in from the Chamber’s 2011 survey of local businesses with up to 500 employees and local governments to assess their commitment to equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

The survey was funded in part by Phoenix Pride Community Foundation, a donor advised fund of the Arizona Community Foundation. The Chamber is honoring the top five organizations, ASU,

news / politics / business / opinion

the Cities of Tempe and Scottsdale, Campbell & Mahoney, and the Land of AHHS Consignment at a special luncheon on Nov. 4 at the InnPlace Hotel North, 10220 North Metro Parkway East, Phoenix.

A diverse community with a vibrant LGBT presence is good for an entire region’s economic development, competitiveness, and ability to attract and retain high-impact employers with knowledge workers who seek diverse and exciting cities in which to live.

Celebrate this historic event.

If you have any questions please call at Mary 602 266-5055. You can also register online at gpglcc.org

Phoenix Public Transit awarded more than $7 million PHOENIX - The Phoenix Public Transit Department announced that it was awarded two grants from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) totaling $7.32 million to support projects in the city.

The first grant awarded from the FTA will aid in the refurbishment of the city’s North Transportation Facility, which serves as one of the hubs for the operation and maintenance of the city’s bus fleet. The grant award is for $6.36 million, and

will include refurbishment of the facility’s interior and exterior spaces. The facility houses 145 buses, encompasses 34,480 square feet of space, and sits on 9.9 acres of land.

The second grant award of $1 million will fund an analysis of high-capacity transit service alternatives in south-central Phoenix, focused on the Central Avenue corridor from Washington Street to Baseline Road. This funding will allow METRO light rail to evaluate the feasibility of several transit modes, including light rail, bus rapid transit and modern streetcar.

“These grants demonstrate my commitment, and that of the Federal Transit Administration, to continue to improve and expand our successful Metro system,” said Congressman Ed Pastor.

“Connecting where people live to where jobs and services are located is important to our quality of life, and becomes more important given where developments have occurred in the last decades.

With this funding the city and METRO light rail will be able to explore and identify how to make the best use of the South Central corridor to connect residents from the south and southwest areas throughout Phoenix. This study gives everyone an opportunity to discuss possibilities and constraints to help put the best plan forward.”

The Phoenix Public Transit Department provides transit service within Phoenix city boundaries, with more than 37 million transit boardings annually.

Green Tip! Lose the lead foot!

Your fuel economy drastically declines as you exceed 60 mph.

Speeding can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 23

FITNESS

Training for a marathon vs. lifetime fitness

By Kirk Matthews One of my best friends does marathons and wants a training partner. This could be a great way get a good jumpstart on the new year to lose weight and get some muscle built up etc.

Any pointers you can give would be great.

Thanks, Jeff Alright then – we’ve arrived on the dreaded subject of marathon training. It’s a topic of hot dispute among professionals as well as fans of distance training.

To offer a disclaimer of sorts for the following, let’s clarify. My brief (brief?) monthly spot here is an expression of my opinion; the result of years of athletics and training that has created the desire to train for a lifetime in a way that preserves and extends health and quality of life.

So with that in mind, persistent marathon training utterly fails on all counts for a lifetime fitness plan, since it doesn’t meet some of my basic requirements for ideal training. But let’s observe an exception first…

Let’s say you started out very young in longdistance training. And after years and years of running and running, it still brings a satisfying smile to your face – it’s essentially a sublime pleasure – and you do it for you and nobody else. It might even be likely that nobody but you knows the distances you do run. And you’ve no cause for concern from the top of your neck to the bottom of your feet -- it’s all as good as a well-oiled machine. You most likely have compact musculature and a light frame, with very low body fat that has been and always will be your natural state.

You are the rare “natural runner” and need no comment from anyone any more than a master chef needs cooking advice.

The natural runner, however, is not the norm -- even acknowledging that these runners number in the thousands – perhaps millions worldwide.

But the trainee who, later in life, jumps into long-distance running to lose fat and gain muscle will usually fall short or totally fail in those two goals and ultimately abandon the program – since the results are so often disappointing, because it fails to meet a very basic requirement: The Furnace Concept: Will this new activity add considerably to the total amount of muscle present on my body?

Try this: after an activity that gets you sweating – something as simple as yard work -- and you’re getting ready to take a shower afterwards, take a moment to feel different parts of your body. Check the arms, the abdomen, then maybe the legs and buttocks. You’ll find that some parts are warm to the touch and other parts are cold by 24 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com

comparison.

Here’s why: body fat is energy storage and insulation tissue, and uses far less blood than muscle. Muscle, as movement and metabolic tissue, has to constantly remain at a much higher temperature than body fat -- even while sleeping -- and that heat uses calories.

Why is this so important to know? Well, once you really, really make this simple connection, you’ll finally get it why so many experts in antiaging and health sciences will encourage you to gain even a few pounds of muscle through progressive resistance exercise (not distance training).

Muscle burns calories at rest – that’s your “furnace”. Generally speaking, each pound of muscle burns around fifty calories per day, so if you find some way to gain even five pounds of muscle -which isn’t much distributed over the whole body -- you’ll be burning an additional 250 calories per day without changing anything else; including diet or aerobic exercise. Wow! Now obviously, no fitness program is complete without some form of challenging cardiovascular exercise and at least moderate attention to your nutrition, which would give you even more noticeable results. And yes, you do gain some muscle from cardiovascular training. But if you’re a busy person, you’d be looking at minimizing damage and time spent training – you’d be looking for efficiency.

To further support this concept: Many antiaging experts, as well as physical therapists, doctors, chiropractors and others, do not encourage extreme endurance activities as part of your ideal plan, and marathon training would be at the top of the blacklist for most of them.

In fact, many experts consider marathon training to be one of the most Pro-Aging, Stress-Inducing, Joint-Damaging, Immunity-Challenging activities that anyone can expect to add to their fitness lifestyle.

Want more proof? Compare photos of similar-aged distance and sprint runners – you’ll understand immediately. And if marathoners look that old on the outside, what’s going on inside?

Yes, I have to be willing to risk offending a few people to provide useful information to the majority. And really, this may or may not include your friend.

Many people who insist on doing marathons later in life do it as a sort of obsession; to prove something to themselves or others. Just keep that in mind.

So, if you’re looking at distance training as a way to do fun activities with your friends, then sure, do it for a while then move on to other training styles, because there are better and more enjoyable ways to get a good cardiovascular challenge for your heart and lungs. You could try sprint running, hiking, biking, swimming, yoga, cardio-boxing, basketball, volleyball, soccer and so on, where distance running could be part of a palette that you pick from every few months.

In fact, many triathlon participants get into that form of competition because it’s so much fun to do the variety of challenges rather than just one.

Finally, to wrap up this very sideways answer to your question: If you do adopt marathon training and you absolutely love it and it’s a joy and a blast, you might just be that rare runner type and are just finding it out for the first time.

If, however, you get into it and find it’s hard work and not pleasurable – then just refer to the above information and join a gym to build muscle and lose that weight.

I hope this helps, and I do sincerely hope that anyone that has read this column for any length of time understands this perspective: Train hard, yes, but don’t overdo it. Stay young -- Train, eat, rest, repeat!

That’s it for now. Best of health to you all and as always, keep those questions coming!

Kirk Matthews is a multiple Certified Personal Trainer and Professional Nutrition Consultant; answers may contain advice from either or both disciplines. Call: 602-616-9195. Questions: e-mail kirk. matthews@hotmail.com (with “n touch” in subject line). Visit www.thetrumpnetwork.com/kirkmatthews -- hover over “Why Our Products Work” to learn about Lab-formulated supplements and smart foods made just for you! And visit: www.sportsclubatcitysquare.com to try before you buy. news / politics / business / opinion

SPORTS

LGBT Sports

Alternative Poker gains momentum

Leagues Spotlight

Sports leagues of the Valley provide a safe, friendly, and fun social setting for the LGBT community. Whether a new comer, veteran, or a fan, everyone is welcome.

By Luis Garcia

In a short period of time, the Alternative Poker Tour has established itself as one of the premiere free poker circuits in the Valley. The three monthold tour registered its 300th poker player last month.

The APT has also continued to expand venues adding Ice Pics Video Bar to its weekly Texas hold’em schedule on Monday’s at 6 and 9 p.m. Ice Pics will join Pat O’s Bunkhouse (7 and 10 p.m.) as venues poker players can play on Monday Nights.

According to APT co-founder Bill Soroka, this will give poker players an opportunity to double their chances at winning on Monday nights.

“We’re confident that both Monday night venues will flourish,” said Soroka. “Many of our players have offered suggestions for earlier times and venue alternatives for each night. We’re committed to a win/win growth strategy.”

Soroka is also enthusiastic about the new APT sponsorship by the Rainbow Cab Company.

“They (Rainbow cab) are very excited to work

with our players and the venues that host. APT was seeking a cab sponsor to provide safe and reliable transport between venues, and to get you home after a long night of cards and drinking,” said Soroka.

Part of the sponsor package includes flat rate deals for poker players traveling between venues that play the same night.

“Rainbow cab is committed to providing our players exceptional service and availability. I think you’ll appreciate their no-nonsense approach and integrity. They are also willing to go the extra mile for you.”

In addition to the weekly games, APT will hold its Quarterly invite on November 19 at the Rock.

The tournament gives top players from the quarter yet another opportunity to win cash and prizes.

“Ever since APT has started a schedule of games at different venues there is a game for me every time the urge strikes me to play,” said APT player Jamie Loyd. “Playing hold’em poker is more like chess than checkers. It’s a game that continues to challenge the mind and keeps people coming out for more. I am really looking forward to the quarterly at the Rock. I don’t expect to go far, but I do expect to have a great time.”

For more information or for a full schedule visit alternativepokertour.com Bunkhouse - Mondays & Tuesdays, 7 & 10 p.m.

Icepics Video Bar - Mondays 6 & 9 p.m.

OZ - Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday

and Sunday at 8 & 10 p.m.

The Rock - Thursdays & Fridays, 6 & 9 p.m.,

and Saturdays, 2 & 5 p.m.

Cash Inn - Wednesdays, 7 & 10 p.m.,

Sundays, 1 & 4 p.m.

1VCC - Saturdays, 12 p.m.,

4th Annual Wingspan Golf Classic TUCSON - Omni Tucson National Resort

is home to the PGA Tour, NCAA events, and the Chrysler Classic of Tucson. Selected as one of Golf Digest’s “75 Best Resorts in North America” and a Conde’ Nast Silver award winner, makes this years Wingspan Classic On Nov. 4, an affair to remember.

Format: Four player scramble, low gross • Entry Fee: $150 – Includes: 18 holes of golf, cart & driving range, golf shirt with logo, pasta dinner, prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams, on-course games, hole-in-one contest and raffle. Registration at 10:30 a.m., Shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.

Visit wingspan.org, click on the Events tab at the top of the page, and then click Wingspan Classic to register! news / politics / business / opinion

Basketball

Hellraisers Hoops Open Play Sundays from 2 – 4 p.m.

Sports Club of City Square www. phoenix.ngba.us hellraiserhoops@yahoo.com

Flag Football

PHX Hellraisers Flag Football League

Saturdays 9 a.m. January – April Colter Park www.phoenixflagfootball.com info@phoenixflagfootball.com 602.284.9207

Rugby – Men Phoenix Storm

Tuesdays & Thursdays 7 p.m.

Longview Elementary School www.phoenixstorm.org info@rugbystorm.com

Softball

Cactus Cities Softball League

Sundays starting at 8 a.m.

Spring: Feb. – May; Fall: Oct. - Dec Ceasar Chavez Park www.cactuscities.com

Swimming

The Phoenix Sunfish

Year around schedule Mon, Tues, & Thurs - 6:30 - 8 pm Saturdays - 4:30-6 pm Three Locations throughout the valley www.phxsunfish.org

Volleyball – Indoor

Desert Volleyball Alliance February - May Saturdays 12 – 3 p.m.

Kingdom Courts www.desertvalleyalliance.org aaryck@hotmail.com

Volleyball – Sand

Arizona Gay Volleyball Association Need help with registration or are looking for more info? Email Moureen Drury, Development Operations Coordinator at mdrury@wingspan. org with questions The Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa is located at 2727 West Club Drive, Tucson.

Three seasons to choose from Feb – May, June – Aug, Sept – Dec Indian Steele Park & Radisson City Center Mondays & Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. www.azgv.org commissioner@azgv.org

ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 25

1VCC New Center Dedication

Glitterball 3000 Dance Party

Sedona Pride Festival

Equality Arizona Banquet

Phoenix Rainbows Festival

AIDSWalk Phoenix

1n10 Strength in Numbers

Tucson Pride Parade 2011

Occupy Phoenix Demonstration

Wingspan Skate Party

Tucson Pride Festival 2011

AIDSWalk Tucson

View these community event galleries and many, many more on our website:

Are you‘N?

ntouchaz.com

Part II - What can we do?

By Gina Read “I trick at night and attend school during the day,” Mark said so matter-of-fact that you would have thought he had told me he worked at McDonald’s. I had not heard the word “tricked” used in decades, but apparently it is one of the words making a comeback. At 17, Mark seems like he has it altogether, if you overlook the “tricking”.

But, I’ve heard his story countless times over the past couple of decades and rarely does it end up “happily ever after.” These kids are resilient to a degree, but self-worth, late hours, couch surfing, STDs and the occasional beating or mugging take their toll. Most end up dropping out of school, on drugs or worse.

Unfortunately for a vast majority of homeless youth “survival sex” is the norm. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that over 300,000 American children are at risk for trafficking into the sex industry. An additional 15,500 to 18,500 foreign nationals are also trafficked into the United States. These estimates do not include young

people between the ages of 18 and 24, whom with a down economy are ending up on the street in greater and greater numbers.

“I didn’t come out to my family until the day after I graduated from high school,” says Tony.

“My parents are very Catholic and I had a job at a tire company. So, if the worst happened I would be okay.”

After weeks of fights between Tony and his father, he got an apartment. Three months later he lost his job when the tire company folded.

“I busted my ass looking for a new job. I was competing with guys in their 30s and 40s. I found part-time jobs but nothing that would pay my rent. I went home, but my dad kept telling me God was punishing me because I was gay. I’m a big guy and I get angry really fast. I was afraid I was going to hurt him so I left.”

Unable to find shelter or a job, a street “friend” told him where to go to make a few extra bucks performing sex acts. “I don’t do anal,” Tony is quick to tell me. But, no matter what the sex act, the outcome is the same - low self-worth.

“I know so many guys who take advantage of these kids that I’m just appalled,” says Steve. Over

a decade ago he too was on the street after telling his parents he was gay. “They [men] just don’t get it. They think they are doing these kids a favor by paying them for a blow job or sex. They think it’s okay to take one of these ‘boys’ in and have sex with them in exchange for a home. I had a guy take me in and show me off to his friends.

I started taking drugs just so I wouldn’t have to face myself. Of course the drugs started to get in the way so he kicked me out.”

Steve says it took years of AA and NA meetings to get him to where he is today. “I have a job and a life, something a lot of the kids I hung out with on the street never had a chance at. A lot of them are still on the streets. A lot of them ended up in jail. And some of them died.”

Although minors who are without parents or guardians are supposed to be placed in foster care, aid groups say some prefer to live on their own, sleeping in cars or on friends’ couches and fending for themselves.

According to the June 2010 report, “On the Streets: The Federal Response to Gay & Transgender Homeless Youth”, child welfare systems often fail to protect gay, lesbian, bisexual and

Devereux Arizona - Maricopa 602-896-3106

Devereux Arizona - Tucson 520-296-5551

Devereux Arizona - Sierra Vista Rebecca Burdette (888) 880-0722, (520) 458-0702 transgender youth. Seventy-eight percent of gay and transgender youth were either removed from or ran away from their New York foster care placements due to conflict and discrimination related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. What’s more 88 percent of foster care staff say that LGBT youth are not safe in group-home environments.

For youth over 18 who live on their own, the tough job market has pushed more onto the streets. At a time when adult children struggle with joblessness, many would return home if they weren’t estranged from their parents, who often are struggling financially, too.

The federal government has the power to reduce LGBT youth homelessness while addressing youth homelessness overall. Congress can and should make a financial commitment to services directed at these young people. Of the approximately $4.2 billion the government spends annually on homeless assistance programs, less than 5 percent of this funding, $195 million, is allocated for homeless children and youth. Even less actually goes to serve unaccompanied homeless youth.

According to the report “On the Streets” there

are currently no federal programs specifically designed to meet the needs of LGBT homeless youth, and there are no federal protections, and few state laws, in place to keep these youth from being discriminated against while accessing federally funded homeless services.

For those elected officials who say there is currently not enough money to address the problem, it is estimated to cost around $53,665 to maintain a youth in the criminal justice system for one year, while it only costs $5,887 to permanently move a homeless youth off the streets.

Today, the only homeless shelter in the Valley for LGBT youth between the ages of 18 and 24 is the GreenHouse Project at Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development. Formed after a LGBT Town Hall meeting in late 2006, the GreenHouse goal was to provide transitional housing program that would teach the skills necessary for independent living while affording homeless LGBT 18-24 years old a safe, temporary living environment. To date there are only 10 beds for these young people.

Tumbleweed Program Director, Gail Loose, was instrumental in getting GreenHouse umbrellaed under the non-profit organization. She

TumbleTees is a youth-run T-shirt screen printing business located within the heart of the Roosevelt Arts District. Since 2009 TumbleTees has been providing quality printing to satisfied customers with in the community including YMCA, Magellean Health Services, St. Mary’s Food Bank and Phoenix Theater. They continue to strive to build new relationships with customers and produce the best work and prices available.

TumbleTees is a unique screen printing shop that employs homeless youth ages 14-24. The youth are taught screen printing skills and how to operate a small business.

They have the opportunity to learn real life business skills while also being creative.

TumbleTees strives to empower youth to experience successes and feelings of

meets monthly with GreenHouse committee members to work towards getting additional housing for these young people. “We continue to find funding sources and raise additional funds to house more youth. Our ultimate goal would be to buy an old apartment building that we could turn into the GreenHouse Project Shelter.”

To assist in the needs of LGBTQ youth under the age of 18, the GreenHouse Project originally had a plan to work with a network of foster care programs to ensure there would be foster parents for these underserved youth. Unfortunately, this part of the project fell short due to the loss of volunteers willing to work with existing foster care agencies.

“We would welcome volunteers to take on this part of the project. It doesn’t involve funding, it is acting as a liaison between the LGBT and allied community and the foster system to make sure that there are enough foster parents that are accepting of LGBT youth. Whether that is through recruiting more LGBT foster parents or setting up non-bias training for all potential foster parents.”

What can you do?

- Call your representatives in congress and ask that a larger percentage of federal dollars ear-marked for homeless services be spent on homeless youth and children.

- Donate to local shelters listed in the continued on next page >

hope that are necessary for them to transition into a life of self-sufficiency, while also stimulating creative growth and providing a safe source of income.

One hundred percent of proceeds fund their social mission by employing and supporting homeless and at-risk youth.

Phone: 602-257-4454 Fax: 602-462-5655 Email: Emily, eblanche@tumbleweed.org TumbleTees (located within the Tumbleweed Drop In Center) 902 North 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 11am - 4pm

Phoenix Resources for Youth Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development serves homeless, runaway, and at risk youth in Phoenix. They provide shelter, counseling, outreach, job development, and more to youths ages nine to age twenty-two. If you are a youth in need of our assistance, or you are concerned about a youth, please feel free to call 602- 271-9904 or the 24-hour Hotline at 602-841-5799.

Homeless youth can call a toll free number for assistance at 1-866-Safe703 Web: www.tumbleweed.org.

1N10 is dedicated to serving LGBTQ youth ages 14-22. The organization creates a safe space, mentally and physically, for youth of all socio-economic and cultural back- grounds. As necessary, they are prepared to provide youth with contact information for other agencies. Phone: 602-475-7456; Email: micheal@1n10.org, Web: www.1n10. org.

CASS Central AZ Shelter Services 602-256-6945, www.cass-az.org Community Network (Shelter Hotline) Call 602-263-8900 or 800-799-7739 Florence Crittenton (TLP for female youth) 602-274-7318, www.flocrit.org < continued from previous page

resource box for youth. If you cannot afford cash, donate supplies or food. Volunteer at a local shelter.

- Join the GreenHouse Project committee to expand the shelter and its programs by calling 602- 271-9904.

- Buy T-shirts from Tumble Tees and help employ a homeless youth.

- Become a foster parent. Devereux seeks foster parents of every make and model, including LGBT.

Tucson Resources for Youth The Eon Youth Program â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loungeâ&#x20AC;? drop-in center, located on 7th Street and 4th Avenue, is a safe hangout space for youth 23 and under. In addition to a small library, computer stations, games, music and art, the Eon Lounge has a wide variety of information and resources for youth. Eon also offers support to homeless and near-homeless LGBTQ and straight-allied youth, including expanded drop-in hours at The Lounge, street outreach, referrals to social service agencies, the Support OurSelves (SOS) support group, and allocation of emergency funds. For more information about homeless and at-risk youth services, contact Kevin Jackson, Homeless Youth Project Coordinator, at kjackson@wingspan.org For information, call 520-624-1779.

- Most importantly, do not sit back and wait for someone else to take care of the problem.

It is all our problem.

Open Inn will provide a lifeline of support to more than 12,000 homeless and at-risk youth and their families in Arizona. Open Inn, shelter at 630 E. 9th Street, in Tucson. Phone: 520-670-9040.

- Tell us how you are making an impact. Send an email to editor@ntouchaz.com

Youth On Their Own is located at 1443 W. Prince Road in Tucson. Phone: 520-293-1136.

MORE GEEK THAN GAY

Where are the LGBT in horror movies?

By Edward Pulley Halloween is my favorite time of the year, other than the fantastic celebration that is my birthday (December 3rd, and don’t forget it). I know that there is candy and the costumes of sexy nurses and ninjas, but for me this is a celebration of the dark, creepy, disturbing, and downright terrifying.

Books, comics, music, haunted houses – all things that easily come to mind, but for many, horror is all for the movies.

Where are the LGBT in horror movies?

Horror movies are a difficult lot to analyze.

Arguably more so than any other genre, horror is difficult to categorize, and any category conceived may be divided into many sub-categories and cross over into endless other genres. Fans of one style can easily not be fans of another seemingly similar style. While commonly containing supernatural features, such as vampires, spirits, or demons, sometimes science is a key threat as in Frankenstein, or the mysterious like The Birds, or oftentimes just a man as in Vacancy. The inclusion of any one of these features does not guarantee that it is a horror movie; Twilight fairly proves that vampires can exist devoid of any real horror.

So what is horror? Possibly the most workable definition would be that a horror movie is a work designed to incite fear, disquiet, or disgust. This may not work 100% - how does one really categorize A Serbian Film – it does for the most part cover the movies most would easily categorize as horror.

And it is surprising to find that in the vast library of horror, the LGBT are not strongly represented.

Or maybe it isn’t surprising. The Hays Code ruled over what could and what could not be seen in major movies until 1968 when the MPAA Rating system came into play. The Hays Code was not just a simple ban on certain activities or ideas, but was also meant to promote “moral” values. Crime was to be punished. Marriage was to be valued.

Authority figures were to be shown respect. And homosexuals didn’t exist. This being Hollywood, there would be hints and subtext, like that found in Dracula’s Daughter and Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope.

But getting films out of the closet would have to wait until the end of the 60’s.

Yet even then, LGBT is still mostly found in three main categories. First we find heterosexual fantasies of lesbian witches – Virgin Witch is a great example and, while not horror inducing except for possibly with her acting, Madonna had a turn at this in The Four Rooms; although a nod should be given to television’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer for a noticeably more respectful representation.

Next we have vampires. The Hunger, Interview with a Vampire, Daughters of Darkness – the list goes on and on. Vampires have become depicted as creatures that will literally pursue anything with a pulse. They have become ghoulish representatives of sexual and sensual freedom, which is not news / politics / business / opinion

bad for the walking dead with bad dentistry, dietary restrictions, and a horrible skin sensitivity that sunblock can’t fix.

Finally there are the kings and queens of the genre – Homicidal Transvestites. From Psycho to Silence of the Lambs, with everything in between and beyond, the transvestite murderer has been stalking the theaters for decades.

Possibly one of my favorites would be the movie Homicidal, a virtual Victor/Victoria of murder.

Produced by William Castle, the same man who brought us The House on Haunted Hill, 13 Ghosts, and the super-gimmicky The Tingler, Homicidal has sadly been forgotten and most have never had the chance to watch it. In a spoiler-filled nutshell - new blonde in town, Emily, gets married just to kill the Justice of the Peace. Around the same time, Warren comes into to town and meets with his half-sister Miriam. But it ends up that Emily is out to kill Miriam also. The now-a-days predictable twist is that Warren is disguising himself as Emily, because once Miriam is dead, he can inherit the family fortune all to himself. The real twist is that it ends up that Warren was actually born a girl, but raised from birth as a boy or else he would forfeit his part of the inheritance. A woman raised as a man disguising himself as a woman in order to kill. Honestly not even sure if this counts as LGBT anymore.

But it does count for our purposes here. As does Dressed to Kill, the wonderfully horrible Sleepaway Camp, The Newlydeads, and Seed of Chucky and many more. One possible reason why they are so common is because it is a simple way to bring in an unexpected twist. It may be seen as campy or cheap now, but once it was a genuinely shocking revelation.

Disturbingly, there is probably another reason for this trend. One of the easiest ways to unsettle the audience is to suddenly make them face something they don’t understand, and trans individuals and transvestites fall into a big question mark for most the heterosexual community and I feel safe in saying that it is this way for some of the gay and lesbian community. Therefore it is easy to add shock value to the revelation of who the killer is by adding the “trans” element. Sadly this is just

encouraging the public to be afraid of something different from them, especially since their crossgender alter-ego was usually hopelessly linked to their insanity. Insult, meet Injury.

This may not be as sinister as it seems. In spite of the Hays Code, cross-dressing has always been acceptable in movies. Men could dress as women for comedic effect, harking all the way back to Charlie Chaplin in The Masquerade and possibly most famously in the classic Some Like It Hot (although we can’t forget Bugs Bunny either), while woman had been known to take dramatic turns dressed as men, like Katherine Hepburn in Sylvia Scarlett. These weren’t plentiful, but they set a respectable precedent. This meant that film makers were at liberty to include a feature that could shock the audiences with cross-dressing without worrying about a code violation.

Another factor here is that, intentionally or not, these are not really transvestites, transgender or transsexuals. The key lies in where the largest possible insult occurs – the insanity. The characters in these films are not expressing an inner gender identity, but instead are compelled by their madness or by the necessity to hide their identity. Norman Bates in Psycho never expressed that he felt as though he was actually meant to be a woman, nor did he find dressing in women’s clothing relaxing or sexy. Instead he was compelled by his insanity to bring his mother into the world to act on all the thoughts he had in his head, thoughts he could attribute to his mother - feel free to start diagnosis, but realize he did appear to be beyond treatment.

When you look at the motivation for what made the character cross-dress, you can realize that these are not really trans-individuals. This is why Homicidal fits regardless of how we eventually define it.

So they aren’t really trans. Does this make the portrayal any less offensive? Think of it this way – while you and I may be able to rationalize that these characters are not genuinely transvestites, transgender or transsexuals, can your next-door neighbor?

Or does your neighbor think they are just confused people and the movies just reinforce that view?

Honestly, I am almost impossible to offend, which is obvious by me not only knowing about A Serbian Film, but also having watched it. My shelves are lined with movies that I know cannot fit every audience. I can enjoy them for what they are, horribly offensive warts and all. That said, I am far from being everybody. Many people have fought hard to gain what acceptance they have, and many are still fighting (go Chaz Bono, you rhythmless cutie!), and they have every right to worry and even be offended at portrayals that undo that hard work.

In the end, it is your choice where you want to stand on this. Just remember that for some, the horror isn’t the crazed killer but instead the way the killer is portrayed. ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 31

HEALTH

Emails from our readers!

By Dr. Damien Brandeis

Dear Doctor B., this is embarrassing, but I seem to get diarrhea when I eat anything made from wheat. I love bread (hate rye) is there something I could take that would help? Glenn Diarrhea is a natural response of â&#x20AC;&#x153;GIâ&#x20AC;? tract to discharge or expel contents that the body has determined is unhealthy, if not outright toxic.

The body has natural wisdom so you will need to listen to your bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alert. There are several tests to determine exactly why you have this response. The simpler cheaper and less invasive ones consist of blood tests to arrive at a profile of food sensitivity.

You may be sensitive to any of the components of bread such as yeast, wheat, gluten, eggs, etc. The more invasive tests can lead to operative procedures involving a scope up the butt or down the throat.

Gluten sensitivity has generated much attention lately. Gluten is a protein compound present in foods made from wheat and related plants such as rye and barley. (Gluten gives dough elasticity and makes bread chewy.) The prevalence of gluten sensitivity is on the rise in the US. In its most dire form, gluten sensitivity is the basis of a disease called Celiac disease. The treatment is total removal of the offending gluten from the diet. Many of the local restaurants are offering gluten free menus and many local food stores have gluten free sections for wheat/gluten alternative foods.

Alternatively, based on this limited history, you may simply be sensitive to yeast. If you do not respond in this manner to the other products con34 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com

taining wheat (such as cakes, muffins, and scones), then yeast may be the offending ingredient. Testing will tell.

It is important for you to have a diagnostic work up regarding your problem. Your body is warning you and the end results could be dire if you do not take action. The Celiac patient progresses into debilitating constellation of symptoms (weight loss, pain, malnutrition, fatigue) which left untreated may result in death. It would be irresponsible for me to suggest supplements to halt the diarrhea.

That is not your solution.

Dear Doctor B., What do rose hips do for you? And, how should you consume them?

Rose hips are the edible seed pods of roses. Often, they are not seen because of the harvesting of the rose flowers. If you allow the flowers to whither on the bush, the pods that remain (formerly roses) are rose hips.

They are a great source of Vitamin C, so their healthful benefit is similar to all of those benefits from consuming that vitamin. If your roses are organic or have not have pesticides on them, you can dry the buds and use them to brew an herbal tea. It will take several pods, dried and crushed, soaked in boiling water for 20 minutes to create the infusion. They have a wonderful flavor and make a lovely caffeine- free beverage. Serve hot or over ice. The tea is refreshing and delicious.

Dr. Damien Brandeis, NMD has a private medical practice near Chandler Fashion Square Mall. Health is a simple drive for you! Please visit drbrandeis.net or call 480-855-6560 for an appointment. news / politics / business / opinion

Make sure your business or organization is listed in Arizonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only statewide LGBT print & online resource guide.

Call us today:

888-830-3022 ThePrideGuides@gmail.com www.gayarizona.com

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Y R HUR ine is l d a e d l Fina h t 9 r e b Novem

ETHICS

Meaningful is...

By Dr. Dina Evan “What is meaningful to me is truth so stunning it freezes mid-air and stops time - so real it calls into question everything I once believed about myself.”

The meaning of Thanksgiving and the Holidays is changing for me.

I use to love the scents of Thanksgiving and looked forward to pine cones in the fireplace and the crackling of them mid-air. I loved shopping for the perfect holiday gifts and wrapping them in stunning bows. It was all great fun. Today, hmm, not so much. Chalk it up to getting older or wiser perhaps. It’s not that those things aren’t still wonderful. It’s simply that other things thrill me more.

Today, it’s the sound of my daughters voice popping through the back door, “Mom, I’m here,” or our grownup to grownup, talks about anything and everything at lunch. It is the trust that has settled softly in between us, and the intimacy that allows us to tell the truth to each other and laugh about our differences. It’s having her as my best friend that thrills me.

I love having my daughter-in-law stop by to say, “Hey, Mom, I was in the neighborhood and wondered if I could do anything for you.” I don’t often need anything, but that gift creates more love endorphins than a fudge-covered brownie. Feeling cared for is such a great gift and such an easy one to give. Then, there is the mutual respect we both feel. I appreciate so much about her character and honesty, and I feel she respects me. Neither of us needs to talk about it, it simply is an unspoken gift between us.

What is priceless nowadays is my granddaughter’s voice on the phone asking me to set aside a date for dinner or lunch because she misses me.

What matters is the look of accomplishment in the eyes of a client who has made her first self-loving decision or set her first self-respecting boundary. What is priceless is the friend who calls up for no reason news / politics / business / opinion

other than to see how I am and joins me in a mutual rant about anything at all, always ending with a good laugh at ourselves.

What is meaningful to me is truth so stunning it freezes mid-air and stops time - so real it calls into question everything I once believed about myself.

It means a lot to me to find a pair of pants that fit perfectly and shoes that don’t pinch. McDonalds ice cream cones that aren’t ice cream and the taste of untampered-with-oranges that are still oranges are meaningful at any time. I love the unexpected compliment and random acts of kindness, like the lady who bought my ice coffee before I got to the driveup window yesterday. Today I paid it forward and loved that as well.

It’s meaningful to me that there is still T.V. shows, people, articles, books and movies that make me feel…anything. It’s meaningful, especially since most dialog is now drowned out with the repetitive sounds of music not quite in sync with the story line or moment. I love the flash of connection with two knowing individuals who meet each other’s glance in sadness for the kid being yelled at in the produce isle. I love that they pause to smile at the kid in unison. I love that rare honest car salesmen, like my friend Mo at Toyota, who tells the truth and isn’t into rushing.

Having the gift of choice and free will is meaningful. Every choice is meaningful…with whom shall I dance? What do I want the quality of my life to be? Who do I want to be when I grow up? In the most precious places of not knowing, I get to choose. Because I am awake, I get to deepen the meaning in my life, choose only that which befits me, makes me more and challenge the fiber of my character and the strength

of my spirit. I alone am designing my life, either consciously or unconsciously and that is, as well, yet another choice that means everything.

Perhaps, as you get older what becomes meaningful is not on the Thanksgiving table, under the tree or adorning the tree, but rather it’s the reason for having a holiday at all. It’s about connections and aspirations in a life well lived. It’s about passion and standing in truth and integrity.

It’s about cultivating compassion and a non-judgmental acceptance of difference. The great Buddhist master Shantideva said, “All the suffering in the world comes from wanting happiness for oneself. All the happiness in the world comes from wanting happiness for others.”

So, here’s, a couple of tips about how to create a meaningful life. First, don’t procrastinate. Make sure you live life in such a way that you have

no regrets and the end of your time here. Gather to you the people who are authentic, who will reflect back your best self and help you get there.

Don’t waste time on things or people who make you feel less. When life is meaningful, it’s always about the heart not the hunt for the perfect turkey, or the hearth with stockings on it. It’s about who you are and how you choose to live your life. So from all of us at N’Touch, we wish you a most meaningful holiday season and life.

Dr. Dina Evan is an author and licensed MFT in California and a Spiritual and Executive coach in Arizona.

She has won national acclaim as a human rights advocate and motivational speaker. You can reach her at DrDBE@attglobal.net, www.DrDinaEvan.com,602-997-1200 or here at ‘N Touch and on her weekly podcast The Doctor Dina Hour at QTalkAZ.com

ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 37

YOUR PETS

Pets in search

Outdoor rabbits & the age to snip

By Dr. Alicia Ruiz

of a Loving Home Located in Phoenix, Arizona Rescue is the last voice for dogs and wcats who, through no fault of their own, find themselves awaiting death at our county pounds.

Jimmy Jimmy is cute as a button; just looking at him makes you want to pick him up and give him a big bear hug...except he’s so little, a bear hug might squish him! No matter, you don’t even have to touch Jimmy to get him to start purring...just looking at him gets that purr motor rumbling!

Once you do start petting him, wherever he is, whatever he’s doing...if he’s standing still or in mid-stride, Jimmy will fall over against you in complete surrender to your petting!

I have a rabbit that is almost a year old. I kept her inside the house in a cage during the summer when it got really hot. I of course let her out to play and get some attention. Will it be okay to keep her in her larger cage outside during the winter or does it get too cold here?

A rabbit that has been housed indoors will need to acclimate to the outdoor ambient temperature. If you wish to have the rabbit housed outdoors it should be put out before it gets very cold to allow it to grow in a coat and gradually adjust to the increasingly cold tempertatures.

The rabbit should be in a shelter which allows for shade and some sun. The rabbit should be provided with a hide spot, and if the temperature

drops to dangerous levels the rabbit should be brought inside.

At what age should you spay/neuter your dog?

The question of what age to spay or neuter is a good one. Animal shelters have been neutering animals at very young ages for several years now without any major health problems reported.

Some recent reports seem to suggest that altering dogs at a young age less than 6 months of age may leave the dog more susceptible to ligament damage at a later date. Most veterinarians recommend 6 months to alter, but any age past 8 weeks of age can be acceptable.

Dr. Ruiz is a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine at Central Phoenix Animal Hospital, 602- 277-5155. Questions for Dr. Ruiz can be emailed to editor@ntouchaz.com news / politics / business / opinion

Charles Charles is one adorable Cocker Spaniel! He was in dire condition he was in when we saved him.

His ears were so matted they weighed nearly a pound each in matted hair, sticks, twigs and who knows what else. We began treatment for his ears, cleaned-up the rest of his fur, had him neutered and treated a minor infection in his eye. Despite all this, Charles was a VERY happy-go-lucky dog! He was thrilled to be around people, to be petted, cuddled, and when we brought out a ball he was eager to play!

To learn more or about Jimmy or Charles, go to azrescue.org. ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 39

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Theater Goings on Fall 2011

By John Thomas Lotardo PHOENIX - The fall is all abuzz with many theatrical offerings. By now, you’ve seen arts splashed across many pages of print and websites.

Some of the freshest include, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts opening its 2011–12 season Oct. 15 with Tony and Emmy Award winner Bebe Neuwirth performing her one-woman cabaret show, Stories with Piano. But in addition to Bebe Neuwirth, three other Tony Award-winning women will appear at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts in 2012: Tyne Daly on Jan. 27, Patti LuPone on March 3 and Jane Krakowski on March 31. Other Broadway veterans to be showcased this season include the legendary Ben Vereen on Nov. 19 and Oscar-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch, who will headline the annual ARTrageous benefit gala on Dec. 3 along with Linda Eder and J. Mark McVey. For more information, check online at scottsdaleperformingarts.org or the Patron Services Box Office at (480) 499-TKTS (8587).

There are also a number of collaborative offers in the mix. With budgets tight and arts crossing lines of different genres to gain points of public access, it is not surprising to hear about the latest between the Arizona Theater Company and the Phoenix Art Museum. Thanks to this partnership, ATC and PAM (and National Theatre Live), Valley residents are able to experience performances from the

Jane Krakowski

National Theatre in London - right here in Phoenix, Arizona. National Theatre Live brings the best of British theater to over 300 cinemas around the world via high-definition satellite broadcasts.

This season already underway, with the October program October 2nd with One Man, Two Guvnors. The upcoming productions will be shown at Phoenix Art Museum: The Kitchen November 13, 2011; Collaborators January 15, 2011; and Comedy of Errors March 18, 2011. For more information about National Theatre Live visit ntlive.com.

“It is a tremendous privilege for Phoenix Art Museum to be the official National Theatre Live venue in Arizona,” commented James Ballinger,

The Sybil Harrington Director, Phoenix Art Museum. “We look forward to working with our partners at Arizona Theatre Company to share these award-winning productions with the community. In addition, we’ve completed renovations in Whiteman Hall including the installation of a new screen, Dolby Digital 7.1 Surround Sound and a high-definition 35mm projector, to ensure that our guests have the best possible experience.”

“The National Theatre is one of the world’s greatest artistic treasures with a remarkable repertoire of classic and new plays, and Arizona Theatre Company has been fortunate to host them twice for live performances in Phoenix,” remarked ATC Artistic Director David Ira Goldstein. “The NT Live series of performances are a great way to experience the work of the world’s best playwrights, actors, directors and designers with unparalleled intimacy and impact. It is like having the best seat in the house for some of the most thrilling performances of the year. We are delighted to partner with our friends at the Phoenix Art Museum to bring this work to the Valley of the Sun directly from the West Bank of the Thames in London.”

To learn more about Arizona Theatre Company, visit arizonatheatre.org, or call (602) 2566995. To learn more about Phoenix Art Museum, visit PhxArt.org, or call the 24-hour recorded information line at (602) 257-1222.

Arizona Opera presents a bold reimagining of Gounod’s “Faust” PHOENIX & TUCSON - Arizona Opera performs the second of two new productions this season with Charles Gounod’s mythic and melodic “Faust.” An audience favorite for well over a century, the opera tells the classic tale of a man whose thirst for youthful passion leads him to sell his soul to the devil in exchange for power and earthly pleasure.

Arizona Opera’s new production of this French opera staple is certain to excite with an all-star cast, as well as state-of-the-art scenic projections and stark dramatic sets that reimagine “Faust” in modern times. According to veteran stage director Bernard Uzan, whose previous credits with Arizona Opera include last season’s “Turandot,” “Barber of Seville” in 2009-2010 and 2008-2009’s “Tosca,” the intent of this bold conception is to help make the story more relevant to 21st-century audiences.

“My purpose is not to shock people,” says Uzan who has directed 14 different productions of “Faust” (mostly traditional stagings) over 25 years.

“Here I simply want to show that the quest for

40 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com

Faust doesn’t belong to a specific time; Méphistophélès belongs to no time. The story belongs to humanity. And the way we’re going to do it is to speak more to the preoccupations of today.” Among Uzan’s ideas is substituting an urban nightclub for the 16th-century village fair.

An international coproduction with Lyric Opera Baltimore and Opera Lyra Ottawa,“Faust” premieres in Arizona before playing in Baltimore in April 2012. Arizona Opera’s performances feature an outstanding cast that includes bass-baritone Greer Grimsley as Méphistophélès, tenor Raúl Melo in the title role (an Arizona Opera debut) and soprano Emily Pulley as Faust’s love interest, Marguerite.

Renowned for his bass-baritone portrayals at the world’s top opera houses (including Berlin’s Deutsche Oper, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Seattle Opera), Grimsley captivated Arizona Opera audiences for the first time as Jochanaan in “Salome” during the 2009-10 season. Along with becontinued at right >

news / politics / business / opinion

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

That Time of the Month

A Comedy News Show. Period.

TUCSON - Given the high rate of media interest and the ever higher interest in media related topics, a clever cross section group of comedy writers and improvisers are currently hard at work scheming and plotting out America’s next big news story, for YOU. Aptly titled, That Time of The Month. A Comedy News Show. Period. is eagerly on its way to a second installment for Beowulf Alley’s Late Night Theater Friday & Saturday, November 11 & 12, at 11 p.m. The show was born of producer D.J.Odious’ epiphany following president Barack Obama’s solemn visit.

“As he came to console us the entire country’s media attention came with him. Tucson was an echoing household word. Now it’s time, to redirect Tucson’s national spotlight to a place where people laugh, gather, unite and promote healthy reactions to the world around us.”

Like a combination of The Colbert Report, Saturday Night Live, and The Onion News Network, That Time of the Month… whips up a unique, intelligent dose of mind provoking sketch and improv comedy. Topics range from Gus, the first morbidly obese green energy producer (subsidized with cheeseburgers) to the truly valid ponderance, “Is Mitt Romney a Zom-

Faust... < continued from left ing one of the leading interpreters of the Wagnerian repertoire, Grimsley has performed the roles of Escamillo in “Carmen,” Claggart in “Billy Budd” and Scarpia in “Tosca.”

Melo, who is a winner of the “Best Lyric Tenor” prize at the Alfredo Kraus Competition, made his Metropolitan Opera debut during the 2005-2006 season as the Duke in “Rigoletto.” He has also sung with Berlin’s Deutsche Oper, Zurich State Opera, Washington Opera and Dallas Opera.

Pulley returns to Arizona Opera after successful performances last season as Desdemona in Verdi’s “Otello.” A Texas native, Pulley was recently praised in Opera News for her “textured, attractive tone with dynamic nuance to her music, her trademark vibrance on top.” Baritone Mark Walters makes his Arizona Opera debut in the role of Valentin.

bie?” Whether this young, witty team of comedy providers sweetly sing in the round, about how things are “Goin’ Good” or eerily re-enact the Tucson Weekly’s police blotter (way better than Cops!), these guys and gals are definitely on to something rich in humor and significant in social value.

So come on down whenever That Time of the Month comes around and you won’t walk away disappointed.

Beowulf Alley Theatre is located at 11 South 6th Avenue, Tucson.

Tickets are $8 online at beowulfalley.org or at acomedynewsshow.com or at the door the night of the performance.

Wildly popular in this country after its 1859 Paris premiere (it opened New York’s Metropolitan Opera in 1883), “Faust” returns to Arizona Opera after a 21-year absence. Arizona Opera Principal Conductor Joel Revzen leads Gounod’s score, which includes Faust’s rapt cavatina “Salut!

Demeure chaste et pure,” Marguerite’s famous Jewel Song and Méphistophélès’ Serenade. All performances are accompanied by English surtitles.

Performances of Gounod’s “Faust” are Nov. 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. at Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 North 2nd Street, Phoenix. Performances are also Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and 20 at 2 p.m. at Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson. Ticket prices begin at $25 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 1-800-982-2787 or visiting online ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available through the Arizona Opera Box Office from 10 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. at 602-266-7464 in Phoenix or 520.293.4336 in Tucson or azopera.com.

Find more news and community information online!

www.ntouchaz.com

news / politics / business / opinion

ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 41

Greenway Thunderbird

602-667-3331

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24. The Rock 4129 N. 7th Ave., PHX | 602-248-8559

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18. Linda’s on Osborn 2333 E. Osborn Rd., PHX | 602-956-4420

ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 45

NIGHTLIFE Phoenix Rainbow Cactus Rainbow Cactus is offering all day and night Happy Hour on Sundays and Mondays and NFL Football too! Tuesdays are dart night, don’t hit anyone!

Rainbow Cactus offers Wii Sports, and always FREE WiFi. Saturday November 5 - Cancer Fundraiser for Virginia Paz-Castro ( Joseph/JaGi’s mom) at 9 p.m.. ‘N Touch, GLAD, Joshua Tree, and Encore Events.

Saturday November 12- Lost Boys Drag King Show at 9 p.m.

Saturday November 19 - Sassy Sister Show at 9 p.m.

Sunday November 20 - Kristen and Rick Show at 5 p.m.

Rainbow Cactus will be open on Thanksgiving Day AND is located just a hop, skip and a jump away at 15615 N. Cave Creek Rd in Phoenix.

Phone: 602-971-1086.

Show. This Vegas Style Show is filled with Local Drag Celebrities and continues to pack the Show Room each and every week!

The First Sunday of the month brings on of the hottest drag troupes in town to The Rock.

ArizonaDrag.com presents Showgirlz featuring the talents of Savannah Stevens, Coco St. James, Kayla Krawford, Sasha Bratz and Kira Daniels.

This is a high energy dance show with some great choreographed group dance numbers that are not to be missed! The Show starts at 7pm.

Then on the Second Sunday of the month Experience an Open Mic Burlesque Show called Sinful Sundays hosted by the illustrious Courtney Luv and the Multi-Talented Jazz Corsette with members of the Award Winning Burlesque Troupe Scandalesque. The tassels begin twirling and the tempests start teasing at 9pm!

To make reservations to any of the shows go to.therockdmphoenix.com or call 602-248-8559 The Rock is located at 4129 N 7th Ave., in Phoenix. Phone: 602-614-4154

TUCSON

The Rock

IBT’s

The Rock is all spruced up and ready to give you something to be thankful for this holiday season…Award Winning Entertainment in abundance!

Every Monday and Friday Kick-Ass Karaoke from 9pm til close!

On Wednesdays join the girls from Open Wide Productions for a night of High Camp Hijinks! The madness starts at 9pm! You can catch their show Dragtini on the First Monday of every month and Special Themed Shows the rest of the month, including You Bring it…We Sing it…Where the Audience Picks The Songs they perform. To be informed of the different themes each week check them out on Facebook at Open Wide Productions.

Friday Nights experience Pandemonium with The AZ Gender Outlaws at 10pm. The Merriam Webster Dictionary states that Pandemonium means a wild uproar and that is just what you can expect when Pandora DeStrange, Olivia Gardens and Savannah Stevens take to the stage Every Friday. This show features High Camp Drag with Live Singing, Lip-Synching and Wacky Video Clips that are sure to keep you entertained for hours on end! See why they have been awarded Best Drag Show in Phoenix for 2 years running

by The Phoenix New Times.

Then on the last Friday of the month the infamous Lady Christian pulls into the Show Room with her Trailer Trash Revue at 9pm.

Every Saturday Night at 10pm The Legendary Barbra Seville takes over with The Barbra Seville

Every Monday night join IBT’s for “Filthy/ Gorgeous”...Something for the ladies from 9 p.m. till close. Drink specials, AND music with DJ Hurricane.

Wednesdays great happy hour specials start at noon! Then stay for ‘Viva La Diva’ with Janee’ Starr and her Starrlets at 9p.m.

IBT’s is open Mon - Sun, noon until 2 a.m.

To see what’s happening go to ibtstucson.com IBT’s is located at 616 N 4th Ave., Tucson.

Phone: 520-882-3053

46 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com

New Moon Tucked into a nondescript strip mall, you may just drive right on past if you don’t have a good navigator on hand, but the New Moon is a friendly hangout no matter what your orientation. Heck, they even accept folks who are oriented toward questionable karaoke selections.

The New Moon gives you plenty of reasons to howl, from poker—play for prizes, not cash—to country dance lessons (7:30 p.m. Fridays), drag shows, karaoke and more.

Head on over to the New Moon, 915 W. Prince Road, at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 for a Disco-themed Drag Bingo with Drew to benefit Wingspan. Each card is a minimum $5 donation for Wingspan; come in sequins or DRAG and get one card free. You’ll compete for more than $500 in prizes, including gift baskets and deals with local merchants.

New Moon is located at 915 West Prince Road. Phone: 520-293-7339.

Memoirs from

Pandora’s Box

By Pandora DeStrange When I first moved to Phoenix in 1997 I had no intention of being a Drag Personality. In fact, I was an aerobics instructor/personal trainer at the time (Big Shock to those of you who didn’t know me when I still had a waist line…I know!) and had Big Dreams of moving out here and teaching for ESPN Fitness Pros. I was gonna be the next Richard Simmons, but with much better fashion sense!

However, the stars did not align and ESPN moved there studios to Hawaii the week after I moved here.

So, I ended up getting a job at Planet Hollywood (I was really hoping I would meet Whoopi, Bruce and Demi…needless to say, that didn’t happen either.

I instead got to meet David Spade who was a Total Douche…BUT I digress.) and taught aerobics classes at the Downtown YMCA. Needless to say, that didn’t last long either! Planet Hollywood dies a slow death and I injured my feet teaching aerobics. What was I gonna do? I had moved all the way across the country with my partner, my cat and all my belongings. Some of my friends even moved out here as well. So, I started exploring my options…I considered doing porn (remember I was still skinny and quite hot at the time!), had a brief stint working at an adult bookstore (the stories I could tell about that experience!) and eventually made my way into Corporate Amerikkka. I honestly gave it my best shot, but I quickly found out that DIVERSITY is just a “catch phrase” in Corporate Amerikka and they weren’t ready for anything this real!

It was around this time that I headed to Las Vegas to see a production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch with my partner, Jimmy and our co-worker and friend, Russell. That experience changed my continued on page 53 >

Woody’s This time of the year the patio at Woody’s is cool! Stay cool and entertained with daily specials and events.

Sunday’s offer Happy Hour from 11a.m. 8p.m., Brunch and Bloody Mary Bar 11a.m.

- 1:30p.m., Drag Bingo (every other Sunday) 8p.m. - 9p.m. and Karaoke 9p.m. - 2 a.m.

Woody’s has reintroduced Amateur Dancer Night. The Hotbodz perform Monday nights.

Come by and see the news guys!

Join Woody’s from 9pm-2am for a pre-Pride in the Desert Party October 14.

For more VISIT mywoodysaz.com.

Woody’s is located at 3710 North Oracle Road, Tucson. Phone: (520) 292-6702 news / politics / business / opinion

CONTINUED Hockey Player... < continued from page 19 put Mitcham on the map, adding that his sexual preference has not jeopardised sponsorship deals. ‘’I understand the fear, sport is such a male-dominated industry in terms of viewers and participants,’’ Watson says, ‘’but I have not had one company in Australia decline Matthew due to his sexuality.’’

Generous sponsorships are thin on the ground for most women athletes and their sporting bodies, which struggle to win the media attention that attracts corporate dollars. This is one reason offered for the silence of lesbian athletes.

Symons talks about the ‘’conditional tolerance’’ lesbian athletes experience. Their teammates and officials know they are gay, their partners may even attend sporting events and award nights, but with this acceptance comes the implicit understanding - ‘’don’t flaunt it’’.

American academics Vikki Krane and Kerrie J. Kauer write, ‘’because lesbians are stereotyped as ‘butch’ or masculine-looking, it is assumed that their presence will hurt the status of women’s sport’’.

Women are not often celebrated for being strong and powerful, there is far more recognition of feminine beauty. There is a presumption that the ticket to media and sponsor interest is sex appeal and the fear is that acknowledging the presence of lesbians will spook those horses.

This unspoken prejudice is coded as ‘’the image problem’’ some women’s sports are perceived to have, Symons says, and has been compensated for by insisting players wear skimpy uniforms or pose for suggestive calendars.

Krane and Kauer identify other issues: ‘’Stereotypes about lesbians may lead parents to be suspicious of lesbian coaches. Parents may be concerned that lesbian coaches will be poor models, may influence their daughter to become a lesbian or may seduce their daughter.’’

They note that parents have a lot more reason to fear that male coaches will act inappropriately towards their daughters.

Symons says even the gay community presumes that because there are so many lesbians in sport, clubs offer a haven- for them. ‘’The answer is: no they don’t,’’ she says. ‘’It’s harder to get the message across that things need to change and that the silence and conditional tolerance is damaging. ‘’And it’s not good for all women … because of the stigma attached to being labelled a lesbian, it drives participation in sport down.’’

Michelle Ferris, however, believes the tide is turning and is hopeful coming out will be less of a big deal for today’s athletes. ‘’It used to be a situation where … people would be shocked and would say, ‘Are you sure?’ and, ‘Why are you telling me this?’ You say it now and people go, ‘Oh yeah.’’’

news / politics / business / opinion

ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 47

FOCUS TUCSON

Wingspan honors four

Mari Herreras

Alex Lopez

Ana Jimenez

Jennifer Hoefle

Wingspan’s honored four deserving community members at Tucson Pride’s “Pride in the Desert” festival, Oct. 15. The Steve Hall, Godat and Community Ally awards were presented to Mari Herreras, Alex Lopez, Ana Jimenez and Jennifer Hoefle.

“It was an honor to present these awards to the incredibly deserving recipients. Their talent, dedication and passion move our community forward,” said Oscar Jimenez, Wingspan director of programs.

Alex Lopez was born and raised in Tucson. He began volunteering when he was in high school and was active in after-school projects.

He volunteered for Tucson Pride in 2009 and connected with organizations serving the LGBT community.

Alex joined the Wingspan Development Committee and assisted with the NIGHT THING New Year’s Eve event in 2010.

Active in Wingspan Anti-Violence Programs, he has helped implement the RainbowCONNECT warm line, joined in activities to promote awareness of anti-LGBT-bullying.

He also is co-coordinator of Puertas Abiertas, Wingspan’s Latin@ LGBT outreach group, helping plan one social activity a week as well as special events for Puertas Abiertas participants.

Puertas Abierta Co-Coordinator Ana Jimenez was raised on the Mexico-U.S. border and is passionate about supporting progressive issues that create a positive border culture. Ana has volunteered with the Anti-Violence Programs crisis line for the last four years and serves as a bilingual advocate on an on-call basis when a member of the Spanish-speaking community needs assistance. She has been co-coordinator of the Puertas Abiertas Latin@ LGBT outreach group for the last year. Ana’s passion for sports and cultural events has helped led her to create varied schedule of activities that reach a diverse population.

This year, Ana co-chaired the Tucson Latin@ Gay Pride Planning Committee. As part of her efforts, she has traveled to rural communities to spread awareness of Latino LGBT

identities and cultures. Ana’s goals for Puertas Abiertas include widening the program’s reach, involving more participants and expanding activities and projects that will increase the visibility of LGBT Latin@s.

Class and Gender.

Since 2007 she has served the University of Arizona campus. She was the program director for Social Justice Education Programs through the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership until 2009. She currently serves as the program director for LGBTQ Affairs through the Dean of Students Office.

In that role, her responsibilities include directing the Safe Zone Training Program, running an internship program that provides students the opportunity to plan a variety of events and programs, advising Pride Alliance and collaborating on an LGBTQ Support Group.

Community Ally Award Mari Herreras Mari Herreras, a fifth-generation Tucsonan, is an award-winning writer with the Tucson Weekly who has been working in journalism for more than 18 years. When she’s not writing about the ugly and beautiful that make Tucson weird and wonderful, she writes with a local women’s writing collective. An anthology of their poetry and essays will be published next month.

When Mari’s not writing, she and her husband explore the city with their super-hero and musical-theaterobsessed 10-year-old son, remind each other to feed the dogs and cats and work around their old house.

In this new media day and age, Mari feels lucky not only to be employed (thank you, Tucson Weekly), but also to have a job that allows her to do what she loves most - writing and hanging out and meeting interesting people.

Steve Hall Award Alex Lopez & Ana Jimenez (shared) Puertas Abiertas Co-Coordinator

48 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com

Godat Award Jennifer Hoefle Jennifer Hoefle earned a master of arts in applied sociology from Northern Arizona University in 2001. She is an educator with 10 years’ experience, five of those as an adjunct faculty member at NAU. There she taught, among other courses, the Sociology of Sexuality and a special-topics course, Race,

Benefit concert for people living with HIV/AIDS

By J. Ursone The 14th annual “Musical Potpourri Concert”, an afternoon of music to benefit programs for people living with HIV/AIDS, will take place Sunday, Nov. 13 at 3 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Foothills.

This 90-minute concert will feature Crystal Stark of “American Idol” fame, renowned musicians Jazz AllStars, and the ever-popular Reveille Men’s Chorus. Following the concert will be a reception where you can meet the performers.

Money raised will go to benefit the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network’s (TIHAN) programs for people living with HIV/AIDS. At present, there are over 2,100 people known to be living with HIV in Pima County, the virus that causes AIDS. For the past 17 years,

TIHAN has been educating and activating people of faith to help support those living with HIV and their families and loved ones.

Tickets are $12, and are available at TIHAN by calling 520-299-6647, Lutheran Church of the Foothills by calling 520-299-5631, or at the door.

Also, tickets may be purchased and donated back to TIHAN so that persons living with HIV may attend.

Children ages 10 and under receive free admission.

This event is sponsored by Lutheran Church of the Foothills and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

The Lutheran Church of the Foothills is located at 5102 N. Craycroft Road.

For more information go to tihan. org news / politics / business / opinion

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ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 51

CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS

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If you have ever been abused by anyone in our support community, please come forward. Your disclosure will remain anonymous. editor@ntouchaz.com Downtown Phoenix Public Market Wednesdays 4-8pm, Saturdays 8am-1pm.

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ntouchaz.com

52 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com

news / politics / business / opinion

CONTINUED Pandora... < continued from page 46 life! Somehow, along the way, I had forgotten that my passion was to perform!!! Over a lovely dinner, at a tiny Italian restaurant just off the strip, the three of us began to discuss the possibility of starting a theatre troupe. We were gonna establish an in-your-face, unapologetically queer theatre troupe and our first show would be Hedwig! The rest is history!

This time the stars did align and only 6 months later we were producing our first production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, as Artists Theatre Project, at Tinseltown Tavern in Scottsdale, AZ. We made the cover of Get Out and won Best Theatre Troupe that year in the Arizona Republic. We were off and running and “creating art for art’s sake”. We did shows like Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical and Vampire Lesbians of Sodom and it nurtured my soul!

It didn’t do much for my pocketbook mind you, but I was content and felt that I was having an impact in my community.

For the first year, we were essentially a traveling band of gypsies, doing shows wherever we could find a venue. We would open our shows here in Phoenix and then take them down to The Historic Hotel Congress in Tucson. We even got to perform with John Cameron Mitchell, one of the creators of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Dreams were coming true, and we found ourselves newly motivated.

Then we opened an artists’ collaborative called Soul Invictus Gallery & Cabaret on Grand Avenue and the TRIBE grew exponentially.

We finally had our own place, free of censorship and we started to create quite a stir with our groundbreaking art, music and theater events. It was at this time that I started writing an astrology report for IONAZ and Pandora DeStrange was born. I was

news / politics / business / opinion

writing, acting and raising awareness with great friends and it felt good. We had such a great time making music while doing Hedwig that we decided to start a tranny punk band called The Insignificant Others too. Life was good! Art was spewing out of me at an alarming rate and I was able to really push my own limits as an actor and performer. We started bringing some of the people that had inspired us throughout the years to Phoenix to perform at our new venue and I began to establish some deep connections with the same people that inspired me as young budding queen like Brian Grillo, Ryan Revenge, Venus DeMars, Daniel Cartier and Peaches Christ. These individuals were so supportive and provided me with a lot of encouragement. They let me know that I was on the right path and should continue to “push the proverbial envelope” in this town.

They assured me that it was only a matter of time before we would find our audience. “Build it and they will come” seemed to be the message that was given to us time and time again.

They were right!

I can’t believe that was almost 10 years ago! I am proud to say that the TRIBE is still busy creating art all over town. I began working with many of The Arizona Gender Outlaw whom I spend much of my time with creating art and terrorizing the general public with these days at The Rock. Soul Invictus continues to play host to a wide array of artists every month and still refuse to apologize for their art! I have truly been blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such amazing people over the years. And I can’t wait to see what we will all come up with in the next decade!

The moral of this story is…”Always shoot for the moon…even if you fail you will land among the stars”.

See you next month and be sure to tune into QTalk Arizona for my new internet radio show “All That Glitters” at qtalkarizona.com.

ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 53

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54 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com

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