1532 June 4, 2014

June 4, 2014

Issue 1532

Reveille Men’s Chorus performs with first gay men’s chorus in Latin America

By Jai Smith REVEILLE MEN’S CHORUS PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico — Reveille Men’s Chorus was honored to be invited to perform with the Puerto Vallarta Men’s Chorus during Puerto Vallarta Pride last month. Reveille, with the support of the Tucson community, was able to send thirty singers to Puerto Vallarta to perform with the first gay men’s chorus in Mexico and all of Latin America. PVMC is a member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses founded in 2012 by individuals who had seen Reveille perform

Inside Mystique Summers:

‘Lawd, I’m gonna die’ Page 12

AFA asks members to refuse mail that comes with a Harvey Milk stamp

Royalty to be crowned at Eon Youth Prom

during a traveling tour in Guadalajara and Mexico City in 2008.

Coming off of its 19 th season, Reveille is experienced in outreach and community engagement to improve lives through music. In 2012 Reveille participated in the GALA Festival with over 5,000 LGBT singers from around the world.

Last year, Reveille participated in Arizona Pride, a concert comprised of the Arizona LGBT choruses: Arizona Women in Tune, Phoenix Metropolitan Men’s Chorus, Desert Voices, Reveille Men’s Chorus, and Voices in the Desert. Reveille was proud to wrap up its 19th year with this performance with Puerto Vallarta Men’s Chorus.

TUCSON — This year’s Eon prom theme will be “Royalty.” Friday night Eon will announce the queer prom court which includes a queen, a king, a prince, and a princess.

The event, titled “Voces Sin Fronteras,” or “Voices Without Borders,” was a double Continued on page 3

The purpose of the event is to give youth a second chance to experience prom and celebrate diversity. Eon youth

Obama and the National gives back to local Park Service take action community center From left: David Xavier, Carol Grimsby executive director of Wingspan, Chad Mosher Wingspan’s program director and Bill Travis, owner TMedia Promotion.

Facebook celebrates Pride with 28 new gay emoticons

Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell in front of the historic Stonewall Inn and flanked by NPS personnel announced a theme study as part of a broader initiative to ensure that the National Park Service tells a more complete story of the nation’s diverse heritage.

By Greg Miller OBSERVER STAFF

Phenomenal Treasures for TIHAN event photos Page 6

Eon Prom is a free, safe, and sober event for youth ages 13-23 years old. Festivities include photo booth fun with professional photography, a

talent show from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m., and dance music provided

by DJ Neon Daz-E. There will be buffet-style finger food for the night (vegan and veggie options available) along with a non-alcoholic drink station, and free HIV testing provided by the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation. Visit wingspan.org for details.

It’s Pride Month: LGBTQ media

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and Wingspan staff members have been preparing for prom which will be held on June 6 from 6 – 10 p.m. at Fluxx Studio and Gallery, 414 E. Ninth St.

On May 30 President Obama issued a proclamation calling June “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month” while the National Park Service launched a study to identify places and events associated with the story of LGBT Americans for inclusion in the programs of the NPS.

Obama, in his proclamation, called on every nation to “join us in defending the universal human rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters.”

The president reminded us that this month we mark 45 years since the Stonewall riots where participants “defied an unjust policy and awakened a nascent movement.”

Continued on page 3

TUCSON – T Media Promotion and the Observer Weekly partnered to donate twelve refurbished computer monitors to the local LGBTQ community center, Wingspan, last week.

The monitors were delivered to executive director Carol Grimsby and program director Chad Mosher at the EON youth lounge. Both Wingspan representatives were elated at the gift and thanked the donors for their generosity.

Wingspan currently offers computer access to youth and community members at its welcome center and youth lounge, and the monitors will add to Wingspan’s supply of equipment.

Wingspan plans to launch an alternative high school utilizing online curricula next fall. The monitors were donated to help defray the set-up costs associated with establishing the school.

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Condoms on cons in California; new bill slides in to Senate SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Condoms could eventually be distributed to California prison inmates under a bill that moved forward in the state Senate setting the stage for potential pushback from Gov. Jerry Brown, who vetoed a similar measure last fall.

The bill, which has already passed the state Assembly, would direct state officials to develop a five-year plan to hand out condoms in the state prison system. The initiative would not change current law that criminalizes sex acts between inmates regardless of consent.

“We are not only advocating for the improved health of prisoners,” said Oakland Democratic Assemblyman Rob Bonta, who introduced the bill. “But we are also protecting communities across the state that could potentially be harmed by communicable diseases when former prisoners relocate to neighborhoods upon re-entry.”

Opponents say inmates will use condoms to store contraband rather than for safe sex, while backers say it could help cut down on high rates of sexually transmitted diseases among inmates.

Bonta said the rate of infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is as much as eight to 10 times higher in prisons than among the public. He said the state spends nearly $24,000 a year for each prisoner infected with HIV and enrolled in MediCal. He also said a previous condom-distribution pilot program cost the state $1.39 per prisoner.

“The long-term benefits to vulnerable communities, and to the budget, are well worth the modest state investment in providing condoms to prisoners,” Bonta said.

Chicken crossing road still clucking after 70-mph head-on crash XINFENG COUNTY, China -You’ve heard all those stories about chickens crossing roads, but how about one in which the chicken played a crashtest dummy . . .

OBSERVER poultry than for the make of car he was driving.

And as usual in the 21st century, the story didn’t end there.

“I took some video with my phone and uploaded the pictures onto the web and I was not surprised when there was a lot of feedback from people who shared my opinion of the car.”

The Japanese car manufacturer, which the Mirror didn’t identify in print, insisted that the fragile bumper wasn’t part of the original design but was a “cheap Chinese copy.”

The Observer assumes that whether you’re a left-winger or a right-winger, you aren’t gullible enough for that denial to fly.

Arizona Public Media honors LGBT Pride Month with special programs TUCSON — Arizona Public Media presents an extensive lineup of special programming during June in observance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.

From history to performing arts to independent film, PBS 6, WORLD, the UA Channel and ReadyTV offer viewers the opportunity to explore the observances of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, along with the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements.

A complete list of programs, dates and times can be found at www.azpm. org.

Cow-shit fetishist turns nasty after being denied his fun REDRUTH, England -- Once upon a time (in 2004), a rather handsome man was caught rolling naked in cow manure on a West Cornwall dairy farm.

The owners of the dairy farm took issue with his particular form of sexual fulfillment and banned him from the premises.

WEEKLY

Judge Phillip Wassall found none of this amusing, and sentenced Truscott to five years, beginning with treatment under the Mental Health Act before being transferred back to jail.

Well, shit!

Democrats take issue with Chavez registering to run as a Hispanic Democrat in a Hispanic Democrat district while he was still a Republican.

They may challenge his candidacy.

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Zoo held a turtle roundup May 17 and 18 to capture some of the hundreds of orphaned pet turtles dumped in the water feature outside the zoo each year. The event sought to scoop up the shelled orphans before World Turtle Day May 23.

To give you an idea of the seriousness of his candidacy, Chavez has served notice on the press that he will not entertain questions about his name change. It’s not clear yet what other issues the press might want to interview him about.

The goal of the amphibian removal is to keep the turtles from getting into nearby canals and the Salt River where they would endanger native turtles and wildlife. According to 3TV, all captured turtles are measured, weighed, identified to species and sex, and uniquely marked.

Female nonnative turtles are removed from the pond and placed with the Phoenix Herpetological Society where people can adopt them. Native turtles and male nonnative turtles are returned to the pond.

If the turtle population were to be unchallenged, there may even be a chance of the creatures travelling to the sewers of Phoenix where they might be mutated by toxic sludge turning them into adolescent mutated fighting turtles, similar to those featured in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle comic book series.

The Phoenix Zoo however has not acknowledged this possibility.

Two-time GOP loser running this time as Cesar Chavez

PHOENIX -- Scott Fistler won’t be running for office as a Republican this year. Instead, he’ll be trying to run as a Democrat and capitalize on the name of labor leader Cesar Chavez.

Fistler paid a court $319 last November to become Cesar Chavez, telling the court he had “experienced many hardships” by being known as Fistler.

Up to now, Fistler lost a 2012 write-in campaign against longtime U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, then a 2013 Phoenix City Council race against Laura Pastor, the congressman’s daughter.

Huang Lingyong, 31, said he was cruising at 70 mph when a bird-brained pedestrian suddenly raced in front of him.

“I braked because I am an animal lover and didn’t want to harm the chicken,” Huang said. “But it was too late. I heard a sickening thud and I thought the chicken had gone to meet his ancestors.”

Eleanor Purkis, the prosecutor in Truscott’s latest court appearance, said Truscott’s threats have continued to escalate in severity and he shows not the slightest remorse for the trouble he’s caused the Roths.

Chavez’s campaign website is covered with photos of Chavez supporters -- but they’re supporters of former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez or the famous labor leader, nothing to do with Fistler/Chavez.

According to England’s Daily Mirror, Huang stopped the car and found the rear end of the chicken protruding from a hole in his car’s bumper.

Truscott’s attorney, Robin Smith, countered that when Truscott was released from jail to a hostel in Somerset, “He was very content there and was allowed to engage in some of his bizarre behavior.”

Press reports even indicate that a 2006 photo from a Wichita, Kan., appearance by the earlier Cesar Chavez carries a caption saying “Supporters: Ready to canvas (sic) the South Mountain neighborhood,” a part of South Phoenix.

Huang said he thought the incident was a better “advert” for the durability of

Smith said it was only when Truscott was transferred to a facility in Exeter where no shit play was allowed that the threats blew up again with “an element of bravado, hot-headedness and attentionseeking.”

statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission back in February, specifying his party affiliation as Democrat, but according to voter records he didn’t change his party affiliation to Democrat until April 28.

Phoenix turtle infestation a concern on World Turtle Day

David Truscott, now 42, continued to visit his beloved despite court orders and serving jail stints in 2005, 2009 and 2011. Since his last release, in 2012, he has made all kinds of threats against the owners, Clive and Jackie Roth, their family, and their property.

“I thought it must be dead but then I heard a cluck-clucking and bent down to look closer. It was a little shaken up and its feathers all ruffled, but otherwise OK.”

June 4, 2014

Now Chavez/Fistler is again a candidate to succeed Ed Pastor, who is retiring, in the heavily Hispanic 7th Congressional District.

The whole campaign may seem like a bad joke, but the joke may be on the candidate.

Seems that “Chavez” filed his

Our number has changed.

Please call 520-812-0909 to reach the Observer’s voice mail.

1830 E Broadway Blvd #124-215 Tucson, AZ 85719 www.observerweekly.com info@observerweekly.com Voice Mail 520-812-0909 Editor-In-Chief Bob Ellis Executive Editor Nicholas K. M. Pafford Senior Editor Greg Miller Assistant Editor Christine Beall Assistant Editor Christopher L. Pankratz Phoenix Area Distribution T-Media Promotion Send Classifieds, Inquiry Letters, etc to: info@observerweekly.com Publication of names or photos of any person or organization in the Observer Weekly is not to be construed as indication of the sexual orientation of such person, organization or advertisers or any employees thereof.

Opinions expressed by contributors, advertisers or in PSA’s are not necessarily those of the Observer, its staff or advertisers. The Observer assumes responsibility for its own editorial policy only. © 2013 by Observer Publications Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted or archived in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of Observer Publications Inc.

June 4, 2014

OBSERVER

It’s Pride Month:

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Reveille Men’s Chorus Obama and the National performs with first gay men’s Park Service take action chorus in Latin America

Continued from page 1 He encouraged everyone to “Follow their example [and] let each of us speak for tolerance, justice, and dignity — because if hearts and minds continue to change over time, laws will too.”

Although his administration “stands alongside all those who fight for LGBT rights,” Obama acknowledged there is still much work left to do.

City is the site of a riot in 1969 that is widely recognized as a catalyst for the modern civil rights movement in the LGBT community. It is currently the only LGBT-associated site that has been designated a national historic landmark by the NPS as a property having extraordinary significance in American history.

The NPS wants to change that.

He expressed that as a country we need to continue to take action to prevent bullying, harassment and discrimination in housing and hospitals.

Noting that in too many states LGBT people can be fired because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, “I continue to call on Congress to correct this injustice by passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act,” said Obama.

Director of the National Park Service, Jon Jarvis, noted in a prepared statement on May 30, “The National Park Service has a responsibility to protect, preserve and tell the stories of some of our nation’s most iconic places . . . It is our job to be sure that Americans never forget where we’ve been, where we are, and what we aspire to be as a nation.”

Elsewhere on the same day, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced a theme study as part of a broader initiative to ensure that the National Park Service tells a more complete story of the nation’s diverse heritage.

“One of my priorities as we look toward the service’s centennial year in 2016 has been to ensure that the stories we tell represent the diversity of the American experience and share stories that are relevant to all Americans,” said Jarvis.

Standing in front of the historic Stonewall Inn and flanked by NPS personnel Jewell said, “We know that there are other sites, like Stonewall Inn, that have played important roles in our nation’s ongoing struggle for civil rights.

The NPS is developing a framework and focus for the LGBT theme study.

It has lined up a group of more than a dozen of the nation’s “most respected researchers and preservationists who have expertise on LGBT history and culture,” said Jarvis.

“The contributions of women, minorities and members of the LGBT community have been historically underrepresented in the National Park Service, and the LGBT theme study will help ensure that we understand, commemorate and share these key chapters in our nation’s complex and diverse history,” said Jewell.

The Stonewall Inn in New York

The harmonious hunks of Reveille Men’s Chorus work out their wind pipes in Puerto Vallarta to spread good will across borders.

Continued from page 1 showing with a set by PVMC, a set by Reveille Men’s Chorus, and a combined set of both choirs. Pieces were performed in both English and Spanish on the Act II Entertainment stage. Many members have expressed the impact that performing internationally has had on them.

Ted Rigney, a first tenor and Reveille board member, said “I found this trip [to Puerto Vallarta] particularly rewarding: I was here in 2007, when the inspiration came for a PV Men’s Chorus and to return now and watch them perform — magic!” Many members echoed the feeling of building community on an international level and enjoying the experience of the performances.

Reveille also had the opportunity to participate with the PVMC in the 2nd Annual Puerto Vallarta Pride Parade!

The parade was a blast and both choirs sang throughout. Wayne Wheeler, a first tenor enjoyed the parade, saying “All-in-all it was a fantastic experience that not only brought OUR chorus closer together as a group but also again, was such a treat for us to be able to meet and interact with PVMC!” Reveille Men’s Chorus is dedicated to musical excellence and performs worldwide to promote human rights, diversity and a world free of AIDS. Videos and photos from the event can be found on Reveille’s website at reveillemenschorus.org.

The initiative begins with a June 10 meeting in Washington, D.C., which includes a public component allowing interested members of the public to hear about the initiative and share their thoughts.

Prior heritage initiatives focused on Asian-American Pacific Islanders, American Latinos, and women’s history.

ENJ

U S OY

!

R E MM

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OBSERVER

Obama administration opens the door to Medicare-funded sex reassignment surgery

By Evan McMorris-Santoro BUZZFEED The Obama administration struck a major blow for transgender rights by quietly ending a decades-long blanket ban that prevented Medicare from covering sex reassignment surgery.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Departmental Appeals Board, an internal review structure within the Byzantine federal agency, issued a ruling that ended a ban on Medicare even considering covering sex reassignment surgery and related care because fear of “serious complications” resulting from the “experimental” surgery. That language was issued in 1981, and most medical professional organizations now consider sex reassignment surgery a safe and accepted procedure. The board ruling noted the change in how sex reassignment surgery is understood 33 years after the Medicare ban was issued.

“Even assuming the [National Coverage Determination]’s exclusion of coverage at the time the NCO was adopted was reasonable, that coverage exclusion is no longer reasonable,” reads the ruling. “This record includes expert medical testimony and studies published in the years after publication of the NCO.” “Denying Medicare coverage of all transsexual surgery as a treatment for transsexualism is not valid under the ‘reasonableness standard’ the board applies,” the HHS board ruling continues.

Experts say the change to Medicare could have far-reaching implications for American medicine, helping to drive more private insurers to offer coverage for sex reassignment surgery and related care. Though it fits within President Obama’s promise to make the government fairer to LGBT Americans, the board announcement was a relatively quiet one. The White House did not trumpet the move, and advocates for the change issued a joint statement hailing it but downplaying

WEEKLY

June 4, 2014

Storme DeLarverie, early leader in the gay rights movement, dies at 93

it as a revolutionary change for transgender people, instead casting it as bringing Medicare up to speed with the rest of the medical profession.

“This decision removes a threshold barrier to coverage for medical care for transgender people under Medicare,” leaders of the ACLU, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders and the National Center for Lesbian Rights — the groups that fought for the change — said. “It is consistent with the consensus of the medical and scientific community that access to gender transition-related care is medically necessary for many people with gender dysphoria.”

Advocates for the change have noted that the change won’t automatically mean Medicare will start covering sex reassignment surgery and related care, but will no longer be prevented from doing so when claims are made.

The statement was a rare onrecord communication from a tightlipped coalition that has sought to avoid controversy by keeping the board deliberations out of the headlines. When the Obama administration first broached the idea of allowing Medicare to cover transgender surgery through a public process in 2013, conservative critics launched a vocal opposition campaign that caused the administration to step back and pursue the change through the less public board.

As if making the administration’s point, the advocates noted that the shift didn’t mean that Medicare will immediately be footing the bill for sex reassignment surgery.

“The removal of the exclusion of coverage for surgical care for Medicare recipients means that individuals will not automatically have claims of coverage for gender transition-related surgeries denied,” reads the statement from the advocates. “They should either get coverage or, at a minimum, receive an individualized review of the medical need for the specific procedure they seek, just like anyone seeking coverage for any other medical treatment.”

By William Yardley NEW YORK TIMES Storme DeLarverie, a singer, crossdresser and bouncer who may or may not have thrown the first punch at the 1969 uprising at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, but who was indisputably one of the first and most assertive members of the modern gay rights movement, died on Saturday in Brooklyn. She was 93.

Her death, following a heart attack on May 30, was confirmed by Lisa Cannistraci, one of her legal guardians.

No one questions whether DeLarverie was there on June 27, 1969, the night the police raided the Stonewall

Inn setting off protests that helped start the gay rights movement. But was she the cross-dressing lesbian whose clubbing by the police helped set the chaos in motion? Some witnesses have said yes, others no.

“Nobody knows who threw the first punch, but it’s rumored that she did, and she said she did,” said Cannistraci, an owner of the Village lesbian bar Henrietta Hudson. “She told me she did.”

No immediate family members survive. Cannistraci said that DeLarverie had told her that she lived for 25 years with a dancer named Diana, who died in the ‘70s, and that DeLarverie had always carried her photograph.

June 4, 2014

OBSERVER

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AFA asks members to George Takei releases refuse mail that comes own ‘Let It Go’ cover in with a Harvey Milk stamp response to ‘God Hates Fags’ church

By Hunter THE DAILY KOS

“Return to Sender” on the envelope and tell your postman you won’t accept it.

The American Family Association (a designated hate group that still attracts genuflecting Republican politicians for some reason) is very, very angry that the United States Post Office saw fit to print a stamp honoring the late Harvey Milk, and they’re not going to take it anymore. To the crazymobile!

I only accept ‘Merican flag stamps, damn it! No, wait — I only accept bright shiny silver dimes taped to the letters, none of this government postal scrip for me! No — I only accept letters delivered by men in full revolutionary regalia! On horseback! And the horse has to have a patriotic name, something like “Starspangled” or “Alexander Haymilton.”

What the AFA wants you to do…

1. Refuse to accept the Harvey Milk stamp if offered by your local post office.

Instead, ask for a stamp of the United States flag.

2. Refuse to accept mail at your home or business if it is postmarked with the Harvey Milk stamp. Simply write

Please do this, patriots. Please, please refuse to accept or open your mail if it comes with a stamp picturing the guy you don’t like. Any inconvenience or financial harm you suffer from not getting that mail will be a small price to pay compared to the entertainment value the rest of us will get by watching it.

By Nick Duffy PINK NEWS George Takei has released his own cover of “Let It Go,” mocking the Westboro Baptist Church.

The notoriously anti-gay church had previously released a homophobic cover of the “Frozen” song, replacing the chorus with the lyrics “Let it go, let it go, don’t give the fags anymore / Let it go, let it go, kick them out and slam the door.”

In response, the former “Star Trek” actor and renowned LGBT advocate has made his own version, lip-syncing to the lyrics of the Disney original while he dances along.

Pictures of the Westboro Baptist Church appear throughout the video, as he pleads with them to “let it go.”

“Frozen” has been targeted by other right-wing groups in the past, over objections to the “bestiality” friendship between Sven and Kristoff, and the hints that sauna owner Oaken is gay.

Earlier this month Takei was awarded GLAAD’s Vito Russo Award, in honor of his extended advocacy work.

Accepting the award, he joked: “Tonight, I know it’s okay to be Takei. I’m so GLAAD to be Takei, I’m surrounded by people who are GLAAD to be Takei.

“Tonight, we’re all Takei, and I’m so GLAAD to be with all of you GLAAD people to receive this important recognition.”

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June 4, 2014

Treasures for TIHAN brings beautiful people to bid on beautiful objects: Photos from Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network’s annual auction

June 4, 2014

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Parents share moving video about their 6-year-old transgender son

June 4, 2014

Facebook celebrates Pride with 28 new gay emoticons

By Joe Morgan GAY STAR NEWS Facebook is kicking off Pride this month by launching a series of LGBTthemed emoticons.

By Laila LAILA’S BLOG

With President Barack Obama declaring June the official Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month, Facebook has introduced a Pride pack to its messenger service.

When Jeff and Hillary Whittington of San Diego, got the news in 2007 that they were having a daughter, the couple say they had no idea that in a few years’ time they would be raising a son instead.

Because according to them, right from the moment their baby could talk, Ryland declared to his parents, “I am a boy.”

These 28 different emoticons include a football player and his boyfriend, two moms and their kids, a dad embracing his gay son.

Even though the toddler lived in a room painted pink, sported long blonde hair and was dressed by her parents in girly outfits, she naturally gravitated toward everything masculine. At first her parents said they thought their daughter was just being a “tomboy” but Ryland’s change was persistent. By the time she turned five, she started actively rejecting everything feminine.

There’s also a leather guy walking his leather puppy, a disco dancer and a drag queen that might just be RuPaul.

On May 29 the family received an Inspiration Award at the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast at the White House after they released a stirring video showing their daughter Ryland’s female-to-male transition. In the video, six-year-old Ryland proudly stood next to a podium and declared to the audience: ‘My name is Ryland Whittington. I am transgender kid.’

“We see this as one more way we can make Facebook a place where people can express their authentic identity. Happy Pride!”

As reported by NewNowNext, a Facebook diversity spokesman said, “We’re celebrating Pride by adding these free Facebook Messenger stickers to the Sticker Store.

The Whittingtons say they had sought professional help and that was when they found out their child was transgender. The family received an Inspiration Award at the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast at the White House after they released a stirring video showing their daughter Ryland’s female-to-male transition.

The Whittingtons say they had sought professional help and that was when they found out their child was transgender. After consulting with other parents and learning of shocking transgender suicide rates, they decided to totally embrace their child’s true identity.

Their decision has sparked a debate as to whether helping their 6-year-old become openly transgender at such a young age was the right thing to do. But the parents are insisting:

They cut the toddler’s blonde locks, bought a new masculine wardrobe and started using the male pronounces “he” and “him” when referring to Ryland.

They also redecorated his room, doing away with pink furniture and bedding to make Ryland feel more comfortable.

“Ryland’s gender identity was not caused by our parenting style, family structure or environmental factors. We sent out a letter to friends and family explaining the change. We lost a few . . . but the people who truly matter stuck by us. Relative to the horrific things that people have to endure with their children all over the world, this is nothing. He is still healthy, handsome and extremely happy!”

If you’d like to check out the full collection, head to Facebook, click on the smiley face button in the right hand corner and then the shopping cart. The “Pride” pack should be free and one of the first choices. Click on the “free” button, and they’re yours.

Facebook can normally be relied on to be supportive of the LGBTI community.

For example, earlier this year the company expanded its gender options to over 50. This allowed users to identify themselves as they wish.

But last month, the social networking giant admitted it “made a mistake” when it decided to pull down a picture of two lesbians kissing.

June 4, 2014

Monday 12-3 p.m.

4-5:30 p.m.

4:30-6:30 p.m.

6:30-7:30 p.m.

7-9 p.m.

7-10 p.m.

7-8:30 p.m.

7-9 p.m.

6 p.m.

Tuesday 3-8 p.m.

4 p.m.

7-9 p.m.

Wednesday 3-8 p.m.

12-1 p.m.

3-4:30 p.m.

4:30-6 p.m.

6:30-7:30 p.m.

7-9 p.m.

7:30p.m.

Thursday 3-8 p.m.

4-5:30 p.m.

5:30-6:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

6:30-7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7-9 p.m.

7-10 p.m.

Friday 4 p.m.

OBSERVER WEEKLY

SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health resources Pink Triangle AA Meeting, 439 N. Sixth Ave. Everyday.

Gender Spectrum support Group. UA Campus Health Service Building Room C312. $5 TMC Hospice LGBTQ Grief Support Group. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, Peppi’s House Chapel, 2715 N. Wyatt Drive. RSVP at: 520-324-2438.

Wednesday Night Christian Bible Study, Cornerstone Fellowship Social Hall, 2902 N. Geronimo Ave. Weekly Bears Coffee at Crave, 4530 E. Broadway Blvd.

Yoga at Fluxx $5 suggested donation.

Zoe’s 3D World

By Zoe

SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health resources Support Group for Transgender Survivors of Sexual Trauma, SACSA, 1600 N. Country Club Queer People of Color & Two Spirit support group. African American Student Affairs MLK Center, 1322 E. 1st Street.

Write Now! a writer’s group open to all at Revolutionary Grounds 606 N. 4th Regardless of… NA LGBT Meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 400 E. University Blvd.

Weekly Meditation Classes in Central Tucson, cost: $10, Kadam Meditation Center Arizona 1701 E. Miles St. SAGA Desert Partnerz for cis-gendered 4th Thursday Triangle Tribe, Men’s Support Group. Call 520-398-6826

Saturday 2:30-4:30p.m.

2nd Saturdays

Bears of the Old Pueblo Potluch 2nd Saturdays 520.444.2275 Transparents For parents of trans kids. RSVP SAGA to attend.

11a.m 2-5 p.m.

2:45 p.m.

By Gary Clark

SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health resources LGBTQA Support Group. LGBTQ Affairs Office, UA Student Union level four.

SAGA Desert Boyz for trans masculine folks 3rd Tuesdays

5:30-6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

10-12 p.m.

As Clark Saw It Mah Jongg Mondays Himmel Park Library. Ages 50+, 1035 N. Treat.

In Our Own Voices, Women’s therapy group for survivors of sexual trauma, SACSA, 1600 N. Country Club, 520.327.1171 Cancer Support Group for LGBT People, Arizona Cancer Center at UMCNorth, Rm 1127, 3838 N. Campbell Ave. 520.694.0347 Regardless of… NA LGBT Meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 400 E. University Blvd.

SAGA General for trans forlks and allies 1st Monday SAGA Desert Girlz for trans Femanine folks 2nd Monday Reveille Men’s Chorus Open Rehearsal, Rincon Congregational Church, 122 N. Craycroft Tucson Women’s Chorus rehearsal.Call for details: 520.743.0991 Desert Girlz meeting at Wingspan PFLAG en Español Meets the 1st Monday of each month at Fortin de las Flores: 243 W. 33rd St.

Wingspan’s Eon Youth Program New Youth Orientation Fridays at 4p.m.

Youth Center Open M-F Oasis LGBT Social Group. Email oasis.wingspan@gmail.com Bingo at MCC Every Friday call 207-9354 for info.

Sunday 9-11 a.m.

10-11.30 a.m.

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Co-ed Softball, all abilities welcome. Oury Park, 600 W.St. Mary’s Advice For Life & Prayers for World Peace. Buddha’s teachings, Kadampa Meditation Center Arizona 1701 E. Miles St. LGBT Buddhist Meditation Group meets every Sunday at The Three Jewels, 314 E. 6th St. in Tucson. Meditation sessions with readings, recordings, and discussion. Welcoming to all.For information call Jim at 520-884-4218.

Zumba at Fluxx. $5 suggested donation.

Mamasitas! Men’s Sports club at Menlo Park The New Men’s Massage Group. June 15 @ 4p.m. Call Marc at 881-4582 to sign up. Or email bleu55@gmail.com in advance. It’s a great place to meet men. Safe, non-sexual but very sensual and a little erotic. Donation.

3-5p.m.

Men’s Social Network “H” Club open to entire LGBTQ community. This is a fun discussion, learning and participation group meeting for discussions on major words beginning with the letter “H.” Doesn’t meet the 1st Sunday of the month.

5:30 p.m.

Puertas Abiertas Latin/Hispanic LBGTQ/Ally support group meeting at Wingspan 430 E 7th St – every 3rd Sunday of the month at 5:30pm.

Countdown to the alltime best meme!

No. 96

What’s a meme?

A meme (/ˈmiːm/ meem) is “an idea, behavior, or style that spreads from person to person within a culture.” A meme acts as a unit for carrying cultural ideas, symbols, or practices that can be transmitted from one mind to another through writing, speech, gestures, rituals, or other imitable phenomena with a mimicked theme. Supporters of the concept regard memes as cultural analogues to genes in that they self-replicate, mutate, and respond to selective pressures.

— Wikipedia

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Monday BRODIES TAVERN - Service Industry Night 7 p.m.- 2 a.m. $2.50 House Well, Long Islands, Margaritas on Tap, $3 16 oz. BudBud Light-Mic Ultra Cans, Fireball Shots.

IBT’s - Happy Hour 12 - 9p.m. Taking Back Mondays hosted by Diva featuring *3-4-1 Well Vodkas (Regular, Grape & Cherry) 9 - Close. Karaoke Inside or Lounge on the Patio 9 p.m.

VENTURE-N - Open noon. Free pool noon-4 p.m. Free music, WiFi Noon-2 p.m.

Tuesday BRODIES TAVERN - Two Buck Tuesday 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $ 2 House Well, Fire Eater Shots, $2 Margaritas on Tap, $2 Long Islands IBT’s - Happy Hour 12 - 9 p.m.; Taco Tuesdays. $1 Tacos. Drink Specials 9-Close: Mix-n-Match Mexican Beer Special, Tequila Specials (Patron $6, Milagro $4.50, Hornitos $4, Cuervo $3.50), Million$DJ Inside 9 p.m.

VENTURE-N - Open noon. Free pool noon- 4 p.m. Free music, WiFi noon- 2 p.m.

Wednesday BRODIES TAVERN - Whiskey Wednesday 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $3.25 Jack-Jim BeamJameson-Fireball-Makers Mark-Johnny Walker Red, $5 Redds Balls IBT’s - Happy Hour 12 - 9 p.m., “Viva La Diva” Drag Show Hosted by Diva at 9.

“Whiskey Breath” Drink Special Every Wednesday 9-Close. $2 Well, $3 Call, $4 Select Top Shelf Whiskey and Scotch Blend Whiskies. Million$DJ Inside after the drag show. Party on the Patio with DJ Import 9 p.m.

VENTURE-N - Open noon. Free pool noon-4 p.m. Free music, WiFi noon-2 a.m.

Thursday BRODIES TAVERN - Customer Appreciation 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. Two-for-One Well-Domestic Bottles, Margaritas on Tap House Kasiz Shots IBT’s - Therapy every Thursday. All Day *2-4-1 Drink Specials (excludes top shelf, wine & draft). Million$DJ Inside at 9 p.m., DJ Sid the Kid on the Patio 9 p.m. GoGo Boys @11 p.m.

VENTURE-N - Open 10am. Free pool 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free music, WiFi 10 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Friday BRODIES TAVERN - Get the Party Started Friday 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $3 Malibu Rum Black-House Long Islands-Pucker Vodka, Margaritas on tap-XX Pints IBT’s - Happy Hour 12 - 9 p.m., Flawless Fridays featuring “Absolutely Flawless” Drag Show hosted by China Collins @ 9 p.m. DJ Import Inside after the show, Million$DJ on the Patio 9pm. GoGo Boys @11p.m.

VENTURE-N - Open 10 a.m. Free pool 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free music, WiFi 10 a.m.- 2 a.m.

Saturday BRODIES TAVERN - Back Pocket Sabado Latino 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $3 Magaritas on tap-Corona Bottles, $3.25 Latin Beers-XX Micheladas, $1 Tequila Shots-Corona Ritas IBT’s - Happy Hour 12 - 9 p.m., Karaoke on the Patio 5 - 8 p.m., “Saturday Night Starlettes” drag show Hosted by Janee Starr 9pm, Million$DJ on the Patio 9 p.m., DJ Import Inside after the drag show.

VENTURE-N - Open 10 a.m. Free pool 10.a.m. - 4 p.m. Free music

Sunday BRODIES TAVERN - Funday 7 p.m. - 2 p.m. $2.50 House Well, $3 House Long Islands, Tap Magaritas, $1 House Kasiz Shots, $1.75 Domestic Pints IBT’s - Happy Hour 12-9 p.m., Karaoke 4-8:30 p.m. “Cheap Ass Sunday’s” 9-Close feat. 2-4-1 Drinks and Bottle Beer (exclude top shelf, wine & draft), Karaoke Inside 9pm; DJ Sid the Kid on the patio 9 p.m.

VENTURE-N - Open noon. BBQ Burgers or Hot Dogs, Fries. Free Pool Noon-4 p.m.

Free Music, WiFi noon-2 a.m.

OBSERVER

WEEKLY

For Rent

Employmnet

Looking for One Mature Person working or retired for my 1-br, 1-ba house. Has A/C, washer-dyer, shaded 1 car off-street parking, private front, side and a tiny back yard. Smoking out side only but prefer non smoker.

HELP WANTED: Responsible man or woman to do house cleaning and yard work once a week, a few hours at a time in midtown. Must have own transportation.

Grant and Park area. $500 a month.

You pay utilities.

Sweet Little Place.

Hopefully long term as have been the last three Tenets.

Call 520-440-2413 if interested.

Thanks~

Call Marc: 520-881-4582

2 bedrooms, extra room or office in back. Complete with washer, dryer and air conditioner. Hugh lot! $900.00 a month. Call 520-975-1952

Wanted Building Materials: Don’t just toss out your unwanted building materials. Call the Observer and tell us what it is.

If we can use it we’ll come over and pick it up.

Observer Weekly: 520-812-0909

Classifieds rate: $30 for up to 30 words for 30 days.

Contact Observer Weekly at 1830 E. Broadway Blvd, #124-215 Tucson, AZ 85719 or 520-812-0909

June 4, 2014

Dr. Maya Angelou passes away at 86

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Dr. Maya Angelou passed quietly in her home before 8 a.m. on May 28.

Her family is extremely grateful that her ascension was not belabored by a loss of acuity or comprehension. She lived a life as a teacher, activist, artist and human being. She was a warrior for equality, tolerance and peace.

The family is extremely appreciative of the time we had with her and we know that she is looking down upon us with love.

June 4, 2014

OBSERVER WEEKLY

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QUALITY THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Relaxing~Invigorating true tantric experience Creating a safe space for men and women Call Marc at 881-4582 By appointment 7 AM-7 PM, Tue - Sat

This adorable mustachioed gentleman is mischievous, sweet and loves attention.

Tux is about a year and half old, and is as curious as a kitten. He can be found meandering about the shelter, snoozing in a cat tree or lounging around the patio enjoying the afternoon sun. He does prefer to be dominant, and so would be best as an only kitty, to avoid any powerstruggles at home.

TUX

Your face here

Page 12

WEEKLY

June 4, 2014

OW: RuPaul is trying to bring back “RuPual’s Drag Race: All-Stars” season two Are you interested in going back on reality television?

know? Well I’m an Aries, single, and a homebody looking for my Romeo. LOL! Now I would list my stats but this isn’t that type of place to be saying all of that! But I am Daddy tested but Bear Approved! LOL!

OBSERVER

By Christopher L. Pankratz OBSERVER STAFF “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 2 contestant Mystique Summers is not a fan of summer. At least not our Arizona summer as predicted by the weather forecast. Scheduled to perform Saturday night at IBT’s in Tucson, the drag diva has been quite vocal on Twitter about the boiling temps.

authenticity. Each weave is made from real hair selected only from healthy nourished, home grown hair (a smoke free household.)

We reached out to Mystique, A.K.A. Donte L. Sims to talk about the weather, her drag history, weight loss, and RuPaul gossip.

We use 100 percent natural products infused with herbs, mints, along with bits and pieces of wild mushrooms on the selected hair. Using the combination of the home-grown herbs, mints and mushrooms gives the weave a natural aroma giving the customer a carefree feeling of comfort and easy-going attitude. This makes “Papa Jade’s Weave” a cloud nine experience while staying minty fresh with our weaves.

OBSERVER WEEKLY: Have you been to Arizona and or Tucson before?

Anything you are looking forward to in town?

OW: You recently revealed you lost weight. Do you still enjoy that twopiece and a biscuit? What was your motivation?

MYSTIQUE SUMMERS: Yes I hung out in Arizona before but this is the first time I’m going to feel y’all’s HEAT!

MS: LOL, as long the chicken is grilled or baked and no carbs. My motivation was just for me, I’ve seen a lot of people on Facebook having all these health scares and stuff and I wanted to change my lifestyle before I got any of them scares and as of now I’m close to 90 pounds lost. Just 10 more pounds then I would have lost 100. Then I have 80 more to get to my goal weight — but I don’t wanna look like a bobble head.

OW: You recently tweeted “OMG really Arizona? LAWD IM GOING TO DIE” and “Fair Warning — if the weather goes above 100 degrees and I gotta be in drag — I WILL BE IN PASTIES.” Have you packed your two-piece swimsuit and waterproof mascara?

MS: LOL two piece? No! I’m the type of gal that avoids the sun so I will be in my hotel when I can — and when I get picked up for the show I will tell them to keep the car running and just open the door and I will run and jump in. And I have waterproof mascara. I have my Green SeLr to make me totally waterproof.

OW: Your YouTube channel has a lot of awesome makeup tutorials. Who taught you how to paint? Do you have a drag mother?

MS: Yes I have a drag mother, Genie Summers in Dallas, Texas. But I’m all self-taught with makeup. I tell everyone to get better in makeup you just have to keep playing in it.

OW: You are the spokesperson for the new weave line, “Papa Jade’s Secret.” Can you fill us in on what Papa’s secret is and what makes his weaves a cut above the rest? Feel free to give a shameless plug.

MS: “Papa Jade’s Secret” is

OW: I hear you got your start in drag as part of a dare. Can you tell us the story? What were the stakes?

MS: No real stakes it was just a drunken dare — when I was a drinker — and they was like “I bet you won’t!”

I think we both put up shots, and now nine years later Miss #Painted4FILTH Makeup Hoarder Mystique Summers was born!

OW: As a Chicago girl, what is your best kept restaurant secret? Any pizza places or Windy City treasures worthy of an endorsement from Mystique?

MS: No best kept secrets, but you must have a Chicago Dawg or a Pizza Puff! OMG, I miss those. And to get the best you have to go to one of them holein-the-wall joints. They are the best!

OW: What would you say is your favorite drag memory?

MS: My fave has to be getting the call to be on “Drag Race.”

Mystique Summers

Mystique Summers on Tucson’s heat: ‘Lawd, I’m gonna die’

MS: OMG! If I get invited back I would drop everything in a heartbeat and do it! I gotta show the world that some “Drag Racers” can paint and be like myself just #Painted4FILTH.

Just join me and watch me try to take over the world: Youtube.com/mystiquesummers;

OW: What did you think of the “Drag Race” season six finale? Who were you rooting for to win?

Twitter.com/mystiquesummers ; Facebook.com/mysticholics;

MS: The finale was OK. I was rooting for Trinity mostly, but at least another gurl won that wears the cosmetics.

OW: Anything else we should know about what’s new in the world of Mystique?

MS: Hmmm, what would you

Bear411.com . . .

Oh, my let me stop!

To catch Mystique’s performance, head to IBT’s 616 N. Fourth Avenue, June 7 at 9 p.m. for a chance to ride the Mystique Summers wave before she wilts in the June heat.