November 11, 2015
Tucson set to begin Transgender Awareness Week
OBSERVER STAFF Saturday begins Transgender Awareness Week and individuals and organizations around the country will participate in events and educational opportunities that seek to raise the visibility of transgender and gender non-conforming people, and address the issues these communities face. In
Tucson,
many
Inside IBT’s celebrates 30, Larry Moore does it (again), and holiday gifts being collected Page 4
‘Drugged’ porn boxer now says ‘I’m a gay man’ Page 5
The irrational rise -- and rise, and rise -- of Ben Carson for president
Page 3
TPP: ‘No provisions for LGBTs in anti-gay countries’ Page 2 Mormons: ‘Kids, disavow your LGBTQ parents’
Pages 3 President Rubio, Speaker Ryan would team to end federal spending except for defense Page 8
organizations have come together to host or sponsor events every day of the week all over the Old Pueblo. To name just a few, Pride Law will host a Name Change on Saturday, on Nov. 16, Living Out Loud will host a Q&A panel on “HIV and the Trans Community, and on Nov. 18, Studio One will present a gallery showing entitled, “Expressions of Gender.” Transgender Awareness Week culminates on Nov. 20 with the Transgender Day of Remembrance Ceremony, which memorializes victims of anti-transgender violence. The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. at the UA Old Main fountain. Check out page 5 to see a list of events planned for Transgender Awareness Week in Tucson.
Forum looks at LGBTQ needs in Tucson Nov. 12
Issue 1607
Tucson ‘EOY’ crowned, moves on to state competition in 2016
By Christopher L. Pankratz OBSERVER STAFF
Observer was there to judge it all — literally.
compete at the state level early next year.
TUCSON – Rhinestones, headpieces and stippledbeards set competitors apart Sunday night during the “Entertainer of the Year” pageant at IBT’s — and the
As the arts and entertainment editor, I was asked by Mike and Alvaro of IBT’s to sit on the judges panel which ultimately nominated the winner who will go on and
If you’re an impatient drag-fanatic you can jump to paragraph nine to read who won, but we love to draw out the suspense at least until after the page jump. Continued on 12
Bond author: Lesbian 'only needed the right man' to 'cure' her OBSERVER STAFF
TUCSON — A coalition of community members and supporters of the Tucson LGBTQ community is hosting a community forum to discuss the current and future programming needs of the LGBTQ community 6 p.m. at the Donna Liggins Recreation Center Nov. 12.
The author who created James Bond thought lesbians just hadn't had the right encounter with the right penis. Left: Pussy Galore played by Honor Blackman in the original movie.
Councilwoman Karin Uhlich and Catherine Tornbom of Our Family Services are the evening’s moderators. Status updates from LGBTQ serving organizations and groups in the Tucson area will share some of their current priorities and goals. The three-hour forum will include a presentation from SAAF to update the community on the status of the Wingspan programs they acquired last year and other developments they are working on. The results of the facilitated and small group discussions will be made available to the City of Tucson GLBT Commission and other organizations and agencies that address LGBTQ needs in Southern Arizona. There is no charge for this forum and all are invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served.
The author who created James Bond may have known something about sophisticated men, but he was a pig of his time when it came to lesbians. In a letter that was up for auction this week, Ian Fleming responded to a reader's complaint the 1959 Bond character Pussy Galore turning from lesbian to hetero because of the 007 cocksmanship. "Pussy only needed the right man to come along and Continued on page 9
UNITED ARTISTS
Porn star sentenced for extorting $1.5 million from gay millionaire OBSERVER STAFF Gay porn star Teofil Brank (professional name Jarec Wentworth) was recently sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison plus three years of supervised release for blackmailing a telecom millionaire.
Teofil Brank (a.k.a. porn star Jarec Wentworth) is being jailed for nearly six years.
The total extorted included hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, a $180,000 Audi8 sports car, and a "lavish" LA condo. Millionaire Republican Donald Burns apparently had a continuing relationship with Brank, 25, but when the relationship went sour, so did Brank's attitude toward Burns. Continued on page 9
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1 year after dustup, Hoosiers endorse LGBT protections INDIANAPOLIS -- Hehe hahaha hohoHOHO! Just a year ago, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence thought he might ride his antigay platform right into the Republican nomination for president. Now, seven months later, a poll shows the net effect: More Indianans than ever (56 percent) support legal protection for LGBTs, and Pence's approval rating around the state is less than 50 percent. Awwwww . . . Last week, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce announced support for adding sexual orientation and gender identity to Indiana's civil rights law. Andy Downs, a political science professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, even told the Indianapolis Star that it may have reached the point where the Republican Legislature will pass an LGBT-rights law, if for no other reason than to rob those pesky Democrats of a top talking point.
Iceman is coming out as gay for a second time now NEW YORK CITY — One of the original members of Marvel Comics’ X-Men is about to come out as gay for a second time. A younger version of Iceman from an alternate past timeline came out as gay in April and now he confronts his older self in the present about still being in the closet in “Uncanny X-Men #600.” Iceman, AKA Bobby Drake, came out as gay in April in “All-New X-Men #40” — a series which had younger versions of the original X-Men travel from the past to the present day to fight alongside the modern X-Men team. However that left readers with a conundrum as present day closeted Iceman in the ongoing series. Now “Uncanny X-Men” writer Brian Michael Bedis has addressed the issue by having the younger Iceman confront present day Iceman for being still in denial about his sexual orientation. In the issue released this week, the younger Bobby Drake confronts his future self, saying, “Hi much older me, I need to talk.” “I’m gay, it turns out, so that means you are too, right?” “I don’t think I want to live my whole life hiding this part of myself. I understand why maybe you did, though I’m not sure why you still do … You can
keep doing whatever you want but I’m stuck here [in the present] and I think I’m going to try to live this my way.” The older Iceman then breaks down and sheds a single tear of ice before confirming, “You’re going to be a mutant AND gay” before asking, “how are you more put together than me?”
Could Salt Lake City have its first lesbian mayor this year?
WEEKLY
researcher for Human Rights Watch, called it a “new and absurd low in discriminatory legislative proposals” that effectively outlaws being gay.
Reynolds’ Deadpool to be the first queer superhero film HOLLYWOOD — Director Tim Miller confirms Deadpool will definitely be “pansexual,” just like in the comic books.
SALT LAKE CITY — Some might not expect Salt Lake City to vote for a gay mayor. Yet with a 1450-vote lead announced Tuesday, Jackie Biskupski will almost certainly be a city first.
With Ryan Reynolds starring in the upcoming film of the character, both the actor and film’s director have revealed that the superhero’s sexuality will be definitely still fluid.
The mother of one leads two-term mayor Ralph Becker with a 5 percent lead. She will be mayor if she maintains this lead up to Nov. 17.
Speaking to the entertainment news site Collider, Miller and Reynolds responded to the “tantalizing fireside photo” that was released to tease the film.
Previously she served as Utah state representative seven times; during her last election she was voted in with 78 percent of the votes. She told People her victory will be: “A very big deal. We’ve come to the point in my community where we value people on their merits, instead of some category that they’ve been placed in.” “I do think [Tuesday] was an historic night for Salt Lake City and for Utah,” Pam Perlich, director of demographic research at the University of Utah, told Deseret News. “This is a population of people who have been part of humanity forever and have not felt safe to be visible until quite recently.”
Ivan Nikitchuk and Nikolay Arefyev, deputies in the Community Party, have proposed legislation that bans the public expression of “non-traditional sexual relations.” Russia already bans the promotion of homosexuality and the adoption of Russian children by couples or single people who live in countries where same-sex marriage or unions are allowed. If a gay or lesbian couple were to kiss in public, under the proposed law, they would be fined between 4000 to 5000 rubles ($62-$78) and could spend up to 15 days in jail. Nikitchuk said the current propaganda law is “ineffective,” saying homosexuality is a danger to humanity as it promotes a “failure to reproduce.” Tanya
Cooper,
the
Russian
enacted Sharia law in the country which punishes sodomy with stoning to death. LGBTQ rights groups have criticized the deal, which has been defended by president Barack Obama.
Stock up on holiday gifts at ‘Friends’ ‘Giftables’ book sale TUCSON -- Friends of the Pima County Public Library is having a book sale Dec. 11 thru 14, 9 a.m. to 4p.m. at the Book Barn on 2230 N. Country Club Rd. (just south of Grant Rd). The theme of the month is “Giftables.” Check out thousands of great used books and media at great prices. Seniors (over 55) get a 25 percent discount on Dec. 11. Dec. 13 is half-price day. And Dec. 14 is a “Friends” bag day where a bag of books is only $10. Continued on next page
“Does this mean it will be a very hypersexual Deadpool?” the site asked. “Pansexual!” Miller replied. “I want that quoted. Pansexual Deadpool.” Reynolds added: “There is some sexuality in this movie for sure. You kinda think you have moments when you’re shooting where you think, ‘This is, uh, a little excessive.‘ But so far so good. “The studio hasn’t crushed us with anything. They were here yesterday, they were thrilled, they saw some cut footage and so far so good.”
TPP: ‘No provisions for LGBTs in antiRussia wants to ban gay countries’ all PDAs between LGBTQ people WASHINGTON, D.C. — The text for MOSCOW — Russian lawmakers now want to ban all public displays of affection between LGBTI couples.
November 11, 2015
the largest trade deal in a generation, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, includes no provisions for vulnerable LGBT people.
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
This is despite prospective member countries with oppressive laws regarding LGBT citizens.
Send Classifieds, Inquiry Letters, etc to: info@observerweekly.com
The TPP establishes trade relations across products and industries, from pharmaceuticals and milk to copyright and banking in the 12 Pacific Rim countries involved.
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.
The countries involved in the deal are: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the U.S. and Vietnam. Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei all penalize homosexuality. In Singapore and Malaysia it is illegal to be a gay male (although it is legal for a woman), punishable by up to two and 20 years imprisonment, respectively. Last year, the Sultan of Brunei
© 2014 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.
November 11, 2015 Continued from previous page Gift certificates and memberships are available for the teacher or avid reader in your circle. The Friends (pimafriends.com, where you can now shop online) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization which redistributes recently discarded library books and gently used donated books to provide funding for Tucson library projects. For more information contact Libby Stone at info@pimafriends.com or by calling 520-795-3763.
Mormons: ‘Kids, disavow your LGBTQ parents’ SALT LAKE CITY — A new Mormon church policy considers church members in same-sex marriages as apostates whose children will be barred from baptism and church membership unless they disavow their parents’ same-sex union. The policy is outlined in a guide for lay leaders known as Handbook 1, parts of which were posted online by a popular Mormon podcaster who was excommunicated by the church earlier this year on grounds that his public dissents drove others away from the church. In a statement, a Mormon church spokesman, Eric Hawkins, described the document as a “policy and procedural guide” and reaffirmed the church’s longstanding opposition to same-sex marriage. “While it respects the law of the land, and acknowledges the right of others to think and act differently, it [the Mormon church] does not perform or accept same-sex marriage within its membership,” the statement said.
OBSERVER
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The irrational rise -- and rise, and rise -- of Ben Carson for president
By R.D. Smith GUEST COLUMNIST Until recently, the rational world thought Dr. Ben Carson's presidential campaign was based on his biography -- the black kid who grew up in a hardscrabble Detroit neighborhood and became an eminent neurosurgeon. Along the way, Carson had always claimed: 1) he was accepted to West Point on a "full scholarship" (West Point says he never even applied there -- not to mention that all students in U.S. military academies are "on scholarship"); 2) he was a rebellious, hot-tempered kid until he found God (no one from his old 'hood remembers him having a temper); and 3) he established street cred based on a youthful confrontation during an armed robbery in a fried-chicken restaurant (no police record of such a robbery can be found) ... This all came out on top of Carson doubling-down on his assertion that Egypt's pyramids were built by the biblical Joseph as places to store grain --
"He's moved the country one step closer to that moment when we will be measured not by the color of our skin but by the content of our conspiracy theories." -- Jelani Cobb in The New Yorker ignoring the fact that there is very little open space inside the pyramids to store anything, plus no practical way to get grain in and out of them. (The granary story, by the way, was somewhat popularized in the 6th century by Gregory of Tours; the difference was that people back then didn't know what was in the tombs.) There is also the unanswered question as to why Carson, presented as such a paragon of virtue, shilled for the pyramid-scheme food-supplement
outfit known as Mannatech (which Carson at first denied doing, but there's videotape of him doing commercials ... oopsie). And then there's Carson's statement that blacks are as bad off under Obamacare as in slavery. But the list goes on ... So naturally, in the Dutch Tulip Mania world of the 2016 presidential campaign, down is up: Carson's fundraising is higher than ever -- $3.5 million last week, or so he tweeted on Saturday. His poll numbers probably will shoot up again because of his total lack of credibility. Carson thanked the "biased media" for his fund-raising boost. The media would be "biased," of course, for reporting the facts about his biography rather than what he had told them to say. "There is a desperation on behalf of some to try to find ways to tarnish me because they've been looking through everything, they have been talking to everybody I've ever known, everybody I've ever seen," he said in a Florida press conference. Normally, you could assume that Carson is pretending he didn't know
that the front-runner in a presidential campaign would be scrutinized down to his/her last pair of socks. In Carson's case, it's entirely possible he really didn't realize that's how a high-profile campaign works. Charles Pierce at Esquire, who is often the pundit who punctures precious prevarications profligately, ex-
"I mean, Ben Carson. Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me with this behavior?" -- Actress Sharon Stone (interviewed by Kevin Fallon for The Daily Beast), mistakenly assuming that Carson's appeal is based on facts or reality pressed the rational view of Carson's situation: "His autobiography is the only reason anyone outside of his patients and his family and his colleagues ever heard of Dr. Ben Carson. His autobiography was the only reason he got to spit in the president's eye at the National Prayer Breakfast, which was the event that launched him into the upper levels of wingnut politics." Continued on page 9
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Community Voices
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IBT’s celebrates 30, Larry Moore does it (again), and holiday gifts being collected
November 11, 2015
Parents kick son out, refuse to help with college, get bitch-slap
By Scott Blades Executive Director TIHAN IBT’s ‘Pretty in Pink Show’ — part of its 30th anniversary commemoration — to benefit TIHAN It was November 16th, 1985, and Tucson’s newest gay club was opening its doors. Well I guess it was a success, because it’s still standing! This week, IBT’s is celebrating being open for 30 years! To commemorate the milestone, its kicking off a five-day celebration featuring special guests, shows, and events from Nov. 12 to 16.
Larry Moore (left) delivers proceeds of a yard sale benefit to TIHAN’s executive director Scott Blades. GoFundMe
Proceeds will support holiday programs for people living with HIV.
Joel Andrew OBSERVER STAFF OKLAHOMA CITY -- A pair of "Christian" parents who tried to ruin their son's life by kicking him out of the house, then refusing to sign studentloan documents so he could attend college, got a surprise when his dance instructor set up a GoFundMe page that has more than covered their son's college tuition.
What is the theme of the anniversary? THE PINK PARTY! The five days of celebration will include drinks, drag, dancing, food, prizes, special guests, and more! We’re especially excited because the Pink Party Kickoff on Thursday is a benefit show for TIHAN called Pretty in Pink. Hosted by Janee’ Starr and Diva, this Turnabout/New Talent Special Drag show starts at 9 p.m., and will feature Sandy Vajayjay, Betty Want-Me, Maranda Rights Deverouxe, Jayhlet Blackout, and more. The show kicks off an evening of fun followed by dancing inside at 11 p.m. (and sexy go-go boys are promised, too). And all night long they’re featuring Pink Party Drink Specials (Pink Gummy Bear and Pink Jolly Rancher $4 each) and 2-4-1 drink specials galore. So come out on Thursday for the Pretty in Pink benefit show for TIHAN and help celebrate 30 years of a Tucson tradition — IBT’s: a great place for fabulous people, a great gathering spot for our community, and a great legacy of fundraising shows for our community. And feel free to wear some pink if you’d like! Thank you, Larry Moore And now on to another Tucson icon, Larry Moore, AKA Lucinda Holliday. Last weekend, Larry and friends put together a huge community yard sale to raise funds in support of the TIHAN and SAAF holiday programs for people living with HIV. And what a great success it was! The sale raised $1,588 to help brighten the holidays, AND we had a great time too! Thank you Larry for initiating what we hope will become a holiday tradition. Thanks to all of Larry’s
So really, all the parents did is provide the world another example of a nasty pair of bitches claiming "God told me to do it." Joel Andrew's parents had forced him into "reparative therapy" when he was 12. At the age of 17, he began dating another guy. "Every night, I would pray to God to make me straight," he told The Oklahoman. "It didn't work." friends who donated items for the yard sale, to all the customers who came out to peruse and purchase some treasures, and a huge thank you to Larry’s team of volunteers who helped with the sale. Thank you to everyone of Larry’s friends who helped make this such a success, including Adrian Molina, Glenn Fournie, Raul Ibarra/Bianca Difonsi, Dennis Sipf, Valentin Leon, Cameron Rau, Alex Lopez/Demi La Raye, JoAnn Hanks, Dave Kerner Sr, May Ogden, Andrea Campa, Van-Ity/Alex Martinez, Monique Vallery, Ethan Cox, and I helped, too! Holiday gift collection is now under way Speaking of the holidays, TIHAN and SAAF are gearing up for their two holiday programs: Family Day, a fun event for adults living with HIV and their children, and the special December Poz Café dinner and dance. These holiday events help to make the season more warm and special for
many CarePartners living with HIV. TIHAN and SAAF are often a key part of the circle of family and friends. In addition, we collect gift donations in the hopes that we can have a gift to give to every one of our CarePartners this holiday season. So we’re collecting gifts, and we hope you can participate! Whether it’s a gift you received and never used, or a great find on a shopping trip, any gifts you are able to donate to TIHAN/ SAAF are much appreciated. Our greatest need is gifts for adult males, so please keep this in mind as you spread the word. (If that demographic is challenging for you to think of gift ideas, contact ProgramManager@tihan.org for suggestions.) Gifts must be new, unused, unwrapped, and within a price range of $10 to $40 (important for us to be able to keep gifts equitable). Please bring all gift donations to the TIHAN office by Dec. 1. Thanks for helping TIHAN make the holiday season more special for CarePartners and their families!
Now 18, he's free of his psycho parents and a freshman in Oklahoma City University's prestigious dance program. He and his instructor had hoped to raise $6,500 to pay for one semester's tuition; after gay activist Dan Savage got behind the project, it raised more than $60,000. Potential donors are now referred to the Point Foundation or the Ali Forney Center. "There are a lot of Joels out there," Savage told The Oklahoman, encouraging people to keep donating. Andrew wrote a thank-you note on the GoFundMe page: "If I had known before that so many people would love me and support me after coming out, I would have done it a long time ago."
November 11, 2015
OBSERVER
'Drugged' porn boxer now says 'I'm a gay man'
Yusaf Mack says he's relieved that he finally can be open about who he is.
OBSERVER STAFF WEST HOLLYWOOD -- The 35-year-old boxer and father of 10 who said he was drugged to perform in a gay porn video now says he's gay and held a coming-out party over the weekend at the West Hollywood club Rage. "I'm gay. I'm tired of holding it in," Yusaf Mack told FOX 29 in his home town of Philadelphia. Ain't that the way it always is? Just when you want to leave it in, they're suddenly tired of it. The star of "Holiday Hump'n" said previously he was needing money when DawgPoundUSA offered him $5,000 for the role. After filming, he said, the next he remembered was being on a train with $4,500 in his pocket. "It was all a lie," he says now. "To try to cover myself up." DawgPound had threatened to sue Mack for besmirching its reputation. Naturally, when a father of 10 comes out unexpectedly, it can cause a personal kerfuffle or two.
 Mack says he's patched things up with his former fiancee, a woman he had dated for five years. His oldest daughter suggested he kill himself because of the embarrassment he caused her and the family, but his other nine kids are OK with it, he said. Drugged or not, there was never any doubt that it was Mack in the video three-way with Bamm Bamm and Young Buck. When the shit hit the fan, Mack said he hadn't watched it but friends had told him his face and distinctive tattoos showed clearly. In a statement released to The Shade Room, Mack said he lied at first because his life "was completely destroyed once it had been outed that I participated in a gay film." But despite the uproar, Mack says he's relieved that he finally can be open about who he is. "The truth is out, and I'm sorry. You gonna like me or love me regardless. I'm still me. So when you see me on the streets, I'm still Yusaf Mack."
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President Rubio, Speaker Ryan would team to end federal spending except for defense week, "The clarity with which we can now examine Rubio's plan, juxtaposed against recent events, provides a sense of the ongoing relationship between the Republican Party and economic reality. It remains deeply hostile."
By R.D. Smith GUEST COLUMNIST If you think the Republican Party is only out to destroy itself, you're a little behind the times.
Darren McCollester/Getty Images
Paul Ryan, the new speaker of the House of Representatives, has a budget "plan" that would phase out all federal spending, except for defense, over a period of 35 years. Give that just five seconds of serious thought: The nation that has been the leader of the free world would force itself to implode -- without any provocation from China or anyone else. Place that alongside Marco Rubio's budget "plan" for when he becomes president: Cut $11.8 trillion from federal revenue over the next decade -- without deficits, of course. Well, the federal government won't need all that money if all it concentrates on is bombs and military hardware ... er ... assuming that Republicans will resist the temptation to increase bomb spending exponentially. Rubio's plan even CALLS for expanded defense spending, so we know what we're dealing with -- we're just haggling over the price. For perspective, keep in mind that George W. Bush's tax cuts cost only about $3.4 trillion over a decade, and you can appreciate what $11.8 trillion would do to the deficit unless we really do give up ... um ... civilization. Right now, the federal government anticipates collecting $41.6 trillion over the next decade. Rubio would reduce that to $30 trillion. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, federal expenditures over that same period will amount to $30.7 trillion just for defense, Medi-
Coca
Marco Rubio's budget plan would help hard-pressed yacht owners and private-jet commuters. care, Social Security and mandatory the benefits go to the highest-earning 1 interest payments on the national debt. percent of the public. Environmental outlays? Highway maintenance? Medicaid? Veterans?
"The math on Rubionomics is way, way crazier than you think." -- headline on a Jonathan Chait piece about Marco Rubio's budget plan to reduce federal revenue by $11.8 trillion; when you couple that potential deficit with House Speaker Paul Ryan's proposal to end all federal spending except for defense, you get a picture of what's being proposed
And did I mention that among the Republican presidential candidates, Rubio is considered a "moderate" on fiscal issues -- i.e., he's not the extremist when it comes to channeling the maximum taxpayer money to the minimum number of people. Until recently, Rubio had trouble getting his campaign out of the chute and into the rodeo. But lately, a bump in the polls has been accompanied by endorsements from some big dawgs in the GOP -- most notably billionaire Paul Singer.
Food stamps? ANYTHING that might benefit any citizen who might actually need help? Wow, you're talking to the wrong crew, Bubba!
Nate Cohn wrote in The New York Times that the "prediction markets" now give Rubio a 43 percent chance of grabbing the Republican nomination, compared to Donald Trump at 19 percent. (Rubio is still only third in voterpreference polls, after Trump and Ben Carson.)
Under Rubio's plan, 34 percent of
And as Jonathan Chait wrote last
This adorable lady is nine years old, and loves cuddles. If you scratch her chin or ears, she’ll be your best friend! Not only is Coca affectionate, she’s quite a beautiful kitty, with the cutest ear “tufts”! She lives in our FeLV ward with her friends, and so needs to be an only kitty, or homed with other FeLV+ kitties, in order to protect her fragile immune system.
"Deeply hostile"? I don't know about that. It remains lost in interplanetary space, whether there's hostility or not! You can always say, "Oh, well, they wouldn't insist on destroying the country once they saw what their policies were doing." To which I say, "Oh, really? What the hell makes you think that?" If Rubio gets elected by playing to the fantasies of a pack of moon-howlers, he's going to spend four years focused on getting elected by the same pack. I rest my case. You only have to look at Kansas to see how likely these people are to pull a Ronald Reagan and say, "Oh wait, I was wrong! This is a disaster -- raise taxes!" In Kansas, Gov. Sam Brownback has continued to shrink the economy, insisting "this time it will magically grow," until there isn't much of a carcass left to pick at -- but they're still facing another deficit and more cutbacks. You can't really blame the politicians. The ones with any sense know they're peddling unicorn poop. (Brownback may be an exception there.) The politicians are just trying to get far enough to the right to intersect with voters. Unfortunately, what they aren't going to intersect with out there is reality.
Where God's love for all is the good news!
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Bond author: Lesbian 'only need- Porn star sentenced for extorting $1.5 million from gay millionaire ed the right man' to 'cure' her Continued from page 1 perform the laying on of hands in order to cure her psycho-pathalogical malady," Fleming wrote in the letter, which was expected to bring about $4,500. The reader, frequent Fleming correspondent Dr. G.R.C.D. Gibson, had written "although not a psycho-pathologist, I think it is slightly naughty of you to change a criminal lesbian into a clinging honey-bun (to be bottled by Bond) in the last chapter." In the novel "Goldfinger," Galore tells Bond that she had been a lesbian since she was sexually assaulted by
her uncle at age 12, but was magically "cured" when her ladyparts came in contact with Bond's bodacious twanger. Despite Fleming no longer being around to see it, though, Pussy Galore is keeping up with the times: She turns lesbian again in "Trigger Mortis," the new Bond thriller out this year penned by Anthony Horowitz. Fleming's chauvinist letter was auctioned by Bonhams. It also is included in a collection of Fleming's letters, "The Man With the Golden Typewriter," published this year.
Continued from page 1 According to court records, Burns is the chairman of MagicJack VocalTec, a low-cost Internet phone service. Federal prosecutors said the two men met in 2013 in a "pay-for-sex encounter." Brank allegedly threatened to publish numerous photos of Burns if Burns didn't make the payoffs. He was arrested in March at a Starbucks. The prosecutor said Brank's blackmail scheme was "vengeful and inten-
tional," and had "caused great emotional harm to the victim." According to the Los Angeles Times, the sentencing memorandum states that Brank sent emails threatening "I can bring your house down. . . . Lies can be made or maybe it's the truth," later adding, "I'm feeling evil right now." Another email was quoted as stating: "Money won't wash away what people will read and see of you. Wow I guess I hold the cards right now." Erroneous assumption, apparently!
The irrational rise -- and rise, and Tucson ‘EOY’ crowned, moves rise -- of Ben Carson for president
on to state competition
Continued from page 1 The marathon of performances covered a multitude of drag-tegories including presentation, creative evening wear, onstage question, talent and swimwear. Competing in these events were performers from the Miss, Mr., King, and Femme. For those unfamiliar with the ways of drag pageantry, we’ll sum up what we’ve learned. The Mr. category is for boys who perform as sexy boys. The Miss category is for boys who perform as sexy girls. The King is for girls who perform as sexy boys, and Femme is for sexy girls as sexy girls.
headpiece atop a scantily clad but lengthily caped Jason Hollywood. Then of course there was the stunning knockout femme entry Desire Dior, who ran unopposed — luckily for anyone thinking of opposing her. She had the build and presence to hold her own. No shocker, she won in her category. But the winner overall — the one going to compete at the state level is female impersonator Diamond Kyng who erupted into quivering tears at the announcement that she was to be crowned Miss Tucson EOY 2016.
All of the above are judged on their presentation, confidence, public speaking, talent, and most importantly, style. And it’s a big to-do. Between the standards and rubrics for each event and the qualities each judge is looking for, a lot goes into the adjudication and contestant feedback.
Condragulations to all who performed including the svelte drag king Kevin Bossanova, the crispy-delicious Victoria Bacon, and the well-spoken Patricia Mason.
Notable performances included an epic Disney parody by Diamond Kyng, a booty-shaking dance break by Mikey D., and a sky-high black feather fetish
Flip to the centerfold for more pics of the contestants and some teaser info on IBT’s 30th anniversary celebrations this week.
Continued from page 3 Still, there's the fact that Carson isn't atop the polls in the GOP presidential race because of anything factual or even tied to reality. And if somehow his tale of the pyramids falls into disrepute among Republicans, he's already laid out his alternative explanation: They were built by aliens. Carson's life story -- raised by an illiterate single mother to become the first surgeon to separate twins joined at the head -- is inspiring, and he should have run on that (if he has any business running for president in the first place).
As it is, Goldie Taylor at The Daily Beast said Carson acts as if he's trying to sell mix-tapes at a barber shop. Michael Tomasky, also at The Daily Beast, asked "How can a man who is so obviously distinguished and brilliant in one field be such an across-theboard nincompoop in another?" The sad thing is that there's not a scrap of humor to be found in the mess Carson's making: The nation that recently led the free world is being reduced to a comic-book farce, and it isn't funny.
OW
Judges included Alex Lopez, Janee’ Starr, Ricky McDonald, Vicky Stubbs, and of course yours truly.
To volunteer, call Mark Rosenbaum For support services, call a Link Specialist For more information, events, or to donate, visit www.tihan.org
Page 10
As Clark Saw It
Zoe’s World
OBSERVER
By Gary Clark
By Zoe
WEEKLY
November 11, 2015
November 11, 2015
Fireside Chat
OBSERVER WEEKLY
Page 11
What’s happening with Wingspan, reflections on the past year Part 2 able to pursue grant funding and accept tax-deductible donations as a regular charity does. Since entering into this new arrangement, some really amazing things have happened:
By Wendell Hicks Executive Director SAAF Last time, I shared information with you about the Eon Youth program, one of the programs the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation took over from Wingspan late last year. Wingspan had served as southern Arizona’s LGBTQ community center for more than a quarter of a century when they were forced to close due to declining resources. This week, I want to tell you a little more about the progress SAAF has made in moving many of the initiatives and programs of Wingspan forward over the past 12 months.
• In May 2015, both Camp Born This Way and Senior Pride applied for and received funding from the Alliance Fund. This was in addition to the Alliance Fund’s support of three SAAF programs. • In October of this year, the MultiFaith Working Group held a screening of the film, “Pride”, at the Loft and raised $1,000s through sponsorships and ticket sales. • Last spring, Puertas Abiertas held a community fair in the SAAF parking lot helping to further the work they do of keeping communities safer.
When Wingspan closed, in addition to needing to find a home for their two (under) funded programs, Eon and the Anti-Violence Programs, many of the volunteer-driven efforts were also in need of a space to meet and further their objectives. Senior Pride, the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance, Puertas Abiertas, Camp Born This Way, and the Multi-Faith Working Group were all vibrant, vital efforts with big goals that did not have an actual funding source attached. Just because Wingspan went away did not mean that the work each of these groups was doing was unnecessary. In fact, many of these groups were and are helping 100s of people each year.
In addition to all this, I am always heartened to walk down the SAAF hallways and see members of Senior Pride putting together their monthly newsletter or the Bears of the Old Pueblo holding their board meeting in the MSHAPE Lounge. While we started out as an AIDS Service Organization over three decades ago, SAAF has truly become the hub for so much activity that is happening in our community and this is even more true now that we have these incredible new (new to us, at least!) Wingspan programs and initiatives under one roof.
While SAGA decided to spin off into its own 501 c 3 non-profit entity (Congrats!), the remaining four groups chose to be housed under SAAF’s umbrella and utilize SAAF as their fiscal agent. This meant that they would be
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 11a.m.-2a.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-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.
Friday BRODIES TAVERN - Get the Party Started Friday 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $3 Malibu Rum Black-House Long Islands-Pucker Vodka, Margaritas on tap-XX Pints IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m., Flawless Fridays featuring “Absolutely Flawless” Drag Show hosted by China Collins @ 9 p.m. DJ Import Inside after the show, Million$DJ on the Patio 9pm. GoGo Boys @11p.m. VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.
Next time, I’ll share a little about the Anti-Violence Program and how additional funding for this program has meant additional services for those in immediate need.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
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 - 11a.m.-2a.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-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.
BRODIES TAVERN - Whiskey Wednesday 7-2 a.m. $3.25 Jack-Jim Beam-JamesonFireball-Makers Mark-Johnny Walker Red IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.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. VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.Dave’s $3.50 Margaritas and Long Island Iced Teas
BRODIES TAVERN - Customer Appreciation 7-2 a.m. Two-for-One Well-Domestic Bottles, Margaritas on Tap House Kasiz Shots IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m. Therapy every Thursday. All Day *2-4-1 Drink Specials (excludes top shelf, wine & draft). Million$DJ Inside at 9 p.m., DJ Sid the Kid on the Patio 9 p.m. GoGo Boys @11 p.m. VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm. 4.00 Titos/Absolut, Cosmos/Martis from Dan G
Saturday
Sunday
BRODIES TAVERN - Back Pocket Sabado Latino 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $3 Magaritas on tap-Corona Bottles, $3.25 Latin Beers-XX Micheladas, $1 Tequila Shots-Corona Ritas IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m., Karaoke on the Patio 5 - 8 p.m., “Saturday Night Starlettes” drag show Hosted by Janee Starr 9pm, Million$DJ on the Patio 9 p.m., DJ Import Inside after the drag show. VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi
Ajia Simone, Owner 426 E. Ninth St. 520.624.8400
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 - 11a.m.-2a.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-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi
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OBSERVER
WEEKLY
November 11, 2015