Outlooks - Jul-Aug 2012 by Nicolas Tallarico

JULY-AUGUST 2012

THE BEACH REPORT: WHERE THE BOYS ARE PROVINCETOWN, AMERICA’S GAY MECCA PERFECT TIMING: WATCHES THAT DAZZLE YOUR SKIN AND THE SUN GETTING READY FOR THAT ROAD TRIP

MAKE A SPLASH!

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CONFESSIONS OF A DJ

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P1840_OutLo_ST

Forever loud. Forever proud.

Pride Parade & Festival: June 22 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July 1, 2012 www.pridetoronto.com

ÂŽ/ The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or a wholly-owned subsidiary, in Canada and/or other countries.

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www.pwc.com/ca

Being distinctive isn’t always easy. Doing it with style is something to be proud of.

PwC is proud to celebrate Pride 2012 together with our people and the entire community. www.pwc.com/ca/diversity Sponsored by PwC’s GLBT Circle © 2012 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved. “PwC” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership, which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate legal entity. 2744-03 0512

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CANADA’S NATIONAL GAY MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER PATRICIA SALIB EDITOR IN CHIEF JIM BROSSEAU TRAVEL EDITOR RANDALL SHIRLEY FASHION DIRECTOR ADAM WEBSTER DESIGNER NICOLÁS TALLARICO EDITOR AT LARGE BRETT TAYLOR ADVERTISING & OTHER INQUIRIES (416) 792–2400 EDITORIAL INQUIRIES EDITOR@OUTLOOKS.CA OUTLOOKS IS PUBLISHED 10 TIMES PER YEAR BY THE MINT MEDIA GROUP ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 542 PARLIAMENT ST. TORONTO, ON, M4X 1P6 THE MINT MEDIA GROUP PRESIDENT PATRICIA SALIB DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS REGGIE LANUZA DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING RYAN LESTER

CONTRIBUTORS JODY BOYNTON, PHILIP BUCKLEY, DEREK DOTTO, BRYEN DUNN, PHILIP FRANCHINI, DR. MALCOLM HEDGCOCK, TRACY HOWARD, BRAD MCPHEE, RICHARD READ, JENNY WATSON ON THE COVER VLAD TOMA FOR VELOCCI (JM SWIMSUIT); PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADAM WEBSTER; STYLING BY CARLTON ELLIS; GROOMING BY MARK GONZALES

OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN OUTLOOKS MAGAZINE ARE THOSE OF INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE MAGAZINE. ALL CONTENTS ARE COPYRIGHT AND MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN PART OR IN WHOLE WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT. THE APPEARANCE OF AN AD IN OUTLOOKS MAGAZINE DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE MAGAZINE ENDORSES THE ADVERTISER. THE APPEARANCE OF A MODEL OR OTHER PHOTOGRAPHIC SUBJECTS DOES NOT NECESSARILY INDICATE THEIR SEXUALITY. BEFORE YOU MAKE TRAVEL PLANS, DOUBLE-CHECK DATES, TIMES, AND PRICES. THINGS DO CHANGE. WHILE EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE ACCURACY, OUTLOOKS AND ITS CONTRIBUTORS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ERRORS IN CONTENT.

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CONTENTS

JULY - AUGUST 2012

EDITOR’S NOTE

TRAVEL

06 | PARTY MODE

17 | TRAVEL TALK Views from a window seat

OUTFRONT

25 | MINE IN THE SAND Five beaches that will have you packing

07 | WHEELS Ready to get on the road again

28 | PROVINCETOWN: WHAT’S NOT TO LIKE? Where gay-friendly is only the start

09 | MONEY$TYLE Carefully choosing a financial advisor 10 | FOOD & DRINK Dinner on a Cape; cocktails in Toronto 12 | HOT STUFF Watches for all the colours of summer

ISSUE 202

ART & CULTURE 48 | FRAMED: FREDERIC STAIMAN connects the dots 50 | FLASHBACK The critical days after Stonewall

FASHION

FEATURES

34 | SPLASH DANCE Summer’s hottest swimsuits

20 | CONFESSIONS OF A DJ What life is really like in the booth

44 | THE HISTORY OF... SWIMSUITS They’ve come a long, long way

14 | WELLNESS Facing up to summer skincare

47 | FASHION EXTRA Canadian designers show their stuff

34 SPLASH DANCE

16 | CIVILITY How not to be the houseguest from hell 18 | THE DOCTOR IS IN Responsible drinking: What’s your policy?

FOOD P. 10

DINNER ON A CAPE

25 MINE IN THE SAND OUTLOOKS

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EDITOR’S_NOTE

PARTY MODE

time in “the booth” and shares them in “Confessions of a DJ” on page 20. We have, of course, entered the season of Pride parades and related activities. There is much to celebrate, particularly given recent events in the U.S., notably President Obama’s endorsement of same-sex marriage. It comes on the heels of his elimination of second-class citizenship for Americans serving in the armed forces. Still, equality remains elusive in many quarters. For one, bullying of LGBTs continues to be an issue throughout Canada. And, back in the U.S., the state of North Carolina set gay rights back several decades when voters banned same-sex marriage and civil unions. There are less obvious issues that are part of gay evolution. A lot of times, the celebrated “acceptance” by society at large seems to have clear limitations. Witness the narrow way mainstream culture still portrays gays in movies and TV, the way gays themselves can seemed locked into images of what they think they should be: whatever else, gorgeous always seems to rise to the top of that list—among gays of all ages. So as we joyously wave our rainbow flags, celebrate our victories and take to the streets in outfits once reserved for

Julie Skarratt

efore its overheated disco beat kicks in, the iconic hit Last Dance could be Clair de Lune for all its poignancy. There are drinking songs meant to be sung with beer mugs aloft. Then there’s the category of drinking song into which Last Dance falls. The latter would also include The Ballad of the Sad Young Men (nailed by Roberta Flack) or One for My Baby, memorably crooned by Bette Midler in a display of acting chops over musical prowess. Yes, Donna Summer, who died a young death at 63 in May, is known for a long list of hit songs. But none resonates with the gay community in quite the way Last Dance does. It’s layered with subtle and not-so-subtle messages about love, longing, the thrill of the hunt and the historical attachment males have had to conquest (and you thought it was just a song). If it became an anthem for liberation, it must also be said that it was the background music to a generation’s acquisition of HIV. Sorry to throw cold water on the hot stuff that was disco’s heyday. One man who knows a lot about disco and the power of dance music is contributor Bryen Dunn. Along with his writing career, Dunn has worked over the years as a DJ. He’s collected more than a few anecdotes and observations during his

the privacy of one’s home, let’s think about that sacred word “pride.” It may be our birthright, but, like anything of value, it requires more than occasional attention.

Jim Brosseau Editor In Chief We’d be delighted to hear from you. Share your thoughts on the magazine and stories you’d like to see covered in its pages. Email us at editor@ outlooks.ca. Many thanks.

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6/13/2012 9:06:56 AM

WHEELS

OUTFRONT Road Trip 101 There’s nothing as liberating as zooming down the highway with the windows down, bathed in the scent of trees and country air, screaming awful pop songs at the top of your lungs. The flip side is there’s nothing more frustrating than having your car conk out while enjoying that escape. So here, then, is a five-point checklist for your next road trip (and your sanity). 1. LUBE EARLY. Apart from items like fluid levels and tire pressure, ask your mechanic to look over the A/C, spare tire and belts. Most important, have everything done several days before leaving: If there’s a problem, you’ll have ample time to return to the shop. 2. HOARD SUPPLIES. Always leave room in the trunk for stuff that’ll come in handy even if you know nothing about cars. I carry a can or two of Fix-A-Flat, a gallon of antifreeze, some flares, jumper cables and, of course, a gas canister. If you don’t subscribe to a CAA or OnStar roadside plan, give it some thought. 3. GET A ROOM. If I had my way, I’d stop after about six hours on the road, but my husband is comfortable driving much longer stretches. Mapping out overnight stays in advance helps us avoid arguing about whether to pull off at the next exit or go on for another three hours. 4. EASE INTO IT. Keep the first day’s travel agenda fairly short. It’s a pain leaving town— calling credit-card companies, getting pets to their respective kennels, etc. You’re liable to be keyed up for the first few hours of your “vacation.” Save the gruelling stuff for Day Two. 5. THINK ABOUT GOING ALL THE WAY. Life’s biggest irony may be that vacations are at times seriously stressful: Consider the packing, unpacking and repacking alone. So, if you’re travelling with a significant other, choose your vacation wisely, especially new couples or those with “issues.” Some therapists might believe it’s good for struggling couples to embark on big, bonding experiences. I say a two-hour trip to the outlet mall makes for a great test run—and even better shopping.

Hadel Productions Nick Pearce

—RICHARD READ Richard Read edits Gay Wheels (gaywheels.com).

OUTLOOKS

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6/13/2012 9:48:10 AM

MONEY$T YLE

CHOOSING A FINANCIAL PLANNER LIKE ANY GOOD RELATIONSHIP, IT’S BUILT ON TRUST BY BRAD MCPHEE

the woman selling them investments could only do insurance sales. She worked for an insurance company. This is not a good way to buy something. Your purchasing decisions should make sense in relation to your financial goals. It is never appropriate for the structure of a product to push you into a purchasing decision. I looked for a financial advisor who was able to touch any and every aspect of my financial life. I had brokers and I used bankers, but they did not offer me everything I needed. Respect is the linchpin of your relationship with a financial advisor. Product should be the last decision not the first discussion. Until your goals and concerns are understood, it is impossible to determine the right investment and insurance products for you. You’re the one who holds the key to products. The advisor’s job is to explain the benefits of one particular product over another as it pertains to your circumstances. You should never be talked over, around or down to. These are important choices to be made, and you deserve respect regardless of your decisions. Sometimes my clients do not take my advice, and that’s fine: I see my advice as an invitation. It is not delivered with expectations. I always respect the wishes and decisions of my clients, and I expect their respect in return. The only time I consider firing clients is when they’re disrespectful toward me. Firing doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it demands firm and immediate attention. Even then, I still respect my clients and assist them in transitioning to someone with whom I hope they’ll build a healthy relationship. You should fire your advisor if he or she isn’t showing you respect. The advice you get and the decisions you

Philip Buckley

ow do you pick your financial planner? I suggest there are three criteria. I have a habit of saying I’m in the Long-Term Relationship (LTR) business. It is built upon the tripod of Like, Trust and Respect. It must be mutual. If I do not like you, I won’t enjoy working with you. If I don’t enjoy working with you, I won’t listen to you. If I can’t listen to you, then I can’t hear your answers. All this indifference increases the likelihood of my advising you incorrectly. Liking each other is the first evaluation my clients make of me—and I of them. In my experience, this is, for men, an impression made in a mere seven seconds, and one that almost never changes. For women, it’s more like seven minutes, and that can change. Ultimately, women are more flexible. While we may think of this in a stereotypical way (the old “it’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind”), it really means that women are better at responding, at taking time and consideration in decision-making. Men, meanwhile, are more predisposed to react (immediately take action). This is not a competition. I’m not judging nor stating that one approach is better than the other. In truth, both are appropriate at the right time—and equally inappropriate at the wrong time. The timing is a subject upon which I shall remain silent. Trust is the second characteristic you need to share with your advisor. Trust is built over time. I am fond of saying that I have never sold anybody anything, but people have often chosen to buy from me. I believe that we all like to purchase things. It is fun to do when we’re ready and if it’s the right product or service for us to buy. Financial planning has an urgency to it because of certain events in life. Still, in all cases, it should seem reasonable and understandable to you. For example, the other day I was meeting with a couple who’d been sold an insurance policy simply because

make are important and affect you and your family for many years to come. Financial advisors are not gurus, but they should be honourable, ethical and professional in all matters at all times. If they truly understand their profession, they can explain it and why a particular strategy or solution is right for you. So make sure you ask. I make my choices based on my informed instincts. I have an initial impression, analyze it with my intellect and logic and then make my final decisions based on an informed instinct. I know this method works for me, and perhaps it will for you, as well. But regardless of your method, be sure to find advisors who will accommodate it. They advise, but you decide. After all, it is your money.

Brad McPhee is a Vancouver-based consultant with Investors Group and past chair of the Gay and Lesbian Association of BC. Views expressed in Money$tyle are solely McPhee’s. Outlooks, as well as Investors Group and its affiliates are not responsible and cannot accept any liability. The column is intended as a source of information and not a solicitation to buy or sell investments, nor to provide investment, financial, legal, accounting, tax or other professional advice. If you have a personalfinance question, email it to editor@outlooks.ca. OUTLOOKS

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FOOD_&_DRINK

FIT FOR AN EMPEROR At Victor’s restaurant in Provincetown, Massachusetts, the scene is the thing (see page 28). But its social cred rivals the strength of its cuisine, which The Boston Herald has called “delectably inventive.” To wit: the Deconstructed Ahi Tuna Napoleon—(ingredient portions to taste): VICTOR’S

INGREDIENTS AND PREPARATION SEARED TUNA Tuna Olive oil Chamomile powder (Lightly coat each piece of tuna on all sides with chamomile, salt and pepper. Heat a pan over medium heat until smoking hot. Sear tuna for 15 seconds per side.) WONTONS Wonton wrappers cut in triangle halves and fried AVOCADO Sunomono ripe avocados cut in half, seeds removed; then cut each half lengthwise into quarters Seasoned rice vinegar Olive oil (Place all ingredients in a bowl and gently toss with hands to coat.)

WASABI MAYONNAISE Mayonnaise Wasabi powder mixed with water (In a steel bowl, whisk to combine.) ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS Tamari vinaigrette Micro greens

ADDRESS: 175 Bradford St. Provincetown, Massachusetts PHONE: 508-487-1777 WEBSITE: victorsptown.com

ASSEMBLY Sauce each plate with a generous squiggle of vinaigrette Place 4 wonton triangles on top of vinaigrette Place 1 slice of tuna on each wonton Sprinkle with avocado, red onion and micro greens Drizzle wasabi mayo on top

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FOOD_&_DRINK

PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ At the DEQ bar in the Ritz-Carlton Toronto, just sipping a glass of seltzer with a lime wedge can feel special. Up the ante with its Ritz Rhubarb Mojito, a.k.a. the R&R Mojito. In this ornate lounge with its big-city views, R&R takes on a whole new meaning. For a mojito with a different kick, try DEQ’s Wild Spring Mojito

RITZ CARLTON ADDRESS: 181 Wellington St. W., Toronto, Ontario PHONE: 416-585-2500 WEBSITE ritzcarlton.com/toronto

RITZ RHUBARB MOJITO

WILD SPRING MOJITO

INGREDIENTS 2 parts Bacardi 8 1/2 fresh lime 12 fresh mint leaves 1.25 oz rhubarb syrup Splash soda water

INGREDIENTS 2 parts Bacardi Gold Rum 1/2 fresh lime 12 fresh wild mountain mint leaves 1 heaped tsp fine white sugar (caster sugar) Cave Spring Dolomite Brut

DIRECTIONS: First cut the lime in wedges and place in a large highball glass. Add the rhubarb syrup and muddle gently to release the lime juice. Add the mint leaves and muddle lightly again to release and combine the flavours. Fill the glass to the top with crushed ice. Add Bacardi 8. Swizzle well with a bar spoon to mix thoroughly. Top up with more crushed ice.  Add soda water. Stir well again to combine all the ingredients.

DIRECTIONS: First, cut the lime in wedges and place in a large highball glass. Add the sugar and muddle gently to release the lime juice. Add the mint leaves and muddle lightly again to release and combine the flavours. Fill the glass to the top with crushed ice. Add Bacardi Gold Rum. Swizzle well with a bar spoon to dissolve the sugar. Top up with more crushed ice.  Add Cave Spring Dolomite Brut. Stir well again to combine all the ingredients.

GARNISH: A fresh mint sprig and a slice of rhubarb

GARNISH: A fresh mint sprig and a slice of sugar cane OUTLOOKS

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HOT STUFF

ON THE WATCH ONE OF THE SEASON’S MOST ATTRACTIVE ACCESSORIES CAN ALSO BE ITS MOST FUN. FROM SPORTY TIMEPIECES IN BOLD COLOURS TO STURDY CLASSICS, VENERABLE WATCHMAKERS AND NEWCOMERS HAVE CREATED SOMETHING FOR EVERY SETTING. HERE’S AN ASSORTMENT TO WATCH (PRICES MAY VARY).

$165 SEE YOU LATER…

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$350 COLOUR GUARD

THIS IS ONE TOUGH TIMEPIECE. THE COLOURMARK SERIES IS NOW AVAILABLE WITH A REGIMENTAL STRAP OPTION (SOLD SEPARATELY, $40); THE STRAP FITS ON OTHER LUMINOX WATCHES. ($350, LUMINOX.COM)

$560 FOR A CLASSIC SUMMER

WHEREVER YOUR SUMMERTIME ACTIVITIES LEAD, YOU’LL BE STYLED FOR ANY OCCASION DONNING THIS EMPORIO ARMANI ANALOG WATCH. SOMETIMES, THE NAME ALONE REALLY DOES SAY IT ALL. ($560, HOLT RENFREW LOCATIONS ACROSS CANADA, HOLTRENFREW.COM)

$99 FIELDS OF DREAMS

INTO THE WOODS? WHETHER YOU’RE HEADING TO THE HILLS OR JUST TO THE PARK, YOU’LL BE READY FOR WHATEVER’S OUT THERE IN A VINTAGE FIELD WATCH. ($99; LLBEAN.COM)

$150 BRIGHT IDEAS

WITH ONE OF THESE ACCESSORIES ON YOUR WRIST, IN EYE-POPPING ORANGE OR BLUE, YOU’LL MAKE IT OFFICIAL: YOU’RE A FUN GUY. ($150, BRAUN DEALERS OR BRAUN-CLOCKS.COM/ WATCHES)

$355 HERE COMES THE SUN

THE COMBINATION OF THE BLACK CASE AND PEEPSYELLOW SILICONE STRAP WILL HELP MAKE THIS MICHAEL KORS WATCH A CONVERSATION STARTER. ($355, THE BAY, THEBAY.COM)

$130 STREET CRED

FOR THIS PROJECTS WATCH DESIGN, MICHAEL GRAVES TOOK HIS INSPIRATION FROM A REVITALIZED THOROUGHFARE IN PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY. THE BRICK COLOURS IN THE PAUL ROBESON CENTER FOR THE ARTS (ON WITHERSPOON STREET) INFLUENCED THE RED WITHERSPOON. THE FACE, FEATURING A BLUE SECOND HAND, ECHOES THE COLOURED STITCHING OF THE LEATHER BAND. ($130, PROJECTS DEALERS, PROJECTSWATCHES.COM)

$95 A SEOUL MATE

STAND BACK! THIS ADIDAS ORIGINAL SEOUL LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING AN ACTION HERO WOULD WEAR FOR AN EVENING OF CONQUESTS. FOR MORE EARTHLY PURSUITS, IT’S EQUIPPED WITH A 10-LAP MEMORY, TIMER AND ALARM. ($95, ADIDAS ORIGINALS STORES, ADIDAS.COM/ ORIGINALSWATCHES)

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6/13/2012 9:09:42 AM

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6/13/2012 9:10:04 AM

WELLNESS

THE FACE OF THINGS TO COME WHY IT PAYS TO STAY ON THE SUN’S GOOD SIDE BY JODY BOYNTON

kyolshin

t is shaping up to be a hot summer. But how can we keep our skin dewy moist, young and protected while showing off all that hard work in the gym? The answer is no longer an easy one. There is so much mixed research out there showing how sunscreens may actually contribute to skin damage. Other reports say it’s not the ingredients but prolonged exposure because of perceived safety. Sunscreen does protect against squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma, and may offer protection from that worn-out rawhide look. But some sunscreen ingredients may be linked to an increase of malignant melanoma—a rarer but more deadly form of skin cancer. Regular use of sun protection and sunlight avoidance can also contribute to Vitamin D deficiency, which would reduce immune function and could be a contributing factor in the development of skin cancer. One of the more recent studies published in The Journal of the American Medical Association followed two groups for 10 years and conducted a 10-year follow-up. One group was given an unlimited supply of broadspectrum sunscreen and on average complied almost six days a week. The other was left to discretionary use and was not supplied with sunscreen. Of the group of 812 that used the sunscreen regularly, there were 11 reported cases of melanoma compared with the discretionary group that had 22 reported cases out of 809 participants. PABA was removed from sunscreen because it caused more allergenic reactions in people. There was some inconclusive evidence in the 1980s that it promoted mutated cells, at least in lab rats. Today’s ingredients are just as controversial. It has become a chicken-and-egg story: The chemicals may be fine on top of the skin but when illuminated (hit with UV light) can cause reactive oxygen

species and free radicals, which in turn damage DNA. And it’s been proven that some of those chemicals are absorbed into the skin and can be found in urine samples after application.

octyl methoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate, oxybenzone and sulisobenzone. All of these chemicals are organic compounds, some are even naturally occurring in foods and

GENETICS PLAY A HUGE ROLE IN ISSUES OF SUN AND SKIN. A FAMILY HISTORY OF SKIN CANCER IS A WARNING SIGN TO COVER UP. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends sunscreens with any of the following ingredients: avobenzone, cinoxate, ecamsule, methyl anthranilate,

plants, and are classed organic because they contain carbon and hydrogen. They have been shown to affect skin protection but also to be absorbable by the skin—just one more

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WELLNESS

thing for our livers to sort out. Oxybenzone, for example, is a chemical known to disrupt hormones. Nowadays, there are mineral products available—nonreactive and nonabsorbable elements, much diĀerent chemically from the complicated ring structures of the benzones et al. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the most common mineral ingredients. They block light and sit on top of the skin and reflect light like a mirror. Zinc oxide’s ability to block diĀerent types of rays makes it one of the most eĀective sun-protection choices, and it is often combined with additional ultraviolet-B blockers to provide the most complete broad-spectrum sunscreen. One drawback to zinc products is they are derived from a chalky mineral, so can look heavy and white on the skin. Micronized zinc means the particles are smaller in size, so they don’t sit on top of the skin, but they’re not so small that they’re readily absorbed into the skin. So what’s a guy who wants to protect himself from a potentially deadly disease to do? There isn’t just one solution. You need to have a couple of options and plan ahead before going outside. Here are some tips: EASY DOES IT We have all made the mistake of hitting the patio the first nice day of the year, only to be reminded anew of the sun’s power when we see our pink cheeks and rosy arms in the mirror. If you haven’t been in the sun but are planning to hit the beach, take it easy, with no more than 20 minutes’ exposure. And remember, even in the shade, light bouncing oĀ concrete, sand and water can burn. CONSIDER YOUR GENES We are all equal, but we are not all created equally. Genetics play a huge role in issues of sun and skin. A family history of skin cancer is a warning sign to cover up. Those who tend to be fair, ginger-haired and freckle easily tend to have fewer melanocytes in their cells and can’t tan. Melanin is the pigment our skin produces upon exposure to the sun that can block UVB rays. Certain medications can make you more sensitive to sun exposure (photosensitivity) and your doctor and pharmacist should make you aware of that. Even those with darker skin do not get a free

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pass, as UVA can still penetrate to the deeper levels of the skin to cause damage.

top of your head, back of your neck and your face.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS If you’re going to be out all day, dress accordingly. Wear a hat and bring a long-sleeved shirt and light pants. Cover up and/or stay in the shade as best you can between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear your sunglasses; they not only make you look cool but protect your peepers.

WHEN I WAS A KID I don’t remember being taught to fear the sun. Perhaps the rays are stronger today. I feel good after some sun, and I like how a bit of a tan looks. As we get older, though, and more concerned about photo-aging, it’s natural to think about taking better care of ourselves and applying moderation to such activities as sunbathing. If these lessons are taught sooner, perhaps we might all age just a bit more gracefully.

MIX AND MATCH See that your sunscreen matches your activity. If you are going to be out on the beach, running or sweating, look for a higher SPF broad-spectrum waterproof sunblock and reapply after perspiring, towelling oĀ or swimming. Such products are likely to contain more chemicals, but you’re only wearing them for a day. When you get home, shower the product oĀ. THINK DIET The longer your sun time, the more free radicals to which you’ll be exposed. So eat a high antioxidant diet—lots of fruits/berries (sangria counts, right?). This may oĀset your exposure at least a little.

Jody Boynton is a NSCA certified personaltraining instructor, weight-loss coach and nutritional practitioner based in Toronto. His advice is not necessarily intended for all readers, whose individual strength and overall health should be considered before undertaking any fitness or related programs. He may be reached at jodyboynton@gmail.com.

Connect

GET YOUR ZINC Daily sunscreens for face and arms should be the zinc oxide kind. Try to find one that is micronized, so you don’t look chalky. DON’T MISS A SPOT If you drive with your arm out the car window, be sure to put sunscreen on before you hit the road. And if you have a convertible, think about the

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6/13/2012 12:22:43 PM

CIVILIT Y

BE A HOUSEGUEST HIT

always a delight to receive. Otherwise, a thoughtful email or phone call will suffice.

BY JIM BROSSEAU

Meanwhile, if you’re a host, your primary responsibility is to create an environment in which your guests feel welcome. • Put yourself in your guests’ shoes to see things differently: Is that bathroom mirror really clean enough? Will the light in that spare bedroom be sufficient for nighttime reading? Are there enough hangers in their closet. • If you haven’t slept in the guestroom in a while, you might give it a test-run. That will let you know if the pillows are comfortable or whether an unhooked shutter slams against the wall all night. • Settle some issues long before that first tap on the door: Do your guests have any food allergies? Will your dog or cat aggravate their allergies? (If so, they might not be the guests for you.) Will the city noise you’re used to be a problem for them? • Let guests know what your house rules are so they won’t have to guess. They should be aware if smoking is off limits and where it’s ever allowed; what time you expect to awake and whether they might use the kitchen before you’re up.

t’s that time of year: houseguest season. From cottage owners to apartment dwellers in popular cities, visiting hours have begun in earnest. Here are some tips for making guests and their hosts feel right at home. • Remember it’s never cool to spring things on a host. The most unacceptable offense in this regard: Showing up with an extra person (or pet) in your party. • You can never go wrong bringing a house present of some description. Remember, though, that elaborate floral arrangements or anything that might require lots of refrigerator space could have the opposite of its intended effect. If you won’t have something in hand, though, make clear before your arrival that you’ll be making some gesture of gratitude, say, taking your hosts out to lunch. • Make yourself at home. Yes, respect boundaries; ask, for example, if it’s okay to play the piano. But don’t act as if you’ve entered a convent.

• In the “i” age, think about how you use your cell phone and other techie devices. They should never be brought to the table at mealtime. • Clean up after yourself. Make your bed each morning and tidy up, especially if your room will be visible from a hall or another room in the house. Take cups, dishes, etc. to the kitchen sink or dishwasher when you’re finished with them. And take your cues from the hosts on whether theirs is a shoes-on or shoe-less household. • Before leaving, look around—in the shower, on bedside tables, etc.—for your personal belongings. There’s nothing more annoying than to have to contact a guest about glasses, toiletries or forgotten books to make arrangements for returning them. • Once back home, conveying your thanks is imperative. If your host put you up along with a friend or two, sending flowers or candy might be in order. Handwritten notes, though hopelessly quaint by today’s standards, are

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TRAVEL_TALK

IN PRAISE OF THE WINDOW SEAT BY RANDALL SHIRLEY Travel Editor

rom the time I was a little boy I have craved to be on airplanes—not just for where they could take me, but for the experience of being in the sky, seeing the world below from a very different perspective. I’m writing from the Seattle airport and, just a few minutes ago, while onboard an Alaska Airlines 737, I looked out the window from my “A” seat and spotted a runway positioned diagonally below us. I could also see a small parking area with some very distinct aircraft, including a 747 and a British Airways Concorde. We were over Boeing Field and the Museum of Flight—nirvana for a travel junkie like me, even from the air. Looking around, I observed that most of my fellow passengers were reading, sleeping or talking. Few, it seems, look out the window anymore. I find that perplexing. While it’s rarely as comfortable as an aisle seat, the sheer joy I find in looking down on Earth’s wonders often tempts me—even after hundreds of thousands of miles flown— to squeeze into the window seat. I’ve seen some magnificent things— sights far more interesting than the movies available on the in-flight entertainment system. On flights between my home in the Vancouver region and points eastward in Canada, I’ve repeatedly been awestruck by the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies while my seatmates watched reruns of The Simpsons. From 36,000 feet I’ve seen places that are longshots for me to ever visit on the

SKI GAY THIS SUMMER If you can’t get enough of winter sports, grab your skis or board and book a ticket to New Zealand for the annual “Gay Ski Week QT,” held in Queenstown on the South Island. Beyond skiing, there are a number of ski-week activities, including wine tastings, a Rocky Horror showing and dancing (Aug. 25 to Sept. 1, gayskiweekqt. com). GRINDR’S TRAVEL LIST

ground. Flying between New Delhi and London onboard Air India gave me a panoramic view of sweeping sand dunes in Iran. Just as the city of Tehran came into view, a flight attendant requested that I close my window shade so other passengers could see the movie better. I politely told her to get a grip: I can see a movie anywhere, but seeing Iran, even from the air, was an irresistible treat. Other exotic aerial sights have included Greenland’s icy landscape—often visible on daytime flights between Europe and North America—and the island of New Caledonia, between Los Angeles and Sydney. You don’t have to fly to the other side of the world to

Grindr, the gay guy-friendly social network, has polled its international membership about travel and released a list of awards based on the results. Among the survey’s findings, Grindr users find New York the gayest U.S. city and London the most gay international city; Rio de Janeiro has the best non-U.S. gay beach (see related story on page 25) and Tel Aviv the hottest gay men of a non-U.S. destination (Grindr.com). see interesting things. Next time you fly via Salt Lake City, just try to count the Mormon church buildings during a northbound approach. Flying via Phoenix there’s a good chance of seeing the Grand Canyon. Next time you travel, I encourage you to see the world differently before you reach your destination.

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6/13/2012 9:12:03 AM

THE DOCTOR IS IN

A TOAST TO RESPONSIBILITY WE ARE WHAT (AND HOW MUCH) WE DRINK BY DR. MALCOLM HEDGCOCK

Mitshu

hey say that the definition of an alcoholic is someone who drinks more than his doctor. Unfortunately, the true definition is a little more complex than that. Since we’re heading into summer, I thought it would be a good time to discuss the risks and benefits of alcohol intake. Research indicates that gays and lesbians drink more and are more likely to end up with alcoholism than their straight counterparts. There are many theories as to why that might be, but that’s for another column. Most of us are aware of the long-term consequences of alcohol use, such as liver failure and ulcers. However, a few more obscure risks include cancer of the liver, mouth and gastrointestinal tract. There is also the risk of developing depression or anxiety. Some have suggested that the disinhibition that occurs with intoxication could make HIV exposure more likely. We also see problems related to excessive drinking at one sitting. Very often in my practice, I see people who have suffered injuries or accidents while intoxicated and usually the influence of alcohol has been underestimated. I also see many guys who mix alcohol with cocaine or caffeine, which is particularly dangerous, as it increases one’s risk of acute alcohol poisoning—an illness that sends many people to the hospital on a yearly basis in Canada. Even more risky is the mixing of alcohol with other drugs that depress the nervous system, such as GHB or ketamine. Luckily, alcohol does not significantly interfere with many HIV medications, but it can be a cause of forgotten doses. This can definitely affect treatment success. These negative consequences need to be balanced against the benefits of alcohol. Regular intake of small amounts can decrease your risk of heart attack, diabetes and certain types of stroke. There is some bias, though, in the studies that make these conclusions. For example, people who drink

in this pattern tend to eat better, exercise more and are thinner and richer. So moderate alcohol consumption might just be a sign of healthier living in general. The other thing noted in these studies is that the benefits of alcohol are most apparent after 45. Before that age, there is probably very little benefit and yet the risks described above remain. So Canada has developed guidelines to help us decide how much alcohol we can drink in order to take advantage of its benefits while minimizing the risks. They are very clear to point out that certain groups should not be drinking at all: Women who are pregnant; people using medications that interact with alcohol; and, clearly, anyone operating a motor vehicle. They also urge you not to drink if you are suffering from any mental illness or are responsible for supervising someone else. They point out that young people are particularly susceptible to alcohol’s negative effects and so complete abstinence is imperative. If you do decide to drink, the guidelines recommend having two or fewer standard drinks per day to a maximum of 10 drinks per week for a female; for males, they suggest three or fewer drinks per day to a maximum

of 15 per week. Optimally, there should be a minimum of two non-drinking days in a week. We have to remember that these are only guidelines. If you’re older or have a smaller body type, you need to be more conservative. Also, we should be aware of what a standard drink is. For a good review, check the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse website at www.ccsa.ca. Most Canadians under-report the amount that they drink and tend to consume high volumes only one to two times per week. We should all start thinking about these guidelines so that we can enjoy alcohol without putting ourselves at undue risk. . Malcolm Hedgcock is a family doctor in Toronto with a special interest in conditions that are common in the LGBT community. The information contained in this column is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease and in no way should substitute for consultation with one’s own healthcare professional. Send questions or comments about your health concerns to The Doctor Is In at editor@outlooks.ca.

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6/13/2012 9:12:43 AM

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CONFESSIONS OF A DJ THE ART OF MAKING MUSIC FOR DANCING…AND DREAMING BY BRYEN DUNN

first started playing music for friends in my early teens growing up in Bolton, Ontario. I did it mostly because I wanted to listen to music I liked but also to introduce people to music they might not have heard. It was during the days when the emergence of punk, new wave and disco was creating sub-genres alongside classic rock and pop. The whole scene had a parallel in fashion: Most anyone could tell what type of music you might be into by the way you dressed. Although not everyone knew, or even appreciated my music selections, I soon became the “go-to dude” at parties to keep the music playing. I recall the first time I connected two turntables to the same receiver, allowing me to play one song after another without a pause in between. Soon after I had cassette decks connected, a reel-to-reel tape deck player and even a VHS recorder from which I used to record and play back audio tracks. I later bought a MIDI sequencer and keyboard that allowed me to create various effects I could record over the top of other recordings, which, looking back, was my first foray into mixing and DJing. I eventually started getting hired to do private parties, festivals and events around Toronto and playing music at clubs between live

bands. I was doing what I loved to do and getting paid for it! I decided to pursue this avenue further in hopes of perhaps one day being a radio DJ. I enrolled in a Humber College broadcasting course. It taught me more about all parts of radio, beyond just hosting and playing music. I did on-air shifts for the campus station and started hanging out at my favourite commercial radio station, CFNY 102.1 FM. Although the station wasn’t actually looking for an intern, it inherited one. I remember the first time I was allowed to guest live on-air: a Saturday night with “Live Earl Jive.” I was able to choose all my own songs, queue them up and ramble on about why I picked those particular records to play. The on-air personalities would also hit up clubs for “live-to-air” dance-party broadcasts, and I started tagging along and helping out with these, as well. It was my first time being in a real DJ booth at a bar, and it gave me a whole different perspective on what an impact a DJ can have on a room. It became evident that the whole success of the night basically fell upon the DJ, which meant keeping people dancing, buying drinks and, most important, from leaving. I was up for the challenge! Soon after, I realized the full extent of that challenge. When most OUTLOOKS

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people head out, they are looking for a good time, which typically means the fun of shared company, a couple of drinks and letting loose on the dance floor—or moving with the music on the sidelines. No one goes out specifically to see the DJ, unless he’s a superstar. But they do go to hear him. By the end of the night, though, you may be looked upon as a superstar. The booth becomes a magnet for flirtatious requests, drunken sing-alongs and questions starting with “Do you have….” While some DJs lock themselves away, I have always been open to taking requests and often play them, particularly if they go with the flow of the night. Working a solo gig at a bar typically means a three- or four-hour shift. So unless you’re hooked up to a catheter, there’s a good chance you’ll need to use the washroom at some point during the evening. This can be dicey, depending upon where the washroom is, how many people you have to go through to get to it and how long the line is once you get there. The trick is to keep partiers from knowing you’ve left while the music keeps playing. Typically, it’s recommended not to leave the booth without a song of at least five minutes in length—and then be as quick as possible just the same. If DJs are able to exert some control over certain situations, there are other things simply out of our hands. I’m thinking of the many technical difficulties we might encounter, which could be anything from malfunctioning equipment to a power disruption. As soon as the music stops, all eyes inevitably veer toward the DJ booth. So it’s pertinent to get things rolling again as soon as possible. I immediately slip into diagnostic mode to determine where the problem lies. Sometimes it’s the audio format itself that is defective, in which case you immediately flip over to another. I’ve had power bars stop working and had to relocate the plugs directly into the wall. One time I had a CD get locked in the player and could only release it by shutting off the system and rebooting. Once the party is started, you can’t afford silences of two or three minutes—which can seem like an eternity both on the dance floor and in the booth. At that point, you can be pretty much guaranteed the crowd is losing interest, getting restless and eyeing the door. Luckily, the few minor glitches I’ve experienced over the years were resolved before there was a stampede to the exits. Add the great outdoors to technical issues, and you’ve got a whole other challenge on your hands. Creatively speaking, playing an outdoor venue gives you a totally different perspective, especially during the daytime. There’s nothing like the unpredictable forces of nature to keep you alert. I’ve had a few instances in which the outdoor party simply had to stop: Electrical outlets and rain don’t go well together. Then there was the time when the equipment had to be moved out of the sun when my records started warping on the turntables! When I’m asked for advice from aspiring DJs, I’m never at a loss. If playing a venue for the first time, for example, I would highly recommend showing up at least an hour in advance of your set time. It’s even better if you can check out the space from which you’ll be working sometime during the week prior to your actual gig. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the equipment setup, as nearly every place handles this differently. If you bring all your own equipment, you’ll still need to plug into the main system, and this is never guaranteed to go as planned. I can’t recall how many times I’d arrive to find the house equipment in shambles. I would literally have to connect every cord and wire individually to the equipment, speakers and power source. On a good night it’s all about keeping people happy, and that basically means playing music the crowd wants to hear. I have never once

Writer and DJ Bryen Dunn works on just the right music mix.

showed up with a set playlist, yet I know some DJs who do. They stick to that list no matter what happens during the night. I’ve long considered myself a selector rather than a DJ, as I focus more on the songs than the mixing. When I’m booked to play for a particular venue and event, I’ll spend up to a week organizing songs that will go with the theme. Often on my way there, I’ll decide on the song to start off the night with and which one to play when it’s the busiest or slowest. It only takes the right song to fill up the dance floor, and the key is to know which song that is. It should also be noted the same is true for clearing a dance floor! After DJing for several years, I drifted off in other directions before going back to the booth a few years ago. I actually attribute my return to the late Will Munro, one of Toronto’s unsung heroes in the underground, alternative and queer communities. He was known for bringing a motley crew together for partying to a wild mix of musical genres in the most unlikely of places. I went to one of his nights at the Gladstone Hotel just as it was beginning its transition to hip. He encouraged people to bring three songs on vinyl to spin during the evening. I recall his look of amazement when I arrived with the limited-edition seveninch single of Warm Leatherette by The Normal. It was Will’s recognition and wholesome approval that sent me home to dig through my crates and get back on the decks. The reincarnation of DJ Triple-X. Today, you can find me back in the booth now and then, and it remains a passion for me. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many great people. I’ve spun at sex bars and burlesque shows, after-hours parties, corporate events, multiple-music festivals, some of the top-name and no-name bars in Toronto and beyond. I still dabble in radio as one of the hosts of Sex City, heard weekly on Tuesdays at 11 p.m. on CIUT 89.5 FM in Toronto (ciut.fm online). And I spin at “F--- U Fridays,” a monthly event at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre that features rotating guest DJs, erotic performances and live music. I also have a selection of gigs lined up around Pride and North by Northeast. So the next time you’re out and about in the Toronto area, look for me in the DJ booth. Come up and say, “Hi.” I’m still playing the music I love, still taking requests and always willing to be introduced to new tunes and artists. (Additional information is available at themarsbar.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/pages/TX-Productions/100984552111) . OUTLOOKS

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6/13/2012 9:50:36 AM

MINE IN THE SAND Randall Shirley

FIVE FESTIVE BEACHES WHERE GAYS ARE ALWAYS AT HOME

OUTLOOKS

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BONDI BEACH, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. Australians love their beaches, and Sydneysiders (as residents of Australia’s largest city are called) have heaps of choices when it comes to sand and surf. For gay Sydneysiders looking to play some volleyball, splash in the waves or just cruise each other, Bondi Beach is the spot. “It’s incredibly sexy and sunny and there’s a fresh, salty tang in the air, and the sky is an endless pale blue,” says my longtime pal and Sydney local Dominic O’Grady. “When you’re there, you don’t have a care in the world. Jump right in, honey, the water is fine. Oh, and did I mention the Bondi lifesavers? Google them.” I personally found playing in the water at Australia’s beaches a bit daunting—and a great reminder of just how wild Australia actually is. Many beaches have shark nets, and at certain times of year, bluebottle jellyfish can be a problem. Signs will likely alert you to any current dangers, but why not take advantage of a hot “lifesaver” by asking him about current conditions, and stay within his sight! WHERE TO STAY: Dominic suggests the upscale Ravesis on Bondi Beach, which is just across the street from the sunny fun (ravesis.com.au). —RANDALL SHIRLEY LITTLE BEACH, MAUI, HAWAII. Maui’s Little Beach is one of those rare places that make you feel like you’ve truly escaped and joined a joyful bunch of naked castaways. It’s well known, and during holiday periods, don’t be surprised if you run into a familiar face or body part there—it’s happened to me (the face anyway…). The crescent of sandy beach is framed on two sides by impenetrable trees, and on the access end by a reasonably steep bluff separating it from Big Beach, a popular mainstream playground. The Pacific

Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board

hen gay Canadians think of vacation, it seems we often think of beaches. Now that summer is here, you may be planning some beach time close to home (see “Eight Great Canadians”). But this is Canada, and we all know the snow and ice will return before long. So looking ahead, consider a trip to one of the planet’s hottest gay beaches—each with a decidedly different twist and character.

water can be lovely for swimming and a bit of bodysurfing. Like many nude beaches, only a portion of this one is gay, and, of course, that’s the end farthest from the parking area! From most of the hotel, resort and condo areas, reaching this slice of Hawaiian paradise requires a bit of a drive, followed by a short hike. Little Beach is situated on the southeast end of Maui at Makena State Park. WHERE TO STAY: The Maui Sunseeker LGBT Resort, a gay-owned spot in Kihei that gets great reviews, and is about 16 kilometres from Little Beach (mauisunseeker.com). —R.S. IPANEMA BEACH, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL. The famous song about the beautiful girl from Ipanema could just as easily have been written about many of the men who frequent Rio de Janeiro’s finest beach. Ipanema is a huge beach, lined with highrise hotels and apartment towers and offering views of Rio’s signature gumdrop mountains— stretching some four kilometres. Most of the beach is mainstream, but in the middle of it all is Posto 9 (sections of the beach are marked by “posto” numbers), where suddenly it’s gay, gay, gay. Straight folk nearby don’t seem fazed at all. There is plenty of commercial activity around Posto 9, including massage tents, drink vendors and more. The mix of gay sun-worshippers at Posto 9 is as varied as a tropical fruit salad—everything from Brazilian “Barbie” boys, strutting and posing, to American tourists who look a bit over-pumped and wear swimsuits that leave nothing to the imagination. In a nearby swimwear store, I was informed that most Brazilian guys do not wear a Speedo and strut around on the beach; they wear trunks or board shorts over the Speedo, and only take them off to swim in the warm South Atlantic. WHERE TO STAY: The super-swish Fasano Brazil, designed by Philippe Starck, is easy walking distance from Posto 9, and has a dazzling rooftop pool (fasano.com.br). —R.S. SOUTH BEACH, MIAMI, FLORIDA. South Beach, or SoBe as the locals call it, is one of the largest, gayest white sand beaches in North America. The section located at 12th street and Ocean Drive is predominately for the gay boys. All are welcome, though, to lie between the two flag poles that proudly identify the area with rainbow flags

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EIGHT GREAT CANADIANS

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There are many fine gay-friendly Canadian beaches; here are eight noteworthy contenders. Ask locally for directions. And keep in mind that while nudity might be common, in most cases it’s not actually legal. Bare it all at your own risk.

Where the boys are: the curves of Maui’s Little Beach (opening page); nightfall’s drama at Ipanema in Rio (opposite page, left); the hues of Puerto Vallarta (opposite page, right); a colourful lifeguard stand (above) on Miami’s South Beach.

flapping in the wind. The year-round tropical climate almost guarantees great weather and plenty of sunshine to bronze whatever you choose not to cover. Miami hosts many big gay events between November and April, such as the White Party and Sleepless Night in November, Art Basel in December, Winter Party in March and Gay Pride in April. Directly across Ocean Drive from the gay beach, The Palace Restaurant and Bar is known for its potent cocktails and fierce drag queens. Watching the unsuspecting tourists manoeuvre through the sidewalk patio as the “gals” sashay between tables is a sight to behold. WHERE TO STAY: Lords South Beach is a gay-owned boutique property on Collins Avenue, in the hub of the action and just a few minutes’ walk from the beach (lordssouthbeach.com). —BRYEN DUNN BLUE CHAIRS AT LOS MUERTOS BEACH, PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO. From just before Christmas to sometime in January, there are so many non-Mexicans here you can be excused for forgetting you’re south of the Rio Grande. The area is called “Blue Chairs” because the beach chairs there are, indeed, blue, and because the commercial operation that manages the chairs and palapas—and sells you your cerveza and nachos—is called Blue Chairs Resort (they also have hotel rooms). But the crowd is heavily North American, including an often large contingent of Canadians—many of them annual repeaters. Indeed, the Blue Chairs area can feel at times like a family reunion, meat market, beach bar and Mexican souvenir bazaar…all simultaneously. And, according to a regular, the gay-friendly vibe is spreading to other nearby parts of the beach. Los Muertos is not a good swimming beach—the water tends to be rough, and the sand drops off quite sharply into the surf. But hardy gay souls are still seen managing a splash. WHERE TO STAY: Puerto Vallarta has a wide range of gay-owned accommodations. Casa Cupula is a higher-end property recommended by a P.V. regular (casacupula.com). —R.S.

NOVA SCOTIA: CRYSTAL CRESCENT BEACH This Atlantic beach requires you to cross some mammoth rocks. Like many Canadian gay beaches, nudity is common though not legal. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Halifax. PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND: BLOOMING POINT BEACH Some 25 kilometres from Charlottetown on PEI’s north side, this beach’s wide, sandy dunes keep gay revellers happy. NEW BRUNSWICK: KELLY’S BEACH Quite a trek from Moncton, Kelly’s is popular with locals and visitors willing to make the 112 kilometre drive from town. QUÉBEC: OKA PARK BEACH Some 50 kilometres west of Montreal, Oka Park is popular with gay locals. The beach is inside a provincial park on Lac des Deux Montagnes. ONTARIO: HANLON’S POINT With the CN Tower visible in the background, this legal nude beach on Toronto Island remains popular with gay locals and visitors. MANITOBA: BEACONIA BEACH Follow the locals to this beach on Lake Winnipeg, about 70 kilometres north of Winnipeg city. Summer weekends are reportedly busy and fun. SASKATCHEWAN: CRANBERRY FLATS About 10 minutes’ drive outside Saskatoon, this river beach beckons locals and reportedly has warm water in the summertime. BRITISH COLUMBIA: WRECK BEACH It’s among the world’s great, legal nude beaches. Tucked into the coast below the University of British Columbia, Wreck has two “sections,” one is almost entirely gay; the other mixed-crowd. Both fun!

OUTLOOKS

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6/13/2012 9:17:23 AM

Provincetown Tourism Office

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PROVINCETOWN: WHAT’S NOT TO LIKE? FINDING YOUR GROOVE IN AMERICA’S GAY MECCA

BY JIM BROSSEAU

t’s 4 p.m., and the thunderous techno beat heard—and felt—for blocks around announces that tea dance has begun at the Boatslip. The event is one of many rituals in this hedonistic mecca jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. There are gay-friendly resorts, and then there’s Provincetown, at the tip of Cape Cod in the state of Massachusetts. It’s the one community in which non-LGBTs could feel like the outsiders—except that Provincetown’s DNA wouldn’t allow that to happen. In the words of a longtime resident, “If there isn’t already room for everyone here, we make room.” And how. To walk down Commercial Street, the main thoroughfare in P’town (the locals term of choice), is to have landed in some parallel universe in which gays dominate and everyone else plays bit parts. After just minutes, you no longer notice all the same-sex couples holding hands; more serious PDAs can, on occasion, be annoying, just as they are among straights. That comfort of home will be refreshing to first-time visitors, as well as return travellers. The only changes the latter are likely to

find are improvements to the town’s dining, lodging, shopping and entertainment mix. As for the area’s natural beauty, well, how do you improve on nature?

ainters have for generations spoken of the area’s open, Mediterranean-style light. If it provides them with endless fodder for their artwork, it is equally generous with summer’s sun worshippers. Theirs is a beach scene as lively as anything you’d find in Fort Lauderdale during January. That scene tends to be more social at close-in Herring Cove than a few miles away at Race Point. You can also hike on a rocky breakwater or take a five-minute water-taxi ride to Long Point. Nature also shows its stuff, in outsized elegance, through daily whale-watching excursions via the Dolphin Fleet (whalewatch.com). If the beach isn’t your thing—or you’ve simply had your fill of it—you’re in luck. From the farthest reaches of its East End to nearly the tip of its West End, there’s plenty to see and do once you’ve changed out of your Speedo.

OUTLOOKS

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6/13/2012 9:18:06 AM

Provincetown Tourism Office

An arts colony in more than just visitor-bureau hype, Provincetown boasts dozens of galleries and a couple of museums. Amid the tourist-pandering kitsch is some serious work. For one, beloved Canadian gay trailblazer, the late painter Steve Walker, is represented by the Lyman-Eyer Gallery (lymaneyerart.com). The moody, Hopperesque scenes of John Dowd are on display at the William-Scott Gallery (williamscottgallery.com). And the Albert Merola (universalfine objects.com) features works by the late abstract expressionist Fritz Bultman. The East End, where many of the better galleries are concentrated, is also home to the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (paam.org), whose permanent collection includes breathtaking works by such iconic Cape Cod painters as Hans Hofmann. Another museum well worth the visitor’s time is the 100-yearold Pilgrim Monument (pilgrim-monument.org). Patterned after the Torre del Mangia in Siena, the 252-foot-high granite tower can be seen for miles on a clear day. And if you’re game to climb its 116 steps to the top, you’ll be rewarded with the sort of views more commonly seen from airplane windows. Amid the de rigueur T-shirt and taffy shops is a fine selection of boutiques that will make you glad Canadian dollars remain strong in the U.S. The newly opened Shor (shorhome.com), now in a grand house in the heart of town, is a browser’s delight with its pillows, vases and other goods displayed in quaint residential settings. Century (centuryshopper.com), run by New Brunswick-bred René LeBlanc, features a smartly edited selection of home accessories, as well as an extensive and colourful collection of eyewear. Wa (wa harmony.com) offers a sprawling selection of antiques and other Asiaacquired furniture and gifts. For the more economy-minded, Global

The White Wind (clockwise from lower left) affords up-close views of Provincetown parades, formal and otherwise; Bear Week partiers at the Boatslip; Carnival is one of the town’s most anticipated annual events.

Gifts (212 Commercial) a few doors away is an emporium of scarves, boxes, fans and other affordable finds from Nepal and China. Bibliophiles in search of a beach read will lose themselves to the stuffed shelves of Tim’s Used Books (myspace.com/timsusedbooks), set back from the tourist hubbub. Its dusty volumes include everything from $1 paperbacks to rare editions of classics. Speaking of books, it’s worth dropping into the majestic Provincetown Public Library (ptownlib.com) to eyeball and touch the stunning replica of a 66-foot schooner displayed in the very centre of its upper floors.

f foodies could once bemoan the shortage of respectable restaurants in Provincetown, those days are long gone. Last year’s arrival of Boston favourite Ten Tables (tentables.net) came with owner Krista Kranyak’s passion for locally sourced products—including the celebrated oysters of nearby Wellfleet. The most discerning diners have made Victor’s (victorsptown.com) their hangout. But it’s not all show and ’tude: Care is taken in everything from the tapas to the tenderloin (see Food & Drink, page 10). In the East End, such dishes as poached-lobster risotto and almond-crusted cod dazzle at The Mews (mews.com) almost as much as its bayside views. The smart set also gravitates to The Red Inn (theredinn.com), where the water views and cottage-like buildings have for years been the backdrop for same-sex weddings (Massachusetts ap-

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National Pride Tour 2012

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Provincetown Tourism Office

proved gay marriage in 2004). The inn’s fare ranges from Kobe beef mini-burgers to grilled local lobster, served up by a polished staff in starched white aprons. With its just-arrived wine bar, Sal’s Place (salsplaceofprovincetown. com) continues to attract a well-travelled crowd. Set at the water’s edge, this family-run Italian eatery offers pastas and fish delights that never overreach. Its brand of cosy sophistication can also be found a few blocks down Commercial at Jimmy’s Hideaway (jimmyshideaway. com), where spouses Jimmy McNulty and Raife Menold have personality to spare. Outdoor dining (and imbibing) is a friendly affair at the hip slip of a new joint called the Nor’East Beer Garden (206 Commercial). It features 16 brews on tap alone and possibly the most mouth-watering fish tacos in town. (Save room for the cheesecake lovingly made by the young owners’ mom.) And to go with its fine bistro fare and specialty drinks, the Patio (ptownpatio.com) affords some of the best people watching in town.

ightlife in Provincetown? In the summer, it can feel as if the New Orleans French Quarter has relocated in miniature to America’s Northeast. The dance halls include the A-House (ahouse.com) and Club Purgatory (giffordhouse.com), as well as select dances for special themed weekends (pick up a complimentary copy of Provincetown Magazine for the lowdown). Watch for parties on specific nights, such as Wednesdays at the Governor Bradford (312 Commercial), where the controversially named “Fag Bash” is an underground (literally) party where everyone is welcome. For cruising, or watching those who do, the Poarchside Bars (giffordhouse.com) at the

Cocktails at the Red Inn (this page, top); friends frolic in a guesthouse pool and take in a famous Provincetown sunset (above, lower row); a room (opposite page, clockwise from top left) at the recently refurbished Dexter’s Inn; one of the local streetscapes captured by painter John Dowd, a Provincetown favourite; whale-watching in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Cape Cod

Gifford House are always lively. Things are slightly more subdued at the handsome Shipwreck Lounge (ptownlounge.com). The Vault’s (onlyatthecrown.com) low lighting and absence of atmosphere are suggestive of its primary purpose (you’re familiar with the term pick-up joint?). For something far more tame, there’s the Central House of the Crown and Anchor (part of a complex that includes the Vault). There, cabaret standards are sung at the grand piano by local institution Bobby Wetherbee. And at places like Harbor Lounge (theharbor lounge.com) or the beachside deck of Aqua Bar (aquabarptown.com), it’s actually quiet enough to carry on a conversation. Many a night is ended with a longstanding Provincetown ritual: 1 a.m. pizza at Spiritus (spirituspizza.com).

here’s a running Provincetown joke that in summer, every house is a guesthouse. But if that’s not entirely so, what is true is that P’town lodgers have many choices offering much more than a hook for your hat and a washbasin. The newly renovated Dexter’s Inn (dextersinn.com) brings big-city sensibilities to its design and service. Co-owners and partners David Bowd and Kevin O’Shea have tapped their boutique-hotel and interi-

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Provincetown Tourism Office

WHAT’S UP THIS SUMMER Provincetown Tourism Office

Provincetown’s many themed weekends and other summertime events reflect the town’s broad interests and diversity of the LGBT community. A sampling. JULY 4 Independence Day Parade JULY 4TH WEEKEND The so-called circuit boys come to town or-design experience, respectively, and come up with rooms exuding a minimal yet cosy feel (“relaxed, comfortable luxury,” as O’Shea puts it) and concierge-type services rarely found in these parts. Among the other tasteful places to stay is the White Wind Inn (whitewindinn.com), a stately home from which Commercial Street’s colourful hordes—including the summer’s cadre of drag queens—can be playfully ogled from the front porch. Like the Key West version, the Brass Key in P’town (brasskey.com) combines style and comfort (and the pool’s a blessing on days too hot for the stroll to the ocean). The Land’s End (landsendinn.com) elegantly caters to the more conservative visitor (if there is such a thing in P’town) from a hilltop location with the area’s best panoramic views. Down a quiet side street, guests of every stripe bond over breakfast in the homey dining room of the Ampersand (amper sandguesthouse.com). The Prince Albert still has the high ceilings and other touches of the 19th-century house in which it’s located— and sits right across the site of summer’s see-and-be-seen nirvana: daily tea dance at the Boatslip (boatslipresort.com).

eing seen in Provincetown—more a circuit-boy obsession than that of other visitors and natives—entails protocols beyond daily tea and frequent dinners at Victor’s. There’s breakfast at Café Heaven and, anytime of day, taking java on the massive deck of Joe Coffee and Café (joecoffeecafe.com). And there’s only Mussel Beach (musselbeach.net) for those all-important appraisals of fellow Greek godliness. In the end, though, P’town has a way of making just about everyone feel totally with-it—and welcome.

JULY 7-15 Bear Week JULY 28-AUGUST 4 Family Pride Week AUGUST 11-13 Provincetown Jazz Festival AUGUST 16 Carnival Parade SEPTEMBER 1-7 The Great Provincetown Schooner Regatta SEPTEMBER 8 Swim for Life (an AIDS fund-raiser), LAMBDA Car Club Show and Parade SEPTEMBER 20-23 Tennessee Williams Festival GENERAL INFORMATION: PROVINCETOWNCHAMBER.ORG

OUTLOOKS

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SPLASH

DANCE THE SWIMSUITS MAKING WAVES THIS SUMMER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADAM WEBSTER STYLING BY CARLTON ELLIS, GROOMING BY MARK GONZALES MODELS: VLAD TOMA & NICHOLAS COPELAND FOR VELOCCI MARK BELCOURT FOR SUTHERLAND; AND JOHN-PAUL BELANGER

34 OUTLOOKS APRIL 2012

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NEWS

BRIEF: JM

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NEWS

TRUNK: JM

36 OUTLOOKS MONTH 2011

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NEWS

BEACH SHORT: JOE FRESH

OUTLOOKS

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NEWS

TRUNK: H&M

JOHN VARVATOS COAT – FIROZ TAILORED WAX SUIT – FIROZ VIVIENNE WEST WOOD DRESS SHIRT – FIROZ

38 OUTLOOKS MONTH 2011

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NEWS

TRUNK: H&M

OUTLOOKS

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NEWS

TRUNK: H&M

40 OUTLOOKS MONTH 2011

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NEWS

BEACH SHORT: GAP FEDORA: BANANA REPUBLIC

OUTLOOKS

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NEWS

TRUNK: JM

42 OUTLOOKS MONTH 2011

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NEWS

BEACH SHORTS: JOE FRESH WATCH: ALDO

OUTLOOKS

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6/13/2012 9:23:19 AM

ST YLE

The History of… SWIMSUITS BY DEREK DOTTO

Getting ready to take a dip couldn’t be easier as men stripped down to their skivvies or let it all hang out at baths segregated from women.

Men begin fighting to expose their chests, and so the “men’s topper” is invented. The convertible two-piece wool suit allows the wearer to remove the top, at his own risk. He could be cuffed for indecent exposure.

After public nudity is outlawed in many countries, men don a modest wool suit resembling underwear for their aquatic pursuits. The one-piece, short-sleeved and short-legged garment was less than convenient for moving around in the water.

Pre-1800s

1880s

Early 1900s

1917

1920s

1933

1937

The swimwear silhouette shrinks and the familiar horizontal-striped suit has men looking slightly better while affording an increased ease of movement. America intends to keep the beach respectable by implementing its “Bathing Suit Regulations.” Men are forced to wear swimsuits with a skirt to hide their private parts.

Gentlemen are free to show some extra skin after laws barring them from exposing their chests are overturned.

There couldn’t be any finer pastime than a day by the water. As swimming enters the world of leisure, swimwear takes on a more body-conscious appeal, with athletic inspiration.

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ST YLE

North Americans embrace the itsy-bitsy as Speedo starts using nylon and Elastane in its briefs, making the suits feel like a second skin.

Waistlines takes a dip, and men make a bold statement with colour and patterns. “Cabana sets,” consisting of boxer trunks and a short-sleeved shirt, are all the rage. Synthetic fabrics, including Lycra and latex, are used to enhance the fit.

Technological advancements continue to enable competitive swimmers to shave precious nanoseconds from their race times. But it hasn’t been without controversy. Many non-textile swimsuits have been banned by swimming’s governing body.

Gone forever is the top half of a man’s bathing suit. All that remains is the trunk, which is high waisted and incredibly bulky by today’s standards.

1940s

For the second time in 30 years, surf culture washes ashore, this time bringing with it knee-length board shorts.

1950s

1956

1960s

1970s

1990s

2000s

Today

Speedo makes its Olympic debut, outfitting the Australian swim team at the Melbourne Games. The athletes would win eight gold medals, making Speedo a world-famous brand.

Surf-inspired bathing suits become short and square cut, riding the wave of Frankie Avalon’s Beach Party series and the emerging surf culture.

The Brazilian fashion invasion gives us new motivation for getting our beach bodies in order. The South American country’s stable of swimwear designers leave little to the imagination.

OUTLOOKS

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6/13/2012 2:04:02 9:56:04PM AM 4/13/2012

ST YLE

FASHION EXTRA - OH, CANADA! .

If world travel isn’t your thing, consider staying close to home for summer-attire inspiration. In celebration of the time of year marking Canada’s birth, we present some of the best from the country’s ever-growing menswear movement. —DEREK DOTTO 1. This button-up with porcelain buttons by Metsa is piece-died, so every shirt has its own unique shade. There’s no cutting corners with these guys. $150, available at metsadesign.com

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2. Canadian label Joe Fresh, headed by retail guru Joe Mimran, has mastered the art of cheap chic. Case in point: this cotton tee with vintage photo. $12, available at Joe Fresh 3. Vancouver’s Wings+Horns reminds us how hip the West Coast really is. But you don’t have to be heading to Kits Beach to rock these slim cargo shorts. $255, available at nomadshop.net

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4. After some 40 years in footwear, John Fluevog is an institution. The basic oxford, this season in suede, is the tip of the iceberg. $215, available at John Fluevog 5. All of Esency’s jewellery including this leather, calcite and gold-plated brass necklace, is handmade on Toronto’s trendy Queen Street West. $90, available at esency.ca 6. Wilk Watchworks, based in Scarborough, Ontario, exposes the inner workings of time with this skeletonized watch. $950, available at wilkdesigns.com

7. Montreal’s WestGroupe broadens its horizons with Evatik Sunwear, launching a limited line of luxury sunglasses this year, including these mirrored aviators. $235, available at evatik.com 8. Outclass redefines the fusion of workwear into casual attire with such pieces as this belt, made from distressed dead-stock vintage leather. $85, available at outclass.ca

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David Hawe

9. The Hudson’s Bay Company Signature Series, designed by a team in Toronto, pays homage to the retailer’s fur-trading origins with this canvas flatpack with leather detailing. $175, available at the Bay, thebay.com 10. Show your national pride with this vintage-inspired handmade wool flag by Toronto-based 18 Waits. For all you traditionalists, it comes in red, too. $150, available at 18waits.com

OUTLOOKS

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ART_&_CULTURE

Framed: Frederic Staiman TELLING A LIFE’S STORY IN POPS OF COLOUR

ven though Frederic (a.k.a. Scott) Staiman’s art can correctly be categorized as abstract, it’s not quite that simple. “Much of my painting is a quest to convey an abstract representation of something,” says Staiman. That “something”—conveyed in eye-popping colour and Pollock-like splashes—is generally “a concept or idea of or about some aspect of life, perhaps a story about how I’m feeling, or what I’m hearing.” If there’s the suggestion of something peaceful in even the most visually frenzied of Staiman’s works, it’s no accident: “If I have successfully con-

veyed what I was going for, you bet, my soul finds peace, and that’s a great accomplishment.” Success and the artist are anything but strangers. Staiman is the founder, owner and president of Toronto-based Kernels Popcorn, with dozens of branches in Canada and elsewhere. Being “an artist with a business head” has come in handy, since the inability to sell their paintings, sculpture, etc. has prevented many a fine talent from achieving financial security. For his part, Staiman has works gracing rooms on three continents. Though he has painted with acrylics for a quarter century, the artist began in woodworking

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ART_&_CULTURE

and sculpting as a teenager. Whatever his medium, “my art evolves as I learn new ways to do things.” But, he adds, “It’s got to be fast: The last thing I want in my art is any sort of tedium.” The sense of motion pervading Staiman’s canvases makes it difficult to imagine the artist had been bored as his acrylics formed such vivid and memorable shapes. And if time brings predictability to some creative endeavours, it has only been a friend to Staiman’s artistic reach. “It certainly gives me much more to express, but also [the chance] to be more nuanced in the expression thereof,” he says. “At this point of my life…I want peo-

ple to get a jolt of exhilaration from it.” Those people, is seems, aren’t necessarily famous collectors in faraway places. Indeed, when asked what his ideal commission would be, Staiman answers simply: “Painting for my parents and my children, which I do frequently. That’s pretty cool!”

fredericinside.com

The artist: Frederic Staiman

OUTLOOKS

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ART_&_CULTURE

FLASHBACK

Beyond Stonewall

he game-changing 1969 Stonewall riots may have taken place in June (the 28th), but it was what happened the following month that further changed the trajectory of gay rights for all time. On July 9, just steps away from the bar that gave a revolution its name, a group of gay men and lesbians met to form what became the Gay Liberation Front. Within the next year, similar groups sprang up in Canada, the U.K., Australia and several other countries. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s array of anti-bullying and human-rights groups are indebted to the visionaries who did the political heavy lifting on Stonewallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic heels.

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CMY

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