MARCH 2011 | 1
Courtesy of Studio Envogue
Photo Courtesy of Studio Envoguea
Out on The Town Publisher/Editor-in-Chief:
¥ Mike Halterman mike@outonthetownmag.com
Creative Director: Joshua Beadle
Writers:
Tori Mattison tori@outonthetownmag.com
Berneta Haynes berneta@outonthetownmag.com Andrew Stankevich andrewstankevich@hotmail.com James Hare jamesmhare@gmail.com
Sapphire Nicole Rachels sapphirenicole@yahoo.com Zachary Harden
Mackenzie Azrael Suzi Parker
Distribution and Promotions:
Sapphire Nicole Rachels (Panama City, FL/Dothan, AL) Kyle Richardson (Birmingham/Tuscaloosa, AL) Tori Mattison (Jackson, MS) Mackenzie Azrael (Meridian, MS) Debbie Starnes (Northwest Arkansas) Mya Alexander (Hot Springs/Fort Smith, AR) Angela Sullivan Lowe (Little Rock, AR)
Special thanks to Derek Stratton and WERQ Entertainment.
Photo Credits:
Hera Björk photos courtesy of Gassi (photographer) and Ólöf Erla (graphic designer). RuPaul’s Drag Race promotional photos and any use of the RuPaul’s Drag Race logo courtesy of LOGO TV. Harps supermarket photo from Jennifer Huddleston of Mountain Home, AR. OUT ON THE TOWN MAGAZINE is published by OUT ON THE TOWN PUBLISHING, LLC Copyright 2011 Out on the Town Publishing, LLC
Opinions expressed in the pages of Out on the Town Magazine are not necessarily those held by the owners of Out on the Town Publishing, LLC. or its staff. Publication of the name or photograph of any living person or organization in articles or advertising in Out on the Town Magazine shall not be construed or implication made as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organizations. All copy, text, display, photos and illustrations in the ads are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized, have secured proper written consent for the use of names, pictures and testimonials of any living person, and Out on the Town Magazine may lawfully publish said ads. The advertiser automatically agrees by submitting said ad to indemnify and hold harmless Out on the Town Publishing, LLC from any and all liability, loss and expense of any nature out of such publication. The deadline for the monthly release of Out on the Town Magazine is the third Friday of the month at 11 a.m. Central Time for advertising submitted from an outside graphics firm and the third Monday of the month for new advertising made and designed in-house by Out on the Town Magazine (extra fees apply). In the event that an ad is accepted after deadline, the advertiser agrees by submitting such an ad to indemnify and hold harmless Out on the Town Publishing, LLC from any and all liability, loss and expense of any nature that may arise from any error that may be made in said ad. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole of this publication without written permission is prohibited.
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Table of Contents: Tori Mattison’s Lowdown ................................................................................. 8 NEW! Advice Column: How Sapphire Sees It ..................................................... 10 Cover Story: Hera Björk: She Has That Special Something ................................... 14 On TV: Five Questions With Yara Sofia from “Drag Race” ..................................... 18 Louisiana: Hate Crime in Shreveport Leaves Man Hospitalized ............................... 19 Arkansas: What Are Eureka Springs’ “Diversity Weekends”? .................................. 20 Arkansas: Triniti Opens in Little Rock ................................................................ 21 Arkansas: Supermarket ‘Protects’ Shoppers from Gay Dad Elton John ..................... 22 Out and About Photo Spread: B-Bob’s in Mobile, AL ........................................... 23 Mississippi: First GLBT Positive Speaker at Baptist University ................................ 24 Mississippi: Club Veaux Opens in Biloxi ............................................................. 25 Out and About Photo Spread: Bottoms Up in Jackson, MS .................................... 26 Alabama: Party 24/7 at Birmingham’s Quest ...................................................... 28 Alabama: Freedom Rider Speaks Out in Support of GLBTs ................................... 29 Florida: The “Men of Pensacola” Show Off Their Goods for a Good Cause .............. 30 Florida: Does Equality Florida Stand for Northwest Florida? ................................... 31 Bars and Clubs Yellow Pages ......................................................................... 32
Editor’s Note: Hey, y’all! I’m gonna keep this note short because we have a lot of stories in this issue, as you can see by our table of contents! Our cover girl is Icelandic singer Hera Björk, who has made her mark in Europe and wants to burn up our dance floors. Sample her song “Je Ne Sais Quoi” and tell your DJs to put the song into rotation! We are excited about our stories for the next few issues. In April, we will be talking to quite a few drag queens from the LOGO series “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Yara Sofia (profiled on page 18) will be joined by a few of her competitors to talk about their art of performing and what it means to them as people. We’re also excited about our push into Louisiana, which is starting this issue and will be completed in April. We’ve received so many compliments and lots of positive feedback about Out on the Town and it truly means a lot to me. However, this magazine can only continue publishing thanks to our advertisers. For a large part of our readership area, this is the first GLBT magazine that has ever been attempted. So my advice is, if you love reading the magazine each month, implore your friends who have businesses to advertise with us. That’s truly how we can keep the ball rolling and give you fun and fresh content! Pride season is upon us and I can’t wait. If you’d like to help us during this time, feel free to e-mail me at mike@outonthetownmag.com. We’re always looking for more contributors! Sincerely Yours, Mike Halterman Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
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MARCH 2011 | 7
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Tori Mattison’s Lowdown
Oh Girl! March brings us two very exciting holidays; St. Patrick’s Day and Mardi Gras. Both holidays are heavily celebrated in the South, and we have plenty of dragtastic events going on for everyone, so have a seat while I give you the lowdown on what’s going on this month. First off, for those of you who are as hooked on RuPaul’s Drag Race as I am, be sure to take a drive up to Asheville, North Carolina where Scandals is hosting five of your favorite girls from the show! Doors open at 8, where you can drink and socialize with Alexis Mateo, India Ferrah, Stacy Layne Matthews, Yara Sofia and Mariah! Then sit down and watch RuPaul’s Drag Race with the girls, and after that, the girls are gonna put on a fantastic show for everyone. Gag on THAT eleganza! So did you know about India Ferrah’s contest to find her drag daughter? It’s really fab, contestants who think they’re fierce enough submitted photos and videos of themselves in drag. India is hand-picking the contestants, and WE get to vote on who we think are the fiercest. We have all month to vote, and the top 10 will be selected based on our votes. Those 10 will have to strut their stuff in person to see who has that special something, and the winner will be chosen by
India! For more info, check out indiaferrah.net. Arkansas has the Mardi Gras Ball on March 5 at Jesters in Hot Springs, featuring a fantastic show with Mya Alexander and others. Are you itching to throw on a wig and strut your stuff on stage? Well honey, Jesters is hosting amateur talent night on the 26th! Go down and shake it for a chance to win a cash prize. Little Rock is having some fun theme parties planned, so be sure to check out Pulse on Friday nights and Discovery on Saturday nights for some Lady-Boy Spectacular! Alabama has enough excitement to knot your panties this month! Unfortunately, the Yacht Club in Birmingham has closed, but The Quest always makes a big deal out of St Patty’s, with crazy-cheap taps, sexy dancers, contests and prizes. Are you looking for a predominantly college crowd? Icon in Tuscaloosa is where you need to be! The small building makes for an intimate and close gathering of cuties (Especially the doorman! Oh my!) and an atmosphere that makes you want to socialize with everyone. Genesis dominates the stage with her weekly drag shows on Thursdays and Saturdays. I had the pleasure of booking there in February and I had a BLAST! I’ll see y’all again soon... Especially you, Mister Doorman.
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Mississippi’s bar scene has undergone more changes than Cher’s face! I haven’t been mentioning Bottoms Up in Jackson over the past few months because I was incredibly bitter about the management there. At the rate they were going with favoritism, excluding fine talent and atempting to turn certain people against others, I knew they weren’t going to last very long. Well, I wasn’t the only one who had those thoughts, and now Bottoms Up has a brand new owner, Ray, who is doing some amazing things to the bar! Every week, something new has been added, from new lighting, posters, friendlier staff, fun favors handed out at the door... and don’t get me started on the cabaret room! Every Saturday night is dominated by the Bottoms Up Cabaret, featuring Mia Chambers, Syrn Mirage, and a different special guest. I will be making my much-anticipated return to the stage at Bottoms Up on March 19! Aside from Bottoms Up, Dick and Jane’s is still toiling tirelessly to win back the affections of their lost clientele. After years of letting the bar slowly deteriorate, the opening of Bottoms Up drove away 98% of Dick and Janes’ business. After a short period of closing their doors, Dick and Janes reopened for about 2 weeks, then closed their doors in defeat again. There are constant changes being made to the interior of the bar, and
the owner (who is being very secretive) has promised “Something new is coming soon, opening in April.” Good luck guys, I look forward to seeing what you have planned for us! Florida has a lot going on, considering the fact that Spring Break is right around the corner. Panama City is home to Splash - where all the sexy boys go for vacation. March 5 will bring a Mardi Gras party, and St. Patty’s Day will bring GREEN beer specials and prizes. Pensacola peeps, be sure to check out your newest addition to the gay scene, Top of the Town. Friday nights are College Night, so student ID’s get half off! Drag shows are Friday and Saturday nights at 2:30 a.m. and 4 a.m., with the area’s hottest entertainers, featuring the infamous Regine Phillips, who is nationally known for her many talents. Regine has been pleasing crowds since 1994 and has traveled as far as Chicago. You can catch her at B-Bob’s in Mobile, then again at Top of the Town every Saturday. So whether you’re seeking a stack of beads and doubloons or a pot of gold (With a sexy redhead to go with it), March is full of excitement all over the South. Where will YOU be?
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How Sapphire Sees It...
Dear Sapphire, I recently broke up with my long-term boyfriend. I’m considering moving to a different location because I run into him or things that remind me of him everywhere I go. What should I do? -Desperate to Get the Hell Outta Dodge Dear “Desperate”, Plan ahead instead of making such a sudden decision. First, visit the places you’re considering moving to so that you can look into job prospects and housing. Second, let nobody you meet be a stranger! Networking and initiating friendships are key because kicking it to a town where you don’t know anyone is no fun!! Lastly, running from your problems is never a good idea. If you can patch things up where you are now, then great. Leave your options open and if you’re really unhappy, then haul ass and good luck
with your new beginnings! Dear Sapphire, I’m female and I met a male stripper when my friend took me out to the gay bar this past weekend. We flirted with each other all night and he eventually asked me to have breakfast with him when he got off. One thing led to another and now we are talking about dating. However, I’m a little uncomfortable with his occupation. What do you think? -Love at First Lap Dance Dear “Love”, Girl, RUN FAR AWAY! That’s what I think! lol, I’m kidding. But come on, you knew what you were getting yourself into! His shifts run late into the night, he’s always around liquor and a bunch of drunks, and he collects his paycheck from his thong!
I definitely wouldn’t be okay with that. But then again, every relationship is about TRUST. I think you two should have a serious discussion about the obvious hazards of his job and see where you both stand. If you can trust him enough to make his coins, clock out, and come home to cuddle up to you then maybe you can turn a ho into a husband! However, there’s no retirement fund or benefit package (no pun intended) in stripping so it shouldn’t be something he makes a lifelong career! ....and THAT’S how Sapphire sees it!!! ;) Sapphire Nicole Rachels is the show director at Splash Bar Florida in Panama City Beach and a frequent performer at the Dothan Dance Club in Dothan, Alabama. To have your questions answered, please e-mail her at sapphirenicole@yahoo.com
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[ coverCOVER story ] STORY
Hera Björk: She Has That Special Something By Mike Halterman
Icelandic singer Hera Björk (patronymic: Þórhallsdottir) was 16 when she started performing. “Since I was a little girl, I always wanted to be a singer or an actress. I don’t remember thinking about doing anything else as a kid!” Even though she always had confidence in herself, she went to university and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business so she would have something to fall back on. She didn’t need it. Now 38, she has fulfilled her dream of becoming a well-known singer, earning success over the past decade with a string of well-received songs. The two most recent to receive widespread acclaim have been “Someday,” which won the Eurovision Song Contest fans’ “Second Chance” competition in 2009, and the Eurodance hit “Je Ne Sais Quoi,” which transitioned from being Iceland’s song in the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest to a commercially successful dance anthem, which as of press time was ranked #13 on the UK dance charts.
Hera’s talent was nurtured by her mother. “My mother is a singer and through her I got to know this business at a young age. She introduced me to all the big [singers] like Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Patsy Cline, Patti LaBelle, et cetera. I also listened to opera with my grandma and learned to love that genre as well,” she said. As for her personal favorites, she says, “The ones I love and listen to today are George Michael, Joni Mitchell, Lady Gaga, Freddie Mercury, Pink, Prince, Dio, David Guetta and of course the ‘80s hits from my childhood.” This past year, Hera got her chance to network and found a way to debut her sound stateside. “When I was in Oslo last year performing at the Eurovision Song Contest, I met this lovely Norwegian Viking and we instantly became friends. His name is Jarl Haugedal and he was hosting some of the events I was attending. He lives in and owns a fabulous hotel in New Jersey called NYC-JC Apartment Hotel and he invited me over there for a visit. Since then we
have been working together on promoting me and my music in the U.S. I certainly hope that we will hear “Je Ne Sais Quoi” in every gay club in America…it just has that special something that you should enjoy!” What is that special something, exactly? “What I love the most about this song now is all the memories related to it. I have met and worked with a whole bunch of wonderful people all over Europe for the past year and it’s the people around this whole thing that I love. The message of this song goes straight to my core and in my opinion it’s just an honest lyric with a catchy melody…and it just makes me smile.” “All my songs are special to me and they all have a ‘personality’ of their own…they are like friends, sometimes you meet with them all the time and sometimes you need some time apart…but it is always great to meet again,” she said. As to what’s unique about her sound and her presence, Hera tells us, “The only thing I can bring is just myself and my voice along with some great music from my colleagues. I’m not gonna go ‘Gaga’ on you… that’s been done before and there’s plenty of that good stuff going around for us all to enjoy. So all you get is ‘moi.’” A woman who brings a large voice and powerful stage presence, despite coming from one of the world’s sparsely populated countries. “Iceland is a small country with a population of 350,000 in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe.
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This has taught us to fight for our existence and makes us a little tough and honest…even a little crazy sometimes,” she says. “Even though Iceland is small, we are loud and that might be the reason you want to listen [to us].” At the end of the day, Hera is just thankful to be able to do what she loves and make enough to pay the bills, “and indulge myself every now and then with a fabulous pair of shoes,” she’s quick to point out. At the core of her success are her GLBT fans in Europe, and she hopes to be blessed with a similar following in America. “My gay and lesbian fans mean the world to me. I simply love the fact that they like me and listen to my music! Everywhere I go, I meet these wonderful, polite, and smiling queer faces and it’s a crowd I wanna belong to…I’m the biggest ‘gay-wannabe’ ever! And of course like everyone knows, the lesbians and gays are known for their great taste in arts and fashion, so hey…’Heaven, I’m in heaven…and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak…’” “End of Astaire quote,” she says with a smile.
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on tv
Five Questions with Yara Sofia By Mike Halterman It’s winter, and you know what that means: a new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race on LOGO. Many queens will be invading our April issue, but for March, we want to bring you a new feature called “On TV,” in which a TV star answers five questions which will help us get to know them better as individuals. This month we’re profiling Yara Sofia, a hot Latina in the mold of Jessica Wild, who as of press time is still battling it out for the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.” Which famous women personify the word “diva” to you, and do they inspire you in your drag performances? If so, how do they? A few years ago, the word “diva” meant a female who sings opera, so I’m not an opera music fan. However, now, in this era, the name “diva” is a person who is very talented and someone who has charisma and is an inspiration for many others. I really have to say my mother. For me, she is the best diva ever, but the question is all about famous women and I would say Beyonce because she’s so talented. The most important thing is that she didn’t need bad promo or controversy to have a successful career. Also, what I love about her is that she loves what she does and I don’t see her doing it without passion. I don’t impersonate her at all, but I think I’ve been doing the same thing as
her. I love what I do, I feel passion doing drag and I don’t need controversy to get what I want. Describe your favorite outfit and performance. What about them do you like the most? This list is very extended. I can’t choose one! Almost everywhere there’s drag queens, there’s drama. Have you ever been a victim of cattiness and drama at the hands of other queens? And also, have you ever STARTED drama about another queen? I love drama. (Well, I’m a drama student.) But if you are talking about drag drama, I would say that at the beginning, I hated it. I realized though that it is part of our lives. It’s not just in this drag world, it’s everywhere. However, I learned something very important. The day you don’t hear anything about you or if nobody is talking about you, then you are death! Barbra Streisand said, “I could be criticized, but never forgotten.” What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to things you don’t like about other drag queens you’ve seen perform? Do you ever think, “Oh, I wish I could fix this about their performance”? No, no and no. Each performer is an artist. She expresses her feelings, thoughts, opinions and I
respect that. Well...if I see something that wasn’t intentional, I would say, “Gurl, put yourself together!” How do you think you’ve touched the lives of others by being a drag performer? I’ve been doing this because I love to do it and for me people’s love is priceless. I dedicate time to reply to their messages and I think they feel great because I personally thank them. I show them my human side because I love what I do and I give them advice. Performing as a drag queen, I become a ‘social worker’ for them. Just because I’m part of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ it does not mean that I am better than others. No, no, it’s not true. A person asked me once, “Why are you answering me? Not too many [queens] do it,” and my answer was, “Because you took the time to write me. Why can’t I do the same? I’m not better than you and you are not better than me!” Every person is important. And as long as I can, I will answer every message and talk to followers. Without a doubt, I’ll do it. I’m standing because of them.
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LOUISIANA
n i e m i r Hate C e h T : t r o p e v e r h S n o t l u a Ass s g g a k S John
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By Zachary Harden
This past month, a man was assaulted at a nightclub in the downtown district of Shreveport. The victim of the assault, John Skaggs, 52, was struck once in the face by a pool cue stick; the end of the pool cue caused a broken eye socket and a broken jaw. The person accused in the assault of Skaggs, William Payne, was held by the security of the Sandbar nightclub until police arrived on the scene. The motivation of the crime, according to club owners, was because of his sexual orientation. According to Tim Huck, the owner and manager of Sandbar, Skaggs made no contact of any kind with Payne while at the club. Payne was described by Huck as “swinging [the pool cue] like a baseball bat” and made several aggressive stances at Skaggs. After the assault, Skaggs was taken to the LSU Health Science Center and initially listed under serious condition. Skaggs, whom Huck considers a friend that comes to Sandbar and
does not bother anyone, will need to have “some pretty serious reconstructive surgery” according to Huck. Payne was initially charged with battery, but now the charges have been upgraded to second degree attempted murder. When making the change with the charges, the prosecutors looked at the evidence of the assault. According to the police, witness stated that threatening comments were made by Payne towards Skaggs. Sandbar also provided the police with video surveillance, which showed the larger Payne breaking the cue stick over Skaggs’ face. Huck also believes that it is the video tape that has changed the nature of the crime and it has been upgraded to a hate crime. Skaggs, as the time of this report, was released from the hospital and is recovering at his home. Because of the assault, there was a heavy outpouring of support from the community. In response to this, Skaggs stated, “I appreciate everybody’s love and support.” MARCH 2011 | 19
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ARKANSAS
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Diversity Weekend
Every year during the fall, spring, and summer the little town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas hosts a Diversity Weekend that attracts droves of GLBT people from Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Missouri. It has even attracted people from as far away as Kansas and Florida. According to Deb Starnes, organizer of the weekends, “literally thousands of people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and, yes, even openminded straight people flock to Eureka Springs on Diversity Weekends. Why wouldn’t they? This little hamlet in the Ozarks is known for welcoming everyone with open arms.” Indeed, Eureka Springs is known as a progressive place, where visitors will find rainbow flags flying throughout the year all across town. Many of Arkansas’ artists and musicians call Eureka Springs home. The Diversity Weekends, therefore, are a natural extension of the town’s progressive culture. So, what is a Diversity Weekend? “Diversity Weekends first started in the 1990s as a discreet, word-of-mouth weekend party. After several years, a local nightclub owner took over the organization and made it a more public event,” said Starnes. Now, the local bar owners plan “special events, shows, or live music geared toward the GLBT community.” Some of the hotels offer “Diversity Rates.” Various shop owners offer special merchandise and discounts for the
By Berneta Haynes
weekend. Essentially, the event happens all over Eureka Springs. The Diversity Weekends have a cemented place in Eureka Springs’ culture and economy. Still, what the heck comprises a Diversity Weekend? A weekend might include a gallery stroll, Cemetery Tour and local hotel “ghost tours” during the fall or a tour of the area’s lakes in the summer. Or a visitor might join the Diversity Bikers for a Saturday morning motorcycle ride. Special events have included book signings, kite flying, and pool and lake parties. Each activity is gay-friendly and supportive of the local artists and gay-owned shops and galleries. When can you go? Soon! The next Diversity Weekend is April 1-3, 2011. Some events scheduled include a drag show, Diversity Bikers, live music at New Delhi Café, a dance party at Henri’s Just One More, as well as a mixer at Pizza Bar. In the words of Starnes, “Thousands of our GLBT community in one relaxing, beautiful, progressive town, on one weekend, able to be who they are, love who they will, and have a blast! Why wouldn’t you come to Diversity in Eureka Springs?” ________________________________________ Visit www.outineureka.com for a full schedule of events, lodging information, and general GLBT travel information for Eureka Springs.
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[ Arkansas ]
Triniti Opens in Little Rock By Berneta Haynes
“We’ve managed to survive through all the social and political upheavals in the city. I hope we survive for many more years,” said Norman Jones, when asked about Triniti, a bar in Little Rock, Arkansas that caters to an alternative lifestyle. Jones owns Triniti bar, as well as Discovery, Pulse, and 610. Each bar has a unique atmosphere, but when asked what sets Triniti apart, Jones noted the history, the community service, and the variety of atmospheres that customers find at Triniti. Triniti, located at 1021 Jessie Road in the downtown area, began as Backstreet twenty years ago. Jones mentioned one of the first experiences of discrimination the bar encountered. “We were sitting in the bar and the state police came in, checked everyone’s I.D., and pushed me aside. They wore black gloves. I guess they thought you could catch homosexuality. Afterwards, I went straight to the
government officials and told them, ‘you will never do this to me again. You will never embarrass me again’.” He noted that he has never since had a similar problem and that he has been an active voice in Little Rock politics. Since it’s opening in the late 1980s, the bar has adapted to the modern era. “I decided to change the name, update, and modernize the bar,” said Jones, noting that his decision was influenced by the advice and desires of his customers. Backstreet, new, remodeled, and with a shiny new name— Trinity—just opened in late January. The bar attracts a majority GLBT crowd in the 21-35 age group. A night at Triniti offers a range of entertainment: live entertainment and bands in one room, hip-hop music and drag shows in another room, and general dancing and music in the next room. On every other Saturday, the
bar hosts an event catered to Little Rock’s lesbian crowd. Different events have included all-female live music shows, all-female strip shows for the ladies, and lesbian dance parties. Triniti makes sure to give back and support its customers. For instance, some drag queens at Triniti have formed a group called Helping People with AIDS, which provides financial assistance to people living with HIV and AIDS. In the past, the queens have helped individuals pay bills or pay for medication. Triniti is, quite simply, a beacon in Little Rock. As Jones stated, it provides everything a person needs in a bar…and more. If you are in town and looking to have a nightclub experience, stop by Triniti and shake your groove thang! Your groove shaking will ensure that Triniti survives for many more years.
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ARKANSAS
GLBTs in Arms After Harps Protects Shoppers from Elton John and His Baby By Suzi Parker
The rural South never ceases to amaze. Case in point: Mountain Home, Ark. Harps, a grocery store chain in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri, which recently faced controversy in its Mountain Home store when it placed gray “family shields” over copies of the Us Weekly magazine. Printed on the shields were the words: “To protect our young shoppers.” Why? It featured Elton John, his partner, David Furnish, and their new adopted son. The theory: A gay family didn’t set well with shoppers in north Arkansas. The news may have never gotten reported if it hadn’t been for local resident Jennifer Huddleston who snapped a photo of the shield and posted it on Plixi. She then followed that by tweeting to The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against
Defamation (GLAAD), the ACLU, Anderson Cooper, Kathy Griffin and Ellen DeGeneres. The story soon exploded online, and Harps released a statement and pulled the shields. “Our true intention is not to offend anyone and this incident happened at just one of our 65 locations, which when brought to our attention, we reversed,” Kim B. Eskew, Harps president and COO. Randi Romo, director of the Center for Artistic Revolution in Little Rock, a non-profit dedicated to fairness and equality for all
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Arkansans, says, “Families come in all kinds of configurations and yes, sometimes that means they consist of same-sex couples raising their children. Many same-sex families live right here in Arkansas. The last census showed that there are same-sex couple households living in every single county in Arkansas.” _____________________ Suzi Parker, based in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a journalist, author and blogger, well-known for her book Sex in the South: Unbuckling the Bible Belt. She is a frequent contributor to Politics Daily. Visit her website at www.suziparker.com
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OUT AND ABOUT: B-Bob’s
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MISSISSIPPI
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First Ever GLBT Positive Speaker at an MS Baptist University By Andrew Stankevich In the spring of 2007, when gay Christian activists from Soulforce came to pray and pass-out literature advocating tolerance for LGBT students at the undergraduate campus of the conservative Mississippi College, the local Clinton Police Department had their SWAT truck waiting in anticipation for the small group of non-violent young adults. When the Soulforce activists stepped onto MC’s property, the police arrested them for trespassing. After the arrests, the activists alleged that the local police followed them around and harassed them, telling them to “leave town.” When I enrolled in the Mississippi College School of Law in the fall of 2009, I had no notice of the school’s anti-gay policies. I didn’t think that I would be treated so badly at a Christian law school, after all, I was recently confirmed in the Metropolitan Community Church, a Protestant Christian denomination. When I asked about starting an on-campus organization to promote the discussion and learning of legal issues for GLBT people, one of the deans wrote me a letter saying that the Mississippi Baptists would not allow such an activity on campus. The dean verbally told me that I was not allowed to say anything “gay-positive” on campus outside of the classroom.
After a year of misery and abuse at the hands of the staff and the other students, I filed a complaint with the American Bar Association, which accredits law schools, and MC Law changed their tune. On Feb. 3rd, Cliff Johnson, a local attorney and partner from a small law firm, and Greg Nevins, a Lambda Legal attorney from the Atlanta office, spoke at MC Law about litigating on behalf of GLBT people in Mississippi and the injustices that GLBT people face. MC Law even paid for Pizza Shack, a local, gay-owned restaurant, to provide gourmet pizza for the event. Approximately 30-40 students showed up and the Mississippi ACLU staffers graced MC Law with their presence. After the presentation, one of the conservative Christian students emailed me to tell me that the presentation convinced him to accept GLBT people as a class that legitimately faced discrimination.
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[ Mississippi ]
Gulf Coast Prepares to Welcome New Club By Mackenzie Azrael
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is preparing to welcome its newest establishment Club Veaux. They have been spending the last few weeks finalizing construction, painting, decorating, and preparing for their health inspection. Work which was done solely by a small handful of people wanting to see the Club succeed. The inspiration behind Club Veaux comes from the Vieux Marche area in Biloxi. The quaint neighborhood offering some of the oldest architecture in Biloxi inspired by the club owner Billy Barton. He has been on the Gulf Coast for many years and is looking forward to this new venture. Club Veaux will be opening at 834 Howard Avenue and will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They hope to have a nice neighborhood bar where people can come by, have a drink, and hang with friends and enjoy a good time and great music. While they are still in the planning phase, they do plan on having karaoke, pool tables, and bi-weekly drag shows featuring some great entertainment with some big names to the Gulf Coast. Show Director Nikki Andrews says that, “I am looking forward to working with the lovely ladies of the Gulf Coast. I know many of them personally and am looking forward to renewing old friendships and beginning new ones.” The Club will hold its “soft opening” on February 25th. Upon completion of their health inspection they will apply for a liquor license. While Club Veaux says they regret the delay, that it was unavoidable as they dealt with all of the remodeling and construction themselves, which took longer than originally anticipated. When asked what type of atmosphere they hope to offer that you can only find at Club Veaux, Andrews gave a refreshing answer. “We are hoping to have a club that will make EVERYONE feel welcome and like they can come out and just be themselves. I just want everyone to come out, let your hair down and have a fantastic time. The entire staff and management of Club Veaux are excited to get started on this new venture and to get to know the people of the Gulf Coast!” MARCH 2011 | 25
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OUT AND ABOUT: Bottoms Up
photos taken at Bottoms Up in Jackson.
26 | OUT ON THE TOWN | THE DEEP SOUTH’S HOTTEST GLBT MAGAZINE
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ALABAMA
The Quest: An Eccentric and Eclectic Birmingham Institution By Tori Mattison
Just past 5th Avenue in Birmingham, on 24th Street, is a gray building with a small blue sign above the door. Every space in the small gated parking lot is full of assorted cars and, even in freezing weather, shirtless guys in glittery makeup are running from a second parking lot across the street, while a drag queen in a fitted sequin gown lags behind. From the back of the building, a long line of excited guests has formed, spreading halfway into the parking zone. The entire building seems to pulse with the beat of the music inside. As the building
grows closer, the sign above the door comes into focus. It’s Saturday night at 12 a.m. and we are at The Quest!
where image sometimes overtakes all other senses, it’s refreshing to see a “bear” making out with a “twink.”
The Quest has been open for over 30 years, and because it is a private establishment, it is able to stay open 24/7. Membership cards are required for entry, but membership is attainable at the door, which is as easy as filling out an information slip and showing your ID. People 19 and up can enter Wednesday through Sunday, but Monday and Tuesdays are for clubgoers 21 and up.
Past the main bar and down a dark hall is the dancefloor; a square of wood flooring lined with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and surrounded by benches. Another bar is prepped with an attractive shirtless guy pouring shots for a bachelorette party who “Came just for the drag show!” Blinding lazers sweep over the intoxicated crowd, and the body-jolting music makes for an almost out of body experience. The evening changed into the morning entirely too quickly, and we found ourselves squinting into the sunlight as we left the still-crowded bar.
The entrance is in the back of the building, which leads to a large room with a square bar. Pool tables are set up and dimly-lit faces concentrate on the corner pockets. Friendly bar staff busily pour drinks while eager patrons grab colorful liquids and hurry off into a dark corner. There is something very upbeat and exciting about the atmosphere. In a community
Music, drinking, dancing, drag queens, and socializing. For 30 years, The Quest has been on top of Alabama’s gay entertainment industry, and I can definitely see why. Thumbs up, guys!
28 | OUT ON THE TOWN | THE DEEP SOUTH’S HOTTEST GLBT MAGAZINE
[ Alabama ]
50 Years Later, Freedom Rider Speaks Out in Support of Civil Rights for GLBT People By Mike Halterman
One of the Freedom Riders, who brought the Civil Rights struggle in the faces of the white establishment back in 1961, talked to an alternative newspaper this month and expressed his support for the GLBT rights struggle. John Lewis, who is a Democrat representing Georgia’s 5th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, spoke to the newspaper Boulder Weekly while in Colorado promoting the documentary Freedom Riders at the Boulder International Film Festival. The interviewer, David Accomazzo, asked Rep. Lewis if he believed that there were parallels to be drawn between the Civil Rights struggle black people endured in the 1950s and 1960s and the current struggle for GLBT rights. Rep. Lewis said, “Oh yes, discrimination is discrimination. That’s why I have taken such a strong stance. How can you be quiet when you fought to end discrimination based on race and color? You have to stand up and speak out and speak up and be involved in a struggle against discrimination based on sexual orientation.” Rep. Lewis, who grew up in Troy, Alabama, endured 40 days in jail as punishment for the Freedom Rides, and also was the victim of a beating by a KKK member in Rock Hill, South Carolina. In 2009, in a nationally publicized event, one of the men who beat Lewis back in 1961 asked to meet with him in Washington to give him a formal apology
for the assault. Rep. Lewis accepted. When asked if he felt the apology was genuine, Rep. Lewis said, “By all means. That’s what the movement was all about, to build a sense of family and move towards reconciliation. We were not out to hurt anyone; we were not out to destroy anyone. We were out to be reconciled.” Speaking out further about his support of GLBT rights and gay marriage as the new civil rights struggle of our time, Rep. Lewis said, “As Dr. King said during another period during the ’50s and ’60s, when people would ask him should blacks and whites get married, he said, ‘Races do not fall in love and get married. Individuals fall in love and get married.’ No state or no government should tell a person who they should fall in love with or get married to.” Rep. Lewis also believes that despite vocal opposition, especially in the South, that gay marriage will inevitably be law. “I think we will laugh at ourselves, the same way we laugh today and say oh, well that’s so silly to discriminate against people because of their race or color or nationality. Another generation will be saying, why did we do that? What was that all about, to put people down or to discriminate against someone because they are gay or lesbian?”
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FLORIDA
The Men of Pensacola Calendar: A Source of Pride for Pensacola By James Hare
At the age of 23, Christopher Peterson moved from Minneapolis to Pensacola, where he worked as a bartender at Emerald City. “Here in the Bible Belt, I have seen many people struggle with their sexuality,” writes Peterson in an interview with Out on the Town.“Working at a place like Emerald City and watching people feel comfortable and safe to be themselves can be a pretty great feeling.”Peterson, now 30, considers the community in Pensacola to be “very tightknit,” and indeed, he identifies Pensacola as his home, and his friends as a part of his family. To give back to the community, he had been considering an idea: a calendar highlighting the men of Pensacola. Yet what really got the calendar off the ground was Congress’ vote to repeal don’task-don’t-tell last year. “Seeing just how much it meant to these guys and girls locally who are serving our country, and what a big step forward it is for the gay community as a whole, it definitely inspired me. So I got off my butt, opened up my own business, and started gathering the resources together to put this together, and in a very big way. I feel it to be a perfect way to creatively give the gay community here town a little something more to be proud of,” said Peterson.
Photography. “Some people have speculated that this will be adult themed,” remarked Peterson, “but I am looking for these guys to be showcased in a tasteful yet sexy way.” With the voting having closed on February 28, the photo-shoots are taking place now through mid-April. To check out the photos and models, become a fan of “The Men of Pensacola: An Editorial Calendar” on Facebook. The calendar will be sponsored by only gayowned, gay-operated, or gay-friendly businesses in the area. “The gay business owners have helped build this community to what it is today, and I want to showcase them.” Around two thousand copies of the calendar will be printed and sold at local businesses, including Emerald City, The Cabaret, and The Roundup, as well as online and at beaches during Memorial Day weekend. While the sponsors help fund the calendar’s publication, the calendar also works to promote the businesses in Pensacola which have helped make the GLBT community what it is. Proceeds for the calendar will go toward the Equality House, operated by the Gay Grassroots of NW FL. Gay Grassroots has organized pride event, offers free HIV testing, and raising awareness of the GLBT community. Current efforts include promoting the creation of gay-straight alliances in high schools and providing housing for gay youth who are experiencing troubles at home. If this calendar is successful, what is in store for the future? “If all goes well, I hope to do another calendar featuring the ladies of Pensacola, to start production in August, to be on sale by Christmas, and to do them both again next year!”
The models for the 18-month calendar were voted on through Facebook. Of 30 nominees, the top 18 will receive a free professional photo-shoot through Jesus Nieves
30 | OUT ON THE TOWN | THE DEEP SOUTH’S HOTTEST GLBT MAGAZINE
[ Florida ]
Does Equality Florida Stand for Northwest Florida? By James Hare
According to the banner on the top of their website, Equality Florida exists for a number of reasons: “because no one should lose their job for simply being gay,” “because gender stereotypes hurt everyone,” “because the law fails to protect my family.” Nadine Smith, the founder of Equality Florida, has been campaigning for equality since her days as a college student at the University of South Florida in Tampa. While in Tampa, she successfully campaigned for a local human rights ordinance. Once other communities sought Smith’s help for local protection in their towns, she decided that a local organization was needed for statewide change. “At that time there was no one in Tallahassee raising the issues crucial to the LGBT community. We formed as a statewide resource to local organizing and as a focus grassroots lobbying voice in Tallahassee,” wrote Smith in an interview with Out on the Town. One major accomplishment for Equality Florida was their successful campaign for a statewide anti-bullying bill after years of outreach campaigns. “Because of that unified effort,” wrote Smith, “the vast majority of students now go to school in districts that have sexual orientation protections, and increasingly, gender identity is also included. We changed the conversation about bullying from a ‘boys will be boys’ dismissal of the issue to a legislative priority. Passage of the bill was a huge first step.” The bill passed in 2008.
But does Equality Florida reach out successfully to Northwest Florida? Since Equality Florida concentrates on getting work done through the state’s capital, the change achieved there has an effect on the entire state. For instance, every school district in the state is required to have an antibullying policy which includes protection for GLBT students. Some of the strongest protections for GLBT students are, in fact, in Northwest Florida, including Okaloosa, Gadsden, and Madison. Equality Florida also recently opened an office in Gainesville, one of the most progressive cities in Florida. However, Smith has indicated an interest in building a team in Panama City. Those who are interested in being a part of the leadership team should contact her at nadine@eqfl.org. If you are interested in getting more involved with Equality Florida, you can sign up for their mailing list at EQFL.org and stay informed about issues and events important to Florida’s GLBT community. You can also take the short ride to Tallahassee for Equality Florida Lobby Days 2011 on March 28 and 29; attendees in past years have traveled as far as eight hours to attend. You can also phone bank through EQFL.org; you can phone bank from home as long as you have a phone and Internet connection.
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BARS & CLUBS
YELLOW PAGES
Florida:
Gabriel’s Downtown 55 S. Joachim St. Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 432-4900
Al’s on Seventh 2627 7th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 (205) 321-2812
The Midtown Pub 153 S. Florida St. Mobile, AL 36606 (251) 471-5090
Our Place 2115 7th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 (205) 715-0077
Bacchus 455 Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 445-4099
Quest 416 24th St. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 (205) 251-4313
Club Imagination 4129 Ross Clark Cir. Dothan, AL 36303 (334) 792-6579
The Bus Station 710 N. Boundary Blvd. Montevallo, AL 35115 (205) 665-5353
Dothan Dance Club 2563 Ross Clark Cir. Dothan, AL 36301 (334) 792-5166
Partners Bar and Grill 631 Meridian St. N. Huntsville, AL 35801 (256) 539-0975
Alabama:
Club 322 322 N. Lawrence St. Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 263-4322
Vieux Carré 1204 Posey St. Huntsville, AL 35816 (256) 534-5970
B-Bob’s 213 Conti St. Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 433-2262
Icon 516 Greensboro Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 345-3820
The Cabaret 101 S. Jefferson St. Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 607-2020 The Roundup 560 E. Heinberg St. Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 433-8482 Emerald City 406 E. Wright St. Pensacola, FL 32501 (850) 433-9491 Fiesta Room La Royale Lounge 100 Harrison Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 763-1755 Splash Bar Florida 6520 Thomas Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 236-3450
NOTES: ______________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________
32 | OUT ON THE TOWN | THE DEEP SOUTH’S HOTTEST GLBT MAGAZINE
Mississippi: Just Us Lounge 906 Division St. Biloxi, MS 39530 (228) 374-1007 Bottoms Up 3911 Northview Dr. Jackson, MS 39206 (601) 362-8818 JC’s 425 North Mart Plaza Jackson, MS 39206 (601) 362-3108 Metro Reloaded 4670 Highway 80 W. Jackson, MS 39209 (601) 259-0661
Arkansas:
Sway 412 Louisiana St. Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 907-2582 Sidetracks 415 Main St. North Little Rock, AR 72114 (501) 244-0444 Jester’s 1010 E. Grand Ave. Hot Springs, AR 71901 (501) 624-5455 Club Kinkead’s 1004 1/2 Garrison Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72901 (479) 494-7477 The Chute 714 Laurel St. Texarkana, AR 71854 (870) 772-6900
Discovery/Triniti 1021 Jessie Rd. Little Rock, AR 72202 (501) 664-4784 (501) 664-2744
Tangerine 21 N. Block Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 444-6100
Pulse 307 W. 7th St. Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 374-3552
Henri’s Just One More 19 1/2 Spring St. Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (479) 253-5795
610 Center 610 Center St. Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 374-4678
Eureka Live 35 1/2 N. Main St. Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (479) 253-7020
Lumberyard Bar & Grill 105 E. Van Buren St. Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (479) 253-0400
Louisiana: Central Station 1025 Marshall St. Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 222-2216 The Korner Lounge 800 Louisiana Ave. Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 222-9796 Corner Bar 512 N. 3rd St. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 329-0046 Club Pink 1914 Roselawn Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 654-7030 Olympus Bar 4003 MacArthur Dr. Alexandria, LA 71302 (318) 442-6735 Uniques Bar 3217 Industrial St. Alexandria, LA 71301 (318) 448-0555
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BARS & CLUBS
YELLOW PAGES
Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 433-5457 Jules Downtown 533 Jefferson St. Lafayette, LA 70501 (337) 264-8000 Tonic 2013 Pinhook Rd. Lafayette, LA 70501 (337) 269-6011 Cajun Cove 4550 Concord Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 246-8317 George’s Place 860 Saint Louis St. Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (225) 387-9798 Hound Dogs 668 Main St. Baton Rouge, LA 70801 (225) 344-0807 Splash 2183 Highland Rd. Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (225) 242-9491 Drama Club 126 N. Hollywood Rd. Houma, LA 70364 (985) 580-2582
4 Seasons/The Out Back Bar 3229 N. Causeway Blvd. Metairie, LA 70002 (504) 832-0659 Billy’s 2600 Hwy. 190 West Slidell, LA 70460 (985) 847-1921 700 Club 700 Burgundy St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 561-1095 Big Daddy’s 2513 Royal St. New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 948-6288 Bourbon Pub & Parade 801 Bourbon St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 529-2107 Café Lafitte in Exile 901 Bourbon St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 522-8397 The Corner Pocket 940 St. Louis St. New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 568-9829 The Country Club 634 Louisa St. New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 945-0742
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Cutter’s 706 Franklin Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 948-4200 Double Play 439 Dauphine St. New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 523-4517 The Friendly Bar 2301 Chartres St. New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 943-8929 JohnPaul’s 940 Elysian Fields Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 944-1888 Le Roundup 819 St. Louis St. New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 561-8340 Good Friends Bar 740 Dauphine St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 566-7191 Napoleon’s Itch 734 Bourbon St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 371-5450 Oz 800 Bourbon St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 593-9491
Phoenix/Eagle 941 Elysian Fields Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 945-9264
Starlight by the Park 834 N. Rampart St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 561-8939
Rawhide 2010 740 Burgundy St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 525-8106
NOTES: ________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________
Rubyfruit Jungle 1135 Decatur St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 373-5431 Orlando’s Society Page 542 N. Rampart St. New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 593-9941
Tubby’s Golden Lantern 1239 Royal St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 529-2860
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36 | OUT ON THE TOWN | THE DEEP SOUTH’S HOTTEST GLBT MAGAZINE