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Out on the Town Editor’s Note: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Mike Halterman
Creative Director: Joshua Beadle
Writers: Tori Mattison, Berneta Haynes, James Hare, Leigh Ann Hoover Photo Credits: Eureka Springs cover photo by Chris Litherland. Anine Stang photo by Bjorn Myreze. Miss Arkansas USA 2011 Lakynn McBride photo by Fadil Berisha. Special Thanks to: Thanks to Jarl Haugedal for coordinating Anine Stang interview. Thanks to the Miss Arkansas USA and Miss Arkansas Teen USA organization for allowing us to interview Lakynn McBride. Our NEW website! www.outonthetownmag.com.
Hey y’all! Our cover story chronicles our trip to the idyllic gayfriend haven of Eureka Springs, located in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas. I had heard from so many of our readers that they had not known about Eureka Springs before we had featured them in past issues of the magazine, so I wanted to see what this place was about for myself. I was so won over that...we’re moving there. That’s right, the August 2011 issue will be the last one we produce in Florida. We are relocating to Arkansas just in time for our one-year anniversary. We’re expanding our advertising base, we’re finetuning our quality, and we’re getting noticed far and wide; we were actually quoted in the July 7 print issue of the worldwide current affairs magazine The Economist! How cool, huh? People around the WORLD read that, and there we were! Our first anniversary issue is coming next month... you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what we’re bringing to the table!
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Respectfully Yours, Mike Halterman
Table of Contents:
Tori Mattison’s Lowdown ................................................................................................... 8 Cover Story: Our Trip to Eureka Springs Arkansas ................................................................. 12-15 In the Studio: Anine Stang .................................................................................................. 18 Local Notables: Miss Arkansas USA 2011 Lakynn McBride ........................................................... 19 Stacey Campfield’s Struggle Against Saying “Gay” ................................................................... 22 Fundamentalist Churches Dip Into Anti-GLBT Politics .......................................................... 24-25 Mike Beebe’s Comments to the AR Stonewall Dems: Do We Accept It? ........................................ 26-27 Bars and Clubs Yellow Pages ........................................................................................ 28-31 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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of these ladies for different reasons, and felt the need to mention them both. Tierra captivates me because she’s been in the biz for so many years, yet still keeps herself so beautiful and modern. I admire Genesis for being so competitive and refusing to accept anything other than perfection. I love you both!
Tori Mattison’s
LOWDOWN Can you believe that I’ve been writing for you bitches every month for almost an entire year? What a mess! We’ve been through it all; we’ve laughed, we’ve cried, and we’ve talked a lot of trash about a LOT of queens. I sat down the other day and read through every magazine to feel a little nostalgic, and I can’t believe how much change has occurred -- with my articles as well as the entire magazine. It took me a while to figure out exactly how I wanted to commemorate an entire year of you all putting up with me. Well, what better way to celebrate than to mention my favorite drag queens from the year’s past articles -- as a complete surprise. Florida was really a nobrainer for me: Sapphire Nicole Rachels! Sapphire is my favorite Florida queen because it’s rare to see someone so beautiful stay so grounded.
I’ve worked alongside her at Splash and enjoyed our conversations backstage, where she confessed to me that she wasn’t always as nice as she is today: “Oh there was definitely a time when I had a nasty attitude, but I realized that it was getting me nowhere fast! Humbling myself was the best decision I’ve ever made.” Louisiana is home to many fabulous and nice entertainers, but who holds (and keeps) my attention is Miss Bambi Bextor from Houma. I haven’t had the honor of working with Bambi, but I’ve seen her onstage many times, and have had many chances to chat with her. I admire Bambi because she’s genuine and she makes me laugh without forcing myself to do so. Alabama was really a tie between Tierra Stone from Huntsville and Genesis from Tuscaloosa. I admire both
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Arkansas is an amazing state with a gay-friendly vibe and many amazing cabarets. Little Rock is home to Norma Kristie, who is a landmark in the gay community. Norma was the first crowned Miss Gay America in 1973, and was the owner of the pageant system from 1974-2005. She is my favorite Arkansas queen because she’s one of the most successful and professional “classic” queens that I’ve ever met, and I aspire to be like her someday! And last -- but not least -- we go to my state, Mississippi, where I have several favorite drag queens (Tanisha Foxx, Syrn Myrage...), but I want to bring your attention to a newcomer that is heading on the path to fabulosity at break-neck speed. Aria Belle Alexander has only been beating her mug for seven months, and is absorbing every bit of advice that she is given. Aria Belle is turning into one of my favorite drag queens because she’s adventurous, creative, and one of the nicest people that I’ve ever met! I anticipate seeing great things from her, and you’ll catch her traveling with me to some of my shows -- as well as onstage at Bottoms Up. I thank all of these queens for influencing me in some way, but more than that, I thank YOU for supporting me and reading my articles each month. Thank you so much for reading, for writing me, for coming to my shows, and especially for asking me to sign your magazines. I can’t get enough of that!
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COVER STORY
Eureka Springs: A Travelogue By Mike Halterman For quite a few months, the denizens of Eureka Springs in northwest Arkansas had extended an invitation for me to fly up and see their town, so I could tell all of Out on the Town’s readers what I saw and experienced while there. After a stressful Memorial Day and Pride time, I decided to take them up on their offer. In early July, I carved out a week, booked my flight, and prepared for my trip. Two people in particular, Jay Wilks and Deb Starnes, went out of their way to plan an entire itinerary for me, complete with hotel room. Without their help, I wouldn’t have been able to experience this gem of a town and you wouldn’t be reading about it now. I am so grateful and so glad to share my experiences with you in this travelogue.
Wednesday, July 6
model mid-size four-door. The thing that took me by surprise on the drive down to Eureka was how different the landscape was compared to Florida. In Florida, our highest point is something like 300 feet, and most of the state is within 50 feet of sea level. On the drive from Missouri into Arkansas, there were so many twists and turns in the road, complete with forested hills and jagged cliff edges. The entire ride was breathtaking for me. If you’re a scenery buff, the drive to Eureka Springs is a pure delight, not to mention the views you’ll find at various points throughout the town itself. Once we entered town, I was taken to the New Orleans Hotel and Spa, where I was so graciously provided with lodging for my stay. The hotel
I flew from Pensacola Regional Airport in Pensacola, Florida to Branson Airport in Branson, Missouri. Roughly an hour away from Eureka Springs, it is one of the two closest airports that service the town, the other one being Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport in Fayetteville. To get to town, it is important to book your own car or to find a transport service to bring you into town. Abundant Transportation met me at the Branson airport and drove me to Eureka Springs in a comfortable late-
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manager, Keith, went above and beyond with courteous, professional service. The room I was allotted was a spacious first-floor (really the second floor) king bed suite, with sumptuous bedding and numerous pillows of four or five different sizes. Since I love sleeping with lots of pillows, I found that decorating touch to be genius. The mini-fridge was stocked with complimentary soft drinks and there was a positively sublime jacuzzi tub, supposedly spacious enough for four grown adults, but the fact that it was roomy enough to accommodate my... ahem, well-proportioned...figure was more than good enough for me. In fact, I could have stayed in that jacuzzi tub the entire week, it was that relaxing. In the afternoon, I ventured down to Main Street and ordered a specialty pizza from the Pizza Bar. The Pizza Bar, owned by a very friendly couple, Lorrie Green and Sunday Mininni, may ring bells to some of our readers as the winner of Out on the Town’s fan favorite “Best GLBT-Friendly Business in Arkansas, 2010” award. In fact, when I walked in, I saw the “Best of 2010” issue and the excerpt framed on their wall. Believe me, try a specialty pizza, a panini (if you’re a fan of pesto, you will LOVE their paninis), or their lunch buffet. Any choice you make, you will not be disappointed, and it’s clear to me why they won the fan vote last year. That evening, Deb organized a meet and greet in my honor at Henri’s, a charming martini bar owned by Gloria Dixon Schuler. Normally on Wednesdays many residents of town come to Henri’s for “prayer meeting,” which, despite its name, doesn’t have any religious overtones. It’s simply a mixer where people can have a drink and catch up on the week’s events (many of the people who attend “prayer meeting” run their own businesses and may not be able to schedule time off for themselves apart from this evening). Apparently a large crowd came out to meet me; I was informed that many more people apart from the Wednesday regulars stopped by to chat. It made
me feel like a total celebrity and I loved talking with everyone and finally putting faces to names, or should I say, faces to facebook photos and names.
Thursday, July 7 On my first full day in town, I was given a tour by David Mitchell, who owns the Heart of the Hills Inn. I was taken around the downtown area but also to the highway and to the outlying areas, such as the Thorncrown Chapel and Christ of the Ozarks, the latter being an impressive statue built in the style of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Once getting back to town, we had lunch at the Local Flavor Cafe, which Mr. Mitchell insisted no trip to Eureka should pass up. Indeed, after an appetizer of baked brie and bacon cheeseburger, I was also convinced. If you think something like baked brie sounds too fancy or out of your price range, you’d be surprised; the prices at Local Flavor and nearly every other eatery in town were in the low to moderate range, with an appetizer, entree and non-alcoholic drink coming in at under $20. In the evening I was taken to an art show for local artist Bob Norman, which was held at Caribe. Some of his works had been used in promotional material for different weekend events, which I found very modern and interesting, such as his interpretation of Christ of the Ozarks underwater, wearing an airtight diver’s mask. My companion for the evening, Vern Wilson from the Basin Park Hotel, took me to a Mexican restaurant called Casa Colina. I had to admit, I had my reservations about how well Arkansas
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of Heath bar cheesecake at Peace, Love and Cheesecake. It is a slice of heaven to be sure. They had four other specialty cheesecakes on offer that day but I was just interested in the Heath bar variety!
could do Mexican food. Being from Florida, I’ve had my share of great Mexican food and was afraid I’d be let down. Needless to say, I was not...not in the slightest. Neither was Vern, who is a California native and was similarly spoiled with regard to Mexican cuisine. The biggest highlight, easily, was the white chocolate creme brulee, followed by a visit to our table from the head chef who co-owns the restaurant with her husband (and was once the mayor of the town!). Out on the Town gives Casa Colina very high marks for very stellar Mexican cuisine. Try the chimichangas; I did and I approve heartily!
Friday, July 8 In the morning and afternoon, I got to see the sights of downtown on my own, and if you love to wander and check in at shops along your route, then Main and Spring Streets are places where you can’t go wrong. Before venturing out, I was engaged in leisurely conversation with Annie, an expat from South Korea who owns a women’s clothing boutique next to the hotel. The first stop I made going down the hill was at a T-shirt shop almost directly across the street from the hotel, staffed by a cheerful blonde woman who pressed a few shirt designs for me and some family members I was shopping for. Within minutes, we were talking like we were best friends, and we were comparing which singers we’ve seen in concert (from there I learned her favorite singer was Donny Osmond!). I had a pub lunch at Henri’s, followed by a piece
In the evening, I was treated to another Mexican offering, this time at Caribe, where I had gone to see the art show the day before. My host for the evening was Steven Sinclair who owns the web design business RainboWebs. I’m the type where my eyes are bigger than my stomach, so Caribe is a place where ordering an appetizer only, or ordering an entree only, is MORE than enough food. I ordered both and ended up taking quite a bit back to the hotel with me! Later on, I planned on letting loose and having a few drinks at Henri’s with a couple of people. When I arrived, I learned that the main floor was turned into a dance floor and a dance party was being held for me! It was at this time that I felt truly at home, not just a passer-through. Deb, who also DJed the event, came up to me and said, “Now you’re a local.” Those words meant a lot to me and it got me thinking toward the end of my trip.
Saturday, July 9 I overdid it with the partying the night before so I relaxed most of this day. John Jarrett from Fusion Squared was my host for this evening and we had dinner at the New Delhi Cafe, a place I was told over and over again I HAD to try. The awards on the wall from the Arkansas Times also let me know that other people found it quite enjoyable. If you like Indian food, the chicken curry with jasmine rice and ghee naan hit the spot so much for me, I had to go back for seconds (they have a buffet)!
Sunday, July 10 I finished up my touristy shopping on this day. There is a gourmet food essentials store called Tummy Ticklers, which I highly recommend for its wide variety of coffee. The Chocolate
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COVER STORY Thunder flavor is their biggest seller, and I bought some to take back with me to Florida. Now that I’ve had quite a few pots of it, I can easily tell you why...it’s pure cocoa deliciousness! I will say this, walking up and down the hills easily got me winded and hot! If you’re not in shape when you come to Eureka Springs, you will be very soon! After my shopping, I was taken to the Magnetic Valley Resort by Charlie Thomas, who, along with his partner, Alvin Byrd, were my hosts for the day. The Magnetic Valley is a men’s resort with a clothing-optional pool area. Since I bring the scandal everywhere I go, I opted for “none!” Surprisingly enough, I didn’t get nearly as much sun as I wanted. Later on in the evening, I was taken to Gaskins Cabin Steakhouse, where I was treated to a New York Strip and a blue cheese dip that was out of this world. The chef informed me that they were debating whether or not to add it to the menu full-time, but now that I’ve written about it, now it must be immortalized on their menu! Tell them Mike recommended the blue cheese dip and that you want it!
Monday, July 11 My hosts for the afternoon and evening were Walter and Lee who own The Gilded Lily on Kingshighway in the Eureka Springs “loop.” Since their business is a bed and breakfast, I was treated to a normal “breakfast” for dinner! My dinner guests were Roger and Nancy who own Eureka Live Underground, the nightclub with the biggest dance floor in town. Lee tried out a “Coca-Cola ham quiche” recipe that I personally think should be on the menu every day, but that’s only if I had my say!
At this point, I am starting to feel sad that I have to leave. But in the day previous, I had finally expressed my feelings that I had kept in from Friday evening onward -- that I loved Eureka Springs so much, I wanted to move there. In fact, in the couple of weeks since we returned, we made our plans to relocate the magazine to Eureka Springs. Our week’s visit will become our future. After another meeting with the owner of Eureka Live, I took a second trip to the Magnetic Valley Resort. It was such a nice day, I wanted to spend it poolside. I think being in that tranquil environment took some of the sting out of having to leave. In fact, it was only after I had returned to the hotel after having dinner at the Roadhouse Restaurant that it started to rain. It was the only time that week that it rained, and it occurred on the final evening. The rest of the week was pretty as a picture -- just like the town.
Wednesday, July 13 I bid Eureka Springs goodbye as Abundant Transportation pulled up early in the morning to take me back to Branson. It’s okay, I thought to myself. I’ll be back. And I hope now that you’ve read our travelogue, I’ll see you here. Maybe you’ll be back too.
Afterwards, I was treated to a VIP tour of Eureka Live and a Key Lime martini. I learned quite quickly that Eureka Springs is a martini kind of town, and whether it be at Henri’s or at Eureka Live, everyone knows how to make their martinis well.
Tuesday, July 12 JULY 2011 | 15
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IN THE STUDIO
ANINE STANG
By Mike Halterman Scandinavian pop sensation Anine Stang is on the brink of something big: having already made it in Norway, where the 26-year-old singer is signed with Universal Music, she now hopes to break into both the mainstream and dance scenes in the United States. Stang isn’t unfamiliar with the United States; she studied in New York and lived for three years in Los Angeles, where she was mentored by Bill Siddons, former manager of the legendary psychedelic rock group The Doors. In 2008, the magazine Music Connections named her one of the “hot 100 unsigned artists” in the United States. Even though Stang moved home last year, she is still focusing on her next move stateside, recently completing a nationwide tour with Mr. Gay World USA Michael Holtz and Icelandic singer Hera Björk, who graced our cover last March. Stang talked to Out on the Town about her aspirations and how different the United States is from Norway. Who were your musical influences growing up? Well, I was a big Spice Girls fan when I was a kid. The first album I bought was a Queen album, and I used to make shows to Michael Jackson’s music. My mom introduced me to David Bowie and Depeche Mode when I was a teenager, and I also started to like Madonna. I care about good songs, and not necessarily
powers from the mountains of Norway with me. [smiles] I come from a different country, a different culture and get my inspiration from somewhere else. I have to admit I don’t know as much as I maybe should about what’s going on in the music How did you earn a GLBT fanbase in Norway? What things scene right now. So I can’t really compare myself to anyone. I guess do you like most about your people [will] have to listen to my GLBT fans? music and see my show so they can experience what I bring to the I think and hope that it’s because table. of the music. Gays are usually the first ones to recognize talent, How different do you find the and I’m really grateful I have a GLBT experience and the fight following in the GLBT scene. for GLBT rights in the United I look at it as a quality stamp. States when comparing it to [smiles] Norway? Has GLBT equality been achieved in Norway, in I think you sense [when] people your opinion? who are a little different, if you are a little different yourself, and Well, everyone can get married in I have heard that they see that Norway, but we still have a long in me. The GLBTs are the most wonderful fans and friends. They way to go. A lot of my gay friends in Norway don’t feel comfortable are loyal, loving, and honest. They’re fearless, they sing along, kissing or holding hands in public, while in the States they feel free dance, and are just hot. and I see people share the love they feel openly no matter what What do you have to offer that gender they have. It’s all love, will set you apart from other “pop divas” in the US gay dance and it’s a beautiful thing. We shall fight until we have equality for all, music scene? everywhere. I am bringing some magical everything from one artist. It’s all about a good song that touches me emotionally. It’s still like that. The kinds of artists I like are the ones that combine more than one art form.
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LOCAL NOTABLES
MISS ARKANSAS USA 2011 LAKYNN MCBRIDE By Mike Halterman 21-year-old Lakynn McBride, a White Hall native and a student at the University of Central Arkansas, was crowned Miss Arkansas USA in January and went on to represent the Natural State in the Miss USA 2011 pageant on June 19. While she didn’t move on to the Top 16, she did make headlines in Arkansas for her platform -- the eradication of bullying and cyberbullying among children and teenagers. In 2009 and 2010 this problem was exposed nationally in the news media, with victims both gay (in the case of Tyler Clementi, for example) and straight (Megan Meier and Phoebe Prince) grabbing headlines with markedly different -- yet somehow similar -- tales of anguish and heartbreak. McBride wishes to make it her goal to educate others about the harms of bullying and cyberbullying before it has the power to end another life -perhaps, she hopes, she can save a life right here in the South. She talks with Out on the Town about these issues as well as specific publicized examples. Tell us about your platform. After being crowned Miss Arkansas USA 2011, I chose to help promote awareness of bullying and cyberbullying
among children and young adults. To help promote my platform, I have traveled to many schools across the state of Arkansas speaking to children and teenagers. I not only stress to the one doing the bullying, but also to the victim, and how important it is for them to speak out. We then discuss a plan to action to end it. I plan to continue my combat on bullying by participating in schools, after-school programs, and clubs. This issue is very important to me. In Missouri, there is a “Megan Meier Law”, making cyberbullying a criminal offense. There is currently no similar law in Arkansas or in any Deep South state. How can people work together to ensure the passage of a “Megan Meier Law” here? We can only hope that a situation similar to that of Megan Meier’s does not have to take place in our own state to make sure a “Megan Meier Law” is passed. To ensure that Arkansas passes a law against bullying and cyberbullying, we as citizens should work together to form an initiative. Clubs and organizations can gather members and have fundraisers to raise money for campaigns. With campaigns, we would then be able to spread the word on the issue at
a whole new level across the state. Last year, Arkansas school board member Clint McCance made national news when facebook postings approving of the suicides of bullied GLBT students went viral. What were your feelings about the Clint McCance scandal and do you feel it hurt Arkansas’ reputation nationally? I do feel like Clint McCance made a big mistake when posting his opinion on [that] issue. I do feel like people around the world then made assumptions as to what kind of people we are in Arkansas. Sadly, I am sure it did hurt our reputation. Personally, whether or not you agree with an issue, or a person’s lifestyle, [it] does not give you the right to judge or belittle that person. What Clint McCance said was hurtful to many and very much an act of bullying. I think we were then shown that bullying isn’t only an issue that we see with children and teenagers. It is very disturbing to think that Clint McCance only added fuel to a dangerous fire.
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TENNESSEE
STACEY CAMPFIELD’S STRUGGLE AGAINST SAYING “GAY” By James Hare We all agree that you should not say “that’s so gay” when it would be more appropriate to use terms like “stupid” or “ridiculous.” But what about not being allowed to say the word at all in its appropriate context: when trying to discuss GLBT issues? Under a proposed Tennessee law, teachers in elementary and middle schools would be prohibited from discussing homosexuality in the classroom. Further, when discussing sexuality, teachers would be limited to mentioning “natural reproductive issues,” as though those were the only aspects of sexuality that people experience. The bill passed the State Senate on May 20, and the State House of Representatives will vote on it in January. This bill is the initiative of State Senator Stacey Campfield, a Republican from Knoxville. In an interview with Metro Pulse, Campfield made very outlandish statements in defense of his bill, and he took liberty with the facts. When he was informed that homosexuality was not actually a part of state curriculum, he claimed that Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who advocates for gay students, was the chairman of PFLAG. Presumably he needed
to defend Tennessee against the gay education secretary. Of course, nothing about his statement there is true. He also says that the country is falling behind in math and science because too much time is spent in the classroom teaching about homosexuality. Uh, okay. Given all of this, it is understandable that this bill has led to much backlash for State Senator Campfield. The Courage Campaign launched a campaign featuring a video of Rick Jacobs, a gay Tennessean from Oak Ridge who worked on the 1982 World’s Fair with Governor Bill Haslam’s parents. In his video, he addresses the governor directly: “You know […] I know your parents, I’ve met you; I don’t believe this is in your heart.” Actor George Takei, who came out in 2005, has offered his name as a synonym for the word gay. “For example, you could safely proclaim you are a supporter of Takei marriage. If you are in a more festive mood, you can march in a Takei pride parade!” This bill, of course, is just one
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episode in Senator Campfield’s interesting political career. Before being elected to the State Senate in 2010, he was a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives. In the House, he tried to join the Black Legislative Caucus, despite being white; he balked when his application was rejected, saying that the KKK “has less racist bylaws” than they do. As a state senator, he has sponsored bills that would provide death certificates for aborted fetuses, defund Planned Parenthood, permit guns on college campuses, and abolish the state’s pre-kindergarten program. Even those who are pro-life or support gun ownership agree that as citizens we discuss issues. Yet Stacey Campfield does not want to have that conversation; he wants schools to simply ignore it, placating a socially conservative base. Yet there’s no denying: the country is changing. And in time, Tennessee will embrace Takei rights.
MISSISSIPPI
GLBT SOCIAL JUSTICE REQUIRES A LEASHING OF THE RABID DOGMA By Leigh Ann Hoover The preaching of right-wing political jargon that is nonexistent in biblical scripture is the root of discrimination against homosexuals. The ending of the usage of this jargon in churches will be a pivotal force in reforming discriminatory legislation and policy. In this article, I would like to describe my experience as a gay person in Mississippi and what I think should be done to remedy the state’s discriminatory practices against homosexuals. A few years ago I was a social worker at a Christian Mission in Honolulu responsible for feeding and housing the homeless. One day I came to work to find a sign on the door which read “Mission closed. Please join us at the state Capitol to protest House Bill 444.” I was astounded that the Mission closed its doors to the homeless to protest civil unions for gay couples. My coworkers wore red shirts representing the
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blood of Christ and yelled hateful slogans about gay people while our homeless would-be clients were left out on the streets to fend for themselves. The majority of the hundreds people whom I saw protesting the bill were represented by churches. This so-called “Christian” behavior disgusted me, so I vowed never to attend church again. I later moved to Jackson, Mississippi, a town with a tight Southern Baptist stronghold. I was invited to a prominent Southern Baptist church by friends of my family. I tried to be open-minded by giving church another try. The preacher gave a sermon filled with quotes from Fox “News.” He continued with random quotes of the founding fathers, highlighting the word “God” as evidence that there should be no separation of Church and State. There was no mention of the Bible in the entire sermon. I guess this guy missed the history class about the pilgrims coming to the U.S. for religious freedom from the British Monarchy and its incestuous relationship with the Catholic Church. My entire family grew up in this church and they often share their views on GLBT issues. My younger cousin often makes comments like “I would never let a gay person into my house.” When I was growing up, my mother told me that AIDS was a disease to punish gay people. It would be easy for me to write off all of these hate filled, brainwashed people, but many of these people are my family, so these anti-gay and church and state issues are very deep rooted and personal to me. I cannot hate members of my own family for saying such things, because I know that they were raised to think this way. The Southern Baptist law school that I am attending has not been much better. The school has discriminatory policies against gay people. I received a note in my student
inbox stating that the school had a policy about sexual orientation protecting my status but not my conduct. The letter further stated that sexual intimacy should only be experienced in the confines of holy matrimony as defined in the Bible. Members of a Christian group called “Soul Force” went to protest the discriminatory policies at our school. They were met with the local Swat Team and arrested. The lack of separation of Church and State in Mississippi has led to Legislation like the Personhood Amendment, which would outlaw abortion. The state of Mississippi can’t afford to pass this unconstitutional legislation. We already have a problem finding homes for abandoned children. Mississippi has the highest rate of teen pregnancy per capita in the country thanks to abstinence only sex education (thanks to religious lobbyists). The state will not allow gay couples to adopt any of the overwhelming number of children who enter the foster system every year (again, thank you religious lobbyists.) Mississippi has one of the highest percentages of same sex couples according to the census. Allowing these couples to adopt could put a huge dent in the number of children without permanent homes, but heaven forbid we anger the influential religious right. The false anti-gay doctrine here is not just harmful, for many it is fatal. Because of the stereotype instilled by some churches about AIDS being God’s gay punishment, many heterosexual Mississippians believe that they are exempt from contracting the disease. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Mississippi Delta has the highest rate of heterosexually acquired rate of HIV per capita in the country, rivaling many African nations. I am not trying to discredit churches. I think that for the most part, Churches are positive entities. They have historically
helped communities by providing social services and spiritual counseling as well as fellowship and wonderful humanitarian work all over the world. Black churches have been community cornerstones, helping to empower people and encourage social justice. Unfortunately, churches in Mississippi have gained too much power and are being used for political, rather than spiritual purposes. Church members are not afraid to assemble for political purposes but gay people are afraid because there is no legislation to protect our jobs from discriminatory firing, so it is practically impossible to assemble gay persons to fight discriminatory legislation. So what’s a gay to do? Going to the IRS may be the best option. Because we are unable to organize safely here in Mississippi, the best thing to do is go right to the source (the church pocketbooks) through protective legal measures already in place. People who are misusing churches for political means are more attracted to money than spiritual growth. The Bible itself warns of the dangers of having too much wealth: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:25 NIV By enforcing the 501(c) 3 standards through the IRS and threatening to cut off tax exemption for churches that are primarily being used for political reasons, we are creating incentives for churches stick to religious doctrine. If the churches don’t comply, then they will lose money and influence and at contribute more to impoverished Mississippi communities by paying taxes. It’s time to put a leash on this rabid dogma. Let’s hold churches financially accountable for their actions. If you see a church being used primarily for political purposes and/or endorsing political candidates, report them to the IRS immediately.
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ARKANSAS
GOVERNOR BEEBE’S MEETING WITH GAY RIGHTS GROUP: PROGRESS OR MORE OF THE SAME? By Berneta Haynes
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On Tuesday, June 28, 2011, Governor Mike Beebe met with a group of Stonewall Democrats, marking the first time an Arkansas governor has ever held a meeting with gay rights activists. He spoke to a church packed with over 200 people, who were eager to have their voices and concerns heard. The state’s only openly gay legislator and a founder of the Stonewall Democrats, Kathy Webb, stated that the very the governor’s very appearance at the meeting signals significant change in Arkansas. But one has to ask if it’s really change when the appearance ultimately involved the governor singing “No” to all of the group’s requests and arguments for equal rights under the law. So, what all did Governor Beebe say to explain why we don’t deserve equal protection and rights under the law? First, on the issue of gay marriage and civil unions, Governor Beebe emphasized that he believes marriage should be between a man and a woman. He remarked that he did not believe gay marriage or civil unions would ever be legalized in Arkansas. Essentially, his answers to questions on this issue were more of the same, politics as usual, Arkansas-style. Second, audience members asked his opinion about whether newspapers should be required to run the name of a deceased person’s life partner in the obituary section. The governor said, no, that a newspaper should not be required to list the name of the deceased’s life partner if that is the newspaper’s policy. Like his answers to the gay marriage questions, this answer elicited vehement disagreement from the crowd. So where’s the change that Webb and the Stonewall Democrats are applauding? Speaking to Reuters, Webb discussed the importance of the recent repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the fact that polls showed that the majority of Arkansans supported the repeal. “Four years ago, you wouldn’t have even seen that. I think more and more people are coming out of the closet, so to speak, and we are starting to
see change here,” Webb noted. In addition, notably Beebe opposed gay foster parenting back in 2006, but he explained to the audience at the meeting that his opinion had changed by the time the issue came up again in 2008. He said that the interests of the child is most important and that he’s opposed to any “blanket provision” prohibiting gay people from fostering children. The ban on gay foster parenting was recently lifted this spring. Yet despite all of this, what real progress did this meeting signal? A Google search about the meeting will lead you to a host of articles emphasizing the positives of this meeting, articles highlighting the historical nature of this event and Beebe’s new place in Arkansas history. You’ll be hard pressed to find an article that keeps it real. So, let me keep this very real for a moment. It seems that the Arkansas media refuses to acknowledge the fact that this meeting was more of the same, and that Beebe met with gays only to tell them he still thinks they don’t deserve equal rights. One thing should never be misunderstood: meeting with queer people only to tell us that you still think we are undeserving of equal rights does not make Beebe progressive. Some people, therefore, might call Webb and the Stonewall Democrats’ rush to defend Beebe a “pathetic display of boot licking” as did one commentator on a progressive blog site called Blue Arkansas. Whatever your opinion, it must be admitted that sometimes it’s best to call it like it is. This meeting is not a sign of progress. In many ways, we are standing just as still as we ever were in Arkansas and, indeed, in danger of moving backwards if we allow ourselves to believe that Beebe deserves respect for singing more “No’s” to our requests for equality under the law. Beebe came to this meeting with no intention of listening but to say what he already believed about gay people. We can only move forward and progress by holding our politicians to a higher standard, by demanding that they not only meet with us but that they actually listen to what we say.
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BARS & CLUBS
YELLOW PAGES
Florida: 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 Top of the Town 15 E. Intendencia St. Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 434-8779 Splash Bar Florida 6520 Thomas Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 236-3450
Alabama: B-Bob’s 213 Conti St. Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 433-2262 Gabriel’s Downtown 55 S. Joachim St. Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 432-4900
The Midtown Pub 153 S. Florida St. Mobile, AL 36606 (251) 471-5090
The Bus Station 710 N. Boundary Blvd. Montevallo, AL 35115 (205) 665-5353
Bacchus 455 Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 445-4099
Partners Bar and Grill 631 Meridian St. N. Huntsville, AL 35801 (256) 539-0975
Club Imagination 4129 Ross Clark Cir. Dothan, AL 36303 (334) 792-6579
Vieux Carré 1204 Posey St. Huntsville, AL 35816 (256) 534-5970
Dothan Dance Club 2563 Ross Clark Cir. Dothan, AL 36301 (334) 792-5166 Club 322 322 N. Lawrence St. Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 263-4322 Icon 516 Greensboro Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 345-3820 Al’s on Seventh 2627 7th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 (205) 321-2812 Our Place 2115 7th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 (205) 715-0077 Quest 416 24th St. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 (205) 251-4313
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Mississippi: Just Us Lounge 906 Division St. Biloxi, MS 39530 (228) 374-1007 Club Veaux 834 Howard Ave. Biloxi, MS 39530 (228) 207-3271 Bottoms Up 3911 Northview Dr. Jackson, MS 39206 (601) 981-2188 JC’s 425 North Mart Plaza Jackson, MS 39206 (601) 362-3108 Metro Reloaded 4670 Highway 80 W. Jackson, MS 39209 (601) 259-0661
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Arkansas: Discovery/Triniti 1021 Jessie Rd. Little Rock, AR 72202 (501) 664-4784 (501) 664-2744 Pulse 307 W. 7th St. Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 374-3552 610 Center 610 Center St. Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 374-4678 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 Tangerine 21 N. Block Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 444-6100
Speakeasy 509 W. Spring St. Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 443-3279 Henri’s Just One More 19 1/2 Spring St. Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (479) 253-5795 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 Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 433-54 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/Act II 126 and 124 N. Hollywood Rd. Houma, LA 70364 (985) 580-2582/(985)8729997
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Club LAX 2301 N. Causeway Blvd Metairie, LA 70001 (504) 834-7979
The Country Club 634 Louisa St. New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 945-0742
Phoenix/Eagle 941 Elysian Fields Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 945-9264
4 Seasons/ The Out Back Bar 3229 N. Causeway Blvd. Metairie, LA 70002 (504) 832-0659
Cutter’s 706 Franklin Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 948-4200
Rawhide 2010 740 Burgundy St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 525-8106
Double Play 439 Dauphine St. New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 523-4517
Rubyfruit Jungle 1135 Decatur St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 373-5431
The Friendly Bar 2301 Chartres St. New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 943-8929
Orlando’s Society Page 542 N. Rampart St. New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 593-9941
Billy’s 2600 Hwy. 190 West Slidell, LA 70460 (985) 847-1921 Anything Geauxs 1540 W. Lindberg Dr. Slidell, LA 70458 (985) 643-2191 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
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
Tubby’s Golden Lantern 1239 Royal St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 529-2860
Tennessee: Tribe 1517-A Church St. Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 329-2912 Play Dance Bar 1519 Church St. Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 322-9627
Oz 800 Bourbon St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 593-9491
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For an attractions and visitors guide call 866-947-4387 or visit www.eurekasprings.org