No. 497 • January 23, 2014 • outwordmagazine.com
page 10
Delve Into Art page 6
Fairy Tales Can Come True page 8
Flashdance & The Real Thing page 10
Two Bear Gatherings
page 16
Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Strives to Fight HIV/AIDS
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n observance of the disproportionate rates of HIV/AIDS within the African-American community, Harm Reduction Services, in collaboration with other local nonprofit organizations such as Golden Rule Services, are hosting the 2014 National Black HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day event. The National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an HIV testing and treatment community mobilization initiative designed to encourage African-Americans across the U.S. to get educated, get tested, get treated and get involved with HIV/AIDS, as it continues to devastate African-American communities. Each year, thousands of organizers sponsor innovative activities and events. This annual effort has four main objectives: To educate the African-American community through the provision of HIV/ AIDS education and risk reduction materials; to provide free HIV testing so more people know their status; to solicit more community members to participate in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS in the African-American community; and to encourage those who are HIV positive to enter into treatment and care as soon as possible. This year’s theme is “I am My Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper. Fight HIV/AIDS!” “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African-Americans account for more new HIV infections, people estimated to be living with HIV disease, and HIV-related deaths than any other racial/ ethnic group in the U.S.,” said Clarmundo Sullivan, Executive Director of Golden Rule Services, a local minority based nonprofit organization that have provided a variety of HIV/AIDS education and prevention services
since January 2000. “In 2009 African Americans were 44 percent of people living with HIV in the U.S., and events such as the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day help raise awareness that the fight against HIV/AIDS is not over.” This year’s National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day observance in Sacramento will be held at the Guild Theater, 2828 35th Street, Sacramento, CA on February 7. The event starts at 6 p.m. and will feature guest speakers, entertainment, free HIV testing, food and raffles. For more information, please call Angelita Rivera at 916-456-4849.
Sacramento City College to Host Sex Positive Week
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reated by four student clubs and faculty at Sacramento City College, Sex+City (pronounced “Sex Positive City”) will be a week of sex-positive events, including presentations by several nationally-recognized speakers, designed to engage students and the community at-large.
The Sex+City event seeks to promote healthy concepts about topics related to human sexuality through a stigma-free educational environment. Topics will include sex education, behavior, consent, relationships, gender issues, body image, safe sex, pornography, the sexpositive social movement, socio-religious influences and control, and stereotypes in mainstream media. Through displays, visual presentations, panel discussions and guest speakers, the event endeavors to educate and illuminate both the City College and Los Rios community, other area college and university students, and the general public. outwordmagazine.com
Featured events include a Sex Love & Health A-Faire, a free fair featuring sex positive booths, Gender & Relationships seminars, and presentations from three nationally recognized speakers including Laci Green, the popular and entertaining young sex educator with over 20 million views on her YouTube vlog. Sex+City is being produced by four student-run clubs: Sac City Freethinkers, Sac City Feminists, Queer/Straight Alliance, and the Sociology Club; and supported by the SCC Club And Events Board. For more information and full schedule of events, visit www.SexPositiveCity.com or facebook.com/sexpositivecity. January 23, 2014 - February 13, 2014 • Volume 27 • Issue 2 • No. 497
Outword Magazine 3
Outword Staff PUBLISHER Fred Palmer A RT DIRECTOR/ PRODUCTION Ron Tackitt GRA PHIC DESIGN Ron Tackitt EDITOR/OFFICE MANAGER Charles Peer editor@outwordmagazine.com A RTS EDITOR Chris Narloch SA LES Fred Palmer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chris Narloch Colt McGraw Bonnie Osborn Ken Pierce Charles Peer PHOTOGRA PHY Charles Peer ON THE COVER Photo courtesy of Circus Oz Coming to Mondavi Feb. 8-9 DISTRIBUTION Kaye Crawford
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RainbowPAC Kicks Off 2014 Transgender with Champagne and Politics Student Bill Repeal Fails in Initial Count by Bonnie Osborn
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ick off the 2014 Election Year at the RainbowPAC Champagne Brunch, a fundraiser for RainbowPAC, the non-partisan political action committee of the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce. The brunch will be held Saturday, January 25 beginning at 10 a.m. and is generously hosted and sponsored by Dante Club, located at 2330 Fair Oaks Blvd., just off of Howe Ave. in Sacramento. The festivities will include sparkling wine, a delicious brunch catered by Joy Reinhart of Dante Club, formerly of Sunshine Catering; a meet-and-greet with local candidates for elected offices and an “insider” update on the Sacramento arena project and its potential benefit to the LGBT business community. Tickets are $50 for general admission sponsor levels are $100 for Bronze, $250 for Silver, $500 for Gold and $1,000 for Platinum. All proceeds will benefit RainbowPAC. For more information, or to register for the event, visit www. rainbowchamber.com/events. Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce launched RainbowPAC in 2012 as a non-partisan political action committee
supporting business-positive candidates who are supportive of diversity and LGBT equality as well as public policy and ballot initiatives that have a positive impact on the Greater Sacramento LGBT community and the business environment of the region. Chamber Board Member Paul Weubbe serves as PAC Committee Chair, and committee members include Carlos Marquez, Joe Klegseth, Scott Patterson, Griselda Barajas, Alan Lofaso, Dennis Mangers and Dr. Darrick Lawson. “We believe RainbowPAC provides an important voice for our community,” Weubbe says. “For anyone who embraces the twin goals of equality and a strong business environment, participating in RainbowPAC is a great way to make sure your voice is heard.” For more information about the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce and RainbowPAC, visit rainbowchamber.com.
Britain’s Christian Counsellors Ban Ex-gay Therapy
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ritain’s Association of Christian Counsellors (ACC) have announced their decision to ban so-called “ex-gay” or “reparative” therapy in its members’ practices.
The organization, Britain’s leading body for Christian therapists, ordered its members to cease the practice “in the interests of public safety,” recognizing the scientific consensus that such treatments are ineffective, at best, and oftentimes extremely harmful to clients. “The fact that a large, mainstream Christian counseling association has banned ‘ex-gay’ therapy exposes the lie perpetuated by anti-gay factions that this is somehow an issue of religious freedom,” said Truth Wins
Out Executive Director, Wayne Besen. “This group demonstrates that religious faith can peacefully coexist with respect for science and a commitment to giving patients the best care possible, and as such, we applaud them.” Similar statements have been made in the last two years by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, the UK Council for Psychotherapy and the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Department of Health.
Office
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alifornia’s Secretary of State has announced that California’s School Success and Opportunity Act (AB 1266), a law that gives transgender students equal footing to participate in school activities and access facilities, has failed to qualify for a referendum pending a full count of all signatures.
Pro-repeal groups were 22,178 signatures short of the 504,760 needed to qualify in the first count, though they may still qualify for a referendum in the full count. “Californians are fair-minded people who’ve already stood behind school policies like this one even before this law went into effect,” said National Center for Transgender Equality Executive Director Mara Keisling. “The School Success and Opportunity Act reaffirms what has happened at the federal level and in school districts nationwide. That’s why we are optimistic that, though the initiative heads to a full count, that the law will ultimately remain in place to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed in school.” California county clerks have until February 24, 2014 to verify all signatures. “Transgender and gender non-conforming students are part of the fabric that makes California schools great and Californians should be proud of leading in terms of giving every student a fair chance at succeeding in school, playing on sports teams and participating in school activities.” To learn more, please visit www.supportallstudents.org.
372 Florin Road, #133 Sacramento, CA 95831 PHONE: (916) 329-9280 FAX: (916) 498-8445 www.outwordmagazine.com sales@outwordmagazine.com ISSN # 1084-7618 United States Library of Congress
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Outword Magazine
January 23, 2014 - February 13, 2014 • Volume 27 • Issue 2 • No. 497
outwordmagazine.com
Briefly Put
Obama Nominates Coordinator to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally President Obama has announced his intent to nominate Dr. Deborah L. Birx, as Ambassador at Large and Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally, Department of State. Dr. Birx is the Director of the Division of Global HIV/AIDS in the Center for Global Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a position she has held since 2009. From 2005 to 2009, Dr. Birx served as the Director of the CDC’s Global AIDS Programs for the National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention.
NHL Becomes First ProLeague With All-Team Support For Gay Athletes Through You Can Play
The National Hockey League has become the first professional sports league in North America to have each of its member teams represented by players voicing support for LGBT athletes and fans. “Having full, and more importantly, ongoing participation from the NHL, is a milestone for acceptance of all athletes at every level of play and sport,” said You Can Play executive director Wade Davis. “Every major men’s sports league has been represented in a You Can Play video and now every team in one of the world’s premier sports leagues has actively participated. This support from professional leagues has a positive impact in locker rooms and anywhere sports are played.” Visit www.YouCanPlayProject.org.
NY Bills Would Ban Reparative Therapy in State
Joint bills banning harmful “ex-gay” therapy for minors have been introduced in the New York legislature. If passed, New York would follow in the footsteps of California and New Jersey, which recently passed similar bills into law, while several other states and Washington, D.C. are currently considering such bans. “The science is in on so-called reparative therapy. It doesn’t work, and it hurts people,” said Truth Wins Out Executive Director Wayne Besen. Truth Wins Out recently launched a comprehensive website, LGBTScience.org, where scientists studying sexual orientation speak plainly about the current scientific consensus on sexuality.
CeCe McDonald Released Early on Manslaughter Conviction CeCe McDonald, 25, an African-American transgender woman serving a 41-month sentence in the admitted self-defense death of her assailant, was released early from St. Cloud Minnesota Correctional Facility. McDonald, a student in Minneapolis, and her friends survived a violent transphobic and racist attack on June 5, 2011. While the perpetrators verbally initiated the confrontation, CeCe McDonald was the only person to be arrested and charged, in spite of the fact that her actions were defensive. During the confrontation that escalated into a brawl, McDonald was hit by a bar glass on her face, requiring 11 stitches. McDonald served 19 months of a 3½-year sentence. The state’s gender assessment determined that McDonald would be imprisoned in a men’s facility.
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Outword Magazine 5
Delve Into Art & Wonder at Sacramento Museum Day
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magine. Explore. Discover. That’s not only the theme, but also the goal for Sacramento Museum Day, a popular Sacramento cultural tradition, designed to encourage all members of the community to experience the Capital City’s incredible wealth of art, history, science and wildlife — at little or no cost. Thirty local museums will offer free or half-priced admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, during the 16th Annual Sacramento Museum Day. During the highly anticipated event, 28 of the 30 museums will offer free admission whereas two destinations located in residential areas — the Sacramento Zoo and Fairytale Town — will offer half-priced admission to offset parking control and security costs. Two museums have recently joined the association and community-wide event, including the California Statewide Museum Collections Center (located at 4940 Lang Avenue in McClellan) and the Center For Sacramento History (located at 551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd. in Sacramento). Coordinated by the Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM) and the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, this hugely popular event is presented by Chipotle Mexican Grill and SMUD. Many of the museums are within walking distance of each other and easily accessible via public transportation. Event coordinators suggest that guests plan to visit no more than two or three different museums on this
day in order to allow adequate time to enjoy the experience and to travel between individual sites. Due to the popularity of Sacramento Museum Day, some locations must limit the number of admissions for safety reasons. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but note, the last guests will be admitted at 4 p.m. More detailed information about participating museums, addresses, limitations, suggested parking and public transit options is available at www. sacmuseums.org (click on “Events”), or by calling the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau at 916-808-7777. Sacramento Museum Day 2014 is proudly supported by active and engaged community partners. In addition to the title sponsor Chipotle Mexican Grill and SMUD, other sponsors include FOX40, KSEG 96.9 FM, Outword Magazine and STAR 106.5 FM. Participating museums for Sacramento
The California Automobile Museum is one of the 30 Sacramento museums offering free admission on Sacramento Museum Day.
Museum Day 2014 include: Aerospace Museum of California; California Automobile Museum; The California Museum; California State Capitol Museum; California State Military Museum; California State Railroad Museum; California Statewide Museum Collections Center; Center for Contemporary Art, Sacramento; Center for Sacramento History; Crocker Art Museum; Discovery Museum Science and Space Center; Don & June Salvatori California Pharmacy Museum; Fairytale Town; Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park;
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Heidrick Ag History Center (Woodland); Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park; Maidu Museum & Historic Site (Roseville); Museum of Medical History; Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum; Old Sacramento State Historic Park; Roseville Utility Exploration Center; Sacramento Children’s Museum; Sacramento Historic City Cemetery; Sacramento History Museum; Sacramento Zoo; Sojourner Truth Multicultural Arts Museum; State Indian Museum; Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park; Wells Fargo History Museum (Capitol Mall); and Wells Fargo History Museum (Old Sacramento).
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January 23, 2014 - February 13, 2014 • Volume 27 • Issue 2 • No. 497
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Mental Illness: It’s Not Always What You Think
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my outcome would have been. In your experience, what is the largest misconception people have about mental illness? People believe that “it’s all in your head” lifetime. and, if you had the will power, you could In Sacramento County, it is estimated that Tara retired from the University of California, “shake it off.” They think people are weak if nearly 355,000 residents are living with a Santa Cruz and moved to Sacramento two mental illness, and that nearly one out of years ago. She was a member of the LGBTQ they ask for help. “Good” people don’t have mental illness. “Bad” people do. every five children will experience emotional Speakers Bureau in Santa Cruz for seven If someone wants to help stop these or behavioral difficulty. years. Mental illness is treatable, and recovery is How does mental illness affect your life? misconceptions or stigma, what do you think is the best thing they can do? possible when education, family, peer and The biggest negative effect is my fear of community support systems are available and used. However, many never seek help or treatment because of the stigma, discrimination or shame they experience. The result is unnecessary pain and sadness for the person with the mental illness, their family, friends and the community as a whole. For those reasons, The Mental Illness: It’s Not Always What You Think project was initiated by the Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services/ Division of Behavioral Health Services (DHHS/DBHS), with the goals of reducing stigma and discrimination; promoting mental health and wellness; inspiring hope for people and families living with mental illness; and changing minds, attitudes and outcomes. Tara Crowley is a member of the Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau and Outword talked with her about the program. how people will perceive me if they know. I have diabetes and I must take insulin every day. There is no shame in that, and people “get that.” But people often don’t Educate themselves. Invite Stop Stigma understand the disease of mental illness and Sacramento speakers to your school, house of worship or community organization. Get I feel it is incumbent upon me to be “out” the real information and speak up when you about my mental health status to lessen the hear hate and fear. And, as a person living stigma. Just like I’m an ‘out’ queer woman. with this disease, I hope that someday I can What has been the most supportive be just as up front about it as I can be about aspect in living successfully with a mental my diabetes. illness (person, resource or activity)? If you or someone you know is living with Good health insurance and medical care mental illness and you want more has been a literal life saver for me. I’ve information about the resources available, required hospitalization in the past, and call 211 or (TTY 916-446-1434) or visit without these resources I don’t know what www.StopStigmaSacramento.org.
ental illness affects every ethnic, racial, economic, religious and age group, and roughly one in every four adults will experience a diagnosable mental disorder during their
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Outword Magazine 7
AG Says Feds Will Recognize Utah’s Same-sex Marriages
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ttorney General Eric Holder issued a statement on January 10, saying that the federal government will recognize the same-sex marriages performed in Utah, even though the state’s government has said it will not. Following a federal judge’s decision striking down Utah’s ban on same-sex marriages on Dec. 20, thousands of couples obtained marriage licenses, and many have already been married. Utah appealed the decision though, and the Supreme Court put the ruling on hold until the appeals court has ruled. The Supreme Court’s decision stopped additional same-sex marriages in Utah, but left open the status of those same-sex marriages already performed. Holder’s announcement clarified that those couples will be afforded the federal benefits married couples receive. “I am confirming today that, for purposes of federal law, these marriages will be recognized as lawful and considered eligible for all relevant
federal benefits on the same terms as other same-sex marriages,” Holder said in the statement. “These families should not be asked to endure uncertainty regarding their status as the litigation unfolds. In the days ahead, we will continue to coordinate across the federal government to ensure the timely provision of every federal benefit to which Utah couples and couples throughout the country are entitled – regardless of whether they are in same-sex or opposite-sex marriages. And we will continue to provide additional information as soon as it becomes available.” A video recording of the Attorney General delivering the above statement can be viewed at: www.justice.gov/video.php.
Federal Court Says OK Samesex Marriage Ban Is not Okay
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n the continuing, almost daily it seems, court battles over marriage equality, a federal court declared on January 14 that Oklahoma’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples is unconstitutional. U.S. Senior District Judge Terence Kern ruled in Tulsa that a state constitutional amendment limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples ran afoul of the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection under the 14th Amendment, saying that the law also violates the Constitution’s guarantees of due process. Implementation of the decision is on hold while the state appeals. Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin said she was “disappointed,” noting that the restriction was passed by Oklahoma voters nine years ago with 75 percent support. “The people of Oklahoma have spoken on this issue,” Fallin said in a statement. “I support the right of Oklahoma’s voters to govern themselves
on this and other policy matters.” The challenge to the law was brought by the Oklahoma City law firm Holladay & Chilton PLLC on behalf of Oklahoma same-sex couples. “It’s no accident that we’re seeing a decision like this in a comparatively conservative place like Oklahoma,” said James Esseks, director of the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project. “It reflects the growing consensus across the country – in red, blue, and purple states – that it’s unfair to exclude same-sex couples from marriage. At least for the moment, love has won out.” For more information, visit www.aclu.org/out-freedom.
Fairy Tales Can Come True
Longtime LGBT activist Jerry Sloan had his lifetime dream of marrying the man he loved come true when he married his Russian-born fiancé, Vitaly, at a ceremony held January 16 at Head Hunters. U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller, who is a longtime friend of Sloan’s, performed the wedding that was attended by many of the couple’s friends. You can see more photos from the wedding and read an article about it by Ken Pierce at OutwordMagazine.com. 8
Outword Magazine
January 23, 2014 - February 13, 2014 • Volume 27 • Issue 2 • No. 497
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January 23, 2014 - February 13, 2014 • Volume 27 • Issue 2 • No. 497
Outword Magazine 9
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Magic Theatre or Mondavi Center? by Chris Narloch
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fter I have seen the new productions that Sacramento has to offer, my theater addiction often takes me to the Bay Area and beyond in search of anothr “fix.”
Currently, you can choose to take a theatrical jaunt to Davis for their upcoming appearance by Circus Oz. And if you find yourself in the Bay Area this February, you must check out HIR.
Circus Oz
Circus Oz
From Cirque du Soleil to Cirque Holidaze, new age, post-modern circus productions are the hottest thing since Barnum & Bailey. For p.c. theater fans like me, these types of shows are not only often more artistic than old school-style circus acts. I also don’t have to wonder how the animals are being treated because there are none. Circus Oz is a part of this wonderful new tradition, and they are scheduled to “sky dive” back in to the Mondavi Center in early February for two productions of their latest work, From the Ground Up. The show, described as “a spring-loaded tribute to the absurd,” features a mob of quick-witted performers, power-packed aerialists, knockabout jugglers and live wire musicians. Irreverent, beautiful and spectacular, Circus Oz has taken its self-styled performances to 26 countries across five continents. Circus Oz’s From the Ground Up plays two performances at Mondavi Center in Davis, February 8-9. Please visit www.MondaviArts.org.
HIR
The last time I saw a Taylor Mac production, the downtown New York City-based visionary had brought The Lily’s Revenge – his five hour, five act theatrical phantasmagoria, complete with dinner break – to the Bay Area for a triumphant run. HIR, Mac’s latest work, sounds like it will be more serious and less campy but equally intriguing. Written by Taylor Mac and directed by Niegel Smith, HIR is a drama about the modern definitions of family. Newly enlightened Paige is hilariously hell
Flashdance & The Real Thing
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This February, River City will host the area premiere of Flashdance The Musical and also a new production of Tom Stoppard’s The Real Thing. It doesn’t get much more eclectic than Tom Stoppard and Flashdance.
when it’s the “real thing?” The Real Thing plays through February 23 at Capital Stage on J Street in Sacramento. For more information, please visit www. capstage.org.
The Real Thing
For Hollywood, Tom Stoppard has worked on everything from Terry Gilliam’s Brazil and one of the Indiana Jones movies to Shakespeare in Love and Anna Karenina. The Czech-born British playwright is also famous for such celebrated stage works as Arcadia, Travesties, The Coast of Utopia, The Invention of Love and Rock ‘n’ Roll. First performed in 1982, The Real Thing focuses on the relationship between Henry and Annie, an actress who is part of a committee to free Brodie, a Scottish soldier imprisoned for burning a memorial wreath during a protest. One of Stoppard’s most famous plays, The Real Thing combines the playwright’s characteristically brilliant wordplay and wit with poignant insights that ask the question, when it comes to love how do we know Outword Magazine
A scene from Flashdance the Musical
January 23, 2014 - February 13, 2014 • Volume 27 • Issue 2 • No. 497
jaded Max is sculpting a third-sex gender identity for hirself. Magic Theatre welcomes back renowned theatre artist Taylor Mac with this laughfilled drama. Based solely on Mac’s uniquely creative resume, I am looking forward to this play more than any other production announced so far this year in Northern California. The world premiere of HIR begins January 29 and plays through February 23 at San Francisco’s Magic Theatre. For more information, please visit www.magictheatre.org.
by Chris Narloch
ne of the things I love about attending the theater is the variety of productions we have to choose from in Sacramento. You don’t have to fly to New York City to see great theatre — you can see everything from Shakespeare to Sister Act right here.
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bent on forging a liberated world for her two wayward children. Son Isaac is on leave from the Marines under mysterious circumstances, and tender,
Flashdance The Musical
Of all the cheesy hit movies made in the ‘80s, perhaps none was as bizarrely enjoyable as the ludicrous guilty pleasure known as Flashdance. That 1983 film starred Jennifer Beals as a welder who works in a steel mill by day but dreams of attending ballet school. By night, her dance skills are utilized at a strange club that features female performers and water effects. The movie was so bad that, of course, it had to be an enormous hit, and the film’s soundtrack was equally successful. Since it is the new law of Broadway that every movie ever made, good or bad, must eventually sing and dance, we have Flashdance The Musical. I have not seen the show – it has yet to make its way to Broadway, although that is the hope – but it recently wrapped up a run in our nation’s capital, at the Kennedy Center, no less. The big dance numbers from the film are tailor-made for a Broadway musical, and the show, which features hit songs from the movie such as “Maniac” and the title song plus new music, promises to be just as garish and frightening as the original. I hope so anyway. Flashdance The Musical plays February 4-9 at the Community Center Theater. Please visit www.BroadwaySacramento.com. outwordmagazine.com
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Outword Magazine 11
Grammy Girl Sara Bareilles On DVD Plus A New Paul Simon Retrospective by Chris Narloch
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he big news this year at the Grammys is a long-awaited Beatles reunion, or the closest thing we will ever get considering two of the Beatles are now deceased, so mark your calendars for the Grammy Awards, which airs live on Sunday, January 26 on CBS.
Sara Bareilles
Yes, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are slated to perform together during the 56th annual Grammy Awards ceremony, either before or after they accept a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the Beatles. I don’t think the Grammy producers can top that historic reunion, but other artists scheduled to perform this year include Keith Urban, Lorde, Katy Perry, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Taylor Swift, John Legend, Daft Punk, Pink, Pharrell Williams, Metallica, Lang Lang, Robin Thicke, Stevie Wonder, Imagine Dragons, Kendrick Lamar, Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton, Kris Kristofferson, and Merle Haggard. Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles is a surprise nominee in the Album of the Year category, and she is scheduled to perform with Carole King during the live broadcast. Bareilles has a new live DVD out, and I also write about Paul Simon’s recent CD, a greatest hits collection that was not eligible for
Grammys since it consists of previously released material. (Simon already has 12 Grammy wins over the years, thank-you very much.)
Sara Bareilles — Brave Enough: Live at the Variety Playhouse
Will this gifted singer-songwriter have a lengthy, legendary career like Carole King? It’s too early to tell, but her lyrics are often clever and catchy, and I look forward to Bareilles’ collaboration with King on the Grammys. This live CD/DVD combo was recorded in Atlanta, GA during Bareilles’ “The Brave Enough Tour,” in support of her current, Grammynominated CD, The Blessed Unrest. That tour sold-out nationally in three minutes, and the CD captures Bareilles’ entire May 20, 2013 performance, which includes her hit singles “Brave,” “Love Song,” and “King of Anything,” as well as the singer’s never-before-released cover of Elton John’s classic song, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”
Paul Simon — Over The Bridge Of Time
Like James Taylor and Carole King, Paul Simon is a classy, timeless songwriter whose talent exists outside of musical trends and chart positions. His last original album, 2011’s So Beautiful or So What, was one of his finest, despite being ignored by the Grammys. Over The Bridge Of Time: A Paul Simon Retrospective looks back over his impressive career, including his time as half of Simon & Garfunkel, and showcases 20 classic cuts on one disc. The release is by no means comprehensive, but for casual fans and those new to his work, this is a fine sampler of some of his best material. Included on the CD are such familiar hits as “The Sound of Silence,” “Cecilia,” “Slip Slidin’ Away,” “Late In The Evening,” “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes,” “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover,” and of course “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Festival Favorite Reaching for the Moon Set for Release If you missed this fan favorite at SF’s or LA’s LGBT film festivals, the award winning feature will be released on DVD February 11 (digitally on Feb. 4). Reaching for the Moon is a sophisticated tale of an unlikely romance between two extraordinary artists, Brazilian architect Lota de Macedo Soares (Glória Pires) and American poet Elizabeth Bishop (Miranda Otto), set against the backdrop of political upheaval and a clash of cultures. Find more info online at WolfeVideo.com. 12
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January 23, 2014 - February 13, 2014 • Volume 27 • Issue 2 • No. 497
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GREAT BROADWAY, UP CLOSE! BROADWAY LEGEND CHITA RIVERA LIVE ON STAGE!
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THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
January 23, 2014 - February 13, 2014 • Volume 27 • Issue 2 • No. 497
TUE 3/25 – WED 3/26
THU 4/17 – SAT 4/19
FRI 5/23 – SUN 5/25
10% Discount on matinee performances Group rates available
916-608-6888 HarrisCenter.net Outword Magazine 13
Local Models to Grace LGBT Wedding Expo Fashion Show by Bonnie Osborn
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ack by popular demand from the first Sacramento LGBT Wedding Expo held last August, will be the LGBT Bridal Fashion Show, produced by Sacramento’s House Of Fashion, with members of the Sacramento LGBT community modeling the latest in same-sex wedding couture. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this year’s Sacramento LGBT Wedding Expo, will be held Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Red Lion Woodlake Hotel, and will once again be presented by Outword Media Marketing Events and Details Details Events & Conference Planning, partnering with the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce. New for 2014 will be men’s fashions featuring a broad range of color beyond the traditional wedding black-and-white, said Jenny Marie, fashion show producer for
among the happy couples who attended the 2013 Expo and met photographer Monica Neuman Lunardi, who will photograph their February 22 wedding. “Larry and I weren’t going to go at first,” Waller said. “We thought it would just be a big party. We were quite impressed. We made it a point to visit every booth.” Lunardi hosted a photo booth at the Expo, where Waller and Smith picked up her contact information and followed up a few days afterward. The LGBT Wedding Expo will again feature free wine, hors d’oeuvres and cake
Joshua Waller and Larry Smith were among the happy couples who attended the 2013 Expo. Photo by Monica Neuman Lunardi.
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House of Fashions. “Men’s suits now come in tons of colors, including beige, grey and navy,” Marie said. “Weddings right now aren’t all so formal; they’re a little more casual. Especially the men often use their own shirt and tie and mix and match the colors, such as a striped shirt with a different printed tie. Some men are just wearing vests with matching pants. Women’s fashions also are going a little more casual, going with color, such as champagne tones or light blues or pinks.” The community models will visit the store prior to the Expo to choose their styles and be fitted. “We have them choose the styles they would wear for their own weddings,” Marie said. Labels most popular with last year’s models included Pronovias, Maggie Sottero, Allure and Lizaro. Joshua Waller and Larry Smith were
January 23, 2014 - February 13, 2014 • Volume 27 • Issue 2 • No. 497
tastings, dueling DJs and scores of local businesses, all showcasing what they can do to create same-sex weddings to remember. Admission to attend the Expo is free, as is parking. The Wedding Expo will be held in conjunction with the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce monthly mixer, and Chamber members in good standing qualify for a $25 discount on the cost of exhibit space. For information about exhibiting at the LGBT Wedding Expo, contact Details Details at 916-307-5130 or e-mail kelli@ details2.com. Exhibit space cost is $300; after February 7 cost is $350. Event sponsorships are $1,000 each; contact Outword Media at 916-329-9280 for information. Visit SacLGBTWeddingExpo.com for more information. outwordmagazine.com
Hot Times At Harlow’s On The Horizon Duncan Sheik, Bettye LaVette Perform by Chris Narloch
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he year is young, but 2014 has already seen some superb live shows in Sacramento. This February, Harlow’s will host two not-to-be-missed music artists — Duncan Sheik, co-creator of the musical Spring Awakening, and, in a separate evening, the current queen of the blues, Bettye LaVette. Duncan Sheik
Duncan Sheik
If you turned on a radio in 1996, chances are you heard “Barely Breathing,” the smash hit debut single by Duncan Sheik that propelled the American singer-songwriter to the top of the charts. A practicing Buddhist, Sheik plays the guitar and the piano, and he is most famous recently for having composed the music for Spring Awakening, the Grammy and Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. A feature film adaptation of Spring Awakening is currently in the planning stages, and a Broadway-bound stage version of American Psycho, with music by Duncan Sheik, opened to acclaim in London this past December. Duncan Sheik will play one show only at Harlow’s in Sacramento, on Sunday, February 9.
Bettye LaVette
If you want to experience heartbreaking, beautifully rendered blues music, a live show by this veteran singer is a must. A 67-year-old soul survivor, LaVette made her first record at 16 but achieved only limited success despite decades of touring and recording, until 2006, when her critically-acclaimed album, I’ve Got My Own Hell to Raise, shot her to stardom. A series of successful CDs and tours followed for the Detroit-raised powerhouse, who has a galvanizing, roof-raising stage and vocal presence. LaVette filled the large auditorium at the Mondavi Center a few years back, but if you want to see her really hypnotize an audience, check her out at an intimate venue like Harlow’s. LaVette performs there on Wednesday evening, February 12. For more information on these and other shows, please visit www. sblentertainment.com. For tickets by phone, call Bettye LaVette 800-225-2277.
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January 23, 2014 - February 13, 2014 • Volume 27 • Issue 2 • No. 497
Outword Magazine 15
Presidents Day Weekend Offers Two Bear Gatherings
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his February, furry guys and their fans will have their choice of two major bear gatherings taking place in California during Presidents Day Weekend. For the 23rd year in a row, it will be “Bear Weekend” in San Francisco. Meanwhile, to the south, they will be holding the first ever International Bear Convergence in Palm Springs. Bear Weekend in SF started way back in 1994, with the first Bear Expo. Seventeen International Bear Rendezvous have followed, but sadly, 2011 was the last IBR. With the understanding that the essence of any bear event is the people, SF Bear Weekend — a grassroots, social media driven event was formed. Both 2012 and 2013 were huge successes. “The whole dog tag thing wasn’t working anymore,” says Shaun Tierney from SFBearWeekend.com. “So when IBR went away it just seemed natural to keep the parties going. Many of the events were already happening outside of the IBR umbrella, using the name ‘Bear Weekend’ to avoid fees. Which is another reason IBR went away.” According to their website, SF Bear Weekend won’t have tags, a shuttle bus, a theme (other than bears) or a charity fund. What
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January 23, 2014 - February 13, 2014 • Volume 27 • Issue 2 • No. 497
it will have, they proclaim, is “Bears, Cubs, Otters, Chubs, Chasers and more!” In contrast, the subtly titled and timed International Bear Convergence appears to be a lavish, well organized affair. The four-day event includes pool parties with palm trees, multiple bars, cabanas and outdoor lounge areas. After the sun sets, evenings will heat up with three themed dance parties. Weekend passes run between $120-$180 and rooms start at $179 per night. When asked about IBC’s timing and title, Tierney replied simply, “It sucks!” He then added, “It looks fun. And expensive. But we’ve got 23 years worth of momentum and the greatest, gayest city in the world here in SF!” For more information please visit www. sfbearweekend.com and www.ibc-ps.com.
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Business Directory ACCOUNTING
FRITZ RUSSELL, CPAS Jason Russell, CPA Lic. 99177 Jason@FritzRussellCPAs.com 916-966-9366
ADULT RETIREMENT LIVING PIONEER HOUSE 415 P St., 916-442-4906 www.pioneerhouseretirement.org
ADULT STORES
L’AMOUR SHOPPE 2531 Broadway, 916-736-3467
AGING ISSUES
PAPERLOVE 855-727-3756 paperlovellc.com
ATTORNEYS
HEAD HUNTERS 1930 K St. Info: 916-492-2922 HeadHuntersOnK.Com
HOT ITALIAN 16th & Q, 916-444-3000, www.HotItalian.net LUCCA RESTAURANT & BAR 1615 J St., 916-669-5300 LuccaRestaurant.com ZOCALO 1801 Capitol Ave., 916-441-0303 ZocaloSacramento.com
ELDER ISSUES
ASSETS & AGING Bob Scrivano, 800-999-8007, assetsandaging.com PAPERLOVE 855-727-3756 paperlovellc.com
EYE GLASSES
M. JANE PEARCE 1430 Alhambra Blvd., 916-452-3883 PAMELA JONES 1050 Fulton Ave., Suite 218, 916-261-0628, hwww.pamjoneslaw.com SUZANNE J SHEPHARD 2775 Cottage Way, Ste 13, 916-484-3929, www.sjshephard.com
STYLEYES 23rd & J Sts. 916-448-2220
AUTO DEALERS
URBAN FITNESS & WELLNESS CENTER 2525 J St. 916-492-2525 www.UrbanFitnessSac.com
ELK GROVE SUBARU 8585 Laguna Dr., Elk Grove, 877-360-0259 ElkGroveSubaru.com NIELLO FIAT 2030 Fulton Ave. 888-275-FIAT FIAT.niello.com
AUTO WASH
GEM AUTO WASH & DETAILING 5150 Freeport Blvd., 916-374-WASH www.GemAutoWash.com
BANKING
WELLS FARGO BANK www.WellsFargo.com
BARS / CLUBS
BADLANDS 2003 K St., 916-441-6823 SacBadlands.com THE BOLT 2560 Boxwood St., 916-649-8420 SacBolt.com THE DEPOT 2001 K St., Sac, 916-441-6823 TheDepot.net FACES 2000 K St., Sac, 916-448-7798 Faces.net HEAD HUNTERS 1930 K St. Info: 916-492-2922 HeadHuntersOnK.Com SIDETRAX 2007 K St., 916-441-6823 facebook.com/sidetraxsac
CAT ERING
FAT’S CATERING 916-441-7966 www.fatscatering.com
CHIROPRACTORS
HEALING TOUCH CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Darrick Lawson, 1919 21st St, Ste. 101, 916-447-3344 www.FixMyBack.com
CIVIL RIGHTS
CA COMMUNITIES UNITED INSTITUTE www.calcomui.org b.hinman@calcomui.org
CHURCHES
GOOD SHEPHERD INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC CHURCH 920 Drever St, West Sac, 916-538-4774, www.goodshepherdcommunity.org.
CLEANING SERVICES HOUSE 2 OM 916-9833-8510 www.house-2-om.com
COUNSELING
BRUCE GUNN, M.F.C.C. Lic. MM19480, 418 Alhambra Blvd., 916-443-7171 www.safediscovery.com KATE MACKENZIE, C.S.W. Lic. LCS13330, 1731 I St., 916-447-0350 WEAVE SAFE ZONE 916920-2952 WeaveInc.net
DINING/BEVERAGES ERNESTO’S 1901 16th St., 916-441-5850 ErnestosMexicanFood.com
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FINANCIAL PLANNING MIDTOWN FINANCIAL Al Roche, 1330 21st St., Ste. 201, 916-447-9220 MidtownFinancial.net
FITNESS
HEARING
UNIVERSITY AUDIOLOGIC ASSOCIATES Deborah Powell, M.S., 1325 Howe Ave., Ste. 101, 916-927-3137
HEATING & AIR
PERFECTION HOME SYSTEMS 916-481-0658 www.HotCold.com
HIV/AIDS SERVICES
BREAKING BARRIERS 2210 21st St., 916-447-AIDS www.bbcsc.org CARES COMMUNITY HEALTH 1500 21st St., 916-914-6305 CaresClinic.org CAPITOL CITY AIDS FUND Prevention@CapCityAIDSFund.org CONDOMFINDER.ORG 916-914-6246 CondomFinder.org SIN SACRAMENTO HIV+ SUPPORT health.groups.yahoo.com/group/SINSacramento
INSURANCE
STATE FARM INSURANCE Stephanie Slagel, 916-485-4444 StephanieSlagel.com WESTERN HEALTH ADVANTAGE 888-227--5942 WesternHealth.com
JEWELRY
OPTOMETRY
CAMERON YEE, O.D. 6407 Riverside Blvd., 916-395-0673 DrCameronYee@aol.com
PAVERS
THE PAVER COMPANY 916-222-8844 www.thepavercompany.com
PET SITTING
LUCKY BUDDY PET CARE 916-505-4375 LuckyBuddyPetCare.com
PR & MARKETING
OUTWORD MEDIA•MARKETING•EVENTS Fred Palmer, 916-329-9280 OutwordMedia.com WRITEAWAY COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES Bonnie Osborn, 916-212-9110 bonnie@writeawaycommunications.biz
PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS THEPRENUPLADY.COM 916-213-6182 ThePreNupLady.com
www.outwordmagazine.com
REAL ESTAT E
COLDWELL BANKER Mark T. Peters, 916-341-7794 www.MarkPeters.biz BETTER HOMES & GARDENS 1819 K St. 916-491-1516 www.BHGHome.com/midtown Brian McMartin, 916-402-4160 Brian@BrianMcMartin.com Joan Dunn, 916-716-5584 joan@joandunn.net
SMOKING CESSATION www.LastDrag.org
SPAS
BLUE SKY DAY SPA 4250 H St., Ste 1, 916-455-6200 BlueSkyDaySpa.com
TAX PREPARATION JAMES JOSEPH 916-470-5273
THEAT ERS & MOVIES BROADWAY SACRAMENTO 916-557-1999 www.BroadwaySacramento.com HARRIS CENTER 916-608-6888 www.harriscenter.net MONDAVI CENTER 866-754-2787 www.mondaviarts.org
TRAVEL
SOURCE EVENTS 888-768-7238 SourceEvents.com
STONEY FOLKS JEWELERS 916-363-0898
LANDSCAPING DEMETRE LANDSCAPES 916-648-8455
LIBRARIES
LAVENDER LIBRARY 1414 21st St., 916-492-0558 LavenderLibrary.com
LIGHTING
SESTAK LIGHTING DESIGN Michael Sestak, 916-769-6909 SestakLightingDesign.com
MASSAGE
BODYWORK BALANCE Robert Head, 916-764-6014 BodyworkBalance.net M4M EROTIC MASSAGE 916-304-2619 BrandonKennedy.info
MEN’S CLUBS
STEVE’S 1030 W. 2nd St., Reno 775-323-8770 www.StevesReno.com
MORTGAGE
IMORTGAGE Brad Bauer, 916-746-8410 Dan Huffman, 916-769-2217
MUSEUMS & EVENTS CROCKER ART MUSEUM 216 O St., CrockerArtMuseum.org
January 23, 2014 - February 13, 2014 • Volume 27 • Issue 2 • No. 497
Outword Magazine 17
Unhung Hero Unzips on DVD
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f you haven’t already seen it, be sure and look for Unhung Hero, a hilarious recent release that bills itself as the world’s first “cockumentary.”
A hit at SXSW, Unhung Hero was inspired by one of the most humiliating experiences any man could suffer. Patrick Moote has his marriage proposal rejected before an arena full of people and millions of YouTube viewers. To make matters worse, his ex eventually tells him the reason for the rejection — that his “equipment” is too small to satisfy her. Moote then embarks on a quest, along with director Brian Spitz, to uncover the bitter truth. Does size really matter? The resulting non-fiction film features Moote’s worldwide travels and interviews with activists, porn stars and sexperts such as Dan Savage and Annie Sprinkle. To read more DVD reviews, go to www.outwordmagazine.com.
See Oscar Nominees at the Tower & The Crest
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by Chris Narloch
he Oscar nominations came out during our deadline week, and I was especially happy to see that the Coen Brothers’ overrated critical darling Inside Llewyn Davis was shut out of the Best Picture race. (Go to www.nytimes.com if you want to read Suzanne Vega’s expert dismissal of that depressing dud.) Mostly, the Academy did a fine job with their nominations for 2013, a year that contained an embarrassment of riches. I’ll have more commentary on the Oscar race in February, but for now I wanted to let you know about some Oscar nominees that have finally opened in Sacramento, or are opening soon.
a nomination as Best Actress this year, is magnificent in the movie. Just opened at the Tower is the frontrunner for Best Foreign Film, Italy’s The Great Beauty, a gorgeous, Felliniesque movie about a man who goes in search of meaning in his life after he turns 65.
The Crest
If you want to be really ready when the Oscars turn 86 on Sunday, March 2, you can check out the Oscar-nominated short film programs, which will open locally at the Crest, on Friday, January 31. I had not seen any of those films by our deadline, but the collection is almost always a superb sampler of the finest mini-movies from the past year. I especially enjoy seeing the animated shorts on the big screen. Visit www.thecrest.com for more information.
The Tower
As we go to deadline, all four films playing at the Tower are Oscar-nominated. I can’t promise that they will all still be there by the time you read this, but you can go to www. fandango.com to confirm. In addition to the aforementioned Inside Llewyn Davis and Nebraska, there are two superb Oscar-nominated films at the Tower that I highly recommend. Don’t miss Steve Coogan and the great Judi Dench in Philomena, an incredibly moving true story that has a fascinating gay angle that I won’t spoil. Dench, who received
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January 23, 2014 - February 13, 2014 • Volume 27 • Issue 2 • No. 497
photo courtesy of zwahlenimages.com
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January 23, 2014 - February 13, 2014 • Volume 27 • Issue 2 • No. 497
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