Outwords 207 February 2014

OutWords // Letter to the Editor

queer views, news, issues

SHOW YOUR LOVE BEST WINTER DATE IDEAS DIY VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

SOME OF YOUR MOST CAPTIVATING LOVE STORIES

STAND UP TO HATE: Prejudice in the Town of Morris, athletes speak out about the Sochi Olympics, and tales of homophobia in the music industry OutWords | February 2014 | Issue 207 | Serving the GLBTQ* CommunityJuly Since 1994 / August 2013

// www.outwords.ca // 1

“ I am an Academic Advisor specializing in Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). I am pleased to provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.”

Lauren Waples RPL Advisor

Embracing the Community Red River College’s LGBTT Initiative fosters the development of a safe campus environment, in which everyone has the chance to work, learn and access services in an inclusive, welcoming manner.

RRC’s Ally Project supports LGBTT staff, students and faculty by identifying campus Allies who can provide a safe and inclusive space.

For more information: Nora Sobel, LGBTT Initiative Staff Lead nsobel@rrc.ca or 204-632-2404 www.rrc.ca/LGBTTInitiative

OutWords // Index

4

ON LOVE, HATE AND PDA EDITORIAL

5

INTERNATIONAL NEWS COMMENTARY

6

SAME-SEX ACCEPTANCE UP IN HONG KONG, DOWN IN INDIA AND UGANDA INTERNATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

18

LOVE AND HATE AT THE SOCHI OLYMPICS

7

WINNIPEG CO-ORDINATORS OF GLBTQ* JEWISH CONFERENCE WIN AWARD

20

READERS’ BEST/WORST FIRST DATES

SHOWING LOVE IN PUBLIC

21

HANDMADE VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS

22

THE BEST AND WORST WINTER DATE IDEAS

23

RAW:ALMOND PREVIEW

25

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES AT THE FORKS TRAIL

26

THE GAY SIDE OF FESTIVAL DU VOYAGEUR

27

Q-AND-A WITH MR. GAY

28

TALES OF LOVE AND HATE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

29

SWEET ALIBI’S NEW TUNES

29

WHY GUITARIST DON ROSS MATTERS

31

MISFIT FINDS HIS PLACE

9

THE PARADOX OF NIGERIA’S ANTI-GAY LAW

STREETER

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

10

THREE TRIUMPHANT LOVE STORIES

14

PREJUDICE AND HATE IN THE PRAIRIES: THE TOWN OF MORRIS

16

SEEING RED

COMMUNITY PROFILES

FASHION

February 2014 // www.outwords.ca // 3

OutWords // Editorial

NAVIGATING PDA Being out in public can be a

love / hate relationship

I

’ll never forget feeling like prey.

It was a couple of months ago when my girlfriend, Megan, and I were at a pub near our home EDITORIAL downtown. Shortly DANELLE CLOUTIER after we arrived, we got separated when a guy stopped to talk to me while Megan got a drink. He and I talked about his brother’s death and how life can be so unexpected — an unusually deep conversation for having just met someone at a pub.

But, the conversation quickly turned sour once he found out that Megan and I were dating. He asked me very personal questions, completely outraged and confused that two women could have a satisfying relationship. He didn’t believe it and he wouldn’t let it go. Despite the fact that we told him we have absolutely no interest in him, he tried to pursue me. It was like he felt challenged by our same-sex relationship. It was like we were his prey.

4 // February 2014 // www.outwords.ca

The night ended in an argument between Megan and him because he was convinced that he was a better partner for me — strictly because he’s a man and Megan is a woman.

This is the reality of being out in public for Megan, and I. We’ve been whistled at and yelled at while walking down the street holding hands. Worse, we’ve been approached by guys while we’re trying to enjoy a night out together, who ask if we’ll have a threesome once they find out we’re dating. It’s insulting and reinforces the fantasy of lesbians as sexualized objects for straight men.

The dichotomy, as you’ll see throughout this issue themed “Love/Hate,” is that often with love comes hate — a theme that the GLBTQ* community knows all too well. These responses to our relationship may not sound hateful — and this pales in comparison to other cases of severe hate in our GLBTQ* community like rape, beatings and bullying — but they have a way of making me feel dirty, preyed upon and angry. And anything that makes me apprehensive about holding hands with my partner or telling people we’re dating is hate

to me. I mean, how many straight couples does this happen to?

For many heterosexual couples, holding hands isn’t even a thought.

For some GLBTQ* couples who are affectionate, they’re constantly conscious of their environment, including when they can and when they can’t do something as innocent as hold hands. There are discussions about this on forums like Yahoo Answers and Empty Closets, a GLBTQ* forum. One woman disclosed that her girlfriend literally pushed her away when she went in for a kiss because people were around. She asked strangers on the forum whether they think her girlfriend is ashamed of being with her.

Strangers responded that she’s probably not ashamed — she just doesn’t want to be stared at or yelled at.

It’s these stories that remind us that we never stop coming out. Remember the day when you finally built up the courage to tell your best friend that you’re (fill in the blank)? And your family? Well, for some people it takes that same amount of courage, or more, to come out to strangers every time they show affection toward their partner in public.

Strangers’ reactions to our GLBTQ* relationships, like the reaction of the guy at the pub, can undermine how much courage it takes some people to be out in public. It’s these bad reactions that limit GLBTQ* love to private spaces and stuff us back into the closet.

Of course this isn’t an issue for every GLBTQ* couple. As you’ll see on page 9, Chris Vogel and Richard North aren’t very affectionate and haven’t encountered any issues. On page 10 Harrison Oakes and Hamed’s story is one of hope; it shows us how hatred can bind two people together.

On the lighter side, on page 22 we’ve come up with some great date destinations to bring your partner this February that are, we hope, GLBTQ*-friendly.

Do you have any stories about being out in public that you would like to share? Email, Facebook, or tweet us @OutWords with your stories.

OutWords // International News Commentary PUBLISHED BY THE OUTWORDS VOLUNTEER STAFF: EDITOR : Ksenia Prints SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR : Miles McEnery NEWS AND BOOKS & MOVIES: Meg Crane ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR: Graeme Coleman MUSIC EDITOR: Danelle Cloutier FASHION AND BEAUTY EDITOR: Jefre Nicholls FOOD AND LIFESTYLE EDITOR: Shayna Wiwierski ART DIRECTOR & LAYOUT: Dylan Bekkering ASSISTANT LAYOUT: Michele Buchanan BOOK KEEPER: CHRISTY ELIAS DISTRIBUTION: Meryl Kaye De Leon & Terry Wiebe WEB MANAGER: Vic Hooper SALES MANAGER: Phillip Olcen COVER ART: Dylan Bekkering CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE: Megan Douglas, Cathy Orr, Adrienne Pereles Photography, Larkin Schmiedl, Alexandra Martin, Julia Gignac, Arash S., Jacqueline Young Eric Plamondon, Zanna Joyce, Jessica Botelho-Urbanski.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Debbie Scarborough, Kevin Hills, Darron Field, Liz Millward, Armando Perla, Darrel Nadeau, Rachel Wood, Rachel Morgan.

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I

grew up in Nigeria.

In Lagos, to be exact.

And I have known since I was eight-yearsold that I am transgender. I was born as a girl but knew in my heart that I was meant to be a INTERNATIONAL boy, and it is only now, NEWS 28 years later, that I am COMMENTARY truly coming to live as Dr. Rizi Xavier Timane my authentic self.

Part of the reason for this? I hate to say it, but my homeland is not a safe place for any member of the GLBTQ* community. It has not been for a long time; there has always been discrimination, bigotry, and even violence committed against gay and transgender Nigerians. The issue now, however, is that this inhuman treatment has been written into law.

On Jan. 7, 2014, Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan signed the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, under which any gay couple who seeks to be married or engages in a relationship can be sentenced for up to 14 years in prison. Anyone who belongs to, or even encourages a gay club, society, or organization, may be imprisoned for up to 10 years. Sodomy is already illegal under Nigerian federal law, but this new act will give the authorities a much broader hammer with which to strike down the GLBTQ* community, which already lives largely in silence. To speak about their lives could incur serious punishments.

On the surface, of course, it’s easy to see just how wrong this all is. In fact, it goes against Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999, which ensures the right to peaceful assembly and association.

However, when we dig deeper, we find just how truly sinister this act and the people who support it are. Nigeria, on the whole, sees itself as a religious nation, and that is what, in part, has fueled this anti-GLBTQ* sentiment. Homosexuality is a sin, they say.

However, they seem to have no problem with adultery, which is rampant all across the country despite it being expressly forbidden

by God in the Ten Commandments. What’s more, another bill recently passed in Nigeria allows men to marry underage girls. No moral problem there, right? But if two men or two

women want to live in a peaceful, loving relationship, that is now against the law.

So why is there all this anti-homosexuality hate in Nigeria? Part of the reason is that Nigerians think the concept itself is a Western phenomenon – in other words, something that does not happen in their society, only in other heathen lands. This, of course, is far from true.

Same-sex relationships and even marriages have existed back to prehistoric times, particularly in African history. We did not know real homophobia until the colonials brought it to us, a practice that is continued today by so-called Christian missionaries who come to “save”, but only end up spreading hate.

We could forever examine how this state of affairs has come to pass, but the reasons are myriad, and the path Nigeria has followed to this point has been rough. Its people continue to suffer from poverty, hunger and illiteracy, as well as malaria, cholera and typhoid epidemics; crime is rampant, as is governmental corruption; there is tribalism, religious bigotry, sectionalism and internal terrorism; clean water is hard to come by; and there is no secure electricity or road infrastructure. Yet we’re talking about a nation that boasts the continent’s highest GDP due to its oil production. And this is what it focuses on?

Who people love or who they’re in bed with?

I am disappointed in my country. This law is backward and the harm it will do to so many people could be irreparable. Mass arrests have already been reported; right now there are people in jail simply for being themselves. Some Western nations have threatened to cut aid to Nigeria if the law is not repealed, but I’m not sure what good that will do to a nation that puts out two million barrels of oil a day. Perhaps a stronger show of force would work; I’ll call on President Obama to intervene in this breach of human and civil rights. But mostly I will pray for my brothers and sisters in the LGBT community back home and remind them it is always darkest before the dawn. Change will come. Just please hold on.

- Dr. Rizi Xavier Timane is a commissioned minister and spiritual counsellor, and the author of the autobiography, An Unspoken Compromise: A Spiritual Guide for LGBT People of Faith.

He was born in Northern Nigeria, West Africa, and experienced a long period of struggle with his gender identity. To read more about Dr. Timane’s story, check out our book review in the DecemberJanuary issue.

February 2014 www.outwords.ca November 2013 // // www.outwords.ca // // 5 5

OutWords // International News Briefs // Compiled by Megan Douglas

#GayPropaganda will release three videos that are meant to illustrate the homophobic discrimination experienced by Russia’s gays.

#GayPropaganda LOS ANGELES – (We are) #GayPropaganda launched its series of public service announcements to draw light to violence against the GLBTQ* community in Russia.

Co-founder of the movement Kevin Dolan said the videos are meant to humanize the victims. The first two of three videos had been released on YouTube at press time. The videos show photographs and re-enactments of violence with the words, “To you they are just pictures. For them, it’s real life.”

The organization hopes to unite the GLBTQ* voice throughout Russia and around the world by use of the #GayPropaganda hashtag.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova wants IOC to take action against Russia.

Photos from NDTV Sports

The newly passed Ugandan bill that allows to jail same-sex offenders for life will come into effect once President Yoweri Museveni gives his approval.

Photo from The Daily Monitor

Life sentence for same-sex activity KAMPALA, Uganda – In December, Uganda’s government adopted an anti-homosexuality bill that jails repeat offenders for life, according to South Africa’s News24. The bill bans anyone from practicing, recruiting for, or publicizing same-sex relations.

Barack Obama and Desmond Tutu openly oppose the bill, which was first proposed in 2009. The original draft of the bill included a death sentence for anyone caught offending a second time and people who had same-sex relations with a minor or while HIV positive.

Same-sex activity is already illegal in Uganda, this bill just intensifies the consequences.

UN human rights chief Navi Pillay hopes the Indian Supreme Court will reverse its decision to re-criminalize gay sex.

Denis Balibouse, Reuters

Athletes want IOC to take stand against Russia

Gay sex re-criminalized in India

NEW YORK – NDTV Sports reported that Czech-American tennis legend Martina Navratilova accused the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of “putting their head in the sand” over gay-rights controversies in Russia.

Navratilova, a former tennis star who is a lesbian, spoke out against the IOC at the United Nations because of the lack of action in Sochi. She said she doesn’t support a boycott because the athletes would suffer from that, but thinks the IOC should have made some sort of stand. NBA journeyman Jason Collins also expressed hope the IOC would take action against Russia.

NEW DELHI, India – The Indian Supreme Court has confirmed that the country has decided to throw out a 2009 ruling that decriminalized gay sex, according to Yahoo News.

The decision is seen by many as a significant step backwards for India. “Sex against the order of nature,” which is banned by India’s penal code, is interpreted by some as referring to gay sex.

United Nations human rights chief Navi Pillay hopes the Court will use its review procedure, which would have the case heard by a larger panel of judges who could reverse the decision.

6 // February 2014 // www.outwords.ca

OutWords // National News Briefs // Compiled by Megan Douglas

Paula Parks (Centre) accepted the award for co-chairing the centre’s first GLBTQ* conference from Rady JCC executive director Gayle Waxman(L) and Rady JCC immediate past president Eric Sawyer(R).

Photo courtesy of the Rady JCC.

GLBTQ* Jewish conference chairs honoured WINNIPEG – The Rady Jewish Community Centre (JCC) honoured its Ken H. Kronson Kehilla Award winners at its Annual General Meeting, and the co-chairs of the centre’s first GLBTQ* conference were among the recipients.

The award is given to individuals who have shown outstanding volunteer contributions to the Rady JCC and surrounding community. This year the award was given to nine individuals, including Arthur Blankstein and Paula Parks, co-chairs for the 21st World Conference of GLBT Jews.

The Rady JCC hopes to build and sustain an improved, compassionate and connected community that ensures an exciting future for the Jewish community in Winnipeg.

Toronto City councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam called the proposed GLBTQ* athletic centre groundbreaking. Photo from National Post

Toronto a step closer to GLBTQ* centre TORONTO – The National Post reported that in December Toronto politicians took a step towards constructing the city’s first GLBTQ* sports and recreation centre. Mayor Rob Ford and Councillor James Pasternak were the only members of council who voted against the proposed development, expected to cost about $100 million.

Some councillors are saying this is a “ground-breaking” moment for Toronto. But Brenda Patterson, a deputy city manager, said city funding is not yet a sure thing.

The centre, expected to be completed in 2017, will serve the GLBTQ* community and residents in the surrounding area.

Jonathan Pretty (right) was denied tenancy after his landlord saw him with his boyfriend (left). Photo from Egale Canada

Gay man loses home VANCOUVER – Jonathan Pretty had signed a lease for an apartment in Kitsilano, B.C. but was later denied because he is gay, reported Global News.

Pretty said he couldn’t believe what he was hearing when the apartment landlord, Ted Salatellis, told him he could not live in the apartment because of his sexual orientation. Salatellis said he was worried about children seeing him kissing his boyfriend and HIV being spread.

Pretty has since found another place to live but is considering taking Salatellis to court and has filed a complaint with the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal.

Christopher Karas tried to start a GSA at his Mississauga-based Catholic school. Photo from Metro Toronto

Catholic school fights GSA MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Christopher Karas, a student at a public Catholic school, plans to take legal action against the school for not complying with Ontario’s Accepting Schools Act, reported Metro Toronto.

Karas runs the student group “Portes ouvertes”, a GayStraight Alliance group. But the school administration made it difficult for him to even start the group and removed all promotional posters he put up.

Karas said the school tried to make the group about tolerance in general rather than GLBTQ* issues, while principal Alaine Lalonde said that is what the group was originally intended to be.

February 2014 // www.outwords.ca // 7

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8 // February 2014 // www.outwords.ca

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OutWords // News

Same-sex couples becoming more comfortable

By Meg Crane with public displays of affection

R

esearcher Karen Blair reports there has been an increase in violence against same-sex couples in North America in the last year, but she does not know why.

“It could be that we are going through a stage of ‘growing pains’ where the increased attention on the subject matter is making the topic more sensitive for those who are opposed to the advancement of LGBTQ* rights,” she said. Blair believes that overall, more same-sex couples are out there, exhibiting public displays of affection (PDA).

Blair, who originates from Winnipeg, is currently studying people’s reactions to same-sex couples. She has found that samesex couples’ PDAs are at times interpreted as flaunting their sexuality. Mixed-sex couples more often snuggle up in public, but aren’t accused of flaunting their sexuality. “The very fact that you see two men holding hands far less frequently than you see a man and a woman holding hands makes the image of the two men more noticeable and more memorable.”

When the Winnipeg Free Press ran an article about Blair’s research, the front cover photo of two men kissing received many comments online. “Some of the commentators were quite insightful— while they acknowledged that the image of

two men kissing was indeed offensive and disturbing to them, they also were able to acknowledge that the reason they felt this way was simply because they have less experience seeing two men kissing,” said Blair. The commentators knew that their reaction was not ok.

“People seem to have picked up on the fact that it is not ok to be homophobic or to discriminate against LGBTQ* individuals, but that doesn’t mean that their internal thoughts and feelings, and especially their unconscious thoughts and feelings, have followed suit,” said Blair. Having more GLBTQ* public figures and more same-sex couples showing PDA in public could help change this.

Chris Vogel, who has been with his partner Richard North since 1974, has noticed opinions about same-sex couples changing and credits that in part to people personally knowing people from the GLBTQ* community and the community’s portrayal in the media.

Vogel said he and North have never had a problem being in public together. “But that is because we seldom show overt physical affection in public. This is not because we are inhibited about this, but rather because we don’t generally feel like it,” said Vogel. They also have not had any outright

“The very fact that you see two men holding hands far less frequently than you see a man and a woman holding hands makes the image of the two men more noticeable and more memorable.”

- Karen Blair, researcher negative reactions to telling people about their relationship, although Vogel said this might be because they are a well-known same-sex couple in Winnipeg and people they met might have known about their relationship before meeting them.

So what can you do? Hold your same-sex partner’s hand in public. Let people know that you are from the GLBTQ* community. Make the community more visible in society and, according to Blair and Vogel, everyone just might get over it.

Not comfortable or able to do that? Support Blair’s research at www.drkarenblair.com.

- Meg Crane is OutWords’ news, books and movies editor.

February 2014 // www.outwords.ca // 9

OutWords // Features

oupling C

By Danelle Cloutier

STRUGGLE

AND STRENGTH

A Valentine’s Day special: stories of challenges and connection from three couples in our community.

H

uman connection cuts across ages, backgrounds and identities. Some people don’t find that connection until they overcome years of challenges, proving that for every story of struggle there’s a story of strength, hope and love. Others find that connection when they least expect it.

These three relatively-new couples, together for under a year and a half, have stories of struggle and strength. Their stories show that the short time they’ve been together doesn’t make their connection any less deep than a couple who has been together for many years.

10 // February 2014 // www.outwords.ca

HAMED AND HARRISON OAKES In Iran, homosexuality is criminal and punishable by death, and honour killings are common. Hamed, 28, fled his home in Iran for fear of being killed and putting his family in danger because he’s gay (Hamed’s last name is withheld from publication to protect the identity of his family). He kept his departure a secret because the sister of the man he was dating at the time was threatening to tell his family that they were together.

Hamed finally left after he couldn’t handle the secrets, blackmailing and severe consequences of anyone finding out he’s gay.

“I was just so upset. I was just so crazy. I tried to commit suicide four or five times,” he said.

Hamed lived in Turkey for two years until Reaching Out Winnipeg, a program that helps resettle GLBTQ* refugees to Winnipeg, sponsored him. Now a personal support worker, Hamed met and started dating his boyfriend Harrison Oakes, 29, at this past Pride Winnipeg. The two connected over

their experiences of having families who aren’t accepting that they’re gay.

“One of the things that makes our relationship work is that I’ve also gone through a very difficult coming out process and a very difficult process with my own family and I’m only now starting to reconnect with them,” said Oakes, a psychology student and research assistant at the University of Winnipeg. “[My parents are] missionaries in Mexico and have been ministers since I was 12. They see my sexuality through the lens of their religious beliefs,” said Oakes, adding that they’ve gotten a little more accepting.

Hamed and Oakes do encounter some cultural differences. “We’ve been always taught just be very polite, be always quiet, if there’s a problem or something just keep it to yourself,” said Hamed. “But here I can see and understand that in our relationship being quiet and keeping everything inside and not communicating with your partner is a worse thing.”

OutWords // Features

Harrison Oakes (L) and Hamed (R) connected over their experiences of unacceptance. Danelle Cloutier They’ve made progress in their communication and it’s certainly not something that outweighs the good in their relationship. “Before I met Hamed, I never thought that I would find somebody that I wanted to be in a relationship with,” said Oakes, who came out four years ago. “I know a lot of people here in Winnipeg and also internationally who are struggling with the same thing, thinking, ‘Oh, I’m never going to find love. There’s nobody out there for me.’ Just don’t give up. Don’t give up hope because you never know when something’s going to come along.”

Armande Martine (L) and Nelle Oosterom (R) on their oneyear anniversary of meeting each other. Cathy Orr

ARMANDE MARTINE AND NELLE OOSTEROM Armande Martine was married to a man for 17 years and had three children before she came out about a year and a half ago.

“It took that long for me to even know myself,” said Martine, a civil servant for the province. “I didn’t get married because ‘Oh, I don’t have any other options.’ I was still following my path because that’s who I thought I was.”

After coming out and receiving support from her children, Martine, 54, said she felt much more open with her emotions, thoughts and relationships. Martine had only been out for three months when she met the woman she plans to spend the rest of her life with.

“The universe aligned in such away that we ended up meeting,” said her partner Nelle Oosterom, senior editor of Canada’s History.

Oosterom, 58, took to Plenty of Fish after being single for years after her long-term relationship ended.

“I found it very distressing at first because there wasn’t really that many women available, and of the ones that were online, a lot of them weren’t that serious about being in a relationship,” she said. “I would get to the point where I’d be afraid to check my notices that came up.”

After a particularly tough day, she hesitantly opened a notification from Martine.

She scoped out Martine’s profile, liked what she saw and messaged her, saying, “You’re the best thing that’s happened to me all week! I’d like to get together!”

February 2014 // www.outwords.ca // 11

OutWords // Features

“I just try to understand that he’s going through changes,” said Koop, a waitress in Steinbach. “Now he’s in guy mode and I’m still and always will be in girl mode, so things that I think should be obvious are not going to be obvious for him.”

Even though Barbosa lives in Winnipeg and Koop, 20, in Steinbach, they manage to support each other through challenges.

“She’s like a support system for me because whenever I have anxieties that have to do with transitioning or just anything going on in my life, I can talk to her about it and she always keeps me grounded,” said Barbosa, adding, “She’s really been there for me more than anybody has before in the past.”

They said things are good now and they will see where they’re headed.

- Danelle Cloutier is the music editor at OutWords.

Ashley Koop (L) supports her boyfriend, Jeremy Barbosa (R) through his transition.

Adrienne Pereles Photography

“Which scared me off,” Martine said with a laugh. She was scared that they could potentially become serious. A week later they went for dinner and connected intellectually, but only thought they’d be friends.

“I didn’t know if Armande knew herself well enough because she had been out so recently,” said Oosterom, who has been out since she was 27.

It was emailing back and forth after the date that really sparked their connection.

As writers, they could communicate easily through email. They’ve been dating for 15 months and they started living together in August. “We are committed for life,” said Oosterom. “We do talk marriage, so I think that’s the next step we’re thinking of taking,” said Martine, an OutWords contributor.

12 // February 2014 // www.outwords.ca

JEREMY BARBOSA AND ASHLEY KOOP In a new relationship it’s hard enough to get familiar with how the other person works, even more so when that person is changing.

Since Jeremy Barbosa, 19, started taking testosterone in August, he finds it more difficult to show affection and he’s less in tune with his emotions. It can sometimes cause problems with Ashley Koop, his girlfriend of four months who he met on Plenty of Fish.

“I feel like maybe she takes that as I don’t care for her anymore, which I don’t want her to think that way, so it’s a bit difficult,” said Barbosa, a student at the University of Winnipeg completing the prerequisites to a veterinary program.

CANADIANS COUPLING UP

2011 Census counted 64,575 same-sex couples, a 42.4 per cent increase since 2006 and almost double than 2001. Of those couples 21,015 were married and 43,560 common-law.

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OutWords // News

IN THE EYE OF THE STORM A CLOSER LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED IN MORRIS, MANITOBA

BY LARKIN SCHMIEDL

M

orris, Manitoba made national headlines three times in 2013 because of racism and homophobia. The agricultural town of about 1,800 located south of Winnipeg in the Red River Valley saw two restaurants close and a newspaper fold over the past year as a result of these accusations.

Pots N Hands restaurant was only open four months before it closed, allegedly due to homophobic pressure. Following verbal attacks at the eatery and around town, and after they were asked if somebody would “catch something” off the plate, owner Dave Claringbould and his partner decided to cut their losses.

A few months following in the same location, Thea Morris, a Jamaican-born woman of colour, opened Thea’s Diner.

Shortly after opening she was told by a longtime Morris resident business was dropping because of her colour, and she received an email from kkk@morris.ca in reply to a Kijiji help-wanted ad, saying, “You guys still chasing colors (sic) out of your towns out there? I believe the KKK has a chapter in South Dakota you should join!”

Morris had had nearly enough. She said groups of people visited the diner just to walk out and one customer defecated in a urinal.

14 // February 2014 // www.outwords.ca

the racist editorial published in the nowdefunct Morris Mirror early in 2013, leveling accusations against aboriginal people. “They lost all their advertising at the time, published one more newspaper, [and] shut down and went back to B.C.” Van der Linde believes the real reason people stopped coming to the restaurant was a problem with the service, but Morris said she received consistent compliments on her food.

“When the gay business owners said that they had some discrimination,” said van der Linde, “after that you could only get a seat in their place by reservation. They had excellent food, excellent service; people liked them.”

The couple did not leave Morris after closing their restaurant, but are “still very much involved” in the community, according to a post one of the former owners made on Thea’s Diner Facebook page. At the time of their struggle with homophobia at the restaurant, they did note most people in Morris were supportive. The couple declined interview requests.

As for Morris, she said she feels a weight has been lifted off her shoulders with the restaurant now closed. Despite the stress of what happened, she is going to look for a new location in Winnipeg. “I still have a good

“I started getting really nervous; I started making sure I was safe,” Morris said. “I didn’t want to be at the place alone.” Morris then closed the diner Dec. 29.

The town’s mayor Gavin van der Linde was outspoken in defense of the former gay owners, but when it comes to Thea’s Diner, he isn’t convinced racism is the reason her doors closed.

“If you read that [email] from the context of, that was written by someone outside of Morris who didn’t know that she was a black business owner, I thought, ‘well, this was just some random person on the Internet.’ It doesn’t sound to me like they know who she is.”

Morris said she feels Thea’s Diner was the second restaurant to close in Morris, Manitoba, amidst allegations of discrimination this year.Photo courtesy of Thea Morris. whoever sent the email targeted it directly at her. “Nevertheless, relationship with some of the people in Morris let’s just say if it was a random and I’m not going to let anybody influence that email – is that something still to take lightly?” She said she would have preferred to or make me think badly of the entire town,” see the Town of Morris take a more proactive said Morris. “I’m at a place where I feel a little safer now, and I’m just going to try and put it approach against racism. “All they do is behind me.” downplay, like it’s not happening,” she said.

Van der Linde said the community would have stood up against racism if it could. He points to the community’s response against

- Larkin Schmiedl is a freelance journalist living in Vancouver, B.C. He loves to write about social and environmental justice.

We Are Proud to Stand Up for all Manitobans

Jennifer Howard

Jim Rondeau

MLA for Fort Rouge MLA for Assiniboia 204-946-0272 204-888-7722 JenniferHoward.ca JimRondeau.mb.ca

Nancy Allan

MLA for St. Vital 204-237-8771 NancyAllan.ca

Ron Lemieux

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Dave Sharon Gaudreau Blady

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OutWords // Fashion

T

DU K E E H OF

BURGUNDY Nicholls Photography and fashion: Jefre nac Hair, make-up & styling: Julia Gig erland Models Model: Arash S., courtesy of Suth

Arash wears a burgundy satinlapelled dinner jacket by Ted Baker, a white collared button-up shirt and burgundy cotton tailored pants from Topman, and fringed washed wingtip shoes by Pegabo.

Black satin bowtie, stylist’s own.

S

hakespeare once famously quipped that a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet. But what about one of this season’s most noteworthy colours? Think of this palette as an international man of mystery who goes by many names, but has the same heartbreaking, mysterious effect on all that come into contact with him. This 007 of the Pantone colour series I speak of is none other than burgundy. Burgundy, or merlot, or oxblood, dominated the women’s fashion scene last year, and so in true historical custom, menswear designers and retailers all over the world followed suit.

This spring, it appears casual in chunky knits, or tidied up in the most tailored of suits. In any way you can pair up this shade to add an updated, current and fresh spin to your wardrobe. The Queen of Hearts may have been miffed that someone was painting her roses red, but had they been painted burgundy I don’t think anyone would have been losing their heads.

16 // November 2013 // www.outwords.ca

OutWords // Fashion

A burgundy and merlot chunky cable knit sweater and oxblood speckled cardigan, both from Topman.

Wine–coloured cashmere scarf, stylist’s own.

Wine coloured NYC sweater and charcoal jogging pants, available at Topman.

Deep maroon leatherstrapped watch from Thomas Sabo. Leather hat, bracelet, chain, boots and socks, stylist’s own.

Red-rose silk dinner jacket

by HD Homme.

White collared button-up shirt from Topman.

Silver and black zircon ring by Thomas Sabo. Vintage bolero and brooch worn as bowtie, stylist’s own.

A navy and merlot plaid linen sports coat with an oxblood polka dot collar-tipped dress shirt by Ted Baker, indigo denim by Fidelity, oxblood belt by Brave, and fringed washed wingtip shoes by Pegabo.

February 2014 // www.outwords.ca // 17

final countdown

By Larkin Schmiedl

What athletes think about the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics on the eve of the Games

F

rom Feb. 7 to 23, queer athletes – some out, some not – will compete in the Winter Olympic Games hosted by an increasingly GLBTQ*-hating Russia.

The 22nd Olympic Winter Games will not only be the most expensive Games ever hosted, held in Sochi’s subtropical climate, but will also put athletes, trainers, spectators and others on an international stage in a place where skinhead gangs have lured and videotaped assaults of gay teens, a village has gotten together to kill a suspected gay neighbour, and where Orthodox priests have led assaults on gay rights

demonstrations, among other events.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed its anti-discrimination mission statement, Principle 6, includes

18 // February 2014 // www.outwords.ca

sexual orientation, yet the IOC has refused to speak out against Russia’s laws. Betty Baxter, a former Olympian in Canadian women’s volleyball who was later fired as head coach in 1982 for being a lesbian, said she thinks the IOC bears the brunt of the blame for not thinking about the impact of holding the Games in Russia. Openly gay speed skater Blake Skjellerup, who will be competing, said he thinks the way the IOC protects its athletes needs to change. Russian President Vladimir Putin has assured the IOC the Games will be “comfortable” for GLBTQ* athletes, but many are unconvinced.

Skjellerup, a who trains in Calgary and competes for New Zealand, said he will be wearing his Pride pin during Olympic ceremonies. “Hopefully more people will

offer up a statement of support or some kind of sign of support – and not only for the solidarity of the GLBTQ* community in Russia, but for the solidarity of GLBTQ* people across the world.” Skjellerup came out shortly after the 2010 Olympics and has been a driving force in GLBTQ* activism in New Zealand’s schools. He said there is nothing he’s afraid of in Russia and that, “If anything does happen, then so be it… It would definitely expedite conversation in making sure that when Olympic Games do happen, they happen in countries that are safe for all people.”

Because he was already out, Skjellerup said he couldn’t shy away from the issue. “I wouldn’t have been staying true to myself.”

But the gay friends he has who are not out are more focused solely on competition.

OutWords // Sports

“It was definitely a landmark achievement for the Olympic Games to have a [Pride] pin be an official piece of Olympic merchandise.” - Blake Skjellerup Skjellerup said he sees an opportunity for the Games to bring about change. “The person who has put on these Olympic Games, Vladimir Putin, is the exact opposite of what the Olympic Games stand for. It’s a great opportunity for the Olympic Games to do its part in highlighting those morals that should be showing during that time.”

Baxter takes a different, more cynical view of the Games. “The way the modern Olympics are is it’s really about selling product and proving your country’s dominance,” said Baxter. “The ancient Olympics was to keep warriors fit in between wars.... And then the modern Olympics were founded basically on the same thing.” While Baxter is critical of the endeavour, her main concern is always to look at how athletes can be supported. “The last thing we want to do is move some wellmeaning political campaign in and take away from their opportunities. We need to condemn Russia, but we need to be very careful in our strategies so that doing that doesn’t take away from the athletes who have worked hard. Athletes have to take four, eight, 12 years of their lives to get [to the Olympics]. What my concern would be is if there’s too much action around the [GLBTQ*] issue in Russia, it’s a distraction.”

She said the reason more highperformance athletes don’t come out is because it takes away from their main focus, their athletic feats. “When you’re competing in something where it’s a hundredth of a second, or a psychological pause where you can lose what you’ve been attempting to do with your performance, you can’t be distracted by somebody saying, ‘I support

you because you’re gay.’” Even a scene with supporters at the Olympics would be harder on GLBTQ* athletes than we would imagine, said Baxter. She’s glad the call to boycott the Sochi Olympics failed. Athletes like openly-gay figure skaters Johnny Weir and Skjellerup also condemned the boycott, saying it would have punished athletes more

Blake Skjellerup displays his Pride pin from the London Games. than Russia.

The 1968 Games saw an organized call

by African-American athletes to boycott, but when that fell apart, two athletes memorably took their protest to the medal stand. Baxter said one strategy that would have worked should have been implemented some time ago. “Each Olympics has generally a beverage company, generally a telecommunications company and generally a petroleum company.... If we’d had massive boycotts for those companies, the Olympics would have been moved out of Russia, there’s no doubt.”

Outside the safety of the Olympic Village, tireless gay Russian activist Nikolai Alekseyev has announced a Sochi Pride March to coincide with the opening of the Games. Meanwhile, athletes like Skjellerup will be doing their part to raise visibility within the confines of the Village. “It would be nice to not have to stand up and to fight for who I am, but that is unfortunately the situation that I’m in. I have to speak out, and I have to be that voice, because there aren’t a lot of GLBTQ* athletes in sport.

That visibility isn’t there, and that visibility needs to be there. GLBTQ* youth who are growing up need to see that you can be whatever you wish to be in life, and that your

Former Olympian Betty Baxter remains critical of the Olympic Games, but insists a boycott would have hurt the athletes more than Russia’s homophobic laws. sexuality isn’t something that prevents you from doing that. Your sexuality is something that you should be very proud of, and it’s not something you should let in any way define who you are, especially when it comes to living your life.”

What do you think about how the Olympic Games turned out? Let us know via email, Facebook, or tweet us at @OutWords!

- Larkin Schmiedl is a freelance journalist living in Vancouver, B.C. He loves to write about social and environmental justice.

February 2014 // www.outwords.ca // 19

OutWords // Lifestyle & Food

r e t e e r t S

I

THE ONE TO REMEMBER

Readers’ favourite first dates

By Alexandra Martin

s chivalry really dead? In a dating world dominated by late-night texts, quick Facebook chats, and “liking” a cutie’s picture on Instagram, how often do we find ourselves swept off our feet while getting to know our dates face-to-face?

We asked five members of the GLBTQ* community to share with us their favourite first date experiences, good or bad.

Allison Dyck

Allison Dyck, 26 “My favourite first date experience was one that ended badly. We started discussing evolution, which made things really awkward. My date believed that evolution was true up to the apes, but then aliens came down and did some alien magic to transform some apes into humans. The argument got really heated and we left.”

Renee-Claire Nordman, 26 “We met at The Forks, walked under the bridge all the way to the [legislature] only to stumble upon the Pride Parade. We were in Grades 9 and 10 and didn’t have any idea about it—we thought it was ironic. We ended up being friends and never dated, but it was cute and cool.”

Renee-Claire Nordman

Finn MacLeod

Max Semchuk

Finn MacLeod, 21 “My first real date was sensational. Having come out at 17, I was in the prime of high school. My date was two years my junior. We saw a horrible movie but I barely noticed—he was charming and handsome. He held my hand and I suddenly realized what I had been missing until that point. He quickly became my boyfriend after a few dates.”

Max Semchuk, 23 “I took him out just to Earls and we drank some wine, ate lots of food and we thought that we were being so sweet because we were same-siding on the booth. Then we went for a walk to The Forks— it was perfect weather. Then we went to the tower and we were discussing how there isn’t much romance in the gay community. I was thinking in my mind, because at the time I was only 18 or 19, that I should totally sing him that song he mentioned he wanted to make his wedding song and then I should kiss him. So we’re on The Forks tower and I’m being so cheesy, and I start singing, “Are you gonna kiss me or not,” the country song. I finished singing and we looked at each other for a second and had a cute first kiss.”

204.985.9200 OUTNABOUTTRAVEL.COM 20 // February 2014 // www.outwords.ca

HOMEMADE GIFTS TO SHOW YOUR LOVE

A

By Meg Crane nyone can go out and buy a Valentine’s Day gift. But this year, why not try your hands at these easy DIY gifts? Your partner is bound to appreciate the sentiment and effort just as much as they’d like the gifts.

Hand warmers Give your Valentine a pair of heart-shaped warmers to keep their hands warm when you aren’t there to hold them. Just pop them in the microwave for 20 seconds and they’ll be ready to brave the cold.

1. Cut out four pieces of fabric in the same shape (you can use a cookie cutter for the shape).

2. Sew each two pieces most of the way together.

3. Fill each rice.

4. Finish sewing the two fabric pieces together.

Record bowl For the music-, retro- and sweets-loving Valentine’s, make a bowl and fill it with their favourite treats.

Personalized mugs & pots

Bookmarks A cute bookmark will remind your Valentine how much you care when they’re stuck on the bus to work, curled up in bed without you, or reading anywhere.

1. Cut out two pieces of felt in a shape of your choosing. One corner should be at a 90 degree angle, like the corner of a book 2. Sew the two straight edges of the 90 degree angle together.

Your Valentine’s not a morning person? Send them a special message about how much you love them on a mug and make every morning cup of coffee a little brighter with your love. Just make sure the mug is only hand-washed, or your message might get muddled.

1. Find a mug or tea pot to personalize.

2. Draw out your design in pencil.

3. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 4. Go over your penciled design in permanent marker.

5. Bake it in the oven for 30 minutes.

6. Wash the mug to make sure none of the design comes off.

7. Touch it up and put it back in the oven if necessary.

1. Find a scratched record (make sure to do some research before crafting with it to make sure it’s not valuable, even if it’s scratched).

2. Preheat the oven to 200° F. 3. Place the record over an oven-safe bowl— the bowl can be right side up or upside down.

4. Place the bowl on a baking sheet in the oven for 5 minutes, or until it starts to warp.

5. Take it out of the oven and use oven mitts to fiddle with the shape of the bowl before it cools down.

6. Fill with your favourite sweets, and present!

- Meg Crane is the news, books and movies editor for OutWords.

February 2014 // www.outwords.ca // 21

M

OutWords // Lifestyle & Food

MPRESS OR MAKE A The five best and worst winter date ideas

By Danelle Cloutier

Whether it’s your first date or your 100th date, keep your relationship fun with these five best date ideas, and stay away from the five worst date ideas if you want to make a lasting impression.

Head to the Whiteshell, where there are tons of activities for couples.

For starters, cross-country ski on the trails at Falcon Ridge Ski, or glide across the South Whiteshell trail. You can also go snowshoeing on the lakes and set up a sleigh ride by contacting Falcon Beach Ranch.

Cost: Cross-country rentals from Falcon Ridge Ski cost $23/day. One night for two people at the Falcon Ridge cabins averages at $190.

Ride If you want to stay close to the city, Adrenaline Adventures offers snow tubing all winter long. The business introduced extreme snow tubing in addition to its regular snow tubing, so adrenaline junkies can get their fix.

Cost: A day pass costs $20 each, or you can get six rides for $14.

Brew Take your date on a free tour of the Half Pints Brewing Co., the creator of Pride Winnipeg’s signature brew, Queer Beer.

They’re offered every Saturday at 1 p.m. and the staff will demonstrate the brewing 22 // February 2014 // www.outwords.ca

S

Lose

Cross-country skiing in a forest you see on the side of the highway could be adventurous, but it could also be a bad idea. If you’re one of those people who gets lost on marked trails, definitely avoid going into unmarked territory.

Freeze

Best Glide

Worst

ES

process, explain the difference between brewing styles and offer free samples.

Once you’re feeling inspired, brew your own beer. Many beer-making kits are apartmentfriendly and take about 30 days to ferment.

Cost: Between $60 - $100 for a beer kit. The tour is free.

Cook Winter is a good time to host dinner parties.

If you want to brush up on your cooking skills, the Food Studio Inc. is offering classes this month from making gourmet appetizers, to cooking tantalizing Thai cuisine. More offerings are available through the Winnipeg Leisure Guide.

Cost: About $70 per person through Food Studio Inc. Prices vary through the Leisure Guide.

Play Since St. Vital Shopping Centre renovated, the movie theatre is now home to a great arcade with classic games like skee ball, air hockey and new digital-based games. Even if you and your date aren’t going to see a movie, it’s a fun way to spend the evening.

Cost: Prices vary depending on how many games you play.

Pinterest might tell you a winter picnic is a good idea, but that’s because those people don’t live in Winnipeg. No thermos is going to save your soup from becoming an icicle.

Hunt

No carcass of any variety says “date me”. Not only do you need to spend hours in the cold, but you also have to shoot the animal, bag it, strap it to the top of your car, haul it home and leave it hanging upside down in your garage.

Watch Movies are the default first date. Though suitable for long-term couples, it’s a bad idea for a first date because you can’t talk or look at each other.

Taste Although coffee dates might be suitable for people who want to bail quickly, it can be an awkward disaster.

If you’re meeting someone you barely know in a cramped coffee shop where 10 other people are listening in on your date, you have to talk the entire time because there’s no other activity to engage in.

- Danelle Cloutier is the music editor at OutWords.

All photos by : Jacqueline Young

RAW: ALM ND 2014 IS HEATING UP THE RED RIVER MUTUAL TRAIL

By Dylan Bekkering

T

he second year of this Northern culture festival is featuring a guest celebrity chef, impressive design to engage all senses and a playful weekend brunch featuring food on sticks.

Manitoba’s reigning Gold Medal Plates champ, Kelly Cattani (Elements and Diversity Food Services), joins the line up of culinary talent on ice; along with Winnipeg-bred Ryan Lachaine (Houston, TX), visiting Winnipeg ex-pat Cyrus Smith, Don Lafrenais (deer + almond), and Matt Emch (deer + almond). And in a thrilling development, Vancouver-based chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and Food Network Canada personality, Vikram Vij, will cook at the tapas bar in RAW:almond Feb. 3 and 4.

Previously announced chefs include: Scott Bagshaw (Deseo Bistro), Jason BartonBrowne (Teatro, Calgary), Adam Donnelly

(Segovia), Aron Epp and Ben Kramer (Elements and Diversity Food Services), Tristan Foucault (Peasant Cookery), Jesse Friesen (Lobby on York), Mandel Hitzer (deer + almond), Luc Jean (Jane’s), Edward Lam (Yujiro), Eric Lee (Pizzeria Gusto) and Alex Svenne (Bistro 7 1⁄4).

Experiential maestro Joe Kalturnyk (RAW Gallery of Architecture and Design) has worked very hard at imagining and realizing each environmental element of the RAW:almond dining experience.

Visitors trek over snow packed ice of the Assiniboine and the Red River toward a giant, ice shard-like structure. They can then journey from the outdoors to the great hall through a corridor of dancing lights. Each sight, sound and touch has been carefully considered. Inside, custom-designed tables with a heating system keep dishes and diners in civilized comfort, while a large

projection wall hosts an array of visuals

by Winnipeg filmmakers (Guy Maddin, Rhayne Vermette and Aaron Zeghers) keeps the diners entertained.

Talia Syrie, of Tansi at Neechi Commons, delivers dazzling brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am-2 pm.

During the day, RAW:almond’s great hall becomes a sunny cash-only spot offering a hearty, sit-down meal ($22 + coffee). New to RAW:almond this year is a $7 walk-up brunch tasting menu of rich hot chocolate or coffee and breakfast corndogs. Rumour has it we may also be graced with a marshmallow tasting bar.

So if you’re looking for a unique date idea, be sure to check out RAW:alomnd on the river, a truly unique Winnipeg dining experience. But don’t wait too long, RAW:almond is only here until Feb. 13.

February 2014 // www.outwords.ca // 23

WINNIPEG’S GLBTTQ CHORUS

2nd annual

Dinner SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2014 6:30 PM

CHURCHILL PARK UNITED CHURCH 525 BERESFORD AVENUE WINNIPEG, MB TICKETS $100 AVAILABLE FROM RHP MEMBERS OR CALL 204-782-3427

WWW.RAINBOWHARMONYPROJECT.CA

Organized by Art Works for Change, Inc. with generous support from the Oak Foundation, the Nathan Cummings Foundation.

Maimuna Feroze-Nana, NO (detail), 2006.

Cloth, wool, cotton, plastic, glass, wire, metal, 68”H x 96”W x 96”D.

Winnipeg Art Gallery

300 Memorial Boulevard • 204.786.6641 • wag.ca

OutWords // Entertainment

Take a hike

The Forks trails offer great outdoor winter fun

By Meg Crane

T

here’s no denying that Winnipeg in February can be less than pleasant outdoors. But instead of grumbling indoors with your sweetheart, family and friends during this month when you should be showing love, hit up The Red River Mutual Trail.

The trail is a great first date destination—it doesn’t matter if you run out of things to talk about because you might just be too out of breath to talk anyways.

If you have kids who haven’t learned to skate yet, teach them on the river—what a great childhood memory. And while it can be hard to see friends in these frozen temperatures, make time by skipping the gym and call this bonding time your exercise for the day.

The trail, which holds the Guinness World Record for longest naturally frozen skating trail, isn’t just all ice. It holds five special warming huts.

One of the warming huts on the trail is particularly romantic this year. Lace up the skates and slip inside Red Blanket with your Valentine. Ten felted bright red panels hanging from the bridge make for a great place to stop for smooches before continuing down the path.

For something a little more playful, head to Nuzzles. This warming hut includes glowing mounds with bright pool noodle-like appendages. Push aside the appendages to snuggle against the heated base with your partner, or have fun watching the children in your life climb and play on the funny structures.

Skybox is set up for photographs, so make sure to dip inside to snap a few pictures and use #skybox on Twitter to show the world how much fun you and your friends are having outdoors in this chilly climate.

When those hands get cold, head to Windshield. The bright yellow structure is hard to miss and a vertical heater in the centre is just what you need to keep those hands warm for holding.

The perfect day to explore the trails is Feb. 14. Take the day off work and swish down the ice with your Valentine. Festival du Voyageur’s Torch Light Walk will leave from The Forks at 6:00 p.m. to the festival grounds. Make sure to have your boots on in time to join. Bring along a couple of candles, but make sure to just have one each so you have a free hand to hold your sweetie’s.

Check out www.theforks.com and www.warminghuts.com for more information.

Let us know which warming hut is your favourite this year by tweeting @OutWords!

- Meg Crane is OutWords’ news, books and movies editor.

February 2014 // www.outwords.ca // 25

OutWords // Columns/Opinions

BEARDS

OutWords // Letter to the Editor

AND BEARS Out of hibernation for Festival du Voyageur

By Eric Plamondon

All photos supplied

Festival du Voyageur, where Winnipegger Benoit Forest (second from left) organizes a gay boys’ night out every year, just might be Manitoba’s answer to gay winter festivals.

Photo courtesy of Benoit Forest

26 // February 2014 // www.outwords.ca

G

oogle “gay festival” and you will be offered a barrage of events with images of athletic young men in Speedos. Yet, we are Canadian prairie folks, living in a winter climate for much of the year. So do we have a link to winter festivals?

Festival du Voyageur (often simply referred to as Festival), has given us a chance to step out in the midst of winter and enjoy each other’s company for over 40 years. Where summer festivals might be about daisy dukes and muscle shirts, winter festivals are about beards and fur.

Is this a bears dream come true? Well, we know for sure that Festival encourages a plethora of rugged manliness that encourages all bear-like men to congregate and test each other’s prowess. At the forefront is “le concour du barbus” that offers four categories for hairy men to compete in - or this year, hairy men and women. For the first time, Festival is dedicating a category to those who might struggle with facial hair, but who nonetheless are fans of the warm and fuzzy feature. Bess Hamilton, best known for her involvement with the Winnipeg Roller Derby League, pitched the idea to the organizers and they bit.

“It’s interesting for women to participate in what has been a masculine contest for decades,” said Bess. “It’s a very rich topic to explore.”

Also ranking high on the list of activities is “le concour du meilleur.”

It’s here that Manitoba’s most rugged men partake in competitions such as “la jambette,” which consists of wrapping your legs together and attempting to flip your opponent over onto you using only thigh strength, or “le sciage de la pitoune,” where one strokes up and down on lumber with a saw until it splits. Is this winter festival getting homoerotic enough for you?

Its not all beards and fur though.

Festival offers a variety of events that are all geared towards creating a “joie de vivre,” a catchphrase that allows throngs of people to cram into various spaces, drink loads of caribou (a kind of mulled wine), start stripping off winter layers and seeing beyond the inevitable toque hair for sweaty, happy and drunk times.

Benoit Forest has been going to Festival since he was seven and now does a yearly gay boys night out at Festival.

“I look forward to going back every year because seeing my friends tap into their ‘joie de vivre’ is priceless,” said Ben with a smile, as he explains that “joie de vivre” is “when you’re happy throughout and you’re actually laughing while you dance.” Therefore there is another mandatory element to Festival: music.

This year will not disappoint as local musical greats are front and centre. With bands like Royal Canoe, Lost Weekend, Hanalulu and The Lytics, it’s easy to see why 2014 is the year of music. For those who appreciate nice male faces and voices, the presence of the Riel Gentlemen’s Choir will encourage you to step out to the festival. And don’t overlook French musical icon Antoine Gratton, who, according to Festival artistic director Julien Desaulnier, has “a bit of Ziggy Stardust thing going for him.”

Festival might not be a gay festival, but sometimes it’s fun to go beyond the obvious and find the colours that have been woven into this great cultural event.

Festival du Voyageur runs from Feb. 14 to 23. The full program is available at heho.ca.

- Eric Plamondon is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.

OutWords // Entertainment

H T U R T E R A

B E H T

By Meg

urtesy tos are co

All pho

of Fame

b Nightclu

C ra n e

A Q-&-A WITH OUR GLBTQ* REPRESENTATIVES TO CANADA AND THE WORLD

O

utWords had the pleasure to interview Les Kiesman, Mr. Gay Manitoba for 2014, before he went to represent the fair prairie province at the Mr. Gay Canada competition in Whistler in late January.

What do you plan to do as Mr. Gay manitoba?

We have a very vibrant, young LGBT* population and I would like to visit [GayStraight Alliance] (GSA) groups in our schools to speak about my journey as an LGBT* person, from coming out and coping with people who were less than understanding about my decision to do so.

Over the last few years several close friends of mine have been affected by HIV/ AIDS, and I’ve witnessed the hardships that they have had to endure. I would like to get involved in organizations to help those who are coping with HIV/AIDS and their families and friends. Furthermore, I would like to educate people [about the condition] who are not necessarily LGBT* or HIV-positive in an effort to relieve some of the stigma that HIVpositive individuals are subjected to.

What are you doing to prepare for the Mr. Gay Canada competition?

First things first - I currently live at the gym and I won’t eat a carbohydrate till February, hahaha!

In all seriousness though, Mr. Gay Canada is about more than having rock-hard abs. There are a lot of serious issues going on in the LBGT* community. From marriage

equality, to the atrocities happening in Russia. We also can’t be ignoring alcohol and substance abuse, depression and suicide amongst our youth, and homophobia that exists in the older generations, and the list goes on. As a delegate for Mr. Gay Canada, I need to be educated on the issues that I will have the responsibility to fight against as a representative of Canada’s LGBT* community.

What would you do if you were named Mr. Gay Canada?

If I can have a hand in changing people’s views of the LGBT* community–one TV interview, Pride festival, high school gymnasium, or one-on-one conversation at a time (and hopefully inspire others in our community to do the same)–I will have fulfilled my duty.

DANNY PAPADATOS: THE REIGNING PRINCE Last year’s Mr. Gay Canada and Mr. Gay World’s Mr. Congeniality winner, Danny Papadatos, shared his experience and advice with OutWords.

What are your responsibilities as Mr. Gay Canada?

Mr. Gay Canada should be able to not only be an advocate of human rights, but also a spokesperson for our nation. Through brains, brawn, beauty and personality, Mr. Gay Canada should embody all things that we as Canadians are proud of. The role of Mr. Gay Canada is always changing, as is the experience. It is what you make of it.

How has it affected your life?

It gave me an opportunity to give a louder voice to LGBTQ rights within my community and globally. Having been published in numerous international publications, it gave great awareness of the issues that we face, as well as the support that Canada offers.

Do you have any advice for this year’s competitors?

If I were to offer any advice to the competitors, it would be to never stop being who you are but to also never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, as you may be surprised where you end up. Life is too short to take for granted or watch from the side-lines; get your hands dirty and enjoy the journey.

Go online for more scintillating details in the full Q&A with Les Kiesman and Danny Papadatos - Meg Crane is OutWords’ news, books and movies editor.

February 2014 // www.outwords.ca // 27

OutWords // Music

powerful and stories

voices

Music’s

By Eric Plamondon

NOTEWORTHY GLBTQ* HIGHLIGHTS AND LOWLIGHTS

Here are recent and memorable moments when musicians became allies or foes to the GLBTQ* community.

his contribution should be celebrated by the country music industry.

THE ALLIES Macklemore and Ryan Lewis,

American Top 40 pop and hip hop artists, land at the top of our allies list for their song “Same Love.” The song takes a firm position on gay marriage, stating “no freedom ‘til we’re equals, damn right I support it.”

Stemming from growing up with a gay uncle, Macklemore challenges all straight people to view gay rights as human rights and challenges other hip hop artists to stop using the word “faggot” because it’s “a word rooted in hate.”

Extra props earned by asking openly gay artist, Mary Lambert, to co-write and lend her voice to the song.

Speaking of proud out artists, 2013 saw country music’s first male singer come out.

Steve Grand did it by writing “All American Boy,” a song rich with images of all American boys doing all American things — 4th of July partying in ripped jeans and tight white Tees while drinking whiskey by the fire. It was a risky endeavour for Grand to wade in on traditional images and ideals from a closeted gay narrative in a music genre that does not often have progressive voices. Grand’s style, looks and lyrics will bring some new fans to country music, and for that 28 // February 2014 // www.outwords.ca

THE FOES Winnipeggers have an ally in DJ Mama Cutsworth as she continues to offer workshops for women and transgender people on the art of spinning. She is a pioneer among women DJs and empowers individuals using an already powerful medium: music! Music has the power to unite us, no matter how different we are — it allows us to feel, and it’s good to feel something.

IN MEMORIAM Lou Reed passed away in October 2013. The

1972 hit “Walk on the wild side” was a raw account of a trans prostitute. Rare are those who are able to resist singing “do de do, de do, de do, dooooo”. Some even sang gleefully, “shaved her legs and then he was a she.” The vulgar honesty of the song made it sad and powerful instead of crass and offensive. For that, Lou Reed remains an ally to the marginalized.

R&B singer Flo made the news not for her impressive voice but for what she chose to say with it. She declined performing at Winnipeg’s Pride Day in 2012 because of her strong religious beliefs, subtly hinting at her fervent beliefs that “homosexuality” is wrong, or a sin, to use a religious term. The news hit when she was performing at a youth conference hosted by the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. Unfortunately, or rather pathetically, Flo was not instantly dumped nor did she try to nuance her position outside of saying; “I’m not going to be the one who is ever going to judge for their sexual orientation. I mean, for goodness sakes, I’m coloured, right?”

Eminem released The Marshall Mathers LP

2 in 2013, marking the return of a no BS Eminem, not afraid to defend his lyrics, including the word “faggot.” The song “Rap God,” for example, has him rapping: “I’ll still be able to break a motherfuckin’ table over the backs of a couple faggots”. The derogatory term does nothing to help our cause and confirms that any number of other words could’ve been used in its place.

- Eric Plamondon is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.

OutWords // Music

SWEET DISPOSITION

LOCAL TRIO DELIVERS SMOOTH VOCALS AND SURPRISE RAPS

By Jessica Botelho-Urbanski

A

n all-girl band usually spells disaster or fate, but from the get-go, Sweet Alibi parked themselves firmly in the latter camp.

The soulful Winnipeg trio said they have seen other bands self-destruct over the years, usually as a result of over-touring and under-appreciating one another. “Touring is a blast, but it’s hard on your mind,

body and soul. You’re not eating properly or sleeping at the right times, you’re always lifting heavy baggage from one house to the next and it can get very tiring. So it’s no surprise that bands fight on tour,” said Sweet Alibi vocalist Amber Quesnel, who also plays guitar and ukulele for the group.

“It’s a three-way marriage we have going with Sweet Alibi. Luckily for us, we have a triangle of woman power, so we’re OK,” she joked.

Quesnel, Jessica Rae Ayre (vocals, guitar, harmonica) and Michelle Anderson (electric guitar, banjo, vocals) describe their band as the love child between Mumford & Sons and the Supremes.

They cite drastically different musical influences, but managed to hear one another out when making their sophomore album, We’ve Got To. “I have sort of a soul and blues influenced background… Amber likes a lot of Bob Dylan and learned a lot of classic sounds from her dad. Michelle studied jazz and classical guitar. So we have a quite a diverse style of music, but

together it makes a nice eclectic sound,” Ayre described.

Sweet Alibi will start touring We’ve Got To across Western Canada this spring, but before then will perform twice at one of their favourite venues, the Festival du Voyageur. “The Festival du Voyageur is an amazing festival,” said Ayre. “There’s always a lot going on [in Winnipeg] culturally and artistically and I love how we even let it shine in the 40-below weather.”

Sweet Alibi is featured in Mike Latschislaw’s soon-to-be-released Winnipeg documentary, If I Could Only Stay Here, which chronicles the city’s thriving music scene.

“Winnipeg’s music scene has 12 per cent of the country’s musicians and only 2.25 per cent of the nation’s population. So it’s kind of interesting that a lot of talent comes from Winnipeg and I love being a part of it — I feel like it really makes us a stronger group,” said Ayre.

Check out Sweet Alibi at the Festival du Voyageur this February.

- Jessica Botelho-Urbanski blogs at winnipegtransittalks.com.

DON ROSS, FINGERSTYLING TO FAME

By Zanna Joyce

Y

ou often wonder what is the ‘Eureka!’ moment for a musician. When did they decide to pick up an instrument, develop a voice and learn how to write down the composition floating in their heads?

For Canadian fingerstyle guitarist Don Ross, the moment is clear. He started playing piano because it was one of the instruments he could get his hands on. “I just wanted to play music but I almost didn’t care what instrument it was,” he told OutWords. But at age eight he started using his sister’s acoustic guitar. “The guitar had that popularity thing going for it that certainly, when one showed up in the house, I kind of thought ‘OK, I better learn how to play this thing’.”

What has followed is a 25-year career that has seen the release of 20 recordings as well as work on stage, screen and in the concert hall. Guitarists rave about the influence Ross has had on their music and he’s developed a huge international following, partly because he’s the only person who won the U.S. National Fingerstyle Guitar Competition twice. He’s developed

a set of training videos so that others can pick up his style, which he described to us as “a very quirky, very personal form of North American guitar playing.”

Fingerstyle guitar is a manner of playing where a guitarist uses their fingernails (natural or acrylic) instead of a pick. This creates the precise note differentiation that is at the heart of the fingerstyle sound. The tempo of fingerstyle is typically fast and complicated because one person plays multiple parts of a musical arrangement that would be played by several band members.

A concert with Ross is an engaging evening of storytelling, sound and fascination that anyone’s hands can move that fast. You can see him with local performer Daniel Champagne at the West End Cultural Centre on Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. Ticket info at www.wecc.ca.

- Zanna Joyce is rather a fan of fast guitars.

December 2013 // www.outwords.ca // 29

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OutWords // Books & Movies

HOW A MI SFI T

CAME TO RULE

THE WORLD

ANDREAS SOUVALIOTIS, AUTHOR OF MISFIT, IS THE PERFECT CROSS BETWEEN HYPER AND HYPNOTIC

By Zanna Joyce

W

hat happens when you take a ridiculously hyperactive kid, provide him with steady and positive influences, introduce him to world famous people and deliver a cutting verbal blow? You create Andreas Souvaliotis, purveyor of Greek culture and music, entrepreneur and visionary. Then you wait to see what will happen next.

Souvaliotis recently visited his old alma mater at Brandon University in October to launch his new book Misfit: Changemaker with an Edge. OutWords caught up with Souvaliotis shortly after to discuss his latest entrepreneurial undertaking.

Always feeling a bit of an outsider, Souvaliotis realized he was different in other ways when his first crush was on another boy. Having a gay teacher and a gay family member accepted by his ambitious parents might have meant that it was easier for him to share how he felt. But thoughtless words from his father, frequently repeated, made him realize that it was not safe to do so. Over and over his father would say, “I would prefer to lose a child than to find out that a child [of mine] was gay.”

When asked why he felt he had escaped the self-loathing that some kids experience in those situations, he said, “There was a positive balance... I felt crushed but I had self-confidence.”

Later, Souvaliotis moved to Canada, where he discovered a completely opposite cultural framework to that in Greece.

“Moving away from home was unbelievably effective. You grow up rapidly and have to

differentiate yourself,” he said. In Canada, even in the relatively-small city of Brandon, Manitoba, he found a place where mixing it up was not only accepted, but celebrated. He fell in love with another student and started his new adventures.

Cue Toronto. With the shadows gone, the secret out in the open with his parents, nothing could hold Souvaliotis back from being a gay role model, a person others could look to in the mid-’90s. He put into play the adaptive talents developed in his early “misfit” years to explore uncharted territory.

“It was great... every step of my life felt like I was breaking new ground. It felt great to be at the edge of every innovative idea, often my ideas.”

By 2007 the green movement was becoming trendy. Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth was causing people to wonder how they could help. Souvaliotis saw an opportunity and founded Green Rewards.

“The ultimate motivator to do anything is greed,” said Souvaliotis. “People are selfish in the most basic ways.” He realized that creating a rewards program that provides incentives for making the right choice can encourage people to make choices that are right for the planet. Make it easy, make it fun, and people will come on board.”

A wild ride ensued, with intense negotiations among several companies and a precarious brush with the global financial crisis, but ultimately Green Rewards were absorbed into Air Miles and rebranded as Air Miles for Social Change.

The word “authenticity” runs throughout Misfit. Souvaliotis said, “It was important to me that the products were authentic, not a fad.”

Nothing could hold Souvaliotis back from being a gay role model Asked whether the GLBTQ* community was more likely to take on the Social Change rewards, he said that they did not specifically market test in the GLBTQ* community.

“There is an accidental connection—the vast majority of gay people live in cities. Urbanites generally have a much smaller footprint than suburbanites. They are wealthier and better educated, and more sensitive to social causes.”

Souvaliotis has moved on and is exploring new territory by harkening back to his experience as an exporter. Along the way, he’s picked up a Lifetime Achievement Award from Out On Bay Street, the professional GLBTQ* association in Toronto. His book is being translated into Greek, which he hopes will provide a pathway for young members of the community there. He has developed a philosophy that underscores his life: “Change the world instead of trying to change yourself ”. Being a misfit can be a very good thing, if we look to Souvaliotis as an example.

Misfit: Changemaker with an Edge is available through Amazon and select book sellers. For more information, go to www. misfit-thebook.com.

- Zanna Joyce is a freelance writer based in Winnipeg.

February 2014 // www.outwords.ca // 31

getty images

OutWords // Columns/Opinions

KNOWL

EDGE IS

ENGAG WWW.U

CN.CA

ING

MY KNOWLEDGE will do many things IT MIGHT protect my community OR MAYBE teach a child MY KNOWLEDGE, EARNED AT UCN. At UCN, your success as a student is our top priority. But being a student is about more than lectures and exams, and we have many student services that will help you both succeed and feel a part of our community.

Our many student services welcome you into the UCN community. Each campus has a residence, food services, counselors, computer labs, and an Aboriginal centre.

For more information, visit www.ucn.ca or call 866.627.8500 (The Pas) and 866.677.6450 (Thompson).

32 // July / August 2013 // www.outwords.ca

OWN YOUR FUTURE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE NORTH