Outwords August 2011 Issue 185

outwords queer views, news, issues

a wing & a prayer

living a dream in south america Dallas Green The driving force behind City & Colour

Syphilis

as satire Alberta may be on to something hot

Tara Birtwhistle A door closes

a door opens

Outwords | August 2011 | Issue 185 | Serving the GLBT Community Since 1994

94

%

of Red River College graduates are satisfied with the education they received.

RRC students receive high-quality, hands-on training from instructors with industry experience and many students get actual work experience through their programs. As a result, Red River College students arrive in the workforce fully prepared to hit the ground running. *Source: 2008/09 Graduate Satisfaction and Employment Report

www.rrc.ca

5 California

17 Thousands

29 Book/Movie

dreamin’:

served

14 Tara

12 23 Dallas Green LEAP OF FAITH

READIN’, Writin’ & gay history in schools editorial

Birtwhistle

RWB principal dancer passes the torch

6 Syphilis as satire

Alberta may be on to something hot national news

8 Alexander wood

fondling founder of toronto

10 Vatican jitters:

UN resolution on same-sex marriage international news

Toronto’s 519 centre truly amazing

Welcome to a Little Hell

20 A proud

record: History

of Gay achievements find home at U of M

26 feathered friends

Men’s fashion takes wing out from the closet

28 Facing off

Google vs Facebook technology

reviews

Why would a lesbian couple choose to leave their Winnipeg home?

30 resource

directory

11 Rio

capital of gay tourism?

international news

SING

OUT!

RAINBOW HARMONY PROJECT KICKS OFF SEASON 13,

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH WITH REGISTRATION BEGINNING AT 6:30 P.M. Rehearsals are held at 603 Wellington Crescent, from 7:00-9:30 p.m., Mondays from September through mid-June. In addition to our 2 main concert performances this season, we will be performing with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in March, and in GALA Denver in July. Whether you are interested in singing with the chorus, or in becoming a fifth section volunteer, we look forward to seeing you Monday, September 12th.

COME, HAVE FUN, MAKE FRIENDS… WITH

STAY ALERT PULL OVER. Please Yield the Right of Way to Emergency Vehicles

WINNIPEG’S GLBTT* CHORUS

Non-audition chorus | Non-singing volunteers needed. www.rainbowharmonyproject.ca

4 5

outwords, august 2011 // www.outwords.ca

A message from the John Petropolous Memorial Fund

www.jpmf.ca/trafficsafety

outwords

editorial

Serving the GLBT Community Since 1994 Issue 185 • August 2011

Published by the outwords volunteer staff:

Rachel Morgan editor

California leads by example

Gord McDiarmid General manager

M. Buchanan art director & layout

editorial rachel j. morgan

Devin Frezzi

Starting this fall,

It’s not enough to slip anti-bullying lessons

school children in

into a few classes, children must be taught

Advertising Relations Co-ordinator

California will begin learning about the

that being gay is normal and that gays

Barry Karlenzig

contributions of gay, lesbian, bisexual and

contribute to every aspect of a nation’s

Financial officer

transgender people to America’s culture

life. Some people are white, some are na-

Terry Wiebe, Gord McDiarmid distribution

and economy. The lessons will be incorpo-

tive; some people are Christians some are

rated into social studies classes, thanks to

Muslims; some people are tall, some are

Vic Hooper

legislation signed by Democratic Governor

short; some people are gay, some are not.

Jerry Brown in July. With a stroke of the

Our society is a wonderful mix and no one

pen, California has made history by be-

should be shut out.

web manager

Charis Hernandez Office manager

Charles Melvin, Rachel Morgan, Corey Shefman, Michele Buchanan, Katrina Caudle, Peter Carlyle-Gordge, Graeme Coleman, Shannon Vanraes, Jason Clevett, Vanessa Heins, Rejean Brandt, Jason van Rooy, C Procyk contributors to this issue

Shannon Vanraes

coming the first U.S. state to teach gay history.

ran a poster campaign in Toronto subway

It will expand their understanding of the

stations featuring gay and lesbian cou-

depth and breadth of gay participation

ples that had purchased their homes with

Darron Field , Helen Fallding, Shayne Duguay, Gord McDiarmid, Gail Eckert Scott Carman

Children with gay or lesbian

board of directors

this but for others it will be an

outwords

eye opener.

Outwords provides news, analysis and entertainment for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit and queer community and its allies. GST 89671 7618RT, ISSN 17155606 (print) ISSN 1715-5614 (online) Canada Post Publication Licence 416 99032, Contents copyright © 2011 Outwords Alll rights reserved. Outwords is a member of the Manitoba Magazine Publishers’ Association. Articles are not necessarily the views of the staff, management, or board. We accept no liability for our advertisers’ claims.

to understand. In July, TD Canada Trust

they hear about people like Harvey Milk.

in their world, including the

General Inquiries: info@outwords.ca Editor: editor@outwords.ca Creative: creative@outwords.ca Advertising: advertise@outwords.ca Distribution: distribution@outwords.ca Accounts: billing@outwords.ca Event Submissions: calendar@outwords.ca Letters Submissions: letters@outwords.ca Website: www.outwords.ca

Canadian corporations have already come

For many kids, it may be the first time

COVER PHOTO of loraine mackenzie shepherd & nancy pinnell

201-63 Albert St. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 1G4 Phone: (204) 942-4599 For office hours, please call.

This is a reality that several prominent

ultimate sacrifices some made. parents will already understand

It will expand their understanding of the depth and breadth of gay participation in their world.

The importance of this step can’t be

mortgages from TD. There’s also a TD ad

overstated. When children learn that many

for GICs aimed at gays. Both ads are part

of the best aspects of their world came

of a campaign launched in 2009. Assini-

about only because of key contributions

boine Credit Union ran a similar campaign

from gays who also, as it turns out, fill

in Winnipeg several years ago. For its part,

every niche in their worlds, it normalizes

the Royal Bank has an internal program to

gays. In other words, gays are no longer

promote understanding and equality for

outsiders – gays are an integral part of their

gay employees.

communities.

When corporate Canada and the State

It seems to be human nature to fear

of California see gays as valuable custom-

outsiders. When there is fear, there is often

ers and contributing members of society,

hostility and sometimes violence. Gays

there is good reason to be optimistic about

have experienced plenty of both. By bring-

the future. Very good reason. We in the

ing gays into the tent and welcoming them

GLBT community can help accelerate this

as part of the family, California is taking a

progress by supporting businesses and

huge step toward creating an accepting

politicians that show they are gay friendly.

and safer society.

Shopping and voting – two things gays do

If they’re not already doing so, Cana-

exceedingly well. O

dian schools should follow California’s lead.

www.outwords.ca // outwords, august 2011

5

NATIONAL NEWS

The funny side of syphilis Alberta rubs dating website the wrong way

Some sex educators say the bold approach

lesbian and bisexual people are sick and

is effective, even though others have

lead sad and lonely lives, and that the only

criticized the site for stigmatizing people

hope is to become straight. The federal

with STIs. “This is certainly very graphic,

government must not support this kind of

but it’s also tongue-in-cheek and I think

unscientific falsehood.” A second resolu-

that’s what people need to take note of,”

tion on blood transfusions was referred to

said University

federal council, like all other resolutions

of Ottawa Prof.

that didn’t reach the floor.

Christabelle Sethna. “It’s exaggerating, and it’s mocking and it’s stereotyping, which is exactly what parodies do.

And it’s doing this to attract attention to its message.”

Sethna said the website delivers EDMONTON –The Alberta government has rubbed some people the wrong way with a satirical syphilis dating site called Plenty of Syph. Plenty of Syph is a twist on popular dating sites such as Plenty of

three key messages: Anyone can have syphilis, people don¹t necessarily display symptoms and syphilis can be spread through gay or straight sex.

Fish. The goal of the parody page, which launched June 6, is to spread awareness through social media about the sexually transmitted infection syphilis. The infection is booming in Alberta and has increased by nearly 10 times nationwide

6 7

BURNABY, B.C.—A parents group is challenging the local school board’s right to teach any lessons that would offer students a favourable view of lesbians, gays, bisexuals or transgenders. The group, called The Parents’ Voice, is urging parents to pull their children from classrooms when the lesson material would undermine their moral convictions about non-heterosexual conduct.

The group is also distributing a document called the Parent’s Directive, which includes advice to parents and a letter they can submit to their schools to

Charitable status of ex-gay organization slammed

since the 1990s, according to the Public

VANCOUVER—At its mid-June policy

Health Agency. “It is totally the intent that

convention in Vancouver, the NDP voted

this would be a satire,” said the project’s

unanimously to call on the Canada

spokeswoman, Micky Elabdi. “It’s outra-

Revenue Agency to revoke the charitable

geous. It¹s quite risqué and fairly explicit

status of Exodus Global Alliance and to

in some of the profiles, but we¹ve had

investigate other so-called ex-gay organi-

a lot of good response.” The people at

zations. NDP queer issues critic Randall

Plenty of Fish don’t see it as amusing or

Garrison says ex-gay organizations target

flattery. “We find this campaign of poor

people who are insecure. “These organi-

taste, disrespectful to our brand and of-

zations prey on vulnerable members of

fensive to online dating,” Plenty of Fish

our community, often young people in

spokeswoman Kate Bilenki said in a state-

difficult family situations at grips with

ment. “Such carelessness and disrespect

self-hatred and depression,” says Garrison.

towards our organization is upsetting.”

“They bully them into believing that gay,

outwords, august 2011 // www.outwords.ca

Burnaby parents unhappy about gayfriendly lessons

express their views. The group is backed by the Catholic Civil Rights League

NATIONAL NEWS (CCLR), which argues that schools can’t

speech was intended as a clarification

lowed students to create an LGBTQ club

ignore freedom-of-religion protections in

of the existing policies on equity and

so long as its name didn’t refer to GSAs

the Canadian Charter of Rights. When the

respect in schools. “The legislation is in

or rainbows. Iskander’s group settled on

league raised the issue in 2007, six of 60

place [but] I think people were doubt-

the name Open Arms. “It bothers me that

B.C. school boards indicated they would

ing how the government was interpret-

[McGuinty] hasn’t specifically said they’re

not compel students to attend classes

ing the policy,” Murray said. Despite the

allowing GSAs,” she said. Nancy Kirby,

over the objections of parents. The B.C.

legislation, it took until this past April for

president of the Ontario Catholic School

government has said parents can only

Ontario’s Catholic school system to allow

Trustees’ Association, defended the anti-

pull students from health portions of

clubs that focus solely on homophobia,

GSA policy, saying they are “associated

certain classes. The Parents’ Directive says

and aren’t just broad equity clubs that

with activist groups, and the purpose of

Burnaby recognized its legal obligation to

deal with all kinds of discrimination. For

our clubs will be to provide support, not

accommodate cultural, religious or ethical

Leanne Iskander, a 16-year-old LGBTQ ac-

activism.” Iskander said the name of the

differences when it approved a policy al-

tivist and Grade 11 student at St. Joseph’s

club is important. “There’s no point hav-

lowing some students to opt out of animal

Catholic Secondary School, Murray’s

ing the support there if students don’t

dissections. “We expect similar accom-

words weren’t enough. Her Mississauga

know it’s there,” she said.

modation of our deeply held beliefs,” the

high school denied her request to create

group says.

a gay-straight alliance in March, but al-

— Compiled from regional news sources.

Ontario Catholic schools at odds with government over GSAs

Corner Brook Pride Parade attracts 100 TORONTO—The Ontario government says school boards can’t prevent students from forming clubs that support gay, lesbian, bi and transgender kids. But students in Catholic schools say the province isn’t going far enough to help them establish gay-straight alliances. “The choice to have an LGBTQ group will be the choice of students, not the choice of principals and school boards,” Toronto Centre MPP Glen Murray said on behalf of Premier Dalton McGuinty in a speech prior to the start of the Toronto Pride parade. Murray’s

CORNER BROOK, N.L.—After looking like it wasn’t going to happen, the Corner Brook Pride parade went ahead without a hitch July 16. The organizers of Corner Brook’s annual gay pride parade had earlier cancelled the event over what they said was a lack of interest and prejudice by some city officials. “I knew that there was a fundamental problem last year in dealing with an employee of the city when they said to me ‘How do you spell LGBTQA?’” Corner Brook Pride Incorporated founder and chairman Christian Corbet told reporters. Parade organizers had been planning a march to city hall, where they would raise a rainbow flag, but said city officials gave them the runaround over whether they should march to the current city hall, or a new one that was to be opened in July. They also had trouble finding enough volunteers to run the event.

“We don’t know where the people are actually,” Corbet said. “We’re very concerned about that.” But the problems were ironed out and the parade went to the older city hall, where a rainbow flag was raised. City officials said they were open to holding the event again next year.

www.outwords.ca // outwords, august 2011

7

Alexander Wood

Founding Father or Founding Fondler?

By Charles Melvin

There’s a polite reticence in the Canadian

faced ridicule and scorn. One high profile

Press when it comes to reporting on po-

lawyer began referring to Wood as “Inspec-

litical sex scandals. It’s as if our colonial

tor General of private Accounts.”

father’s love for the tabloid press never

Wood faced serious criminal charges

crossed the pond. (Remember Prince

of abusing his position as magistrate, but

“Tampon” Charles?) We’d rather snuff out

Judge Powell smothered the investigation

sexual scandal than enflame it. That’s why

and the “odious nature” of the charge on

we’ll never know if this “Canadian Heritage

the condition that Wood left Canada. He

Minute” is the story of a legitimate investi-

did.

gation into a serious crime or a voyeuristic ruse created by a horny civil servant.

Wood couldn’t be kept down. He returned to York two years later in 1812.

It begins in 1793 when 21-year-old

Though his friendship with Powell was over,

Alexander Wood left Scotland for Kingston

other friends in high places remained loyal.

in the British Colony of Upper Canada. In

Wood continued to volunteer and serve

what may be the first incident of gay migra-

with a number of organizations. He was

tion, he moved to the York, later renamed

even returned to his position as magistrate.

Toronto, in 1797.

However, business at his shop petered out.

Wood quickly established himself as a

After Wood was appointed to a com-

successful merchant of quality items. According to the Government of Canada website Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online, Wood was a philanthropist “involved in

21-year-old Alexander Wood left Scotland…in what may be the first incident of gay migration

every movement for community betterment or social enjoyment.” His business savvy and

mission to investigate war claims in 1823,

Church/Wellesley gaybourhood. Some resi-

charm made him “one of the few merchants

Powell, now Chief Justice, refused on moral

dents still refer to the area as “Mollywood.”

accepted among York’s elite.”

grounds to swear in Wood. Wood sued

Wood was so well-respected that he was appointed a magistrate in 1800. To interject with a little TMZ-style foreshadow-

lage Business Improvement Area erected

paid.

(ahem) a statue of Wood on the corner

In 1827 Wood purchased 50 acres of

of Alexander St., named after Wood, and

ing, “It was like opening up a cookie jar…

land that was quickly nicknamed Molly

Church St. A plaque on the base of the

full of PENISES.”

Wood’s Bush, “Molly” being a slur mean-

statue depicts Wood examining a suspect’s

In 1810 Wood conducted a rape inves-

ing an effeminate male sodomite. Despite

junk. The soldier’s back and pronounced

tigation and checked the genitals of several

the lingering scandal, his community par-

buttocks face the viewer. It’s become tradi-

suspects for a scratch left by the victim.

ticipation and good standing with some

tion for visitors to the neighbourhood to

That proved a huge boner on Wood’s part.

members of the aristocracy continued until

rub the suspect’s butt. It may not be the

One “suspect” questioned the legitimacy of

he returned to Scotland in 1842, where he

most fondled butt in Toronto, but it’s cer-

Wood’s investigation to Judge William Dum-

died two years later, a life-long bachelor at

tainly the shiniest.

mer Powell, a close friend of Wood.

age 72.

Evidence was given to a public prosecu-

8 9

In May 2005, the Church Wellesley Vil-

Powell for damages and won. Powell never

Today Wood is regarded as a founding

tor and the charge became public knowl-

father of Toronto. The land once known as

edge. Business at Wood’s shop suffered. He

Molly Wood’s Bush now includes Toronto’s

outwords, august 2011 // www.outwords.ca

– Charles Melvin is a Toronto-based freelance writer.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

U.S. marriage victory hurts unmarried couples

courts. Seven couples, some with children,

shooting in the head and pouring acid

have filed suit in the state Supreme Court

over the faces of gay people.

demanding that their partnerships be recognised as marriages rather than civil unions. The couples, backed by Lambda Legal and Garden State Equality, argue

Football team ‘cures’ lesbians

that civil unions are not good enough. In 2006, the Supreme Court ruled that gay couples be granted all the rights of marriage but left the legislature to decide how to enact this. The litigants say many employees in hospitals and insurance companies do not understand the civil union concept. One plaintiff was unable to make urgent medical decisions for his partner, while another says the health insurance of NEW YORK, NY—In an ironic twist, American same-sex couples, after fighting to be allowed to marry in New York and other states, now face the possibility of losing domestic-partner benefits if they choose not to marry. Many companies offer domestic partner benefits for same-sex

his partner and children was cancelled by an auditor who did not believe their civil union was legal.

Singer sentenced to 10 years

homosexuality from the squad. Uche, who

of Columbia, companies must decide if

is married with two children, said lesbian-

same-sex couples should marry to receive

ism was “morally very wrong” and “a

those benefits. Some companies in New

dirty issue”. She says she found out which

York and elsewhere had already decided

players were lesbians through rumours

to no longer offer domestic partner ben-

and brought in Pentecostal ministers to

efits to opposite-sex couples. As a result,

pray with the team. She says lesbianism

gay couples would also be required to get

isn’t physical and can be controlled and

married to receive the benefits. Corning,

removed through divine intervention. The

I.B.M. and Raytheon are among the major

Nigerian team eliminated the Canadian

companies that have decided to change

team in FIFA women’s football World Cup

their policies. Employees at these compa-

in Dresden, Germany, in July. Nigeria won

nies who currently have domestic partner benefits for their same-sex partners will be

TAMPA, FLORIDA—Homophobic reggae

required to marry if they want to continue

singer Buju Banton has been sentenced to

receiving those benefits.

10 years in prison for drug offences. The

ernor Chris Christie insists he will refuse to sign any gay marriage bill, so gay rights campaigners are taking the fight to the

10 11

outwords, august 2011 // www.outwords.ca

eradicated homosexuality among players. she was hired in 2009, she has eradicated

can marry in six states and the District

TRENTON, NEW JERSEY­— New Jersey gov-

football team claims to have successfully Coach Eucharia Uche claims that since

couples, but now that same-sex couples

New Jersey refuses to grant equality

ABUJA, NIGERIA—The Nigerian women’s

Jamaican star, real name Mark Myrie, was found guilty in February after a previous mistrial. Banton was arrested in December 2009 after FBI agents intercepted a drug deal in Florida. The singer has been accused of making ‘murder music’ with homophobic lyrics. His infamous 1988 hit Boom Bye Bye seems to incite burning,

the match 1-0.

Harassment common in Turkey ANKARA, TURKEY—Amnesty International has accused Turkey of ignoring cases of harassment, discrimination and violence against LGBT people. In a recent report it claims the government has refused to back laws against discrimination and has allowed leading politicians to make

INTERNATIONAL NEWS explicitly homophobic statements. Last

is concerned that “natural marriages” and

gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)-

year, Women’s Minister Aliye Kavaf said: “I

families will be socially downgraded with

friendly initiatives in Rio: vocational train-

believe homosexual is a biological disor-

any the introduction of any legislation that

ing courses for transvestites, anti-bullying

der, an illness, and must be treated.” The

puts same-sex marriage and the mar-

projects aimed at gay and lesbian students

report says gay people in Turkey are often

riage between a man and a woman on the

and new legislation outlawing discrimina-

forced to hide their sexual orientation to

same level. The Vatican representative also

tion in the city’s nightclubs.

avoid harassment or violence and trans-

said marriage could be threatened if the

gender women face serious problems, in-

UN adopted measures that would man-

creation of a special diversity secretariat

cluding police harassment, sexual assault

date homosexual adoptions or introduce

headed by Carlos Tufvesson, a gay, multi-

and arbitrary fines. A 2010 survey of 104

“compulsory sex education at school that

lingual fashion designer. Rio, says Tufves-

trans-women found that 89 per cent had

clashes with Christian values.”

son, is not only “the sexiest destination on

suffered violence in police custody.

Vatican fears samesex equality rights

In February the mayor announced the

Earth” but also a place where tolerance is

Australia may swap gays

natural. Just as the city staged important protests against the military dictatorship during the 1960s, Rio is again blazing a

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA—A proposed

trail for civil rights, he believes. The initia-

swap of asylum seekers between Australia

tives are also a potential moneyspinner.

and Malaysia has prompted gay and les-

Last year, 25 per cent of Rio’s tourists, or

bian rights groups to raise alarms about

around 880,000 people, were gay. The

possible persecution of GLBT refugees

city’s tourist board hopes to drive that

after they are transferred to Malaysia.

number even higher and has published

Fears intensified after Malaysia was one

glossy, rainbow-coloured brochures

of 19 nations to vote against a recent UN

packed with pictures of muscle-bound

resolution promoting gender and sexual-

men and slogans urging tourists to “live

ity rights, which Australia co-

the Rio sensation”.

sponsored.

Gay sex is illegal in Malaysia and homosexuals face

up

to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Earlier this year, education officials in the Malay state of Terengganu compelled more than 60 boys identified as ‘effeminate’ GENEVA, SWITZERLAND—The Vatican’s representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva says the Church fears a recent resolution on “sexual orientation and gender identity” is part of an agenda that could restrict its freedom. “The resolution marks a change.

It is seen as the beginning of a movement within the international community and the United Nations to insert gay rights in the global human rights agenda,” said

to attend special religious and physical camps for counselling on masculine behaviour.

Global capital of gay tourism

Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, head of the Holy See’s Permanent Mission to the UN in

RIO DEJANEIRO, BRAZIL— Recent months

Geneva. The archbishop said the Vatican

have seen an avalanche of new lesbian,

— Peter Carlyle Gordge is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.

a leap of faith

By Shannon Vanraes

Retired educator Nancy Pinnell (right) and United Church minister Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd have left their comfortable lives in Winnipeg to travel and work in South America where they will have to be cautious about their true relationship.

photo

Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd and partner

that the countries they plan to visit do not

whatever happens, and to experience what-

Nancy Pinnell are taking a leap of faith and

hold the same attitudes towards LGBTQ

ever happens to us on a deeper level, going

leaving Winnipeg for a year-long pilgrimage

individuals as Canada. And that’s part of the

where the spirit pushes us.”

through South and Central America. The

point of the trip.

pair will begin their journey in Peru, then

12 13

“The idea of just going and doing some

All of the countries the couple will visit are predominately Catholic and Pope

travel to Bolivia, Costa Rica and El Salvador

rinky surface tourist thing, that’s not what

Benedict XVI has been vocal on expressing

while learning Spanish and volunteering for

we’re looking for,” says Pinnell, a retired

opposition to homosexuality. In 2004, the

various social agencies. They are very aware

educator. “We want to go and be open to

Bolivian government attempted to legalize

outwords, august 2011 // www.outwords.ca

“We won’t be out… it just felt like common-sense.” gay marriage and the right

months, and MacKenzie Shepherd unable

choice to keep their partnership under

to walk for half a year. “That did help us to

children, but the legislation

wraps isn’t just meant to protect the couple,

realize how fragile life is, and if you have a

came up against intense op-

it’s also designed to protect others. Both

dream you have to go for it, you can’t wait,”

position from the Catholic

women anticipate they will make connec-

says Pinnell. MacKenzie Shepherd adds

Church and was eventually

tions with highly closeted individuals in

that for them, much of that dream was to

shelved.

the places they will stay and don’t want to

be able to learn a second language through

jeopardize their safety.

immersion and travel. She also hopes to

“We do have concerns,” affirms MacKenzie

This doesn’t mean their trip will be

Shepherd, who is leaving

totally in the closet. They know that nega-

and the new directions indigenous political

her position as minister at

tive attitudes towards homosexuality aren’t

leaders are pushing politics in, in the south-

Augustine United Church in

universal. Early in the planning process,

ern hemisphere.

Winnipeg’s Osborne Village

Pinnell and MacKenzie Shepherd decided

Both note their parents are a little

to make the journey. Augus-

that they would be upfront with the two

worried about their planned journey, but

tine is an affirming church

language schools they would be attending

supportive of their endeavors. The couple

with a diverse congrega-

and asked to be lodged with families com-

left Canada July 6, and plans to return to

tion. Being open about their

fortable hosting a lesbian couple; there was

Winnipeg late next spring, just in time for

relationship isn’t a problem

no shortage of offers of places to stay.

Pinnell’s mother’s 90th birthday. “This really

in Winnipeg. But due to the

o by shannon vanraes

MacKenzie Shepherd notes that the

of same-sex couples to foster

They also point out that women in Latin

learn more about indigenous spirituality

is going to be a pilgrimage,” says MacKen-

social conservatism of their

America tend to be more affectionate to

zie Shepherd. “I hope to slow down a bit,

destinations, Pinnell and

one another than North American women,

to go slowly and deeply in exploring the

MacKenzie Shepherd have

noting two women walking arm in arm isn’t

world. And I hope we will learn something

decided to be cautious and

out of the ordinary. “It’s unfortunate, but I

about ourselves as well.

stay under the radar.

do think it’s much safer for us than it would

“We won’t be out … it just felt like common-sense,” says Pinnell, who adds the

be for two men,” says MacKenzie Shepherd.

You can follow their travels at http://lorainenancy.blogspot.com/.

But all worry aside, Pinnell and MacKen-

decision was an easy one, given the general

zie Shepherd are excited about embarking

– Shannon Vanraes is a Winnipeg-based

attitudes towards the LGBTQ community in

on what they see as more than an adven-

freelance writer.

South and Central America. “We’ve been

ture – in a very real way it’s a chance at a

together for almost 25 years, so there is no

second life for the pair who were almost

need to flaunt it, we know,” she says with

killed in a highway crash in 2006. The head-

a laugh.

on collision left them both in hospital for

www.outwords.ca // outwords, august 2011

13

When Tara Birtwhistle steps on stage, she approaches the performance like an actress as well as a dancer. For the retiring principal ballerina of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, embodying a character gives the dance greater meaning. “My whole career

Birtwhistle Comes Full Circle

by Katrina Caudle

I’ve been a storyteller. You have to believe in your talent and excel. Everyone needs to have a reason and that has to come across to the audience – why you dance and where it comes from,” says Birtwhistle.

“The audience can tell if the dancer is being false.”

Birtwhistle became a soloist with the RWB in 1995 and was promoted to principal dancer in the 2000-2001 season. Her gift to audiences has been genuine, inviting and honest performances. Her portrayal of her characters as a dancer and an actress has not gone unnoticed, garnering praise from critics for her dramatic and lively spirit. For Birtwhistle, the opportunity to portray a dramatic character brings a special passion to the dance. “One of my best

first year with the RWB

“Dance is all-encom You work with 14

outwords, may - june 2011 // www.outwords.ca photos Courtesy RWB

experiences was working with Guy Maddin

professional training with the Royal Winni-

know how it feels. I’ve been doing it a long

on Dracula. He helped me find my voice as

peg Ballet School professional division. She

time and I know the joys and the lows. I

a dance-actress,” remembers Birtwhistle.

graduated in 1991 and immediately joined

feel I can speak to everyone.”

“It was one of the first ballets where I was

the RWB as a corps de ballet member.

choreographed as the lead character. It’s truly a dance-actress role.”

It was the start of a mutual love affair.

As the curtain fell on the opening performance of The Ecstasy of Rita Joe and

“All of my training has been with the RWB.

Birtwhistle took her bows, the audience

I never saw myself anywhere but here,”

rose to a standing ovation while calling her

farewell performance in May in an emo-

says Birtwhistle, who is married to RWB

name, showing their love and devotion to

tional performance of The Ecstasy of Rita

dancer Dmitri Dovgoselets. The couple

the dancer who has given so much. “Part

Joe at the Centennial Concert Hall. It was

have a two-year-old daughter, Isabella.

of the reason I want to retire is because

The 39-year-old Birtwhistle danced her

a fitting end to a 20-year career with the

Birtwhistle will continue to work with

every time I step off the stage, I leave a

company. Birtwhistle’s desire to become a

the RWB, becoming a teacher and coach

part of myself there. After 20 years, I’m

ballerina was sparked when as a youngster

for the company where she will have the

not sure how much I have left to give,” she says.

she saw the RWB perform The Ecstasy of

opportunity to pass along her love and ex-

Rita Joe. It’s the story of a young aboriginal

perience to younger dancers. For Birtwhis-

woman’s transition from a girl to adult and

tle, just being in the studio is nurturing

beauty of movement or form. It can also

from a carefree life in the country to the

and creative. “Dance is all-encompassing.

mean the freely given or a moral strength,

harsh and crippling reality of the big city.

You work with the body, tell stories, act,

the ability to make the difficult seem ef-

build beautiful pictures,” she says. “Be-

fortless. As a performer, Birtwhistle’s gen-

up in Sherwood Park, Alberta, and later

ing principal dancer lends itself to being

erous spirit has given all of this and more.

moved to Red Deer, Alberta. Birtwhistle

a mentor and helping younger dancers.

Born in Vancouver, Birtwhistle grew

began dance training at the Sherwood

When I was pregnant with Isabella, I got

Park School of Dance and the Red Deer

more experience coaching. As a coach, I

School of Ballet. In 1986, she began her

feel more confident. I see what I see and I

Dracula with Stephane Leonard

The virtue of grace is elegance or

– Katrina Caudle is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.

magic flute

mpassing. the body, tell stories, act, build beautiful pictures.” www.outwords.ca // outwords, august 2011

15

Urban

Harvest

Landless Farmers Collective

Dedication, heart and some seed funding from Assiniboine Credit Union. That’s what it took to launch a successful urban farming business. The Landless Farmers Collective grows over 50 varieties of vegetables, herbs and edible flowers, which are delivered to local customers for a healthy addition to the local economy.

With our Sustainable Community Grants, we support community enterprises to start up and develop.

Together we’re making good things happen, one idea at a time.

assiniboine.mb.ca (1-877) 958-8588

Ryan Rawluk Certified General Accountant PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION

738 Osborne Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 2C2 (204)414-9026 ryan@rawlukcga.ca

Small Business Consulting Financial Statement Preparation Tax Return Preparation www.rawluckcga.ca

Before it moved to Scott Street, Winnipeg’s

contempo-cool lobby with its open brick

generous donors. Valerie and Andrew Prin-

Rainbow Resource Centre (RRC) was located

facing, stone tile flooring, and high ceilings

gle, major donors to the recently completed

in a dingy old building on Osborne Street.

was like ascending into the celestial realms.

five-year renovation and expansion project,

The floors didn’t creak – they caterwauled.

I expected to see Saint Peter holding a clip-

had the lobby named after them. So let’s

The radiators hissed, clanked and blasted

board behind the imposing white marble

make it official: Valerie Pringle, former

heat all winter long. When the summer heat

information desk. This is the place where

on-air personality at CBC and CTV, host of

waves rolled in, the windows were left open

good little community resource centres go

Canadian Antiques Roadshow, is Canada’s

in the hope that a merciful breeze might

when they die.

most beloved redhead after Anne of Green

waft in. None wafted.

It was scary going in some nights. A few

Yes, I know the fruit is made of wax if I compare The 519 to the RRC. The 519 is

Gables.

During the renovations, Greek-style pil-

sketchy folks hung out in the area. Secu-

not a LGBT resource centre; it’s a city com-

lars were discovered inside a dividing wall

rity was an issue. Volunteers had to pair up

munity centre serving a catchment area

and an ornate fireplace was found behind

and visitors had to buzz in on the rickety second-storie landing at the back of the building.

It was the RRC staff and volunteers who brought light into those shabby rooms.

Without them and without the occasional

greek-stle pillars were discovered inside a dividing wall and an ornate fireplace was found behind some office equipment.

some old office equipment. Both features have been restored and now add a sophisticated touch to the lobby. That’s what happens to old buildings

opportunity to help ease a caller out of the

that includes Toronto’s most diverse mix

that serve as a nexus of activity; property

closet, my once-a-month volunteer gig as

of neighbourhoods, including Church and

owners change over and over again and a

a phone line peer counsellor was all about

Wellesley, home to float loads of LGBT folks.

building’s history is neglected and buried.

fighting off heat prostration, remaining

Naturally, many of the centre’s activities are

alert to security risks and sticking a finger

geared to queers.

knuckle-deep in my free ear to block out the

The centre is also hella huge. The serv-

We begin our history proper with The Granite Club, a gentlemen’s curling facility founded in 1875. After five years, the club

surrounding cacophony when I was on the

ice numbers from the 2009/2010 annual

expanded its activities and purchased a

phone.

report state that 17,000 people sought

property on 471 Church St. In 1906, as the

information and referral, 51,000 used the

club grounds continued to expand, it built

resource centres. Blanche Dubois had better

centre as a meeting place, and 30,000 used

an annex at 519 Church St. By then the

digs when she stayed with the Kowalskis.

the programs and services.

Granite Club touted the largest membership

That was my point of reference for LGBT

Then I toured The 519 Church St.

As for financial support, the city of To-

of any club in Canada.

Community Centre in Toronto, colloquially

ronto owns the building and covers signifi-

The building at 471 Church St. burned

known as The 519 (the five-nineteen). Walk-

cant operating expenses. Program funding

down in 1913, but the annex remained in

ing up the steps and entering that bright

comes from grants, corporate partners, and

operation. With the neighbourhood falling

It began as a curling club in 1875, was a b and now is home to the la

into disrepair, The Granite Club, now an upscale family recreation and social centre,

In 1968 the Highlander’s put the building up for sale and readied to move to a

of Euchre, Bridge or Go, the national board game of Japan.

sold the building at 519 Church St. in 1928

new location. The city purchased the prop-

Centre policy prohibits discrimination

and moved to a tonier neighbourhood.

erty a few years later. After intense commu-

and harassment and protects the centre’s

nity consultation and prolonged study, the

right to be free of hate activity. Paid staff

times until 1945 when it was purchased by

The building changed hands several

doors of The 519 Church St. Community

members enforce policy, keep the organiza-

the 48th Highlanders Infantry Regiment.

Centre were opened in 1975.

tion humming, seek and maintain funding

It was their headquarters for the next 30 years.

By the 1960s, more and more LGBT people were migrating to live and work in downtown Toronto. The alternative arts scene flourished. In the midst of that era, the Highlanders rented out a rehearsal room to New Venture Players, a theatre

The Highlanders’ Sunday drop in pro-

sources, and they even provide outreach,

gram was adopted and expanded by The

including to trans-women with sex work

519 and now offers homeless and under-

experience who bring supplies and informa-

Centre policy prohibits discrimination and harassment and protects the centre’s right to be free of hate activity

company co-founded by playwright John

tion to trans sex workers in the field to help them stay safe and healthy.

The 519 also relies on more than 1,100 volunteers.

Some are skilled professionals

Herbert. His play Fortune in Men’s Eyes is

housed people meals and a warm place

offering free advice, including a legal clinic

described by Canadian Theatre Encyclopae-

to relax every Sunday. In 2009 the centre

and a tax clinic. Many more volunteers offer

dia as the most published Canadian play

provided 20,000 nutritious meals through

peer support in refugee, older LGBT and

and the first to “depict gays and lesbians

its various drop-in programs. Much of that

trans programs.

in a more open, realistic, non-stereotypical

work relies on volunteers.

and non-caricatured manner.”

While the building housed the creation

The community groups that meet at

Since its construction more than a century ago, the building at 519 Church St. has

The 519 have always drawn a large LGBT

changed from an exclusive clubhouse for

of works of gay culture that would enrich

membership from the surrounding mega-

private members to an inclusive community

the humanities, humanitarian programs

gaybourhood. Today the centre is home to

centre open to the public. It’s not just an

were taking place under the same roof.

hundreds of groups covering a breadth of

address; it’s a bricks and mortar monument

Every Sunday the Highlanders held a drop-

interests. It’s where the Poets of Resistance

to pride, community and diversity. Thanks

in centre for war veterans who had returned

share their work, where the Righteously

to the hard-working staff and volunteers,

from battles overseas emotionally and

Outrageous Twirling Corps practises cho-

this building has evolved from the inside

physically damaged – many left homeless

reography, and where the Psychic Society

out.

and without employment. The drop-in gave

brushes up on metaphysics. Then there’s

them a place to share some company and

more traditional fare such as volleyball prac-

have a beer.

tice, lessons in ballroom dancing and games

– Charles Melvin is a Toronto-based freelance writer.

beacon for war vets in the ’50s argest GLBT community centre in Canada.

Passing The Torch, Preserving The Record

GLBT history a battle for rights

by Peter Carlyle-Gordge

Our research project is called The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Two-Spirited (LGBTT) Archival and Oral History Initiative.

The project was done in cooperation with the Archives & Special Collections, at the University of Manitoba in conjunction of the donation of the Manitoba Gay and Lesbian Archives to the the University Archives.

One of the things that is important about archives is that they need donations of materials. If anyone has records and materials of community based LGBTT groups the archives and special collections would likely be interested in them.

– David Churchill, historian, University of Manitoba

There’s an old saying that those who for-

surface in companies, school boards and

get history are doomed to repeat it. That

government. The good news is that GLBT

may or may not be true, but preserving

history is now being preserved. The local

the history of past struggles to achieve

GLBT archives reflecting the long strug-

GLBT equality rights is important. Some

gle for legal rights and equality, are now

worry that the

This kind of history is relevant in teaching history, law, sociology and in many other areas

younger generation not only lacks knowledge of fairly recent struggles but isn’t even grateful for the sacrifices that make it easier for them to come out openly today with fewer repercussions.

It isn’t long ago that homo-

sexuality was illegal. From Confederation

the special collections at the University of Manitoba.

They are being collated and itemized and in a year or so will be open for researchers and the public to pore over.

The U of M is also home to another impor-

tant GLBT research project, called The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and

Canada were punishable by up to 14 years

Two-Spirited (LGBTT) Archival and Oral

in prison. Such activity was considered

History Initiative. The project was done in

unnatural and indecent in criminal law.

co-operation with the Archives and Spe-

More recently people were terrified of los-

cial Collections, at the university. In 2010,

ing jobs, families and positions in society

university researchers interviewed (both

if anyone ever suspected they practised

audio and visual recordings when there

the ‘love that dare not speak its name’, a

was consent) some 85 local queer people,

phrase coined by 19th century gay writer

including gays, lesbians and transgenders.

Oscar Wilde’s lover, Lord Alfred Douglas,

Future generations will thus be able to dis-

in his poem Two Loves.

cover what the GLBT scene and struggles

Of course, many people remain in the

outwords, august 2011 // www.outwords.ca

Future generations will thus be able to discover what the GLBT scene and struggles were like

in 1867 up to 1969, homosexual acts in

closet despite equality rights. Homopho-

20 21

safely housed in

were like in both the late 20th century and the first part of the 21st.

bia still flourishes beneath society’s surface

David Churchill, a historian at the Uni-

and especially in smaller and remote com-

versity of Manitoba, who spearheaded the

munities. It also flourishes beneath the

GLBT oral history project, says universities

clearly have a role in preserving and study-

changed the world we live in, so new gen-

occur face to face in cafés, not just in musty

ing the GLBT record, but he says academia

erations can quickly access a vast range of

libraries,” adds Vogel.

isn’t the only forum for transmitting past

information and archival history about these

GLBT struggles to present and future gen-

things. The Internet has changed every-

Jim Threadkill helped organize socials and raise money to establish Happenings,

erations. “This kind of history is relevant in

thing and there are online communities

the first community-owned GLBT club in

teaching history, law, sociology and in many

today which discuss these issues. You don’t

Canada. He took part in the recent oral his-

other areas, but I think these stories and his-

have to live in a big city with a university to

tory project by the University of Manitoba

tories can be transmitted through the com-

find this information because it’s accessible

and says it’s fine for universities to be guard-

munities themselves,” he says. “It would

even if you live in a small town or village.”

ians of GLBT history. “My main concern

Churchill says the efforts to record

is that the younger generation takes its

be wrong just to leave it to academics…the records were sustained in GLBT communi-

GLBT history by people in the 1960s on-

freedom for granted and feels no gratitude

ties for many years and I think community

wards are now finding their way online so

to the many who fought for these rights,”

organizations such as the Rainbow Resource

“there is a wealth of material online now

he says. “It’s much easier for the young

Centre and other groups can still play an

and it continues to increase.” Chris Vogel, a

to come out now, but I remember when

important role in

homosexual acts in Canada were punishable by up to 14 years in prison

passing this history on.”

Two smaller oral history projects have been done prior to the latest one and one of them is stored

longtime GLBT activ-

There was a lot of fear and it was a very different world back then

ist, was one of those who helped put together the printed record of GLBT struggles in decades past. Vogel doesn’t believe universities alone are charged

efforts to record GLBT history by people in the 1960s onwards are now finding their way online

people were too terrified to even sign their names on applications for a liquor licence to hold a fundraising social so we could set up a GLBT club.”

in the provincial

with preserving and

archives. “Our latest effort includes more

transmitting the history of GLBT struggles.

women and transgendered people and it

He believes high schools and even elemen-

will update and expand the material we

tary schools need to incorporate some of

licence by saying it was for a wedding when

already have. Ideally, this kind of updat-

that history. Even then he is skeptical about

in fact the aim was to hold a gay fundraiser.

ing should be done every 10 or 15 years,”

how much of an impact archival history

“People were terrified about anyone know-

Churchill says. “One of the things that is

actually has.

ing they were gay because they might lose

important about archives is that they need donations of materials. So if anyone has

“The value of archives may be over-

In the old days he says they often applied for a social

their job or family,” he says. “There was a

rated because a lot of the past is irrelevant

lot of fear and it was a very different world

records and materials of community based

to today,” he says. “Even so, all educational

back then.”

LGBTT groups the archives and special col-

institutions have a responsibility for includ-

Hopefully, those days are gone, but

lections would likely be interested in them.”

ing some of that history. We can learn les-

eternal vigilance is the price of freedom and

The latest project covers many view-

sons by extrapolation when we study the

reminding people of how things were in the

points, from those of people in their twen-

persecution of minorities, whether they be

bad old days is surely a good thing, whether

ties to those in their sixties or older. Does

gays, Jews, negroes or any targeted group.”

it be done through university studies, high

Churchill fear younger GLBT people may

Even with such study he says prejudices do

school history lessons or giving a respect-

not bother to check how their rights were

continue. The young, he says, need to be

ful hearing to the elders of our communi-

won and simply take them for granted?

taught critical thinking and they should be

ties.

“No, because the world today is very dif-

able to access many resources, not just of-

ferent than 30 years ago. The development

ficial histories. “Passing on our history can

of computers and the Internet has totally

– Peter Carlyle-Gordge is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.

www.outwords.ca // outwords, august 2011

21

Where Winnipeg Men Cruise Free Full-Access With This Code: OUTW

www.squirt.org Winnipeg Cruising Listings • Live Webcam IM & Group Cam Chat • Winnipeg Profiles XXX Pics & Member Videos • Try Squirt Mobile!

Did you know 74%

of Outwords readers are between the ages of 25 and 55?

City and Colour’s Dallas Green invites us into his Little Hell

By Jason Clevett

Photos by Vanessa Heins

It almost seems like Dallas Green isn’t human. Since 2004 he has released six albums and toured the world multiple times with his two bands Alexisonfire and City and Colour. After wrapping up the last Alexis tour in December, he almost immediately went into the studio to record City and Colour’s new album Little Hell, which was released in June.

“I don’t really remember when I last had time off.

It depends on how you look at ‘time off.’ I have days off between tours where I am at home for a week. I haven’t really taken time away from music since 2004.

Right before Watch Out came out was when I had some time. Then Sometimes came out in 2005, Crisis in 2006, we toured on that for two years, Bring Me Your Love in 2008 and Old Crows/Young Cardinals in 2009 and now Little Hell is out. So I guess 2004.”

It would be impossible, he says, to go cold turkey from what he loves to do. “I have a lot going on in my brain. If I had just said ‘OK, we finished touring with Alexis I am going to take a year to myself’ I wouldn’t have been able to do that because I had all these songs demoed and in my head, I had been sitting on some of them for almost two years. It took me a few months after Bring Me Your Love to start writing what would become City and Colour material because we were so fixated on doing Old Crows. I don’t think I could have taken a break. When we finished touring with Alexis and I was supposed to finally go on my honeymoon, it has been two years since we got married (to So You Think You Can Dance Canada host Leah Miller) and I still haven’t gone on one. We ended up cancelling because I didn’t think I’d have enough time between the vacation and going into the studio. I had already booked it and I knew I needed to prepare mentally. I guess I just have a problem, and a very understanding wife, which really helps. Hopefully one day I will take

“Somebody asked me how it felt to be No.1, well I still took the trash out yesterday.”

a break, or I’ll have a nervous breakdown and force myself to take a break.”

Outwords spoke to Green from his Toronto home just days after Little Hell beat Adele and Lady Gaga to be the No. 1-selling album in Canada. While Green has a long list of Junos and other accolades, it has always been about the music for him.

“It is always nice when you hear things like that.

I honestly don’t really know or try and worry about numbers. I don’t know what they mean. I appreciate that it sold so many copies. It is a great accomplishment, I guess. Somebody asked me how it felt to be No. 1, well I still took the trash out yesterday. It

24

outwords, july 2011 // www.outwords.ca

can overwhelm a person if you let it but I don’t care about stuff like that. I am more concerned with writing a good song and singing well and performing well - that’s what I care about. If I had to choose, I could do without the interviews and photo shoots and awards. I appreciate that it is part of it and comes along with it but it’s not why I do it. I have been playing guitar and singing for more than half my life, it has become something I need to do rather then something I enjoy doing. Winning a Juno doesn’t make me a better songwriter or sing better.

It is just something else for people to talk about. I still have to work and worry about the song which is why I concentrate more on that.”

Fragile Bird, the first single from the album, caught many by surprise because it was seen as a different direction for City and Colour. “The first version of that song was acoustic and very slow, reminiscent of my older stuff. I just thought there was more to discover from my own perspective to that song. So, I kept trying to re-work it and re-work it and one day I discovered the groove that is now recognizable with that song. I demoed it in my basement and at first I thought it was a a little weird for what people would assume is a City and Colour song. Then I realized City and Colour can be anything I want it to be, because I’m in charge. The reason I made it the first single was because I wanted to put something different out and see how people would react.

It is a good sign of if people are going to grow and evolve with you. I know there will always be people who just want me to put out a record of me playing acoustic guitar sadly or quietly. I like lots of different music, which in turn makes me create lots of different styles of music. I thought it was a good song so it is on the record, which is full of peaks and valleys and ups and downs.”

The album does have some drastic differences from 2005’s Sometime, which Green admits some will like and others won’t. “Most of the stuff I have been hearing is that people are liking it. There are

“I’ll have a nervous breakdown and force myself to take a break.” definitely some people who aren’t fans of it,

my feelings. Because I wasn’t I had to write

but I think they just want me to be the way

a song about it. My life directly relates to

I used to be. As a musician and songwriter

what the songs are about.”

you always have to deal with that because

If you attend a City and Colour concert,

music is such an emotional thing, you get

it may be noticeable that there are many

invested in certain songs and people and

other members of the gay and lesbian com-

when they change you aren’t ready for it.

munity in attendance. A recent tour with Te-

What people forget is that they also change

gan and Sara in the States opened up that

as well, they are not the same person they

avenue down south, but in Canada it seems

were six years ago when Sometimes came

many in the community has been drawn to

out and they fell in love with that record,

Dallas since day one.

they are different and have different tastes.

“When you meet someone you can as-

I can’t really worry about what people will

sume whether they are gay or straight but

say because if I do that I won’t be writing

I don’t know who is or isn’t and if there are

honest music from my perspective I will be

a lot of gay people who like my music. You

thinking about what other people think.

never really like to go, “oh yeah, I’ve got a

That works for other people that are trying

huge gay following,” or “I’ve got a huge

to be the biggest and best in the world but

straight following.” I want as many people

I just want to write the songs that make me

to listen to my music as possible and that is

happy and hope some people get it.”

the main goal. You write a song and hope

Since the last City and Colour record

whoever is listening, it doesn’t matter what

Green has married, travelled the world

they are to me as long as they’re not an

with both bands, performed during the

asshole then I am cool with it. I don’t really

Vancouver Olympics, met some incredible

know where it comes from. I am not go-

people, and experienced many things that

ing to say ‘gay people are more attracted

have all influenced Little Hell. “The way I

to sensitive, honest music’ because I don’t

write songs is a very personal thing, I write

know that for certain. I appreciate the sup-

about things in my life. All those things have

port of them just as much as I do the sup-

affected the songs. Oh Sister is about my

port of anyone that listens to my music.

sister, who went through some things and I

”City & Colour’s Little Hell is available

wasn’t there for it because I was on tour so

now. You can visit the band’s website at

much with my two bands, which is directly

www.cityandcolour.ca

responsible for the way I was feeling about it. I probably would have felt this strongly

– Jason Clevett is a Calgary-based freelance

if I had been home but it may have come

writer

across differently because I would have been there to help and there to express

www.outwords.ca // outwords, august 2011

25

Craftsmanship is luxury You’ll find it out from the closet Graeme Coleman

Burberry Prorsum Spring/ Summer 2012 collection rightfully became one of the most talked about shows of the season

Menswear can sometimes seem bor-

shop. The chunky, geometric shapes were

ing, but with Milan Fashion Week Spring/

cut from old shirts and glued to the T-shirt

Summer 2012 wrapped up, it’s clear that

– simple, yet pleasing and a perfect match

men’s clothing trends change just as often

for a pair of rolled up pants. But it needed

as women’s. This year, male models were

the right accessories to finish the look. The

strolling down the runway, rocking chunky

choice was easy – Ruby Feathers.

accents and prints. There is no doubt that

Ruby Feathers is a Winnipeg line of

we can title Burberry Prorsum’s chief crea-

jewelry created by Sigourney Burrell. She

tive officer, Christopher Bailey, the king of

started out by making feathered jewelry

this nostalgic trend.

for herself and her friends, but like all good

Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2012

things, it became popular. it wasn’t long

collection rightfully became one of the

before her talent began to get recognition.

most talked about shows of the season. In a

Now, her work can be seen in Winnipeg,

time when technology can bring anything

Toronto, Kelowna, Portland, L.A., and

imaginable to reality, Christopher Bailey

France.

took it upon himself to exploit this digital

Even though Ruby Feathers is selling

era by truly celebrating craftsmanship – and

internationally, each individual accessory

it sure paid off. Burberry Prorsum shone, in

is unique and hand-crafted by Sigourney,

what seemed to be a dark season.

which is why they fit like a glove with the

Thanks to its diamond-in-the rough im-

Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2012

age in Milan, we were once again reminded

inspiration. The vibrant coloured bracelet

that true luxury means making things by

complements the colours on the T-shirt,

hand. With clothing brilliantly covered in

while the feathered head band conjures im-

hand-sewn, bright-colored, geometrical

ages of a much simpler time when technol-

shapes, Burberry Prorsum’s line draws on a

ogy didn’t rule our world. It’s through the

hippie aesthetic for its inspiration.

raw talent of people like Sigourney Burrell

Much of Burberry Prorsum’s style channels ‘70s fashion, and we all want some

and Christopher Bailey that we are inspired to let our inner free spirits shine.

vintage vibe in our closets. This look is per-

Visit Rubyfeathers.com to find the

fect for summer festivals and concerts. We

beautiful, feathered jewelry to suit you and

recreated a look from the collection to wear

your inner free spirit, and email Sigourney

at the Winnipeg Folk Festival at Birds Hill

Burrell for prices on her accessories at sbur-

Provincial Park.

rell@rubyfeathers.com!

To stay true to Christopher Bailey’s craftsmanship, the outfit was made by hand. The T-shirt came from a local vintage

– Graeme Coleman is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.

If you can’t afford a genuine Burberry Prorsum outfit you can capture the essence of it yourself as Graeme did for the Winnipeg Folk Festival. The Ruby Feathers headband and bracelet are the real things. Makeup by Brett Visca.

Photographer: Rejean Brandt

26

outwords, august 2011 // www.outwords.ca

with Burberry Prorsum and Ruby Feathers

www.outwords.ca // outwords, august 2011

27

Social media takeover technology Corey Shefman

A decline in the number of North American users comes at a crucial time [for Facebook].

Google challenges Facebook Facebook has fewer

While Mashable – the go-to site for

Another unique feature of Google+

users in Canada and

social media news, doesn’t call Google+

and probably the one that has received the

the United States

a ‘Facebook Killer’, they heap praise on

most praise, is the ‘Circles’ feature. Rather

than it did in the last

the new site, noting it challenges Face-

than having a “Friends List” like Facebook

fiscal quarter. Now

or a list of “Followers” like

before you go running

Twitter or Tumblr, Google+

in panic, expecting

haves you make ‘Circles’ ,

the apocalypse or

putting your connections

something like that,

in individually curated

I can reassure you

circles. So rather than

that overall growth

lumping that guy you sat

remains insanely high – with the com-

next to once in high school

pany passing 750 million users worldwide

and haven’t talked to since,

this month (that’s up from 100 million in

in with your friends, he

August 2008 – 250 million in July 2009

can be in your “Randoms”

and 500 million in July 2010). But the

circle (or whatever you

decline in the number of North American

choose to call it). The idea

users comes at a crucial time for the social media pioneer.

Those of you who use Gmail or Google

here is that we can have book in a number of areas. One of the

much more control over our information

most exciting features of Google+ is the

than ever before.

Calendar will have noticed a complete

built-in group video chat, allowing you to

redesign of the services in July – the first

call any of your friends, or any group of

stands to leech users off of Facebook and

major overhaul in either of the service’s

friends, with video, with the click of one

Twitter. Google+ includes unprecedented

history. Those overhauls were timed to co-

button. Interestingly, Facebook announced

control over how and to whom your infor-

Facebook announced a groundbreaking partnership with Skype within days of Google+’s launch

28 29

And that is really where Google+

mation is shared. Rather than only saying what you want your entire friends list to see, Google+ makes it easy to have ‘conversations’ with different groups of people independently of each other.

Unfortunately, as of this writing, invita-

incide with the slow rollout of The Goog’s

a groundbreaking partnership with Skype

tions to Google+ are closed, but you can

response to Facebook and follow-up to

within days of Google+’s launch. While

register for a future invite at plus.google.

failed projects Google Bing and Google

the name recognition Skype brings to the

com or if you’re really lucky, you can find a

Wave. Named simply Google+, invites to

social network game will certainly help

friend already in who has a spare invita-

the new social networking service were

Facebook’s cause, there have already been

tion. And if you do get in, send an invite

the hottest commodity on the interwebs in

complaints about the video quality on

my way!

July. And for the first time (for Google any-

Facebook chat and the lack of a group chat

ways) the reviews matched the hype.

option.

outwords, august 2011 // www.outwords.ca

– Corey Shefman is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.

reviews

Vampire Boys (2011) –

Let Me Die Quietly (2009) –

Bottle Rocket Hearts

An Unconventional Life

Artiztical Entertainment

Breaking Glass Pictures

(Cormorant Books) – a novel

– by Johnathan Clift

Runtime 70 Minutes

Runtime 95 Minutes

by Zoe Whittall

www.BooksyJohnathanClift.

From the people who brought

In this dark and intense thriller

This is a scintillating read about

com

us the Eating Out trilogy

Mario, a mid-30s sex addicted

lesbian love and betrayal set

The publicist, Smith Publicity,

comes Vampire Boys. This film

gay New Yorker has visions

in the Montreal of the 1996

advises that this book is a nov-

is an attempt to merge the

of real murders, feeling and

Quebec referendum – when

el. It reads – and only makes

popular vampire love story

seeing the last moments of

that province nearly divorced

sense – as an autobiography. It

with hot boys and tight abs.

murder victims with whom

the rest of Canada. Eighteen-

does not have a literary bone

Jasin, an eternally 20-year-

he is somehow connected.

year-old Eve lives in Montreal’s

in its body. It is John’s story

old vampire, is the leader of a

He meets Gabrielle, a young

core where she shares an

told by John, a young man dis-

group of four hot vampire boys

woman who claims to share

apartment with Steven, Rachel

covering his homosexuality at

living in Los Angeles. He is

his unsettling gift and she sets

and a cat named Gertrude

17 and his subsequent career

searching for his eternal mate,

out to help him intervene in

Stein. Eve is in an intoxicating

in the military and later in in-

whom he must find before

a future murder and catch a

relationship with an experi-

terior design. John has a series

his 100th year as a vampire or

killer. Seduction and intrigue

enced heartbreaker 10 years

of relationships but these are

they will all perish. He finally

abound as a plot involving

her senior. Eve is hip, political

represented in a chronologi-

meets Caleb, a young gay col-

Mario’s therapist and his new

and expresses insights with

cal fairytale fashion recited by

lege student. Jasin begins a

friend comes to light, culmi-

a nimble turn of phrase. At

John in the “and then” style.

romance with Caleb and asks

nating in a surprising ending.

the funeral of a girlfriend

All the partners are good look-

him to be his forever. While

Let Me Die Alone is obviously

murdered by skinheads Eve

ing wonderful men but come

the story is certainly one some

filmed on a low budget but

realizes: “There is a rift be-

across as the same guy made

vampire enthusiasts would en-

has a compelling and artistic

tween family and friends in the

different by choosing another

joy, the story fails to live up to

feel as the story unfolds pull-

church, a weirdness that comes

hair colour, job and place of

the expectations of a diehard

ing you deeper and deeper

when your closest family has

origin. The characterization is

fan. The attempts at old-time

into Mario’s disturbing and

no idea who your closest

as deep as a cookie sheet. The

dialogue meant to show the

tormented existence. This

friends are.” The characters are

conversations are many and

vampires’ true ages are painful

intense and wonderfully eerie

genuine and courageous. The

more common than the brown

to hear, and vampires sun-

film deserved its wins at both

superb writing goes a long way

sparrow. The sexual descrip-

tanning in Los Angeles was

Indie Gathering and New York

to compensate for the somber

tions are coy and there is more

too much of a stretch for this

Film and Video Festivals as best

themes that might turn some

genuine passion in a Harlequin

reviewer.

suspense thriller.

away.

romance.

– Jason van Rooy

– Jason van Rooy

– C. R. Procyk

– C. R. Procyk

www.outwords.ca // outwords, august 2011

29

GLBT Resource Directory SOCIAL SUPPORT Rainbow Resource Centre: Rainbow Resource Centre (RRC): 170 Scott St. Phone: 474.0212.

E-mail: info@rainbowresoucecentre.org Web: rainbowresourcecentre.org. Counselling intake: 452.7508. Peer Support: 284.5208 or 1.888.399.0005.

Dreamcatchers: Weekly therapeutic group for women and transgenders contemplating leaving the sex trade. Call 784-4065.

Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre: Feminist organization. Information/counselling. 1150-A Waverley St. 477-1123, www.fgwrc.ca FTM Alliance of Winnipeg: Transgender/transsexual female-to-male issues. Meetings at the RRC, first Tues. of the month, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. gAy&E: Participate in the Winnipeg arts, cultural, and entertainment scene. E-mail tallbrat@mts. net.

Gay Fathers of Winnipeg: E-mail gfow@mts.net.

Web: gayfathersofwinnipeg.com.

Goldenboys (Gay and Lesbian Volleyball League): Recreational league. Call Mike at 452-5780 or Mark at 774-2122.

Keystone Rainbow Curling League (GLBT curling league). Web: keystonecurling.com L*ACE group: For women interested in the Winnipeg arts, cultural, and entertainment scene.

E-mail lace_ace@hotmail.com. Web: acelace. spaces.live.com.

Lambda: Business and Professional Association.

P.O. Box 1575, Main Station, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2Z4. 204-944-0354. Web: lambdabiz.com LEGIT - Canadian immigration information for same sex couples www.LEGIT.ca

Rainbow Educators of Manitoba (REM): Meets once a month. Cindy at 837-6036 or Manny at 478-1402.

Rainbow Harmony Project: GLTT chorus. Phone 477-6448, or Web: rainbowharmonyproject.ca/ Rainbow Link – free LGBT material for libraries and LGBT groups www.RainbowLink.ca Rainbow Pride Mosaic: GLBT resource centre at U of M, e-mail umrpm@umsu.ca . Web: umsu.ca/ rainbowpride.

Rainbow Refugee Committee - information for LGBT refugee claimants info@rainbowrefugee.ca Sexuality Education Resource Centre: Resources and information. 200-226 Osborne St. North, R3C 1V4. www.serc.mb.ca The Snowy Owl Monarchist Society: Non-profit fundraising for organizations that enrich the GLBT community. Box 26053, 676 Portage Ave., R3G 0M4.

Transgender Support Group: Meets third Friday of the month, 7:30 p.m. at the RRC. All welcome.

Web: winnipegtransgendergroup.com

LGBTT/Sexual & Gender Minorities: Workshops, Presentations, Seminars. The Rainbow Resource Centre provides education, awareness and outreach to assist health-care providers, educators (K-12 and post-secondary), students (K-12), social service and commercial service providers in addressing the issues faced by LGBTT people. Call 474-0212.

House of Hesed: Safe HIV/AIDS transition house. 772-4793, (fax) 783-0494, e-mail info@ HouseofHesed.ca. Web: HouseofHesed.ca. (Note: This organization may receive financing from an ex-gay ministry.)

Kali Shiva AIDS Services: Non-medial support for people living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS. 646 Logan, Call 783-8565 or 774-0708, or e-mail kalishiv@mts.net.

Nine Circles Community Health Centre: 705 Broadway. HIV primary-care services, 940-6000, 1-888-305-8647.

Sage House: Drop-in and outreach for streetinvolved women and transgenders living as women. 943-6379.

Winnipeg Lesbian and Gay Pride: Not-for-profit volunteer organization responsible for annual Pride Day and assists in community Pride Festival events. E-mail info@gaypridewinnipeg.com, Web: gaypridewinnipeg.com

Street Connections: Needle exchange, safer crack use kits, condoms, info and service connections.

Call 981-0742.

SPIRITUALITY Anakhnu Jewish GLBT Group: A program of the Rady Jewish Community Centre. social and cultural programs. 477-7537, E-mail tbarr@aradyjcc. com.

Dignity Winnipeg: GLBT Catholics and friends, meet every third Friday at Augustine United Church, 444 River Ave. at Osborne.Doors open 6 p.m. Call Thomas, 287-8583, or Sandra, 7796446. E-mail winnipeg@dignitycanada.org, Web: dignitycanada.org.

Out There Sports & Recreation: GLBT sports and recreation events in Winnipeg Web: gaycanada. com/outthere.

Rainbow Ministry (Outreach of the UnitedChurch): 302-G Weston St., Call 954-2904.

Parents, Friends & Family of Transgender Individuals: Meets at the Rainbow Resource Centre on the second Monday of every month, in the library at 7 p.m. Contact pffoTI@gmail.com

Winnipeg Full Moon Group: A place for Wiccan and pagan-minded people of all genders and sexual orientations. Contact Laurie 287-2300 or Amanda eastpath@gmail.com

PFLAG (Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays): Call Helen at 474-2008, mail c/o the RRC or e-mail winnipegmb@pflagcanada.ca.

AFFIRMING

outwords, august 2011 // www.outwords.ca

HEALTH & HIV/AIDS

University of Winnipeg UWSA LGBT* Centre: 786-9025. E-mail lgbt@uwsa.ca, Web: theuwsa. ca/services-student-groups

Live and Let Live: Group of Alcoholics Anonymous. Wed. at 8 p.m. at Holy Names House of Peace, 211 Edmonton St.

Peer Project for Youth (PPY) is a program that offers LGBTTQA* youth a safe, fun place to learn new skills, create projects and celebrate our identities. PPY meets weekly. Phone (204) 284-2799.

E-mail: peerproject4youth@rainbowresourcecentre.org.

Young United: 222 Furby St. Call 783-0128.

Provincial AIDS/STI Information Line: 945-2437 or 1-800-782-2437, Mon.to Fri. from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ndinawe/Red River College: Child & Youth Care Certificate Program for folks formerly involved in the sex trade. Call 582-1978.

Men’s Resource Centre: 301-321 McDermot Ave. Counselling for men. Call 956-9528 or 1-866-MRC-EHCC (672-3433) in Manitoba, Web: elizabethhill.ca/mrc.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg (Liberal Religion): 603 Wellington Cres. 474-1261.

University of Manitoba Peer Advisors: Room 150, University Centre. 474-6696.

Lesbian Parents of Winnipeg: Monthly activities in the community for parents and kids to build connections and have fun. Find us on Facebook or e-mail jodiandrose@gmail.com

Masquerade: Crossdresser, transvestite, and transgender group. Web: masquerade.ca or call 452-1100.

30

PolyWinnipeg is a pansexual social, support and educational group for polyamorous people in Winnipeg and area, www.polywinnipeg.com

Augustine United Church: 444 River Ave. at Osborne. 284-2250.

Shaarey Zedek Synagogue: 561 Wellington Cres.

Temple Shalom: Reform Judaism. Web: templeshalomwinnipeg.ca

Culture The Fantasia Affair: A cabaret exploring drag culture. E-mail thefantasiaaffair@gmail.com or visit Fantasia Affair group on Facebook.

Winnipeg Gay and Lesbian Film Society Inc.: Phone 775-6457. E-mail reelpride@hotmail.com.

Web: reelpride.org.

Brandon 7th Street Health Access Centre: Counselling and programming related to sexual health, addictions, and mental health. 20-7th St., 578-4800.

PFLAG (Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians and Gays): Meets monthly. Call 727-0417.

Sexuality Education Resource Centre: Counselling for GLBT community and family members.

Community education/programming related to GLBT issues. GLBT Coffee House third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at 161 8th Street. Call 727-0417. Web: www.serc.mb.ca

KENORA Kenora Lesbians Phone Line: 807-468-5801, Tues., 7 to 9 p.m.

New Manitoba website focuses on gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and two-spirit health What can you learn from www.getiton.ca?

Things like: Who to talk to if you need help What is healthy sexuality Where to find GLBTT* positive groups, organizations and events When to get tested for sexually transmitted infections Why healthy relationships are important How to explore GLBTT* positive spirituality ….and much more

Getiton.ca is filled with a huge range of information in support of healthy sexuality for members of the GLBTT* community.

Created by the GLBTT* Sexual Health Promotion Coalition, the site covers topics ranging from physical to mental to spiritual health.

For example, it includes info on gender orientation, sexual identity, homophobia, safer sex, harm reduction, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), relationships, and belief and support systems. There are also listings for local counseling, STI testing clinics and crisis lines.

“The impact of things that affect your overall health like homophobia, coming out, loss of relationships and family often aren’t reflected in mainstream sources.

Getiton.ca has an incredible wealth of information that folks can read and use in their own lives,” says Chad Smith, the Coalition spokesperson.

“One of the great things we’ve woven throughout the site is ways to connect with other resources and people to talk to about issues in person.”

The site was developed with input and collaboration from the Coalition’s coordination committee, consisting of representatives from Manitoba Health, Manitoba Healthy Living Youth and Seniors, Healthy Sexuality & Harm Reduction (WRHA Population and Public Health), Rainbow Resource Centre, Nine Circles Community Health Centre, Klinic and SERC. Visitors are encouraged to contact the Coalition through the website.

“We will gladly be in touch with those who write to provide them with more information, answer questions or provide referrals,” says Smith.

Visit www.getiton.ca and get prizes!

You could receive a free a “Get it On” prize package!

We have shopping bags, pen lights, note pads and more to give away.

Prize packages vary and quantities are limited.

Visit www.getiton.ca/contest for details.

Visit www.getiton.ca today