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
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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
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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