Outwords July 2011 Issue 184

queer views, news, issues

July frontpage headlines

the fiction of

Eric Plamondon

pride + the glory A father asks for

forgiveness It’s festival

season Outwords | July 2011 | Issue 183 | Serving the GLBT Community Since 1994

5 Can we

15 24 encounters What’s so

editorial

spotlight

trust Harper?

with Diggywanna

funny about a lesbian comic?

16 26 7 k.d. lang A Day In Hand Images from pride 2011

Manitoba news briefs

21 Encounter in

10 Gay-baiting

Montreal

in B.C.

The fiction of Eric plamondon

national news briefs

28 Black

13 Tectonic

shift in the U.S. foreign news briefs

brings her soulful voice to Folk Fest

62 resource

directory

is the coolest colour of summer

out from the closet

19

Do Something A father reaches ou

23

technology trap green

www.outwords.ca // outwords, july 2011

3

97

%

of Red River College graduates looking for work found jobs.

With over 110 full-time programs, Red River College provides a wide range of hands-on training to prepare you for a successful career. Discover all of the degree, joint-degree, diploma, and certificate programs available at Manitoba’s largest institute of applied learning. *Source: 2008/09 Graduate Satisfaction and Employment Report

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editorial

outwords

Serving the GLBT Community Since 1994 Issue 184 July 2011 Published by the outwords volunteer staff:

Can we trust Harper?

Rachel Morgan editor

Gord McDiarmid General manager

M. Buchanan

editorial rachel j. morgan

Shephen Harper has a problem. He

art director & layout

Would marriage commissionaires be allowed to refuse to marry gays if it were

Devin Frezzi

has promised to lead a government for

against their religion? Would medical pro-

General manager

all Canadians. That’s a comforting and

fessionals, educators, day-care centres, ho-

Barry Karlenzig

conciliatory promise from a prime minis-

tels or anyone who offers a service be able

ter with his first majority – but given the

to deny that service to gays on religious

diversity of opinions on everything from

grounds?

Financial officer

Terry Wiebe, Gord McDiarmid distribution Vic Hooper web manager

Charis Hernandez Office manager

Charles Melvin, Rachel Morgan, Corey Shefman, Michele Buchanan, Eric Plamondon, Nancy Renwick, Ralph Markham, Katrina Caudle, Peter Carlyle-Gordge, Alana Lajoie-O’Malley, Graeme Coleman, Jordan Rendall, Charlie McDougall contributors to this issue Charlie McDougall COVER PHOTO of Eric Plamondon

Maureen Pendergast Darron Field Helen Fallding Shayne Duguay Gord McDiarmid Gail Eckert Scott Carman board of directors

outwords

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

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 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.

gay rights to abortion in this country it

And what about the budget cuts

will be impossible to fulfill. The question

Harper is making to reduce the deficit?

for Harper is whether to try to appeal to

Federal departments have been told to

the majority of Canadians – who tend to

reduce spending by five to 10 per cent by

be fairly tolerant – or listen to the loudest

axing entire programs rather than making

voices in his party’s base – who tend to be

across-the-board cuts. They may target the

socially conservative.

low-hanging fruit – the myriad of programs

The answer to this question is vitally important to the GLBT community. The Conservative party and its predecessors have openly opposed gay rights. And despite Harper’s contention that he doesn’t want to

and grants established over the years to support minorities, including gays.

Harper doesn’t actually have to remove our rights for us to lose them. He just has to set the stage.

debate the issue any more, the party’s base may be expecting him to do exactly that.

So, what do you do if you’re Harper

Why is that important when we already have equal rights? Because it’s expensive and time consuming to defend equal rights

and you are in power with the support of

all the way to the Supreme Court, which

less than 50 per cent of Canadians? The re-

may not see things our way the next time

ality is he doesn’t have to please everyone

gay rights are brought before it if Harper

to stay in power. Politics is often the art of

appoints enough socially conservative

placating rather than pleasing. That’s why

justices.

the gay community is vulnerable. Harper

Does this means we will see the clock

doesn’t actually have to remove our rights

turned back to the dark old days? No. We

for us to lose them. He just has to set the

can probably trust Harper when he says he

stage. How? By defending the rights of

doesn’t want to open old wounds. He is,

homophobes to act upon their opinions.

after all, pragmatic. But more importantly,

He has already taken one step in that

the gay community has tasted full equality.

direction by establishing the Office of Re-

If there is any sign that our rights are being

ligious Freedom. It was established to de-

eroded we will fight back. We fought for

fend religious minorities in other countries

equality before, we will fight to maintain it.

but what if it is given a mandate to protect

You can count on it. O

religious views in Canada – no matter how hateful.

www.outwords.ca // outwords, july 2011

5

outwords queer views, news, issues

STAY ALERT PULL OVER. Please Yield the Right of Way to Emergency Vehicles A message from the John Petropolous Memorial Fund

6 7

outwords, july 2011 // www.outwords.ca

www.jpmf.ca/trafficsafety

manitoba news

Get Out There

pamphlet,” contact person Thomas Novak told Outwords.

On May 17, Out There held its annual

AND GET ON THE ROSTER

meeting to exchange updates and gather

We all get the occasional urge to be more

information. Although the floor hockey

active, but it’s always so much easier to

and paintball groups have respectively

just reach for that bag of Red Hot Five-

retired their running shoes and paintball

Cheese Chilli Dog Doritos with extra pork

guns, other groups – including hiking,

enzymes.

badminton, volleyball and curling – are

If the time has finally come to shake

still in play. And there’s always room for

the cheese powder off your fingers, then

more. Thomas says “We welcome all or-

it’s time to check in with Out There Sports

ganizers of sports groups that want to be

and Recreation. The group doesn’t organ-

included in the Out There listings.”

If you’re an interested organizer, simply consult the website and follow the instructions to add your activity to the Out

clients who might prefer meeting with a fellow member of the community.

Eight years later, The RBC has been

There roster, find a venue, and advertise

named one of Canada’s Top 100 Em-

the activity through both the website and

ployers on a list compiled by Mediacorp

the Out There list serve. Current activity

Canada Inc. RBC earned the position for

co-ordinators are often willing to provide

several reasons, including its diversity

advice on getting started based on their own experience.

So lick the sticky Doritos residue off

leadership council, diversity intranet site, and its PRIDE resource network for LGBT employees.

Robb Ritchie, chairperson of an RBC

your fingers and

regional Employee Resource Group (ERG)

visit gaycanada.

told Outwords, “RBC has one of the larg-

com/outthere/.

est ERGs in the country, closing in on 300 employees who identify as either an ally

Business is Pinking Up ize activities; it’s a guide to explore your

or as LGBT.” Ritchie also mentions RBC’s support for the local LGBT community, including earning a $1,000 corporate grant for the Rainbow Resource Centre (RRC)

YOU CAN BANK ON IT

through an internal volunteer program

zations. Then it’s up to you to get out,

If there’s one bellwether that positive

the weekend to paint the “youth space” at

stay fit and have fun.

change is here to stay, it’s the fact that

the Rainbow Resource Centre.

local options for connecting with organi-

The umbrella organization was

national banks are reaching out to LGBT

where 12 employees came together on

RBC also recognized the “Day of Pink”

founded in 2002 by a dozen gay men and

employees and customers. After all, no

and sponsored a casual week at their re-

lesbians who felt that the queer commu-

major financial institution would risk their

gional contact centre that raised funds for

nity needed more options when it came to

assets by supporting an oft-targeted

anti-bullying programs at the RRC.

socializing. That dedication has persevered

minority. That risk hasn’t always paid off.

for almost a decade. “Almost miraculously,

In 2004, The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)

which has been completely ‘pink-i-fied,’”

Out There continues to function without

gave in to a boycott by the Canadian

he told Outwords. That certainly packs a

any board, executive or any other struc-

Family Coalition (a Charles McVety joint)

larger visual wallop than a few rainbow

ture, apart from the generous volunteers

and reversed its decision to allow LGBT

stickers.

who co-ordinate individual activities, the

employees to place rainbow stickers on

webmaster and the editor of the annual

their workstations; a signal to potential

“Right now, I am sitting in that Centre

www.outwords.ca // outwords, july 2011

7

manitoba news

Hold Hands, Warm Heart

quietly brings a simple act of affection into

TEN FINGER REVOLUTION

to the Day in Hand website. The galleries

the light.

Participants are encouraged to take photos and send them with their stories

Along with public hand holding, there were also signs and banners. Fiona says, “It was pretty exciting. We were all proud to be there.”

When told about the RRC event,

are inspiring. Couples hold hands on The

David Watkins told Outwords, “I am al-

Great Wall of China, in front of pyramids,

ways blown away when I hear people have

on the streets of Danang, Vietnam. There’s

organised A Day In Hand event where they

even a photo of a young male couple mid-

are. It’s a movement that is growing!”

air on the rotating swing carnival ride at

Though Watkins has taken a brief hiatus

the Calgary Stampede fairway.

due to ill health, he expects to be up and

The Rainbow Resource Centre (RRC) holds its own A Day in Hand event on IDAHO. Fiona Jackson, programming co-

running again soon. “Events like this certainly motivate me,” he said.

As for reactions from the public,

ordinator for the RRC’s Peer Project for

Fiona reports that many passing motorists

Youth, told Outwords that the number of

honked their horns as they drove by, a sure

participants numbered between 60 and

sign that more Winnipegers are not only

70, up from about 40 participants last

accepting public displays of same-sex af-

year. Couples walked together from the

fection, they’re also giving it a thumbs up.

RRC to Winnipeg’s infamous Confusion Corner where Osborne St., Pembina Highway and Corydon Ave. converge.

A Day in Hand has gained worldwide recognition since the campaign kicked off two years ago on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). It’s not a protest; it’s not an event – it’s a way to inspire people, regardless of sexual orientation, to hold hands in public with someone of the same sex. The campaign became so popular that founder Dave Watkins of London, England, was awarded the Sheila McKechnie Foundation Social Inclusion Award presented by former U.K. prime minister Gordon Brown.

While A Day in Hand encourages en masse displays of hand holding on IDAHO, it also promotes Same Sex Hand Holding (SSHH) every day of the year. As the acronym implies, it’s a silent revolution that

8 9

outwords, july 2011 // www.outwords.ca

– Charles Melvin is a freelance writer based out of Toronto. You can read more at his website Quink.ca.

NATIONAL NEWS

I’m No Scientist

eration), Cummins jumped into provincial

with music performances and giant video

politics, extending a political career that

screens. The church also features a 500-

BUT I KNOW WHAT I HATE

first saw him elected as a Reform Party

seat cafeteria and a candy shop, because

Member in 1993, re-elected as a member

when Armageddon comes, you want to

of the Canadian Alliance in 1997, and then

be chewing on a mouth full of Gummy

as a Conservative in 2004.

Worms.

That’s right. He’s tried every flavour

In defence of policy 5.45, school

of right wing. I’m no scientist, but I think

board chair Larry Hayes told The Vancou-

every voter in B.C. wants to keep Cum-

ver Sun, “What we are trying to achieve is

mins employed long enough so he can

a change in attitude … so that all students

collect a big, fat MLA pension, too.

be treated with respect in schools.” It’s too bad that lesson can’t be taught to the

Burnaby Baby, Burn Victoria, B.C.—It’s hard to decide which possibility is more dire. A politician gets mileage out of pandering to homophobic voters, or a politician is so out-of-touch he actually believes the verbal turd blossoms that fall out of his mouth. John Cummins, age somewhere between 69 and Paleozoic, is the new leader of the B.C. Conservative Party. Proving that he’s not a sissy-boy Green, he made some gay-baiting remarks on a May 11 radio show. He later repeated the comments in front of a small crowd in Victoria, probably to reach the important “tin foil hat” demographic that is so afraid of radio transmissions.

As reported by Times Colonist, Cummins said in reference to sexual orientation, “I’m not a scientist” but “some of the research tells me that there’s more of an indication that that’s a choice issue.”

“I’m not a scientist?” Now there’s an understatement. What next? “I miss wearing my pantaloons and riding around on a penny-farthing?” Cummins was part of the pre-election Conservative housecleaning that also saw Stockwell Day and Chuck Strahl conveniently retire just before the election call.

Rather than retire to his cave and enjoy his $1.33 million federal pension (as calculated by the Canadian Taxpayers Fed-

10 11

outwords, july 2011 // www.outwords.ca

fornicators who keep filling our schools, thanks to their lust-driven, sinful agenda to make babies.

DONT LURN OUR KIDS Burnaby, B.C.—When the Burnaby District School Board met in late April to discuss a draft of a proposed anti-homophobia

Once Upon a Time

policy already approved in 12 other B.C.

IN CALGAY, ALBERTA

school districts, a gaggle of “concerned”

Calgary, Alta.—Those Burnaby protestors

parents (uh-oh!) showed up at the board

should have been bussed to Calgary to

meeting to expose the secret international

listen to what the kids on the frontlines

homosexual agenda to make every school child gay.

That’s only a slight exaggeration. The arguments against policy 5.45 included “Labelling” children as LGBT is dangerous, the policy promotes segregation, and, as reported in Burnaby Now, the policy would “create an environment of discrimination and intolerance.”

Either these protestors were bussed in from Bizarro World or they get all their news about current affairs from a church newsletter.

Going by the story in Xtra, it’s probably the latter. Most of the protestors were members of Willingdon Church, one of the largest mega-churches in B.C.; a growing trend of auditorium-sized faith holes that appeal to social conservatives. A story in the Vancouver Sun compared a service at Willingdon to a soft-rock concert, complete

NATIONAL NEWS

had to say, rather than listening to some

Goddard later defended his remarks

Armani-clad evangelical with a mouth

by saying “I’m a devout Roman Catholic.

full of Milk Duds. The organizers of Fairy

It’s not about hate at all.” Then, as some

Tales Film Festival, the second largest film

R.C.’s are wont to do, Goddard took the

festival in Calgary, created The Youth Anti-

“martyr defence” and claimed he was un-

Homophobia PSA Program. It was inspired

der attack from the “tolerant liberal left.”

by the It Gets Better Project, a collection

Pussy.

of videos in which out LGBT people and allies provide inspiring messages for youth

Note to N.B. Newbies

dealing with bullying and homophobia.

Advertising Age named it one of the top social media campaigns of 2010.

Fairy Tales Programming and Produc-

GAY’S OK

ing Director Jessica Dollard explained to Outwords, “[The PSA program] took It

Fredericton, N.B.—After Michael Connors

Gets Better one step further by empower-

came out at his previous workplace,

ing youth to create their own PSAs and

his employer transferred him to an

to use their voices to speak out against

inaccessible job site that left him no

homophobia in their own lives.”

Youth in the program attended a series of workshops and mentorships where they learned to create, produce and edit their PSAs. It was free for participants thanks to festival donor The TELUS Community Board. And just like a fairy tale, this story has a happy ending. After Dollard wrote to sex columnist Dan Savage, founder of the It Gets Better Project, to thank him for the inspiration, Savage offered to come to the festival and show his support. He appeared on June 1 on a panel titled “It Gets Better”: Dan Savage & the Power of Community.

And they all lived happily ever after.

as a bit of a jerk and an agitator on the ice – appeared in a PSA supporting the Marriage Equality Act that would legalize same-sex marriage in the State of New York.

On Monday, May 9, Todd Reynolds, a hockey agent based in Burlington, Ont., got all up in a Twitter and tweeted: “Very sad to read Sean Avery’s misguided support of same-gender ‘marriage’. Legal or not, it will always be wrong.” While we’re impressed by Reynolds economical use of Twitter’s 140 character limit, we’ll one up him with a 17 character response: “Go Puck Yourself!”

Reynolds caught flack in the press for his bigotry. Then, like a row of falling

Jocko Homo TWITS A-TWEETERING

“dumb”-inoes, Rogers Sportsnet broadcaster Damian Goddard Tweeted: “I completely and whole-heartedly support Todd Reynolds and his support for the tra-

OAKVILLE, ONT.—Here’s a controversy

ditional and TRUE meaning of marriage.”

taken right out of the playbook. Someone

The next day Rogers Sportsnet announced

gets on social media, thinks they’re a VIP,

that Goddard was let go, not for tweet-

plays fast and loose with his opinions

related reason, not for using all caps to

and a penalty call puts him in the box.

emphasize a word, but because he “was

Here’s the play-by-play. New York Ranger

not the right fit” for the organization.

option but to quit.

Today, Connors works as a community college custodian and he’s chairman of CUPE’s New Brunswick equality committee.

Moved by the gay teen suicides that made headlines in the U.S. in late 2010, Connors organized a rally on the grounds of the N.B. legislature on the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). His mission was to provide a public presence that would assure N.B. teens that being gay is OK – kind of like the It Gets Better project on YouTube, only with fresh air and depth perception.

As reported in The Daily Gleaner, about 15 supporters attended despite the dismal weather. Connors plans to return to the legislature on the same day every year.

To show how far Connors has come, his employer even allowed him the day off to organize and attend the rally. Here’s hoping we see the day when IDAHO becomes a national holiday.

– Charles Melvin is a freelance writer based out of Toronto. You can read more at his website Quink.ca.

Sean Avery – a hockey player known

www.outwords.ca // outwords, july 2011

11

outwords queer views, news, issues

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! OutWords Magazine wishes to thank the following people, businesses and organizations for their contribution of prizes to our Bringing You Back To Miss Purdy’s Of Old Fundraiser on May 27th.

read Outwords as it appears in print on your computer or mobile device New “Flip” View available online www.outwords.ca 12 13

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IMAX, Prairie Theatre Exchange, Exchange District BIZ, Marriagi’s Theme Suite Hotel, Cake-Ology, The Haberdashery, Provici Cosmetics, Into the Music, Winnipeg Film group, Moi Boutique, Manitoba Liquor Marts, River/Osborne Starbucks, Assinaboine Credit Union and City of Winnipeg Councillor Jenny Gerbasi

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

New York State OK’s gay marriage

Gay German footballers a no-no

ALBANY, NY — The parties went long into

MUNICH, Germany–Philipp Lahm,

the night when New York State legalized

the German football captain, has said

same-sex marriage by a vote of 33-29 in

homosexual players should keep their

late June. Four members of the Republi-

sexuality secret because they might

can majority joined all but one Democrat

be verbally abused. Lahm, a star with

in the Senate in supporting the measure.

club Bayern Munich said it would be

Senator Mark J. Grisanti, a Republican

“very difficult” for a footballer to be

from Buffalo who had sought office prom-

“openly gay.” However, Lahm, 27, and

ising to oppose same-sex marriage, told

married last year, insisted he would be

his colleagues he had agonized for months

comfortable if any of his teammates were

before concluding he had been wrong. “I

gay. His comments will fuel the debate

cannot deny a person, a human being, a

about homophobia in the game and

taxpayer, a worker, the people of my dis-

could lead to sanctions against him by

trict and across this state, the State of New

the German Football Federation, the DFB,

York, and those people who make this the

which is working to combat prejudice in

great state that it is the same rights that I

the game.

spokesman said Rousseff was unhappy with

Double murder in Texas

‘an objective picture of homosexuality’.

have with my wife,” Grisanti said.

Lesbian refuses to go straight

Brazilians nix sex ed BRASILIA, Brazi–President Dilma Rousseff has suspended the distribution and production of sex education films for schools in Brazil. The education packs contain gay and lesbian video scenes and are supposed to combat homophobia. Evangelical church groups and their allies in congress threatened to block any upcoming legislation unless the films were ditched. A government the footage and believed it did not offer Several members of Brazil’s chamber of deputies with strong evangelic Christian beliefs said the sex education packs encouraged homosexual behaviour.

ATLANTA, Georgia–A lesbian is suing

UN gay milestone

a sheriff’s department after it allegedly paid $600 for two evangelicals to turn her straight. Amanda Booker claims

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND–The United

officials in Bartow County Sheriff’s

Nations has adopted its first resolution

Department in Georgia forced her to

in support of LGBT human rights.

attend gay conversion therapy instead

U.S. President Barack Obama called

of taking her to a drug

it “a significant milestone in the long

rehabilitation centre. She claims police violated

AUSTIN, Texas–A Texas man who was

her constitutional rights,

upset at his daughter’s lesbian relationship

leaving her traumatized,

killed her girlfriend and the girl’s mother,

after her family asked

police say. Jose Alfonso Aviles, 45, is

police to commit her to

accused of shooting Norma Hurtado,

a psychiatric hospital for

24, and her mother, Maria Hurtado, 57,

a drug addiction. Instead

at their Austin home. His 18-year-old

she was transferred into

daughter, who was in a relationship with

the care of two self-styled evangelical

Norma, has not been named. The Austin

Christians and her lawyers claim officials

American Statesman said the relationship

paid the couple $600 out of public funds

caused a feud between the two families.

to convert her sexuality.

Mr Aviles has been charged with capital murder. Prosecutors have not yet decided whether to charge him with a hate crime.

struggle for equality, and the beginning of a universal recognition that LGBT persons are endowed with the same inalienable rights – and entitled to the same protections – as all human beings.” The resolution says, in part: “The Human Rights Council ... express[es] grave concern at acts of violence and discrimination, in all regions of the world, committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.”

– Peter Carlyle-Gordge is a Winnipegbased freelance writer.

www.outwords.ca // outwords, july 2011

13

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Desperately Seeking Debra Woes of a DiGiovanni Wannabe Spotlight CHARLES MELVIN

I just wanted a wisecracking gal pal.

Instead, I exposed myself as a loser

It hurts to profess your

that everyone won’t judge me, and failing.

love for someone only

Thank you for asking. P.S. Please come to

list of comments trailing down my hubby’s

Now here I was, looking at the long

to hear nothing return

my house. I have melba toasts and fancy

computer screen like the exposed vertebral

but the sound of crick-

jams.”

column of a small, dead mammal rotting

ets. It’s humiliating to

on the forest floor.

have that one-sided

This was followed

declaration play out in

by the clammy realiza-

front of an audience

tion that every one of

of thousands.

Debra’s and my Face-

A few months

book “friends” would

ago, my partner and I

have seen my naked

were in bed surfing the net on our laptops

attempts to impress a

when he said, “You sure make a lot of com-

celebrity through social

ments on this Debra Diggywanna Site.”

media, and failing.

He was frowning down at his long-

I just wanted a

neglected Facebook page. I’m one of his

wisecracking gal pal.

meagre 12 Facebook “friends” and he

Instead, I exposed

receives updates on all of my Facebook ac-

myself as a loser who,

tivity. I looked over at his screen and saw a

had I lived 200 years

very long list of the comments I had left on Debra DiGiovanni’s Facebook page.

Debra is a comedian whose stage persona is a self-deprecating gal with spinsterlike tendencies and an unhealthy infatua-

Debra is a comedian whose stage persona is a self-deprecating gal with spinster-like tendencies…

ago, would be the suspicious hermit who lives alone in a cabin in the woods until angry

The next day she responded with a

villagers accused me of causing a bad har-

tion with age-inappropriate boy pop stars.

personal Facebook message: “Fancy Jams?

vest or the birth of a two-headed calf and

She’s a regular on MuchMusic’s Video On

I’ll be right over! ;)”

burned me at the stake.

Trial, a TV show where comedians mock

I was alight! “She really gets me,” I

music videos. It’s the same style of Juvena-

thought. Surely the winky emoticon was

lian satire as Comedy Channel’s The Soup

her invitation to continue the dance.

and Mystery Science Theatre 3000.

I posted more comments. I went back

I immediately changed my Facebook settings.

Just as the trauma of my self-inflicted belittlement was fading, I received a

to her old status updates and added com-

notification that someone “liked” an old

comedy shows led me to Debra’s Face-

ments to those. I whipped off observations,

comment I left on Debra’s Facebook. It’s

book. In admiration of the seemingly ef-

puns and pop culture references. I would

a small thing, I know that. But for a few

fortless humour of her status updates, I left

beguile her with my humour. At long last I

seconds the distant flames through the

a comment to her post “What is everybody

would have my Rhoda. (If you don’t get the

window of my cabin in the woods looked

up to this weekend?” followed by details of

reference, go play in traffic, kid.)

more like a welcoming bonfire and less like

An online search for Toronto-based

her upcoming comedy show.

I responded in the persona of a fellow

Days passed. A couple of my com-

a pyre.

ments were “liked” by Debra’s thousands

social misfit: “This weekend? The same

of other fans, but there were no more

thing I do every weekend; trying to con-

personal messages from Debra. I stopped

vince myself that I can leave my house and

trying.

– Charles Melvin is a freelance writer in Toronto. He “gets” Rupert Pupkin.

www.outwords.ca // outwords, july 2011

15

pride

2011

DO SOMETHING A Father Asks For Forgiveness

by Ralph Markham

February 25, 2011, at the Starbucks, Castro District, San Francisco

I was made a coward, weak and unable

listen? Do I discuss practical matters? These

to direct my young ward to a correct and

are new uncharted waters for me. I just be,

proper path. Who are we to choose your

be with you, and then leave. I wonder, did I

at errors in parentage. When you needed

path, I thought. Who are we to make your

“Do Something,” did I make a difference?

your father most I let you down. In my confu-

decisions? You are a man, a man with all the

sion I took a position, a popular position.

responsibilities joined to that title.

My heart. It breaks at errors in judgment,

“Do Something!” pulled me from my

I was a man, made impotent in the eyes

“Do Something!” And we depart, our dignities intact, on a journey of healing. We turn our outlook to our futures. We share

afternoon slumber. “Do Something!” meant

of “Do Something,” yet suddenly made

relationship. We share dreams. We share sor-

action and this order was only used to meter

whole and proud of my life, my blood. My

row. We share family. We share brotherhood.

out physical intervention.

son set out to “Do Something!”

We share manhood.

I made a decision. A decision to “Do Something!” And I did the wrong something.

You had made a decision. Young men of all ages make life decisions, you had made yours. “Do Something!” And I blocked your way, your passage from your home. “Do Something!” And I restrained you, a desperate act to stop what I believed would be a

“Do Something,” your former partner compels me. Your son, he is hurting, he needs you.

A call of despair, my son is hurting. Years

Your life will be better scott-free. You are proud and assured, surrounded by family of love. I again release you, without restraint,

without explanation, without understanding.

and with confidence, my boy a man, my son,

“Do Something,” your former partner compels me. Your son, he is hurting, he

I was jolted to reality, your release assured,

needs you. A last act of dignity from a waning

knowing errors would be made, and lives

love. He cared enough for this act.

“Do Something!”I was once again com-

future.

of taking your path with your partner vanish

“DAD, let me live my life.” “Do Something!”

would be lived.

the Castro reaffirms a step

you inspire confidence, you hearten my own

terms.

wrenching cry I have ever experienced.

is clear. Your pilgrimage to

Life has changed. My impotence turned

my arms were around you, a last desperate

“DAD” you cried. The most heart-

is understood. Your path

in your foundation. You “Do Something,”

to dignity, a chance to take charge on my

your family.

your life’s plan. Your stock

Forgive me, son!

brash act, a mistake. “Do Something!” And hug, a last attempt to keep you with me, with

“Do Something!” And you have. You lay down

“Do Something!” I come to you, to be with you, once a feeling of impotence. This

pelled. I did something. I stepped aside, open-

boy of mine, this man, has grown. He is in

ing your door to the next stage in your life.

sorrow, he is in pain. Do I hold him, or simply

my family, my friend.

I am proud of you, son.

– This is a true story, covering a period of nearly six years and really was written in a Starbucks in the Castro District in San Francisco. Ralph Markham and his son have reconciled.

www.outwords.ca // outwords, may - june 2011

19

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I’m here because my boss was invited, and De facto I am asked to accompany. This is well established. People know I’m not here for my own interest. My physical attributes tip them off. I don’t have short grey hair, I don’t own a dark blue suit with various power ties, nor am I overweight due to the conference circuit.

In comparison I stick out. The look is young, sports jacket, no tie, long hair, goatee, French name. People don’t know my background, but they do know it’s not the same as theirs. They don’t ask, and I don’t offer. As a result, I remain distantly interesting. I become noticeable, but not engageable; noteworthy, but forgettable.

Planes leave this city at noon and six on weekdays; business travel schedule. I’m not booked on either flight. There is something good in being in the place, the room, when others are no longer here doing their conference schtick. Rooms look different, or more accurately are seen differently depending on how they are filled. In parallel, you look different standing in this same room, in the absence of how it was configured to serve the purposes of the traveling business circuit (or is that circus).

Story about me, story about you Fiction by Eric Plamondon

I am in town for a conference, the kind where you are asked to wear a tie and premade name tag with accompanying lanyard sponsored by an oddlynamed regionally-important company. To be hon-

Conference over, people on planes, and I have my jeans on, so I leave the hotel. No cab please.

There are people in the streets, lots of people. I walk amongst them, but I am not one of them. Enclosed room, or open sky, this doesn’t determine belonging. In half a block’s worth of walking, I conclude I am amidst an arts event, a doors open arts district. For this reason, I am not noticed here. My presence is lost in the urban canvas mixing medias: buildings, people, trees, etc. I am one of the people here, and then there, but from nowhere.

In a walking art show, I wonder if beauty is

est, I don’t even know what the conference is about,

perceived, or commanded. The stimuli are

and I’m sure I don’t want to know.

abundant. With such a vast palette, a new element neither adds, nor distracts from the whole of what has materialized. The scene has a flow, is far from static art. In motion, or in walking, it’s hard to notice the unnoticeable. But one is compelled to take note of the noticeable. After all, who wants to walk into a pole?

PHOTO-ILLUSTRATION BY M. BUCHANAN

www.outwords.ca // outwords, july 2011

21

up, no-bullshit kind of girl. She may

ups, what’s his? Is it the mole on the

point, I walk into a restaurant. Busy

In need of a different vantage

be older than me. She’s shorter, but

side of his mouth; it has the poten-

night in a normally non-busy busi-

not by much.

tial of being enduring or annoying.

ness. My sitting down goes unno-

It’s defining, it’s noticeable, but in

ticed. Alone at a table, book in hand,

possible that once clients leave the

which way, or with what interpreta-

I read five pages before someone calls

restaurant, this setting is one of for-

tion? Maybe I was wrong about the

out “sir”. Funny how with a tie, no

nication, to fuck one another. They

frequent sex sessions after closing.

one calls me “sir”, now without one,

would not be lovers. It’s the kind of

Maybe closing down means that he

I become what I temporarily allowed

primal fuck that emanates from cir-

goes home , walking, beer in hand.

myself to step out of. “Have you

cumstance, from being the only two

Once home the beer is replaced with

been served?”, I hear. Odd question

people who work here. It’s primal

his slightly crooked dick. He beats off

coming from the only server in the

but not passionate. It’s from noticing

thinking of the people he’s served

place, but it’s as good an opener as

sex in another person after count-

only moments ago but could not

any other generic start to a generic

less hours of being in the same room

interact with for more than the time

relationship.

as them; sex as an element of being

it takes to place an order or make

human. Not the result of a drawn-

a cash transaction. After he quickly

hair under a hat; not a cap. Definitely

out desire, a sensational lust or sense

relieves himself, does he look at his

slender, but not gawky. Same height,

of accomplishment. This is not how

limp dick and propel himself in a

He’s younger than me. Short

What stops me from being this guy? What stops me from sharing this reality, his reality? I am not him. But do I have a version of him in me?

mental state filled with all the per-

I think. Style is convened through the

these two would interact when the

able, you are at least noteworthy for

ensemble but it’s not unique. It’s not

rest of us have paid our bills and wan-

those who happen to have noticed?

pop culture, it’s subculture trendy,

dered elsewhere, leaving the room to

hipster established. The kind of look

be different and for those still within

capture his existence, my existence.

that makes it normal and expected

it to see it differently.

But I can’t help wonder if he has

that your chest tattoos show slightly

I don’t know any of this to be

ceived inadequacies one can invoke about oneself; the type that leaves you yearning for someone else’s shoes so that if you are not notice-

It is possible that these scenarios

grown comfortable with who he is

on the skin visible from the V-neck

true, as a whole or in any of its parts.

and what that means. The controlled

and short sleeve undershirt dressed

This is not my story, he is definitely

body image (tattoos, and hat) and

up by a grey vest. These are not tat-

not me. None of this is my environ-

the uncontrolled body image (moles,

toos that belong to a biker. It’s not a

ment, my circumstance, my reality. In

and smile).

statement, nor an act of defiance. It’s

all fairness, it might not be his either,

the potential result of an artist friend

but it could be. His is another reality

The fact is, there is a guy sitting at

who provides affordable body art to

than mine. His is the reality of others,

one of the tables of this restaurant

one who enjoys the idea of his body

the circumstances of others, the life

writing about another guy there for

being used as a canvas.

that is not mine, or ours, but could

a different reason, doing something

have been, could still be.

different. How are either of them

He’s gentle in his questioning and approach with me, with others.

What stops me from being this

In the end, what does it change?

memorable, mesmerizing the other?

The type who crouches down to talk

guy? What stops me from sharing

To him, I am a customer, similar to

and instinctively smiles out of the

this reality, his reality? I am not him.

many others (but not necessarily like

corner of his mouth while speaking to

But do I have a version of him in me?

the others), to which circumstance

you, to others.

Could I walk a mile in his shoes and

has provided a brief interaction. For

would I like it enough to travel a sec-

now, our differences resulted in me

ond, a third and fourth mile?

writing this story, and he gently serv-

We are not alone. He is not alone. A blonde also works here. She is not like him, or maybe she is. But

22

They will be alone. It is very

I yearn for someone else’s shoes,

ing an older, wealthier couple.

the style is different, if one can even

but what guarantees that behind the

speak of style. Think crimped up, or

gentle smile, there is not a reality

– Eric Plamondon is a Winnipeg-based

frizzled up. Think strawberry blond,

that is much worse than mine? If it’s

writer

pink shirt, pants too high, no-make-

true that everyone has certain hang-

outwords, july 2011 // www.outwords.ca

green

EcoFreaks

Alana LajoieO’Malley

yeah, I admit to joining the eco-freaks for the odd foray into the astral dimension of mythical endless natural resources

They’re endearing, re-

from

ally, those eco-freaks.

getting

You know the type.

frost bitten

Often seen on a patio

in our beds on cold

sipping cocktails on

December nights.

a Saturday afternoon

I recently read

in July, personal

on the Province of

electronic devices in

Alberta’s web-

one hand, the latest

site that Alberta

copy of the Report

produces enough

on Business in the

natural gas per

other, intent on keep-

year to heat

Don’t get me wrong. I wish we could all be eco-freak idealists all the time. But there’s a provincial election coming soon, and it seems to me that the responsible thing for us

ing up on the latest eco(nomic) news so that they can protect their families and communities from any-

Can economic progress solve environmental challenges?

one threatening to bring their Americandream style reveries down to earth.

Me? Much as I appreciate the allure of

every home in Alberta for 30 years. Their website also tells me that right now they

the dream, I have this nagging feeling that

export about 75 per cent of their gas to

it is time for us to be a bit more pragmatic

other Canadian provinces and to the US.

and materialistic than that. I mean yeah, I

That’s a bit worrisome to the pragmatic

admit to joining the eco-freaks for the odd

materialist in me. I plan on living for more

foray into the astral dimension of mythical

than 30 more years, so I can’t help but

‘endless natural resources and impeccable

wonder what is going to happen to me

guidance from the free market’, but for

when Alberta decides to keep more of its

the most part I try to keep things pretty

natural gas for itself?

straightforward: I need food. I need water.

I can only surmise that the eco-freak

I need a place to be protected from the

answer to this question is that ‘uncon-

elements. In my more mature moments, I

ventional’ natural gas sources are being

want to make sure that those basic mate-

developed – economically recoverable

rial needs are safe, and will be safe for the

coalbed methane and shale gas. The thing

foreseeable future.

is, though, that these resources appear to

And I guess that’s the thing that the

wreak havoc with a couple of those other

eco-freak in all of us doesn’t always re-

material necessities of life - water quality

member.

and agricultural food production. It would

Take, for example, the thing about

be really nice if we could ignore these

needing material shelter from the ele-

pesky observations, I know. But I don’t

ments. These days, most of us in Mani-

think that’s very pragmatic.

toba use natural gas from Alberta to keep

all to do is to ask our candidates questions like this one about the future of our energy supply. Because it seems to me that we’d all be better off if we elected some pragmatic materialists and left the eco-freaks on the sidelines. They’d be safe there, painting quaint, youthful pictures of endless economic growth based on infinite natural resource supplies.

While they’re there, they’ll have time to get a bit more realistic about their proclamations and principles. They’ll stop being all pie-in-the sky, all idealistic, all abstract. Just give them time – they’ll grow out of it. It’s only a phase. In the meantime, it really is wonderful that they’re around to keep their eco-issues on the radar. I mean, someone’s gotta keep us imagining the impossible, right?

– Alana Lajoie-O’Malley is the director of the Campus Sustainability Office at The University of Winnipeg.

www.outwords.ca // outwords, july 2011

23

What’s so funny abut being a lesbian stand-up comic?

Just ask Chantel Marcostica

by Katrina Caudle

24

outwords, may - june 2011 // www.outwords.ca

“Being a comic is the most selfish job. You feel powerful on stage. It’s a high no drug can give you.”

Have you heard the one about the

“It’s so funny being the only gay one.

guess that kind of bodes well for me. I

lesbian who walked onto a stage and

So OK, for this photo shoot, we’ll all

have kind of a minority card.”

everyone laughed at her – includ-

be in a Corvette and Taz will be the

ing herself? It’s no joke – or maybe

driver. We’ll be really sexy posing and

people laugh – and she loves to laugh

it is. That’s the wacky world of

I’m not the kind of girl that’s going

at herself. It’s the core of her being.

Chantel Marcostica – who just may

to be ‘Oh Taz’. I’m a lesbian. Can you

Even when she’s not trying to make

be Winnipeg’s only lesbian comic

please work with me? Can I be in the

others laugh she sometimes finds

performer and who lives for the mo-

Corvette with him or something?”

herself laughing at the situation she

ment when the audience cracks up at

Born and raised in Winnipeg,

Marcostica loves to make other

is in. “Everyone has that thing about

her jokes or her antics. “My passion is

Marostica has played the Canadian

themselves. Everyone has that ‘I’m

making people laugh,” says Marostica,

comedy scene since 2002. She started

very pretty’ or ‘I’ve got great boobs’.

who is performing in her second

doing improv at the age of 12 and

I’m very funny – that’s my gift. I’ll

Fringe show this summer, Tazzy’s

never looked back. In 2004, she

do anything to make myself laugh. I

Angels 2 – a spoof of Charlie’s Angels

decided to leave Winnipeg and team

work as Santa Claus at the mall. There

as seen through the eyes of stand-up

improv behind and moved to Mon-

was this little girl and she said ‘I know

comedians.

treal. There she honed her comedic

you’re a woman and that you’re not

skills at any venue that would give

Santa, but can you just ask him for a

of fest in 2010 and received great re-

her a stage. In 2006, she was the first

pony?’. Kids are the greatest.”

views. Big Daddy Taz and the women

female to perform in both the Just For

in that show (Mardostica, Rachel Som-

Laughs Comedy Battle and Just For

and in other cities has taught her

mer, Cara Lytwyn and Heather With-

Laughs Montreal Show.

what it takes to thrive on the com-

The first Tazzy’s Angels won best

erden) are back this year with a larger

Marcostica’s experience at home

Along with being one of the few

edy circuit and as part of a troupe or

cast. They’ve also booked a larger

female comics working in Winnipeg,

alone. Going alone has its challenges

venue – the Gas Station Theatre.

Marostica appears to be the only

but it also has advantages. “If I were

out queer comic in the city. That can

to do my own show, I’d mix it up with

on the scene and me and Taz have

sometimes be a lonely role when

sketch, stand-up, and video,” she

been doing comedy together since

other comics get together and talk

says. “Everybody’s going to get what

I started,” says Marcostica. “I didn’t

shop. “It’s just weird being on the

they want. In the city, it’s important

have a Fringe thing to do last year

scene in Winnipeg. I’m the only gay

to focus on getting stages. Being a

and I really love doing stand-up. So I

person on the scene, of girls and guys

comic is the most selfish job. You feel

signed up for it and Rachel, Heather,

that I know of. The boys all hang out

powerful on stage. It’s a high no drug

and Cara were basically the only other

together and the girls kind of chat and

can give you.”

girls on the scene so we all did a show

they intermix, but it’s an anomaly be-

This year’s Fringe Festival runs

together. That was Tazzy’s Angels.

ing the only one. Among six of us (in

from July 13-24. For more information,

This is Tazzy’s Angels 2 and Aisha Alfa

Tazzy’s Angels 2), being the only les-

visit www.winnipegfringe.com/home.

is joining us this year.”

bian is kind of weird for me. Because

aspx.

“There’s only a few female comics

Being the only lesbian in a spoof of a wiggle and jiggle TV show puts Marcostica in some odd situations.

in Montreal, there were four of us on the scene and we were all gay. But I

– Katrina Caudle is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.

www.outwords.ca // outwords, july 2011

25

The delicious

diversity of Folk Fest

by Katrina Caudle

From pirate ships to pyramids, festival camping is full of strange delights. Want to wear a sarong and nothing else for days? Go for it! Want to have a naked shower in front of total strangers? Absolutely! Glitter in the left-three-days-too-long portable toilets? Guilty as charged! Glow-inthe-dark gingerbread men bumming cigarettes with startlingly deep voices and scary neon frowns... Well, he was a bit questionable.

26 27

Folk Fest is like Christmas ­– everyone knows

has stories of friends and family who devot-

it’s coming, whether you celebrate it or not.

edly go year after year. Almost everyone

Smack dab in the middle of festival season

who has pitched a tent in Birds Hill Park for

between Jazz and Fringe, the Folk Festival

the multi-day festival has got lost wander-

has a culture of its own. It’s a time out of

ing from the campground to the festival

time, a week-long adventure in music, par-

ground following the primal sound of the

ties, and temporary communities. Everyone

drums.

outwords, july 2011 // www.outwords.ca

Learn to spin poi, weave feathers and coins in your hair – this is Folk Fest! Time to set aside all the rules that regulate your city life and let loose. This is Folk Fest, baby!

With the bright colours, eccentric attire, and total refusal to follow social norms ­– Folk Fest is almost as queer as Pride! And

the openly queer duo will be playing Thursday night.

Folk Fest brings a lot of amazing talent to this prairie province and while it’s important to see our queer

Winnipeg

Folk

Festival

Main stage lineup

selves reflected in

Wednesday, July 6

performers, to see

Melissa McClelland

the musicians we

The Jayhawks

identify with, we shouldn’t this year, from Ireland to

2011

in Winnipeg last year,

get too wrapped up in the bedroom hijinks

Blue Rodeo

Thursday, July 7

Oregon, musicians – gay and straight,

of the performers. As Sara puts it in a

between and beyond – are going to help

recent article with New Gay, “I don’t think

us celebrate.

you can make straight music or gay music.

Ordo Sakhna David

I’m just making music. My music does not

Wax Museum

have a sexuality. I have a sexuality.”

The Del McCoury Band with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band

This year, we’ll be treated to the presence of beautiful icon k.d. lang

and the Siss Boom Bang band.

There’s a lot of wisdom in that state-

With a career that spans longer than this

ment. Music is music and it touches us

M. Ward

writer’s even been alive, it’s an honour and

no matter our identification. It’s easy for

Tegan and Sara

pleasure to share our holiday

marginalized communities to be even tougher judges than those that first tossed them out on the fringe. Sexuality and gender are aspects of an individual, not the whole. When

Toots and the Maytals

Saturday, July 9

culture of the festival

Tim Robbins and the Rogues Gallery Band

campground. This is Folk

Spiro Tinariwen

Fest, baby. Don’t nothing

Little Feat

matter.

a doubt, Lang and her soulful voice (and

For those interested in something a

k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang

playing on the stage

ambiguity and open

hearts as she graces us on the Friday night.

Sarah Jarosz

Lucinda Williams

or between the sheets

fantastic suits!) will leave a trail of broken

Dan Mangan

it comes to what’s

– we should embrace

with her. Without

Friday, July 8

– Katrina Caudle is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.

Caravan Palace

Sunday, July 10 Blackie & the Rodeo Kings

performance by Tegan and Sara. For

Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens

anyone who missed them when they were

Jeff Tweedy

little different, we will also be treated to a

www.outwords.ca // outwords, july 2011

27

out from the closet

The dark days of summer

Graeme Coleman

once the warm weather starts, we tend to default to bright colours

Have you ever torn apart your closet

appears very sharp and clean, which gives off a strong,

in search of a summer outfit only to

professional look. This is exactly why author and pub-

realize you can no longer get into,

lic relations powerhouse, Kelly Cutrone, who frequently

or even like, last year’s clothing? Are

appeared on MTV’s The Hills and The City, opts for an

you tired of the same old, coloured

all-black style and encourages all of her interns to do so.

T-shirt paired with plaid or board

You can never go wrong or offend someone in this stylish

shorts? If you answered yes, don’t

“New York” inspired trend.

worry, there’s a classic, yet refresh-

On the other hand, if you prefer to hit the streets

ing trend for the summer – all black.

with a more off-beat, unique look, our black-on-black

It’s easy to overlook black as an option for summer.

trend is perfect for this as well. Worn-out black boots,

Once the warm weather starts, we tend to default to

ripped black jeans, and a vintage T makes an ideal en-

bright colours. But just because it is sunny out, doesn’t

semble for hitting an event such as a rock show or just

mean you must be decked out in sunny colours. An all-

a night out on the town for those of you who love to

black outfit, from time to time, can stand out in a crowd

dress yourselves with an edge. All-black can work with

of pastels and create a fresh look.

any style.

The spring/summer menswear collections of many

To avoid getting stale, learn to experiment with a va-

top designers feature black this year. Designers such as

riety of fabrics and textures, as well as different shades of

Calvin Klein, Dolce and Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Louis

black. Style is subjective, so don’t be afraid to be creative

Vuitton, Versace, and plenty more, feature many amaz-

with yours. It’s a great idea to throw in a bright-coloured

ing examples of how you can pull off a flawless all-black

accessory or shirt to once in a while. This is how you can

outfit. Our model Jordan’s outfit was specifically inspired

make the colour, as well as the black, really pop and com-

by a look found in Dolce and Gabbana’s summer collec-

plement each other. O

tion. His fitted shorts and polo can be inexpensive, but when put together, they can look very expensive and classy.

This is an especially striking look if you are going on a date, to an interview, or to a business meeting. All black

Tip

Do you want to know our model’s secret to

his Summer glow? Before our the photo shoot, Jordan applied Vaseline Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Lotion so he could get that sun-kissed look. Ignite your natural glow with this lotion before you hit the beach or head out for the day, so you too can have luminescent skin.

28

outwords, july 2011 // www.outwords.ca

black is the new black Jordan’s outfit was inspired by a look created

by Dolce and Gabbana

Model: Jordan Rendall fashion photo by Brett J-M,

www.outwords.ca // outwords, july 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 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 Live and Let Live: Group of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Wed. at 8 p.m. at Holy Names House of Peace, 211 Edmonton St. Masquerade: Crossdresser, transvestite, and transgender group. Web: masquerade.ca or call 4521100.

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

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

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 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.

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.

Prime Timers: Gay and bi men over 40 and admirers.

E-mail ptpres@mts.net Web: primetimersww.org/ winnipeg/ Rainbow Educators of Manitoba (REM): Meets once a month. Cindy at 837-6036 or Manny at 478-1402.

Rainbow Harmony Project: GLTT chorus. Phone 4776448, 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.

30

outwords, july 2011 // www.outwords.ca

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

University of Winnipeg UWSA LGBT* Centre: 7869025. E-mail lgbt@uwsa.ca, Web: theuwsa.ca/ services-student-groups 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

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, 779-6446. E-mail winnipeg@dignitycanada.org, Web: dignitycanada.org.

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

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

AFFIRMING

Augustine United Church: 444 River Ave. at Osborne.

284-2250.

Shaarey Zedek Synagogue: 561 Wellington Cres.

Temple Shalom: Reform Judaism. Web: templeshalomwinnipeg.ca Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg (Liberal Religion): 603 Wellington Cres. 474-1261.

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

HEALTH & HIV/AIDS

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. 7724793, (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.

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

Sage House: Drop-in and outreach for street-involved women and transgenders living as women. 9436379.

Street Connections: Needle exchange, safer crack use kits, condoms, info and service connections. Call 981-0742.

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.

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

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

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. 7724793, (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.

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

Sage House: Drop-in and outreach for street-involved women and transgenders living as women. 9436379.

Street Connections: Needle exchange, safer crack use kits, condoms, info and service connections. Call 981-0742.

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.

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

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