Outwords October 2011 Issue 187

outwords queer views, news, issues

LaRon E. Nelson investigates an

invisible world

queer elvira’s apple’s (in)justice queer side rainbow CEO

pride at a crossroads

Outwords | October 2011 | Issue 187 | Serving the GLBT Community Since 1994

book by

music by

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TROUBLED PAST

canadian

GAUTHIER’S

6 chili starts international news

at the hands of the police

8 layton’s funeral

and the gay connection national news

pride

injustice

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suffering from sudcess

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outwords

editorial

Serving the GLBT Community Since 1994 Issue 187• October 2011

Published by the outwords volunteer staff:

Rachel Morgan editor

One person’s heaven …

Gord McDiarmid General manager

M. Buchanan art director & layout

editorial rachel j. morgan

A year from now, Americans

Devin Frezzi

Ron Paul, a libertarian who has been called the “intellectual godfather” of the Tea

Advertising Relations Co-ordinator

will cast their votes for president. Already,

Party. Between them, they collected about

Barry Karlenzig

Republicans are gearing up for the 2012

56 percent of the votes. No one else came

Financial officer

election. This one could prove to be weird-

close. Since then, Bachman’s popularity has

Terry Wiebe, Gord McDiarmid distribution

er than the last.

dipped, possibly because Tea Partiers and

Vic Hooper

war hero John McCain and former Alaska

seeing a woman in the oval office. Texas

governor Sarah Palin. McCain is a man one

Governor Rick Perry is now the leading

can admire on many counts, but Palin was

candidate. He carries a gun while jogging,

a full-blown circus act. McCain chose her

wants creationism taught in schools and

as his running mate because she attracted

says same-sex marriage should be banned.

web manager

Charis Hernandez Office manager

Rachel Morgan, Corey Shefman, Michele Buchanan, Katrina Caudle, Peter Carlyle-Gordge, Shannon Vanraes, Kenton Smith, Barb Burkowski, Jason Clevett , Nancy Renwick

In 2008, Barack Obama faced aging

the Christian right with her conservative family values. Comedians feasted on her

contributors to this issue

goofy pronouncements about geo-politics

Debbie Scarborough, Darron Field , Helen Fallding, Shayne Duguay, Gail Eckert Scott Carman

and the economy. The rest you know.

This year, evangelical Christians – and

board of directors

the Tea Party – have found a new Joan of

outwords

Arc to carry their banner in place of Palin.

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

General Inquiries: info@outwords.ca

Her name is Michele Bachmann. She’s a 55-year-old congresswoman from Minnesota who has the same telegenic looks that helped make Palin a favourite of Fox

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

News. But she’s a lot more driven – a kind

Outwords provides news, analysis and entertainment for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit and queer community and its allies. GST 89671 7618RT, ISSN 1715-5606 (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.

values to government. Bachmann is against

white evangelicals ultimately have trouble

Evangelical Christians – and the Tea Party – have found a new Joan of Arc to carry their banner in place of Palin

He also calls social security a Ponzi scheme and unconstitutional. He’s just as nutty as Bachmann but has the advantage of being male.

Whoever

of Palin on steroids. Why is Bachmann

Obama faces will most likely be someone

so popular with religious conservatives?

who has the blessing of the Tea Party and

Because she believes she was chosen by

Christian fundamentalists. It’s easy to see

God to dedicate her life to fighting secular

Perry as the candidate with Bachmann

humanism and restoring Christian family

playing the role Palin played last time.

Should GLBT and socially progressive

reproductive rights. She believes gays can

Americans be afraid? Obama’s approval

be “cured” with “reparative therapy.” She

rating has been below 50 per cent for two

wants to reinstate the ban on gays serving

years – and sinking. He will be vulnerable.

openly in the military. She wants creation-

But some pundits say not enough voters

ism taught in schools.

will take any of the Republican candidates

Bachmann is one of 16 people who launched campaigns in the summer to

seriously.

On the other hand, if enough disil-

become the next Republican presidential

lusioned Obama supporters stay home

nominee. In August, Bachmann won the

instead of voting, Obama will be in trouble.

Iowa Straw Poll, which is seen as a spring-

In that case, we will discover what America

board for Republican candidates. She nar-

with the Tea Party in the White House

rowly beat 76-year-old Texas Congressman

would look like. Won’t that be fun. O

www.outwords.ca // outwords, october 2011

5

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Chile eyes civil unions for gays Marriage not an option SANTIAGO, CHILE—Sebastian Pinera, the

able to enter a legal contract called the Life Partner Agreement. Opposition to gay marriage is widespread in Chile, with the Catholic Church leading opposition. Chile only legalized divorce in 2004. Pinera is

ST. PETERSBURT, FLA—Two Florida court

also opposed to full gay marriage.

cases have found that HIV transmis-

president of Chile, has proposed legalizing civil unions for gay and straight couples, saying that all couples deserve “respect, dignity and the support of the state.”

Gay sexual intercourse impossible

Rainbow retirement down under

sion laws, which criminalize withholding HIV status from a partner, only apply to straight couples. One case involved two men in central Florida, who were roman-

A new bill, which

BALLAN, AUSTRALIA—Work on Australia’s

tically involved for four years, without

must be approved

first gay, lesbian and bisexual retirement

one knowing the other’s HIV status. The

by Congress, would

village is to begin next year. A 120-unit

victim, who has not been named, claimed

give gay couples and

complex is being built in Ballan in Victoria.

to have found out about his partner’s

straight unmarried

It includes a croquet lawn, indoor spa

status after they broke up. But the state’s

couples the same

and bar. Developer Peter Dickson told the

20-year-old law, which criminalizes with-

inheritance and social

Geelong Advertiser that more than 200

holding one’s HIV status, was held only to

welfare rights as mar-

people around the world had contacted

apply to straight couples.

ried couples.

him to find out more about the Linton

Couples who have

Estate retirement village. It will cost $30

the statute applies only to sex between

been together for

million to build and will be a friendly ha-

a man and a woman. The statute makes

over a year will be

ven for the older LGBT community.

it a crime for someone with HIV to have

The 2nd District Court of Appeal held

EXTERNAL INFLUENCES What is Inside and OUT? A guide produced by www.getion.ca to share information about sexual health. This monthly print series is adapted from the booklet.

The ways we express love and desire are regularly met with a range of negative responses even when they mirror forms of heterosexual expression. Know that we can do things for ourselves to lessen the impact of homophobia, oppression, heterosexism and heteronormativity to our health and well-being.

HOMOPHOBIA is hostility and social beliefs that stigmatize GLBTTQ people. Examples include: homophobic jokes and imitations, physical attacks, denying appropriate health care and discrimination in the workplace.

OPPRESSION expressed externally is any form of inequality directed at a group of people, such as racism. Oppression can also affect us internally such as our own negative attitudes and beliefs about being GLBTTQ.

HETEROSEXISM is the engrained assumption that people’s sexual orientation falls into a simple and prescribed belief that one gender is attracted to the other gender.

HETERONORMATIVITY is a cultural bias that assumes heterosexuality is the norm. This includes punitive rules that force us to conform to heterosexual standards. Examples include: under representation of samesex couples in advertising and religious bias against samesex couples.

www.getiton.ca, the GLBTT* Sexual Health Promotion Coalition website, promotes sexual health awareness to help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STI).

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

“sexual intercourse” without their part-

previously and fathered three children

both sexes were, in fact, gay. The findings,

ner’s “consent”, and the only definition

with her before they divorced in 2004.

by Northwestern University, Illinois, were

for “sexual intercourse” in Floridian law

At the time, it was agreed she would

the result of a more detailed look at sexual

refers specifically to sex between men and

keep custody of the children. Then in

attraction in men after a previous study

women.

early 2011, Flowers married Jim Evans in

failed to find any evidence of bisexuality

Connecticut, and began proceedings to

in test subjects who identified as such.

Second dad denied

claim custody. A jury decided Flowers’ ex-

Released in the Biological Psychology jour-

wife should retain custody of the children,

nal this summer, the new research found

HOUSTON, TEX—A Texas judge has told

with his visitation rights continuing. But

“bisexual patterns of both subjective and

a Texan man he

County Associate Judge, Charley Prine, Jr,

genital arousal” in test subjects. Their

cannot leave his

has also ruled that Flowers cannot leave

2005 study had not claimed bisexuality

children in the care

the children alone with any man “not

did not exist, but said that they had yet

of the man he mar-

related by blood or adoption”, including

to find evidence for it. Many subjects who

ried. Texas does

his husband.

identified as bisexual in the latest study

not recognize the marriage between William Flowers and Jim Evans

Bisexual traits discovered

who were married

CHICAGO, ILL—Scientists claim to have

in Connecticut.

discovered bisexual traits in men, whereas

Flowers had been

their previous and controversial research

married to a woman

found those claiming to be attracted to

exhibited signs of arousal to both men and women, compared with those in the previous study, who resembled gay men in their reactions.

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

IT’S NOT EASY “OUT THERE” Homophobia, Oppression, Heterosexism and Heteronormativity Impact Us

Educating people about GLBTTQ issues is one way of combatting oppression, but it can also be an exhausting job that never seems to end.

www.getiton.ca

There are many resources as well as organizations whose mission is to combat homophobia and heterosexism. So don’t worry if you feel like this task is too much for you alone.

Our website: www.getiton.ca is a good starting point that includes a list of resources to direct people who are ignorant and curious about GLBTTQ issues.

Just remember while each person is responsible for their own thoughts, actions, and opinions, it is not your job to prove anything or to change anyone!

Free safer sex products are available at Nine Circles Community Health Centre and Rainbow Resource Centre.

&

INSIDE

INS & IDE

OU T

Fear not! Taking charge of our lives can lessen the impact.

Request a full copy of “Inside and OUT” at coordinator@getiton.ca or download it from our website at

OUT

Evidence shows that GLBTTQ Canadians face higher rates of: unemployment and underemployment, poverty, illness and mental health issues, childhood sexual abuse, addictions and suicide.

NATIONAL NEWS

Pink pastor leads orange funeral for Jack Layton

party leader to whip for votes when Parliament passed the same-sex marriage law.

Citing equality, Layton said the NDP must stand united in favour of it. NDP MP Bev Desjarlais voted against the bill, but was

Loophole for marriage commissioners?

later relieved of her critic’s duties and later

REGINA—In

forced from the NDP caucus.

the wake of a court ruling

Money for nothing

TORONTO—Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, pastor of the gay-affirming Metropolitan Community Church in Toronto, was front and centre at the state funeral of the late NDP Opposition Leader Jack Layton when he was laid to rest in late August. Hawkes and Layton were close friends and the NDP leader had discussed arrangements for his funeral not long before his untimely death from cancer.

A deeply committed friend of the LGBT community, Layton was a vigorous supporter of HIV/ AIDS activism in the early years of the pandemic. In 1990, he played a crucial role in brokering peace between the city and gay bathhouse operators who had been raided by police.

In 2009 he also called on the government to compensate gay men and women who were discharged from the military for being gay or lesbian.

In 2005, Layton was credited by many for the success of Canada’s national samesex marriage bill when he was the only

deeming it unconstitutional for mar-

TORONTO— The Canadian Broadcast

riage com-

Standards Council says a homosexual slur

missioners to

using the ‘fag’ word in the Dire Straits hit

turn away gay

“Money for Nothing” is inappropriate but

couples, the

has to be taken in context and suggests

Saskatchewan

individual radio stations choose whether

government

the song is acceptable.

is considering

The CRTC had asked for

whether there is another way to ac-

a review of

commodate civil servants who refuse

the council’s

to officiate at same-sex unions.

January ban

Justice Minister Don Mor-

on the song,

gan said the Saskatchewan Party

which created

government is looking at what is

a strong public

being done in Ontario, where – in

backlash. The

Toronto, for instance – marriage

council origi-

commissioners can essentially opt

nally ruled the

out of performing same-sex mar-

1985 song was

riages because of their religious

unfit for radio because its lyrics

beliefs. “We’ve got some clarity had an anti-gay

of some of the things we can’t do, but

slur. The council now says the original

before we close the door on it or go down

decision was correct in deeming the song

a particular path, we want to do a careful

inappropriate but the context of the tune

review and analysis,” Morgan told the

must be taken into consideration.

The majority of the council’s panel felt

Regina Leader-Post. The provincial Court of Appeal decision has inflamed an old dis-

the song used the word satirically and not

cussion about whether gay rights super-

in a hateful manner. Opponents of lan-

sede religious freedoms. The key question

guage police and state interference with

is whether marriage commissioners can be

freedom of expression claimed the whole

forced to officiate at ceremonies regard-

exercise was a waste of time and money.

less of their convictions.

204.985.9200 OUTNABOUTTRAVEL.COM 8

outwords, october 2011 // www.outwords.ca

NATIONAL NEWS

Housing discrimination VANCOUVER—A University of British Columbia Sociology Department study claims same-sex male couples are 25 per cent more likely to face discrimination in the Metro Vancouver housing market compared with straight couples.

“Vancouver has a reputation for tolerance of diversity in North America and a vibrant gay community,” says lead author Prof Nathanael Lauster. “This means that housing discrimination levels may even be higher in other cities.”

The report found no significant differences in landlord responses to female same-sex couples relative to heterosexual couples.

seum, says it will feature queer content

deals with the experiences of queer refu-

throughout the museum, so it’s not

gees to Canada. Sections on the Holo-

really in one specific area. She says

caust will also deal with the experiences of

they feel the struggle for GLBT rights

gays and lesbians.

is important and it will run as a kind of current throughout the museum.

Hinther says topics they will be look-

Hinther says there will also be queerthemed programming or special events in the future. As exhibits are developed,

ing at include resistance to discrimination

museum administrators will again consult

against the queer community, grassroots

with an advisory panel, of which Egale

activism in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, the

Canada’s Helen Kennedy is a member.

movements that demanded rights, and exhibits on same-sex marriage rights. Also covered is an exhibit on refugees, which

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

GLBT content in museum WINNIPEG—The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is set to open sometime in 2013, and the inaugural suite of exhibits is being prepared now. Dr Rhonda Hinther, head of research and curator at the mu-

www.outwords.ca // outwords, october 2011

9

Success creates new challenges

Winnipeg Pride at a crossroads

By Barb Burkowski

As this year’s Pride committee sets up for Winnipeg’s milestone event, it is faced with a similar conundrum Winnipeg is facing itself. How big are we? Is Pride Winnipeg a “big-city” event and if so, how big are we?

10

outwords, october 2011 // www.outwords.ca

How do we manage the growth of the

just maybe, some extra to start the next

last two years? Pride is not a progres-

year. Noteworthy, to the common question

sively developed event in the way other city festivals – Fringe Fest, Folk Fest, Jazz Fest, grew in the last decade. Perhaps that’s because because all these events charge admission, while Pride does not charge to be part of the

The biggest challenge of rapid growth for Pride is human resources.

celebration. But don’t wor-

Clearly, one of the challenges brought by the growth of Pride is financial. Finan-

– Why is the Pride party on

cial backing is definitely not a given and

Sunday?

requires negotiation and relationship build-

Answer: Pride always

ing; a special talent from a special volunteer.

supported the opportunity

Pride is benefiting from sponsors who have

for the bars to profit from

embraced us, not just as a market, but as

one of the biggest nights

true proponents of diversity changes for a

of the year, Saturday. Out

safe workplace and dedicated supporters of

of respect for their finan-

the queer community.

cial stability, Pride holds the dance party on Sunday

The operating budget from 2009, approximately $10,000, grew to approxi-

ry, Pride is not going there in 2012.

night, to close out Pride week. You already

mately $100,000 in 2010. A 1,000 per cent

In 2009, The Forks Corporation

know the date for next year, June 3 – if you

increase. In 2010, Pride stepped out the

need to, book Monday off now.

uncertain money shadow of the dance party

invited Pride (then known as the Winnipeg Lesbian and Gay Pride Festival Inc.) to celebrate Pride Day 2010 at The Forks. This was huge! It gave Pride Winnipeg “big-event” status and even though it broke routine in several ways, it was exciting and justifying to celebrate at the Forks – the meeting place of all Winnipeggers and a space to morph into a “bigger” city event.

Until 2009, Pride followed a routine pattern, with the parade starting at the Manitoba Legislature grounds, following the rectangle around downtown, and ending at Memorial Park.

The stage, business tent and toilets were all in the usual place. We know Winnipeggers like consistency and routine. They knew where to park and where to find their friends, just as they had every year. As a committee, Pride had the planning down, and Pride was an annual good time.

Prior to 2010, the only real source of income for Pride was the dance party. The Rendez-Vous, in particular and arguably the most memorable of Pride events was the pinnacle money source for Pride for many years. Until amounts unknown until the last mo-

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11

and discovered sponsorship, supporting big name talent on The Forks Stage. It also brought income from the long-awaited beer tent and the introduction of Queer Beer, made by Winnipeg’s own Half Pints Brewery. In 2011, Pride cut back substantially to attempt to prepare for the 25th anniversary.

To date, Pride has not received money

To date, Pride has not received money from any level of government

The biggest chal-

by an exceptional volunteer director are es-

lenge of rapid

sential for a safe and fun experience.

growth for Pride is

“Big-city” Pride is possible in Winni-

human resources.

peg. One day we may graduate to having

Pride requires

an executive director and every year Pride’s

professionals –

direction will progress with new ideas and

graphic designers,

opportunities. For now, volunteers are the

communication

primary component in the production of

experts, financial

Pride and they are truly great people.

from any level of government, although it is

gurus, and marketing specialists to operate

It’s a great year! The 25th year of our

a prime goal of future funding and a strong

effectively. Lawyers, accountants and busi-

Winnipeg history, most importantly, hon-

indication of societal support. Locally, work-

ness people are keys to accommodating ex-

ouring the contributors of our past achieve-

ing relationships and contributions from

pansion and ensure the wellness and future

ments while continuing progress in human

city departments and council are essen-

of Pride. Many people bring their talents

rights for all. Get involved and share in the

tial to plan the mass movement of parade

as committed volunteers. And, we need

incredible excitement and ownership of

participants through downtown Winnipeg,

volunteers on other levels. Pride Guide dis-

bringing the largest gathering of queer and

crossing major routes safely into The Forks.

tribution, hospitality, tourism coordinators

diverse people between Vancouver and To-

To benefit from all levels of government

are needed to ensure the important details

ronto to our city – The Pride of the Prairies.

resources, Pride needs grant writing exper-

come together during Pride week. On Pride

tise. But money for Pride is not the greatest

Day, the volunteer core of parade marshals,

challenge.

grounds crews and beer tent servers, all led

– Barb Burkowski is the chair of the Pride Committee.

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

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outwords, october 2011 // www.outwords.ca

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

technology

Apple does away with glass ceiling

Corey Shefman

“It was largely thanks to Cook … that Apple has been so successful in the last decade.”

News flash: Apple

his technical achievements. Although

to ditch iPods

he’s never acknowledged his sexual-

and iPhones in

ity publicly, Cook was named to the

favour of iPrinters.

top of Out Magazine’s 2011 list of the

OK, Apple isn’t

most influential gays and lesbians in

really dropping

America. Assuming that Out is correct

their insanely

about his sexuality, Cook is one of only

popular iPod and

three GLBT senior executives in the

iPhone lines in

tech world (the only man of the three)

favour of printers,

and by far the most powerful.

despite what the satirical newspaper

What this means for the company

The Onion would have had us believe

is probably less important than what

shortly after Apple founder, chairman

it means for the community. The fact

and CEO Steve Jobs (he of the black

that Jobs is likely to remain with Apple

turtleneck) announced his resignation

as chair of the board means that Cook

on August 24th due to health issues.

is unlikely to make any major changes

Cook was named to the top of Out Magazine’s 2011 list of the most influential gays and lesbians in America.

In his place, Apple announced that

to the products or vision of the com-

Tim Cook, previously chief operating

pany. On the other hand, popular

officer, would take over as CEO. Unlike

news blog Gawker reports that the

Jobs, Cook doesn’t have much public

senior management at Apple would

stature – there is no “Cult of Tim” in

publicly support Cook’s coming out

the same way that Mac fanboys (and

and taking on an active role as a gay

fangirls) worship Steve. It was largely

business and tech role model.

thanks to Cook, however, that Apple

While the future of Apple may be

has been so successful in the last dec-

unclear, the company has seemingly

ade. Largely responsible for operations

done away with one of the few glass

and supply, rather than innovation and

ceilings left for the queer community.

design, Cook has streamlined Apple’s production and brought order to the company.

What stands out most for many in

– Corey Shefman is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.

Who is Tim Cook?

Born: Alabama, 1960. His father was a shipyard worker, his mother was a homemaker.

INSIDE SCOOP: Cook is a workaholic.

According to reports, he insists on being the first person into the office and the last person out.

Strengths: Cook is a steady hand and seems to be 10 steps ahead of the competition. In 2005, Cook prepaid suppliers $1.25 billion to corner the market on a particular kind of flash memory used in the iPod. Weaknesses: Cook doesn’t have the public profile or vision that his predecessor, Steve Jobs, does. He isn’t likely to inspire anyone and doesn’t appear to contribute to the product design process (a big change, given that former CEO Steve Jobs is personally mentioned in 313 Apple patents).

the GLBT community, however, is not

www.outwords.ca // outwords, october 2011

13

14 15

outwords, october 2011 // www.outwords.ca

By Peter Carlyle-Gordge

Ask any outreach worker in the fight against HIV transmission and you’ll find one of the hardest at risk groups to reach is MSM, or men who have sex with men. Men in this group don’t necessarily identify as gay. Some may be married to women and have families. Some may simply avoid defining their sexual orientation and it is often hard to pinpoint where they gather or connect.

Now, if reaching the MSM group is chal-

communion is deeply split on same-sex

to find gay people and bring them before

lenging here, consider its near impossibil-

rights, thanks largely to the Archbishop of

the courts. He also called on landlords and

ity in such homophobic places as Africa, a

Canterbury kowtowing in fear to the out-

tenants to inform on those they believe

place still plagued by superstition, repres-

spoken black African bishops who despise

to be gay. “All efforts are being made to

sion and an outright burning hostility to

homosexuality and claim God does, too.

get rid of these people in the society,” this

You don’t need to go far to stack up

enlightened idiot is reported to have said.

any sexual practices beyond the vanilla heterosexual variety. In many Islamic

evidence of this official homophobia. The

In Ghana, homosexuality is still considered

countries such as Iran and Iraq, being at-

president of Iran famously came to the

a moral aberration, or even a myth.

tracted to the same sex may bring instant

U.S. and told a university audience that

The Constitution guarantees the

death by a mob, or less instant death after

same-sex dalliances did not exist in Iran.

protection of human rights regardless of

a shameful “trial” in an Islamic court,

The evidence in the form of beatings and

“race, place of origin, political opinion,

which may sentence you to be hanged,

hangings of gay men tends to undermine

colour, religion, creed or gender,” but does

often in public.

his insane statement.

not mention sexual orientation. Anyway,

Attitudes to same-sex attraction in

In July, a news item from Ghana

you can imagine how difficult it is to be

Africa aren’t much better, with a nasty,

highlighted the same problem when a

gay or lesbian, or a man who has sex with

often violent reaction to same-sex cou-

government minister ordered the arrest of

other men, in these regions of ignorance

plings – an official kind of homophobia

any gays or lesbians found in that country’s

and hostility. Bear in mind, too, that Africa

that is encouraged by the Neanderthal and

western region. Paul Evans Aidoo, the min-

has shocking statistics on HIV transmission

ignorant Catholic and Anglican churches.

ister for the region, directed the Bureau of

and death from AIDS. One UN report sug-

Indeed, the current worldwide Anglican

National Investigations and other agencies

gests that 25 per cent of men who have

www.outwords.ca // outwords, october 2011

15

sex with men are infected with HIV, yet

Nelson, who is of African descent,

they are invisible in Africa and terrified of

grew up in Georgia and his work over the

seeking testing or medical help.

next 18 months will be in Ghana’s two

Now Canada hopes to come to the

biomedical advances are expanding our prevention tool kit.”

He plans to work closely with leaders

largest cities: Accra and Kumasi. He told

in Ghana to implement the medical and

rescue in the form of an HIV prevention

OutWords working in Ghana is “tricky”

public health policies necessary. Officially

and treatment strategy designed to reach

given attitudes to homosexual sex, but

his project is called the Kumasi & Accra

those unreachable African men who have

insists he has already found strong support

Project to Prevent AIDS (KAPPA). It’s a so-

sex with men. Canada has played a ma-

at some government levels because they

cial network-based intervention to prevent

jor role in worldwide efforts to stem the

are anxious to stop the spread of AIDS.

HIV among men who have sex with men.

tide of HIV infections. LaRon E. Nelson, an assistant professor of nursing at The Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto has just won a $100,000 grant to design a model for reaching those invisible men who are too afraid to seek testing or treatment in normal health clinics.

Fear of government and social attitudes doesn’t help stop the spread of HIV, so Nelson plans to try to reach MSM groups through their own social networks.

He also plans to build trust, which is key to overcoming both fear and ignorance.

One of the latest advances involves HIVnegative people who are at risk of infection taking antiHIV drugs even when not infected

“Some

Phase one will study its effectiveness for

powerful

preventing HIV and the economic feasibil-

people do

ity of it being locally sustained once the

understand

study has concluded.

the challenge

One of the latest advances – pre-ex-

we face and

posure prophylaxis (PrEP) – involves HIV-

they are be-

negative people who are at risk of infection

ing quietly

taking anti-HIV drugs even when not

supportive,”

infected. Recent studies by the University

he says.

of Washington have shown the partners of

“Officially

people who have HIV can protect them-

homosexual-

selves from infection by taking a once-daily

ity doesn’t

pill. They undertook studies in Botswana,

exist but they

Kenya and Uganda.

Nelson’s award is a breakthrough in in-

know it does and they know they have a

novative HIV work and he is just one of 19

problem there. The reason I am interested

ited success due to cultural barriers, but

award recipients across Canada in a federal

in reaching this MSM group through their

this new approach to prevention may be

program known as the Canada Rising Star

own social networks is because a group of

a breakthrough. Studies show that those

health initiatives.

them approached me when I was attend-

taking a single daily tablet of the Aids drug

ing another conference there on another

tenofovir had 62 per cent fewer infec-

subject.”

tions and those who took a pill combining

The Canada Rising Star program’s goal is to “support the development of excep-

Promoting condom use has had lim-

tional emerging Canadian scientists who

He says the men who approached him

have the potential to be world leaders in

wanted advice and testing, but didn’t trust

Tenofovir and Emtricitabine had 73 per cent fewer infections than those who took

global health.” Each of the 19 innovators

local clinics because of shame and possible

a placebo pill.

selected from across the country receives a

social opprobrium. “We met with men in

grant of $100,000 and they may eventu-

Ghana who described multi-level chal-

which is important if they are to be given

ally get access to $1 million in funding if

lenges to preventing sexually transmitted

to healthy individuals. Both are made by

their innovative ideas pan out. Canada

infections among men most-at-risk,” says

Gilead, which has licensed their manufac-

is the first country in the world to adopt

Nelson. “For the longest time, the condom

ture to generic companies in the devel-

this kind of grand challenges approach to

was the only available biomedical device

oping world, allowing them to produce

foreign aid.

with prevention efficacy; however, new

cheap copies. This development excites

The drugs have few side-effects,

Nelson, who says there are still many cul-

16 17

outwords, october 2011 // www.outwords.ca

researchers tapped into MSM social net-

help us to reach the tipping point in the

works, with one group leading them to

HIV epidemic.”

others,” he says. “Gay men always find

ington studies followed hard on the heels

find, but it was more of a challenge to tap

of another important finding – that people

into MSM groups and find out where they

with HIV who are taking combinations of

party and socialize. They dress just like

antiretroviral drugs not only stay healthy

other men so cannot be easily identified.”

themselves but are unlikely to infect their

He plans to use the same methods to

partners. The two pieces of research have

locate the MSM cohort and stresses that

LaRon E. Nelson, an assistant professor of nursing at The Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto has just won a $100,000 grant to design a model for reaching those invisible men who are too afraid to seek testing or treatment in normal health clinics.

The news of the University of Wash-

places to socialize and are not that hard to

given a huge

then we will consider whether the model

The aim is to win the confidence of MSM men, then have them lead researchers to other MSM links

we devise could be adopted and sup-

tive new HIV prevention tools are urgently

ported by other countries,” says Nelson.

needed, and these studies could have

“Besides finding MSM men we also have

enormous impact in preventing hetero-

building up trust will be a key to success, since this treatment model would operate under the normal clinical radar, even though silently supported by government leaders. The aim is to win the confidence of MSM men, then have them lead researchers to other MSM links in the chain.

“The first phase is gathering data and

boost to the cause of rolling out more AIDS drugs and treating people at the earliest stage of their illness.

“Effec-

to persuade doctors and nurses and other

sexual transmission,” according to Dr Mar-

tural barriers to overcome. He says taking

health professionals that they can deliver

garet Chan, director general of the World

a preventative pill when you are not sick

HIV testing and other services, including

Health Organization. “WHO will be work-

may be easily understood in the West but

counselling, in non-traditional, non-clinic

ing with countries to use the new findings

perceptions are often different in Africa, so

settings.” Phase One of his project will take

to protect more men and women from HIV

there is much education to do.

18 months and Nelson will be visiting Gha-

infection.”

“You have to consider all these Western solutions in the cultural context of

na later this year to get his project rolling.

Condom use and circumcision have

Nelson’s $100,000 award is part of a new federal innovation program known as

Africa and we’ll consider that when gather-

certainly helped reduce HIV transmis-

Grand Challenges Canada. It is funded by

ing data and figuring out what changes

sion risks but the latest exciting tool is the

the Government of Canada’s Development

are needed,” he says. “There is a lack of

fight against spreading HIV is undoubtedly

Innovation Fund and is part of a consor-

research in the area of cultural context and

pre-exposure prophylaxis. “This is a major

tium with the International Development

it’s important for us to understand it when

scientific breakthrough which re-confirms

Research Centre (IDRC) and the Canadian

introducing creative ways of reducing the

the essential role that antiretroviral medi-

Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

spread of HIV.”

cine has to play in the AIDS response,” says

He says some California researchers

Michel Sidibé, executive director of the

studying transmission of sexual diseases in

Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/

Africa have told him they were surprised

Aids (UNAids). “These recent studies could

at how large a group MSM is. “These

The HIV fight goes on, but the news is slowly getting better.

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

www.outwords.ca // outwords, october 2011

17

Elvira

It’s all thanks to the drag queens

By Jason Clevett

Big hair, big camp, big boobs. It should

drag queen, with white lips and white

called Mamma’s Boys that toured all over

be no surprise that Cassandra Peterson,

eye shadow, and we performed under a

the United States during the big ‘70s

a.k.a. Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, is much

black light so we looked like the Su-

disco era. Those guys were like my broth-

loved by the gay community. From her

premes. Isn't that scary? People would

ers, we lived together, ate together, slept

early days performing in gay bars to her

always say, 'Oh my God you are the most

together sometimes. It was pre-AIDS,

wit and charm on Elvira's Movie Macabre

incredible drag queen I have ever seen.'

thank God, and really wild, but man they

the gay influence is obvious.

The gay influence on me is all over, it's

taught me everything I know, I am not

me. I grew up and became a gay man –

kidding, about everything. So I have a

was hired at an army base. Right off the

it's really bizarre. From the time I was 14,

very different outlook on life.”

base, it was so bizarre, there was a gay

gay men were telling me how to dress,

bar. I started dancing there, I was actu-

walk, dance, how to do my makeup and

prior to the Calgary Comic and Enter-

ally like a drag queen,” Peterson says.

hair. I worshipped them and looked up

tainment Expo, where fans lined up to

“There were two guys and me, and we

to them. First I was dancing with them,

meet her for photos and autographs. She

did the Supremes. It was kind of embar-

then for four and a half years I toured

commented on how far the gay commu-

rassing because I was a girl dressed as a

with a group of myself and seven guys

nity has come since her first exposure to

“I started as a go-go dancer and

Peterson spoke to Outwords recently

“Both women and men like a strong female figure who’s also sexy” it. “I was from a small town in Colorado.

Her 1988 film Elvira: Mistress of the

in their thirties and they all turned out

You practically had to hide the bar there,

Dark, about a misunderstood misfit in

good. They were always messed up,

there was a gay bar that was hidden in

a highly religious town resonated with

bizarre outcast misfit kind of loser kids

this weird area. If you didn't have an

many gay and lesbian people, many of

that turned out to be really creative,

inside address you were never going to

whom had similar experiences or fears.

cool, together kind of people as adults. I

find this place. It was called the Purple

“For the gay community there was some-

am always impressed. They tell me they

Cow. There was another one in Colorado

thing about Elvira: Mistress of the Dark

work for Sony doing graphic arts or are a

Springs called Exit 21. These places were

that if they were gay made them feel

comic book artist now. I love seeing them

hidden and you had to knock on the

some comradaries [sic] with Elvira. ‘She is

through these decades.”

door, and they would peek out the door

this horrible misfit person and it actually

Peterson takes the label of “gay icon”

and let you in. It was so hidden, so clos-

turned out good. She made it to Vegas,

seriously, and is proud to be loved, and

eted, so scary. Everybody was sneaking

maybe I can, too.' Back in that day when

to love, the LGBT community. “I know I

around. Can you imagine, that was the

you were gay and did feel like everyone

have had a big influence on drag queens,

‘60s. Everybody was in the closet. In high

was on the religious right and you felt

because now they come to me for advice!

school all my best friends were in drama

like you didn't fit in, I think that movie

I was getting advice from them, now I

and kind of touchy, and later I went back

connected with a lot of young men and

am giving it. There are a lot of Elvira drag

and they were all gay but I didn't even

women who felt that they weren't ac-

queens out there, some fantastic some

know. They were misfits and that is who I

cepted and wanted to be run out of town

not so fantastic, but I love them all. I

gravitated to. I grew up and went for my

on a rail. They saw they could actually

have definitely seen an influence on that

high school reunion and every one of my

make it work out and it wasn't the end

area. The gay community seems to really

friends were gay guys. But I didn't get it

of their life. It is fantastic for me to meet

love Elvira and support me. The commu-

then.”

people who say “I saw your movie when

nity loves Madonna and Cher and Lady

I was 10 or 12 years old and it made such

Gaga and Elvira. I think it is about being

a huge impact on me.” Generally that

a sexy but strong woman, not sexy but

was the moment they knew they were

weak and at the whim of men telling you

straight or gay, it is really weird. I don't

what to do. Both women and men like a

know if I turned them gay or straight.

strong female figure who’s also sexy. If

They watched the movie and related to

you have ever been to a Cher concert I

Elvira in some way. I meet people that I

don't think there are any straight men in

met as kids, and now meet them again

the audience, that's for damn sure. Gay men are attracted to things that go right down the middle, not too butch, not too feminine, right in the middle and that would be me.”

You can follow Elvira, Mistress of the Dark at www.modlife.com/elvira.

– Jason Clevett is a Calgary-based freelance writer.

The wrong

By Shannon Vanraes

Andrea Ritchie isn’t shy

resources are available to them, explained

about her thoughts on

Ritchie, but she noted this has its limitations.

the American justice system, or lack-there-of

“Copwatch can’t be there in the booking room or the patrol car when the officer is

when it comes to the

propositioning someone, or sexually harass-

LGBT community. The

ing them ... it doesn’t work for certain con-

New York-based police

texts where a lot of violence occurs against

misconduct lawyer, and co-

women and LGBT people,” she points out.

founder of INCITE! Women

To address that and other issues, Ritchie

of Colour Against Violence,

led a workshop on resisting the racialized po-

has recently co-authored

licing of gender and sex, focusing on ways to

a book on the subject and

connect communities and affect change. She

was in Winnipeg this summer

drew in part on her recently published book

to speak at the International Copwatch Conference about the role of law enforcement and its impact on LGBT communities.

“For me, the police are one of the central focus points for addressing and stemming systems of violence and

Queer (In)Justice, which she co-authored with Joey Mogul and Kay Whitlock.

Queer (In)Justice shares stories like those of Monica James, a black transgender woman who was accused of being deceptive and untrustworthy while on trial for attempted murder after the prosecution claimed she was

systems of domination, because they are

lying about her sex. She had run afoul of Lou-

literally the front-line soldiers in enforcing

isiana’s “crimes against nature” laws, which

these things,” says the activist. “I think as a

impose harsher penalties for the solicitation

system, the police are about maintaining the

of oral or anal sex than they do for general

existing social order, an order that includes

prostitution. The penalties include having

violence against certain people and power

a sex offender designation emblazoned on

for certain people at the expense of others,

one’s driver’s licence.

controlling some populations, to allow other populations to dominate.”

Copwatch is premised on a group of

Ritchie emphasizes that selective enforcement of existing laws and often obscure laws – for example, loitering inside a building –

volunteers going out to locations and neigh-

gives police the tools they need to target the

bourhoods where police activity is present,

LGBT community, particularly LGBT people

filming people’s interactions with police, and

of colour and economically disadvantaged

then advising them of their rights and what

LGBT people. The result is the criminaliza-

side of the law tion of LGBT people, despite the perceived

invasive searches of transgender people by

move towards equality through the repealing

New York City Police officers to establish their

of American sodomy laws and the sporadic

sex. Although the case has generated positive

legalization of same-sex marriage.

dialogue, and is expected to establish new

The police misconduct attorney also

search guidelines, Ritchie and her colleagues

points out that the examination of our colo-

argue it’s grassroots efforts that are needed

nial history is needed to understand current

to effectively change the way laws are en-

issues surrounding race, class, and queer

forced and justice is rendered.

criminal archetypes in the Americas. Noting

“Efforts have been made by some police

that the first recorded punishment of sodomy

departments, and I don’t want to discount

in the Americas took place in present day

those efforts, but it doesn’t change the fun-

Panama in 1513, Ritchie says the colonial

damental function of the police,” says Ritchie,

legacy still influences our society’s ideas of

emphasizing that changes needs to come

gender and sex, and the perceived role race

from outside the police system to end dis-

plays in defining sexuality, such as the stere-

crimination against the queer community.

otype of the overly sexually aggressive black

Ritchie believes that if real equality is go-

woman, which can portray women of colour

ing to be sought, people in the LGBT commu-

as unfairly dangerous and eventually garner

nity need to reach out across the economic

them increased sentences.

and racial divides that separate them. In

Ritchie says that when most people think

Queer (In)Justice, Ritchie and her co-authors

of police brutality, the image that still jumps

argue that advances trumped as major steps

to mind is the Rodney King beating, which

towards equality, such as same-sex marriage,

occurred in Los Angeles in 1991. The attorney

have not by and large benefited the economi-

notes that some people don’t automatically

cally depressed or homeless LGBT individuals,

view sexual abuse, harassment or even rape

or queers of colour who still face criminaliza-

as a form of police brutality, because the pub-

tion and disproportionate interaction with

lic image of police brutality is so tied to public

the legal system. “I’d really like to see people

violence, something that she says needs to

reach across the divides, I think it’s needed,”

change so that all abuses of power can be

concludes Ritchie.

addressed.

In one of many efforts to fight discrimination, Ritchie is currently counsel, along with co-author Joey Mogul, in a civil rights action

– Shannon Vanraes is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.

Tracing the roots of queers vs cops Although this book probably isn’t one you would pack for an uplifting day at the beach, Queer (In)Justice from Beacon Press is a poignant and searingly honest analysis of queer experiences with the American justice system. Tracing miscarriages of justice from first contact with police, to the courts and all too often to death row, co-authors Joey Mogul, Andrea Ritchie and Kay Whitlock draw on their formidable experiences in law and activism to outline the role “justice” plays in maintaining social norms and the effect that has on the LGBT community.

Beginning with the impact of early colonization on perceptions of homosexuality and crime, Queer (In) Justice also explores criminal archetypes such as the “gleeful gay killers” and “hard-core lesbians” that still find a place in American courts. By making connects between race, class, sex and gender, this is a book that challenges the traditional ideas of equality and progress. O

challenging unconstitutional and overly

www.outwords.ca // outwords, october 2011

21

by Katrina Caudle

Opera serves up eroticism, romance and murder Think big, soul-wrenching voices – enough power to fill a concert hall. Imagine elaborate costumes, thrilling story lines, and a night of theatre and music that encompasses everything you could ask for from a stage show.

When Winnipeggers are deciding on their Friday night plans, they don’t often think of the opera as the first choice – but forget the old stereotypes of dull evenings and obscure

22 23

outwords, october 2011 // www.outwords.ca

plot lines. If you’ve never been, you could be missing out on something magical.

“Opera is all the arts wrapped into one,” says Darlene Ronald, marketing director of the Manitoba Opera. “There’s a lot of misconceptions about opera. It’s an art form that most people think they won’t like, but I always say, see one first. Nine times out of 10, people are blown away once they’re in the hall.”

Ronald wasn’t a regular opera fan before she joined the team at the opera house, but has since become a devotee of the gorgeous art form, eagerly sharing what she loves about the performances. “It’s very powerful. There’s no microphones or audio enhancements. These singers are trained to project for an entire hall,” she says.

For its debut performance of the season, the Manitoba Opera takes us to the treacherous world of Salome, an opera by Richard Strauss based on a play by Oscar Wilde.

Shocking to audiences and performers alike, the opera was originally banned in London and Vienna. The eroticism, murder and biblical themes that drew Wilde to the story were the very things that made it infamous.

The story centres on the beautiful Salome, stepdaughter of King Herod, who has rejected her stepfather’s lustful advances and fallen for the imprisoned Jokannan, also known as John the Baptist. However, she in turn is rejected by him because he wants nothing to do with her. When Herod requests that she dance the famous dance

of the seven veils, she agrees only with Tonio, who is eager to help because he the promise that she may have her heart’s loves Marie, and has been told that she can desire from him. Once unveiled, Salome only marry a man of the regiment. demands the head of John the Baptist on a Much to his chagrin, Marie’s aunt enplatter and Herod, bound by his vow must gages her to a duke. At its climax, the story appease her. concludes with a declaration of love, the Described as one of the regiment invading the hall, great accomplishments of and the truth of Marie’s the 20th century, the cast origins being revealed. The is led by Mlada Khudoley, piece speaks to the nature a supremely talented artist of love and family. from Russia, as Salome and This is an opera of great Gregory Dahl from Winnipeg melodies and challenging as the doomed Jokannan. music. It is also known for Manitoba Opera’s own Larry the aria “Ah! mes amis, quel Desrochers will be directing jour de fête!”, which conthe performance. tains nine high Cs. The perThe season continues in formance will also feature a February with a performance guest speaking role by the of the baroque opera “Dido Canadian queen of comedy, and Aeneas”, co-presented Mary Walsh. The lead will Daughter of the Regiment be performed by Nikki with the Manitoba ChamThe performance will also ber Orchestra at WestminEinfeld, a former Winnipegfeature a guest speaking role ister Church. This is the tale ger who has performed by the Canadian queen of of a tragic love between across North America and comedy, Mary Walsh. the Queen of Carthage, is praised for her comedic Dido, and the Trojan Prince Aeneas. After talent. “I like to think of it as Lucille Ball a shipwreck that leaves him and his crew with highlights,” says Ronald. “Anyone who stranded, Aeneas meets the queen and has seen Nikki before will be excited to see they fall deeply in love. But the queen her again. She is delightful.” has many enemies, including a sorceress The season is sure to be an amazing who commands one of her coven to take experience for its patrons, says Ronald. the guise of the god Mercury to convince “Our box office is a personal experience.

Aeneas he must leave her side and fulfill his You can speak to us directly for information. duty to found the new kingdom of Troy.

We also have a lending library of music and The performance has no elaborate sets or books that the public can borrow and listen costumes. Instead, it focuses on the great to before the performances. The performmusic and storytelling to draw the audience ances that are in different languages have into the experience. Hailed as one of Engthe English translations projected so that land’s finest works of opera, the story also the audience can follow while enjoying the presents the heartbreaking aria ‘When I am music.” laid in the earth”, performed by a heartbroIn April, the opera will offer a free open ken Dido. house so that the public can tour its backThe last piece of the season is the wellstage facilities and see the costumes and loved comedy “Daughter of the Regiment”, sets up close. “The opera is about people about the orphan Marie who is taken in living, laughing, dying,” says Ronald. “It by a regiment and grows up as a tomboy projects feeling and emotions through the with them. When the regiment encounters music to bring to places where the ordinary the girl’s family, her aunt is shocked by the world can’t.” girl’s rough manners and decides to make a proper lady of her. She enlists a local man Katrina Caudle is a Winnieg-based freelance writer.

beautiful powerful

enticing

Layer Cake Primitivo

24.99

$

only at:

Kenaston wine Market 1855A GrAnt Ave. WinniPeG 204-488-9463

www.kenastonwine.com

Prices listed do not include taxes. e. & O.e.

Cool Sounds of Jazz Warm Up the night

filling in after Quintron and Miss Pussycat had to cancel their tour at the last minute.

Appearing at the Pyramid Cabaret on October 10, Dam (pronounced: ‘Dame’) is known as a singer, DJ and producer and will be playing his Los Angeles “modernfunk” compositions – combining his own brand of boogie with vintage synth and drum machines. You can preview of his music at http://www.myspace.com/ For something a little more soulful, the con-

damfunk.

cert season wraps up with a performance by Canadian singer-songwriter Jill Barber at the Winnipeg Art Gallery on November 15.

The recipient of numerous awards, includ-

by Katrina Caudle

ing Best Canadian Solo Artist (female) in 2007, Barber is touring after the release of

The Winnipeg Jazz Festival is a highlight of the summer for many music lovers. This year’s festival season opened in July with fantastic free concerts at Market Square and 25 sold-out performances. This fall, Jazz Winnipeg will riff off a hot summer lineup and also offer an outstanding series of concert performance.

her new album Michievous Moon (which debuted at No. 31 on the Canadian Albums Chart). Barber refers to this new phase of her career as “more intimate” than her 2008 hit Chances, which earned the young songstress two Juno awards and global attention.

Jazz Winnipeg will also be presenting its sixth season of the Nu Sounds series, which features local jazz musicians performing new or different works. The series will run from December 2011 to April 2012 at The Park Theatre and will focus on innovative Winnipeg will also wel-

The fall season will open with the return of Dam-Funk and his band, Master Blazter. Dam-Funk was a favourite at the summer jazz festival,

24 25

outwords, october 2011 // www.outwords.ca

works and inventive presentations. Previ-

come back guitarist Jesse

ous performances have included a genre-

Cook from Toronto. He will

blending concert pairing with the Curtis

perform at Pantages Playhouse

Nowosad Trio and local hip hop group

Theatre as part of his cross-

Magnum K.I, local pianist and composer

country tour. Born in Paris to

Kevin Curtis, and the mysterious Electric

Canadian parents, Cook mixes

Nosehair Orchestra.

funky jazz, world music and

To purchase tickets, visit the Jazz Win-

vibrant Latin rhythms in his

nipeg website at http://jazzwinnipeg.com,

music – bringing a lively, crea-

call 989-4656, or stop by in person at the

tive energy to his performanc-

Jazz Winnipeg office (007-100 Arthur St.)

es. Cook was nominated for a

Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2011 Juno Award for his most recent release called The Rumba Foundation. He will be performing October 20.

– Katrina Caudle is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.

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25

26 27

outwords, october 2011 // www.outwords.ca Photos courtesy of Mary Gauthier

Mary Gauthier explores the trouble in our hearts

By Kenton Smith

It’s a curious quirk that the fan base of the first

adopted by Italian-Catholic parents – her adoptive

openly gay artist to play the Grand Ole Opry

father was an alcoholic, and both were suicidal.

consists of middle-aged and elderly men. ‘That’s

By the time she was a teenager, Gauthier’s own

mah people,” says thickly accented Louisiana na-

demons were running wild: she went to her first

tive Mary Gauthier. She may have won a Gay and

rehab for booze and drugs when she was 15, the

Lesbian American Music Award for Best Country

same year she stole her parents’ car. She famously

Artist – after her 1999 album Drag Queens in

spent her 18th birthday in jail, after stealing some-

Limousines – but “I don’t really have a gay fanbase,”

one else’s pills.

she says. Nor does she really write songs about sexual identity.

Funny, then, that it was after Drag Queens –

Given the odds, Gauthier should really be dead or wrecked – like

and it’s signature tune I Drink – that the 49 year-old

some of her likewise trou-

lesbian singer-songwriter became a fixture of the

bled friends over the years.

folkfest circuit, both in North America and Europe.

And she flatly refuses to

Gauthier blew through Winnipeg in August with

romanticize that state of

a date at the West End Cultural Centre, where she

being, as some in music,

Given the odds, Gauthier should really be dead or wrecked

played songs from her sixth and latest original al-

literature and the arts have done. Take the for-

bum, 2010’s The Foundling.

merly down-and-out Tom Waits, for instance, who

“It’s a good room to play,” Gauthier says

suggests in the 2008 documentary One Fast Move

of the WECC. “I think of myself as an old-time

or I’m Gone: Kerouac’s Big Sur that perhaps Beat au-

troubadour, telling stories ‘round the fire.” And

thor Jack Kerouac’s addictions unlocked the insight

the WECC, she agrees, “is like a campfire.” Which

seen in such novels as On the Road and Big Sur.

makes it the perfect venue for her recent material.

“My addiction had no time for anything else,”

“I need to play where people want to listen,” she

Gauthier insists, in stark contrast. In fact, her

says. Sure, she loves rocking out, but the nature of

career began with sobriety. It was five years after

these current songs “isn’t conducive to that.”

she stopped drinking that she first wrote a song.

What listeners will hear wherever she’s playing

Ironically, Gauthier penned I Drink only after go-

is a more intimate, personal exploration of Gauth-

ing stone cold sober. Not that that made any of

ier’s notoriously troubled past. Abandoned by her

those years worth it. “It was a self-defeating waste

mother in New Orleans after her birth, she was

of time,” she says, looking back. “I’m so glad I’m past it.”

www.outwords.ca // outwords, october 2011

27

“I’m not a good judge of that,”

still getting past the jet lag from after per-

Gauthier demurs. “Songs have to

forming in Norway; since returning, she’s

last a long time to be called mas-

already played the Stan Rogers Folk Festival,

terpieces. What I can say is, I do

among others. Her gig at the WECC is part

my very best with every album.”

of a stretch that will continue “throughout

One has to think Gauthier dug deeper than ever this time, however. The track March 11,

through the fire and out the other side didn’t somehow brand Gauthier, the singer-

(and only) conversation with her

that she’s on tour, exactly: “I just keep going

mother – over the telephone. Her

where there’s a road, and offers.” It’s been

mother, still filled with shame,

“full-on” since April; no surprise her last

didn’t want to meet her. It’s like

blog entry is dated Apr. 13. “The road has

the Boston Globe’s James Reed

been my home for the last few years,” she

described the record, as “by far

admits, despite having a house in Nashville

[Gauthier’s] most revealing….

where she (tries to) garden. Not that she’s

you realize Gauthier wasn’t just

complaining: “I feel blessed to be working

in search of her mother; she was

this much in this economy.”

In fact, Gauthier feels “a sense of wonder” she’s here at all. “It’s been a magic

cian certainly took time for her to

carpet ride, my musical career. I truly feel

find. After managing to get into

reborn. I was so broken.” And that’s some-

Louisiana State University as a phi-

thing she hopes listeners and audiences take

losophy major, she later dropped

away from her songs. “My isn’t a hopeless

out in her senior year. She went

one by any means,” she says. Perhaps it’s

on to attend culinary school,

that message that so touches her older, male

eventually co-opening a Cajun

devotees.

restaurant in Boston named Dixie Kitchen.

It was after being arrested for drunk

Certainly living openly as a lesbian has never presented any problem for her in the

songwriter. She’s proven able to plumb

driving – the night of the restaurant’s open-

world of country music, through whose

depths and dimensions of the soul that for

ing – that Gauthier finally put down the bot-

sphere her musical orbit has long passed.

whatever reason, she says, her “people”

tle. But then she had another life-changing

“There’s a lot of gay people in Nashville,”

identify with. “My fans relate to my songs

epiphany: she realized running a restaurant

Gauthier says. Besides, she continues, “if you

on an almost spiritual level,” she says.

wasn’t for her.

got the songs, they don’t care” in country

Or maybe Gauthier simply always had

“I realize that I always knew, on some

the ability to just tell it like it is, in the way

level, that music was the right fit for me,”

mirror what you think of yourself, after all.”

the artists she most admires – Bob Dylan,

she says. “I’d been out of touch with my

Yet while she may be part of both

Leonard Cohen, and Patti Smith – operate

true calling.” At age 35, late start notwith-

larger communities – both musical and

as truth tellers. “That’s what I am,” she says.

standing, Gauthier finally released her debut

gay – Gauthier admits she’s still a loner. “As

“It’s what I do.”

album in 1997 – named for the very restau-

writers, we’re always observers anyway,” she

rant she’d sold her share in. “Perhaps more

says. Above all, Gauthier remains her own

acclaim: 2005’s Mercy Now got her on best

than anything, I just didn’t think I could do

person – which is to say, an artist.

of lists of the New York Times, the LA Times

it,” she explains. “I needed to find the confi-

and Billboard Magazine. And Americana/

dence, and the discipline.”

What she does has come with a lot of

roots music magazine No Depression hails The Foundling as Gauthier’s first masterpiece.

28

“I haven’t had any downtime, shoot, in about a year,” Gauthier says. It’s not even

Gauthier’s identity as a musi-

Yet it’s hard to imagine that going

Mountain Folk Fest.

1962, for instance, relates her first

looking for her own identity.”

“It’s been a magic carpet ride, my musical career. I truly feel reborn. I was so broken.”

Alberta,” before taking her to the Rocky

outwords, october 2011 // www.outwords.ca

There’s been no looking back since.

When Gauthier answers the phone, she’s

music circles. “I’m accepted. People tend to

– Kenton Smith is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.

Brooklynn’s Bistro

Darryl Crumb serves up simple chic off menu

If there’s any way chef

real coup: a new restaurant that’s actually

kenton smith

Darryl Crumb would

making money. “It’s a tough business,”

prefer to cook, it’d

Crumb says with a sigh. “People don’t

be how he’s doing

realize that even few Michelin-starred

it at his present gig.

establishments are actually profitable,

“I love simple food

because the costs are so high to maintain

that looks good,”

that standard.”

“the relaxedbut-stylish feel and carefully priced menu means there’s something for just about everyone”

says Anola, Manitoba,

The secret to Brooklynn’s success,

native Crumb – who

perhaps, can be chalked up to Crumb a

despite French train-

former protégé of Michelin-starred chef

ing and a Ukrainian-

Alain Ducasse taking a decidedly alterna-

Russian background

tive approach. “My favoured term for what

is now cooking an

we do here is ‘bistro chic,’” Crumb says.

Italian menu as chef at

Simply put, it’s about putting a “modern”

Brooklynn’s Bistro in

twist on traditional, rustic fare, like classic

Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District.

The shift in cuisine may have taken

osso bucco.

“We get customers in here of Italian

some adjustment on Crumb’s part, but

background who’ve said we’ve made Ital-

for the now 30 year-old former Top Chef

ian food ‘sexy,’” Crumb says while beam-

Canada competitor, it’s just part of a

ing. They might have been referring to

spectrum that emphasizes one favoured

the spaghetti Bolognese, made that much

factor: comfort. “You can make any cuisine

more luxurious thanks to the accompa-

from any region fancy,” says Crumb, who

nying double-smoked bacon meatballs.

on one episode of Top Chef produced a

Crumb’s also brought some French tech-

refined, enthusiastically received version

niques to bear on some dishes.

of humble borscht. “It really depends on

And that dovetails nicely with the

how you use the ingredients. But simple is

snazzy digs on the corner of Lombard Ave-

always better.”

nue and Rorie Street, the one-time location

There’s no doubt Crumb’s TV expe-

of Liberty Grill, in the former Great West

rience has enhanced his personal and

Life building. “The business-casual ambi-

professional cache. “It’s nice,” he says with

ence is drawing in the young professional

a grin, “to be recognized on the street.”

crowd,” Crumb says. “They like coming to

Only a few months out of the gate, how-

a place like this dressed up more stylishly.”

ever, it would seem a stretch to attribute

But the big, open dining room space,

Brooklynn’s success to that celebrity factor

he continues, has also been conducive

alone. “We’ve been packed since April,”

to a more “family feel.” “You really get a

Crumb says with a tinge of near-disbelief.

talkative, warm feel, with so many people

“We’re fully booked tonight. You come

in one place enjoying themselves – and

here without a reservation on the week-

usually for two to three hours at a time,”

ends, you won’t get a table.”

Crumb says. “And I’ve never seen a restau-

And with both busy lunchtime rushes,

rant with so many large parties coming in

thanks to the downtown business district

so frequently, with so many people around

clientele, and crowds rolling in from the

one table. It gets pretty jovial in here on

adjacent theatre district, it amounts to a

the weekends. It’s definitely not an eat-

Darryl Crumb favours comfort and keeps things simple. and-go dining experience here: it’s about taking the time to enjoy food, wine and people.”

Hence the restaurant has succeeded in drawing in a wide range of age groups.

And the relaxed-but-stylish feel and carefully priced menu means there’s something for just about everyone. “I’m a Winnipegger, so I know how it is,” Crumb says with a laugh. “People in this town like a deal.”

Which is why Brooklynn’s menu has been designed to emphasize value for money.

“You can spend less or spend more but always get a high-quality product,” Crumb declares. One can find pizzas and pasta dishes for under $20 – or, by contrast, a parmesan-crusted rack of lamb for under $30. Either way, he concludes: “It’s always nice for people to be left with a memory of comfort.”

– Kenton Smith is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.

www.outwords.ca // outwords, october 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. 4771123, 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.

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.

AFFIRMING

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

Temple Shalom: Reform Judaism. Web: templeshalomwinnipeg.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 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.

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

Augustine United Church: 444 River Ave. at Osborne.

284-2250.

Shaarey Zedek Synagogue: 561 Wellington Cres.

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.)

Keystone Rainbow Curling League (GLBT curling league).

Web: keystonecurling.com

The Snowy Owl Monarchist Society: Non-profit fundraising for organizations that enrich the GLBT community.

Box 26053, 676 Portage Ave., R3G 0M4.

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.

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

Lambda: Business and Professional Association. P.O. Box 1575, Main Station, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2Z4. 204-9440354. Web: lambdabiz.com

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

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

LEGIT - Canadian immigration information for same sex couples www.LEGIT.ca

University of Winnipeg UWSA LGBT* Centre: 786-9025.

E-mail lgbt@uwsa.ca, Web: theuwsa.ca/services-studentgroups

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

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

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

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

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

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

SPIRITUALITY

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 email winnipegmb@pflagcanada.ca.

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): 302G Weston St., Call 954-2904.

Winnipeg Full Moon Group: A place for Wiccan and pagan-minded people of all genders and sexual orientations. Please contact Laurie via e-mail anotheragentsmith@gmail.com with the subject ‘Full Moon Group’ for information.

Kali Shiva AIDS Services: Non-medial support for people living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS. 646 Logan, Call 7838565 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.

Street Connections: Needle exchange, safer crack use kits, condoms, info and service connections. Call 9810742.

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 7756457. 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.

Salome

November 19, 22, 25 CENTENNIAL CONCERT HALL

wild about wilde See the opera based on Oscar Wilde’s controversial play!

violent desire Music by Richard Strauss The powerful, shocking story of a princess gone mad. One of the great achievements of music theatre of the 20th century. more than 100 years after its debut, this biblical story will leave you reeling! featuring the sensual dance of the seven Veils. sung in German with projected English translations.

contains scenes that some people may find disturbing.

Parental guidance is advised.

outwordS FanS – Save 20% on ticketS VALId ONLy fOR TuEsdAy, NOVEmbER 22

20% off the adult casual ticket price in sections AA, A, b and first balcony. To receive this discount in person, by phone, or online, you must use the Coupon Code: Oscar

TICKETs: 944-8824 tickEts.manitObaOPEra.mb.ca mO bOx OffICE: LOwER LEVEL, CENTENNIAL CONCERT HALL