Outwords September 2011 Issue 186

outwords queer views, news, issues

Fighting homophobia in the classroom

Curtain rises on

Fun and theatre Kudos for Outgames season Karen Busby

Fashion Fall colours

Outwords | September 2011 | Issue 186 | Serving the GLBT Community Since 1994

Oct 12 - 30 / 2011

Nov 16 - Dec 4 / 2011

Jan 18 - Feb 5 / 2012

Feb 22 - Mar 11 / 2012

A COMEDY ABOUT GOING HOME AGAIN

HEArTBrEAkINGlY fUNNY

VISUAllY STUNNING DrAMA

H E A V E N l Y O f f-B r O A D w A Y M U S I C A l

SMArT & SHArP SATIrE

Don’t miss the latest comedy from one of Canada’s foremost gay playwrights about five characters gathering for their 30th high school reunion.

The story of a father and son and how a funny reconciliation happened on the way to getting even.

An intimate exploration of what it means to be passionate, alive and to follow one’s dreams.

Fans of boy bands everywhere will delight in the sinfully tuneful songs and sharp parody in this 2009 Fringe hit.

On the eve of his retirement, Professor Mann is summing up his life’s work and he’s got nothing. A comedy about charity and the meaning of a life well lived.

A TheATre CAlgAry produCTion

World Premiere

in AssoCiATion wiTh winnipeg sTudio TheATre

Mar 28 - Apr 15 / 2012

Your stories. Your Theatre. Live, in the heart of downtown.

5 plays for as little as $135 PTE TickET HOTliNE 942-5483 / www.PTE.Mb.cA

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2011/2012 SEASON PRAIRIE THEATRE EXCHANGE

%

of employed Red River College graduates find work in Manitoba.

By far, most RRC graduates remain in Manitoba to contribute to the province’s prosperity, and to its social and cultural vitality. Red River College actively partners with local industry to keep curriculums current, conduct research and exceed the expectations of employers. It’s no wonder RRC grads are in high demand. *Source: 2008/09 Graduate Satisfaction and Employment Report

www.rrc.ca

5 Gay vs gay

22 26 Warm colours comedy

on campaign trail editorial

& sexy vibes out from the closet

23 Segovia

13 10 addicted to outgames

a touch of Spanish spice in winnipeg food

homophobia?

dark sarcasms in the classroom

24 6 Paris rejects Rainbow

gay marriage international news

8 Busby

Harmony Choir

launches 13th season

and tragedy

A new season at MTc

fun and games in vancouver

28 a rich

tapestry

PTE weaves theatre magic

inducted

into hall of fame national news

20 Educating

a green generation green planet

18

The high-tech cycle

technology

30

letters to the editor

isguided ta nning tip m I picked up the latest copy of Outwords the other day (July 2011) and I was rather troubled by one of your articles. After reading The Dark Days of Summer (p.28), I examined the “Tip”, showcasing Vaseline Deep Conditioning Coco Butter. With the incidence of melanoma and other types of skin cancer rising dramatically in our young population I found the advice, “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,” very disturbing and reminiscent of the 1970s “baby oil era”. Perhaps it’s just me, but I don’t find moles with irregular borders sexy even if you are wearing a Dolce and Gabbana inspired ensemble. I myself am only 26 and a survivor of malignant melanoma skin cancer, and for this reason, I do not hesitate to educate others about the importance of protecting yourself in the sun. In the future I would like to see a far more relevant article talking about the rise of skin cancer in young people and what we can do to defend against it because healthy, young looking skin never goes out of style.

— Gillian Crawford, Winnipeg

204.985.9200 OUTNABOUTTRAVEL.COM 4 5

outwords, september 2011 // www.outwords.ca

outwords

editorial

Serving the GLBT Community Since 1994 Issue 186 • september 2011

Published by the outwords volunteer staff:

Rachel Morgan editor

A new era for gay politicians

Gord McDiarmid General manager

M. Buchanan art director & layout

editorial rachel j. morgan

Devin Frezzi

Gay political candi-

cois had an openly gay leader – André

dates are becom-

Boisclair – from 2006 to 2007.

Advertising Relations Co-ordinator

ing commonplace in Canadian elections.

Barry Karlenzig

But it’s still unusual to see two openly gay

handful of openly gay MPs – Libby Davies,

candidates face off against each other. That

Svend Robinson, Bill Siksay for the NDP

will be the situation in the riding of Fort

and Scott Brison for the Liberals. In the

Rouge in Winnipeg on October 4 when

spring federal election, the NDP fielded 10

Manitobans choose a new provincial gov-

openly gay candidates. The Green Party

ernment.

had five. The Liberals had three. The Con-

Financial officer

Terry Wiebe, Gord McDiarmid distribution Vic Hooper web manager

Charis Hernandez Office manager

Rachel Morgan, Corey Shefman, Michele Buchanan, Katrina Caudle, Peter Carlyle-Gordge, Graeme Coleman, Shannon Vanraes, Rejean Brandt, Kenton Smith, Alana Lajoie-O’Malley contributors to this issue

Shannon Vanraes COVER PHOTO of Catherine Taylor

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.

The incumbent is Jennifer Howard, a

On the federal front, there have been a

servatives have had openly gay candidates

cabinet minister in the Selinger govern-

in the past but had none this time and

ment. Lawyer Paul Hesse will try to take it

have never had an openly gay MP.

for the Liberals. Both have a background

Most Canadians seem to welcome gay

in community activism. And both are

politicians. According to a 2007 Environics

well-liked and respected. Just to be clear,

survey, 75 per cent of Canadians agree or

…being gay is not an issue in this election. The Manitoba election will be fought on other issues.

strongly agree that gays and lesbians should be able to run for public office.

That’s the highest ap-

being gay is not an issue in this election.

proval level of all countries in the Western

The Manitoba election will be fought on

Hemisphere.

other issues – health care, education, the economy, justice – as it should be.

Winnipeggers are certainly accus-

How far ahead of other nations are we?

Former Ontario provincial cabinet minister George Smitherman kissed his husband,

tomed to gay politicians. Another openly

Christopher Peloso, in front of the cameras

gay cabinet minister – Jim Rondeau, is

when he announced his campaign for

seeking re-election in October. He was first

Toronto’s mayor last year. For a while it

elected in 1999 and this will be his fourth

looked like there would have two gay can-

election. Glen Murray came out when he

didates when Murray toyed with the idea

was a city councillor in the ’90s. A majority

of returning to civic politics.

of Winnipeggers then voted to make him

So maybe it isn’t surprising that we

mayor in 1998 and again in 2002. Former

are seeing two gay candidates competing

CBC journalist and gay community activist

for the same job. It’s a sign of the times.

Kaj Hasselriis ran for mayor in 2006 and

Gays built their political cred fighting for

didn’t keep his sexuality a secret.

full equality. It’s only natural they should

Gays have joined political assemblies

want to continue fighting to create a better

across Canada but there has been one

society – for everyone. That means it will

known gay premier – Richard Hatfield,

be just a matter of time before two or more

although he stayed in the closet during his

gay candidates fight each other for the

entire time in office in New Brunswick from

right to represent other ridings. It’s only

1970 to 1987. In Quebec, the Parti Québé-

natural. O www.outwords.ca // outwords, september 2011

5

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Australian PM opposes equality CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA—Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard says she opposes gay marriage because it goes against her upbringing. In an interview with Sky News she called herself a “cultural traditionalist” and said she had been brought up in “quite a conservative family”. There is a push for marriage equality in Australia and Gillard says her party will hold a conscience vote on the issue at this year’s annual conference.

Sarkozy’s government kills same-sex marriage

Homophobic Brit workers may win case

PARIS—The French parliament has re-

LONDON—The Trades Union Congress

jected a bill designed to give gay couples

says it is “deeply concerned” at the gov-

the right to marry. The bill was introduced

ernment’s Equality and Human Rights

by the opposition Socialist Party, but

Commission’s proposals to give homo-

President Nicolas Sarkozy’s conservatives

phobic workers the right to avoid serving

opposed it. In January, France’s highest

gay people. The commission plans to

court ruled that laws banning gay mar-

intervene in four religious rights cases

riage don’t violate the constitution and

due to come before the European Court

any change would be up to parliament to

of Human Rights. One case involves a

decide. The bill was defeated 293-222. In

Christian registrar who refused to conduct

France, same-sex couples can form civil

civil partnerships. Another involves a sex

unions, but these unions don’t include in-

counsellor who refused to work with gay

heritance rights or joint custody of goods,

couples. The commission says compromis-

among other things. A January poll found

es could be made for such workers – such

58 per cent of respondents in France

as allowing marriage registrars to swap

believe gays should be able to marry, up

shifts to avoid dealing with GLBT civil

from 45 per cent five years ago.

partnerships.

INSIDE AND OUT: GLBTTQ health is affected by a number of issues.

What is Inside and OUT?

Recognizing and informing people of the effects of homophobia, heterosexism, heteronormativity and oppression is important to good health for many reasons.

For instance, if our esteem or sense of self (mental and emotional health) is poor, we are less likely to take care of our bodies (physical health) and protect ourselves from STI.

A guide produced by www.getion.ca to share information about sexual health. This monthly print series is “Inside and Out” is about adapted from the booklet. creating a positive cycle of change:

Recognizing EXTERNAL INFLUENCES It’s not easy “out there”. Human rights for GLBTTQ people have come a long way in Canada.

The reality is however – as many of us know from direct experience – homophobia, heterosexism, heteronormativity, oppression, and other expressions of hate, misunderstanding, and intolerance towards GLBTTQ people continues to happen.

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

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Obama signals end of DADT

U.S. study on penis size a puzzle

Ghana orders gay arrests

WASHINGTON—U.S. President Barack

WASHINGTON—The U.S. government has

ACCRA, GHANA—A minister in Ghana has

Obama has announced the ban on openly

come under fire for funding a study into

reportedly ordered

gay people serv-

how the size of a gay man’s penis size af-

the arrest of all

ing in the U.S.

fects his sex life. One focus was on wheth-

gays and lesbians

military is to end

er penis size results in the decision to be

in the country’s

on September

a ‘top’ or a ‘bottom’. The study by the

western region.

20. His certi-

National Institutes of Health found that

Paul Evans Aidoo,

fication of the

gay and bisexual men with a “below aver-

the minister for the

repeal of the

age” sized penis would assume a “bot-

region, has told the

“don’t ask, don’t

tom” sexual position, while those with an

Bureau of National

tell” (DADT) law

“above average” sized penis would gener-

Investigations and

comes seven

ally be a “top”. The study formed part of

other agencies to find gay people and

months after it

an $899,769 research grant. Data came

bring them before the courts. He has also

was overturned

from a survey of more than 1,000 gay and

called on landlords and tenants to inform

in the U.S.

bisexual men in New York City.

on those they believe to be gay. In Ghana,

Congress. The

homosexuality is still considered a moral

Pentagon had asked for time following the

aberration. The Constitution guarantees

repeal to prepare troops for the arrival of

the protection of human rights regardless

openly gay comrades.

of “race, place of origin, political opinion, colour, religion, creed or gender”, but does not mention sexuality.

GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH SERIES

Recognizing INTERNAL IMPACTS

We deserve to be healthy and there is something we can do! If we know that our health is impacted, we can increase our awareness about the issues, and strive to take better care of our sexual, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. We can build a healthy community to help manage the negative effects of external influences.

www.getiton.ca

Knowing the POSITIVE EFFECTS

Improving our sexual health, preventing sexually transmitted infections and strengthening our mental health benefits ourselves, our community and all of society. Positive connections, whether with family, friends, or other supportive people, are so important to our health!

Free condoms and lube are available at Nine Circles Community Health Centre and Rainbow Resource Centre.

&

INSIDE

INS & IDE

OU T

Claiming PERSONAL POWER

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

OUT

It affects us “in here”. Whether we outwardly express it or not, these attitudes affect how we feel about ourselves. It impacts us in so many ways: in our self-esteem, our relationships and our physical health, just to name a few. We may be less likely to access the healthcare in fear of judgment and/or hostility from others.

NATIONAL NEWS

Pride parade sexuality slammed VANCOUVER—A Kwantlen Polytechnic University professor sparked a controversy just days before Vancouver’s annual pride parade on August 31 when he called the event “vulgar” and said it should be banned. Prof. Shinder Purewal posted several notes to his Twitter account July 28, in which he talked about the “obscene sexuality at display in the parade.” The next day, Purewal told Vancouver media he has been a long-time supporter of same-sex marriage and his objection to the parade had nothing to do with gay rights. “Everyone who does not like

sexual display in downtown is not a hatemonger,” Purewal told one media outlet.

“I have raised a reasonable question about one aspect of the parade. In a civilized society, let’s debate as civilized people.”

Vancouver Pride Society president Ken Coolen said calling for the popular annual celebration to be banned and labeling it as vulgar crosses a line. “The comments do come across as being homophobic,” Coolen said. “If I was a student in one of his classes and I was struggling with my sexuality I would not feel comfortable being taught by him.” Coolen acknowleged the parade has “risqué” aspects, but said it’s nothing you wouldn’t see on television. “Pride is an opportunity for people to be proud of their authentic self,” Coolen said, adding that “in the past, even being gay or lesbian was considered vulgar. It’s all very subjective.” Purewal said he immigrated to Canada in 1979 and faced what he called “open racism in school and on streets.” He said he has openly argued in favour of gay marriage on radio and television.

FemFest promises powerful lineup WINNIPEG—The organizers of FemFest 2011: Staging Inspiration are promising a lineup that includes works that are moving, awe inspiring and emotional.

FemFest runs at the Canwest Centre for Theatre and Film (at the University of Winnipeg, 400 Colony Street) from September 17-24. The festival will include fully staged plays, readings of new work in development and four touring shows from around the world. There will also be skill development workshops and cabarets featuring artists from multiple disciplines.

The workshop of Jail Baby is billed as the compelling story about imprisoned women that will reveal the chilling reality of “the system”. On the lighter side, two new plays for young audience plays will be developed, TopDog

by Janice Salkeld

Halifax Pride a haven HALIFAX—The 24th Halifax Pride Parade drew an estimated 60,000 people to the city’s downtown streets July 23 and although some fog rolled in spirits remained high. That was especially true for those who had come from rural areas to watch the 1,400 participants march along the streets. Mel Power travelled from Amherst to see her first Pride parade. She said gay people face discrimination in rural Nova Scotia and attitudes have a long way to go. ”I can honestly say that it’s not as open as, like if you were in a large centre.”

8

outwords, september 2011 // www.outwords.ca

and Bear and Blue’s Adventures Through the Whispering Woods, with readings for children. This is the ninth annual theatre festival of plays by women for everyone.

This year, Zena Edwards from London, England, will be the FemFest 2011 artist in residence. She is an award-winning poet and musician. Her piece, Travelling Light, is a combination of spoken word, poetry, visuals, song, movement and blogging.

FemFest tickets are $10 for single shows with the full festival being available for a $50 festival pass.

NATIONAL NEWS

Busby inducted into hall of fame

Lutherans liberalize rules

VANCOUVER—Winnipeg law profes-

SASKATOON—At the national conven-

sor Karen Busby, alongside 11 other

tion in Saskatoon in July the Evangelical

Canadians, was inducted into the

Lutheran Church in Canada decided to

Canadian

allow ministers to perform same-sex bless-

lesbian, gay,

ings or marriages, according to the laws in

bisexual, trans-

their provinces, if they and their congre-

gender (LGBT)

gation choose to do so. The church is the

human rights

country’s largest Lutheran denomination

hall of fame on

with 152,500 members in 607 congrega-

July 30. The Q

tions. Local ministers and lay leaders will

Ball was held

attend a series of meetings across Canada

in Vancouver

in mid-September to discuss the implica-

and Canadian

tions of the move. Each congregation

Heritage

will be encouraged to make its policy

declaration and decisions about same-sex marriages. At the same convention delegates also agreed that sexual orientation does not disqualify a candidate for ministry. That rescinds a previous motion that did not allow practising homosexuals to be approved for ordination.

– Compiled from regional and national news sources.

Minister James Moore was there to officially recognize the Q Hall of Fame as

Family-friendly Montreal

Canada’s national LGBT human rights hall of fame. Past inductees include former prime minister Pierre Trudeau and Olympian Mark Tewksbury. Busby is the director of the University of Manitoba’s Centre for Human Rights Research initiative. She was recognized for her advocacy over many years for the LGBT community.

Busby has worked on laws related to sexuality and violence, including human rights laws affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-identified people. She was an active participant in law reform efforts directed at recognition of same-sex relationships and has worked on challenges to laws on bawdy houses, indecency, age of consent, and gender identity. She also appeared as counsel in the Supreme Court of Canada in the Little Sisters case about the discriminatory treatment of LGBT bookstores by Canada Customs. “The LGBT communities in Manitoba work well together,” Busby said. “It has been an honour to be one of the public figureheads.”

MONTREAL—This year’s gay pride parade August 14 attracted more than 160,000 people who turned out to watch 2,500 particiants travel the two kilometer route along René-Lévesque Boulevard from Guy Street to Sanguinet Street. The 19th annual Pride Parade was based on a futuristic theme — Odyssey 3011. The parade has expanded to a week-long festival called Célébrations de la Fierté Montréal, one of two major LGBT festivals held in the city each year. This year, organizers made efforts to change the festival’s image by making it more family-friendly. “The reason was to include the community, the show the world that gay is more than sex, drugs and parties. We’re all about families,” said festival organizer Jean-Sébastien Boudreault. For the first time, the festival held a kids day in the park bordering the gay village, and banned nudity during its events.

www.outwords.ca // outwords, september 2011

9

outgames a huge success

More than 800 athletes participated in the second GLISA North American Outgames in Vancouver from July 25-31. The innovative weeklong event drew thousands of people to

10

outwords, september 2011 // www.outwords.ca

an eclectic mix of sports, a human rights conference and celebrations of gay pride. Most participants were from North America, but the games attracted people from all over the world.

The games kicked off with three teams of three athletes running flags from Whistler, Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia to the Vancouver Art Gallery,

where a cauldron was lit for the opening ceremonies. The idea was to be visible and make everyone feel that they were part of the celebration, said John Boychuk, chairman of the board of the Vancouver 2011 Outgames.

The city came to life with events that took place from Whistler (an ecochallenge featuring kayaking, cycling and running), to the Edgewater Casino (poker) to UBC (soccer). Tennis and

800 athletes participated in the second GLISA North American Outgames in Vancouver Badminton, dance Sport, Eco Challenge, Golf, Poker, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, 10km Run/4km Walk, 6K vertical challenge soccer were among the most popular sports.

There were soccer teams from New York, San Francisco, Minnesota, Boston, Florida, San Diego and Japan. Some of the events, such as tennis and soccer, were highly competitive, with athletes competing for gold, silver and bronze medals. Others, like golf, were more laid back.

Naturally, being a GLBT extravaganza, the games included a diversity of events, including badminton, softball, ballroom dancing and poker with a $22,000 top prize. The games were also inclusive – non-GLBT folk were welcome to participate as “allies.”

The closing party was held at the Plaza of Nations on July 30, with Ace of Base, Dragonette and Carole Pope headlining. The first

GLISA (Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association) North American Outgames were held in Calgary in 2007. The next ones will be in Denver in 2015. The North America OutGames is a scaled-down version of the World OutGames, first held in Montreal in 2006 and is described as an international celebration of sport for LGBT athletes. O

www.outwords.ca // outwords, september 2011

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addicted to homophobia

By Shannon Vanraes

For too many kids, it feels so good to be bad Tellis Buenviaje is in the minority — not because of her sexual orientation, but because she is an LGBTQ student who feels safe at her high school. >>

www.outwords.ca // outwords, august 2011

13

“Occasionally I would get insecure if peo-

Transphobia in Canadian Schools was re-

ple said something,” said the 16-year-old

leased this spring. The results of the survey

violent stuff, the incidents that make the

“Usually you only hear about the

Maples Collegiate student, “but I’ve got a

show that hearing homophobic comments

news. This shows us the day-to-day harass-

really great group of friends and I do feel

is a daily or weekly occurrence for 70 per

ment,” Busby says. She notes that, while

like my school is safe.” But while Tellis may

cent of Canadian GLBT students.

there is a need for strong legal safeguards,

The survey also found that 64 per

preventing violence begins in the class-

mune to verbal harassment. “A few people

cent of LGBTQ youth feel unsafe at school,

room, not the courtroom. “The horse is

might glare or someone yell out lezbo if

while 61 per cent of youth with LGBTQ

already out of the barn by the time you try

they see me holding hands,” the Grade 11

parents felt school was not a safe place for

using hard law,” she points out.

student says.

them to be. “Now that we know what the

feel safe at school, she hasn’t been im-

Now, a

problem is, and

Although Busby, who focuses on consititutional law,

The most that schools can’t significant thing is that say the problem it shows most doesn’t exist, we heterosexual can work on tailorstudents are ing solutions,” said distressed by Karen Busby, a law homophobia professor at the

heterosexuals conveniently achieve pleasure by exercising a dominant position to feel superior

Every Class In Every School: Egale Canada’s

toba and an Egalee board member when

that almost 10 per cent of LGBTQ students

Final Report on the First National Climate

the study was launched three years ago.

reported having heard homophobic com-

hearing homophobic comments is a daily or weekly occurrence for 70 per cent of Canadian students

national survey of homophobia, transphobia and biphobia has painted a picture of how common experiences like Tellis’s are.

University of Mani-

Survey on Homophobia, Biphobia and

equality law and human rights, believes progress is being made, she was dismayed by some of the survey’s findings, particularly

ments from their teachers on a daily or weekly basis.

“I wish it did surprise me, but it doesn’t,” says Catherine Taylor, associate professor in the faculty of dducation and department of rhetoric at the University of Winnipeg and the study’s lead investigator.

But despite these and other findings, Taylor sees reason for optimism in the survey’s results. “The single most significant thing is that it shows most heterosexual students are distressed by homophobia,” she says.

“I was very, very happy to see that result.

lezz ie d she I heardyke

It shows there is the potential for untapped solidarity.”

In fact, the survey shows that 58 per cent of heterosexual youth are troubled by homophobia in their schools. Taylor says this could be because heterosexual students are also harassed with homophobic barbs or because they may have LGBTQ friends or family members. Some students are simply empathetic and kind, and it’s also possible that many students find it

14 15

outwords, september 2011 // www.outwords.ca

depressing to be part of a community that

that they are better than you.” Sinclair

continually abuses people who have done

hasn’t had many negative comments made

it’s often students themselves who speak

nothing to deserve it, she says.

to his face, but he does have a nagging

out and lead the way in combating LBGTQ

sense that comments are being made

bullying and harassment in their schools.

when he’s not around.

“They are very inventive at consciousness-

“Yes, homophobia and transphobia is very widespread. But even though the problem is very widespread, it may not be

For many LGBTQ youth, harassment

In spite of these numbers, Taylor said

raising. The more we allow that to happen,

that deep,” says Taylor. She uses author

goes beyond verbal attacks. The survey

the more courage it will give to other pos-

Sarah Schulman’s idea of a pleasure system

indicates 21 per cent of LGBTQ students

sible allies,” stressed Taylor.

to sum up the rationale behind the bully-

reported being physically harassed or as-

ing exposed by the survey; bullying not

saulted due to their sexual orientation,

it’s often students themselves who speak out and lead the way in combating LBGTQ bullying and harassment

based on an actual phobia, but on a system whereby heterosexuals conveniently achieve pleasure by exercising their dominate position to feel superior. Taylor notes schools have unsupervised envi-

the Western School Division board will likely examine its antibullying policy to ensure it properly includes sexual orientation.

while almost 10 per cent of nonLGBTQ students also reported being physically harassed or assaulted due to their perceived

This April, it was students at Morden Collegiate in Morden taking the lead in

Sexual harassment is also a key component of bullying experienced by LGTBQ youth

fighting bullies.

They students planned a day of silence to protest the bullying of LGBTQ youth based on the National Day of

sexual orienta-

Silence; a day of action in which students

tion or gender

across the country take some form of

identity. When

a vow of silence to call attention to the

ronments such as washrooms and change

it came to assault and physical harassment

rooms where bullies indulge in the pleas-

of transsexual students, the

ure system of homophobia and transpho-

number affected climbed to

bia by tormenting LGBQT students.

37 per cent.

Gerard Sinclair, a member of Maples

Sexual harassment is

Collegiate’s Gay Straight Alliance, agrees

also a key component of

that in many cases, students aren’t being

bullying experienced by

homophobic or transphobic because of

LGTBQ youth, affecting 49

any deeply entrenched prejudice or fear.

per cent of trans students,

“There could be different reasons, but I

45 per centof students with

think the main thing is that they don’t

LGBTQ parents, 43 per cent

know that it is really hurting the person …

of female bisexual students,

they just don’t think before they say it,” ex-

42 per cent of male bisexual

plained the Grade 11 student. “Sometimes

students, 40 percent of gay

they might just say it to make themselves

male students and 33 per

feel better, like they think for a moment

cent of lesbian students.

silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying and

Female LGBTQ students were more likely to feel unsafe at school, face mean rumours or lies and skip school because they felt unsafe

www.outwords.ca // outwords, september 2011

15

said he felt they could have been ad-

sending a positive message to the student

dressed with more time. As for next

body. “It’s slowly getting better. If schools

year, Klassen anticipates the National

open up and talk about it and students

Day of Silence will go ahead and noted

know about it, it will get better,” said

the whole experience created positive

Sinclair.

discussion. Klassen became aware of

GSA Network

empowers youth activists to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools harassment in schools. And when the Western School Division stepped in to

member of his school’s GSA has also al-

in Canadian Schools after the protest.

lowed him to speak to other students go-

In light of this year’s developments, the

ing through the same struggles, while at

Western School Division board will likely

the same time educating non-LGBTQ stu-

examine its anti-bullying policy to ensure

dents about LGBTQ issues. It’s also a place

it properly includes sexual orientation.

to make friends and have fun. “Discussion

Development of specific anti-homo-

is key. You have to talk about it,” agreed

phobia, anti-biphobia and anti-transpho-

Buenviaje. “(Homophobia) is not OK, it’s

bia policies is one of the recommendations

wrong, it’s inappropriate; it’s discrimina-

GSAs… provide safe social spaces, guidance and education, while sending a positive message to the student body

made by the national survey.

So is urging divisions and education ministries work to ensure curriculum is developed that includes respectful representations

there are schools that have demonstrated that it is possible to get over this addiction to homophobia

tion. People need to know that.”

She said a GSA at her high school has improved her time there and probably the overall attitude at Maples Collegiate towards

LGBTQ students.

prevent the event from taking place as

of LGTBQ people. The national survey also

planned, the students took their protest to

provided information on vulnerable groups

the division office and pushed for a meet-

that in some cases were previously uniden-

about to embark on another national

ing with board members to discuss the

tified, particularly female sexual minority

research project that will examine tech-

issue of homophobia and bullying.

students and pointed out the need for ex-

niques and curriculum used by teachers to

tra vigilance to protect these students.

fight homophobia and attempt to identify

“They got their point across,” said

Taylor and a team of researchers are

The survey showed 26 per cent of

successful strategies to work towards the

to meet with students. He indicated the

female bisexual youth and 25 per cent of

elimination of biphobia, transphobia and

meeting generated good discussion and

lesbian youth have faced physical harass-

homophobia in Canadian schools “As grim

greater awareness of issues affecting stu-

ment about being LGBTQ, compared with

as it may seem, and sometimes it does feel

dents. “We realized that students were

12 per cent of male bisexual youth and 23

very grim to me ... there are schools that

hurt and offended by this and we apolo-

per cent of gay male youth. Female LGBTQ

have demonstrated that it is possible to get

gized to them,” said Klassen. “We want

students were also more likely to feel un-

over this addiction to homophobia,” said

our schools to be open and welcoming to

safe at school, face mean rumours or lies

Taylor.

everyone.”

and skip school because they felt unsafe.

board chairman Ken Klassen, who agreed

He noted the planned day of ac-

16 17

The 16-year-old added that being a

Egale’s National Survey on Homophobia

Another recommendation called for

tion raised concerns among some in the

schools to develop what gay sraight alli-

community, and although he declined to

ances, or GSAs. These provide safe social

elaborate on what those concerns were,

spaces, guidance and education, while

outwords, september 2011 // www.outwords.ca

– Shannon Vanraes is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.

technology

Ultra portables the hottest items in computing

Corey Shefman

“The best times to buy a computer are August / September or December for the holiday releases”

It seems that every time

introduced, the ultra-

we turn around, our

portables were either sub-

tech is outdated again –

standard and slow, or you

surpassed by the latest

could have expected to pay

and greatest in gadgets.

$1,500 to $2,000 if you wanted

You have a Google

something with even moderately

Nexus One? I have a

respectable processing power.

Nexus S. He has an

fresh brought Apple’s ultra-portable up

an iPhone 4 – and don’t

to where the now-discontinued Macbook

even try to brag about

used to be. The new generation of the Air

your now-discontinued Macbook!

Since the dawn of the personal compu-

packs more than enough power for any user not doing heavy graphics or video edit-

Perhaps the most exciting new release this fall is the dualuse ASUS Eee Pad Transformer.

ter, consumer technology has progressed

ing. While Dell’s comparable offering, the

and evolved at a steady and rapid rate. How

Ultrathin Latitude is somewhat more expen-

many of us can remember waiting for our

sive, it has attracted equally rave reviews

10-to-11-inch minis lack the power or sex

dial-up modem to connect, or imagine try-

(and is half a pound lighter).

appeal of the Air, don’t have the versatility

ing to run even the most basic websites on an old Pentium 1.

But even the Air is taking a backseat

of a full-size 15” laptop and aren’t as port-

(in terms of hype anyways) to the latest

able as a tablet, but are probably the best

Today, the trick is to know the tech

set of tablets to hit the market. The iPad is

option for a second computer on a budget.

product cycles. While Apple is the most reli-

no longer a lone wolf and unless you have

With prices that stay below $500, the latest

able of the consumer technology compa-

some kind of inexplicable love affair with iOS

generation of Intel Atom processors and

nies in terms of product release dates, all

(which in this author’s opinion is a disaster

(finally!) full-size keyboards, netbooks are

of the big producers have fairly predictable

of an operating system), there is no good

a perfect option for those who want to be

rollout schedules.

reason to stick with Apple’s tablet. With a

able to take notes in class or meetings, surf

closed operating system, no USB ports and a

the web at Starbucks or check their e-mail

ers have their new products ready shortly

relatively weak processor, the iPad 2 can eas-

on vacation.

before the back-to-school season. The best

ily be bested by the competition.

Almost all of the major manufactur-

times to buy a computer are August or Sep-

Perhaps the most exciting new release

This year’s back-to-school selection is without a doubt one of the best in recent

tember for back-to-school or December for

this fall is the dual-use ASUS Eee Pad Trans-

memory. While the selection in desktop

the Holiday/Boxing Day releases and sales.

former. Normally appearing to be an ordi-

computers and full-size laptops has certainly

It’s looking like 2011’s hot item in comput-

nary small laptop or netbook, the screen

shrunk from their early-‘90s/late 2000s

ers is ‘ultra-portables’ – think Macbook Air.

pops right off of the keyboard, allowing it

heyday, consumers today have more variety

These are usually 11 to 14 inches, though

to be used as a tablet.

than ever before at more reasonable prices

most hover around the 13” mark. They’re

18

This summer’s Macbook Air re-

iPhone 3G? Well she has

While some have commented that

extremely thin (often no thicker than your

the rise of the ultra-portables and tablets

average issue of GQ or Attitude) and they

spell the end of the short-lived netbook, I

(finally) have decent specs. Since first

still have faith in my 11” workhorse. These

outwords,september 2011 // www.outwords.ca

than many of us can remember. >> – Corey Shefman is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.

So you’re looking for a new computer.

Here are some specs to watch for. These are just general guidelines and you should ensure any computer you buy suits your needs.

Netbook Uses: Note-taking, webbrowsing, checking e-mail.

Ideal for: Students, people with a larger ‘main’ computer (i.e. a desktop computer), frequent travellers.

What to look for: Approximate price: $400-$550.

Tip: Turn off the wireless receiver on your netbook when not using the Internet to get up to seven or eight hours of battery life out of a single charge (regardless of what they say in the store).

Ultra-Portable/Thin & Light Uses: General personal computing, watching movies, web browsing Ideal for: Hipsters, Starbucks addicts, trend-setters What to look for: Processor: If Intel, at least i3 (preferably i5), four-six GB of DDR3 RAM (less than four will lead to significant slowdowns, more than eight is unnecessary), no more than 2.5 lbs, 720p or better video resolution, HDMI-out port (if you want to watch videos from your computer on your TV

Tablet Uses: Distractions, computing on the go, multi-tasking.

Ideal for: People with less computing experience/skill, paperless office, lawyers and doctors (think lots of documents, many ongoing files).

What to look for: Screen size: nine-11” (though 10” is ideal – trust me, the extra inch in either direction makes a difference), 1280x800 resolution, two GB ram, a dual-core processor, one or two USB ports, detachable physical keyboard.

Tips: Remember that when buying an ultra-portable computer, at least a third of the cost is for the “wow factor”. When choosing your computer, pay more attention to aesthetics than you might otherwise.

This is one category where looks could legitimately trump nother features.

Tips: While the iPad’s easy-to-use interface is great for people with little computing experience (think grandparents, small children), someone using it for business or other productivity purposes should instead go for the BlackBerry Playbook or a tablet that runs Windows to ensure compatibility with office tech, or one of the many Android tablets, which are generally compatible with everything.

If you (or your office) is looking at a Windows tablet, it might even be worth holding out for Windows 8, which is being designed specifically for tablets and touch screens. www.outwords.ca // outwords, september 2011

19

out from the closet Graeme Coleman

This fall, you will be seeing fashion though a dusty lens of the ‘70s.

With the arrival of fall, it’s time to show off your true colours. You never know who you might stumble upon during the new school year, or while out on the town for an evening – and if you do stumble upon someone gor-

geous, you’ll want to look your best. So listen up, boys.

This fall, you will be seeing fashion though a dusty lens of the ‘70s. Luxe and sexy vibes are on the upswing, accompanied by warm colours and smooth textures. The most exciting (and a bit surprising) trend is the return of the turtleneck. An elegant turtleneck in a subtle colour will have people straining their necks as you walk by.

Form-fitting sweaters to show off that sculpted body will be big this fall. Switch them up with V-neck sweaters if you are go-

Show off your true colours Brett (left) looks perfectly swanky in a pastel, pink button-up and white pants. Kassia rocks with a pair of red shorts, matched with a cream sweater and subtle navy stripes.

ing for a classier look. These work well with

Photographer: Rejean Brandt | Models: Brett, Kassia | Clothing: American Apparel (Kassia), Club Monaco

a dress shirt or a polo in a complementary

(Brett) | Stylist: Graeme Coleman

colour – like our model, Kassia, is wearing in navy and creame horizontal stripes.

Although pastels are in, don’t hesitate to

propriate, but keep you looking clean and

play around with vibrant colours from time

classy. Also, you can try buttoning it up all the

sity jacket. A leather varsity jacket paired with

to time. For variety, throw on a pair of bright

way to create an ‘80s look (think Tom Cruise

jeans is casual, yet stylish. Check out your lo-

red pants, or a bright red shirt – but be aware

from Rainman).

cal vintage stores in search of some priceless,

that if you attempt to wear a single bright

retro varsity jackets to sport around campus.

An ideal trend to rock at school is the var-

With all these fashions to play with, you

colour from head-to-toe, you will make the

have no excuse to head back to work or to

Some of the dominant spring and sum-

wrong kind of statement. Kassia rocks with

school this September looking anything other

mer trends aren’t done running their course

a pair of red shorts, matched with a cream

than amazing. Experiment with colours and

and will continue to offer plenty of variety as

sweater and subtle navy stripes. Many people

styles and don’t settle until you’re turning

the season changes. Blissful pastels on polos

won’t wear red because they think it doesn’t

heads on every street and in every hallway.

and button-up shirts were spotted all over the

look right on them, but red is a playful colour

runways at Paris and Milan this past summer.

when worn in the right combination.

Our model, Brett, looks perfectly swanky in

Another trend we will continue to see is

a pastel, pink button-up and white pants.

the dress shirt without a tie. Dress shirts with

White pants can make your legs look divine, if

rolled up sleeves and without the tie make

they are fitted nicely and worn tastefully.

you look a little more casual and school ap-

20

outwords, september 2011 // www.outwords.ca

– Graeme Coleman is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.

SING

OUT!

RAINBOW HARMONY PROJECT KICKS OFF SEASON 13,

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

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www.outwords.ca // outwords, september 2011

21

Time for Gen ‘S’ And time to rock the educational boat

green planet Alana LajoieO’Malley

“What if all over Manitoba, students became real stakeholders and citizens of their school communities”

Ah yes. The parade

to these efforts, some solutionaries are

of eager students

starting to trickle out of Manitoba schools.

be places in which everything from insti-

Schools as living laboratories would

tidily filing into their

But we need a flood, not a trickle.

tutional governance to boiler rooms to

classrooms has be-

So humour me in a back-to-school

gun. Another year

thought experiment. What if the very

up for student scrutiny, study, and, most

to fill their heads

buildings, people, and institutional struc-

importantly, action. This amounts to an

with all the facts and

tures in which students learn were to

invitation for students and teachers in

figures they’ll need

become the test bed for their fledgling

math, English, geography, and so on, to

to become contribut-

solution-building abilities and proclivities?

find the gaps between textbook theory

ing members of the

What if all over Manitoba, students be-

and the practices they live with every day;

global economy.

came real stakeholders and citizens of their

an invitation to treat these gaps as the pre-

school communities? What if they were

cious learning opportunities that they are.

Given the time of year, I guess it isn’t

cafeterias to curriculum would be opened

so surprising that there’s this line that keeps running through my head – “we need to graduate a generation of solutionaries.” Zoe Weil said it in her TEDx talk called The World Becomes What We Teach.

Do me a favour – Google it. Solutionar-

Schools as living laboratories would be places in which everything… would be opened up for student scrutiny, study, and, most importantly, action.

ies – people with the knowledge, the tools, and (most importantly) the motivation to

tasked with undertaking and understand-

Why, for instance, do we continue to use

be conscientious choice makers and en-

ing the hugely important but daunting

fossil fuel to heat our buildings in Manitoba

gaged change makers for a world well on

task of changing their places of learning so

given our understanding of the causes of

the road to real social and environmental

that they more and more closely reflect the

climate change?

responsibility. Solutionaries – active, intel-

principles of social and environmental re-

ligent, empowered citizens not satisfied

sponsibility their teachers are increasingly

would require nearly herculean humility

with contributing to a global economy

introducing into their classrooms? What

and confidence on the part of educators –

plagued with social and environmental in-

if, with students at the helm, Manitoba’s

no one likes having apparent hypocrisies

justice. Citizens intent on making sure that

schools became living laboratories for insti-

put under a microscope. But hey, what

the part of the world to which they belong

tutional change towards sustainability?

better way to teach the kind of emotional

actively seeks to achieve real responsibility to people and the planet.

Are we graduating a generation of

22 23

Being willing to expose these gaps

Imagine a project integrated into

intelligence sustainable development re-

classes at all levels that reduced a school’s

quires than to demonstrate it in action?

greenhouse gas emissions, energy con-

That sentence. It keeps rolling around

solutionaries here in Manitoba? Google

sumption, water use, and waste produc-

in my head. “We need to graduate a gen-

‘Manitoba Education for Sustainable Devel-

tion; improved the social and environmen-

eration of solutionaires.” ‘Gen S’.... kinda

opment’ and you’ll find countless resources

tal impacts of the supplies and products

has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?

and good news stories about all of the

it bought; and made the school a happier

work that educators in Manitoba are do-

more inclusive place for everyone. The Si-

ing to make sure that students understand

erra Youth Coalition’s High School Sustain-

what it means to respond to the needs of

ability Assessment Framework is one tool

other people and ecosystems. And, thanks

that helps students do just this.

outwords, september 2011 // www.outwords.ca

– Alana Lajoie-O’Malley is the director of the campus sustainability office at the University of Winnipeg. To comment on this or any other article in Outwords, e-mail editor@ outwords.ca

Exclusively Spanish

Adam Donnelly of Segovia inspired by tapas culture off menu

Spanish cuisine, says

discovered the culinary

kenton smith

chef Adam Donnelly,

and social dimensions of

was something he felt

tapas culture. He and his

Winnipeg could be

partner, Carolina Konrad

educated about. “Our

–Segovia’s general man-

menu is designed to

ager – owned the house

teach people about

that became Segovia’s

Spanish food and

home. At that time it was

wine,” explains the

leased and being oper-

conspicuously tat-

ated as a teahouse.

“Donnelly has clearly taken the crown as Winnipeg’s pre-eminent tapas’’

tooed, 32-year-old head chef at Segovia

Then they learned the space had become

Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Osborne

available. “When I heard

Village. That’s why all the wines are exclu-

the news, I quit my job in

sively Spanish. As are the cheeses. The same

London and got a job at a

goes for all the olive oils and vinegars in the

tapas bar instead, to start

kitchen, too.

research for opening the

Chef Adam Donnelly modelled Segovia on the tapas bars of Madrid

Furthermore, Donnelly continues, “our

restaurant back home,”

models are the tapas bars of Madrid, which

Donnelly says. That re-

offer regional specialties from across the

search continued with a

cuisine” that Donnelly pursues. “Span-

country.” Examples include charcuterie – “a

sojourn through Spain itself.

ish cuisine has been at the forefront of the

big thing in Spain” – and patatas bravas

Finally, Segovia opened its doors Dec.

avant-garde, like Ferran Adria’s former res-

(spicy potatoes with dipping mayonnaise)

1, 2009 – offering, Donnelly declares, some-

taurant El Bulli,” he says. “What we do here

provide a taste of the most authentic in

thing very different on the Winnipeg dining

is the polar opposite.”

tapas culture.

scene. “I didn’t want to run a fine dining es-

That simplicity, Donnelly insists, is one

tablishment. What this city needs are more

of Spanish cuisine’s hallmarks “It’s all about

Basils – adjacent to Sherbrook Street, just

places where people can wear either suits

freshness, and highlighting the ingredi-

across from Segovia – that was the place to

or shorts; I want my friends here, eating my

ents – there’s no heavy sauces, mostly just

go for small plates. It may yet return, with

food.”

oils and dressings to brighten things up.”

For years, it was the much-beleaguered

ads having appeared on (and then disap-

That sentiment dovetails perfectly with

Then there’s the magic of pork fat. “We

peared from) Kijiji, looking for staff. In the

the value woven into the menu. “You can

use it a lot for flavouring,” Donnelly says

interim, Donnelly has clearly taken the

be satisfied without spending a lot, or by

with a smile. And there are overall themes

crown as Winnipeg’s pre-eminent tapas

spending more. We’ve made Spanish food

Donnelly’s brought to diners: this past year,

royalty. And he’s done it, not just through

available and affordable.” For Donnelly, it’s

notes of North Africa and the Middle East

combining location, kitchen skill and ambi-

about the total experience. “You can have

have been highlighted by pine nuts, zatar

ence … but also by going straight to the

two plates or 10 plates, and sample so much

and sumac.

source for inspiration.

more variety,” he explains. “And all this can

No doubt there’ll be an eager public

spark conversation and intimacy with your

salivating for whatever’s plated next. “I can’t

dining partners.”

believe how busy we are,” Donnelly beams.

“I love the informality of tapas culture,” Donnelly says, as loud music and sailor talk from the staff blare from the kitchen.

Despite changing the menu every few

“I’ll keep this going until people stop com-

We’re seated in the dining room half of his

months and putting twists on classic ingre-

restaurant, situated in an old, renovated

dients – like hanger steak with blue cheese,

two-storey house, the design harmonizing

scallops with cauliflower puree and balsamic

– Kenton Smith is a Winnipeg-based freelance

the sleek and the rustic. It was in Australia,

reduction, or pork belly with white beans

writer.

London and finally Spain itself that Donnelly

or pickled vegetables – it’s “simple, honest

ing, or I don’t want to do it anymore.”

www.outwords.ca // outwords, september 2011

23

a Song in their Hearts

by Peter Carlyle-Gordge

Rainbow choir warming up for a GALA season

The Rainbow Harmony

sored by the Manitoba Choral Association.

Project, now embark-

Choirs perform before adjudicators and a

director is to find the right repertoire. “The

ing on its 13th season,

stellar evening can lead to an invitation to

music has to be able to satisfy the needs

has become some-

the national ChoralFest in Ottawa. Unfortu-

of some fairly advanced singers as well as

thing of an icon in

nately, this year’s budget precludes a trip to

novices and beginners,” he says. “It’s a real

the Manitoba GLBT

ChoralFest, even if invited, because of the

balancing act because you want to involve

community. Its per-

plan to attend the GALA Choruses Festival in

everyone and not choose music which is too

formances are usually

Denver.

simple and bores the advanced singers.”

packed and it is warmly received whenever

The GALA (Gay and Lesbian Association

and wherever it travels. This season will

of Choruses) Choruses Festival was founded

be especially fun. Four performances are

in 1982 by 14 choirs.

planned for Manitoba and one for Denver,

It now boasts more

Colorado. The highlight of the home-turf

than 200 GLBT mem-

performances will take place in March when

ber choruses from eight

the choir joins the Winnipeg Symphony

countries. “I’m hopeful

Orchestra at the Centennial Concert Hall.

that half the choir will

Artistic director Vic Hooper is excited

be able to make the trip

about their performance with the WSO’s

to Denver,” says Hooper.

The choir usually boasts between 45 and 60 members. There is also room for volun-

“Songs are funny things. They can slip across borders. Proliferate in prisons.

Penetrate hard shells. I always believed that the right song at the right moment could change history.”

— Pete Seeger

pops concert, Broadway Rocks, March 16-18.

“The quality of singing is superb. I went to

teers to help support the singers. “We always

Their renditions of Aquarius and Circle of Life

the 2004 GALA in Montreal and was blown

need members who can help with adminis-

will be among the musical fare. “Usually, they

away by it. They had 5,000 delegates and

tration, stage management and so on,” he

get two or three choirs together but we are

about 160 choirs.”

says. “There is lots to do behind the scenes.”

No audition is needed to join and re-

the only ones asked this year and we will be

The Denver trip will allow the choir to

providing the backup, so it’s great exposure

perform before an American audience and

hearsals start Monday, Sepempber 12, from

for our community,” he says. “As a commu-

hear some truly phenomenal GLBT choirs.

7- 9:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist

nity we have won all our legal rights and now

“Some of these choirs have million-dollar

Church, 603 Wellington Crescent.

we’re able to add our own talents to the Ca-

budgets and the singing is tremendous,”

nadian fabric and the wider community.”

Hooper says. “Of course there’s a great at-

order a CD of its 10th anniversary concert,

mosphere down there….a feeling that we are

entitled “Rainbow Harmony Project Live at

all gay and all affirming.”

10”, at: http://rainbowharmonyproject.ca

The choir’s first performance this season will be the November 26 ChoralFest, spon-

24

Hooper’s greatest challenge as artistic

outwords, september 2011 // www.outwords.ca

You can learn more about the choir or

“I joined because it was the right thing to do,” she says. “I grew up through a time when it was not always safe to give my truth a voice, a time when my dignity as a lesbian was denied. So for me, the voices that give rise to this choir are a gift.

“They are voices that give rise to our truth and dignity. They are voices that sing into history, voices that have been silenced in history. They are voices that touch hearts, transform lives, change attitudes and inspire joy. They are voices that are invaluable to Manitoba LGBTT history and indeed, to history at large.”

Ashlyn Noble says she joined because she just loves to sing and Rainbow Harmony offered a fun and friendly opportunity to do what she loves. “I stay because not only is the chorus amazing musically, but the sense of

Music has the power to change our world

Music can be many

“After 11 years, I’m still here because I love it and I am proud of it. There is nothing

members are gathered is so powerful. Being a

people and in the

else like the RHP: the music I had never sung

part of that is special to me,” she says. O

case of the Rainbow

before; the friendships with people I might

Harmony Project, it

not otherwise meet…The singing itself calls

offers nourishment of

my heart into my voice, and when I listen to

many kinds. For choir

other people in the choir, I hear their hearts,

member Joshua (last

too.”

name omitted by request) it was a lifeline.

For Julia Zacharias it was a way to find

“Due to a traumatic experience, I isolated

friends. “I joined the RHP shortly after coming

myself and turned to drugs to escape the pain

out, and when I was newly back in Winnipeg,”

I was living,” he says. “I stopped doing the

she says. “It was a great way to build a new

things I once lived for.. ..singing. I have also

community of folks who would be supportive

dealt with a mental illness and RHP is the first

of me being openly ‘out’ and it was a way to

choir I have been in since I overcame my ad-

continue a long habit of mine– choral singing.

dictions and mental illness. With the support

It’s been a great place to share some magical

and kindness from each member, I am finally

moments of music and friendship.”

back to doing the one thing I love most...

Singer Gary Batstone says joining the

singing. Thanks to the choir for giving me my

choir has allowed him to find a place of

voice back.”

wonderful friendship with people who share

Other members such as Keith were in-

similarities in their life stories. “It also serves as

spired by a need to make a positive change for

a means to bring change in the wider commu-

the GLBT community. “I joined the Rainbow

nity as Manitobans see their GLBTTQ family,

Harmony Project after I heard them sing for

friends and neighbours bringing positive song

World AIDS Day on December 1, 1999,” he

messages to our country,” he says. “The choir

says. “I knew I wanted to be part of this

allows me to continue the singing I began as

group that was making music and social

a child in church choirs. I am also moved and

change together. It was like deciding to walk

changed by it.”

in the first Gay Pride in Winnipeg – I knew where I wanted to be.

friendship and community present anywhere

things to many

Sally Papso joined the choir in 1999 in a

This season’s public performances for the rainbow harmony project are: Sat. Nov. 26 ChoralFest Sturgeon Creek United 207 Thompson Drive Sat. Dec. 3, Many Gifts Concert Knox United Church 400 Edmonton St., Winnipeg.

March 16, 17, 18 WSO Pops Concert, Broadway Rocks.

Centennial Concert Hall Sat. May 12, Spring Concert Location: TBA July 7-13 GALA Choruses Festival Denver, Colorado

search for truth, dignity and self-expression. www.outwords.ca // outwords, september 2011

25

MTC’s act of imagination

by Katrina Caudle

This season

the setting enliven the classic. The dress and

opens at the

sets are modern, the dates set this year.

John Hirsch

“I’ve never directed a play with a con-

Theatre

cept until now,” says Schipper. “I’ve been

(formerly the

at MTC for a long while and always thought

Main Stage)

we should be doing Romeo and Juliet. But

with the

so many of our audiences have seen it. I

a play only happens when an

world stage

was worried it would be a boring choice. In

audience and performers come

premiere of

searching for a way to make it more interest-

together to experience an act of

Grumpy

ing, I just came up with the concept. “We

Old Men,

want to keep it archetypal, not national. I’m

The crew at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre have a saying -

imagination. To make great plays, you need artists and audiences.

“We say artists first because, like in a dance, someone always has to lead,” says artistic director Steven Schipper. “We like to promote art-

which Schipper confides is “as lowbrow as

hopeful we can keep it true to our own spirit,

we’re going to get. He pauses and admits, “It

not talk politics in the rehearsal hall but let the

might even dip below the line.”

play work its magic. We want it to be a bless-

The performance of the romantic comedy

ing for love and goodness. Enough killing.”

was made possible by the matchmaking of Sam Lutfiyaa, an icon in the Winnipeg music

Shirley

ists and audiences equally, the key

and theatre communities, who passed away

Valentine

is to get that balance and we’re

two years ago.”He put us together with the

stars ac-

unashamed to be trying to do it

crew from New York and the partnership has

tress Nicola

with full houses, theatres full of art-

been a pleasure,” says Schipper. “The artists

Cavendish

from New York have been generous and it’s

reprising her

brought Broadway investors up to Winnipeg.

outstanding

It’s an honour to dedicate the performance

performance

to Sam.”

as Shirley

ists and audiences.”

As a theatre that has presented live entertainment for Winnipeg

Bradshaw (née

audiences for more than 50 years,

The season

the company continues to look for

continues with

in a life-affirming play about empowerment

a performance

and choice. Following Valentine, Wendy Lil’s

of Romeo

The Fighting Days is a play about the

ways to reach its coveted audiences, bringing them something

Valentine),

and Juliet,

suf fragette

directed by

movement

Schipper

in Winnipeg

himself. In

have a very sophisticated audience

and

Schipper’s

to perform for. They’ve seen great

Manitoba.

vision, the setting for

It focuses

plays and know the difference.”

exceptional each season, says Schipper. “An audience wants to be entertained and we’re lucky to

the play is a modern day Jerusalem with a fictional district called Verona. The Capulets are Muslim and the Montagues are Jewish, letting

on the story of Francis Marion Beynon and her more

26 27

outwords, september 2011 // www.outwords.ca

Romeo, Juliet and a vibrator or two famous accomplice Nellie McClung. Based

with that encourage me to keep it fresh. It’s

at society’s pretensions in this wicked little

on the struggle of the vote for women, the

a step forward for us, doing the important

comedy that exposes corruption and hy-

play sheds new light on the provocative and

work of stretching our audiences and our-

pocrisy through the struggle of mother and

volatile times.

selves,” says Schipper.

daughter.

God of

The Royal

August: Osage

Carnage is

Manitoba

County is an

the story of

Theatre Centre

extraordinary

two average

also features a

tragic comedy

adult couples

second lineup

that Schipper

who both

of works at

would love to

have young

the smaller

one day put on

boys that

Tom Hendry

the main stage.

attend the

Theatre. These

It’s a dark and

same school.

performances

funny family re-

The conflict is

can be more

union, complete

sparked when the boys fight and one chips

challenging for the audiences and the art-

with secrets exposed by the disappearance

the other’s tooth. In an attempt at civility,

ists. The Next Room (a.k.a. The Vibrator

of the patriarch and the perverse delight of

the couples decide to meet but decorum

Play) is Sarah Ruhl’s work about the inven-

the pill-popping mother.

and social niceties fall away as the adults

tion of the vibrator, for strictly medicinal

duke it out in a spectacle that asks “what

purposes, of course! It helps cure Victorian

The sea-

have we sacrificed to fit the mould?”

era women suffering from hysteria, but also

son closes

draws the curiosity of the wife of the doctor

with Blind

The season

who invented it, who longs for more inti-

Date, star-

ends with

macy with her husband.

ring Rebecca

Next to

Northan as the

Normal,

Celebrated

sexy, Parisian

an award-

playwright

Mimi who is

winning

George

waiting at a

musical that

Bernard

café for her

is more than

Shaw’s

feel-good –

work Mrs.

show up. Only he never gets there and a

it will have

Warren’s

lucky single man from the audience will get

the audience

Profession

to take his place! The two go on an actual

feeling a range of emotions. It is an intimate

tells the story

date, take a ride in her car, and even end up

family story centred on a mother’s struggles

of a mother

back at her apartment. Ground-breaking,

who was a

funny, and featuring a different leading man

with bipolar disorder. “Next to Normal will

blind date to

be a forward motion in our programming.

madam and her daughter who is mortified

every night, Blind Date is such a huge hit

I’m gratetful for the amazing people I work

to find out. Shaw delights at taking shots

MTC extended its run. O

www.outwords.ca // outwords, september 2011

27

Comedies with chewy bits Prairie theatre exchange’s fun season

by Katrina Caudle

robert metcalfe

The approach and

one day his own estranged dad comes back

peared while on a boat sailing to a tropical

programming has

into his life. The father has had a stroke. The

isle. As she sets out to retrace their steps,

evolved, but the

play speaks to the puzzle of communication

she thinks she’s looking for her family, but

mandate of the

within families. “There are all these hurdles

discovers she is really trying to find herself.

Prairie Theatre

to connecting. It’s beautiful and heartbreak-

Exchange has re-

ingly funny,” says Metcalfe. “You can’t really

Boyz directed by Kayla Gordon is sure to

mained the same

know yourself, can’t really forgive yourself

be a hit with audiences. It’s a hysterical

for the company’s

until you can know and forgive your par-

comedy with lots of homoerotic under- and

39 years – to offer

ents.”

overtones about a boy band whose job is to

In the crush of deep winter, Altar

the works of play-

save the souls of

wrights who speak

their audience.

to the circumstances that we collectively

“They have a

experience. “We try to keep the season bal-

countdown

anced and interesting, while finding some-

clock and

thing to laugh about in late winter and early

through song

spring,” artistic director Robert Metcalfe

and story, they

says with a laugh. “I like comedies with

can see how

chewy bits, something thought-provoking.”

many souls

The season launches with Bingo, a bit-

they’ve saved,”

ter-sweet comedy by Daniel MacIvor– prob-

Metcalfe says

ably the best known gay writer in Canada

with a laugh.

and hilariously funny – about a 30th high

“Eventually they

school reunion and a group of old friends.

Conflict develops through the perceived rift that has grown between those who stayed in the neighbourhood and those who left.

“Daniel being Daniel, it’s richer than that.

but five and

a voyage of self-discovery?

Lost: A memoir is based on the

we know who those are. We

get to the confessions and they have to

It’s that pull you feel to go home, how what

book by Cathy Ostlere. It tells the story of

share who they really are for their souls to

you miss is often the same thing that drives

a woman starting a family and settling into

be saved.” Alter Boyz was a favourite at the

you nuts,” Metcalfe says.

suburban, Calgary life– adjusting to leaving

2010 Winnipeg Fringe Festival and across

behind the adventurous young adult she

North America.

The Secret Mask by Rick Chafe takes

28

save everyone Lost: A memoir

us into the life of a man who is struggling

was – or so she thinks. She gets word that

The season rounds off with Till It

with his relationship with his son. And then

her brother and his girlfriend have disap-

Hurts, a sharp and witty piece by Douglas

outwords, september 2011 // www.outwords.ca

altar boyz

beautiful powerful

enticing

a hysterical comedy with lots of homoerotic under- and overtones Bowie about a professor trying to write a

them together is that all the plays ask the

speech about what he’s learned over the

question: ‘Who am I now?’”

course of his personal and professional

During the off-season, PTE underwent

career. With 10 hours to go, he’s still sitting

a $2.5-million makeover of the space it has

in front of his computer with nothing to say.

occupied for 20 years. The renos are ex-

A phone call from a telemarketer for the

pected to be complete by October 12. The

Stephen Lewis Foundation changes both

main change is to the lobby. One of the

their lives.

“So, you might ask what’s the thematic

old studios was gutted and is being transformed into a lounge, where audiences can

link, what kind of journey you’d go on

sit and have a drink before and after plays.

through all these plays,” says Metcalfe. “In

The whole feeling of the lobby will change.

Bingo, it’s about being 17 or 18 and trying

The space is being widened and sound-

to return to that. Lost comes from the place

proofed with additional seating added.

where you’re trying to find who you are

The other changes are to the interior of the

again. Altar Boyz centres on these guys that

theatre. The seats are being reupholstered

have to face who they are and what they’ve

and the entire space is being re-carpeted

done to have their souls saved. What links

and painted. O

Layer Cake Primitivo

24

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only at:

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

www.kenastonwine.com

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

www.outwords.ca // outwords, september 2011

29

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

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

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

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

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

Web: gayfathersofwinnipeg.com.

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

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

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

Lambda: Business and Professional Association.

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

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

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

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

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

Web: winnipegtransgendergroup.com

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.

outwords, september 2011 // www.outwords.ca

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call 981-0742.

SPIRITUALITY

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

HEALTH & HIV/AIDS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30

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

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

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

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. Please contact Laurie via e-mail anotheragentsmith@gmail.com with the subject ‘Full Moon Group’ for information.

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

Shaarey Zedek Synagogue: 561 Wellington Cres.

Temple Shalom: Reform Judaism. Web: templeshalomwinnipeg.ca

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

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

Web: reelpride.org.

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

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

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

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

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

2011/12 season

AT PLAY

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In this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning “feel-everything musical” featuring soul-soaring rock and stirring ballads, Diana’s family decides being next to normal will just have to be enough.

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