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Newsmaker of the year Vladimir Putin’s anti-gay laws have ensured the Sochi Olympics will be about much more than sports E14
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Out at the Games Russia may not know it, but the Olympics have always been more than a little gay E16 Editorial What will you do this year? By Danny Glenwright E6 Feedback E6 Xcetera E7
Upfront New Capital Pride chair hopes to build bridges Jodie McNamara says division has become part of the “character of our community� E9 Local news Two years after Jamie Hubley’s death, are Ottawa schools any safer? E10 National news Quebec school board axes gendered options on paperwork E12 International news Former Ugandan ethics minister urges MPs to pass anti-gay bill E13
Cover story Newsmakers of 2013 The people and events that shaped our year E14 View from the Honey Dew Cruising on Ottawa streets in the 1960s E18 Holiday gift guide Some of our favourite offerings for under the tree E20–26
Out in the City The Sound of Music comes to Ottawa Staging the classic musical is a “pretty bold statement,â€? director says E29 Love as a battleďŹ eld Danniel Oickle goes to war with his latest project E30 What’s On Event listings E31 Xposed By Zara Ansar E33 COVER BY ENRICO VARRASSO
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What happened to the rainbow flag and diversity and being non-judgmental? Drag queens and camp humour are not for everyone. As for how much they drink, it is not clear that these guys drink any more than other gay men. How about showing some kindness and understanding to other gay men who may have different ideas than you — even as those ideas evolve and change with age. LORNE BERKOVITZ TORONTO, ON (FACEBOOK)
Seriously, how is it a good thing that a bunch of dudes are so afraid of being perceived as feminine that they have to call themselves gay “bros”? Internalized homophobia and misogyny stink. MIKE VICHNITCHKINE (FACEBOOK) TORONTO, ON
OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS #261 NOV 7–DEC 11, 2013
As someone a lot older and having been a counsellor for years, this seems an expression of their discomfort with who they are or internalized homophobia [“A Forum for Gay Men Who Like ‘Guy’ Stuff,” dailyxtra.com, Nov 30]. The emphasis on traditional masculinity and the drinking are selfrepressive. Check with them in 15 to 20 years when they have learned to balance and live with the masculine/ feminine (androgynous) natures we as part of humanity all have. Good luck, Gaybros.
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put these feelings in perspective. It’s also worth remembering the story of a leader like Nelson Mandela, who maintained such perspective even after 27 years behind bars. Mandela’s death provides an opportunity to celebrate his remarkable and progressive activism. It also serves as a reminder of what’s possible, of what just one determined individual can accomplish. Closer to home, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi exemplifies a similar style of leadership. A couple years ago, Nenshi launched the “3 Things for Calgary” challenge, calling on all the citizens of his city to take action in each community to make Calgary a better place to live. Nenshi asked all Calgarians to think about their community and those issues that are important to them. Next, they had to decide on three actions they could take to make their street, neighbourhood or city better. Finally, Nenshi asked Calgarians to do those things and tell others about it. The initiative has a website and a Facebook page where people can leave their individual stories of change. It’s not a bad challenge for our other political leaders. For that matter, what three things will you do for your community this coming year?
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If you look closely you can see it, passed out in the corner in a puddle of vomit — Canada’s reputation. It was the year of the drunken stupor. A year during which we watched so many of our elected leaders stumble from boondoggle to gaffe to cover-up. To many it seems that our reserved and quiet country will never be the same. It feels like a loss of innocence — but also a loss of our senses. But 2013 was also the year of the little guy (and girl) standing up to, and fighting, increasingly inept leadership. While so many corrupt, scandalplagued, homophobic, sclerotic leaders brought shame, we could look to brave individuals around the world for examples of courage that resulted in historic change. Edie Windsor took on the United States government and won. The US Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act and pushed open the doors to gay marriage. NBA player Jason Collins came out — hopefully the first of many professional athletes to do so. Individual journalists worked assiduously to further expose the iniquity of Toronto’s mayor — as well as the rot in our federal government and Senate, a scandal that will likely, finally, rid us of Stephen Harper. And individual activists came together behind the scenes to help secure the release of two Canadians imprisoned in Egypt.
Meanwhile, individual athletes, gay and straight, fought back against the homophobic International Olympic Committee and Russia, which will host the Winter Games in the new year. The IOC has a record of homophobia going back to 1982, when it sued the organizers of the Gay Olympics — later the Gay Games — for taking the name “Olympic” while not bringing legal action against other competitions, such as the Police Olympics and the Nebraska Rat Olympics. But it was Russia’s energetic homophobia that seemed wholly new and, to many casual observers, unexpected. Vladimir Putin’s anti-gay propaganda laws and violence against gay people in Russia made headlines around the world. The activism that followed, from vodka dumping to widespread petition “clicktivism,” took on a life of its own and provided a powerful platform for international solidarity in the fight against homophobia. Perhaps the most poignant representation of this came from Uganda, where brave gays and lesbians marching in their second Pride parade held up placards that stated “Pride Uganda supports LGBT Russia.” As the year comes to a close, it’s hard not to feel despair about the state of leadership in Canada and the wider world. But it’s moments like that Pride march in Kampala that
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THE NEW LEATHER Ottawa’s thriving kink scene is embracing a younger, more diverse demographic E24
HIV column Engaging in the behaviour that gives you a 100-percent preventable fatal disease and having to live in the closet in the 1950s aren’t even remotely comparable [“The More Things Change,” dailyxtra.com, Nov 29]. Were the guys in the ’50s poaching healthcare resources to selfishly keep the lion’s share for themselves? Did gay guys in the ’50s have discrimination protection for employment and housing? Having HIV isn’t illegal. The criminalization laws, which aren’t even in all of North America, address nondisclosure for the most part. People living with HIV have more resources available to them than anyone! Where are the diabetic housing units? Where is heart disease mobile-testing units? Where are the beachside and poolside skincancer screenings like the HIV tests at gay clubs? You really have to bend logic to justify what you did to yourself. ANDREW JONES TORONTO, ON
OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
XCETERA
Sushi
A BIWEEKLY HELPING OF POP OP CULTURE, SERVED VED D À LA CARTE Show your Joe Controversial Kmart TV ad featuring a group of men in Joe Boxer shorts and tuxedo jackets jingling their bells.
FROM THE PTP ARCHIVES 20 YEARS AGO
CAPITAL XTRA #5 JAN 28, 1994
12
Members of Egale met with the new Liberal government at the beginning of 1994. They hoped the Grits would quickly implement a change in the Canadian Human Rights Act to include sexual orientation. But the change wouldn’t come for another two years.
Number of jingle balls in the Kmart ad. Jingle Ball Wildly popular annual holiday concert in New York thrown by radio station Z100. Ariana Grande One of the featured performers at this year’s Jingle Ball.
35 YEARS AGO
BODY POLITIC #49 DEC 1978/JAN 1979 “Milk’s election last November symbolized for many the ascendancy to public office of out-of-the-closet gay men and women,” reads The Body Politic’s report on the assassination of activist and San Francisco supervisor Harvey Milk. Nov 27, 2013, marked the 35th anniversary of the murders of Milk and Mayor George Moscone at the hands of ex-supervisor Dan White.
‘Everyone is made the way they are for a reason. Everyone is rea the perfect p version of themselves’ t Grande, on growing up with a gay brother. Adam Levine
Also has a gay brother. Sexiest man alive in 2013 Levine, according to People magazine.
DAME DISH
Dench freely utters the terms ‘gay homosexual’ and ‘beard’ and says she’s fully aware that some guys don’t like to use condoms because it doesn’t feel as good. Actor Peterr Hermann Herm He man nn on on m Philomena, P il Ph ilom om men ena a, the new film di Dench De enc nch plays p ay pl ys in which Judi sear se arch ar arch chin in ng for f r fo a woman searching e ga g ave ve eu p the son she gave up on n, who who for adoption, o turns out to be gay. MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM
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Upfront
Eroticism and sexuality have always been part of athletics, sport and other forms of physical activity. Professor Bruce Kidd E16
New Capital Pride chair hopes to build bridges Jodie McNamara says division has become part of the ‘character of our community’
CAPITAL PRIDE 2014 The Capital Pride festival will take place from Aug 15 to 24, with the parade on Aug 24. Although it’s still in the planning stages, the board is in discussions with the Bank Street BIA about a partnership that would include an increased CP presence in the Village, McNamara says. “The community at large wants the festival back on Bank Street, and that’s something everybody wants. And Capital Pride hears that loud and clear,” she says.
PRIDE NEWS ADRIENNE ASCAH
Jodie McNamara has been going to Capital Pride since she was 14 or 15, but she didn’t come out until her 20s. The Ottawa native, who was elected CP’s chair during the organization’s annual general meeting in October, says Pride is important for the entire community, but for youth who are still closeted, the festival and parade provide an essential experience of celebration and solidarity. As adults living in a relatively accepting city in a country with comparatively progressive legislation, we can forget what it’s like to be a queer youth unsure of what coming out could mean, McNamara says. “It’s easy to forget that there are people watching that parade for whom this is a really profound, affirming and necessary experience for their ongoing well-being,” says McNamara, who was previously CP’s vice-chair of operations. For her, it didn’t feel comfortable to come out until she had left home and was living independently. Many teens say they don’t come out to their parents because they’re afraid they’ll be kicked out of the house or won’t be allowed to see their friends, she says. “My initial involvement with Pride was as the architect behind Etc, which is the youth arm of Capital Pride,” she says. “Right now we’re working with a couple of community partners to produce a series of PSAs that will target the parents of queer youth in Ottawa.” After sending out a survey, 140 responses from queer youth across the city arrived in just under 24 hours, says McNamara, who is passionate about building bridges between parents and queer youth. In fact, building bridges will be key to her MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM
Jodie McNamara is Capital Pride’s new chair.
leadership as she and the new CP board plan for the year ahead. With the resignation of several board members leading up to Pride and the resignation of former chair Micheal Lafontaine during Pride, the internal workings of CP were tumultuous even as the festival itself was a success. “Capital Pride should be a conciliatory force in the community, and for that to be possible, each of us has to commit to bridge building and conciliation amongst ourselves,” McNamara says. “Because of the recent history, this is something that’s in the forefront of everyone’s mind, and we’ve all in our individual ways made a point of being that.” While McNamara’s respect for her board and her optimism for the future are boundless, she says, CP’s past internal difficulties aren’t indicative of problems that are unique to the organization. “The queer community at large in Ottawa — there are a lot of divisions within it and there’s a lot of conflict within it. And I would argue that’s really the character of our community, unfortunately,” she says. “It’s a part of who we are, this tendency to get wrapped up in what divides us rather than what unites us.” Just as the festival and parade exist to bring people together, McNamara says, bringing people together is the focus of the new board. “Nobody on the board this year wants anything but to be the best possible organization, the most representative organization of everyone.” XTRA! DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 9
Working to end youth bullying Two years after Jamie Hubley’s death, are Ottawa schools any safer? LOCAL NEWS ADRIENNE ASCAH
Jamie Hubley. Amanda Todd. Rehtaeh Parsons. Eyes soften and stomachs twist when we hear their names. Their young lives cut short are painful reminders of the worst consequence of oppression. The word bullying is inadequate to describe the suffering they endured, yet at the same time their experiences have prompted community leaders and politicians across the country to do something about this crisis we call bullying. Hubley, 15, took his life on Oct 14, 2011. His Tumblr blog recounted the Ottawa teen’s struggles with depression, selfinjury and the isolation of being the only openly gay kid at his high school. The weight of homophobic bullying, which he experienced relentlessly in person and online, became too heavy to bear. Two years later, schools, political leaders, youth advocates and community members in Ottawa and beyond are engaged in efforts to prevent and respond to bullying. But is it working? “I think we’ve really increased the awareness of the issue, for certain,” says Allan Hubley, an Ottawa city councillor and Jamie’s father. “More people have a commitment to do something about it and are making the personal effort to not bully. Most importantly is engaging the bystander, and I think we’ve really got a strong commitment from people who would be a bystander to bullying in the past that now when they see it, they say, ‘No, not in my community.’” Jeremy Dias, founder and executive director of Jer’s Vision, an anti-bullying organization aimed at ending homophobia, transphobia and discrimination in schools, says it’s important to recognize the complexity of bullying. “Saying we want to stop bullying is like saying we want to stop all infection,” Dias says. “All infections are not transmitted the same way . . . There’s different sources of the problem, so there’s no sort of blanket solution.” When Dias gives workshops in 10 DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 XTRA!
Above, Councillor Allan Hubley with Jamie Hubley, who died by suicide in 2011. Left, Councillor Allan Hubley speaks to students during Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week.
schools, he talks about the racist and homophobic bullying he experienced as a high school student. He encourages students to think about discrimination and intersectionality — how transphobia, sexism, ableism, xenophobia and classism send messages that it’s okay and even expected for students to treat some of their peers differently. Being aware of oppression means seeing that Amanda Todd’s and Rehtaeh Parsons’s lives and deaths weren’t iso-
lated, unrelated examples of suffering. Effective anti-bullying education isn’t just about telling kids not to say “fag” or “slut” but has to include talking about the history and relationship between homophobia, misogyny and violence, Dias says. A community, a culture, a country mourns when we lose a young person to suicide, but in our mourning we have to ensure our efforts to address bullying’s root causes are effective, he says.
“The idea that anti-bullying education can disappear after a handful of grants and workshops is delusional,” Dias says. “This work is about constantly challenging ourselves as human beings to create a better community, a better society, a better world. It involves dialogue, it involves compromise, it involves learning.” Brett Reynolds, principal of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s (OCDSB) Inclusive, Safe and Caring Programs, agrees that antibullying education has to be introduced early, reinforced often and developed from evidence-based programs. “Teachers and all staff in the schools are being told that they need to constantly find different ways to teach kids about positive behaviours, positive relationships,” Reynolds says. “It’s ongoing. It’s not a one-time ‘Hey, we had a guest speaker.’” At its root, bullying isn’t only about inequality; it’s about conflict, he says.
The Fourth R, often used in ninth-grade phys ed classes, refers to “relationships” and promotes better understanding and communication. Studies have linked the program to decreased bullying, he says. “Through role play and trying to immerse yourself in different perspectives . . . not only does it help them develop empathy for others, but also they get to practise a better language, better strategies for dealing with conflict when it arises,” he says. While schools and organizations like Jer’s Vision are working to prevent bullying, bullying hasn’t disappeared from our schools. Sometimes parents are unsatisfied with a school’s response to bullying, Reynolds says. “We often have students or parents — they want the bully expelled,” he says. “Really we have a duty, an obligation, to serve all of our kids as best we can. Sometimes people just aren’t satisfied with the other things that we put in place.” Typically, parents of all the students involved are notified. A student who’s been bullying can lose privileges and may face suspension, but counselling is an important resource for both bullied and bullying students, he says. Schools have to be safe spaces for all students, and counselling can uncover problems at home and undiagnosed learning disabilities and can reveal that a bully is also a victim of bullying by other students, Reynolds says. Two years later, are schools safer? “I believe Ottawa schools are safer for all kids because of the changes that are being made in people’s attitudes,” Hubley says. “There are efforts going on across the country to try to do something about bullying. Now we’re seeing government announcements and serious funding towards the issue as well, so I’m very happy about that.” In terms of promoting diversity, the OCDSB participates in the Capital Pride parade every year and also hosts an annual Rainbow Youth Forum, one of the largest of its kind in Canada, which this year featured queer Toronto comedian Sabrina Jalees as a guest speaker. There are gay-straight alliances (GSAs) or diversity clubs in virtually all OCDSB secondary schools, Reynolds says. Ontario’s anti-bullying bill, which was passed in June 2012, also put an end to the GSA embargo in local Catholic schools. Although an Ottawa Catholic School Board spokeswoman couldn’t provide the number of schools that have them, she confirmed that GSAs are allowed in local Catholic schools. OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
Creating a network of support The partnership between PFLAG and Jer’s Vision is already bearing fruit LOCAL NEWS ADRIENNE ASCAH
When Gabrielle Castilloux was a student at a Catholic high school, it wasn’t unusual to see straight students openly making out, she says, but it was made clear queer students had better not be seen holding hands. The glaring double standard was alienating to Castilloux, a two-spirit, queer Mi’kmaq student who’d moved around a lot as a kid, living “everywhere in Quebec.” Once she settled in the Ottawa-Gatineau area and switched to a non-Catholic high school, Castilloux’s activism knew no bounds. She became president of her high school’s gay-straight alliance (GSA), organized her school’s Day of Pink, took part in a GSA conference with Jer’s Vision and did advocacy work for trans rights. Now a fourth-year social work student at Carleton University, Castilloux is thrilled to be working with PFLAG Canada. She and Shayne Ivany are PFLAG Canada coordinators, working part-time out of the downtown Ottawa office the organization shares with Jer’s Vision. Formerly located in Moncton, PFLAG Canada’s national office recently moved to Ottawa, where it’s being run under the interim directorship of Jeremy Dias, founder and executive director of Jer’s Vision, an organization working to eliminate bullying and discrimination in schools.
Shayne Ivany and Gabrielle Castilloux in the PFLAG Canada office. ADRIENNE ASCAH
“I think it’s a great partnership,” Ivany says. “I think Jer’s Vision is very involved in schools and workshops, and PFLAG Canada is very inclusive and they can help when it comes to supporting on the national level. They’re working together to grow more, and I think it’s going to help right across the country.” Passionate about their work, Ivany and Castilloux get along well together, sitting side by side as they answer phone calls and emails, connecting with PFLAG volunteers from across the country. They take calls from teachers who want pamphlets and posters, from chapters looking for fundraising ideas and from people interested in starting chapters in their communities.
They also get calls and emails from adults and youth who are upset because they’ve recently come out as queer or trans and are struggling to find support. Other calls and emails are from people whose friend or family member has recently come out and they want to be supportive but don’t know what to say. “I think PFLAG Canada, we try to give people resources so that they have the words,” Ivany says. “For me, coming out as a trans youth, we didn’t have the words and we didn’t know where to go for help. I think PFLAG is working on that so we can give people the opportunity to have the words and that they can have support.” Originally from a small religious com-
munity in Newfoundland, Ivany attended a Jer’s Vision conference in the summer and since moved to Ottawa and became a PFLAG coordinator. He’s now working to help isolated communities — including his hometown — start their own chapters. “It’s very hard for them to get off the ground,” he says. “In rural communities especially, there isn’t help right now in a lot of places. Our biggest barrier is changing the minds and educating people in those communities so we can go in and help. When it comes to bigger cities, there are still a lot of problems, but not as big as it would be in a rural community.” Starting up a PFLAG chapter is no small feat. As a chapter leader you have to put in about 12 to 20 hours of volun-
Ottawa’s LGBT police liaison committee a ‘foundation’ for Ontario, says co-chair It’s not a love-in, but the co-chairs of the Ottawa Police Service’s LGBT liaison committee are proud of what the group’s accomplished in the past 22 years. The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police recently introduced its “Best Practices in Policing and LGBTQ Communities” document, covering off such issues as using equitable language, providing inclusive workplaces for queer police personnel, and developing and maintaining relationships between MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM
police services and LGBT communities. While establishing a liaison committee between police and the queer community is a new idea for some jurisdictions in the province, Ottawa has more than two decades of experience in working to improve the traditionally problematic relationship between police and the queer community. “It’s important to let [other jurisdictions] know that police and the community can get along, and they can sit
at the table together and discuss issues — whether they agree or not — at least they’re at the table,” says Denis Schryburt, community co-chair of the LGBT liaison committee. Inspector Joan McKenna, police co-chair of the LGBT liaison committee, agrees, saying Ottawa is in a good position to provide guidance to police departments looking to establish LGBT liaison committees and to help them when they need to resolve issues.
“I think we have a good foundation already, so we can probably provide more support to other [police] services,” McKenna says. From police participation at queer events — including Chief Charles Bordeleau’s marching in the Capital Pride parade — to special events like May’s information exchange on hate crimes, the LGBT liaison committee’s emphasis on respectful dialogue and community engagement has created an important
teer work a month doing everything from networking and organizing to facilitating discussions and taking care of crisis situations when someone calls in distress, Castilloux says. When a full-fledged chapter isn’t feasible, either because there aren’t enough interested people in the community or no one’s available to be the chapter leader, you can instead become a PFLAG contact, she says. “We have contacts right now, quite a few of them, all across the country,” Castilloux says. “Usually, contacts are people who recognize that there needs to be some kind of support for queer and trans people in their community; however, they themselves can’t take on the task of being a chapter leader.” Whenever possible, contacts help people to connect with nearby support services. When none are available, some contacts buy second cellphones to provide crisis lines for their communities. “I know one contact in Saskatchewan actually deals with about seven different rural cities that have her cellphone as an emergency crisis contact,” Castilloux says. Currently, she and Ivany are trying to plan a PFLAG conference at the Gender and Sexuality Minorities Summit in Toronto in June. “It’s a really, really great time to have all the PFLAG chapters come together and receive training, as well as to network,” Castilloux says. “We have chapters from Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Victoria, BC, and they’ll never really get a chance to meet if it isn’t for something like this.” With Jer’s Vision’s strong record on conferences and workshops and PFLAG’s national prominence, the two organizations will continue to grow and build healthier communities by promoting anti-homophobia, anti-transphobia and support for youth and adults alike, Ivany says.
bridge between police and the queer community, Schryburt says. The “Best Practices in Policing and LGBTQ Communities” document is the first of its kind in Canada. Written after consultation with police personnel and LGBT community organizations across the province, the document will be updated in the future to reflect feedback from the community. – Adrienne Ascah For more on these stories, go to dailyxtra.com. XTRA! DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 11
NATIONAL NEWS
“Protecting OHTN conference celebrates advances in HIV research your Rights and Freedoms� All Criminal Charges including s ()6 NON DISCLOSURE s $RUNK DRIVING s $OMESTIC ASSAULTS s $RUGS s &RAUD
The 2013 Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN) research conference wrapped up on Nov 19 in Toronto, concluding three days of talks and discussion panels covering advances in care and prevention and exploring the emotional and physical dimensions of living with HIV. Jae Sevelius, assistant professor at the University of California, San Francisco, stressed the need for research and interventions speciďŹ cally designed for trans women, who are among the most vulnerable to HIV infection globally yet are routinely lumped under the LGBT umbrella — or even with men who have sex with men (MSM). John Christensen, assistant professor at the University of Connecticut, presented a relatively novel prevention strategy: sexually explicit video games for MSM. Players navigate through virtual sexual encounters, from ďŹ rst meeting to irting to sex (or no sex), while the game interjects to validate safe choices and point out when players might have acted differently. In a recent study, Christensen and his colleagues found that subjects experienced reduced feelings of shame immediately after playing the game, which in turn predicted reduced risky sexual behaviour in the months that followed. — Elah Feder
John Christensen, assistant professor at the University of Connecticut, talks about his strategy for using sexually explicit video games to deliver HIV-prevention messages. ELAH FEDER
Quebec school board axes gendered options on forms
)!. - #!24%2
Criminal Lawyer Bayne Sellar Boxall
icarter@bsbcriminallaw.com C: (613) 808-0820 12 DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 XTRA!
The tedious task of ďŹ lling out forms can go beyond a nagging nuisance if the applicant’s reality doesn’t ďŹ t into the series of unchecked boxes and empty lines provided. But, for many same-sex parents in Montreal, the task of completing their children’s school paperwork just became a little easier. Quebec’s largest school board recently voted unanimously to change the words “motherâ€? and “fatherâ€? on all of its forms — both hard copy and virtual — to read “parent.â€? The Commission Scolaire du Montreal (CSDM) runs more than 200 establishments across the province and provides education to more than 100,000 students. In announcing the change, the board stated that the modiďŹ cation comes in response to a request submitted by a member of the Coalition des Familles
Homoparentales — a group that works to sensitize the population about diverse family structures. Mona Greenbaum, the coalition’s director, said the board and its members have been making similar requests for more than a decade. Up until now, they had seen some success on a per-school basis — but the board-wide change comes as a welcome improvement. The CSDM is not the ďŹ rst in town to make a move toward making its documents more accessible; last year the English Montreal School Board adopted a motion to change its forms. “I think schools are realizing they have to be inclusive in their practices,â€? Greenbaum says. “This is not something that affects only our families — there are a number of families that aren’t just a ‘mom and a dad’ family.â€? In a statement, CSDM president Catherine Harel-Bourdon says the
modification aimed to be inclusive, respect diversity and accurately reect the different compositions of families in society. The same statement says the change embraces Quebec’s action plan against homophobia — an initiative set to be implemented between 2011 and 2016. “It’s great news,â€? says Marie Houzeau, director of the Groupe de Recherche et d’Intervention Sociale (GRIS) Montreal, an organization that seeks to raise awareness about homosexuality and bisexuality, with initiatives rooted primarily in the school system. Houzeau says actions like this will lead to further social acceptance of families with gay parents. She says the next step forward will be for schools to offer more inclusive teachings of non-nuclear family structures, beginning early in the education system. — Megan Dolski OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Two more celebs come out of the e-closet Queer people rejoiced recently as we welcomed two new heavy hitters to our team. First, actress Maria Bello released an essay about her female partner to The New York Times, then Olympic diver Tom Daley revealed that he’s in a relationship with a man in a YouTube video. Basking in the post-party glow of her son’s father’s 50th birthday, Bello sat down to write her essay, “Coming Out as a Modern Family.” She was feeling inspired following a conversation with her son, Jackson, who had asked her if she’s romantically involved with anyone. The result is an exploration of partnership and companionship in which Bello describes her current relationship with Clare, her long-time best friend. “He looked at me for what seemed like an eternity and then broke into a huge, warm smile. ‘Mom, love is love, whatever you are,’ he said with wisdom beyond his years.” Opting for the video approach, Daley’s viral outing is more like a message from an old friend. “I didn’t want anyone to get my words twisted. I wanted to put an end to all the rumours and speculation and just tell you guys, because it’s what I want to do.” After talking about the “roller coaster” his life has been, with the death of his father, bullying in high school and his 2012 Olympic medal for diving,
Maria Bello, left, wrote about her female partner in a New York Times article, while Tom Daley, above, announced his same-sex relationship in a YouTube video.
Daley takes the plunge. “In an ideal world I wouldn’t be doing this video because it shouldn’t matter,” he says, explaining that he hadn’t felt comfortable discussing his relationships but that last spring something changed — he met someone who made him feel “safe” and “happy.” He pauses for a moment, cracking the tiniest grin. “And that someone is a guy. — Nick Green
Russian LGBT groups to IOC: Speak up for rights A coalition of Russian organizations has called on the new International Olympic Committee (IOC) president to speak out in favour of LGBT rights, condemn Russia’s discriminatory laws, establish a Pride House at the Sochi Games and make explicit reference to sexual orientation in the Olympic non-discrimination policy. The coalition met with Germany’s Thomas Bach in Paris the last weekend of November. In their letter to Bach, the organizations say they are “gravely concerned” about the IOC’s repetition and endorsement of Russian authorities’ “vague assurances” that there’ll be no discrimination at the Games in February. “The recently adopted ‘anti-propaganda’ legislation, as well as the public debate it has evoked, has already created an extremely hostile climate for LGBT persons in Russia. The ‘propaganda’ law is degrading in its nature, ascribing explicitly, in the national legislaMORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM
A coalition of Russian LGBT groups wants Olympic chief Thomas Bach to press Russian authorities for “clear and detailed” answers to questions about the federal anti-gay gag law.
tion, a fundamentally different status to LGBT persons, affirming their social inequality,” the letter states. “This highly discriminatory regime triggered an increase of organized violence against LGBT persons and their allies, which has been extensively covered in the media throughout the past several months. “We believe that this legislation and the environment infringe and debase the Olympic values, and the IOC is in the unique position of both power and responsibility to ensure that the Winter Olympics 2014 do not embrace discrimination and violence against LGBT persons,” the letter reads. The six organizations say they want “clear and detailed commentary” on questions they posed about the implications of the federal “gay propaganda” law for foreign and Russian citizens, as well as for the upcoming Games and beyond. A spokesperson for the coalition says the talks with Bach were “valuable.” — Natasha Barsotti
Former Ugandan ethics minister urges MPs to pass anti-gay bill A former Ugandan ethics minister is calling on MPs to pass a beleaguered anti-gay bill and plans to lobby voters to put pressure on legislators to do so immediately, Uganda’s Observer newspaper reports. James Nsaba Buturo told reporters that gay rights supporters are on a “propaganda spree” and are leveraging a number of international organizations to press their opponents to “normalize” homosexuality. He accused gay rights proponents of using threats and bribery and added that he is worried that David Bahati, the MP who is spearheading the AntiHomosexuality Bill, had been forced into silence about the measure. The report says that Buturo feels MPs should follow the “heroic” lead of countries like Nigeria and Russia, which have both passed anti-gay
legislation. The so-called Kill the Gays bill, which reportedly still includes the death penalty for those found guilty of “aggravated homosexuality,” has been making its way up and down the parliamentary agenda for months but has not yet been put to a vote. Parliamentary speaker Rebecca Kadaga, infuriated by Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird’s criticism of her country’s gay rights record at a Quebec City conference last year, returned home with a promise to pass the measure as a Christmas gift to Ugandans. But her threat to expedite its passage has not materialized. — Natasha Barsotti For more on these stories, go to dailyxtra.com. XTRA! DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 13
XTRA’S NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR
VLADIMIR PUTIN & HOMOPHOBIA IN RUSSIA While many countries saw progress on gay rights in 2013, Russia has gone backward as it prepares to host the world COVER STORY BY NATASHA BARSOTTI & ROBIN PERELLE
Before Russian President Vladimir Putin signed off this summer on a nationwide law to gag gay “propaganda,” cities such as St Petersburg tested the waters — and got away with it. The barely audible international whisper against Russia’s anti-gay crackdown became a firestorm in June when Putin, seemingly oblivious to the backlash that would erupt, signed the law with the Sochi Olympics in sight. Prohibiting “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations,” the law is ostensibly aimed at protecting children from thoughts or images that might awaken any gay interests or give them the impression that such interests are as acceptable as more traditional forms of attraction. Foreigners flouting the law with gayfriendly gestures face the prospect of 15 days in prison and deportation. Mere months before Sochi’s opening ceremonies, Russia’s increasingly antigay stance provoked outrage, calls for boycotts, and kiss-ins around the world. Putin and his entourage wondered what all the fuss was about. While one Vitaly (sports minister Mutko) told the world to calm down, a second Vitaly (St Petersburg politician Milonov) pooh-poohed reports of violence against gay people as “fake information,” adding that it’s gay people who perpetrate violence against straight people. For his part, Putin insists that he’s 14 DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 XTRA!
Top: Demonstrators cover their faces with masks representing Russian President Vladimir Putin and kiss during a demonstration in front of the Russian embassy in Paris, on Sept 8, 2013. Approximately a dozen gay-rights supporters carried placards and chanted slogans to protest Moscow’s policies on homosexuality. AP PHOTO/JACQUES BRINON
Above, and right: Throughout the year, activists around the world took to the streets to protest Russia’s anti-gay laws and increasing homophobic violence in the country. N MAXWELL LANDER
just protecting the children. But his platitudes are inconsistent with the images emerging from Russia: beaten and bloodied gay activists; gay teachers dismissed from their jobs; gun and gas attacks at a Moscow gay club; bomb threats against the Side by Side LGBT film festival; the rise of the violent “Occupy Pedophilia” group that seems to lure, then torment gay people (or worse). The likelihood of more anti-gay laws
looms, with one bill proposing to remove children from gay parents in Russia. The International Olympic Committee seems content to accept “assurances from the highest authorities in Russia” that their Olympics will be welcoming, regardless of sexual orientation. At least the Nobel Committee refused a Putin nomination for this year’s Peace Prize for his “efforts to maintain peace and tranquility.” OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
2013 AT A GLANCE
In our newsmakers matrix, Xtra looks back on the 12 months of 2013 and their array of queer events — some monumental, some sombre, some strange and some downright despicable. MAGNIFICENT US Supreme Court
Ugandans OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
Xtra
20
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strikes down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
march in second Pride parade
#259 SEPT 12–OCT 9, 2013
Kathleen
Wynne becomes Canada’s first openly gay premier
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Orange Is the New
Lesbians are divided on the reality of sex scenes in Blue Is the Warmest Colour
Black becomes a hit
Gay marriage turns 10 in Canada
Capital Pride regroups after some turmoil, elects new board members
From France to Brazil,
same-sex marriage goes viral After Stonewall is
sold to new owner
Ottawa Wolves get
women’s rugby team Xtra special report on
barebacking goes viral
“Reenergized” Capital Pride parade takes longer route, ends at city hall
Cher releases
FUN
Pakistan becomes the world leader in online gay porn searches
Village is absorbed
by Bank Street BIA
Collins comes out
Jodie Foster sort of comes out at the Oscars
A record number of Ottawa buildings raise flags to recognize Trans Day of Remembrance as one report finds 238 trans people murdered worldwide in 2013
Priape closes all its Canadian stores, except the one in Montreal
Capital Pride chair Sebastien Provost resigns after just weeks on the job
Fab magazine
closes
Parents rally in support of teacher
who used ACT posters to educate students on sexual health
Taxi driver is fined for making homophobic comments to Jeremy Dias
Cher says no to
performing at Sochi because of Russia’s anti-gay law
SERIOUS
a new album NBA player Jason
Canadian Olympic speed skater Anastasia Bucsis comes out
Health Canada replaces gay blood ban with five-year deferral
Carleton University
allows anti-abortion groups
Florida teen,
Conservative MPs warn that porn is a “stealth threat” to families
18, is charged for having a relationship with a 14-year-old girl
REAL Women attacks Gay man
Police
Health Canada bans poppers
detain Mr Rubber at local cruising spot
Liberace film is deemed
too gay for Hollywood studios
Trans rights bill meets with jeers in the House of Commons
John Baird over his support for gay rights
is assaulted in Gatineau cruising area
John Greyson and Tarek Loubani are imprisoned in Egypt for 53 days
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XTRA! DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 15
FROM ANCIENT GREECE TO
SOCHI A gay history of the Olympic Games
COVER STORY JP LAROCQUE
T
here is no room in competitive sport for homosexuals. That was the basic message of Russian legislator Vitaly Milonov in an interview earlier this year. Ardent in his support of his country’s anti-gay laws, he dismissed the International Olympic Committee’s assurances that international athletes and tourists would be exempt from arrest. “The federal law is valid throughout the territory of the Russian Federation and no one has the right to suspend it,” he stated. Meanwhile, Russian athletes were “traditional, normal people with big families,” whereas gay and lesbian athletes were framed as inherently weak because of their sexual preferences. “I just think that if an athlete is normal . . . everything is normal. And if [they are gay], there should be some excuse they come up with — “I’m not running because I’m not a man or a woman.” Milonov’s comments provide fascinating insight into the way in which Russian lawmakers have shaped the conversation on sexuality and gender in their country. Perhaps most interesting, however, is how his statements about sexuality and athleticism reveal an utter lack of awareness about the origins and traditions of the Olympic Games — namely, that from their very inception, the Games have always maintained a strong link to same-sex desire. “Eroticism and sexuality have always been part of athletics, sport and other forms of physical activity, even though some institutions have sought to channel the discipline and exhaustion of 16 DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 XTRA!
sport and physical activity into sexual abstinence,” says Professor Bruce Kidd, of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. “In the ancient world, homosexuality was closely associated with athletics and celebrated as such in poetry, sculpture, vase painting and other representations. The ancient Olympics began as an integral part of the system of power by which male aristocrats garnered a disproportional share of the social surplus for themselves. The cult of
Figure skater John Curry was the first openly gay athlete to win Olympic gold.
homoeroticism was closely bound up with that system of power.” Between 776 BCE to roughly 260 CE, the Games were considered to be the most prestigious event in ancient Greece. Every four years, the sacred site of Olympia was flooded with spectators from the surrounding regions for an event that was a combination of both religious ceremony and pure voyeuristic spectacle. And key to that spectacle was the celebration of the male body, considered to be the physical embodiment of the perfection of the Greek gods. Aristocrats and labourers were brought together under a strict exercise regimen and stripped of their garments. Foot races, discus throwing, boxing and wrestling were just a few of the sports performed in the nude, and while women did participate in the games as athletes and trainers, their competitions were kept separate and were less popular. In fact, many of the surviving depictions of female athletes often have them clothed — suggesting both propriety and an intentional separation from erotic display. While many historians are reluctant to classify the ancient Games as gay in the modern sense of identity and sexual orientation, they do acknowledge that the athletic competition was a reflection of the prevailing attitudes of the time. And in Greek culture, pederasty was common between men of the aristocracy and prepubescent boys. Far more than a mere sex act, this union was seen as a mentorship that had as much to do with an exchange of knowledge as sexual desire and that often ended at the onset of adulthood, when the young men would settle down with female partners and start families.
“Champions were rewarded with lavish cash bonuses, lifetime pensions and generous gifts of merchandise,” Kidd says. “Not infrequently, their victories opened up the doors to successful careers in politics and business.” And, in certain cases, victorious athletes would become objects of sexual desire, profiting from their newfound fame by becoming lovers to the wealthy.
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he ancient Games remained a popular draw until 393 CE, when Christian emperor Theodosius banned all pagan festivals. Aside from a few regional athletic competitions in the centuries that followed, the Games remained mostly dormant until French educator Pierre de Coubertin launched a version of the Games in 1894 that would foreground more modern concepts, such as fair play, bureaucracy and an overall adherence to rules. And in many ways, these modern Games were also a reflection of the predominant cultural anxieties of the time — namely, that men were becoming too feminized as a result of modernity and the Industrial Revolution. With farming communities broken up and fathers separated from their sons, many feared that a lack of male influence in homes
and in schools would lead to a “softening” of Western males. Organized sports were viewed as a means to reestablish the gender binary by separating men and women and reinforcing masculine values. Still, even with this newfound focus on shoring up masculinity, homoeroticism at the Games has continued to prevail in both overt and covert ways. OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
JP LAROCQUE
VIRTUALLY EVERY GAMES HAS PRODUCED POWERFUL HOMOEROTIC IMAGES, ESPECIALLY THE OFFICIAL POSTERS FROM STOCKHOLM 1912 THROUGH TO HELSINKI IN 1952. Above, professor Bruce Kidd, of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, says sex has always been a part of the Olympic Games. Left, posters from Olympic Games in 1912, 1924 and 1952.
“Virtually every [modern] Games has produced powerful homoerotic images, especially the official posters from Stockholm 1912 through to Helsinki in 1952,” Kidd argues. “And of course, sex has always been part of every Games, which is why condoms are now distributed to the athletes in every Village and quickly run out.”
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prior to 1960, historical examples of homosexual Olympians are limited at best, and the stories that do exist are often tragic. Because of the laws in place during much of the 20th century, few athletes were able to be open about their sexuality, and those who did come out often faced harsh punishments or had the truth buried by family and friends. But with the gay rights movement blossoming in the 1960s, more athletes began to feel comfortable about going public. In 1976, English figure skater John Curry became the first openly gay athlete to win Olympic gold. And in 1982, Tom Waddell, a participant in the 1968 Olympic decathlon, founded MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM
the first Gay Games in San Francisco. Over the last 30 years, the number of openly gay athletes has steadily increased. Greg Louganis, David Pichler, Patrick Jeffrey, Mark Tewksbury and Anastasia Bucsis are just a few of the Olympic competitors who have acknowledged their sexuality in the interest of making positive changes to the system. And yet even with gradual progress, gay and lesbian athletes continue to have a hard time finding support — both within the world of sports and even within their own families. “I think being a national or international athlete would certainly add to the difficulties of coming out,” says Marko Gadzic, who participated in both the Outgames and the Gay Games. “However, I never worried too much about letting people know I was gay after I came out. It was all the people I felt like I was going to disappoint by coming out — mainly family and friends.” Athlete Raymond Reid agrees but also feels that the pressure to conform extends well beyond the personal sphere. “In terms of athletes remaining in the closet, it’s definitely a cultural thing in
whatever sport,” he says. “I’m not just talking about the locker-room mentality, but even at the professional levels, it’s a marketability thing — similar to actors who are afraid to take the risk.” And it was this fear of risk that motivated WinterPride CEO Dean Nelson to seek out and create a safe space for gay athletes. Using national pavilions in Olympic Villages as a model, he founded the first Pride House at the Vancouver 2010 Games, which was a huge turning point for many queer Olympians. “The culture prior to and leading up to 2010 was still very much hostile towards LGBT, and I suspect it was in Montreal [at the World Outgames] that the seed was planted for the Pride House concept,” he says. “It was my first experience interacting with LGBT sports, and I realized that some of these athletes . . . could be Olympic hopefuls or Olympians, as in [Tewksbury’s] case.” The first Pride House was an unprecedented success. Over the course of the competition, 20,000 people visited the three Pride venues, and the pavilion was one of the top international news stories to come out of the Games. In 2012, a similar project was launched at the London Games. Professor Kidd sees the institution of Pride Houses as an important strategy to affirm and protect the community. “One of the moving untold stories about the Pride Houses in Vancouver is the number of athletes, coaches and officials who were given refugee status by the Canadian government. “As long as there is so much persecution . . . in many parts of the world, Pride Houses that affirm LGBTIQ among the sports community and the greater public and enable such refugee status are essential.”
W
hich, of course, brings the conversation back to Sochi. With the massive success of the Pride House concept, queer sports organizations like the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association, the Federation of Gay Games and InterPride had expressed an interest in creating support and continuity between international host cities and major athletic events. These conversations laid the groundwork for Pride House International, a coalition of community groups and leaders that was founded in the wake of the Russian government’s rejection of an application to create a Pride House at the Sochi Games. Nelson and WinterPride are a part of the coalition, and they are working closely with Konstantin Yablotskiy and the Russian LGBT Sports Federation to help protect queer athletes and spectators in Russia during the 2014 Games. “We are lobbying the IOC to update their charter to include sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in Article 6 of the Olympic Charter, where it states sports must be free of discrimination of any sort,” he says. Pride House International is also applying pressure on the IOC to update its selection process to ensure that future host destinations embrace full equal human rights in order to avoid a situation like Sochi happening again. Or, as Nelson puts it, “if a destination wants to host the Olympics and sees the value in bringing the Olympic spirit to their nation, they will need to modify their laws to ensure [they are] in line with the Olympic Charter.” In the event that the group is ultimately unsuccessful in getting a Pride
House off the ground in Sochi, the coalition is looking into the possibility of a virtual Pride House, as well as creating additional houses in other countries around the world and spearheading a same-sex hand-holding initiative that would encourage those who attend the Games to hold hands with other people of the same sex. “Keeping up a friendly dialogue with the IOC and other sporting bodies is important. We will collectively continue to lobby, at a local, national and international level, the Olympics and other major sporting bodies to ensure a safe and inclusive space for all athletes is possible.”
M
eanwhile, the Russian LGBT Sports Federation has been organizing a gay-friendly athletic event to be held in their country following the Winter Olympics. Dubbed the Open Games, the competition welcomes athletes of all orientations and will take a more indirect approach to promoting tolerance by placing emphasis on athletics rather than on human rights or politics. “Sport is a universal instrument to solve many different problems,” Yablotskiy recently told The New York Times. “By developing LGBT sport, we can improve the standing of the LGBT community in our country. Our society has a very one-sided image of gays. People don’t understand that anyone could be gay. Your boss could be gay; any good, normal person could be gay.” In contrast to a less direct approach, Kidd sees value in visibility as an extension of personal identity. “I think the campaign within the Olympic movement should focus on . . . individual selfidentification as the basic human right. “Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter may prohibit political demonstrations, [but] wearing a rainbow triangle or carrying a small rainbow flag should not be taken as a ‘political demonstration,’ but simply a statement of self-identification . . . not unlike the act of waving an eagle feather or wearing a crucifix, turban, Métis scarf or hijab — all of which have happened at previous Olympics without incident.” Gadzic is reluctant when it comes to demonstrating on foreign soil. “I would love to compete in Sochi, [but if I did] I would comply with the laws of the land. We can’t expect a country to openly be accepting of gays overnight.” But Reid disagrees. “Laws like this . . . are a reminder that politicians aren’t above sacrificing human rights for political gain. The Russian government doesn’t own the Olympic movement, so I think it would be within the Olympic spirit to still compete.” He pauses. “Doing so openly would be a tremendous benefit in terms of upholding the humanity of the Olympic spirit and fighting homophobia.” XTRA! DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 17
View from the Honey Dew Cruising on Ottawa streets in the 1960s FROM OUR ARCHIVES BLAINE MARCHAND
To celebrate Xtra’s 20 years of publishing to Ottawa’s gay and lesbian community, we’re digging through our archives to reprint a selection of noteworthy stories that highlight our community’s rich history. “View from the Honey Dew” first appeared in Capital Xtra #70, June 25, 1999.
L
OOKING BACK OVER his 57 years, Paul (he doesn’t want his last name revealed) says his upbringing was typical of that of many gay kids — parents who didn’t get along and were often absent. His mother was a party girl who often left him alone at night, so as he hit puberty, his comings and goings were quite unregulated.
This article was originally published in the June 25, 1999, edition of Capital Xtra.
18 DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 XTRA!
Living in Buckingham, Quebec, he went to a Catholic school where he was taught by religious brothers. It was at that school that he had his first sexual encounter, with the choir master, a lay person. “When I look back, religious life at the time was repressed. I was sent home on several occasions from school for wearing short sleeves. It was a puritan time. Those religious men were not allowed to have sex and were surrounded by young boys who were often looking for affection.” Paul also began to work in a store run by a man who was known to be gay. Being young, Paul perceived him as an old, ugly, fat man. The man used his store and its chips and drinks to lure boys. Although he never made sexual advances to Paul, people assumed otherwise. “When you are an effeminate boy — and I was — people seek you out more. I was approached by other men and had sex with them many, many times. I did not take it seriously. It just happened. Looking back to those years, the 1940s and 1950s, men were afraid to live openly gay lives. It was considered dishonourable and brought shame to your family. You were the lowest echelon of low life, but it definitely existed, even if it was largely underground.”
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AUL’S WORLD CHANGED when he came to Ottawa to visit his grandmother. On a whim, he went to the Château Laurier to use its swimming pool. There, with its open changing room and steam room, he saw that there were possibilities for sex between adult men. Shortly afterward Paul moved to Ottawa. He had dropped out of school in Grade 9 at age 14, despite a grade average of 70 percent. He had been told that as he did not have 70 in every subject, he would fail his year. Incensed, he never went back to school but worked at odd jobs. At 16, he decided he had to have a career. As his grandfather and father were barbers and his mother a hairdresser, he chose to follow in their footsteps. “When I came to Ottawa, I intended to be a barber, but there was only a hairdressing school, so I went there. On my first day, I realized my life would no longer be a nightmare. I would never be the odd one. I was like a bird that had learned to fly. In school for nine years, I had been ridiculed, laughed at and called names. “But even though people at the hairdressing school were more open, homosexuality was still an issue. You have to remember that in the 1950s you couldn’t say you were homosexual. Despite what I had seen at the Château, it still hadn’t occurred to me that there was an organized gay world outside. It was when I finished school and began to live on my own that I slowly began to find the sexual meeting places around Ottawa. Suddenly, I realized there was a gay lifestyle.” Paul moved to Hamilton in the early 1960s, and shortly afterward, two men with whom he had gone to hairdressing school joined him there. In order to save money, the three lived together. “Those two men showed me how to become a screaming queen. They taught
me how to dye my hair and pluck my eyebrows. I went to Toronto to Lettros, one of the first gay bars in Toronto. There, the men wore sports jackets and ties. They didn’t dance — just sat at tables. They didn’t cruise much because Toronto was a bath city. After you went to the bars, you went to the steam baths. That’s where the sex happened.”
P
AUL MOVED BACK TO OTTAWA in 1961 and discovered the old Honey Dew Restaurant, on Rideau Street beside Union Station. It offered a front-row seat from which he could look across Rideau Street to the cruising on Mackenzie Avenue. “The Honey Dew — we always went there at night. Its décor was very ’50sish: booths, cafeteria-style, painted orange. It was a place where gay men could socialize. We were young and had no money, but the manager and staff never asked us to leave. I’m not sure why. Maybe it was the ladies in the kitchen who were sympathetic, or maybe it was simply that being on Rideau in the middle of nowhere and at night, they didn’t have much of a clientele and tolerated us. “The restaurant had large windows in the front that looked across to Mackenzie. When we were finished, we went directly across to cruise. We weren’t prostitutes, just young gay men out for adventure and looking for sexual partners. We were queens. It was ‘in’ to be a queen then. At least, it seemed that queens were the only ones you met on the streets — and if one queen saw another all dressed, made up and fixed up, well, you had to do it too. You had to be wild and flamboyant to be noticed by the more masculine guys who drove their cars up and down the street.” Paul says that at that time homosexuals had to be obvious when they cruised
Above, the Rideau Canal was popular for cruising in the 1960s. From Somerset Street to the Pretoria Bridge (shown here), an abundance of greenery and trees allowed men to have furtive sex. Right, in 1961, the Honey Dew Restaurant, on Rideau Street beside Union Station, offered a front-row seat to watch the cruising on Mackenzie Avenue. CITY OF OTTAWA ARCHIVE
at night. They wore makeup, dyed their hair and had tight pants. It was the only way closeted or bisexual men would know you were gay. But Mackenzie was not the only street where cruising took place. Paul says that Bank Street, from Wellington to Somerset, was notorious. A queen would walk up and down Bank Street and the cars would slow down and check her out. There was always the potential for physical abuse. The most sexually active place at the time was along the Rideau Canal, Paul says. From Somerset Street to the PreOTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
toria Bridge, there was an abundance of greenery and trees, which allowed men to have furtive sex. In comparison today, he says, there are hardly any trees. Of course, there were also Major’s Hill Park and Nepean Point.
I
N THE 1960S, MALE HAIRdressers — who were seen as artists — were sought after because as gay men, they had panache and style. They were at the forefront, leading the way for the gay men of today. They went to work in suits and ties but with dyed hair. They were seen as flamboyant and therefore exciting and entertaining, Paul says. “If you were gay then, you had to be strong — either physically or verbally. I was never strong physically. I was French and didn’t know English. I had to learn it. I wasn’t educated. It took several years for me to develop my gay identity. Gradually, I decided to stop wearing makeup, that this was the wrong route to take. As I met different types of people, I realized there were a lot more people than the cruisers with four pounds of makeup and no social life. “I began to understand that a strong personality, a great wit and super looks were the only way to go. You had to be the best looking, the slimmest — all the things that homosexuals revered. There was quite a social life in Ottawa. There were home parties, dating . . . a more active life than just the streets.”
O
TTAWA, AS THE NATION’S capital and as a civil-servant town, was still reeling from the Cold War and confessions of espionage by Russian defector Igor Gouzenko. Those events led to an investigation by the RCMP of gays in the civil service. People, Paul says, were afraid — afraid to get involved, afraid they would be identified. “I was questioned because my name had been given by several RCMP paid informers. The RCMP showed me photos of people, including myself, at house parties, of clients leaving the Rialto on Bank Street, which was the movie theatre where gays went at that time. They wanted me to identify people, but I refused to name anyone. I was told I was a traitor to my country and an enemy of the government, but I wouldn’t budge.” Despite the fear, life went on, albeit quietly. The late 1960s were followed by gay liberation. A large part of Ottawa’s gay history took place in the clubs — Coral Reef and the Chez Henri. Paul says he has never seen dancing like he did at “the Reef,” a large, friendly club.
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The Chez, however, was another story. “The Chez Henri was a shady place and very, very tough. It was owned by a millionaire named JP Maloney. In its heyday, in the ’30s and ’40s, it had been one of the biggest straight bars in the region and drew big-name performers. Upstairs was the show room; downstairs the tavern. The tavern was always a working room for prostitutes. In the 1960s, the Chez was at its lowest point of decline. Maloney was still alive, living as a recluse on the top floor. He didn’t like gays but tolerated them because they were business. Only openly gay men would go to the Chez — to be seen there left no doubt about your sexuality.” At first, gay men were allowed only in the tavern, which was open seven days a week. There were often brawls between straight and gay men in the tavern. Later, Paul notes, gay men were allowed into the Salon d’Or, a lounge with a stage in the middle and tables on either side. For some unknown reason, gay men sat on the left side of the stage and the straight men on the right. If you were downstairs in the tavern, you could wear jeans, but if you went to the Salon d’Or you had to wear a shirt and tie. “It seems to me that gay men didn’t go for gay men at that time. Many gays spent a good deal of their time in the cans to have those gorgeous heterosexual men. I think in the ’50s and early ’60s, women didn’t perform oral sex and gay men did.” “The biggest change came in the 1980s, when homosexuality became the newest wave. There were many bisexual men who came out into gay life and many straight men looking for a good time. They had no fear of getting a woman pregnant and they didn’t have to spend money on gay men as they did on women. It was the very best time for homosexuals, but the worst time followed the discovery of AIDS. Gay men went back 50 years in shame after AIDS arrived.”
L
OOKING BACK, PAUL SAYS the biggest misconception in gay history has been the role of the bars. In previous decades, bars played an important role and were places to socialize. When men went out, they went from table to table, introducing themselves. When men asked men to dance, they didn’t say no. “We had a great social time. Now, when people come into the bars, they come in alone, stand alone and drink alone. Then they go to the baths or get onto the internet. There’s nothing less social than spending your time with people you don’t know or can’t see.” XTRA! DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 19
Holiday
SHOPPING GUIDE Som of our Some favourite offerings favour under the tree for und TAYLOR PARSONS TAY
Nordik Spa Källa pool A new feature at the spa, this five-metre-deep saltwater pool dug into rock lets clients relax and experience weightlessness. Various packages available. $130–500. Nordik Spa-Nature, 16 Chemin Nordik, Chelsea, Quebec. lenordik.com
Leg-lamp night-light The Christmas Story classic is smaller than ever and can now be plugged into your wall. $15. retrofestive.ca
Blue Is the Warmest st Colour The film may have won the Palme d’Or this year at Cannes, but it’s the graphic novel it’s based sed on that best wo young French illustrates this love story between two women. $20. Venus Envy, 320 Lisgar St. venusenvy.ca
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OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
Skyn condoms Made from a natural rubber latex called polyisoprene, these condoms are super thin, durable and soft. $13. Shoppers Drug Mart stores. shoppersdrugmart.ca
Strip Canadian author Andrew Binks’s second novel is a wild tale of a stripper’s salacious journey through various dance troupes. $21.95. After Stonewall, 370 Bank St. afterstonewallgallery.com
Stronic Zwei New this year, this curvy vibrator’s specialty is G-spot and P-spot play, with 10 stimulation rhythms. $200. Venus Envy, 320 Lisgar St. venusenvy.ca
The C-string For the exhibitionist. You’ve seen the G-string; now meet the C-string. Never worry about a tan line again with Xtremen’s cover-up solution. $17. onyourbod.com
Purple Urchin apple cider soap ap Treat your body to this ultrahydrating, handmade, all-natural ural soap. $6 bar, $12 liquid. Purple Urchin, 884 Somerset St W. purpleurchinsoap.com
2014 Orthodox Calendar Get down on your knees and pray for your sins with this homoerotic wall calendar featuring naughty priests and bible humpers. $22 censored, $41 uncensored. orthodox-calendar.com
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XTRA! DEC C 12 112, 2, 2 2013–JAN 013–JAN 15, 2014 21
HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE
Fresh Richie man wipes Always stay fresh, no matter where you go. These fragrance-free wipes are discreet, flushable and fit easily in your wallet. $10. freshrichie.com
Andrew Christian’s Werqin undies Ideal for showing off your “assets,” this little pair’s Show-It Tech features a horseshoeshaped inner cup in the crotch pouch for extra lift. $24.93. andrewchristian.com
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Magic Stick iPhone pocket charger Never miss a call or sext again. This charger fits in your pocket and powers up to two full charges for your smartphone. $35. powerocks.ca
OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
Making Love in a Canoe The most Canadian thing in musical theatre this year is Kyle Golemba and Adam White’s new album, featuring 12 songs from their hit cabaret. Download for $10, CD for $15. cdbaby.com or iTunes
Fame, by Lady Gaga This holiday season, don’t be a drag — be a queen, with Lady Gaga’s apricot- and orchidscented unisex perfume. $59. The Bay. thebay.com
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XTRA! DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 23
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DeSerres snowman lights Shine bright this holiday season with this festive twist on traditional holiday lights, perfect for dressing up tables, windows and balconies. $19.99. deserres.ca
I Heart My Penis hand sanitizer For use before or after a good wank. Non-lubricated formula won’t leave hands or tools sticky. Also available in “Was that slutty?” $4. Stroked Ego, 224 Bank St. strokedego.ca
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Bridgehead vacuum tumbler This sleek tumbler is leak-proof, so no need to worry about spills. It’s easy to clean and comes in three colours. $26. Bridgehead Roastery, 130 Anderson St. bridgehead.ca
Behind the Candelabra DVD & Blu-ray The year’s gaudiest film is now available for home viewing. Tony Palmer’s The World of Liberace doc ($20) makes a great companion piece. $17. HMV stores. hmv.ca
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OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
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Keep a Fire With her latest album, Ottawa singer/ songwriter Amanda Rheaume pays homage to her family’s rich cultural heritage, including a great-greatgrandfather who was the founding father of Manitoba. $9.90. iTunes
überlube A long-lasting, multipurpose lubricant. Great for eliminating athletic chafing and protecting your hair from chlorine in the pool. It’s also great for sex, duh. $18. uberlube.com
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Green & Black’s organic and fair trade chocolates always make great stocking stuffers; new this year are sea salt and burnt toffee flavours. $4. Bulk Barn stores. bulkbarn.ca
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OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
Out in the City
I’d rather make people’s tongues wag than have them ignore my work. Danniel Oickle E 30
EJ Scott, who plays Maria in The Sound of Music, took to Parliament Hill recently to promote the show.
The Sound of Music comes to Ottawa Staging the classic musical is a ‘pretty bold statement,’ director says THEATRE CHRIS DUPUIS
Staging The Sound of Music can be an intimidating prospect. The story of a wayward nun teaching seven children to sing and finding herself in the process has become synonymous with Dame Julie Andrews and her incomparable vocal range. It’s a pop-cultural touchstone of such immense proportion you’d be hard-pressed to find an audience member who hasn’t seen it multiple times. But for Joey Tremblay, director of the current NAC production, all the preconceptions and associations the public will bring to the show are actually an advantage. “We have a great opportunity to present a familiar narrative in a completely different light,” he says. “The way the story unfolds in the script is actually quite different from the screen version, which is what most people will be familiar with. As a company we’ve largely approached the show as if it’s a new work, though obviously, there MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM
are occasional winks to the film. But it can’t be is one of his earliest cinematic memories. His a paint-by-numbers process. We’ve had to find parents took him to see it when he was a child at what’s relevant about this script in 2013.” the part-time cinema that operated out of the local Based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp (a legion hall in small-town Saskatchewan. postulant who left religious life to tutor a widowed “I remember being totally blown away,” he says. naval commander’s children and ultimately marry “Because I was raised Catholic, one thing that him), the show premiered on Broadway in 1959, really stood out was the ending, where the nuns marking the end of an era in the sabotage the Nazi vehicles so the process. It was legendary musicalfamily can escape. I couldn’t believe THE SOUND OF MUSIC theatre duo Rodgers and Hamthat nuns would be that devious Runs until Sat, Jan 4 National Arts Centre merstein’s final collaboration; the and rebellious.” 53 Elgin St latter died of cancer nine months Tremblay sees that rebellious nac-can.ca after the premiere. spirit as a big part of what makes the “They were really the masters of work current and relevant. For him, musical theatre, and this show was their peak as Maria’s story isn’t simply a sappy celebration of the creators,” Tremblay says. “Each song has its own power of song to change lives; it’s a tale of staunch distinct style, as if they were spanning the entire resistance against societal pressures. genre. They were really pushing the form of musi“At the beginning, Maria feels like she’s oblical theatre all out. Even if you know the songs, they gated to take the path of being a nun. But weirdly can constantly land as fresh and revolutionary.” enough, it’s actually the Mother Superior of her Tremblay has never seen a production of the abbey who tells her she needs to follow her heart,” show (which he’s thankful for), though the film he says. “Deciding to stage this piece now is a
The way the story unfolds in the script is actually quite different from the screen version, which is what most people will be familiar with. JOEY TREMBLAY, DIRECTOR
similar act of resistance. It’s a very romantic show with these beautiful ideas of love, joy and being true to yourself — all those things we like to shit on in our current age of irony. To set aside all that cynicism and actually do this piece sincerely is a pretty bold statement.” XTRA! DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 29
Love as a battlefield Danniel Oickle goes to war with his latest project MUSIC CHRIS DUPUIS
Danniel Oickle is the first to admit his work is not for everyone. The Bytown multidisciplinary artist’s near constant output of music, poetry and visual art has fans and detractors in equal numbers. But if the blistering commentary that tends to follow him wherever he goes has any effect, you’d never know it by talking to him. “I’d rather make people’s tongues wag than have them ignore my work,” he says. “Years ago, I was upset about some
backlash I was getting and called my brother. He congratulated me, saying I was finally important enough for people to hate.” Like much of his work, Oickle’s current album, Blitzkrieg!, is a mélange of styles, blending dance-pop, industrial, blues and doo-wop. The project had its beginnings two years ago while he was touring with The Corruption of Flesh. Stumbling on the sheet music for a song he’d written at 17 called “To My Love,” he began playing around on the piano. “It was like discovering an old Polaroid or extra money in your
jeans’ pocket,” he says. “Suddenly, memories of youthful love, onenight stands and broken hearts flooded back.” The track became his encore number at live shows and the starting point for the new disc. Love is an ever-present theme in Oickle’s work; nearly every interview question brings some mention of his husband. But despite being happily hitched, he has no interest in cheery ballads. The album’s title isn’t just a reference to the musical time period he’s dabbling in; it’s an assertion that “love is an act of war.” “In the queer community, the right to love is its own battle,” he says. “Our love isn’t just an interpersonal act of DANNIEL OICKLE Blitzkrieg! war, but a declaration $15 against the homogenous hetero-sexist ideals of love. By simply loving each other in our own personal ways, we are waging silent war against cultural expectations.” Danniel Oickle’s Blitzkrieg! is a blend of dance-pop, industrial, blues and doo-wop. BONNIE FINDLEY
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WHAT'S ON
dancing to music by DJ Kitty Funkalicious. Every Saturday, 10pm– 2:30am. The Lookout, 41 York St. No cover. thelookoutbar.com
Oh My Jam — Babylon Nightclub, Sat, Dec 21
Majesty Monday Sapphire Champagne presents a queer club night, with weekly drag shows and a variety of DJs. Every Monday, 10pm–2:30am. Mansion Nightclub, 400A Dalhousie St. No cover. mansionnightclub.ca
FOR MORE EVENT LISTINGS, GO TO DAILYXTRA.COM
ART & LITERATURE The Hard Cover Book Club Men are invited to gather and discuss My Queer War and Coming Out Under Fire, Thurs, Dec 19, 6pm; and What Love Means to You People, Thurs, Jan 16, 6pm. Gay Zone, Centretown CHC, 420 Cooper St. Free. gayzonegaie.ca
Rainbow Snowflakes Open Art Studio Artists of all skill levels are invited to drop in and work on crafts, zines, buttons and more. For more information, contact bhood@ familyservicesottawa.org. Sat, Dec 28, 9am–4pm. Family Services Ottawa, 312 Parkdale Ave. Free. familyservicesottawa.org
Filthy Dirty Art Show The opening night of Venus Envy’s first art show at the new location is full of erotic, sensual and totally raunchy pieces. Special guest Robbie Lariviere will be painting live all night. Sun, Jan 5, 7–9pm. Venus Envy, 226 Bank St. Free. venusenvy.ca
HEALTH & SUPPORT The Living Room HIV-positive people and their loved ones are welcome to
access many resources, including a food bank, laundry facilities, internet, counselling and workshops. Contact The Living Room for an appointment. AIDS Committee of Ottawa, 251 Bank St, 7th Floor. Free. aco-cso.ca
We Love 2 Hump Midweek is the best time to hump. Ginette Bobo performs in drag, and DJ Martin spins electro, house and hip-hop mashups. Every Wednesday, 5–10pm. Mercury Lounge, 56 Byward Market Sq. mercurylounge.com
Addictions Treatment The LESA (Lifestyle Enrichment for Senior Adults) program provides resources for people 55 and older experiencing problems with alcohol, medications, drugs and gambling. For an appointment, call 613-2335430. Centretown CHC, 420 Cooper St. Free. centretownchc.org
Men’s Yoga at GayZone This class is suited to both beginners and experienced practitioners. Every Thursday, 5:15–6:45pm. Gay Zone, Centretown CHC, 420 Cooper St. Free. gayzonegaie.ca
BiAmore Bisexual, polyamorous and bicurious people gather for activities and discussion related to achieving healthy relationships. Takes place the first Thursday and third Monday of each month. Mon, Dec 16, 7–9pm and Thurs, Jan 2, 7–9pm. PTS, 331 Cooper St. Free. ptsottawa.org
Spectrum This Youth Services Bureau program offers queer and questioning youth aged 12–25 a safe space to socialize, discuss sexuality, participate in workshops,
Oh My Jam: Drop Low Edition
receive counselling and more. Every Tuesday, 7–9pm. YSB, 147 Besserer St. Free. ysb.ca
everyday life. Thurs, Dec 19, 8pm. Pressed, 750 Gladstone Ave. Free. pressed-ottawa.com
Pink Triangle Youth Drop-In
LGBT Square Dancing
A peer-led discussion and support group for queer and curious youth aged 25 and under. Every Wednesday, 7–9pm. PTS, 331 Cooper St. Free. ptsottawa.org
The Men’s Group A peer-led support and social group for men of all ages, ethnicities, abilities and orientations. Takes place the first Tuesday and third Thursday of each month. Thurs, Dec 19, 7–9pm; Tues, Jan 7, 7–9pm; and Thurs, Jan 16, 7–9pm. PTS, 331 Cooper St. Free. ptsottawa.org
LEISURE & PLEASURE Rideau Speedeaus Everyone is welcome on the Rideau Speedeaus swim team. Every Wednesday and Friday, 6–7pm, and Sunday, noon–1pm. Ottawa U Pool, Montpetit Hall, 123 University Pvt. To inquire about the Learn to Swim program, contact lts@rideauspeedeaus.com. rideauspeedeaus.com
Jamie Anderson Concert The lesbian singer/songwriter/comic celebrates the release of her 10th album, Dare. Sun, Dec 15, 3:30– 5:30pm. Rasputin’s Café, Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill Ave. $10. jamieanderson.com
The Ottawa Date Squares hold a two-day introduction to square dancing. For more info, contact squaredanceottawa@pobox.com. Sun, Jan 5 and Sun, Jan 12, 2–5pm. 1238 Parkway Dr. Free. iagsdc.com/ottawa
Seniors’ Night Out Queer people 50 and older and their loved ones are invited to enjoy one another’s company over refreshments and card and board games. For more info, contact ospn. rfao@gmail.com. Wed, Jan 8, 7pm. Novotel Hotel, Heritage Room, 33 Nicholas St. Free. ospn-rfao.ca
Ottawa Gay Men’s Chorus Recruitment An open rehearsal for anyone considering joining. No audition on is or will required, but the music director ive want to talk to each prospective member. Every Wednesday in January (except Jan 1), 7–9:30pm. 0pm. et St St John’s Church, 154 Somerset W. Free. cgogmc.ca
Seniors’ Bowling Queer people 50 years and older der and their allies are invited out to nfo, bowl a few frames. For more info, m. contact georgeis@rogers.com. Takes place the second and fourth ourth Monday of each month. Mon, Jan 13, 205 6:30pm. West Park Bowling, 1205 ree Wellington St. $3 per game; free shoe rental. ospn-rfao.ca
Holiday Potluck Pink Triangle Services invites people to bring food, friends, family and maybe a musical instrument to this annual event. Wed, Dec 18, 6–9pm. PTS, 331 Cooper St, Ste 200. Free. ptsottawa.org
TQZF Winter Survival Tour Jamie Anderson — Rasputin’s Café, Sun, Dec 15
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The Toronto Queer Zine Fair visits Ottawa for an evening of readings on the theme of survival — from surviving winter to surviving
NIGHTLIFE Thursdays Are a Drag Zelda Marshall hosts a night of drag — kings and queens — and nd rms burlesque. Alyna Moore performs and DJ Bill spins progressive house. Every Thursday: music from 9:30pm–2am, drag from 10:30pm– 0pm– midnight. Swizzles, 246B Queen en St. St No cover. swizzles.ca
Thirsty Boy Thursday The hour before midnight at this weekly top-40 dance party is “pump hour,” when drinks are $4. Every Thursday, 10pm–2am. The Lookout, 41 York St. No cover. thelookoutbar.com
Friday Fixxx One of the most popular ladies’ nights around, featuring DJ Isabelle Bechamp. Pre-Fixxx drag-king show, 9–11pm; dancing from 10pm on. Every Friday, 9pm–2am. The Lookout, 41 York St. No cover before 9pm. thelookoutbar.com
Sassy Saturday Night Drag The stage is festooned with feather boas, glitter and drama, with two shows nightly and a rotating lineup of drag queens, followed by
’Tis the season for sweating and grinding to hip hop, dancehall and R&B from DJs NDN, D-Luxx Brown and House of Monroe. Partial proceeds go to POWER. Sat, Dec 21, 10pm–2am. Babylon Nightclub, 317 Bank St. $7 advance, $10 door. thequeermafia.com
SEX & BURLESQUE BDSM Discussion Group and Board Games Night Kinky folk gather to relate experiences and play some games. Sat, Dec 14, 7–8pm and Mon, Jan 6, 7–9pm. PTS, 331 Cooper St. Free. ptsottawa.org
Birthaversary Extravaganza The first anniversary of the Great Canadian Tease Burlesque Brunch features performers Capital Tease, Ruby Devine and Lana Lovecakes. Takes place the third Sunday of each month. Sun, S Dec 15, noon– 3pm. Maxwel Maxwell’s Bistro, 340 Elgin St. $20. maxwellsbistro.com maxwell
Whip It Good: Go A Guide to Power Pla Play and Kink BDSM beginners beginn enjoy a workshop focused on su subjects like safe words, negotiating boundaries, bo percussion and using household hou items in kinky ways. All gend genders and orientations welcome. Tues, Tue Jan 14, 6:30– 8:30pm. Venu Venus Envy, 226 Bank St. $20, $10 sliding slidin scale. venusenvy.ca
GeeKISSe IV: GeeKISSexy Shiny Noo Noobs Randy geeks grab their pangalactic gargle garg blasters and head out for a night nig of burlesque. Features pe performances by Sassy Muffin, Bessie Bess Mae Mucho and Alexander M Mansfield. Fri, Jan 17, 8–11pm. Zap Zaphod Beeblebrox, 27 York St. $12 $ advance, $15 door. zaphods.ca Hard Cover Book Club — Centretown CHC, Thurs, Jan 16
Submit your event listing to ottawalistings ottawalistings@dailyxtra.com. Deadline for the Jan 16–Feb 12 issue is Wed, Jan 8. XTRA! DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 31
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OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
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ZARA ANSAR
Auntie Loo’s grand opening
RYB Denim event at Tall Tree Cycles
Auntie Loo’s Treats has moved from Bronson to a gigantic new space on Nelson Street. The grand opening had vegan tattoos, tons of tasty vegan desserts and smiles all around. 1E The Champagnes greet customers at Auntie Loo’s parking lot. 2EMandi Loo, cute as a button with her delicious cupcake! 3E Edith Chartier serves up some cupcakes.
RYB Denim, created by Chandel Bodner, features jeans for women cyclists that breathe and stretch during a ride and are flattering both on and off the bike. 7E Erica Watson tests out some RYB Denim. 8E Chandel Bodner, founder and designer of RYB Denim.
Picturama Picturama, a photography show at the Fall Down Gallery, was presented by The Civil Servants. 4E Randy William Hogg poses in front of a wall of photos at Fall Down Gallery. 5E Robbie Lariviere holds up a photo he took for Picturama. 6E Andrea Flewelling helps out at Picturama.
Nature Nocturne: The Holiday Assembly November’s Nature Nocturne at the Museum of Nature included a night market called The Holiday Assembly, presented by Spins and Needles. The interactive night featured underground DJ sounds, art installations, workshops and beautiful, unique gifts for all ages. 9E Sara Pishva, of Top Shelf Preserves, shows off her pickled beets. 10E Gypsy and Co’s necklace display. 11E Jay Garlough (left) and Kat Siks with their stuffed squirrel.
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5 11 8 10
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XTRA! DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 33
A world of gay adventure
Travel
Cancun & the Mayan Riviera A paradise of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters TROY PETENBRINK
For many people, mentioning Cancun evokes MTV’s spring-break specials, with hordes of drunken college kids partying as if the world were going to end. While Cancun remains a popular destination for spring breakers, its appeal has broadened as visitors have discovered it offers much more than just wet T-shirt contests and creative drinking games. Part of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, on the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun is also the northern anchor of a 130-kilometre stretch of breathtaking coastline known as the Mayan Riviera. The name comes from the Mayan empire, which once occupied Cancun and the surrounding area. It thrived for thousands of years until Spanish colonization in the 15th century, after which the region entered a period of turmoil and decline. The rebirth of Cancun began in the 1970s, when the area was mostly overgrown jungle and barren sand dunes. Government tourism officials had visions of transforming the region, with its beautiful white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, into a tourism mecca. Millions of dollars were invested, and now, following extensive development, the region is responsible for approximately a third of Mexico’s total tourism income. 34 DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 XTRA!
The desire for tourism, coupled with a strong focus on hospitality, makes the region a welcoming destination for everyone — there is widespread tolerance and acceptance of LGBT people in Cancun and throughout the Mayan Riviera. Bolstering the region’s stance as an LGBT-friendly destination is a federal law that banned discrimination based on sexual orientation in 2003, with Quintana Roo also becoming the second state in Mexico to officially recognize same-sex marriages, in May 2012. Security isn’t an issue, as, unlike many parts of Mexico that have struggled with violence and high crime rates, primarily linked to drug cartels, Cancun and the Mayan Riviera have remained some of the safest parts of the country. The two most difficult decisions to make on any trip to Quintana Roo — beyond which bathing suits to pack — are choosing where to stay and what to do. As Cancun was the first location to be transformed under the government’s tourism plan, it’s the most developed city in the region and has the largest concentration of hotels. Its many grand, high-rise hotels are concentrated in the Hotel Zone, a 27-kilometre strip of land bordered by the Caribbean Sea on the east and the Nichupte Lagoon on the west. Almost all the hotels provide direct beach access, and five-star ratings abound, including such luxury proper-
JASON DECAIRES TAYLOR
Above, Cancun Underwater Museum features a series of sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor, off the coast of Cancun and Isla Mujeres. Right, shade umbrellas on the beach in Cancun.
ties as the Ritz-Carlton Cancun and the JW Marriott Cancun Spa and Resort. There are still some budget properties to be found in the Hotel Zone, but they’re in the minority, with most located in downtown Cancun, far from the beach. Located at the southern end of the Mayan Riviera, Playa del Carmen has become almost as popular as Cancun in recent years. There has, however, been an ongoing effort to prevent overdevelopment. Also, unlike Cancun, where visitors rarely stray from the Ho-
tel Zone, Playa’s tourists can be found staying in charming boutique properties in its downtown area, as well as in the larger resort properties on the outskirts of the city. If you seek calm, secluded accommodations, Isla Mujeres — the Island of Women — is located just eight miles from Cancun, across the Bay of Women. Eight kilometres long and just under a kilometre wide, the island’s accommodations range from small resorts, such as Isla Mujeres Palace, to charming OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
BRUNO GIRIN
SAFA IN LA
Above, an aerial view of Cancun. Top right, ruins at Tulum on the Mayan Riviera. Right, traditional Mexican souvenirs.
MANFRED WINSLOW
ANDREW HITCHCOCK
MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM
inns, like the gay-owned Casa Sirena. There is regular ferry service to Cancun that allows for daytime excursions, but service stops at midnight, so it’s not ideal for late-night revellers — in keeping with the quiet, relaxing nature of the island. Tulum, located south of Playa, is home to a few large resorts, but its properties are typically small, hip, eco-friendly hotels that operate using alternative-energy sources. Similarly, Puerto Morelos, located between Playa and Cancun, provides a more laid-back scene and intimate properties. Regardless of where you stay in Cancun or the Mayan Riviera, it’s easy to explore and take advantage of the entire region’s diverse offerings. With the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Mesoamerican Reef, the Mayan Riviera boasts some of the best snorkelling in the world across the entire Quintana Roo shoreline. The waters around Isla Mujeres and the island of Cozumel near Playa are also a haven for scuba divers.
Garrafon, Xplor, Xcaret and Xel-Ha are large ecological parks that offer activities such as zip lining, rafting and tours of underground rivers. Most of the eco parks and some tour operators also specialize in dolphin-swimming programs. One of the main reasons to visit the Mayan Riviera, though, is for the Mayans themselves. Stunning ruins of the ancient Mayan cities that once dominated the region make for magical tours. Chichen Itza, a World Heritage Site and one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World,” is located about two hours west of Cancun. Coba, another large, ancient Mayan city, is located about two hours west of Playa. For extra drama, the ruins of ancient Tulum sit on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. With its spring-break roots, it should come as no surprise that Cancun also offers world-class nightlife. Large clubs like CoCo Bongo, Dady’O and Señor Frog’s bring people of all backgrounds together for outstanding music and light shows. Although not as large as those
in Cancun, the nightlife spots in Playa, such as the lounge in Hotel Deseo and Tequila Barrel, can be a great night out. Cancun and Playa also have clubs that cater to LGBT guests. In Cancun, the gay clubs are Karamba, Sexy’s and 11:11, located within walking distance of each other along Tulum Avenue in downtown. The main gay club in Playa is the beachside Playa 69. It is important to keep in mind that gay clubs typically draw their crowds on the weekends, after midnight. Whatever your reason for visiting Cancun or one of the many places along the beautiful Mayan Riviera, you can be sure of a memorable vacation. Whether for historic sightseeing, beachside relaxation, world-class snorkelling or even spring-break debauchery, the state of Quintana Roo beckons.
On the web Cancun Visitors & Convention Bureau cancun.travel Tulum tulum.com XTRA! DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 35
A world of gay adventure
Travel
Puerto Vallarta Enjoy beaches and gay nightlife, but beware of the chupacabra STEVEN BEREZNAI
“The guys who checked in today both came single last year,” says Logan Miller, chief concierge at the gay boutique hotel Casa Cupula in Puerto Vallarta. “They met at one of our cocktail parties, and long story short, they’re back this year celebrating their one-year anniversary with sailing tours, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries.” True love is alive and well in Mexico’s de facto gay capital, but Puerto Vallarta’s not just for husband hunting (though I have it on good authority that one can easily make new friends while bobbing in the waves at the gay beach just four blocks from Casa Cupula. It’s a $3 cab ride, though most people prefer to “walk off” their meals). Like everyone I’ve spoken to who’s made “Puerto Gayarta” home, Miller raves about PV. “This is a year-round, full-service beach. You don’t have to sneak around with a cooler, and there’s no other tropical gay beach destination in North America.” While Miller’s sassy enthusiasm makes him the Laverne of Casa Cupula (he’s the one who named their diet margarita The Skinny Bitch), the hotel’s owner, Donald Pickens, is the pragmatic Shirley. He opened the hotel as a five-room guesthouse in 2002. Over the years he’s added three more buildings, for a total of 21 rooms. Pickens came to PV from the US to “chill” after the company he was working for “put me out to pasture . . . after the tech market crashed. I decided to buy and renovate.” He’s become passionately enmeshed in the community and the country. He points out that gains in gay rights in Mexico, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and adoption in Mexico City, are built on constitutional reforms instituted back in 1917, following the Mexican Revolution. “Mexico was so Catholic, and the church was so powerful [and often corrupt],” he says, “they separated church and state.” The reforms include 36 DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 XTRA!
his Gay Vallarta Bar-Hopping Tour. He originally came to PV for two weeks, fell in love with the city and “told my mom send me all my clothes. That was seven and a half years ago.” Dinner, drinks and shots are all included for $75–125 (depends on the night, the itinerary and the number/types of drinks/shots in the program). The tour starts with dinner at a restaurant so people can get to know each other (“I see those people hanging out with each other for the rest of their trip,” Serrano says), and on a typical night this is followed by three bars, one stripper bar and two nightclubs. “There’s never a cover charge; you never wait in line, and it can normally be an hour wait in high season” to get into a club. On some occasions, Serrano will also have special hosts, like a stripper at each location or a pornstar or drag sensation, possibly Canadian treasure Miss Conception, who’s known to spend her winters in PV. My favourite stops include the funky Reinas bar, with its kitschy makeup station and walls adorned with wigs, funky sunglasses and lady hats where you can “completely drag out.” My number-two choice is strip bar Wet, where two of Serrano’s “very cute” clients once got into the shower stall and put on a naked show of their own.
Where to escape
No one knows the PV gay scene better than Christian Serrano, whose bar-hopping tours feature strippers and drag queens. PUERTO VALLARTA TOURISM BOARD
anti-clerical articles and a prohibition against creating a list of banned books. That provided the legal foundation for today’s gains, but socially, Puerto Vallarta’s uniquely gay identity heralds back to a Tinsel Town scandal. “Puerto Vallarta got on the American map in the 1960s when Elizabeth Taylor came with Richard Burton [when he was filming Night of the Iguana], and they brought the Hollywood magic with them,” Pickens explains. They’d already caught the world’s imagination, starting an affair on the set of Cleopatra, both of them married — and not to each other. They later bought a villa in PV and would bring their entourages to the city. Taylor, especially, was “friends with a number of gay people in Hollywood — Montgomery Cliff, Rock Hudson.” And so PV got a huge boost as a tourist and gay destination. “Puerto Vallarta used to be called the San Fran of Mexico, because if you were gay in Mexico you could come here to be out . . . Now the city’s coming out with a marketing campaign that’s beyond gay-friendly,” Pickens says. The city celebrated its first Pride and a new Flower Festival in May of 2013, both efforts to extend the tourist season beyond its November–April window.
I confess that when I first arrived in the city in early May, I found myself wondering about the timing of the trip. After all, the weather in Toronto was finally warming up, so was this really the time for a tropical destination? As I collapsed into bed at midnight, having just arrived at the CasaMagna Marriott from the airport, I found my ears teased by a strange sound. I popped out of bed with a huge grin. It was the ocean. I rushed to the balcony, threw open the curtains and stared out at the waves, listening to them crash over the sand. Any doubts I had about the timing of my trip evaporated. This was way better than Canada in May.
Where to stay For those looking for a boutique experience with a gay flair, Casa Cupula is the obvious choice. “Every room is different,” Pickens says. “It was a pain in the ass, but it was worth it. It looks beautiful.” Where some places distinguish between ocean or non-ocean rooms, Cupula’s guests can get fussy over whether they are in the “the Orange Room or the Black and White Room . . . Here, there’s a lot more detail.” That includes adapting to the gay clock. “Everyone likes to go out late at night.
We don’t have an early end to breakfast. Technically, it’s at 11:30am, but if you roll out of bed at noon and want eggs, we’ll make you eggs.” If you’re looking for a resort experience and don’t mind being a taxi ride out of town (and from the gay bars), the CasaMagna Marriott provides a lovely stay right on the beach, with a great buffet breakfast, helpful staff, huge pool with swim-up bar and a turtle sanctuary.
Where to eat To get a lay of the gustatory land, I recommend taking advantage of Vallarta Food Tours. With eight different stops, you will get an authentic PV experience, from Mole Rosa (mole is an Aztec word that means to grind and mix), to the best taco stands in the city. (Hint: if a taco stand offers more than two types of meat, move on. The best ones have only one or two options, they cook it fresh, and when it runs out, they shut down for the day. Recipes are often handed down from generation to generation.)
Where to drink A full belly needs a wet palate, and nobody knows Puerto Vallarta’s hopping gay bar scene like Christian Serrano and
If you want to get away from the beach (but not the booze), take a drive into the mountains to enjoy the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. A haven for indigenous orchids (they have dozens of species), this former cattle ranch was converted seven years ago into a botanical retreat. You can stick to the gardens or follow the old cow trails into the forests of the surrounding conservation area, down into a valley with a river full of swimming holes. (“No crocodiles,” I’m assured.) Bring a swimsuit and towel. There are five trails, each taking 40 to 80 minutes to traverse. Stay for a delicious meal, and for a margarita with an extra kick, order a chupacabra, which is made with tequila and raicilla. What’s raicilla? My guide laughs: “It’s basically moonshine” and is local to PV, so you won’t find it in other parts of Mexico. The chupacabra is delicious and has me tipsy after only a few sips. For web links to places of interest, read this story online at dailyxtratravel.com. For the most up-to-date travel information on gay Puerto Vallarta, see our city, listings, events and activities guides at dailyxtratravel.com.
On the web More on gay Puerto Vallarta visitpuertovallarta.com/services/gay-pv Bar-hopping gayvallartabarhopping.com Food tours vallartafoodtours.com
OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
French Philly Viewing the city of Philadelphia through a Parisian art filter PHIL VILLENEUVE
One of the best things about Philadelphia is that it’s a city that can be approached from many different angles. Whether it be a gay party weekend, a historical discovery week or the ultimate art tour, Philly has a lot to offer. Though all approaches are entertaining in their own way, we highly recommend the latter, since the city’s art scene, with its solid base of museums, galleries and citywide art projects, is thriving. Whether it’s because of its proximity to New York ( just one hour and 11 minutes on the Amtrac train), the cheap rents or the Percent for Art program (which they take very seriously), Philly’s art world is bursting at the seams — literally. The city is home to one of the largest collections of outdoor art in North America, and its core is known as the Museum without Walls. It’s hard to know where to begin, there’s so much going on. Start by visiting a variety of artsy venues, including the Fabric Workshop and Museum, a super-cool contemporary factory building filled with textiles you never imagined possible; the Mummers Museum (its New Year’s Day Mummers parade and party is the oldest in the US); the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, which features a Kaws exhibit until August 2014; and the creepy Mütter Museum, which puts medical history and all its mishaps on display. At this point you might want to narrow your focus; we recommend giving a French twist to the rest of your séjour. Start by booking a room at the luxurious Sofitel. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, it’s close to everything, and its cuisine and décor have an authentic Parisian vibe. Once you’ve relaxed with some champagne in the lounge, head to Zinc for dinner. This French bistro is named for the stunning zinc bar that was imported from France and takes centre stage in the adorable resto. It’s easy to loose oneself in the ambiance (and the escargot shells) when dining here. The next day, go directly to the Museum of Modern Art. (Be sure to walk; Philly’s parks, fountains, outdoor art, murals and gardens make a stroll to the museum an adventure in itself.) You can’t miss the palatial building, as the front steps were once climbed by MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM
MY
Montreal
COLONIAL BATHS From favourite events to hidden gems off the beaten path, My Montreal gets the inside scoop from locals on what not to miss when visiting the city. In this installment, we asked author and activist Ryan Conrad to name a favourite city haunt. “Bain Colonial [3963 Ave Coloniale] is one of Montreal’s oldest saunas and sits on a quiet residential corner in Plateau
Top, the Fernand Léger exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Above, a Jerry Seinfeld textile created at the Fabric Workshop and Museum. Above right, a wall of strategically placed clutter in the Barnes collection. PHIL VILLENEUVE
Rocky in his big movie debut, which you might have seen. If you get to the city before Jan 5, do not miss the interdisciplinary Léger: Modern Art and the Metropolis exhibit, which looks at the period in the 1920s when this French modernist, creator of the modern-day poster, used painting, film and music to engage with his home city of Paris. From here skip over to the Rodin Museum. To enter, one must walk past The
Mont-Royal. Being outside the gaybourhood means the clientele is a mixed crowd (Jews, Russians, gays), so the social scene is fascinating to watch. The steam is super hot and the rooftop terrace, delightfully cool. Tuesday nights bring in a flirtatious crowd of students every week — not to be missed!” Check out other recommendations in the My Montreal series on dailyxtratravel.com.
Thinker, then head through the Gates of Hell. So dark. So stunning. So French! Take a break at Joe Coffee, just off Rittenhouse Square, for one of the best coffees in the city. Next, head to the famous Barnes collection. Relocated from the original Albert Barnes house (he was a collector who wanted to make art accessible to everyone), this museum is gorgeous, and it houses 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes and 59 Matisses. If you haven’t overdosed on French impressionist, post-impressionist and early-modern art and can handle just a little more French, finish off the day with dinner at Parc Brasserie. Its charming location on the corner of Rittenhouse Square is the perfect place to people watch and warm up with some French onion soup. I recommend the trout amandine with a side of frites. A couple bottles of wine won’t hurt either. Philadelphia is constantly reinventing itself. I’ll definitely be heading back in April to see the Museum of Art’s Patrick Kelly retrospective, Runway of Love — Philly through the eyes of high fashion. Sounds fun to me! The Fernand Léger exhibit runs until Sun, Jan 5 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. XTRA! DEC 12, 2013–JAN 15, 2014 37
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