Xtra Ottawa #266

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#266 APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014

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Editorial The city fun forgot?

By Julie Cruikshank E4 Feedback E4 Xcetera E5

Cover story First spring harvest Farmers’ markets, eateries and artisans showcase the best local food Ottawa has to offer E11

Upfront

Out in the City

New Queer Youth Café promises Friday-night fun E7

Many voices, one song Unison Festival to bring LGBT choral groups from across Canada to Ottawa E15

Hey baby, nice wheels OC Transpo, disability and the culture of harassment on Ottawa’s streets E8 COVER PHOTO BY BEN WELLAND

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Gearing up for Westfest Ashley MacIsaac, A Tribe Called Red to play annual free music festival E16 Poofters & potlucks LIX to host women-only comedy show E17 Finding the balance Ottawa instructor joa Keur says gay men can benefit from practising yoga E18

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Xtra Living E23 XTRA! APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 3

I think the key with Ottawa, as with any city, is to take the good with the bad, to be aware of the social factors that form the urban landscape, and to accept and embrace that you’re a part of it. ally, a disgraced former senator will turn up managing a strip joint, but for the most part, the government workers come across as a pretty staid group, quietly doing their jobs and collecting their pensions when they retire.

On the other hand, Ottawa is as grassroots a city as you’re likely to find. It’s a city of artists, with studio tours, craft shows, galleries and boutiques where local craftspeople share their handmade goods with a population that seems only too ready to buy them up. Under the right conditions new festivals can form, get

4 APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 XTRA!

never had to own a car and it once took my partner and me an entire afternoon to do groceries because we kept running into people we know. So when I hear people parroting that tired cliché about Ottawa being the city fun forgot, I get a little twitchy.

It’s true my perspective is informed by my privilege; I live downtown, roughly where Chinatown and Little Italy meet — and it’s my job to seek things out. A walk up Somerset West on any given day takes me past restaurants where I’m friends with the owners, murals painted by art-

Julie Cruikshank is Xtra’s new mobile reporter in Ottawa. @cruikshankjulie

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Panti Bliss Panti Bliss may be an accidental activist, but for me, he is one of the most human of beings I have observed [“Panti Bliss to Speak on Homophobia at NS School,” dailyxtra.com, March 25].

I consider it an honour to be witness to his courage, honesty and strength of spirit. Peace! Love! Hugs!

BARRY WILLIAM TESKE TORONTO, ON

Thirty years of Xtra I read Ken Popert’s editorial comment with a great deal of interest [“While We Weren’t Looking,” Xtra Toronto #766, March 6]. I have just returned to living in Toronto after working as a

#265 MARCH 13–APRIL 9, 2014

OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS

Inside!

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It’s sad to hear of yet another suicide of a gay middle-aged man [“Adrian Howell Dead at 51,” dailyxtra.com, March 23].

I had the same reaction in reading this column as I did when I learned of the recent deaths of other gay men who were reported as dying from suicide — or who were rumoured to have died from suicide. In addition to Christopher Peloso, the list includes pornstar Arpad Miklos; acupuncturist and pornstar Wilfried Knight; gay counsellor Bob Bergeron; and Friends for Life Bike Rally co-founder David Linton.

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I’ve come to think of Ottawa as a city with a case of dual identities. On the one hand, it’s a government town, populated largely by white, middle-class civil servants who commute to and from the suburbs.

They’re a visible population — you only have to be downtown at lunchtime or rush hour to witness the herds of suits, ID badges dangling at their waists, diligently marching between their office buildings and the Transitway. Occasion-

off the ground and ultimately thrive. We have a burgeoning foodie scene, and the city has become a haven for craft breweries. There are choirs, there are animation screenings, there’s live music and yarn bombers and burlesque shows and queer movie nights. We recently got a fleet of food trucks, and we play host to one of the biggest leather events in Canada.

For the last four years, this is the city that I’ve inhabited. The government part is there, it’s true, and it employs a lot of people if they’re lucky enough to get a foot in the door. But what I think of as the real Ottawa is the place where I’ve

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EDITORIAL JULIE CRUIKSHANK

ists I know, a thrift store run by a pair of social workers and a beautiful park filled with old-growth maples that spans an entire city block. It’s not all roses, of course — that park has a stubborn and lingering drug problem, and living a stone’s throw away from the Bluesfest site means that I spend two weeks out of every summer stepping around puddles of urine. On the other hand, last year Björk played in my backyard.

I think the key with Ottawa, as with any city, is to take the good with the bad, to be aware of the social factors that form the urban landscape, and to accept and embrace that you’re a part of it. I believe that you have to make your city a place you want to live in, that if you see an empty space you should try to fill it. It’s true we don’t have the most spectacular nightlife, and I’ve heard the frustrations of young gay men who have trouble finding each other because most of their peers are older and more settled. Living in Ottawa can demand a little bit of effort, and sometimes it can take a while to find your social niche.

But it isn’t impossible.

As Xtra’s new mobile journalist, the perception of Ottawa as a city where nothing ever happens is one that I hope to change. This is a vibrant, complex and beautiful city, not without its challenges. The people who live here are a diverse and hardworking bunch, and as the new Ottawa reporter, it is my very great privilege to get to tell their stories. I hope that my perspective on Ottawa is one that more people come to share, and I’m going to work hard every day to show you the city as I see it: multifaceted, intricate and joyful.

So stay tuned, won’t you?

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The international day of action to fight bullying has a distinctly local connection E10

flight attendant in the United States for the last 20 or so years. While I was not looking (or living in Toronto), I have to agree with Popert’s comments.

The city I left 20 years ago had its problems for the LGBT community, but I felt a strong sense of “community” where anything was possible and a sense of pride in our battles won.

The Toronto I now find myself living in seems to have lost the “edge” it once had, and most people seem to be more interested in their own personal lives rather than our community. I could not agree more with Popert’s fears that our community will no doubt wake up in a year or two and realize we have lost some of our rights and community feeling, as the forces against us have not gone away at all.

BRENT MCKINSTRY TORONTO, ON

The outcome that we seek is this — gay and lesbian people daring together to set love free.

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Lady Gaga will headline the Ottawa Bluesfest this summer. To celebrate the 20th year of the annual music festival, organizers “tapped the brains of Ottawa teens to help bring in a variety of young and emerging artists,” according to executive director Mark Monahan.

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Boyfriend Fantasy Another category at The Hookies.

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Upfront

Stepping in and telling someone it’s not cool to harass someone doesn’t mean you’re going to get beat up yourself. Lexi Botham E8

Ten Oaks exceeds fundraising goal COMMUNITY JULIE CRUIKSHANK

The Ten Oaks Project’s annual BowlA-Thon, a fundraiser that helps cover the costs of initiatives that include a weeklong sleep-away camp for LGBT youth, not only met but exceeded its $45,000 goal on March 29.

“The turnout was great!” says Hannah Biancardi, Ten Oaks’ manager of volunteers and programs. “We raised over $45,600 — and donations are still trickling in.”

The Bowl-A-Thon received sponsorship from organizations that include Venus Envy, Youth Services Bureau and the Canadian Mental Health Association, but the bulk of the money was raised through the efforts of the bowlers. Organizers encouraged teams to gather donations through an online platform, and with 25 teams participating in the event, the funds added up quickly.

On the day of, teams arrived decked out in their finest costumes.

Biancardi mentions a few standouts, including the Masque-Gay-Rades, who bowled in tuxedos and evening wear; Queer Perfection, who came sporting cheerleading outfits; the self-explanatory Plaid Dads and Surf Squad; and the Gutterball Babies, which included some of the very youngest bowlers. The event also gave prospective campers a chance to meet current and future participants.

“We are so happy with the amount of money raised,” Biancardi says.

“It will go towards everything from renting the camp sites . . . to helping [bring] in workshop facilitators and keynote speakers to paying for all the program supplies.”

Camp fees operate on a sliding scale, ensuring that economic barriers don’t prevent anyone from attending. “Some campers pay the whole fee, and others are paying a very small portion. Fundraising events like the Bowl-A-Thon allow us to make this happen.”

New Queer Youth Café promises Friday-night fun Pink Triangle Services (PTS) and Etc Ottawa, the youth arm of Capital Pride, are collaborating on Queer Youth Café, a weekly social night for LGBT and allied youth aged 18 and under, taking place at PTS on Fridays from 7 to 11pm.

Hannah Watt, chair of Etc and a PTS board member, says it’s important for youth to have a safe space to relax, meet people and have fun.

“It’s something that Etc has wanted to do for a number of years,” she says.

“We think that there needs to be more drop-in spaces for youth in Ottawa.

There needs to be more things for them to do that don’t cost money and are easily accessible for youth.”

As prominent local queer organizations, the collaboration between Etc and PTS is a natural fit, Watt says. Etc has many youth on its email list interested in local events, while PTS has the space to MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM

house the café nights, she adds. “I think don’t want to hang out at home all the PTS’s space is beautiful, and it’s a place time, and boredom can lead to a whole that’s meant to house a community.” host of problems.

While the Queer Youth Café might “I think youth being bored is a terbecome a venue for hosting local arts ribly dangerous thing,” she says. “I groups and for performers to showcase think it’s an incredible waste of a young everything from poetry to music, Watt person’s mind and their time, and also says it will be up to the youth to decide I think youth not having extracurhow they want to spend ricular activities, social their Friday nights. “We’re spaces, things to do and QUEER YOUTH CAFÉ giving them the option of get excited about is a big Fridays, 7–11pm PTS, 331 Cooper St not having it that structhing that leads to youth Ste 200 tured if they don’t want sneaking into bars, which More info: specific entertainment or is incredibly dangerous.” executive.director@ ptsottawa.org specific events each week.

Whether you’re bored, or chair@etcottawa.ca If they want it, then we’ll frustrated that everything go for it and we’ll find it, that looks fun costs so but we’re going to let it evolve into what much money, or interested in meeting it’s going to be.” new friends, Queer Youth Café is open Watt, 18, is passionate about youth to youth of all genders, identities and having a safe space to have fun. Once orientations, Watt says. — Adrienne you hit the teen years, she says, you Ascah

The Bowl-A-Thon teams arrived decked out in their finest costumes on March 29. DEREK DELOUCHE

PRIDE 1997 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.

Mayor Jacquelin Holzman refuses to proclaim Pride Week in 1997, citing an unresolved human rights complaint over the city making proclamations on “alternative lifestyle communities.” The case is finally settled, with Holzman offering an apology as council proclaims Pride Week.

Regional headquarters flies the rainbow flag to mark the day. The parade route returns to Bank Street in recognition of the growing number of gay businesses, and 8,000 people One-time Ottawa mayor Jacquelin take part.

Holzman. HARQUAIL PHOTOGRAPHY XTRA! APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 7

Hey baby, nice wheels OC Transpo, disability and the culture of harassment on Ottawa’s streets COMMUNITY NEWS JULIE CRUIKSHANK

Lexi Botham has places to be. An Ottawa resident for 12 years, the 31-year-old is working toward a degree in women’s studies at Carleton University, and she’s also a member of the O-Town Bombers (Ottawa’s guerrilla knitting group). Like most of us, she has groceries to buy, bills to pay and appointments to keep. But

Botham also has an added challenge to deal with: since the age of four she has had severe fibromyalgia, a debilitating disorder characterized by widespread chronic joint and muscle pain that affects everything from her eyesight to her breathing. To get around, she relies variously on an electric wheelchair, a walker and, on the days when she’s feeling most able, a crutch. She also relies heavily on OC Transpo, taking the bus

to and from classes and exams on an almost-daily basis.

As a young, queer woman who is also disabled, Botham occupies a unique intersection of identities. Like many women, she has experienced her share of harassment on the street and on the bus.

Given that her disability is more visible at some times than others, depending on which assistive device she is using, the types of harassment and negative at-

tention aimed her way also vary. “When I’m in the wheelchair, it gives me some safety, actually, because it gives me a certain level of invisibility,” she says.

“I become more of a child than a sexual person, which isn’t cool most of the time, but when it comes to street harassment, it really helps. But then I get harassed for being in the wheelchair, and it’s easy for people to catch up to me — I can’t get away if they decide to follow me.”

On the bus, the harassment Botham experiences often has to do with people who are unwilling to allow her the space she needs to manoeuvre when she’s using her walker or chair. “With the walker it’s probably the worst because I’m a young woman using an old person’s tool.

I get a lot more stares and glares. I get a lot of comments about ‘Well, you don’t need that.’” A woman once berated her for nearly 20 minutes because she didn’t want to give up her seat so that Botham could board with her wheelchair. This was one of the rare times when other bus patrons came to her defence, with two women choosing to stand with her and act as a buffer. “When people decide to step in, it makes everything so much better,” she says. “I know people have to be concerned about their own physical

have marginalized folks who don’t take transit, or when they do, they just expect this stuff to happen, and that’s a shame.

I pay a lot of money to be able to use public transit; I should be able to use it as much as any of my male friends.”

“I like living downtown because I can do the majority of my living without the bus,” Botham says. “Maybe [the bus isn’t] physically a threat to me, but emotionally it really is. It’s hard facing that day in, day out.” Trying to avoid the bus means making other sacrifices as well, like shopping at the more expensive grocery store because she’s able to get there on foot.

Botham also doesn’t take advantage of certain programs, like Safe Stop, because experience has taught her that if she asks for special assistance she’s likelier to encounter harassment. “Honestly, I’m afraid of making [the drivers] upset by asking for something special, and I’m already taking up extra time . . . I get enough harassment without inviting it on myself.”

The Safe Stop program has been promoted by OC Transpo since December and was developed in response to a number of sexual assault cases at transit stations. After 7pm, passengers can request to be let off at a spot other than a bus stop

I pay a lot of money to be able to use public transit; I should be able to use it as much as any of my male friends.

JULIE LALONDE, DIRECTOR OF HOLLABACK OTTAWA

security, too, but stepping in and telling someone it’s not cool to harass someone doesn’t mean you’re going to get beat up yourself.”

Lack of bystander intervention is a huge part of the problem when it comes to public harassment of women, says Julie Lalonde, director of Hollaback Ottawa, an organization devoted to ending street harassment. “I think a big part of the conversation is why are people witnessing this stuff and doing nothing?” she says, noting that often women being harassed are afraid to speak up and defend themselves for fear of the situation escalating, knowing that the people around them may not step in to intervene if it does.

“We don’t have that mentality,” she says. “We certainly don’t have it on public transit in the city, and so you 8 APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 XTRA!

to help ensure their personal safety. But the disconnect between drivers and passengers, both those with disabilities and those who are able-bodied, remains a problem; in one recent incident, a young woman said a driver refused to let her off closer to her destination, underscoring that such a program does little good if drivers refuse to facilitate it.

While Hollaback has been vocal about issues on public transit, Lalonde is frustrated about OC Transpo’s lack of willingness to address them. “At this point, anything that OC Transpo has done to talk about safety or to address safety has been lip service,” she says.

As recently as November, the company came under fire when it failed to quickly produce statistics on incidents of sexual violence and harassment on its property after a woman was assaulted OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS

Carleton University student Lexi Botham says she has often been harassed on OC Transpo. JULIE CRUIKSHANK

at Blair station. In September it was revealed that the company had not completed a thorough safety audit of its stations since 2004, and a 10-point safety plan announced in the summer seems deliberately vague.

“They keep falling back on the 10-point safety plan; we don’t know what informed the 10-point safety plan because we [Hollaback] were not part of those consultations . . . There’s no timelines attached to it, per se — it’s just very vague,” Lalonde says, noting that point number seven reads, “Undertaking a public education campaign for riders, residents and employees to support them, encouraging reporting, and other initiatives.”

While OC Transpo doesn’t elaborate on what exactly this campaign will involve, Lalonde says that she would like to see more of a focus on educating transit riders about bystander intervention. “Instead of the ‘If you see something, say something,’ I want a campaign that says, ‘If you see X, this is specifically what you can do.’”

Lalonde hopes this could be accomplished through a series of public service announcements. “PSAs on buses are very cheap, and it’s a hell of a lot cheaper than continually having to investigate cases of assault,” she says.

Meanwhile, in 2011, Hollaback MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM

launched its own I’ve Got Your Back campaign as a way to empower and educate bystanders. “Have my back,” Lalonde says. “Support me. If you see that I’m being harassed, do something: direct, delegate or distract.”

For her part, Botham would like to see more training for transit employees. “I think they could better educate their drivers on dealing with people with disabilities,” she says. “And voice it that way, too: people with disabilities. I’m not a disabled person; I’m a person — I just happen to have a disability.”

At its heart, public harassment is about making people feel like they are somehow less-than. “It’s about putting women and marginalized people in their place,” Lalonde says. “It’s about saying, ‘You don’t belong here, and I’m gonna remind you that you don’t belong here and that you’re on borrowed time.’ I think when we talk about street harassment, people assume it’s the wolf-whistling, it’s the ‘compliments’ yelled at you, people being flirtatious.

And when we actually start to deconstruct, okay, what kind of stories are we hearing, it’s not about paying women compliments. It’s about putting people in their place.”

Botham agrees: “Anyone who feels they have some sort of entitlement over you is liable to harass you if they can.”

XTRA! APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 9

10 APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 XTRA!

OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS

COVER STORY

Spring t t

HARVESI

Farmers’ markets, eateries and artisans showcase the best local food Ottawa has to offer

q

r

JULIE CRUIKSHANK

S

pring has arrived.

As the city thaws out and the warm w e a t h e r s l ow l y returns, so do we emerge, butterflylike, from our winter cocoon of blankets and Netflix. As we shake the dew off our wings and wipe the Cheetos dust from our fingers, we’re struck by a new thought: “Oh man. I am really hungry.”

Luckily, spring in Ottawa is a time of plenty. One of the most exciting seasons of the year for foodies, it is when farmers’ markets, restaurants and bakeries kick into full gear, preparing to dazzle us with colours and flavours we haven’t experienced since before the long winter months took hold. If you’re looking for more ways to eat locally this season, whether that means cooking yourself or sampling the wares of some of the city’s best restaurants and artisans, the city has a vast variety of options to keep fresh, wholesome food on your table and a smile on your face. So put down the processed snacks and get ready to feast on the best local food the region has to offer.

MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM

OTTAWA FARMERS’ MARKET Brewer Park, Old Ottawa South; open Sun, May 4–Sun, Nov 16 Byron Park, Westboro; open Sat, May 17–Sat, Oct 25 Centrum Plaza, Orléans; open Fri, May 16–Fri, Oct 10 ottawafarmersmarket.ca

In operation since 2006, the Ottawa Farmers’ Market has three locations serving the city’s south, west and east ends. The vendors represent a huge variety of wares, with everything from garden plants and produce to meat, honey, cheese, baked goods and crafts.

The market keeps stringent guidelines in place to ensure that everything they sell is as local as possible. “[Vendors] have to be making or growing what they are selling,” says Andy Terauds, president of the organization.

The goods that are available change from week to week throughout the season, but in the first weeks of May, ven-

dors will have bedding plants for sale, as well as vegetables like carrots, potatoes and beets that have overwintered and greenhouse products like spinach, lettuce and microgreens.

The first field crop to appear is typically asparagus, and Ottawa food lover local meat is available Leslie Robertson throughout the season. is all set for spring The Ottawa Farmers’ cooking.

Market juries craft goods like soap, wool and pottery to make sure they are as local as possible and to ensure quality. “We aren’t going to have less than the best available,” Terauds says, who thinks one of the best things about the market is the human component. “A farmers’ market is a very friendly, open place. You go there and everybody’s got a smile.”

ART-IS-IN BAKERY 250 City Centre Ave, Unit 112 artisinbakery.com

BEN WELLAND

The middle of a block of industrial warehouses is pretty much

the last place you’d expect to find a bakery, never mind one inspired by the boulangeries of Paris. Run by husband-andwife team Kevin and Stephanie Mathieson, Art-Is-In combines a wholesale bakery with a dining area where customers can order everything from freshmade sandwiches and soups to decadent pastries and desserts. But their real specialty is bread. The loaves — which include buttermilk-multiseed and honey-and-oat sourdough and “dynamite” baguettes in rosemary-garlic, 12-grainfennel and cheddar-chivejalapeno — can be found at the café and in various locations throughout the city, including Farm Boy stores and farmers’ markets.

“We have about 30 different types of bread on our regular menu,” Stephanie Mathieson says. “We add to that list depending on the season, so sometimes we add wild yeast, rye bread . . . those breads rotate throughout the year.”

During the spring and summer months, the bakery is able continued next page E

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E continued from previous page

to rely more on local farms and suppliers, including produce from Rochon Garden. “It’s locally made because we make everything from scratch,” she says. “Nothing comes out of a box here. Nothing.” In May, the bakery will begin its farmers’ market circuit, with products appearing at seven markets every week in addition to the regular café. There you can find mainly breads and pastries, and starting this year their sandwiches will be available at the Ottawa Farmers’ Market Brewer Park location.

KANATA FARMERS’ MARKET 420 Hazeldean Rd parking lot, Kanata; open Sat, May 3– Sat, Oct 25 kanatafarmersmarket.ca jardinrochongarden.ca

Founded in 2010 by Kristian Rochon and his father, Gerry, the Kanata Farmers’ Market allows Kanata residents to access fresh local food close to home. “We wanted to make sure it wasn’t limited to those who live in the downtown core near the Byward or Parkdale markets,” Rochon says. “We pride ourselves on attracting producers that have very high-quality produce, so when somebody comes and shops at the market, they’re sure to find products that are of the utmost quality.” The Rochons are also the owners of Jardin Rochon Garden, a family farm they have operated since 1958. They provide fresh local produce to a number of farmers’ markets and also have a CSA (communitysupported agriculture) box pro-

gram; $34.99 a week will get you enough fresh veggies to feed a family of two to four, deliv- Art-Is-In café uses about 30 different types of bread. ered to your door.

The market has attracted a number of high-quality local producers, including Art-Is-In Bakery and Bearbrook Game Meats. You can also find fresh produce from a variety of producers, including Rochon Garden; cider, pies, muffins and jellies from Hall’s Apple Market; honey and beeswax products from Heavenly Honey; and Happy Goat coffee. When the market opens in May, the first things you can expect to find are spring mix and greenhouse veggies, meat products and cheeses, baked goods, jams and jellies, and fresh and desserts made daily from eggs. “It’s a full gamut of all types scratch. The shop specialty is the of products that people enjoy, humble sandwich, the favourite especially on a local perspec- lunch of owner Tim Van Dyke.

Lunch’s roster of local supplitive,” Rochon says. “And in terms of flavour, it’s unsurpassed. You ers is impressive: its bread comes can really taste the difference.” from Moulin de Provence in the Byward Market, and at any given time the menu might feature sausages from Seed to Sausage, Mrs McGarrigle’s mustard, microgreens from Butterfly Sky 121 Bank St; 102–99 Metcalfe St; Farms, Harvey and Vern’s soda 240 Sparks St; and Isobel’s cupcakes and cookPortage III, Gatineau ies. “We use [local suppliers] as Mobile truck on Albert Street much as we can just to promote between Kent and Lyon the community we’re in and Central kitchen at largely because of the amazing 60-A Lebreton St quality of product,” Van Dyke thinklunch.ca says. Adding a food truck has If you work during the day and allowed the team to get creative have limited time for lunch, with new products and take them there’s a good chance you’ve to locations and events all over fallen into the fast-food trap. the city. Starting in April, look But there is a way to eat local for the truck on Albert between on the go. Inspired by the UK Kent and Lyon, as well as at the sandwich chain Pret a Manger, Kanata Research Park. As we Lunch opened in 2008 and now head into the warmer months, has five locations in Ottawa and Lunch will feature more salads, Gatineau, as well as a mobile as well as coleslaw and cold soup, food truck. The chain offers and there’s also a house focaccia fresh soups, salads, sandwiches bread in the works.

LUNCH

BEARBROOK GAME MEATS 5396 Dunning Rd, south of Russell Road bearbrookgamemeats.com

Eating local isn’t just about roots and shoots. Located in Navan and specializing in exotic specialty is meats, Bearbrook Farms Lunch’s its fresh sandwiches. has plenty of options for the confirmed carnivore.

The farm raises buffalo, wild boar, elk, deer, peacocks, chickens, turkeys and ducks on 150 acres of land. All the animals are free range, grazing on grass and clover in the summer months and feeding on hay in the winter.

114 B Grange Ave (behind the They’re also kept chemical- and Ottawa Bagelshop) antibiotic-free. The meat is prostrawberryblondebakery.com cessed on-site and immediately flash-frozen and vacuum-sealed Ottawa is a particularly sweet to preserve freshness. The farm spot for homemade goodies, also imports more exotic meats, if you’ll pardon the pun, and a including camel, kangaroo and growing niche market means python. “Any of the meat that’s that now even those with alleravailable in the world, we sell it gies, food sensitivities and spehere,” says farm manager Walter Henn.

Bearbrook also produces a wide range of meat products, from pies and fresh sausages to pepperettes and salamis, which are available year-round. No binders, fillers, Asparagus is the first phosphates or local field crop to appear MSG are used. at Ottawa markets.

Products are available at farmers’ markets throughout the city, including the Kanata Farmers’ Market and all three Ottawa Farmers’ Market locations. You can also find them at markets in Cumberland and Carp, or you can order online. Either way, you can be sure you’re getting high-quality free-range meat.

COURTESY OF OTTAWA FARMERS’ MARKET

12 APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 XTRA!

JULIE CRUIKSHANK

STRAWBERRY BLONDE BAKERY

KELLY BRISSON

cific diets can partake. The latest face on the vegan and glutenfree-baking scene is Strawberry Blonde bakery, run by Jacquie Okum and Claire Tomchishen.

The pair, both with backgrounds in pastry arts, met while working at Rainbow Foods healthfood store and decided to open a bakery together. “When I ate [Claire’s] Queen Elizabeth cake, I was like, I can’t have this girl be my competition!” Okum says. All their goodies are vegan, glutenfree and nut-free. “We just

Strawberry Blonde owners Claire Tomchishen and Jacquie Okum.

JULIE CRUIKSHANK

OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS

El Camino tacos come in beef, lamb, crispy fish, pork, tuna tartare and ox tongue.

MIV PHOTOGRAPHY

wanted to be able to produce something that everyone can eat,” Tomchishen says.

Strawberry Blonde creates an impressive array of baking, including cakes, cookies, muffins, cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, pies and delicious vegan pizza rolls. All their gluten-free flours come from Jamestown Mills in Aylmer, and they use Camino cocoa and chocolate as much as possible. In the spring and summer, the bakery uses plenty of fresh local fruit, whipping up fruit pies in flavours like apple, bumbleberry, blueberry and raspberry. Savoury hand pies will be making a comeback in the warmer months, and they plan to start offering take-home meals as well. In addition to their Hintonburg location, you can find Strawberry Blonde goodies at Rainbow Foods, the Herb and Spice on Bank Street, the Billings Bridge Natural Food Pantry and Daily Grind Art Café on Somerset.

EL CAMINO 380 Elgin St eatelcamino.com/wordpress

If your main criteria for the things you put in your mouth is that they be absolutely delicious, El Camino has got you covered.

Their specialty is fresh tacos, simply prepared and exploding with flavour. “We’ve always said we want to own restaurants where we want to eat the food,” MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM

says chef Jordan Holley, who, along with owner Matt Carmichael, is the brains behind the operation. The tacos come in beef, lamb, crispy fish, pork, 399 Elgin St tuna tartare and the unusual but sliceottawa.com melt-in-your-mouth-delicious ox-tongue taco, garnished simply If the lineup at El Camino seems with avocado, fresh herbs and a too intimidating, consider headsqueeze of lime. They also have ing across the street and giving an impressive list of non-taco Slice & Co a try. Started by chef offerings, including green papaya salad; crispy prawn betel leaf; salt and pepper squid; and a raw bar that features sashimi, crudos and tartare. Like the food, the prices are excellent: the most expensive thing on the menu is $15, and the tacos go for $4 each.

Most of the produce El Camino uses comes from Juniper Farm in Wakefield and Rideau Pines Farm in North Gower, though things like avocados and limes have to be imported. Both Holley and Carmichael make a point of meeting producers in person and fostering close relationships with them. El Camino’s takeout window is open from noon to 2:30pm Tuesday to Friday, and the seating area and window are open nightly from 5:30pm. They don’t take reservations, so your best bet is to be there early to avoid the lineup. You may have some competition from Enzo, the resident Burmese mountain dog who Holley says Slice & Co uses only is their best customer. Hol- Canadian meats and ley and Carmichael have cheeses in its pizzas. two new restaurants in the works, and for spring they’re planning to offer their most adventurous taco yet: lamb testicle.

SLICE & CO

Warren Sutherland, whose other enterprises include Junxion and the SmoQue Shack, the restaurant offers up house-made pizzas that will put your local fast-food joint to shame. “Slice & Co was based upon the fact that the majority, if not all, pizzerias in the city presented only one style of pizza,” Sutherland says. The restaurant serves up Italian handtossed, New York pan, California thin and Chicago deep-dish pies.

They also focus on high-end local ingredients. “It’s fine-dining pizza, so to speak,” Sutherland says.

Slice & Co uses only Canadian meats, including Ontario beef, pork and chicken, and Seed to Sausage salami. Even the cheese is local, with mozzarella from Dolce Lucano in Woodbridge.

They use Rideau Pines Farm produce in the spring and summer months, their impressive cocktail menu includes a blueberry mojito that features the farm’s blueberries, and the restaurant even grows its own herbs and mint. “Pretty much anything that I can get locally once it’s in season, I will get,” Sutherland says. With plenty of options for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike and a spacious patio for relaxing in the warmer months, it’s hard to go wrong.

LOCAL GOODNESS

These recipes allow local ingredients to shine Asparagus salad with maple-mustard dressing Courtesy of Ottawa Farmers’ Market 32 spears asparagus 2 tbsp Dijon mustard ¾ cup white wine vinegar 4 tbsp maple syrup 1½ cups olive oil

Claire & Jacquie’s gluten-free vegan apple-crumble pie Courtesy of Strawberry Blonde Bakery Pie dough: 2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour ½ cup tapioca starch ½ tsp salt

Salt & pepper to taste 2 heads Boston lettuce

For garnish, 1 tomato, seeded and diced Heat a touch of olive oil in a frying pan. Add the asparagus and sauté until tender-crisp.

Set aside.

In a bowl, combine mustard, vinegar and maple syrup.

Slowly add the olive oil and whisk to homogenize the mixture. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Arrange the lettuce in the middle of the plate and top with four asparagus spears.

Drizzle on some dressing and garnish with the tomatoes.

Serves 8

Wild boar with mushrooms and apples

2 sticks ice-cold Earth Balance buttery sticks (use the sticks, not the spread!), cubed ½ cup ice-cold water ½ tsp apple cider vinegar Apple filling: 6 cups peeled local Granny Smith apples, sliced ¼-inch thick ¾ tsp ground cinnamon 2½ tbsp arrowroot flour /3 cup dark brown sugar

2

1 tbsp vanilla extract 2 tsp lemon juice ¼ tsp salt Crumble topping: 1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour

Courtesy of Bearbrook Game Meats

½ cup gluten-free oats /3 cup brown sugar

1

3 lbs wild boar meat cut into pieces

¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp cinnamon

2 cups chicken stock 1 cup white wine 1 cup water

/3 cup Earth Balance (spread or sticks), chilled and cubed

1

1 small onion, sliced 4 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp sugar 12 large mushrooms (Portobello), sliced 5 apples, sliced 1 tbsp cream 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1/3 cup water

Place meat, stock, wine, water, onion, soy sauce and sugar in a large pan. Bring liquid to a boil, then cover and simmer for 90 minutes on low heat.

Remove meat and cool completely, then trim it to the same size as the apple slices.

Heat mushrooms in the sauce, then carefully add the meat slices topped with the apple slices. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Add cream but do not boil.

Carefully remove meat, apples and mushrooms to a serving plate. Bring sauce almost to a boil and thicken with cornstarch. Pour over meat and serve.

Combine flour, starch and salt.

Cut in the Earth Balance with a chilled pastry cutter until broken into pea-sized chunks.

Combine water and vinegar, then pour into the dry flour mix. Mix until a soft dough is formed.

Let dough chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before rolling it into a 10-inch circle.

Fit into a 9-inch pie plate, then flute the edges of the dough.

Poke the crust all over with a fork, and pre-bake at 350F for 5 to 10 minutes.

Combine filling ingredients in a large bowl and let sit for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the topping by pulsing the ingredients a couple of times in a food processor.

Fill pie crust with filling and cover with the strudel topping.

Brush pie shell with soy milk and bake for 20 to 30 minutes at 350F.

JULIE CRUIKSHANK

XTRA! APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 13

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14 APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 XTRA!

OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS

Out in the City

As far as what culture expects from us, lesbians behave very badly. Sheila NorgateE17

Many voices, one song Unison Festival to bring LGBT choral groups from across Canada to Ottawa

WORDS.2

MUSIC JULIE CRUIKSHANK

Music has a way of bringing people together. It’s a universal language that touches our hearts and resonates with us. Though we have many differences, as a global society and even within our immediate communities, almost all of us can appreciate a funky beat, a soaring ballad or a mellow groove. This is the sentiment behind the Unison Festival, a quadrennial celebration of song that brings together LGBT choral groups from across Canada. The festival began in Edmonton in 1998; since then Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg have each had the chance to play host city. This year, from May 16 to 19, Unison comes to Ottawa.

Bringing Unison here has been a nine-year labour of love for Tone Cluster president Gianluca Ragazzini. The choir, along with the Ottawa Gay Men’s Chorus (CGOGMC) and In Harmony Women’s Chorus, will be hosting the festival. “We wanted something that all the GLBT choirs in Ottawa were involved in without threatening their existence,” Ragazzini says.

Putting on an event of this magnitude, with more than 500 delegates from 19 Canadian choirs, takes an enormous amount of time and resources.

So much so that the inaugural festival nearly bankrupted its host choir. To mitigate this it was decided to register the festival as a charity, protecting the autonomy of the host choirs now and in the future. “It’s been a great experience bringing the three choirs together and building towards this event,” says Chris Peacock, musical director of In Harmony. The three host choirs will join forces to sing at the opening performance.

Visiting choirs from across Canada include the Vancouver Men’s Chorus, the Edmonton Vocal Minority, Ensemble Vocal Ganymède from Montreal and the Women Next Door from Halifax. “It’s an exciting time to gain repertoire and exchange repertoire ideas,” says Kurt Ala-Kantti, Unison artistic director and conductor of Tone Cluster.

A banquet held on the Sunday night, featuring guest speaker Ivan E Coyote, will afford the choirs a chance for some much-needed socializing.

MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM

Choral music in particular is about voice. It’s about bringing voices together to create a whole.

CGOGMC BOARD MEMBER GLENN WALSH Tone Cluster, In Harmony Women’s Chorus and the Ottawa Gay Men’s Chorus are hosting the Unison Festival. From left, Gianluca Ragazzini, Tone Cluster president; Chris Peacock, In Harmony musical director; Glenn Walsh, Ottawa Gay Men’s Chorus board member; and Kurt Ala-Kantti, Tone Cluster conductor and Unison artistic director. JULIE CRUIKSHANK

“This is one of the only non-Pride [LGBT] festivals that happens in Canada, and it’s on quite a large scale,” says CGOGMC board member Glenn Walsh. “I definitely think there’s a strong value to choral UNISON OTTAWA 2014 music in our community.” PerforFri, May 16–Mon, May 19 mances and events, including the École secondaire publique Show Tune Showdown, continue De La Salle 501 Old St Patrick St throughout all four days. To close Weekend passes $75; out the festival, all 19 choirs will individual concerts $20 come together to sing a specially unisonfestivalunisson.ca commissioned piece by Ottawa SHOW TUNE composer Laura Hawley, with SHOWDOWN Sat, May 17, 8pm lyrics by poet Lynn Andrews.

Centrepointe Theatre “Choral music in particular 101 Centrepointe Dr is about voice. It’s about bringshowtuneshowdown.ca ing voices together to create a whole,” Walsh says. “So here’s a chance to have a voice that’s supported by other voices and to make a really loud and clear message through music.”

Following the success of last season’s Words concert, Tone Cluster is bringing back the concept for a second round, partnering with youth from the Ottawa-Gatineau region to explore diversity and address bullying through music. Inspired in part by the now ubiquitous It Gets Better Project, Tone Cluster will sing with a group of high school choirs, including Chorale De La Salle and Arnprior District High School choir Red Velvet, tackling pieces that include the Boomtown Rats’ “I Don’t Like Mondays” and the Rankin Family’s “We Rise Again.”

“I don’t think [bullying] is ever going to completely go away unless we keep talking about it,” says Tone Cluster conductor Kurt Ala-Kantti.

“Once you’ve learned the notes and the rhythms and stuff like that, you start talking about the message and why are we doing this,” adds Chorale De La Salle conductor Robert Filion, who will be guest-conducting Words.2. Many high school students now address the issue of bullying in their classes, but exploring it through music is a more dynamic approach.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for them to sort of start being involved in community events outside the school,” Filion says. “[It shows them] you can have an impact outside of just your little life.”

— Julie Cruikshank Words.2, Sat, April 26, 7:30pm Centretown United Church 507 Bank St tonecluster.ca

XTRA! APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 15

Gearing up for Westfest

rock. His sophomore album, Surrender, is up for a Juno.

Following Leach as headliner on Saturday is acclaimed Cape Breton fiddler Ashley MacIsaac, whose ingenious blend of traditional fiddle with rock, pop and electronic influences brought Celtic music to a whole new audience.

The highlight of this year’s local lineup is electronic DJ trio A Tribe Called Red, which will headline the stage on Sunday. The trio’s sound, dubbed “electric pow wow,” is a blend of traditional aboriginal vocals and drumming with electronic beats that must be experienced to be believed. The group’s very first gig was at Westfest in 2007, and they have since morphed into a Junoand Polaris Prize–nominated cultural phenomenon.

Rounding out the local lineup is some fantastic Ottawa talent, including Pony Girl, Brock Zeman, Matthew James Weiler and nine-member retro-electro tour-de-force The Peptides. The 2014 lineup also WESTFEST features a great showing Westboro Village Fri, June 13–Sun, June 15 from queer musicians, westfest.ca offer. But it’s undeniably including MacIsaac and the music that is the main soulful Mohawk crooner draw, and 2014 promises not to disap- Shawnee. “The queer community is point. Headlining the main stage on Fri- always more than welcome, more than day is George Leach, a Sta’atl’imx from invited,” Martin says. “[It’s always] a Lillooet, BC, who plays a double-neck safe space here at Westfest under my Gibson guitar. Leach’s sound is gritty guardianship, so I’d like everyone to and edgy, with notes of blues and classic come out.”

Ashley MacIsaac & A Tribe Called Red to play annual music festival MUSIC JULIE CRUIKSHANK

It’s hard to believe that in just three months, the streets of Westboro will be filled with people in shorts and T-shirts enjoying an outdoor music festival.

Westfest is back for its 11th season in Ottawa with a lineup that includes bluesy grooves, aboriginal sounds and Juno nominees. From Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15, Westboro Village will come alive as big-name acts rock the Domicile Main Stage.

Westfest began in 2004 when founder and artistic director Elaina Martin teamed up with Christine Leadman, who was heading the Westboro Village BIA, to breathe life into what was then a struggling area. Martin had been producing the Rock City Women’s Festival in Wakefield; when she had to stop because of lack of funds, she teamed up with Leadman, bringing her skills as an event organizer and a champion

A Tribe Called Red and Ashley MacIsaac will headline at the 2014 Westfest.

of local music back to Ottawa. The first year drew 5,000 visitors to the main stage, and by 2007, the numbers had swelled to 20,000.

“Because of Elaina’s passion and her commitment and her love of music in Canada and this community, we have one of the greatest free festivals that you

will find, not just anywhere in Ottawa, but anywhere in Canada,” said Mayor Jim Watson, speaking at the festival launch on March 13.

In addition to musical acts, the threeday festival features local merchants and craft food trucks, giving visitors a taste of what Westboro Village has to

Contemporary Cuisine.

A heritage stone building rich with atmosphere.

Reservations welcome.

16 APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 XTRA!

OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS

Poofters & potlucks

Susan Fischer’s character Evelyn Reese is a man-crazy chain smoker.

tending to be outsiders when they’re actually insiders — they have a sort of licence to say things about lesbians that other comedians don’t. Evelyn Reese doesn’t consider herself homophobic but won’t shy away from words like “poofter� and “lezzie� in her occasional forays into queer matters; and while SM Norgate has given up trying to reform lesbians, she’d really like it if they would at least try to look and behave a little better — and what’s with all the potlucks? — Jeremy Willard Girls Want to Laugh is Sat, April 26, 7:30pm, at Saint Paul University Amphitheatre, 223 Main St. girlswanttoknow.com

The Lesbian Information Xchange’s upcoming women-only comedy show, Girls Want to Laugh, will feature two lesbian comedians covering material that straight performers wouldn’t dare attempt. LIX, a non-profit lesbian networking organization, is putting on the show as a fun conclusion to a day of workshops called Girls Want to Know How To. Susan Fischer and Sheila Norgate will both perform character-based acts. Fischer will open the show as Evelyn Reese, a character she’s performed at several Toronto Fringe Festivals. “[Reese] is a 60-something executive secretary who wears her skirts too short, chain smokes fake cigarettes, is man crazy, likes to tell stories and fancies herself a comedienne — and she’d say ‘comedienne’ because she’s stuck in the ’70s,� Fischer says.

Norgate’s character, a “pseudoscientist from the Ladies’ Institute for Endless RectiďŹ cation,â€? will deliver a lecture entitled Lesbian Etiquette: Strange Sisters with Bad Manners.

For the performance, Norgate will adopt a more professorial version of her name, SM Norgate. “I created this character after becoming fascinated by vintage etiquette books. I found my ďŹ rst book years ago, and now I have a collection of about 125. They’re on charm, beauty, home economics — all books telling girls how to be,â€? she says. “I started giving lectures on the subject, and lesbian etiquette was an obvious extension of that. As far as what culture expects from us, lesbians behave very badly.â€?

Because both comedians are lesbians playing straight characters — pre-

Written and performed by

Cliff Cardinal Karin Randoja Designed by Elizabeth Kantor Directed by

A C a r d i n a l / K a n t o r P r o d u c t i o n ( To r o n t o )

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Yoga’s healing effect can be beneficial for those recovering from a painful coming-out process, says joa Keur.

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Finding the balance Instructor joa Keur says gay men can benefit from practising yoga FITNESS JULIE CRUIKSHANK

A SALT. Optics and Lindberg Trunk Show.

Come in to see the entire optical and sunglass collections!

May 22nd 10am - 9pm

237 Elgin St Ottawa 613.216.6076 www.eyemaxx.ca 18 APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 XTRA!

Yoga is a way of life for joa Keur. A longtime instructor, he’s been practising for 20 years and has seen the beneďŹ ts it can have for both the body and the mind. He’s also a visual artist and a life coach whose focus is on bringing all of life’s elements into balance and on nurturing the creative, expressive qualities that most of us tend to ignore.

When he ďŹ rst started, Keur found that yoga improved his focus and gave him a better relationship with his body. “Through yoga, I learned [that] taking care of the body means you’re going to end up taking care of the mind, and that has been really working for me in a big, big way,â€? he says. Having personally experienced the beneďŹ ts of including yoga in his lifestyle, it wasn’t long before Keur had something of a revelation. “It came to that point where I was just like, well, this is such

Once you start taking on yourself physically, that means you’re spending time for yourself.

to love yourself by doing something for yourself that’s very positive and nurturing.�

The deep breathing and rhythmic movements encourage an inward cona fabulous way to help people.â€? centration that can help refocus your Realizing that he wanted to help oth- perspective, which Keur says is a great ers conquer their physical and emotion- way to nurture creativity. “Sometimes al challenges through yoga, Keur began my best creative ideas come while his training as an instructor. One group I’m actually teaching a class,â€? he says, he feels could particularly beneďŹ t from laughing. this approach is the gay community.

It’s also an all-ages pursuit, some“My observation, being gay myself, is thing people young and old can come that I ďŹ nd a lot of men, anyways, that are together and enjoy, and a great way gay, once they’ve come out of the closet, to meet people and form community it’s sort of like they’ve gained this sense connections in a safe, positive environof pride all of a sudden in who they are, ment. “That’s the other thing,â€? Keur and then . . . they don’t need to grow any says. “Yoga centres are safe havens for further,â€? he says.

GLBT people. When you go in through Keur also points to the particular those doors, you can actually let your level of body awareness that can be guard down.â€? unique to gay men, explaining that These days, Keur can be found yoga’s focus on personal growth and teaching at PranaShanti Yoga Centre listening to the body can be a more in Hintonburg, where he leads six beneďŹ cial, holistic way of approach- classes each week in various styles of ing self-improvement than logging yoga, including hot and Hatha. He’s hours at the gym. “Yoga also working on putis helping you to become ting together a full-day PRANASHANTI stronger from more of a workshop of yoga, art and YOGA CENTRE foundation physically,â€? counselling, to be held 52 Armstrong St he says. “Once you’ve sometime in the warmer pranashanti.com conquered yourself months. The day will physically and you’re feature yoga practice, a feeling really good . . . then you can take collaborative mural project, live sitar on the mental intrigues of the mind.â€? and singing-bowl music, and a vegan Yoga’s healing effect can also be ben- dinner specially prepared by Ottawa eďŹ cial for those recovering from trau- chef Caroline Ishii. In the meantime, matic experiences, such as a difficult anyone who wants to get back in touch or painful coming-out process. “Once with their body and mind can head to you start taking on yourself physically, PranaShanti and try out a class. After that means you’re spending time for all, it’s never too soon to start achieving yourself. You’re giving yourself time inner peace.

OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS

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XTRA! APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 19

WHAT'S ON FOR MORE EVENT LISTINGS, GO TO DAILYXTRA.COM

ART & LITERATURE

COMEDY

The Hard Cover Book Club

Girls Want to Laugh

Men gather to discuss Thomas Mallon’s Fellow Travelers, Thurs, April 17, 7pm, and Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club, Thurs, May 15, 7pm. Gay Zone, Centretown CHC, 420 Cooper St. Free. gayzonegaie.ca

Venus Envy Book Club Book lovers examine Vera Wabegijig’s Wild Rice Dreams, a collection of poetry about the Anishinaabe people’s experience of urban life. Wed, April 30, 7:30pm. Venus Envy, 226 Bank St. Free. venusenvy.ca

Anishinaabe Woman: Art by Rebekah Elkerton This exhibit of acrylic paintings on salvaged wood comprises portraits intended to combat stereotypical images of women. Fri, May 2, 8:30pm. Venus Envy, 226 Bank St. Free. venusenvy.ca

The Lesbian Information Xchange hosts a night of comedy, with Evelyn Reese sharing her skewed ideas of life and love and SM Norgate delivering a lecture entitled Lesbian Etiquette: Strange Sisters with Bad Manners.

For women only. Sat, April 26, 7:30pm.

Saint-Paul University Amphitheatre, 223 Main St. $19.99–24.99. girlswanttoknow.com

HEALTH & ISSUES Gender Quest A peer-led support group for transgender people at any stage of transition. Takes place the second Monday of each month.

Mon, April 14, 7pm. PTS, 331 Cooper St. Free. ptsottawa.org

Spectrum This Youth Services Bureau program offers queer and questioning youth aged 12 to 25 a safe space to socialize, discuss sexuality and related topics, participate in workshops,

receive counselling and more. Every Tuesday, 7–9pm. YSB, 147 Besserer St. Free. ysb.ca

Guys aged 15 to 24 hang out, take part in activities and access counselling from AIDS Committee of Ottawa staff on such issues as mental, physical and sexual health.

Thurs, April 24, 6pm. Centretown CHC, 420 Cooper St. Free. gayzonegaie.ca

LEISURE & PLEASURE QBall Registration Night Softball enthusiasts meet fellow players and sign up for the 2014 season of Ottawa’s queer softball league. Thurs, April 10, 7pm.

Centretown Pub, 340 Somerset St W. $100 for the season. ottawaqball.com

Seniors’ Bowling Queer seniors 50 and older and their friends are invited out to bowl a few frames. For more info, contact georgeis@rogers.com.

WŚŽƚŽ͗ ĐƌŽLJĚ WŚŽƚŽŐƌĂƉŚLJ͕ KƩĂǁĂ

LGBT owned and operated

ACADEMIC HALL, U of O

Burlesque Idol Anishinaabe Woman — Venus Envy, May 2 REBEKAH ELKERTON Takes place the second and fourth Monday of each month. Mon, April 14, and Mon, April 28, 6:30pm. West Park Bowling, 1205 Wellington St. $3 per game; free shoe rental. ospn-rfao.ca

Seniors’ Night Out Queer people 50 and older and their loved ones are invited to socialize over refreshments. The venue is wheelchair accessible and parking is available. Takes place the first and third Wednesday of each month. For more info, contact ospn.rfao@ gmail.com. Wed, April 16, and Wed, May 7, 7pm. Novotel Hotel, Heritage Room, 33 Nicholas St. Free. ospn-rfao.ca

Unison Festival Ottawa This edition of Canada’s quadrennial queer choral festival includes a Show Tune Showdown, where three musical theatre groups perform for celebrity judges. Fri, May 16–Mon, April 19. For more info, visit unisonfestivalunisson.ca.

Queen’s Cup, Toronto Toronto’s gay and lesbian badminton club, BADinTO, turns 10 this year and invites Ottawa players of all skill levels to participate in its annual tournament. Sat, May 31, 8:30am–5pm; deadline to register is Fri, May 23. Tournament will be held at Centennial College’s Progress Campus, in Scarborough, followed by a banquet at the downtown Courtyard Marriott, 475 Yonge St, Toronto. Cost TBA. badinto.com.

NIGHTLIFE Zelda Marshall hosts a night of performances by drag queens, drag kings and burlesque dancers. DJ Bill spins progressive house.

Every Thursday, 10:30pm. Swizzles, 246B Queen St. No cover. swizzles.ca

TICKETS: www.tototoo.ca

20 APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 XTRA!

SEX & BURLESQUE

Thursdays Are a Drag

May 7—10, 2014 at 8:30 PM

SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

Revellers sweat and grind to hip hop, dancehall and soul spun by DJs D-Luxx Brown, Debonair and special guests. Sat, April 19, 10pm–2am. Babylon Nightclub, 317 Bank St. $7. thequeermafia.com

QPOC of any gender, ability, age or orientation meet and talk in a supportive, open and non-judgmental environment.

Takes place the last Tuesday of each month.

Tues, April 29, 7–9pm. PTS, 331 Cooper St. Free. ptsottawa.org

613-446-2280

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Oh My Jam: Drop It Low

Queer People of Colour

2432 Old Hwy 17 RR #1, Rockland, ON K4K 1K7

ϮϮϲ ĂŶŬ

The stage is festooned with feather boas, glitter and drama, with two shows nightly and a lineup of drag queens, followed by dancing to music by DJ Kitty Funkalicious.

Every Saturday, 10pm–2:30am. The Lookout Bar & Bistro, 41 York St. No cover. thelookoutbar.com

Interested parties gather in a supportive environment to discuss issues surrounding non-monogamous relationships, including sex, emotional connections and the law.

Takes place the fourth Monday of each month. Mon, April 28, 7pm. Free. PTS, 331 Cooper St. Free. ptsottawa.org

Angela Zorn

ϯϳϬ ĂŶŬ

Sassy Saturday Night Drag

Polybilities

Boarding Camp for Dogs & Cats

ŌĞƌ ^ƚŽŶĞǁĂůů sĞŶƵƐ ŶǀLJ

The drag-king troupe kicks off the weekend right with different themes and hosts each week. Every Friday, 9:30pm. The Lookout Bar & Bistro, 41 York St. $3. thelookoutbar.com

Chatter: Young Gay Guys Programming

Place for Paws

OTTAWA PREMIERE

Canada’s Capital Kings

Ϯϳϭ ĂŶŬ

Get in here! advertising.ottawa @dailyxtra.com

Friday Fixxx One of the most popular ladies’ nights around. Drag-king show, 9–11pm; dancing from 10pm. Every Friday, 9pm–2am. The Lookout Bar & Bistro, 41 York St. No cover before 9pm. thelookoutbar.com

Newbies of all genders, abilities and body types compete to win a performance spot at the Ottawa Burlesque Festival. Sun, April 13, 8pm. Yuk Yuk’s, 292 Elgin St. $10 advance, $15 door. burlesqueidol2014.eventbrite.ca

Toygasms: Fun with Sex Toys for Everyone A workshop for sex-toy novices who want to know what the various gadgets do and how to use them. Open to people of all genders and orientations. Tues, April 15, 6:30pm.

Venus Envy, 226 Bank St. $10, $5 sliding scale. venusenvy.ca

Rockalily Burlesque: The Shimmy Shimmy Shakedown This retro, beach-themed burlesque event features performances by Holly Sin and Charlize-Angel and a cheeky hula-hoop contest. Sat, April 26, 8:30pm. Zaphod Beeblebrox, 27 York St. $10 advance, $12 door. shimmyshimmy.eventbrite.ca

Strap-On Tools Shelley Taylor leads a workshop on the ins and outs of strap-on play, including what’s on the market, expressing your gender, and vaginal and anal play. Open to people of all genders and orientations. Tues, April 29, 6:30pm. Venus Envy, 226 Bank St. $10, $5 sliding scale. venusenvy.ca

STAGE Gender Failure Artists Ivan Coyote and Rae Spoon present a multimedia show about failed attempts to fit into the gender binary. This is also the Ottawa launch of their book Gender Failure.

Fri, April 25, 8:30pm. Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Lisgar St. Free–$25. writersfestival.org

Nunsense A-Men An all-male production of the comedy about what happens when five nuns arrive home after the bingo one night to find that Sister Julia has accidentally poisoned the other 52 residents of the convent. Runs Wed, May 7–Sat, May 10, 8:30pm. Academic Hall Theatre, University of Ottawa, 135 Séraphin-Marion Pvt. $25. tototoo.ca

Submit your event listing to ottawalistings@dailyxtra.com.

Deadline for the May 15–June 18 issue is Wed, May 7.

OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS

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XTRA! APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 21

XPOSED

1

2

PHOTOS BY ZARA ANSAR

Mud-wrestling mania The Ottawa Wolves men’s and women’s teams are gearing up for the 2014 rugby season in style. On March 22, the Wolves went head-to-head in the mud at Babylon Nightclub. More than 150 people showed up to watch the epic and messy battles. In August, the Wolves head to Sydney, Australia, to compete in the Bingham Cup — the world’s largest gay rugby tournament.

1E The Ottawa Wolves mud-wrestling team. From left: Luca Campagna, Jackson Eyres, Kelly Cormier, Carole-Anne Charlebois, Johnny Festarini, Jeff Sobil and Morgan Krauter. 2E Jackson Eyres 3E Macho Man revs up the crowd before the match. 4E Morgan Krauter 5E Carole-Anne Charlebois, left, and Morgan Krauter get dirty. 6E Jeff Sobil 7E Simon Deschenes 8E Luca Campagna and Simon Deschenes wallow in the mud. 9E Johnny Festarini 10E Kelly Cormier 11E Luca Campagna.

5 7

Go to ottawawolves.ca for more information or to join the teams.

3

4

6 11

8

9 22 APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 XTRA!

10 OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS

E indexdirectory.ca

Restaurants & Cafés Absinthe 613-761-1138 Allegro Ristorante 613-235-7454 Courtyard Restaurant 613-241-1516 Giovanni’s Ristorante 613-234-3156 La Cucina Ristorante 613-836-1811

THE BEST OF GAY & LESBIAN OTTAWA Accommodations Ambiance Bed & Breakfast 613-563-0421 1-888-366-8772

AIDS/HIV Resources AIDS Committee of Ottawa 613-238-5014 Bureau régional d’action sida (BRAS) 819-776-2727 Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance 1-800-839-0369 Gay Zone 613-563-2437

Alternative Health Scottie’s Spot 613-231-3111

Alternative Transportation Power Sports Canada 613-224-7899

Art Galleries Cube Gallery 613-728-1750

Bakeries Bread By Us 613-890-1423

Chimney Repair & Cleaning

Coaching Padraig Coaching & Consulting 855-818-0600

Community Groups & Services Centretown Community Health Centre 613-233-4443 The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa 613-747-7800

Contracting & Renovations Merkley Supply Ltd 613-728-2693

Counselling Antoine Quenneville, MA, CPsyc Assoc 613-230-6179 x401 Dr Gordon Josephson, Registered Psychologist 613-231-4111 Gilmour Psychological Services 613-230-4709 Jerry SG Ritt, MA OACCPP, Psychotherapist 613-233-9669

Credit & Debt Counselling

Estate Planning Mann & Partners, LLP 613-722-1500

Event Planning & Promotions

Linda Young Insurance Brokers Inc 613-825-1110 Manotick Insurance Brokers Ltd 613-692-3528

613-567-0800

Events

Distributel Canada distributel.ca

Caneast Shows caneastshows.ca

Squirt.org squirt.org

Florists

Carol the Dog Trainer 613-729-4808

Jewellery & Jewellers

Pharmacies

Tivoli Florist 613-729-6911

Furniture The New Oak Tree 613-253-9797

Graphic Design Services Jack of All Trades Design jackofalltrades design.com

Grocery

Politicians

Theatre

Office of Mayor Jim Watson 613-580-2424

Orpheus Musical Theatre Society 613-729-4318

Paul Dewar, MP 613-964-8682

Upholstery

Lawyers

Health & Personal Care

Mann & Partners, LLP 613-722-1500 Nelligan O’Brien Payne LLP 613-238-8080

Legal Services

Nelligan O’Brien Payne LLP 613-238-8080

Merkley Supply Ltd 613-728-2693

Carol the Dog Trainer 613-729-4808

Ottawa Chimney Services Ltd 613-729-1624

Dog Walking

Housing

Rent-A-Wife 613-749-2249

Carol the Dog Trainer 613-729-4808

Andrex Holdings 613-238-1835

Clothing – Men’s

Electrical Contracting

Stroked Ego 613-667-3008

Mike’s Electrical Service 613-834-4659

John Shea Insurance Brokers Ltd 613-596-9697

Churches The Church of St John the Evangelist 613-232-4500

Cleaning & Maid Services

Healthy Smiles Dental Clinic 613-317-2330

Dog & Cat Training

MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM

Insurance

Spa Services

iTan Advanced Studios 613-562-ITAN

DTN Contract Services 613-780-7033

Dental Services

The Couples Group couplesgroup.org

Vijay Sharma Physiotherapy 613-238-8885

LCI Lasercom Clinics 613-828-8946 613-569-3737

Prenuptial Agreements

Spa Homâ 819-595-3044

Kessels’ Upholstering 613-224-2150

Mann & Partners, LLP 613-722-1500

Web Design

Psychologists

Jack of All Trades Design jackofalltrades design.com

Dr Gordon Josephson, Registered Psychologist 613-231-4111 Gilmour Psychological Services 613-230-4709

B2W Design Inc 613-804-2384

Websites Squirt.org squirt.org dailyxtra.com 416-925-6665

Publications

Weddings

Massage – Certified/ Registered

Pink Triangle Press 416-925-6665 pinktrianglepress.ca

Cube Gallery 613-728-1750

Spa Homâ 819-595-3044

Xtra (Ottawa) 416-925-6665

Mortgages

Xtra (Toronto) 416-925-6665

Evan Weiner, AMP 613-224-4530 x224

Yoga Ottawa Men’s Yoga ottawamens yoga.ca

Xtra (Vancouver) 604-684-9696

Mortgage Alliance 613-612-8400

Recreational Vehicles

Motorcycles & Scooters

Power Sports Canada 613-224-7899

Power Sports Canada 613-224-7899

ottawamensyoga.ca

Social Groups

Tanning Salons

Laser Surgery

The name just about says it all

Classixxx Adult Store 613-523-9962

Physiotherapy

magpiejewellery.com

Mann & Partners, LLP 613-722-1500

In Balance Chiropractic and Health Centre 613-837-8885

Sex Shops

Magpie Jewellery

Ian Carter–Bayne Sellar Boxall 613-236-0535

Health Foods & Nutrition

The Foolish Chicken 613-321-4715

Shoppers Drug Mart Bank and Gladstone 613-238-9041

Rainbow Foods 613-726-9200

Healthy Smiles Dental Clinic 613-317-2330

Pet Care

Southern Cross Grill on Queen 613-230-0400

Davidson’s Jewellers 613-234-4136

Home Improvement & Repairs

Chiropractors

Rideau Optometric Clinic 613-567-0800

Optometrists

Ian Carter–Bayne Sellar Boxall 613-236-0535

Ottawa Chimney Services Ltd 613-729-1624

Eyemaxx Optical Studio 613-216-6076

Internet

Wise Events 613-656-9466

Rainbow Foods 613-726-9200

Dominion Lending Centre 613-224-4530 x224

Optical Services

Mamma Grazzi’s 613-241-8656

DON’T MISS OU ON OURT NEXT EDITION !

XTRA! APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 23

A world of gay adventure

Travel

10

great island getaways

Take your pick of tropical idylls, Mediterranean gems & Atlantic escapes BY AEFA MULHOLLAND Those who seek out and explore these watery wonders will find a wealth of great LGBT hotels, bars, beaches and bookstores awaiting.

Magnetic Island, Australia With a permanent population of approximately 2,500 and many times that more courtesy of year-round visitors, Magnetic Island — or Maggie, as regulars call it — claims to be the gayest bit of Queensland. The mountainous isle is mostly national park, but the rest has beautiful beaches and an appealingly accepting air. Townsville, from which ferries leave, has an LGBT hotel, the Sovereign, and LGBT bookstore Mary Who.

Key West, Florida Bridges thread together to link the 100-plus islands and keys that make up the Florida Keys.

At the end of this ribbon of highway that ties these palm and porpoise-populated spots to the mainland — and just 175 kilometres from Cuba — you’ll find quirky Key West. The focus here is more bar than beach, and many folks spend their whole holidays between their gay guesthouses and the famed Bourbon Street bar complex and its neighbours along Duval Street.

STAVROS

Ibiza, Spain Europe’s summer social centre, this party-prone Balearic hotspot has even more late-night LGBT locations than Mykonos and a popular LGBT beach, Playa es Cavallet, on the island’s southern tip. Not all spaces are as big as Privilege — with room for 10,000 partiers, it’s the world’s largest nightclub — but you’ll find LGBT venues crammed all along harbourside Calle de la Virgen and Calle Alfonso XII in the town of Ibiza. On top of all the homo antics, the 16-by-40-kilometre island can claim looming cliffs, rugged rocks and hidden coves, and there’s also an atmospheric, cobblestoned old quarter in town.

AEFA MULHOLLAND

24 APRIL 10–MAY 14, 2014 XTRA!

OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS

Curaçao, Caribbean

AEFA MULHOLLAND

Oahu, Hawaii When temperatures take a turn for the teens, head for Honolulu. The Hawaiian capital, and the main town on the 80-by-110-kilometre island of Oahu, it offers amazing surfing and swimming beaches, laid-back restaurants and outdoor bars, and the perfect jumping-off point for exploring Oahu. With a million residents, Honolulu and adjacent Waikiki are home to several popular LGBT bars, including Fusion, Hula’s and Wang Chung’s, and Queen’s Surf gay beach.

Curaçao is arguably the most queer-friendly Caribbean island and is certainly the most LGBTmarketed, with a clutch of great venues, incredible beaches and lovely locals. There’s an easygoing air to this isle, with its sweet mixture of liberal Dutch-Caribbean attitudes, laid-back island outlooks and quirky, calm take on life that’s singularly Curaçao. The island’s very first Pride celebration took place in September 2013, and a year-round range of other gay or lesbian events decorate this idyll’s social calendar. Many bars are warmly LGBT-welcoming.

JONATHAN LUNDQVIST

Lesvos, Greece An easy ferry ride from Piraeus (just outside Athens), Lesbos, aka Lesvos or sometimes Mytilene (this lady-loved island has a whole lot of aliases), is the obvious option for an island for women. Keep in mind that some of the island is not especially Sappho-centric, so set your sights on low-key beach resort Skala Erresos for some safe, same-sex time in bars, streets, restaurants and on the beach. Make lesbian-run bar The Tenth Muse, on the central square, your first stop.

Aubergine, also on the square, is the other year-round ladies’ room.

AEFA MULHOLLAND AEFA MULHOLLAND

Isla Mujeres, Mexico A popular cruise stop for both major women’s cruise companies, Olivia and Sweet, this liberal Cozumel-adjacent spot off the Yucatan peninsula was once the hideout of Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of childbirth and medicine. Today, it’s a good way to escape the mainland crowds, see endangered turtles and lounge on stunning sandy beaches. Check into the mixed (straight/LGBT), all-inclusive Isla Mujeres Palace or unpack for a luxurious stay at the gay-owned, six-room Casa Sirena.

AEFA MULHOLLAND

JON MORROW

Mykonos, Greece Two all-gay hotels, a labyrinth of narrow whitewashed streets and three nude gay beaches make chic Mykonos not just the gayest island in the Mediterranean, but a contender for the title of gayest isle of them all.

Spend your days sprawled on Elia, Paradise or Super Paradise gay beaches — just three of 27 beaches on the island — and overnight at The Elysium or The Geranium.

WOOLS

Galveston, Texas This cruise homeport and spring-break destination — a barrier island three kilometres off the Texas coast — also has a grown-up side. It has a delightful collection of Victorian historic districts, 50 kilometres of beach and a charmingly liberal character. With an appealing scatter of gay bars, such as the lively Pink Dolphin, some stylish gay-popular accommodations and rumours that 50 percent of the population is gay, Galveston is for those ready to graduate from Key West and gravitate round the Gulf. Once known as “the Wall Street of Texas,” Galveston has an abundance of architectural gems, from Federal-style to Folk Victorian to Greek Revival to Gothic. Island attractions include the Victorian Seawall promenade, the 242-acre Moody Gardens and the manly Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum.

Fire Island, New York A barrier island south of Long Island, in summer Fire Island sees an influx of gay men taking the train and ferry from the city to hit the sands, streets and social venues of this car-free, carefree, 50-by-1-kilometre sliver of an Atlantic isle.

It’s been a gay hotspot since the 1960s, and Cherry Grove and The Pines are the prime resort towns. Drink and dance at Sip N Twirl, watch ferries and their captivating cargo dock from Cherry’s, try “low tea” at the Blue Whale and dance at the Ice Palace or Pavilion.

Access this story on dailyxtratravel.com for web links to select featured businesses and attractions.

BERNARD GAGNON

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OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS

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Did you hear that we moved?

Drop by our cute new shop and check out some of these upcoming workshops and events!

Talk

It Starts with Us - A talk with Families of Sisters in Spirit

Art Opening

Workshop

2 May 2014 - 8:30pm - 10:30pm Free!

20 May 2014 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm $20 ($10 sliding scale)

Anishinaabe Woman - Art by Rebekah Elkerton

14 April 2014 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm Free!

Workshop

Toygasms! Fun with Sex Toys for Everyone!

15 April 2014 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm $10 ($5 sliding scale)

Workshop

Mouthing Off: All About Oral 5 May 2014 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm $20 ($10 sliding scale)

How to Hook Up

Workshop

A Stitch in Time: Leather Care and Repair 22 May 2014 - 7:30pm - 9:00pm $10 ($5 sliding scale)

Workshop

The Big O for Her! Tips and Tricks for Bigger, Whip it Good! A Guide to Power Play and Kink Better and More Frequent Orgasms!

Workshop

22 April 2014 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm $20 ($10 sliding scale)

12 May 2014 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm $20 ($10 sliding scale)

Workshop

Strap on Tools - Fun with Dildo's!

29 April 2014 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm $10 ($5 sliding scale)

Book Club and Author Reading

The Naughty Bits: Venus Envy Book Club – Wild Rice Dreams by Vera Wabegijig 30 April 2014 - 7:30pm - 9:00pm Pick up your copy of Wild Rice Dreams at 15% off both online and in-store during the month of April.

Free!

New location!

226 Bank Street, Ottawa 613-789-4646 www.venusenvy.ca

All workshops are held at the store, after-hours, at 226 Bank Street in Ottawa.

Some workshops sell out weeks in advance, so you’ll want to register as soon as you know you’re interested and available.

You can register online at venusenvy.ca Payment must be received to hold your spot. You can either pay by credit card over the phone (613-789-4646) or you can drop by the store and pay in person. If you’re unable to make it, we need 72 hours notice or your fee is forfeit.

Participants receive 10% off any purchases made after the workshop.