Xtra, Vancouver's Gay and Lesbian News

BROKEN PROMISE? BC Libs unlikely to table schools bill ›9

HARD PARTY PATROLLED Organizers blame Club 560 ›11

VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS

NOW YOU’RE MARRIED BC overhauls its Family Law Act ›13 #490 MAY 31, 2012

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A magical weekend of warmth ›15 COMMENT 5 XCETERA 6 NEWS 9 OUT IN THE CITY 15 XPOSED 21

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NEWSFRONT

ONLINE

Crackdown coming? Stats Canada: A Vancouver licensing official is Vancouver first threatening to enforce bylaws again in reported against sex stores, with the promise of injunctions, prosecutions and gaybashings business licence suspensions against shops operating in violation of regulations. ›9

Meet the new head of Qmunity Xtra sits down with Dara Parker to talk about priorities, what brings her to Qmunity’s helm and how relevant she thinks the organization still is. › 12

BC overhauls Family Law Act The plus side: multiperson families that allow more than two parents and queer families of more shapes and sizes. The debatable side: common-law couples will now face the same obligations as married ones. › 13

OPINION

Who was that elegant, crazy lady?

Still QQ’s Kevin Dale McKeown remembers the night drag queen Lady Jacqueline Wentworth Brown crashed a party at one of Vancouver’s classiest restaurants. › 14

One bedroom homes from the mid $300,000’s REGISTER TODAY WWW. AMACON.COM

Although Toronto saw a greater number of gaybashings in 2010, Vancouver remained Canada’s capital for reported gaybashings as a percentage of overall hate crimes committed, the latest numbers show. › xtra.ca/vancouver

REGULARS

Commentary › 5 Xcetera › 6 Xposed › 21 COLUMNS

Naked Eye Robin Perelle › 5 Still QQ Kevin Dale McKeown › 14 Blitz & Shitz Raziel › 19 CARTOONS

The Brotherhood Tyler Dorchester › 25 The Village Ken Boesem › 26 LISTINGS

Parties ›20 Art, festivals & performances ›20 Meetings & groups ›20 COVER PHOTO BY RANDALL COSCO COVER MODELS: MERCY, MARMOT AND SNAPDRAGON

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editorial › feedback › debate

Comment Colossal insensitivity Naked Eye Robin Perelle

B

Y ALL ACCOUNTS, DHARUN Ravi was a swaggering, self-absorbed teenager yearning to be a big man on campus when he moved into residence at Rutgers University in September 2010.

Even before the then-18-year-old exploited his shy new roommate’s gay sex life to boost his own profile, Ravi’s Twitter feed boasted a constant stream of self-aggrandizing statements, from his fake ID to his high SAT scores to being proudly “stoned out of my mind.” Harmless chatter from a boastful man-boy longing to be noticed and admired.

Harmless, that is, until he met Tyler Clementi.

A week before he met Clementi on campus, Ravi sought him out online and bemoaned his new roommate’s sexuality to his friends.

“FUCK MY LIFE/He’s gay,” Ravi messaged one buddy, according to Ian Parker’s definitive account, published in The New Yorker a month before Ravi was convicted of invading Clementi’s privacy, intimidating him with bias and tampering with the evidence.

Maybe Ravi initially cyber-stalked his new roommate because he was nervous about starting university and wanted a sense of the young man he’d be living with. Maybe he was hoping for a computer-savvy jock with whom he could talk about girls, host keg parties, hang out. Random residence assignments didn’t work out that way.

“What the fuck,” Ravi messaged his buddy seven times before posting a link to one of Clementi’s preferred porn chat boards and tweeting, “Found out my roommate is gay.”

Clementi would read that tweet before he even got to Rutgers.

Ravi’s trail of tweets and texts show a streak of ignorant anti-gay chatter mixed with an arrogant rejection of anyone uncool and the occasional glimmer of empathy.

Typical teenaged boy bluster?

Probably. Until Ravi rigged his webcam to spy remotely on Clementi having sex with another man, then tweeted about it.

“I saw him making out with a dude.

Yay,” Ravi tweeted after catching a glimpse of Clementi kissing his date.

Ravi and his accomplice Molly Wei, who lived down the hall, promptly messaged Wei’s boyfriend to share

their shock and discomfort with the idea of two men making out. According to Parker, Wei’s boyfriend said the idea made him want to “throw up,” even though Clementi was “mad nice.” Wei replied, “He’s NICE but he’s kissing a guy right now/like THEY WERE GROPING EACH OTHER EWWW.” News spread quickly in the dorm.

Ravi set up the webcam to spy on Clementi again and publicly dared his friends to watch. “Yes, it’s happening again,” he tweeted.

“Be careful it could get nasty,” Ravi texted one friend, adding, “people are having a viewing party.”

We know from court records that Clementi checked Ravi’s Twitter feed at least 38 times that week. We know that he kept his date, then requested a room change. “I feel that my privacy has been violated,” he emailed his residence advisor, “and I am extremely uncomfortable sharing a room with someone who would act in this wildly inappropriate manner.”

We know that he threw himself off a bridge the next day.

And we know that Ravi was sentenced to just 30 days in jail on May 21 — “a punishment generally reserved for shoplifting, vandalism or jumping a turnstile,” as one reporter put it.

It’s tempting to blame Ravi for Clementi’s death. His public attempts to humiliate his gay roommate, or at least trade on the shock value of his sexual encounters, certainly speak to a willingness to hurt Clementi for his own personal gain.

We can easily deduce that Ravi’s actions contributed to Clementi’s despair. But we may never know how much they contributed. He didn’t push Clementi from the bridge or even throw a punch.

“I do believe he acted out of colossal insensitivity,” the judge ruled.

Should Ravi have gotten more than 30 days? I think so. His self-serving invasion of his roommate’s privacy deserves more than a slap on the wrist. But how much more? How do we accurately measure the connection between one stupid teenager’s colossal insensitivity and his shy roommate’s decision to kill himself?

How do we gauge incitement?

And while we’re struggling to punish what wasn’t directly done, who’s teaching the next generation of freshmen to get over gay sex and treat their new roommates with the respect they deserve?

Robin Perelle is the managing editor of Xtra Vancouver. Follow her on Twitter @robinperelle.

“The outcome that we seek is this — gay and lesbian people daring together to set love free.” Xtra is published by Pink Triangle Press, at 1033 Davie St, Ste 501, Vancouver, BC V6E 1M7.

INBOX Sing it, sisters!

FANTASTIC PERFORMANCE [“Backstage at the Vancouver Men’s Chorus Sold-Out Show,” xtra. ca, May 15]! We really enjoyed the video. Great to see our son Hugh commenting. He certainly enjoys singing and belonging to this group of fine gentlemen.

John and Helen Jansen St Albert, AB

Forced HIV tests OF COURSE WE SHOULD support emergency workers regarding their health with protections against cross-contaminates [“Invasive and Ineffective: BC’s FirstResponder Bill Denounced,” xtra.ca, May 8]. But there are protocols and measures already in place that do this.

If these fail and they are paying attention, they should say so and be given the necessary treatments.

This is not about subsidies or costs.

This is about knowing your job and its procedures. Seems the bill is more directed at pointing fingers and laying blame. Anybody not regularly getting health tests and blood checks in the medical professions, never mind not following the procedures and methods that have been working perfectly well, might need a refresher course as to what it is their job entails.

Reminds me of the story a healthcare worker tried to foster regarding hepatitis C. They tried to convince me that if there was any spittle, or a carrier sneezed, I too would become infected. I suspected this person was looking to misinform. So I did my homework, consulted those in more caring and professional positions.

My suspicions were correct. The only way hepatitis C can be transmitted is blood-to-blood transmission.

Any health professional who truly understands their role in helping those down for the count in emergency situations would take the proper and loving steps to help themselves as well.

BW Teske Vancouver, BC

I HAVE WORKED FOR 29 years, and still do, as a healthcare worker. From day one I was taught to not take any chances, so I wash my hands, wear gloves and do not assume the frail little old lady is immune to hep C. I do not see why first responders do not do the same.

Just don’t assume — the same with my sex partners.

Louis Vancouver, BC

I THINK THE BILL IS A GOOD idea. We should support emergency workers. If an emergency worker comes into contact with a patient’s body fluids, they should be entitled to know whether those fluids contain a communicable disease so

SEEMS THE BILL IS MORE DIRECTED AT POINTING FINGERS AND LAYING BLAME.

Send your correspondence by mail to 1033 Davie St, Ste 501, Vancouver, BC, V6E 1M7; email comment@xtra.ca; or log-in to xtra.ca and comment directly. We may edit letters.

they can take action to protect their health. Since Canada provides free healthcare to its citizens (and since most Canadian jurisdictions greatly subsidize the costs of anti-HIV drugs for most HIV-positive people), it’s a small price to pay.

Tim Toronto, ON

Evangelical threat?

WHILE MANY OF US ARE welcoming the summer weather and Barack Obama’s statements on gay marriage, a threat looms large right on the West End’s doorstep.

Harper and the rightwing have been joined by a new, large evangelical denomination on Granville Island. Pastor James Bonney was quoted in the May 11 Vancouver Courier as stating, “we do see the Bible as unambiguous, from beginning to end, in teaching that sexual practices are reserved for marriage and that marriage is reserved for the joining together of a man and a woman.” Ergo, because the LGBTQ community cannot get married, in Westside’s view, we cannot have sex.

This statement followed Westside’s affiliate, Mennonite Brethren Willingdon Church, being strongly opposed to anti-homophobia policy in Burnaby. It appears that our new neighbours taking residence in the Arts Club’s Granville Island Stage theatre may take a similar view, as Bonney apparently wrote in defence of their affiliate.

While Bonney stated, “We are called to love our neighbour and everyone is our neighbour,” it appears that Westside has different types of love and equality for different groups of god’s own creation. Bonney also quoted from the Book of Ephesians in last month’s sermon: “Wives, submit to your husbands, as to the lord.”

So, while we wonder about the percentage of the LGBTQ persons in the West End, and whether there are enough bars to satisfy our entertainment needs on a hot summer night, a growing threat to women’s equality and LGBTQ rights has been firmly established in what I thought was a progressive, LGBTQ-friendly venue (and one which I will be boycotting from now on).

Women, members of the LGBTQ community, look across to Granville Island this Sunday to see where your rights are at risk of being taken away.

Prepare for the Rapture (and it does not come with buff dancers).

Tom McKenna Vancouver, BC

Fear of female I LIKED DANIEL ZOMPARELli’s article [“Fear of Faggotry,” Xtra #488, May 3], but it seemed to be missing an important word that lies at the root of the oppression against faggots, sissies, women, etc. Come on, stop flitting around that word, you know, like a girl or something. Hell,

you probably act “like a girl” and talk “like a girl” and run “like a girl” and cry “like a girl” too. I bet you even admire and respect some women, real or fictional, you faggot. The word is misogyny, and until little boys are no longer taught that “female” equals “inferior” and that the full spectrum of human behaviour and emotions is not divided along gender lines, it will continue to hurt us all.

Kathleen Barrett Vancouver, BC

New community centre IN RESPONSE TO YOUR recent article [“Interest Lost in OUR Spaces,” Xtra #488, May 3] we write to say that there are still citizens very much interested in creating an inclusive centre for the LGBTQ community that acts as a hub for social, health, arts and other community organizations.

While planning and building a new centre is a demanding undertaking for a not-for-profit group, the OUR Spaces’ new board has already met and is looking forward to rising to the challenge with renewed vigour.

We will be actively engaging with our LGBTQ community throughout the year and continuing to build momentum for this worthwhile project. We encourage anyone who is interested in fulfilling this vision to become a member of OUR Spaces. We welcome community feedback, support and contribution. Our email is secretary@ ourspaces.ca, and watch for our information table at the Vancouver Pride Festival in August.

Diane Nhan, secretary/treasurer OUR Spaces Society

Conrad Black not welcome SO GARETH KIRKBY [“WELcome Black, Conrad,” Xtra #489, May 17] sees nothing wrong with letting an ex-convict non-citizen like Conrad Black into the country for the simple fact he creates conversations and challenges sacred cows? If narcissism, greed and fraud are the only criteria, I can send you a list of foreign convicts who’d love to create conversation and add some more colour to Canada’s media canvas.

The fact remains Black received special treatment from his buddy Stephen Harper, and since Harper likes to surround himself with fraudsters with criminal records, perhaps he’ll give Black Bruce Carson’s old position as senior advisor.

After all, Harper pulled a few RCMP strings to overlook Carson’s criminal record for fraud; why not Black?

No, Black should go back to the country whose citizenship he prefers and which calls him a Lord. He can still create lots of conversations from there.

William Muller Vancouver, BC

6

Vancouver’s gay & lesbian news

XTRA! MAY 31, 2012

noteworthy › updates › ephemera

Xcetera RODENT RETROVIRALS DAVID DE LOSSY/THINKSTOCK

POTENT QUOTABLES

Mice cured of In 10 years we’ll be ashamed that this was an issue.

– Captain America, Chris Evans (from the blockbuster movie The Avengers), talks to Details magazine. “It goes without saying that I’m completely in support of gay marriage.”

HIV

Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles, have successfully cured HIV in mice using genetically altered human stem cells.

For more on this story, go to xtra.ca.

–Jeremy Feist

AS SEEN IN THE VILLAGE ROBIN PERELLE

TM & © 2012 MARVEL & SUBS/WWW.MARVEL.COM

–Jeremy Feist

JUST SAYING

I think it was the right thing to do.

Whether it costs him votes or not.

– Hip-hop star Jay-Z on CNN May 14, after President Barack Obama finally declared his support for gay marriage.

Discriminating against gays “is no different than discriminating against blacks. It’s discrimination, plain and simple,” Jay-Z says.

JESSIE NODS

Dear Debaters, I got your posters in the mail and saw them around the gaybourhood. I’m intrigued. Your timing is excellent, with the city drafting its new West End plan. So where’s the debate? And how can Xtra help foster it? Tweet me @robinperelle.

ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS

CAGE-Y NOMINEES SERGEI BACHLAKOV

#davieDB8

Greg Armstrong-Morris, who shone last Christmas as Albin in the Playhouse production of La Cage Aux Folles, has been nominated for a Jessie Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role. Also getting the Jessie nod is his Cage co-star Vincent Tong, whose comedic timing as Jacob the maid stole more than one scene.

Winners will be announced June 25 at the Commodore Ballroom.

We’re rooting for you, girls!

WATERSPORTS No, it’s not just a lame joke from Glee anymore: scientists have confirmed that male dolphins really do engage in homosexual behaviour, and they can get pretty kinky about it. The study observed more than 120 male dolphins partaking in “very intense” gay relationships, making dolphins the first animal other than humans to get into BDSM. In related news, Grindr has announced a new gay cruising app for dolphins, called Flippr.

–Jeremy Feist

IMGISLAND.COM

BREAKING NEWS › TALACKOVA BREAKS TOP 12 IN MISS UNIVERSE CANADA > COMPETING ANTI-BULLYING BILLS VIE FOR TRACTION IN ONTARIO > COURT: WEAR ‘JESUS IS NOT A HOMOPHOBE’ T-SHIRT WHENEVER > GLORIA ALLRED ON JENNA TALACKOVA, JOHN TRAVOLTA AND BARACK OBAMA MORE AT XTRA.CA

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dispatches › issues › opinion

Upfront SEXUAL EXPRESSION

IF YOU WERE NOT GOING TO ALLOW SEX ON SITE WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT BEFORE ANY PLANS WERE MADE. Hard Party won’t return to Five Sixty › 11

EDUCATION

Crackdown on sex stores likely

Why is Surrey lagging on anti-homophobia policy?

City licensing inspector puts stores on notice

Despite promise, BC Liberals unlikely to pass school legislation this session

Jeremy Hainsworth A CITY CRACKDOWN ON VANcouver’s sex shops may be on the way as a result of a discrimination suit brought against the city by one of the Lower Mainland’s biggest sex retailers.

An affidavit from a city licensing official, filed May 7 in BC Supreme Court, threatens to enforce zoning bylaws, with the promise of injunctions, prosecutions and business licence suspensions against sex shops operating in violation of regulations.

The affidavit stems from a lawsuit filed against the city by Fantasy Factory’s operator, who says the city’s refusal to grant him a licence for his business at Fraser and Kingsway is discriminatory.

Tony Perry initially applied for a licence transfer in 2009. Six months later, he applied for a licence to run a sex shop with video booths that sold toys and videos.

The city inspected the store a

Tony Perry wants to know why the City of Vancouver won’t give him a business licence to operate a sex store on Kingsway.

GEORGE SMELTZER

month later, found that no development permit application had been made to change the business from retail to adult entertainment and, on June 8, 2010, issued a cease-and-desist order.

Both Perry and the property owners were told failure to comply would result in charges being laid.

Neighbours demanded the store be shut down, saying it was too close to a local school, a charge Perry denied.

In his May 10 petition to the BC Supreme Court, Perry claims the zoning and development bylaw blocking his business licence un-

lawfully discriminates against him specifically and adult retail stores in general.

Perry’s petition also points out that many stores licensed in Vancouver after 1995 as retail, grocery or drugstores are, in fact, adult retail stores under the bylaw. But these stores have not been required to apply for development permits, even though many are in zones where adult stores are not permitted.

Perry wants to know why those stores are allowed to continue operating while he can’t get a licence.

“The city has not taken any enforcement steps in relation to these properties and indeed has issued each of these business licences that they were not entitled to,” his petition says.

The May 7 affidavit from Vancouver’s director of licences and inspections says he was aware of the 17 businesses identified in Perry’s petition “that appear to be operating in violation of the City of Vancouver’s Adult Retail Store regulations” without adult retail or entertainment licences.

Will Johnston says he or city staff will meet with the operators of all 17 businesses “to discuss the city’s regulations and the alleged unlawfulness of the operations.”

“I intend to seek to bring the 17 businesses into compliance with the city Adult Retail Store regulations, including the Zoning and Development By-law and the Licence By-law,” Johnston says in the sworn document.

While his store, Perry says in his affidavit, has been called “the Army and Navy of sex stores,” he sells products similar to those found at Womyn’sWare, Little Sister’s and The Art of Loving.

“My stores fulfill an important niche, and that is facilitating sexual health for individuals who do not fit in the targeted class of the other listed stores but have the same needs for positive sexual expression,” he says.

“My stores also function as outlets for . . . my own political expression, which is aimed at the promotion of freedom of expression, including sexual expression, and to create an environment where all who enter feel welcomed and equally deserving of respect and consideration,” he says. “I believe that is an important ideal no matter what the socioeconomic class, gender or sexual orientation of my customers.”

Natasha Barsotti SEVENTEEN SCHOOL BOARDS HAVE now passed explicit anti-homophobia policy in BC and six more are considering it, but Surrey, the province’s largest school district, has yet to develop its own.

This, almost 10 years after the Supreme Court of Canada ordered the Surrey school board to reconsider its ban on three gay-friendly books.

“I would say that when the court made the ruling I felt euphoric at that time, thinking that there was going to be a sea change within Surrey,” says James Chamberlain, whose request to use Asha’s Mums, Belinda’s Bouquet and One Dad, Two Dads, Brown Dad, Blue Dad in district classrooms touched off the lengthy court case.

“Since that time I’ve been disappointed because that really hasn’t happened,” he says.

“I believe there’s still a chill in the district around teaching LGBTQ issues,” he continues. “Not to the same degree it was 10 years ago, but teachers are still reticent because of a lack of official support from the board.”

But there are positive signs, he acknowledges, pointing to more gaystraight alliances and the 2010 staging of the Dare to Stand Out conference at a Surrey school. “That was kind of a watershed moment, because there was no opposition from the board to having that conference at a school in Surrey.”

Overall, Chamberlain remains “deeply disappointed” by the slow pace of change in Surrey and what he calls the lack of leadership from the school board and senior management on gay issues.

In his April 3 letter of resignation to Surrey school superintendent Mike McKay, Chamberlain says the school board needs to demonstrate leadership on that portfolio by developing “discrete anti-homophobia policy” similar to those passed by the other 17 school boards. He also notes the absence of professional development for employees in anti-homophobia and other areas.

In his April 27 reply, McKay says he’s “sharing” Chamberlain’s specific suggestions with board members and district senior staff and assures that the matters raised were already “works in progress.”

“His letter falls flat; it has no content whatsoever,” Chamberlain contends.

Xtra’s attempts to reach McKay were unsuccessful up to press time.

Recently elected Surrey school trustee Charlene Dobie says she would be interested in passing such policy but can’t say where the board stands.

“It mystifies me as to why the largest school district in the province can’t lead on this issue when so many districts are already doing it,” Chamberlain says. “It’s not like they’ll be trailblazing at this

“It mystifies me as to why the largest school district in the province can’t lead on this issue when so many districts are already doing it,” says James Chamberlain. LEAH BROMLEY PHOTO

point. They would be playing catch-up.”

Four years ago, only three of BC’s 60 school boards had passed antihomophobia policy, he notes. In just the last year, four boards have passed such policy and one more is expected in June. “So to move from three to 17 in a four-year span, with nine more in the works, that is a significant shift.”

Chamberlain attributes the increased pace of change to student leaders and teachers refusing to stay silent about the homophobia they experience in schools. “The youth are leading the charge; the adults just have to catch up.”

Chamberlain welcomes the momentum building in many school districts — especially since the BC Liberals aren’t likely to take the lead on this issue. “I think government direction is a lost cause,” he says.

After many unmet promises to address homophobia in schools, Premier Christy Clark again promised to introduce in this session “the best legislation, the best policy, the best methods we possibly can for addressing this issue in workplaces, in schools and in homes for all people across British Columbia.”

“I had expected by now we would have seen legislation or policy around it, but it looks like they’ve decided not to act,” says NDP MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert, noting the session ends May 31. “Here we are about a year and a half since [Clark] first promised to make it

her top priority — two legislative sessions, a promise in the throne speech — and nothing.

“It sounds like her words yet again are hollow and meant to look like she’s doing something, yet when given the opportunity, actually does nothing,” he says.

Xtra’s request for comment from the premier’s office was routed to the Education Ministry, where a spokesperson said, “an announcement is expected shortly” but did not elaborate.

On May 7 Education Minister George Abbott promised “a five-year multilevel training regime for educators and staff that will be focused on both anti-bullying and threat assessment.”

“There will be, I’m advised, a specific anti-homophobia component to that training,” Abbott told the House.

“Of course, bullying is unacceptable for any reason, but we know that homophobia can be a very challenging issue in some schools. We need to have the training regime that’s built to meet that,” Abbott continued.

He mentioned safe schools coordinators for each district, a reporting app for students and a website for parents whose children are being bullied.

“If an issue came up that required a legislative response, we’d certainly be prepared to do that. We don’t believe at this point that that should be necessary,” Abbott said.

10

Vancouver’s gay & lesbian news

XTRA! MAY 31, 2012

35TH VANCOUVER

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Vancouver first in gaybashings again

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VANCOUVER REMAINED CANADA’S capital for reported gaybashings in 2010, despite an overall 18 percent drop in hate crimes in Canada’s biggest cities and a drop in gaybashings of 5.6 percent, new Statistics Canada numbers show.

While Toronto had more individual gaybashings than Vancouver — 35 compared to 30 — Vancouver’s percentage of gaybashings out of the total number of hate crimes was more than twice as high.

“Any hate crime is disturbing,” says Vancouver West End MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert, “but to see statistics [like that] is really disturbing.”

In other parts of Canada, Ottawa reported 15 gaybashings, Montreal 13, Edmonton seven, Quebec City five, Calgary five, Hamilton four and Winnipeg one.

Overall, Canadian police services reported 178 hate crimes based on sexual orientation in 2010, compared to 188 in 2009, 159 in 2008, and 71 in 2007.

Sexual orientation accounted for 15.5 percent of all reported hate crimes in 2010, ranking third after race/ethnicity and religion.

Though a lower percentage, compared to previous years, of gaybashings in 2010 were violent, they were still more likely to result in physical injury than other types of hate crimes.

— Jeremy Hainsworth

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11

SEXUAL SPACE

Hard party won’t return to Five Sixty Just following liquor board rules, club says Natasha Barsotti ORGANIZERS AND ATTENDEES OF a May 20 leather party are angry about the treatment they received from security guards at Five Sixty nightclub, saying it was heavy-handed and homophobic.

Bill Coleman, president of Vancouver Men in Leather (VML), which coproduces the Hard party, says the first signs of trouble arose 30 minutes into the event, when a partygoer told him security guards were policing sexual activity in the designated dungeon.

Coleman says he initially observed one security guard approaching guys in a non-confrontational way, asking them to stop any sexual activity. Then another guard, who said he was in charge of security, shone a flashlight in people’s faces and loudly warned them not to be sexual. The same guard also ordered men to stop playing near the urinals.

Coleman emailed Five Sixty’s marketing director, Jonathon Gray, the next day.

In his May 24 reply, Gray says the party “went well,” though the dungeon “unfortunately” had to be shut down because it was “getting a bit risky to continue the activities as per our licensing requirements.”

Coleman wrote back and complained about the guards’ behaviour, saying he

had expected the event to be “the same as the other three Hard Parties” held at Five Sixty.

“There was a great deal of sex before at Hard parties, it was supported and perhaps even encouraged by management,” Coleman told Gray. “You should have known that it was advertised that there would be a play space (for guys to have sex). These advertisements were widely distributed.

“If you were not going to allow sex on site we should have been told that before any plans were made to hold our event at Five Sixty,” Coleman continues.

“By not doing so you have damaged your reputation and our reputation.”

Five Sixty was only following liquor board guidelines, Gray says.

“Unfortunately, those are the rules set out by the Vancouver liquor board,” he says. “We’re very supportive of the community as well as the VML, but there’s specific lines we have to adhere to as a venue in Vancouver, so that’s kind of where our stance was on that.”

Five Sixty’s executive director, Farhaan Ladhani, told Xtra he received a call from the liquor board about “some promotion and advertising that they had been concerned about” regarding the Hard party.

While he won’t say who made the

complaint, liquor inspector Rick Brydon confirms that he contacted Ladhani to find out about the dungeon.

Brydon, who says he has no idea “what a dungeon entails,” says Ladhani told him it had already been dealt with.

“He said, ‘Well, it’s no longer there.

We’re not doing it anymore.’”

Brydon says Ladhani didn’t go into specifics.

“He mentioned something about possibly leaving themselves open for some sort of civil litigation, and he himself came to the decision. I still have no idea what the dungeon is, other than the complaint that came to us.”

Brydon, who says he spoke to Ladhani a couple of weeks before the Hard party, notes that his concerns ended when Ladhani addressed them immediately. “So there’s not any reason for me to push that forward.

“I certainly didn’t say, ‘Don’t you ever do this again,’” Brydon adds.

Asked if a dungeon would pose a problem, Brydon reiterates that he doesn’t know what a dungeon is. But “I have seen theme nights in lots of different bars — absolutely

harmless.”

“We’ve never had a problem,” says Priape manager Mark Janssen, who co-produces the Hard party with VML. Janssen says that he expected the same arrangements used in the last three Hard parties, including the play space, to apply on May 20.

Gray maintains the club “received specific concerns” from the liquor board about the play space. “We have to kind of enforce that, and we were very transparent with Mark throughout the whole process.”

Janssen says he was also told, during a phone meeting with Gray and Ladhani, that police had been enquiring about Who’s to blame for play space security?

the play space.

“I said, ‘What are they enquiring about? This is the fourth party we’re going to do,’” Janssen recalls.

He wonders whether police suddenly enquired about the Hard party, or whether Five Sixty proactively called police with questions. “When we were on the dancefloor, 30 minutes before the door opened for the event itself on Sunday, he [Ladhani] kind of indicated that he was being proactive and he called the police,” Janssen alleges.

Ladhani says he didn’t call the police.

“We were disappointed to hear the concerns voiced by the Vancouver Men in Leather Association with respect to their Hard 4 event last week,” Gray says in an email to Xtra. “We have been working with the Hard 4 organizers for several weeks, and in that time, we made clear to all parties that it was the venue’s responsibility to act in accordance with both the City of Vancouver and the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch requirements. We informed the Hard 4 organizers that complaints had been registered with the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch regarding promotions around the Hard 4 event and were assured at that time that all of those involved would be acting in accordance with City and LCLB regulations.

“The closing of the dungeon, in cooperation with the event organizers, was our requirement to act in accordance with the regulations that govern our operations,” Gray says.

“We failed at providing a sex positive party. We would like to apologize again to those who felt ashamed, harassed and embarrassed by Five Sixty security guards,” the VML board says in a public letter, adding it won’t hold any more events at Five Sixty.

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12

Vancouver’s gay & lesbian news

XTRA! MAY 31, 2012

COMMUNITY

People see Qmunity as relevant, says new ED Dara Parker plans community consultation Matthew DiMera IT’S TWO WEEKS INTO HER NEW POsition as executive director of Qmunity, and Dara Parker still can’t get over her excitement.

“I’ve never actually worked professionally in the queer community,” she says, calling her new “gay for pay” job “the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Parker took over the reins of Qmunity May 9, after previous executive director Jennifer Breakspear left to take a new job with BC Options for Sexual Health.

One of Parker’s first duties as executive director was speaking in front of a 300-plus crowd at Qmunity’s annual International Day Against Homophobia breakfast on May 17. She says it gave her a great opportunity to jump in headfirst and start introducing herself to the community.

Born and raised in Toronto, Parker has a BA in political studies from Queen’s University and a master’s in planning from the University of British Columbia. She previously volunteered for a year and a half with GAB, Qmunity’s youth drop-in program.

“My knowledge of the organization came from being a volunteer four years ago, so I feel like I have an inside frontline perspective, and I believe in the work that we do,” she explains.

She has nothing but praise for Qmunity’s core programming, its volunteer base and its importance in the community.

“There’s constantly people in our space. I think that we’ve done a really good job of creating an open communityoriented space, and the testament to that is how well used it is,” she says.

“In my less than two weeks in the office there’s been this stream of people in and out . . . people feel comfortable using the space and they see it as important and relevant.”

She disagrees with critics who say that Qmunity is no longer relevant to the queer community, arguing that the non-profit serves more than 35,000 clients a year.

“I think that we provide vital services to the community and that there are a lot of people who identify as queer . . . who are still struggling with their identities that find us to be a valuable

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“I think that we’ve done a really good job of creating an open communityoriented space,” says Qmunity’s new ED, Dara Parker. JAMES LOEWEN

resource when they’re figuring out who they are, or where to go — how to find a community,” she says.

Parker has three priorities in mind for her first year at the helm of Qmunity.

The first is to create a strategic plan based on the priorities of the queer community.

“A cornerstone of that is going to be going out into the community and doing some consultation to determine what [those] are,” she says. She stresses that asking what people want and need is paramount if Qmunity wants to remain relevant.

Her second priority is to look for more diverse funding sources, starting with the business community.

“Qmunity’s fairly reliant on government grants, both at the provincial and local level,” she says. “We’d like to look at new opportunities . . . building both our corporate relationships and our private donor base.”

Her third priority is one that has stymied several of her predecessors — finding Qmunity a new home.

Earlier this year, space for Qmunity in a proposed Comox St high-rise was withdrawn from planning because the

community was not unified about the queer resource centre being part of the controversial development. Breakspear had previously faced an onslaught of community criticism for praising the rezoning application that would have allowed the organization to occupy space in the tower.

An earlier 2009 proposal to move Qmunity out of the West End was also dropped after strong criticism from queer community members.

Parker laments the loss of the offer of the Comox space and understands the challenges of relocating to a suitable location.

“Our space is fairly limited in a few ways: one, that it’s non-accessible; two, we’d really like that storefront visibility now; and three, we’ve just grown beyond our own capacity, and so we just need a larger space that has some basic amenities, like kitchen space,” she points out.

“We don’t have a budget to build our own space, and that would require a huge capital drive, and I’m not sure that that’s the best strategy at this point,” she adds.

“We still have really strong relationships with the city of Vancouver, and so what we’re hoping to do is work with them to identify an alternative space through a similar process, through a community amenity contribution.”

Parker recognizes that she faces multiple hurdles but says she’s up for the challenge.

“I don’t think we can be everything to everyone. We just don’t have the capacity; we’re a small non-profit, but I do want to hear from the community,” she says. “I’m receptive to people coming to chat or to share their ideas or their perspectives. I’m really interested in hearing from people and knowing what their priorities are.”

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Support your queer staff, says trans EA employee Qmunity celebrates workplace diversity at IDAH breakfast Matthew DiMera

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SEXUAL AND GENDER DIVERSITY in the workplace is good for business, say organizers of an annual antihomophobia breakfast in Vancouver.

A crowd of more than 350 people filled a Vancouver hotel ballroom Thursday, May 17 to celebrate the eighth annual International Day Against Homophobia breakfast, hosted

by Qmunity, BC’s Queer Resource Centre.

Kelly Worrall, a long-time employee at Electronic Arts, spoke to the audience about her experience transitioning from a man to a woman while working in the video game industry.

When she decided to inform her employer about her impending transition, she was unsure how people would react and feared the worst.

“I was very, very frightened,” she said. “I thought that I was going to be sent to psychiatric counselling by [human resources]. I thought that maybe I’d be demoted or removed to some position where nobody would see me.”

She was happy to be proven wrong.

Worrall ended up working closely with her human resources department to develop a plan to ease her transition at work.

“To have that company embrace me, support me, protect me, love me and take care of me . . . really made me feel so wonderful,” she said, urging businesses to learn from her experience.

“One of the best ways you can bring a sense of family to your workplace is to honestly take care of one another, go the extra mile, let them know that it’s okay to be who they are and be there for them when they need you.”

Worrall was one of three keynote speakers. She was joined

by Jim Sinclair, president of the BC Federation of Labour, and Kasey D Reese, a vice-president “One of the best ways you can bring a at Telus. The theme of this sense of family to your workplace is to year’s event was Queering the honestly take care of one another, go the extra mile, let them know that it’s okay Workplace. to be who they are,” says EA software Councillor Tim Stevenson producer Kelly Worrall. JAMES LOEWEN read an official proclamation from Mayor Gregor Robertson declar- new workplace is welcoming to queer ing May 17 International Day Against employees, many are not. “Whether it’s Homophobia in the city of Vancouver. a dirty look from your colleague after Qmunity’s chair, Jeffrey Preiss, also talking about your partner or being used the occasion to introduce his physically harassed because of the organization’s newly hired executive washroom you choose to use at work, director, Dara Parker (see story above). for many the workplace simply isn’t Parker pointed out that while her safe,” she said.

more at xtra.ca

XTRA! MAY 31, 2012

13

FAMILY LAW

Think you’re common-law?

BC’s new Family Act says otherwise Matthew DiMera RECENT CHANGES TO BC’S FAMily law will have unexpected consequences for many queer common-law couples, two local lawyers warn.

Under the new Family Law Act, there will no longer be any difference between married people and common-law couples in BC, according to Vancouver family law lawyer Dennis Dahl.

Once common-law partners have lived together for two years in a “marriagelike relationship,� they will have an automatic half interest in all property accumulated during the relationship and in the increase in value of all property brought into the relationship.

Additionally, both married and common-law couples will now be liable for half of all the family debts of their partner, including credit card debts, incurred from the time they started living together until the time they separate. “There was a legal and personal distinction between the choice to be married and the choice to remain unmarried,� says Dahl. “What they’ve done now is taken that all away. “It would be one thing if the new law applied only to new relationships starting after [a certain] date. But in fact, for most of the people who it will affect, they will have already entered the relationship assuming the law was very different and that they either

didn’t need an agreement or that they were protected based on whatever their personal interests were,� he adds. “Now it’s being imposed upon them.�

The BC Liberal government passed the new Family Law Act Nov 23, 2011, with Attorney General Shirley Bond calling it “a chance to put children ďŹ rst and keep families safe.â€? It replaces the Family Relations Act, which was originally implemented in 1978. Although no speciďŹ c date has been announced, the new act is expected to take effect in 2013.

During debates for the new act last fall, Langley MLA Mary Polak suggested in the BC legislature that the new provisions for common-law relationships could inadvertently lead to higher marriage rates in BC. “I’m told that common-law families in British Columbia are growing at a rate three times faster than the number of married couples. Who knows? For those who long for the nostalgic days when marriages, as they felt, were the traditional and best way to go, perhaps this will encourage more people to tie the knot,â€? Polak said on Nov 17. “But certainly, there will no longer be the potential for ďŹ nancial advantage being taken through avoiding marriage.â€?

Family lawyer Agnes Huang understands the rationale for the changes to the law but is concerned that the government is taking away people’s choices. “The reason why they changed the

“There was a legal and personal distinction between the choice to be married and the choice to remain unmarried,� says family lawyer Dennis Dahl. “What they’ve done now is taken that all away.� MATTHEW DIMERA

property laws was often to deal with the fact that a lot of women were getting screwed by their common-law male spouses,� Huang says. “When you start living together, it’s a huge deal now,� she says, pointing out that for many gays and lesbians in long-term relationships, marriage became an option only in 2005. “We’ve all structured our lives without marriage being there, and essentially the state has now decided we’re married. And many of us, who are lesbian feminists, myself included, just don’t believe in marriage as an institution.�

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Dahl agrees that many queer couples are common-law and remain intentionally unmarried by choice. Under the new act, common-law couples who don’t want to be subject to these new changes can opt out by drawing up a legal agreement setting out the terms of their relationships. “It’s rare in my practice that common-law couples want that regime and automatic buy-in to property. They prefer to set it on their own terms, and almost never do they want an automatic sharing of property,� Dahl says. “[The new law] forces people to be proactive,

to spend money and see lawyers to draft an agreement when previously they may not have had to do so.�

Dahl stresses that aside from the changes to common-law relationships, the act is largely positive. He points to the act’s redeďŹ nition of who can be called parents, speciďŹ cally the accommodations it makes for families using assisted reproduction. Under the new law, sperm or egg donors will have no legal liability or responsibility, unless all parties speciďŹ cally say otherwise in a written contract. Female surrogates will also be able to sign contracts giving away their legal rights or responsibilities before the child is born. “It creates the possibility, for the ďŹ rst time in BC, of a multiparent family of up to as many as ďŹ ve people. Normally, the family law has only ever recognized two parents for a child upon birth, but in this act it could have as many as ďŹ ve,â€?

Dahl says.

The potential five parents could include up to two “intended parents,� a sperm donor, an egg donor and a surrogate who carries the child. These multiparent families would be possible only when all parties have agreed in writing.

Huang believes that this new provision is a good step but cautions about potential fallouts that will have to be addressed. “The implications are much greater than just being named on a birth certiďŹ cate. The questions will become, ‘How do you parent a child when you have three parents?’â€?

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14

Vancouver’s gay & lesbian news

XTRA! MAY 31, 2012

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

Who was that elegant, crazy lady?

‘DON’T WORRY, MY DEAR,’ OLD BUCKSHON WHISPERED IN HER EAR AS THEY BEGAN THE BEGUINE. ‘I KNOW WHO YOU ARE, AND YOUR SECRET IS SAFE WITH ME.’ couldn’t have been more astonished.

Then ordering, chatting with everyone at the table, relating how horrible the weather had been in Cannes and how she couldn’t wait to get to Palm Springs, but wasn’t it marvellous that

she was in town right now . . . for Grace’s birthday!

Grace’s husband was a pretty smooth old boy himself and lobbed numerous softball questions Lady J’s way, clearly trying to get a handle on who the hell she was and how she had come to know Grace. Everyone else, including Grace, apparently assumed that Lady J was someone else’s friend. Nobody was going to be so rude as to ask.

Using a visit to the powder room as an excuse to pass the maître d’s station, Lady J whispered, “Who the hell are these people?” and learned that they were the Buckshons, as in the Buckshon Pharmacy family.

Dinner went charmingly, and at some

point during dessert Mr Buckshon invited Lady J for a turn on the dancefloor — possibly to the music of the Dal Richards Orchestra.

“Don’t worry, my dear,” old Buckshon whispered in her ear as they began the beguine. “I know who you are, and your secret is safe with me.”

Needless to say, our heroine almost fainted at this, until he continued, “I’ve seen your picture in the tabloids and I think it’s wonderful that you can pull this off!”

Well, apparently old Buckshon was no more clued in than anyone else at the party, but he had his own fantasy going on, so Lady J dined and waltzed the night away, taking her leave hours later, with many thanks, fond farewells and promises to “see you in Palm Springs, daahlings!”

We certainly enjoyed her telling of the adventure later that night as we gathered as usual in the White Lunch for 3am reports on the night just past.

And no doubt Grace was charmed by her birthday party celebrity mystery guest . . . or always wondered who the hell that crazy woman really was.

Kevin Dale McKeown was Vancouver’s first gay columnist, penning QQ Writes . . . Page 69 for the Georgia Straight through the early 1970s.

For more memories of the era, and to contribute your own, visit stillqq.com and xtra.ca.

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OU MAY REMEMBER MEETing Lady Jacqueline Wentworth Brown several months back in the first installment of this chronicle. She was the high-as-akite drag queen who got into a pitched battle with White Lunch night manager Molly and concluded the conversation by heaving a hefty little glass creamer into the mirrored wall behind the cafeteria counter. Stormed out the door, then stormed back in a second later to fling a quarter at Molly, screaming, “And that’s for the creamer!”

That was Lady J. Our Lady J fancied herself a cut above your average boy-in-a-dress and had taken to hanging out at some of the finer downtown lounges and lobbies, hoping to give the higher-end hotel call girls a run for their johns’ money. And damned if she wasn’t pulling it off!

This queen, who modelled herself on Jackie Kennedy, was so elegant (when she wasn’t busting up mirrors) that staffs at the Hotel Vancouver, the Devonshire and the Georgia hadn’t a clue. She tipped extravagantly, always leaving $20 (big change in those days) on the counter when chatting up the night manager. And she always had a

two-spot (yes, we had $2 bills in 1970) for anyone who might happen to hold a door for her. Just enough palm greasing to keep her in the action.

So it came to pass one evening that Lady J was passing the elevators in the lobby of the Hotel Vancouver as a group of people were arriving, greeting one another and getting ready to dine together upstairs in the Panorama Roof.

Suddenly, an elegantly dressed matron arrives and everyone greets her with “Happy birthday, Grace . . . Wonderful to see you, Grace . . . You’ve never looked lovelier, darling . . . So happy I could be here today!”

So what does our Lady J do but seize the moment and rush into the crowd, arms extended for a big familiar hug, with a shout of “Grace, sweetheart, I’m just back from Cannes and I’m exhausted, but I couldn’t miss this special day!”

It’s amazing what you can do on speed!

And what with the hustle of other partiers arriving and greeting and getting themselves into elevators to be carried to the Roof, Lady J just hustled along with everyone else and moments later found herself seated for dinner.

Seated, we should mention, by the Roof’s weeknight maître d’, who, after his shifts, often joined our own little 3am party at the Granville St White Lunch. So he knew exactly who she was (and confirmed this wild story) and

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XTRA! MAY 31, 2012

15

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COVER STORY

A resurgence of

faeries Richard J Dalton Jr goes to Faerie camp and emerges transformed ABOVE: The author, Sunroom (Richard J Dalton Jr, right), liberates his inner Faerie, with Luke Warmwater (Ken Tomilson). RICHARD J DALTON JR

WENT TO BC RADICAL FAERIE Camp as a reporter seeking to capture Faerie culture, but Faerie culture captured me.

The low-profile Faeries have undergone a resurgence in Vancouver in the last three years, reviving once-dormant weekly coffee events downtown and adding another in East Vancouver. The group held its first BC Faerie Camp last year; I attended the second camp with 72 Faeries on Victoria Day weekend. I was transfixed and transformed, forging genuine bonds with other queer men, a wonderful respite from attitudefilled, frigid Vancouver.

There are no rules, but Faerie rituals turn tradition on its head. Instead of applause, for example, Faeries hiss.

Nobody leads Radical Faeries or defines its mission.

There’s a saying that if you ask two Radical Faeries what it’s like to be a Faerie you’ll get four answers. But one website (radfae.org) gives an overview: “Generally, we tend to be gay men who look for a spiritual dimension to our sexuality; many of us are healers of one kind or another. Our shared values include feminism, respect for the Earth, and individual responsibility rather than hierarchy.”

Influenced by pagan, Wiccan and native principles of valuing everyone, the loosely knit group accepts all queer men: old, young, skinny, chubby, tall, short, hairy, smooth, goth and geek, HIV-positive and -negative. Offering

THE FAERIES KIND OF HEALED THE SPLIT BETWEEN MY COCK AND MY HEART. —Sequoia

above: Clockwise from back left: Holly,

Edward, SnapDragon, Marmot, Stitch and Mercy. RANDALL COSCO

hard-to-find acceptance during the AIDS crisis, the Faeries flourished.

At camp, the thawing begins immediately. Strangers are more likely to give a big hug than a firm handshake. There should be a welcoming sign: “Dorothy, we’re not in Vancouver anymore.”

Throughout the weekend, 20-something Royce Edwardsen stands in front of the mirror, going through changes of gender-fuck drag (drag with body hair and genital bulges). Shawl? No shawl? Shawl? No shawl? Finally, his friend Scott Koza says, “Good lord, save some of that mirror for the rest of the weekend.”

Faeries wear drag to amuse others, bend gender stereotypes and celebrate

their feminine side. At meals, Faeries in especially vibrant outfits walk down the aisle as everyone bangs utensils against glasses. At some point, each person is the centre of attention, whether walking down the aisle or exposing their vulnerable selves.

At Faerie 101, Robin Hood (Robert Birch) tells the group that in 1979, Harry Hay, a leader in the early gay movement and Faerie co-founder, wanted to create a world where gay men would be safe.

“His great question was ‘What else can “gay” be?’” Robin Hood says, reminding us not to leave anyone out.

“We’ve all been ‘othered,’” he says.

“This is a chance to thaw out, where we’re all safe to be free and have fun.”

The opening ceremony is hosted by Grey Shard (Gordon Havelaar), 22, whose piercing blue eyes and warm personality could melt glaciers, and Sequoia (Sequoia Thom), 67, a tantric masseur and life coach who could bring balance even to Britney Spears. In 1979, he attended the first Faerie gathering.

“The men who are attracted to the gathering are just such openhearted men,” Sequoia tells me later. “It was really different from what I was experiencing in The Castro.”

“The Faeries kind of healed the split between my cock and my heart,” he says.

The co-hosts read the Shaman Psalm, including lines such as “Parade your peculiar,” and “This is the hour for amorous revolt.”

Faeries then form two concentric circles, each facing another. I face Home (Jeremy Plotkin). Following instructions, we hold hands and stare into each other’s eyes. Then we do a hand dance, matching the movements of each other’s hands. Next, we move on to another Faerie with another exercise, five times in all. It’s all about connecting.

The closing song, “Everything Possible,” includes the line “You can be anybody you want to be. You can love whomever you will.”

The icebreakers work wonders, says Frank Franze Jr. “You’re seeing these people with these great smiles on their faces and continued next page ›

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Vancouver’s gay & lesbian news

XTRA! MAY 31, 2012

› continued from previous page hugging and really connecting,” he says.

“It starts there, and it doesn’t end until Monday. It’s that wonderful.”

The weekend is a testament to the notion that queer men are yearning to escape the aloofness of the West End. All it takes is a place where the norm is closeness and warmth, not distance and frigidity.

Going to Faerie camp and resisting the camaraderie would be like falling in a raging river and fighting the current.

A day into the weekend, I’ve already done naked oil wrestling. I am seduced

by Faerie culture — and everyone knows it. I’m not in a Faerie closet; I’m in a sunroom, visible to all. Perhaps, I think, I’ll even travel in August to a Faerie camp in Oregon, one of many Faerie camps around the world.

I don’t have to undergo initiation or pay dues. I need only to participate. I don’t even have to pick a Faerie name.

Some have gone by real names for 20 years. Others have changed their Fa-

erie names. Marmot (Neil Fernyhough) saw a vision of a marmot in a sweat lodge and changed his name to Marmot from Snowpants, which he had adopted merely because he saw a pair of snow pants.

The theme of camp is spirit meets flesh, and spirit is an essential part. You can get off on an emotional connection with another person.

Of course, there’s also sex. On Sunday, I escape to write in the often-empty log cabin, and a couple goes into a room upstairs. The ecstasy emanating from behind those doors is far more stimulating than the baroque music that usually accompanies my writing. I’m done writing for the night, and I want a cigarette. (And I don’t smoke.)

In the main lodge, there’s also a cuddle room with mattresses and sheets.

Faeries promote sexual liberation, but it’s sex “in the intimate relationship of our shared tribal identity,” according to “Faerie 101: A Purely Personal View,”

by Marmot.

Sex is far from central to the week-

end. Some people “share” themselves a lot. Others are more reserved. Either is cool. It’s all about respecting each other’s boundaries, and that extends to alcohol and drugs, which are strongly discouraged to respect those in recovery. I saw no one smoke pot or drink alcohol. Several alcoholics announced milestones of abstinence.

The key event, the confidential Heart Circle, is held each morning at camp and monthly in Vancouver. Faeries cuddle and hold hands as they listen to Faeries, one at a time, tell stories of the ups and downs of life, love lost and found, setbacks, childhood trauma, triumphs and celebrations. Everyone bears witness, perhaps shedding a tear, certainly laughing and always gaining insight.

If camp were a conference, Heart Circle would be the morning session partygoers skip. At camp, nearly everyone attends the circle. I tell one Faerie that Heart Circle reminds me of weekend retreats I took as a teenager.

He says, “We’re not all that radical.”

THE THEME OF CAMP IS SPIRIT MEETS FLESH, AND SPIRIT IS AN ESSENTIAL PART. ABOVE LEFT: SnapDragon (Justin Saint), Raven Goodfellow (Matthew Ruby) and Serendipity (Tim Jeffrey).

CENTRE: Hijinx (Keith Beer), Columbine (Mark Demers), Thistle (Michael Penley).

RIGHT: Jade Heart (Gregory Whiting), Marzipan (Nelson Agustin), Celeste EL Phyre (Colin Curtis), Doncha F Lovit (John Swaner) PHOTOS BY RICHARD J DALTON JR

He’s right.

For the Saturday ritual we head to the lake, listening to a Faerie sing a beautiful song in the darkness in the centre of the lake, slowly approaching shore on a canoe. Then we each throw a stick in a blazing fire, ridding ourselves of something negative.

The weekend is filled with fun: classes on makeup, erotic massage and bondage. Naked, blindfolded Faeries immerse themselves in dance in one event. In line with the disorganized organization, anyone can create a session by writing it on a sheet. On Sunday, hysterically funny Opus (David C Jones) hosts an entertaining talent show that includes drag lip-synching, a striptease accordion-player and impromptu interpretive dance. The camp also offers canoeing, hiking and archery.

Faerie camp has introduced me to a wonderful group of queers who see the true me beyond the reporter’s notebook. There is no closet for me. I am Sunroom (Richard J Dalton Jr).

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HOT WATER

A sailor’s life for me Blitz & Shitz Raziel

C

RUISEYT IS A GAY VANCOUver tradition! It’s the kickoff to summer. It’s simple: you get on a boat with a bunch of fun and fabulous people, drag queens and DJs. You drink, dance and soak up the sun (or hide in the shade like yours truly out of fear of getting wrinkles).

Joan-E and Coco gave us some yachtclub realness, and House of Celebs performed a dance routine. I was standing behind them when they performed.

The view was even more spectacular than looking out across the Pacific at the mountains. There was lots of body touching and writhing on the floor.

Nature never stood a chance.

Someone pointed out where a Real Housewife of Vancouver lives as we sailed past West Van waterfronts. Then the whole cruise started talking about what a bitch Jody is. Can’t blame them, really. The woman is suing good ol’ sort of, maybe, in her mind totally, ’90s Canadian pop star Mary Zilba. Oh lord. If you’re not watching, what is wrong with you? Their pillow cheeks alone deserve a second season.

CruiseyT had a meat sandwich for sale that gave the boat the glamorous

smell of eau de carcass, but everyone seemed to enjoy. Unlike last year, they also had a meatless food option, a veggie pizza, which I would have ordered had I realized there was no ATM on board and brought more money. It’s a four-hour cruise, so unless you plan on charming a sailor, bring some cash! Better yet, bring some cash to charm a sailor . . . I might be on board, and even though I’ll probably have money next time, we can always pretend I don’t.

The second ship leaves the dock July 1.

The To-Do List FIT FOR A QUEEN “Enter into the quicksilver world of lipstick, high heels and hilarity and enjoy a grand celebration of camp, glamour and kitsch for one night only!” The Vegasstyle drag show will feature a bevy of babes and is a great chance to see our queens in action. They’re the busiest and bustiest bitches in town. June 2 at the River Rock Casino.

Red-wine lips I had an awkward experience with the boyfriend of one of my best girlfriends the other night. We went for drinks on Davie, then my friend’s bf suggested we go back to his apartment on Beach Ave and have a drink in the hot tub. Because it was three in the morning and I had drunk so much red wine that if Jesus were alive he’d have no blood in his veins, I thought it was a spectacular idea.

In the spirit of exhibitionism that has defined most of my life, I took off my shorts in the hot tub. Yes, I slowly lifted my leg out of the bubbly water and coquettishly slid off the swim trunks (which had been lent to me), and with a seductive flick of my wrist, I tossed them onto the wet tile.

The bf promptly said, “It’s getting too hot in here.” And got out of the hot tub.

My friend and I stayed in for a while, and

Sunday, May 27 marked CruiseyT’s annual kickoff cruise. Raziel dressed for the occasion. ALVIN GRADO PHOTO

when we got back up to the apartment, he freaked. He called me filthy and disgusting. I was a bit tipsy, so I had “allegedly” been making dirty jokes at his expense most of the evening. You know how it is.

I was teasing! In the flashes I remember of the night it was definitely annoying, but mostly innocent.

He ended up kicking out me and his girlfriend. It all made sense, because while we waited on the street for a taxi, I remembered him once telling me that he likes George Bush. Not exactly my crowd . . .

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Oh well. All’s well that ends well, because as the taxi drove us over Burrard Bridge, the city’s velvet-blue sky sure looked beautiful inching toward dawn.

Almost, dare I say, as beautiful as my leg breaking the hot tub’s effervescent surface.

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listings ›

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PARTIES Sweet

Out in Schools’ Rise Against Homophobia Video Contest

DJ Riki Rocket spins hip hop, R&B, dancehall and more. Fri, June 15, 10pm–2am. Canvas Lounge, 99 Powell St. $10 advance, available online only; $5 at the door until 10:30pm, $10 after. flygirlproductions. com

Calling all youth across Canada, aged 12–19: submit your public service announcement video before June 11 to contest@outinschools.com. Contest rules at outinschools.com.

ART, PERFORMANCE & FESTIVALS Rainbow 24: LGBTQ Voices 2012 CiTR radio hosts a day of queer content in celebration of Pride around the world. Features community DJs, entertainers, poets, filmmakers, politicians and political pundits.

Fri, June 1, 6am–6pm. Available at 101.9FM and citr.ca; podcast hourly on citr.ca and queerfmvancouver.com.

Also available on the NCRA Program Exchange and the Wayout Network.

Fit for a Queen Joan-E hosts an event celebrating pop’s top divas. Features Sienna Blaze, Coco, Dame Hope Diamond, Devana DeMille, Summer Clearance, Symone, Iona Whipp, Vera Way, Kiki Lawhore, Syren, Tatiana, Jaylene, Conni Smudge, Lady Gem, Mandy Kamp and Vivian Von Broken-Hymen.

Sat, June 2, 8pm. River Rock Show Theatre, 8811 River Rd, Richmond. $33. Tickets available at Ticketmaster (604-280-4444) and River Rock box office (604-247-8562). Benefits Shooting Stars Foundation.

Once Upon a Lesbian Leaping Thespians reprises its comedy about two lesbians from the future sent to recover a time capsule.

Tues, June 12, 7:30pm (Railway Club, 579 Dunsmuir St); Thurs, June 14, 8pm (The Junction Pub, 1138 Davie St); Sat, June 16, 8pm (Roberts Creek Hall, Sunshine Coast) and Thurs, June 28–Sat, June 30, 8pm (Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Dr). leapingthespians.ca.

Pam Ann: Around the World The A-list hostess to the stars puts the humour, glamour and thrill back in flying. Sat, June 16 and Sun, June 17, 8pm. Vancouver Playhouse, 601 Cambie St. Tickets available at ticketmaster.ca or 855-985-5000.

MEETINGS & GROUPS The Right to Seek Refuge in Canada: Implications of Bill C-31 UBC School of Journalism’s director, Peter W Klein, moderates. Panellists include Rainbow Refugee’s Sharalyn Jordan. Wed, May 30, 7–9pm. World Art Centre, Woodward’s Building, 149 W Hastings St.

Honouring Our Elders Tea Qmunity Generations hosts an event for LGBT elders 65 and over. Elders must be on, or join, Generations’ mailing list. Sun, June 3; registration 1–1:30pm, tea 1:30–4:30pm. Coast Plaza Hotel, 1763 Comox St.

Out on Screen’s 24th AGM Two special resolutions will be presented. Wed, June 6, 7pm. Hollyhock Room at Tides Canada, 304–163 W Hastings St. outonscreen.com

Out in Harmony’s Spring Concert The theme is Heroes and Villains. Sat, June 9, 7:30pm. Central Presbyterian Church, 1155 Thurlow St. $15, $10 concession tickets. Tickets available at Little Sister’s and the door. outinharmony.org.

City Council Public Hearing The 1401 Comox St development will be the subject of a public hearing.

Mon, June 11, 6pm. Vancouver City Hall, 453 W 12 St.

Queer and Trans Poverty Study The BC Poverty Reduction Coalition wants to interview advocates or persons working in queer or trans communities about the poverty issues these communities face. Email jonny@bcpovertyreduction.ca or call 604-801-5121 x241. For more info, visit bcpovertyreduction.ca.

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Photos by Alvin Grado

CruiseyT sets sail for summer Balmy weather, DJ Zach Shore’s pumpin’ tunes, Joan-E and Coco aboard. Yep — summer, gay-style, is off to a fine start.

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Helpful Hints # 409 1367 Alberni St Vancouver $283,500 “The Lionsâ€? is a favorite for ďŹ rst time home owners or investors. The location is second to none, steps from Coal Harbour, Robson Street, and Stanley Park. The building offers ďŹ rst class amenities, including a full gym, media room, meeting rooms, guest suites, and a common party room with pool tables, stage, and televisions.

This studio suite has a functional layout, and has in-suite laundry and storage/ ex space. Rentals and 1 pet allowed. 1 parking and 1 storage locker included.

Klaus Rode

604.760.5856 www.klausrode.ca

Bruce Ward Realty Ltd. 400 - 1525 Robson Street Vancouver, BC V6G 1C3

Characteristics of a good Realtor q is eager to help you ďŹ nd the right home q is willing to do the homework and will oer to ďŹ nd you the information you need and get back to you with a sense of urgency q is a good communicator q will explain the entire process of purchasing a home q will be your advocate throughout and after the negotiation process and contract completion q will listen to your comments and concerns and address them in a constructive and informative fashion q will be professional and all about service, service, service!

24

Vancouver’s gay & lesbian news

XTRA! MAY 31, 2012

Vancouver’s online directory of gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses

indexdirectory.ca

ACCOMMODATIONS - BRITISH COLUMBIA Bluff View Cottage 250-539-3475 Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa 1-866-797-5305 The Eagle’s Nest B&B 1-866-766-9350

ACCOUNTANTS 604-374-1424 604-215-8872 604-721-7537

ADDICTIONS Orchard Recovery

604-947-0420

ADULT Wega Video

1-800-361-9929

AIDS/HIV RESOURCES A Loving Spoonful 604-682-6325 AIDS Vancouver 604-893-2201 AIDS Vancouver Island 250-384-2366 ANKORS, Kootenay/Boundary HIV/ AIDS Network, Outreach & Support 1-800-421-2437 Dr Peter AIDS Foundation 604-331-5086 HIM - Health Initiative for Men 604-488-1001 Positive Living Society of BC 604-893-2200 Youth Community Outreach (YouthCo) AIDS Society 604-688-1441

604-255-5097

EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION

BLINDS Budget Blinds

Accounting+ Best Books Inc Felicity Webb

604-687-1535

Dr Sam Daher Redtree Dental Yaletown Laser

BICYCLES Bernstein & Gold Interiors Jett Grrl Bike Studio

604-263-0050

BOAT CRUISES & CHARTERS Waterway House Boats 1-877-WATERWAY

BODY DESIGN & MODIFICATION

ARTISTS Emily Carr

604-844-3810

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS Axle Alley Dueck Downtown George & Berny’s Repairs Ltd Jim Pattison Hyundai Northshore Jim Pattison Toyota Downtown

604-875-9988 604-675-7900 604-731-8644 604-985-0055 604-682-8881

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & LEASING Dueck Downtown Jim Pattison Cars Unlimited Jim Pattison Hyundai Northshore Jim Pattison Toyota Downtown

604-924-4542 604-985-0055 604-682-8881

BANKING RBC Royal Bank

royalbank.com

BATHHOUSES Steamworks Vancouver 604-974-0602

BATHROOM Ripples Kitchen & Bath

604-879-6999

BEAUTY CARE David Blue Hair Design

604-688-2583

BEDDING Bernstein & Gold Interiors Mr Mattress Simmons Mattress Gallery

604-733-0166

Vancouver Farmer’s Market

604-879-3276

PAINTING Pro Works Painting TLS Painting

604-715-0985 778-995-1665

Flygirl Productions

FARMERS’ MARKETS Vancouver Farmers’ Markets 604-879-3276

LAUNDRY SERVICES

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Laundry Valet

Feeling Photography sweet earth photographics The Shooting Gallery Vancouver Photo Walks

Tango’s Gourmet Meats 604-681-2121

CAMPGROUNDS & CAMPS Triangle Recreation Camp camptrc.org

604-736-9244

CLOTHING - DESIGNER Astor & Black Mr Mz Boutique

604-785-0002 604-558-2005

CLOTHING - GENERAL Original Leather Factory Walk This Sway Designs

604-839-9819

FESTIVALS & FAIRS Out On Screen 604-844-1615 Queer Arts Festival queerartsfestival.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES Jennifer Maier

604-468-0888

FIREPLACES Vancouver Gas Fireplaces

604-732-3470

604-298-3770

FITNESS & EXERCISE

604-418-6328

Hot Stone Massage Therapy

604-366-4386

CLOTHING - VINTAGE

FLORISTS

Deluxe Junk Co

Coal Harbour Florist + Green Design 604-669-5678 Hanamo Florist 604-685-3649

604-685-4871

COMMUNITY GROUPS & SERVICES Community Based Research Centre QMUNITY West End Seniors’ Network Society

FUNERAL SERVICES 604-568-7478 604-684-5307

COMPUTER SALES & SERVICES Mac Station Vancouver WhiteWay IT Solutions Ltd

Walkey & Company Funeral Directors 24hrs: 604-738-0006

FURNITURE 604-669-5051

macstation.com 778-384-1210

Bernstein & Gold Interiors 604-687-1535 Carriage House 604-245-0187 Instant Bedrooms Manufacturing Inc Yaletown 604-669-2337 Richmond 604-271-4121 Jordans Interiors 604-733-1174

CONSTRUCTION

GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES

AaronR Construction 604-318-4390 maison d’etre design-build inc 604-484-4030

east van graphics Spread Media Inc

COSMETIC SERVICES Carruthers Dermatology Centre Inc 604-714-0222 ah-ha! Counselling & Consulting 604-537-0130 Alex Sangha 604-842-7340 Bill Coleman 778-320-4850 Bekar Counselling 778-990-1825 Dragonstone Counselling 604-738-7557 Lehmann Counselling Service 604-614-8121 Preece & Associates Psychological Consulting 604-685-5968 Tricia Antoniuk 778-378-2633 Vilayvanh Sengsouvanh 778-866-5017 Willow Tree Counselling 604-521-3404

COURIERS Mail Box Plus

604-683-1433

DENTAL SERVICES 604-687-1535 604-255-2113

HOME THEATRE INSTALLATIONS

ORGANIC FOOD & MARKETS

CLEANING & MAID SERVICES

BUTCHERS

COUNSELLING

604-675-7900

Crown Roofing & Drainage 1-877-628-5010 Klondike Contracting Corporation 604-708-3337 maison d’etre design-build inc 604-484-4030

EVENT PLANNING & PROMOTIONS

604-683-1433

Travel Clinic

Coast Wholesale Appliances coastappliances.com Red Door Discount Warehouse 604-569-3232

HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIRS

OPTICAL SERVICES bruce eyewear 604-662-8300 English Bay Eyeworx 604-685-7001

Emelle’s Catering 604-875-6551 Out To Lunch Catering 604-681-7177

Mail Box Plus

ALTERATIONS

APPLIANCES

604-738-1012 778-786-3677

604-568-7655

CATERING

BUSINESS SUPPLIES & SERVICES

CLINIC

Access Healing Centre 604-568-4663 Alternative Health Choices Unlimited for Health & Wellness 604-465-7998 Dr Anita Komonski 604-568-7655 Ingite Smoke Shop 778-786-0977 Medicinal Cannabis Dispensary 604-255-1844 Med Pot Now Society 604-569-2119 MyCannaMeds mycm.ca

NATUROPATHY Dr Anita Komonski

Coast Wholesale Appliances coastappliances.com Klondike Contracting Corporation 604-708-3337 Red Door Discount Warehouse 604-569-3232 Ripples Kitchen & Bath 604-879-6999

778-231 2-653

AIRLINES

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

HOLISTIC HEALTH Integrative Healing Arts Sequoia Thom MA

ActorWorks Vancouver 604-723-1776 Ballet British Columbia 604-732-5003 DanceHouse 604-801-6225 Museum of Vancouver 604-736-4431 Playland 604-253-2311 Scotiabank Dance Centre 604-606-6400 Sounds & Furies Productions 604-253-7189 Vancouver Symphony Orchestra 604-876-3434

Adorned Precision Body Arts

Harbour Air Seaplanes 604-274-1277

604-633-0828

Emily Carr 604-844-3810 Vancouver Elementary School Teachers’ Association 604-873-8378 Vancouver Photo Walks 604-318-1277

ENTERTAINMENT

Clean Sweep Ensuite Paul 604-685-7422 Gary 604-875-1413 The Maids Home Services 604-987-8181

Simdy’s Fashion Alterations

604-662-3290 604-873-3337 604-70-SMILE

Aarm Dental Group 604-647-0006 Dr Dean Wershler Inc 604-688-4080 Dr Langston Raymond 604-687-1008

604-568-1206 604-440-8792

GROCERY Safeway

Davie St: 604-669-8313 Robson St: 604-683-6155

HEALTH Hospital Employees’ Union heu.org The Vancouver Health Show 1-888-999-1761

HEALTH - MEN’S Community Based Research Centre 604-568-7478 Integrative Healing Arts 604-738-1012

HEALTH & PERSONAL CARE Carruthers Dermatology Centre Inc 604-714-0222 Vancouver Lipo Laser 604-904-0888 Yaletown Laser 604-70-SMILE

HEALTHCARE SERVICES Orchard Recovery Vancouver Coastal Health

604-947-0420 604-736-2033

HEALTH FOODS & NUTRITION Isagenix® LGBT Vancouver 604-340-9837/ 778-855-9957 mygoodness! gluten free 604-876-8878

Wallmount Tronics

778-960-4447

JEWELLERY Benée Rubin Jewellery Design Gurvin Jewellers Saatchi & Saatchi Fine Jewellery

604-278-8456 604-736-5956 604-685-5625

KITCHENS

604-568-2020

LAWYERS Bell Alliance 604-873-8723 Dahl & Connors 604-687-8752 Ganapathi & Company 604-689-9222 Harrop, Phillips, Powell & Gray 604-688-8211 Holness Law Group 604-633-4878 Island IP Law 778-886-8626 Law Office of barbara findlay 604-251-4356 Rob Hughes 604-683-4176

LEATHER LIFE East Side Re-Rides Original Leather Factory

604-789-0857 250-813-2939

MASSAGE CERTIFIED/REGISTERED Brian Mount RMT 604-254-4272 Burrard Health Centre Massage Therapy 604-816-0210 Coastal Winds Massage Therapy 604-568-2480 Linda Duncan RMT 604-630-0101 Rick Girardeau RMT 604-345-0248 Sharon Jackson RMT 778-320-5561

MASSAGE - EROTIC A1 Massage 778-828-4683 handsomehands.ca handsomehands.ca Masculine/Muscled/Mature Erotic Massage/Escort 604-719-3433 Sequoia Thom, MA 778-822-4408

MEN’S GROOMING 604-688-4555

MEN’S SERVICES BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA) 604-682-6482 Men’s Bereavement & Support Group 604-684-5307 xt 112

MORTGAGE 604-765-4823

MOTORCYCLES & SCOOTERS East Side Re-Rides

604-327-7433

RENOVATIONS & RESTORATIONS Mr Build 604-732-8453 Klondike Contracting Corporation 604-708-3337 maison d’etre design-build inc 604-484-4030

RESTAURANTS & CAFÉS Adesso Bistro 604-568-9975 Ciao Bella 604-688-5771 Domino’s Pizza dominos.ca Gallery Café & Catering 604-688-2233 Joe’s Grill joesgrill.ca Lift Bar Grill View 604-689-5438 Out To Lunch Catering 604-681-7177 The Park & Bayside Lounge 604-682-1831 Vancouver Alpen Club 604-874-3811

ROOFING Crown Roofing & Drainage

1-877-628-5010

SENIORS GROUPS & SERVICES West End Seniors’ Network Society

604-669-5051

SEX Priape 604-630-2330 The TABOO Naughty but Nice Show 1-800-626-1538

SHOPPING Denman Place Mall

604-684-9254

SKIN CARE

604-669-8233 604-669-8233

604-879-1415 604-568-1206 604-683-1433

Integrative Healing Arts

604-738-1012

SPORTS & RECREATION The Vancouver Snow Show 1-800-626-1538 University Golf Club 604-224-7799 The Cutting Edges Gay Men’s Hockey Club cuttingedges.com

STORAGE Freeway Mini-Storage/U-Haul 604-251-2017

STUDIO SPACE 604-294-6574

The Dance Centre

604-606-6400

THEATRE

PSYCHICS Opal Professional Intuitive

778-997-9642

604-318-1277

PRINTING

Baker Street Agency

604-366-4386

778-865-4131 604-254-5869

PLUMBING Hillcrest Plumbing & Heating

PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS

MASSAGE

Chris Cornborough

Andrea Martens Eric Hoppe

604-298-3770

next-step.ca

604-318-1277

PHYSIOTHERAPY & REHAB

east van graphics Mail Box Plus

LIFE COACH

MASC

PET STORES Bow Wow Haus Broadway 604-568-8959 Korna Natural Pet Supplies Ltd 604-904-2008 Pet Habitat 604-433-2913 Tisol tisol.ca Yaletown Bosley’s Pet Food Plus 604-566-9974

604-327-7433

Nextstep Communication Hot Stone Massage Therapy Metropolitan Relaxation Studio Relaxation Massage Vancouver Skyclad Naked Yoga & Massage

PET CARE City-Dog.ca Pet Services 604-608-6959 Kitty Kare 604-813-4239 Latisha’s Pet Care 778-385-7313 The Vancouver Pet Expo 1-800-626-1538

St Andrew’s Wesley United Church 604-683-4574 Trinity United Church 604-732-3075

604-655-4698

PSYCOTHERAPY Dragonstone Counselling 604-738-7557

REAL ESTATE AGENTS Adriaan Schipper 604-818-8265 Amalia Liapis 604-618-7000 Annette Thomas 604-805-5572 Becci Dewinetz 604-230-1044 Charlotte Mauricio 604-312-2644 Chris Wendland 778-232-8319 Connie Buna 778-689-7653 David Gering 778-822-0775 David Tung 604-266-1364 Fuller Service Realty 604-724-7964 Ian Eggleton 604-773-1443 Ian Holt 604-506-4264 Ken Chalmers 604-803-4966 Kim Monk 604-740-6615 Klaus Rode 604-760-5856 Linda Shaw 604-787-2062 Lyn Hart 604-724-4278 Phil Warren 604-684-6155 Steve Jamieson 604-307-9167 Susan Cameron 604-720-1214 Tim Hiltz 604-789-1133 Tyler Barrs 604-602-1111 Wayne Blackburn 604-209-4775 West Side Real Estate / Coldwell Banker Premier Realty 604-817-4856

RELIGIOUS GROUPS & SERVICES Christ Alive Community Church 604-739-7959 Renaissance Christian Church 604-636-4276

ActorWorks Vancouver Bard on the Beach

604-723-1776 604-737-0625

TICKET SALES ShowTimeTickets.com 604-688-5000/1-800-480-7469

TRANSPORTATION Helijet International 1-800-665-4354

TRAVEL AGENCIES GayTrip.ca

gaytrip.ca

TRAVEL BRITISH COLUMBIA Black Rock Oceanfront Resort 877-762-5011 Harbour Air Seaplanes 604-274-1277

VETERINARIANS Urban Animal Hospital

604-684-2632

WEBSITES Guidemag.com Squirt.org Xtra.ca

guidemag.com squirt.org xtra.ca

WEDDINGS Umbrella Events

604-315-4302

WEIGHT CONTROL Isagenix® LGBT Vancouver Integrative Healing Arts

604-340-9837 604-738-1012

WINE & SPIRIT The Grape Escape Wineworks

604-254-1200

YOGA SpiRe Wellness 604-569-0963 YoGuy Men’s Yoga 778-995-1970 Skyclad Naked Yoga & Massage 250-813-2939

more at xtra.ca

XTRA! MAY 31, 2012

Classifieds ANNOUNCEMENTS ›

REAL ESTATE ›

In memorium

Homes for rent LIST YOUR RENTALS

Thom A. Hayes

IN XTRA’S CLASSIFIEDS Call 604-684-9696 for info classifieds.vancouver@xtra.ca

28.5.1947 – 6.6.1998 So many memories…

Sometimes I think I’ll cry.

So many thoughts of you That simply will not die…

EMPLOYMENT ›

—H.

Notices

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Pride is closer than you think.

Book your Pride Guide ad for maximum exposure Call today for info and deadlines

Office SMALL AND EXCITING design and marketing company is seeking a dynamic office assistant.

Duties: writing letters/emails, placing phone calls, errands, filing/organizing, research, overseeing daily operations, accounting entries, inventory, etc. Each day will be different! Computer experience is necessary. Any type of design/marketing/business development and/or systems operation experience is an asset and will offer the right person an opportunity to advance. Must be creative, trustworthy, hardworking, a fast learner, a quick thinker, eager, have a positive attitude, and able to figure things out with little direction. We are a fun and young family-like company with rapid growth, limitless potential, and lots of opportunity for someone who is very driven and business-minded. Located DT Vancouver, M-F 9am-5pm, $15 per hour to start + option to earn more.

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ARTS & LEISURE › Restaurants RESTAURANTS check out p. 24 for a list of gay-friendly restaurants. indexdirectory.ca

25

To place an ad, call 604-684-9696 or book your line classified at xtra.ca

Deadlines for Xtra 491 — June 14, 2012 Display Advertising booking deadline: Wed, June 6 at 4pm Display Classified booking deadline: Wed, June 6 at 4pm Line Classified booking deadline: Mon, June 11 at noon

Vancouver’s gay & lesbian news

XTRA! MAY 31, 2012

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26

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27

Side effects affecting your plans?

Talk to your doctor about managing your HIV. Visit the Canadian AIDS Society at cdnaids.ca/CanWeTalk to learn more.