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#543 JUNE 19–JULY 2, 2014 JAMES LOEWEN
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XTRA VANCOUVER’S GAY& LESBIAN NEWS
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Queens and their courtiers gathered at the Empress Ball to pay tribute to ted northe E11 Editorial Words that haunt By Natasha Barsotti E4 Feedback E4 Xcetera E5
Upfront Vancouver School Board approves trans policy Consultation on these revisions “unprecedented,” trustee says E7 PumpJack doubles capacity Popular Davie Street pub launches new and improved space E8 BC law society reopens TWU vote E8
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Lapuz’s killer pleads guilty E8 Alleged basher says it wasn’t him E8 ‘Gay’ or ‘queer’? Xtra asked people on the street what word they use to describe themselves E9
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Queer Nation were not a “couple of American lesbian academics.� They were righteous, street-level activists from the heart of the community enraged at a growing post-AIDS revival of homophobia and anti-gay activity. They reclaimed the word queer and attached it to a new generation. Now another generation is coming up that is tired of queer and questioning the nature of sexual and gender identity itself. I’m a child of the ’60s and I don’t like the word queer either, but please, Unlearned, get your history straight and also have a little respect for people who, although they don’t share your political point of view, have contributed hugely to the survival and stupendous growth of our community (whatever you call it) through some really tough and perilous times.
Natasha Barsotti is the staff reporter at Xtra Vancouver.
Much to my disappointment, I read that the Pride street party will once again be fenced in [“Fenceless Davie Street Party Unlikely for 2014 Pride,� dailyxtra. com, May 9]. Friends and neighbours derogatorily name this the Cage or the Zoo. This is also coupled with the exorbitant entrance fee of $20. It is amazing that Vancouver is in the same country as Toronto or Montreal. One just has to go to either city to see how they conduct their Pride celebrations. Neither charge an entry fee to the Pride venues, although canvassers are there to invite, not demand, donations. Both usually have headliner singers, as well. In Montreal, minors under 18 (their legal drinking age) are allowed on the premises, although serving them alcohol is prohibited. The proximity of alcohol to minors does not corrupt the morals of minors. One need only look at Western Europe or even south of the American border. Shutting out gays under the age of majority is not a way of being inclusive, and fencing people in or out is the furthest thing from showing pride.
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‘Queer’ unpopular? I think the folks from this discussion group [“‘Queer’ Not So Popular with Xtra Discussion Group on Identity,� dailyxtra. com, June 2] are out of touch with how many of the newer and younger generation refer to themselves as “queer.� I don’t use it but quite like the term. GREG DOWNER FACEBOOK
“Queer� was invented in the 1990s by a couple of American lesbian academics, women who had no experience with how hurtful the word is experienced by gay men. It is nauseating that these radicals force the use of this word not just onto us, but also onto everyone else. UNLEARNED DAILYXTRA.COM
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Samuel L Jackson challenged his mortiďŹ ed interviewer, Jake Hamilton, to say nigger, but he just wouldn’t go there. “Try it,â€? Jackson thundered last year after Django Unchained hit the screen, but Hamilton mustered only a meek refusal. So Jackson rightfully refused to discuss the sanitized inlaw of “niggerâ€? — the “N-word.â€? I may have missed that Intro to Slavery and Colonialism elective, but I don’t recall hearing of plantation owners and whip-cracking overseers saying, “Hey, N-word,â€? as they herded, separated, whipped and otherwise abused African people. Watching the squirming Hamilton and the gleeful Jackson was viscerally entertaining — and irritating. It reminded me of an exchange I had in 2009 when I attempted to retrieve my tickets for Berend McKenzie’s one-man show. “Two tickets for Nigger Fag, please.â€? “Easy for you to say,â€? the attendant shot back, after recomposing himself. Yes and no. For one thing, calling the show “N-word, F-wordâ€? is a political-correctness bridge too far,
and I had no intention of crossing it. For another, nggrfg is meant to inspire discussion about words and people’s experiences with their power. Or, I should say, the power we give the words we use and how that perceived power continues to evolve. After covering a white pride march in Vancouver a few years ago, I found a photo of myself labelled “Aunt Jemimaâ€? on the website of a white power activist. I couldn’t stop laughing. That was the best he could do, all these eons after that image was slapped on a pancake-syrup bottle? And yet, I did feel the sting of insult because his intention was to hurt, denigrate and dismiss me. He would have that power only if I let his intention seep into my blood and rattle my sense of self, which he knew nothing about and didn’t care to know. “There’s nothing wrong about language. It’s what people do with language that hurts and incites panic and fear and anger and resentment and hatred. It’s the people behind the language,â€? McKenzie once told me. However inammatory the words nigger and fag are, they are an intrinsic part of our heritage that still resonate with and affect us. Trying to make them innocuous by refusing to name and confront them makes
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them more sinister than they should be — and increases their power to injure and incapacitate. Many of us call ourselves gay, but there are students walking school corridors who recoil when they hear the putdown “That’s so gay.â€? It won’t stop us from calling ourselves gay — at least, I hope not. We have bent, shaped — reclaimed, if you prefer — the words we use to name our desires, declare our presence and describe who we are. Fag, queer, queen, bitch, slut, nigga, dyke, she-male, tranny — all have been slurs and, for many of us, still are, even as some of us embrace them. You may decide all this “reclamationâ€? is not up your alley. Nothing wrong with that. I’m not particularly fond of “niggaâ€? or “Hey, nigga, what up?â€? and I don’t foresee adopting them. But others have, and I’m okay with that. It’s in their comfort zone, context, maybe even identity — like queer, and even fag, have become for others, who may eventually decide they don’t ďŹ t anymore. We have queer ďŹ lm festivals, queer arts festivals, queer resource centres, the activist group Queer Nation and — wait for it — the contentious Queers Against Israeli Apartheid. We have slut walks, dyke marches, and I remember a pub that had Fag Fridays. I get that we can be an incohesive, cantankerous community, passionate — often offensively dismissive — about our disagreements, but we have more urgent issues to tackle at home and internationally than getting bogged down, snippy and snarky over names and labels.
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59% Portion of Americans against letting transgender people choose the bathroom or locker room they wish to use. Women (at 29 percent) are slightly more receptive to the idea than men (23 percent). The CBS poll of 1,016 adults across the US was conducted by telephone in March 2014.
That was done in the Old Testament under a law that came directly from God, and in that time there it was totally just. It came directly from God. I have no plans to reinstitute that in Oklahoma law. I do have some very huge moral misgivings about those kinds of sins.
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Upfront
When your religious belief turns into action that discriminates against me, that’s when you cross the line. lawyer barbara findlay E8
VSB approves trans policy Consultation on these revisions ‘unprecedented,’ trustee says
It’s going to make the world such a better place because the students are going to learn not to be transphobic or homophobic or queerphobic or terrible people.
EDUCATION NATHANIEL CHRISTOPHER
The boardroom of the Vancouver School Board (VSB) erupted with deafening cheers, shouts of joy, hugs, high-fives and dancing as trustees approved revisions to the district’s anti-homophobia policy June 16 to make schools more welcoming to transgender students. “I am ecstatic and so happy we passed this policy,” said Vancouver Technical Secondary student Roan Reimer, who spoke in favour of the policy at a hearing on May 14. “It’s going to make the schools so much safer for students, families and staff who identify along the LGBTTQAI+ spectrum, and it’s going to make the world such a better place because the students are going to learn, and we’re going to learn, not to be transphobic or homophobic or queerphobic or terrible people, and then we’re going to graduate and all the homophobia, transphobia and terrible things will slowly be filtered out of the world!” All trustees except for Sophia Woo and Ken Denike — who were expelled from the Non-Partisan Association (NPA) June 13 for failing to “share the same level of sensitivity and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community” — voted in favour of the revisions. “I think this policy is doing exactly what we are already doing, and I think we do a fine job in Vancouver. And I want to make that very clear — that parents don’t need to be too concerned about what is happening with your sons and daughters,” NPA trustee Fraser Ballantyne said. Ballantyne’s support for the policy amendment further distanced the NPA from Denike and Woo, who were expelled following a press conference in which the pair claimed the amendment MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM
ROAN REIMER , VANCOUVER TECHNICAL SECONDARY STUDENT
Vancouver School Board trustees Ken Denike and Sophia Woo were expelled June 13 from the Non-Partisan Association for failing to share the party’s “level of sensitivity and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.” NATHANIEL CHRISTOPHER
could negatively affect the enrolment of international students and West Side students in public school. In his opening remarks, Vision trustee Ken Clement denounced Woo and Denike’s earlier comments as “irresponsible” and “unconscionable.” “The commentary only reaffirms the need to strengthen the LGBTTQ+ policy, which fosters inclusion, acceptance and tolerance,” he said. “Perpetuating homophobic hate towards the LGBTTQ+ community is totally unacceptable in this day and age.” Several trustees stressed that it was time to take leadership and vote on the issue, rejecting suggestions from some opponents that further consultations were needed. “I danced on my first float in my first Pride parade in 1994, 20 years ago, so I
really don’t want to debate the pros and cons of updating this policy anymore,” trustee Cherie Payne said prior to the vote. “I myself am ready to vote, and I’m proud to be voting yes.” Several Vision trustees, including vice-chair Mike Lombardi, said the consultations around these policy revisions were among the most thorough and comprehensive in memory. “The consultation process that we used to develop this policy has been unprecedented,” Lombardi said, citing two years of consultation with the school board’s Pride advisory committee, as well as three public meetings with nearly 100 speakers and several hundred written submissions. The VSB’s Pride committee comprises teachers, administrators, district and support staff, community members and rep-
resentatives from the District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC). DPAC, which represents 110 PACs with more than 40,000 parents, initially expressed “very serious concerns” about the proposed revisions, including a lack of clarity with respect to the role of parents. But in a June 13 letter, DPAC chair Monica Moberg reversed that position, saying DPAC’s concerns had been addressed and the council now fully supports the policy revisions. VSB chair Patti Bacchus said the policy revisions provide some of the most comprehensive protection and support for transgender students in BC. “I’ve never heard so much feedback, so much input on anything we’ve done at this board,” she said. “We’ve done a lot of hard stuff. When we started this, I didn’t think we would be making his-
tory. I thought it was fairly straightforward. I thought it was common sense. Of course we’re going to do what we need to to make kids feel safe, but I’m happy to be part of making history, and I’m really happy to be on the right side of history.” In 2004, Vancouver became the second school district, after Greater Victoria, to implement an anti-homophobia policy in BC. Trustee Allan Wong expressed pride in being part of the board that adopted the initial LGBT policy. “I, once again, am proud to be part of this lengthy consultation process. A long, open discussion is a good thing for both sides of the debate, and the trustees all have enough information to make a sound, educated deliberation and decision tonight,” he said. The revised policy addresses topics such as washroom and change-room accessibility, proper use of pronouns, access to physical education and sports, as well as a commitment by schools to reduce or eliminate sex-segregated activities. Support, however, was not universal. Several opponents of the revisions, who refused to speak to Xtra, held up signs at the meeting, booed trustees who spoke in support of the motion, and shouted insults, including “liar” and “dictator.” Read the full story on dailyxtra.com. XTRA! JUNE 19–JULY 2, 2014 7
PumpJack doubles capacity Popular Davie Street pub launches new and improved space GAY VILLAGE SHAUNA LEWIS
One of the Davie Village’s few remaining gay pubs has bucked the trend and more than doubled its capacity. After nine months of renovations, a revamped and expanded PumpJack Pub launched its new look June 13. Vince Marino, who co-owns the pub located at 1167 Davie St, says the popular gay venue doubled in size after taking over its neighbour’s space last August, most recently operated as the Cho Pain bakery. The expansion increases the pub’s seating capacity from 107 to 244 seats, along with a 19-seat patio, Marino says.
“We heard quite a bit from the community constantly asking us if we were ever going to take the space next door or would we expand,” Marino says. “We heard that people were looking for something a little bit bigger, a place to dance and sort of a games area, and we felt we could do that,” he says, noting that “the gay spaces have been becoming fewer and fewer.” Marino says the idea to expand was “10 years in the making.” The renovations include new bars, a large new dancefloor, an integrated pub and club space, a new liquor off-sale area, a new sound system, a games area, a new patio in the back for summer lounging, more washrooms and an accessible bar.
PumpJack Pub co-owner Vince Marino (left, with manager Harvey Carey) hopes the new and improved space will help give back to the community. SHAUNA LEWIS
EDUCATION
NEWS BRIEFS
BC law society reopens TWU vote
Lapuz’s killer pleads guilty
Members of the Law Society of British Columbia passed a resolution, by a vote of 3,210 to 968, at a special general meeting June 10 urging the board to reverse its previous approval of Trinity Western University’s (TWU) proposed law school. While Section 13 of BC’s Legal Profession Act says that a resolution at a general meeting is not binding on the board, a statement from the society says directors will give the resolution serious and thoughtful consideration. The board could vote on TWU again as early as next month. “More than 75 percent of the members who registered and voted [at the meeting] have asked us to change our decision,” law society president Jan Lindsay said. Lindsay thinks the question will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court of Canada, since several legal actions have already been launched — one challenging the BC government for approving TWU’s school and another challenging the Ontario and Nova Scotia law societies for rejecting the school. Lawyer barbara findlay received a standing ovation when she urged her colleagues to overturn the board’s April decision to accept future TWU graduates. For admission to TWU, students
Charles Jameson “Jamie” Mungo Neel pleaded guilty June 9 to manslaughter in the Sept 29, 2012, death of January Marie Lapuz. Neel, 21, was initially charged with second-degree murder in connection with the fatal stabbing in Lapuz’s New Westminster home. “Mr Neel pleads not guilty to the charge of murder but pleads guilty to the included charge of manslaughter,” defence lawyer David Tarnow told BC Supreme Court Justice Frits Verhoeven. Neel was supposed to begin standing trial by judge and jury on June 9. Prosecutor Rusty Antonuk told Xtra in June 2013 that the Crown would not be seeking a hate-motivation designation in the case, in the event of a conviction or guilty plea. A hatemotivation designation — assigned at sentencing if the Crown prosecutor can prove that the crime was fuelled, for example, by homophobia — generally carries with it a stiffer penalty. Antonuk would not discuss the guilty plea outside court. The RCMP told Xtra at the time of Neel’s 2012 arrest that hate did not appear to be a motive in the case. Neel’s sentencing hearing will take place Oct 2. Lapuz, a well-loved member of Vancouver’s trans and South Asian gay communities, was 26 years old. — Jeremy Hainsworth
8 JUNE 19–JULY 2, 2014 XTRA!
Lawyer barbara findlay urged the BC law society June 10 to reconsider its approval of Trinity Western University’s law school. JEREMY HAINSWORTH
must sign a covenant agreeing to uphold Christian biblical teachings, including no premarital sex and no homosexuality. “I support freedom of religion,”
findlay said. “You have every right to believe I am a sinner, but when your religious belief turns into action that discriminates against me, that’s when you cross the line.” — Jeremy Hainsworth
Alleged basher says it wasn’t him Alleged gaybasher Sunjeet Singh Minhas professed his innocence to a Vancouver judge June 12 and 13 and testified that he would never use homophobic slurs and that the charges against him are a case of mistaken identity. Minhas is charged with one count of assault with a weapon and one count of uttering threats in connection with the alleged Oct 9, 2011, Davie Street gaybashing of Travis James Johnston. Minhas testified that he arrived on the scene after the assault and that he was only trying to prevent a fight between his friends and another group of men. Crown prosecutor Bernie Wolfe asked Minhas why he didn’t tell police about Wali Rahnumah, the man Minhas now claims he was mistaken for, on the night of his arrest. Minhas said that he didn’t have all the facts then, since he wasn’t present at and didn’t see the assault. Judge Jodie Werier heard final testimony and closing submissions in the case more than a year after the trial began in May 2013. The trial was to continue in October 2013, until Minhas’s defence applied for and was granted an adjournment. Werier expects to hand down her decision June 30. — Matthew DiMera For more on these stories, go to dailyxtra.com. VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
IDENTITY
‘GAY’ OR ‘QUEER’?
In preparation for our community town hall on June 18, Xtra asked people on the street what word or words they use to describe themselves. TEXT & PHOTOS BY SHAUNA LEWIS
Mischa Irwin
Erin Deshong
Natasha Adsit I’m not gay or queer. I’m a male-to-female transsexual and I date primarily men, so that would make me a heterosexual woman. First I am a woman, then I have a trans identity.
Rikki Rebantad I would just say gay; that’s it, pretty much. That’s how I would describe myself if people asked.
I don’t use a word to describe my sexual orientation. I like to sleep with lots of folks, and gender doesn’t primarily factor in to my choice. I sleep with dudes, I sleep with girls, I sleep with folks who identify all inbetween, and I haven’t found a good word that covers that yet.
Ryan Johnson I’m gay. It depends on the setting that I’m in. If I’m around people that I’m comfortable with and feeling looser, I will say funnier things. But, other than that, in a serious setting I prefer “gay.”
Robert Weiss
Janine Fuller
I’m gay. I’ve always known I was gay, but I try to stay away from labels because I’m more than that. I’ve been trying to be more present in my life, and in order to be present and to find peace and joy, you need to stop thinking and labelling, judging and analyzing.
Over the evolution of my being, I’ve gathered many different names along the way, but the one that I most identify with, really, is the word queer because I really think it encompasses all of the diversity and all of the changing complexities of what our community is.
I usually use “gay.” It’s the word I’m most comfortable with and that I’m fond of. WHO’S QUEER NOW: AN XTRA TOWN HALL ON IDENTITY Wed, June 18, 6:30–8pm Fountainhead Pub 1025 Davie St Live on dailyxtra.com
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VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
Out in the City
There was body painting, and for one guy that included his brain, which he was wearing on the outside of his head. Raziel Reid E16
From ted to eternity Queens and their courtiers gathered at the Empress Ball to pay tribute to ted northe STILL QQ KEVIN DALE MCKEOWN
It was the night of a thousand drag queens. Well, maybe not a thousand. That would be too frightening. Let’s round it down to about 100. On Saturday, June 14, a throng of title holders and their courtiers, nearly 200 in all, partied beneath the dome of the Vancouver Art Gallery rotunda, the former courthouse. They came to honour the memory of ted northe and to celebrate the coronation of his successor, Empress of Canada II Avaughna Sanoir, in a gala evening produced by Q Hall of Fame founder Paul Therien. There was rich symbolism in the venue and in the group photos taken on the Georgia Street steps. It was there in 1958 that a young ted northe stood in full drag and proclaimed to the city that “we” were human and would not be denied our rights. Thus did northe launch a lifetime of gay rights leadership, leaving many legacies, including the Canadian Empress Courts, with empresses reigning from Victoria to Halifax. That and the Empress of Canada Foundation will be his lasting memorial. Our beginnings were well represented at the June 14 Empress Ball by Empress I Charity, who still makes a scene-stealing entrance; Empress II Mona Regina Lee, who opened the coronation rites; Empress X Oliv, who, as is her wont, made a fabulous entrance, stayed exactly as long as she wanted, then vanished. We paid court to empresses XIII Easter, XXI Imelda Mae, XXVII Adrien, XXXIV Vivian and XXXV Jaylene. Of emperors there were XXIV Crema, XXIX Bruce, XXXIII Buster Cherry, XXXV Glen and XXXVI Mike. Other dignitaries included Empress of Surrey Erica St-Asia Divine; Della Devine and Celestial Seasons, who have both held the title of Ms Gay Vancouver; Calgary’s anti-bullying activist MZ Rhonda; 1990s stage diva Stephanie Blaze; and the Queen of East Van, Isolde N Barron. Other mustmentions were Avaughna’s consort Bruce Sanoir, who crowned the new empress; northe’s sister and nephew Katie and Derek England; former BJ’s star John Taylor; Marilyn Moss (the former male stripper agent Marilyn O); Rose Rowell; stately Nina Tron, of Calgary; and Little Sister’s manager Janine Fuller. And on and on! I’ve had to leave out so many, and I will pay dearly for it! We were certainly entertained. Conni Smudge, co-MCing with Barb Snelgrove, showed an amazing energy on the floor (standing, sitting and kneeling!) MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM
Just imagine the spectacle of two-spirit elders and youths, drag queens and kings, and courtly retainers joining hands in a traditional circle dance amidst the colonial splendour of the old courthouse. Empress of Canada II Avaughna Sanoir is crowned by her consort Bruce Sanoir, June 14 at the Empress Ball. For more photos, turn to page 18. PHOTO CREDIT: JAMES LOEWEN
that took me back to the ’70s drag antics of Dee Dee Ambrose and Bobbie Callicoatte. Eighty-year-old Bill Munroe contributed three fast-stepping numbers, reminding us that 40 is fabulous the second time around and demonstrating some high-kicks that would have rivalled Charity’s in her heyday. Two beautiful female vocalists, NiQ and Shannon McKillop, added their gifts to the evening. NiQ’s rendition of “Goldfinger” was the filthiest fun — let’s just say there was a dildo involved. Always important to northe was his relationship with the two-spirit community. He would have been proud to see the evening’s proceedings open with a procession of First Nations drummers led by Chief Silver Coyote Al (Chad Xix) Houston. Later in the evening, when Chief Al and the elders presented our new empress with a ceremonial drum and blanket, Avaughna assured him that the drum would be “heard loud and proud” throughout her
reign. And just imagine the spectacle of two-spirit elders and youths, drag queens and kings, and courtly retainers joining hands in a traditional circle dance amidst the colonial splendour of the old courthouse. Out in Schools coordinator Jen Sung remarked at a recent gathering that we spend a lot of time in our community “calling each other out” about one perceived offence or another. Sung encouraged us to instead hold events that “call each other in” to help heal old wounds and create the bonds that will help us stop repeating the mistakes of the past. That describes the proper work of the drag courts. To entertain, to uplift, to amuse, to bewilder at times and to always be there when the need is greatest to shake their booties and pass the hat to support the cause. There is work to be done, and we have a new generation willing and ready to do it. Shall we join them? XTRA! JUNE 19–JULY 2, 2014 11
Y COVER STOR
rable a e w l a u n n a ’s s oirée s u n g e a r V f d l o a e u s s u u o r H ot you art festival is n
t i e l g g i W ID BY RAZIEL RE
hey say the higher the hair, the closer to God, which makes Wiggle a night of divinity. Wiggle, which originated in Windsor, Ontario, 20 years ago, is an annual wearable art festival created by the House of Venus to celebrate the creative genius of local performers, artists and designers. “We started [House of Venus] because we were doing different events in Windsor and then in the Detroit club scene,” house mother Michael Venus says. “We wanted to form a collective where we could do our crazy parties and our art functions and our genderbending. We would go to New York a lot for inspiration. We were really inspired by club kids and the different drag and fashion houses.”
The artists’ collective named itself House of Venus because its members “wanted to do something that symbolized love and positive energy,” Michael says. “We really felt like there was so much negative energy in our world, and there still is, so that’s why we picked Venus. It’s about beauty and love. We’re really into trying to change the world.” After making its debut in Ontario, Wiggle came to Vancouver in 1996, where it planted the sequined seeds that have since grown into an annual extravaganza. “When we did it [in Vancouver], we had tons of different fashion designers, and it really became more dragfocused,” Michael notes. “We had a lot of the quintessential drag queens involved, and there was a lot more focus on it, as well as beautiful headpieces
and wigs and all that stuff, but there was definitely a stronger drag element.” It’s not the drag you’d ordinarily see in Vancouver’s clubs, though. “When people do drag at Wiggle, it’s not just your typical Beyoncé number,” Michael explains. “Usually, they dig a little deeper and do something a little more alternative to the alternative. Our philosophy has always been ‘Just because I’m gay doesn’t make me cool.’ There are other elements.” The whimsical event has been so embraced by the Vancouver community that Michael, who now divides his time between Toronto and Vancouver, didn’t have to think twice about where to host its landmark 20th anniversary. “Wiggle is definitely a Vancouver tradition, which is why I had to do Wiggle 20 here,” he says. “Wiggle is home in
On this page and opposite, examples of headpieces from past Wiggle festivals.
House of Venus created Wiggle to celebrate local performers, artists and designers.
NICHOLAS JANG
ROBERT-JOHN FARROW
12 JUNE 19–JULY 2, 2014 XTRA!
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Vancouver. It’s really the only event of frontman of rock group Toilet Böys. its kind in Canada — or in the world, During Wiggle 9, none other than for that matter. This is where we made Deborah Harry was spotted in the audiWiggle become the huge thing that it is, ence. When Harry came backstage, Miso I’m very loyal to our Van City peeps.” chael offered her a bottle of water from The innovation bubbling on the West his own label, called Cotton’s Fountain Coast is why the bi-coastal House of of Youth, after his drag alter ego, Cotton Venus (at least part of it) dug in its Venus. Having the Blondie legend drink stiletto heels here. Although Michael from a bottle of water with his mug on has considered taking the packaging was one Wiggle back to Ontario, of his most memorable WIGGLE 20 Presented by the he says he’s still drawn to moments of the past 20 House of Venus Vancouver’s visionaries. years, he says. Sat, July 12, doors at 8pm “Vancouver is a small“Year after year, it’s Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main St er city, and I’m always so about seeing what these Search “Wiggle 20” on Facebook shocked because there is hairstylists and artists always such amazing, in— and people who just novative talent, comparable to big cities have a glue gun and like being creative — like LA, New York, London, Montreal,” come up with,” Michael says. “The real he says. “Our populace is obviously a lot amazing thing is seeing what fucked-up smaller, so to me it’s always inspiring shit they create.” to see what comes out of this town.” Wiggle 20 will be a weekend of celIt isn’t just local talent that has ebration, with a preview on July 11 at helped shape Wiggle. Hosts of the show the Vancouver Art Gallery, followed by have included Lady Bunny, the legend- the show on July 12 at The Fox Cabaret. ary New York City queen and creator “The magic continues; the saga goes of Wigstock; Candis Cayne, the first on,” Michael says. “It’s emotional and trans woman to have a recurring role overwhelming to see something last so on prime-time television; and Miss Guy, long . . . Dreams do come true.” MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM
XTRA! JUNE 19–JULY 2, 2014 13
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To all promoters, effective immediately: if you would like me to review your parties (aka get wasted and gossip about you in the paper), then please send a limousine for me and my drag queens. Jane Smoker, creator of new monthly Cherry Pop at The Fox, with DJs Trevor Risk and Cherchez La Femme, may look like a cheap hooker, but she’s all class. When the
cherry popped, we bled in style. Somehow I managed to weasel my way into a limo Jane sent to 1181 for Cherry Pop’s guest performer, the Queen of East Van, Isolde N Barron, and her baggage. I’m not just talking about Peeka Boo; I mean literally, Isolde’s drag suitcase is so big that when Nicki Minaj started playing through the limo’s speakers I almost expected Peach Cobblah to jump out and lip-sync. Along for the ride were selfprofessed legends Valynne Vile,
Shanda Leer, Anna Propriette, Lady Jem, Celestial Seasons, Peter Breeze, Daniel Pitout and Joey Vanity. All I have to say is thank god the drunk driver shared his bottle of vodka! When we got to The Fox, we went up to the balcony that overlooks the dancefloor and stage. There was a bar and enough space for the entire Cobalt family to pile in their sequins and support one of their own. Jane’s drag career started as a “one-time thing” parodying Lindsay Lohan on The Cobalt’s stage. It didn’t take her long to realize she loved drag, and she has since risen as a celebrated host and performer with a diverse fan base spanning from Davie Street to queer East Van to the straight hipsters of The Biltmore’s Glory Days. Jane was also the host for rapper Le1f’s return to Celebrities Nightclub
way, but maybe that’s because I was feeling quite wobbly myself at the time. That driver, I’m telling you. Hire him! The Cobalt family has invested in real estate, spreading the dynasty to include The Fox and the Astoria Pub, where Junita Werk, Anna Propriette and Shanda Leer launched Brain Candy with DJs Daniel Pitout and Jef Leppard. Brain Candy is a night of grindhouse nostalgia and “sexy alien babe lap dances.” The party’s name stems from the movie Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy, which features an antidepressant that gets you stuck in your happiest memory. The crowd was mixed at the inception, with costumed ravers on the dancefloor and unsuspecting regulars, who had just planned on shooting some pool, finding themselves in an alien odyssey. What else would you call a B-52s drag number? There was body painting, and for one guy that included his brain, which he was wearing on the outside of his head. My alien eyes kept toppling over and hitting my real eyes. It was so an-
Shanda Leer, Anna Propriette, Raziel and Junita Werk contribute to the weird and ethereal vibe at Brain Candy. TALLULAH
on June 6. Le1f gave a tight performance but has flatlined with his sophomore album. I found Matt Troy and Erica Lapadat-Janzen’s visuals more compelling than the show. In-demand queen Jane, who makes Brooke Candy seem demure, worked the pole during her performance of “Cherry Bomb” at The Fox. But it was photographer Scott Loudoun who popped his cherry debuting in drag as Solange Farewell, my new favourite drag name that took me way too long to get. If you’re as e-tarded as me, try singing it. Every month at Cherry Pop, a virgin queen will give it up to the stage. Solange was entertaining in a wobbly 16 JUNE 19–JULY 2, 2014 XTRA!
noying. But I decided to dress up for this party because not only do I happen to think I’m a Pleiadian descendant, but I smoke a ton of weed while watching YouTube videos about how the royal family are shape-shifting reptilian humanoids. So I dig the weird and ethereal vibe that Brain Candy is attempting to induce. I’m just not sure if the Astoria’s dive-bar magnetic field will attract the desired UFOs. Although from what I’ve heard of the spooky basement (complete with a locker room and shower that look like they could be a horror-film set), I definitely think some unidentified shit could take off down there. What do you say, earthlings? VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
WHAT'S ON
Hershe Bar — Red Room Ultra Bar, Mon, June 30 FLYGIRL.COM
FOR MORE LISTINGS, GO TO DAILYXTRA.COM
Wed, June 18 Xtra Town Hall Are you gay? Are you queer? Xtra will host a community town hall to discuss the words we use and why they matter. 6:30–8pm. Fountainhead Pub, 1025 Davie St. No cover. The town hall will also be streamed live on dailyxtra.com.
Thurs, June 19 Butch: Not Like the Other Girls Photo-based artist SD Holman launches her book on female masculinity. 7pm. Little Sister’s, 1238 Davie St. littlesisters.ca Rainbow Support Group BC’s Alzheimer Society offers a support group for LGBT caregivers and those caring for LGBT people with dementia. Call 604-675-5153 or email kturner@alzheimerbc.org. Timberline Vancouver’s countrywestern dance group meets every Thursday. Dancers of all levels are welcome. 7pm. St Paul’s Anglican Church, 1140 Jervis St. $10 donation partially benefits A Loving Spoonful. timberlinedance.org
XOXO World Cup Celebration Big Roger Events celebrates the World Cup with the tribal samba beats of DJ Ana Paula (Brazil). 10pm–3am. Rain Ultraclub, 66 Water St. Tickets $20 at showclix. com. bigrogerevents.com Tomboy DJ Kasey Riot spins at this monthly sports-themed grrrl party. 10pm–2am. Heaven’s Door, 1216 Bute St. $5. Search “Tomboy” on Facebook.
East Side Pride Join the Vancouver Pride Society for its annual tribute to the Stonewall riots. 11am–6pm. Grandview Park, corner of Charles Street and Commercial Drive. Free. vancouverpride.ca Gear Saturday: VML Join the Vancouver Men in Leather at their monthly get-together. Dress code: leather, rubber and fetish. 9pm. PumpJack Pub, 1167 Davie St. No cover. pumpjackpub.com Spice Gurls Drag Show Vancouver drag queens bring Spice World to life. Doors 11:30pm, show midnight. Rio Theatre, 1660 E Broadway. $12 advance or in costume, $15 door. riotheatretickets.ca
Sat, June 21 Vatican the IV Club 8x6 hosts a fetish dance for men. 8pm–2am. Club 8x6, 1775 Haro St. Tickets $20 at Little Sister’s, 1238 Davie
St; pupluvyvr@gmail.com; thevaticanparty.com; or at the door. The Gay Agenda The Gay Agenda now celebrates glitter, skin and no attitude the third Saturday of every month. 9pm–2am. The Cobalt, 917 Main St. $9. thecobalt.ca
Sun, June 22 Redneck Sunday Shanda Leer hosts a new Nashville-inspired weekly party. 9pm–midnight. The Bourbon, 50 W Cordova St. $10. thebourboncountry.com Ensoul Nicki Ravange and DJ G Luve celebrate deep, soulful house and R&B. 10pm–3am. Cabana Lounge, 1159 Granville St. $5. cabanavancouver.com
Andrew Christian Underwear Show The man behind one of the hottest underwear lines makes an appearance alongside model Pablo. 10pm–3 am. Celebrities, 1022 Davie St. Tickets $10 at celebrities. electrostub.com.
Mon, June 23 The Bobbers Vancouver’s queer improv troupe brings comedy to the Village. 7–9pm. Heaven’s Door, 1216 Bute St. No cover. heavensdoor.ca
Fri, June 20
Tues, June 24
You’ve Got Talent Pinoy Pride Vancouver celebrates its fourth anniversary with a talent show. The winner will be PPV’s Mabuhay ambassador for Pride. 7pm–2am. Heaven’s Door, 1216 Bute St. $10. Search “Pinoy Pride” on Facebook. A Screaming Weenie Cabaret The frank theatre company presents a cabaret dedicated to opera diva Maria Callas, with performances by Rachel Iwaasa, Joel Klein and Kim Villagante. 7–10pm. Heartwood Community Café, 317 E Broadway. $10. thefranktheatre.com
Freedom Friday Freedom Cabaret’s new showcase of local and international DJs has a cleaner, sexier look and a focus on love, respect and tolerance for everybody. Midnight. Lux Lounge, 1180 Howe St. $10. luxlounge.ca
Sat, June 28
Queer Prom 2014 An alcohol- and drug-free evening for queer and trans youth aged 14–25. 8pm– midnight. Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St. Entrance by donation, but no one turned away for lack of funds. qmunity.ca PCAN Naked Heaven The Pacific Canadian Association of Nudists hosts a monthly naked dance for men only. 8pm–2am. Club 8x6, 1775 Haro St. $15, includes locker. p-can. org/events
1661 Napier St. For more info, contact generations@qmunity.ca.
Men on Men A weekly discussion group for men who love or have sex with men. Every Tuesday, 6:30pm. Gordon Neighbourhood House, 1019 Broughton St. checkhimout.ca
The Gay Agenda — The Cobalt, Sat, June 21 DANNY GRAY FOX
Shame Spiral Peach Cobblah brings East Side debauchery to her favourite West End cocktail lounge for a night of drag, perverse games and true shame spiral stories. 9:30pm. 1181, 1181 Davie St. No cover. 1181.ca
Wed, June 25 Gay & Grey Join this group of gay senior men every Wednesday for friendly, supportive discussions. 7pm. Roundhouse Community Centre, second-floor boardroom, 181 Roundhouse Mews.
Man-Glam and Rough Trade Tran Apus Rex and Shanda Leer join forces to honour Freddie Mercury in this post–East Side Pride event. Prizes for best mustache. 9pm. Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main St. $10 advance at eventbrite.ca; $12 door. foxcabaret.com
Bingo for Life Joan-E hosts this weekly Friends for Life fundraiser, with prizes, cheap drinks and snappy drag queens. 8–10pm. Celebrities, 1022 Davie St. $10 donation at door for bingo cards. celebritiesnightclub.com
Victoria Pride The celebration, including the parade and the annual drag softball game, runs until Sunday, July 6. Full list of events and times at victoriapridesociety.org.
Thurs, June 26
Mon, June 30
Gay Poz 30-Something Positive Living hosts a discussion group for 30-something, HIV-positive gay men every Thursday. 6:30–8pm. Positive Living, 1107 Seymour St. Free. positivelivingbc.org
Hershe Bar DJs Riki Rocket and Miss M spin at this popular women’s party. 10pm–2am. Red Room Ultra Bar, 398 Richards St. $15 advance at Little Sister’s, 1238 Davie St; Kokopelli Salon, 2052 Commercial Dr; and flygirlproductions.com.
Fri, June 27 AJ’s Café Join other HIV-positive gay men every Friday for this free social support group sponsored by Positive Living BC. 3–6pm. The Junction Pub, 1138 Davie St. positivelivingbc.org Queer Women on the Drive This crafts-based get-together for women meets the last Friday of each month. 7pm. Britannia Community Centre, Seniors’ Lounge,
Sun, June 29
Tues, July 1 CruiseyT CruiseyT kicks off the summer season with its floating dance party and Canada Day fireworks cruise, featuring DJs Zach Shore and Mattilda Ho, with performances by Iona Whipp and Conni Smudge. Boarding 7pm, cruise 7:30–11:30pm. 501 Denman St. $30 advance at Little Sister’s, 1238 Davie St; thisispride.ca; or cruiseyt.com.
Submit your event listing to oitc.vancouver@dailyxtra.com. Deadline for the July 3–16, 2014 issue is Tues, June 24.
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We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia. Photo by Andrew Kounitskiy: Leonid in Red Square
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XTRA! JUNE 19–JULY 2, 2014 17
XPOSED
PHOTOS BY JAMES LOEWEN
1
2
EMPRESS BALL The Empress Ball paid tribute to ted northe June 14 and crowned his successor, Empress of Canada II Avaughna Sanoir. Read the full story on page 11.
3
1E Empress of Canada II Avaughna Sanoir 2E Imelda Mae & Allen Or 3E Desree Niismiou, HazZzel dePontiac & Harvey McGillivary 4E Dino, Empress II Mona Regina Lee, Empress I Charity & Avaughna Sanoir 5E Peeka Boo, Empress X Oliv, Dave Decarlo & Isolde N Barron
4
5 18 JUNE 19–JULY 2, 2014 XTRA!
VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS
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Grocery Stores Nesters Market 604-682-3071 Safeway Davie: 604-669-8313 Robson: 604-683-6155
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Websites Daily Xtra 416-925-6665
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