Metro, Volume 2, Issue 26 by QSaltLake Magazine

Utah’s Gay and Lesbian Biweekly Newspaper Volume 2 ■ Issue 26 December 22–January 4

Buttars Seeks to Kill Gay Clubs Drafting a Bill Against Gay-Straight Alliances

Gay Films at Sundance Film Festival Your shopping list for the festival’s tickets

Tutus and Transexuals Local theater groups putting on two gender-bending shows

Brokeback Mountain Breaks 2005 Record Mailbox is full with award nominations

Ford Veers Right, Then Left Again Motor company denies making agreement with anti-gay group

Author Seeks Senior Gays and Lesbians Ruby Rantings Become Scripture Michael’s 525,600 Minutes Gay Agenda

WORLD AND NATIONAL

‘Brokeback Mountain’ Breaks Box Office Records, Receives Nominations, Awards by Michael Aaron

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SALT LAKE METRO ■ DECEMBER 22, 2005

michael@slmetro.com

Hollywood, Calif. — Break out your tux and get it to the cleaners — this year’s film award season will be one for the gay record books. Opening in just five theatres the weekend of Dec. 9, Brokeback Mountain topped all films in 2005 in per-theatre gross receipts. The film immediately began gathering nominations and awards across the country. Leading critics have called the film one of the best films of the year. Winning the Golden Lion for best picture at the Venice Film Festival in September only foreshadowed its chances during the 2005 award season. Academy Awards — Before the film even opened in theaters, prognosticators at OscarWatch.com considered Brokeback Mountain a strong Oscar contender for Best Picture, Ledger as Best Actor, Gyllenhaal as Best Supporting Actor, and Ang Lee as Best Director. The Village Voice’s J. Hoberman predicts Oscar nods for Ledger and his on-screen wife and off-screen partner: “It’s the selfcontained Ledger’s repression and scary, sorrowful, hard-luck rage that fuel the movie ... Ledger and [Michelle] Williams, the real-life mother of his child, seem a cinch for nominations.” Nominations will be announced Jan. 31, 2006, and the Oscars will take place March 5 in Los Angeles. American Film Institute — Brokeback Mountain was named one of the top ten films of 2005. An awards luncheon will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles Jan. 13, 2006. Critics Choice Awards — Nominations were announced Dec. 12. Dennis Miller will host the awards gala Jan. 9, 2006. The WB will telecast the ceremony live locally at 7:00 pm. Brokeback Mountain lead the nominations with eight nods: Best Picture, Best Actor: Heath Ledger, Best Supporting Actor: Jake Gyllenhaal, Best Supporting Actress: Michelle Williams, Best Director: Ang Lee, Best Writer: Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana, Best Song: “A Love That Will Never Grow Old,” Emmylou Harris, Best Composer: Gustavo Santaolalla Golden Globe Awards — The Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced its nominations Dec. 13. Brokeback Mountain was nominated for the following awards: Best Motion Picture–Drama, Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture–Drama: Heath Ledger, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: Michelle Williams, Best Director–Motion Picture: Ang Lee, Best Screenplay–Motion Picture: Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana, Best Original Score–Motion Picture: Gustavo Santaolalla, Best Original Song–Motion Picture: “A Love That Will Never Grow Old,” music by Gustavo Santaolalla, lyrics by Bernie Taupin. The Golden Globes will take place Jan. 16, 2006 in Los Angeles. Independent Spirit Awards — Members of Film Independent announced its nominations on Nov. 29. Brokeback Mountain received four nods: Best Feature, Best Direc-

tor: Ang Lee, Best Male Lead: Heath Ledger, Best Supporting Female: Michelle Williams. The Spirit Awards will take place March 4, 2006 in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Film Critics Association — The winners of the 31st Annual Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards were announced Dec. 10, 2005. Brokeback Mountain received three honors: Best Picture, Best Director: Ang Lee, Best Actor Runner-up: Heath Ledger. New York Film Critics Circle — Brokeback Mountain was named Best Picture of the Year Dec. 12. Ang Lee was named Best Director. An awards gala honoring all the winners will be held Jan. 8, 2006 in New York City. Satellite Awards — The International Press Academy announced its nominations on Dec. 1 and Brokeback Mountain received eight nods: Motion Picture (Drama), Actor (Drama): Heath Ledger, Supporting Actor (Drama): Jake Gyllenhaal, Director: Ang Lee, Adapted Screenplay: Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana, Original Score: Gustavo Santaolalla, Original Song: “A Love That Will Never Grow Old” by Gustavo Santaolalla and Bernie Taupin, Film Editing: Geraldine Peroni and David Tichenor The awards will be handed out Dec. 17. Directors Guild Awards — Nominations will be announced Jan. 5, 2006. The awards will take place Jan. 28 in Los Angeles. Screen Actors Guild Awards — Nominations will be announced Jan. 5, 2006. The awards will take place Jan. 29 in Los Angeles. Writers Guild Awards — Nominations will be announced Jan. 4, 2006. The awards will take place Feb. 4 in both Los Angeles and New York City.

Gays, Gay Films Dominate Golden Globe Nominations Hollywood, Calif. — Industry insiders had said that 2005 was the year to be gay in Hollywood, and gay films, performances and actors dominated the nominations for the 2006 Golden Globe Awards, announced Dec. 13. Brokeback Mountain garnered the most nominations of any film — a total of seven — for Best Picture–Drama, Best Screenplay and a Best Director for Ang Lee. Heath Ledger was nominated for Best Actor in his role as tortured hero Ennis Del Mar and his real life wife Michelle Williams, with whom he just had a baby, was nominated for Best Supporting Actress as Ennis’ long-suffering wife Alma. TransAmerica, one of the first films out of the gate for The Weinstein Co., the newly formed studio by former Miramax chiefs Bob and Harvey Weinstein, scored two nominations. Felicity Huffman will compete for Best Actress as transgender mom Bree and Dolly Parton scored a Best Original Song nomination for “Travelin’ Thru.” Continued on page 4

DECEMBER 22, 2005 ■ SALT LAKE METRO ■ 3

Golden Globes Continued from page 2.

Homo For The Holidays December

29th

Thursday

7:30PM

Free Party Boys @ the W Lounge (358 South W Temple )

A Private Club for Members

Presented By:

Utah AIDS Foundation Music Food and Sexy Santa

~Finger Food ~Sexy Santa ~DJ GeorgeE ~Miss Mexico 2005/06 ~North Pole’s Present...Nick ~Syren Vaughn performing: “12 Days After Christmas” Photograher Kim Norman 801-244-9413

Huffman was also nominated for Best Actress in a Comedy on television for Desperate Housewives, opposite co-stars Marcia Cross, Teri Hatcher and first time nominee Eva Longoria. Philip Seymour Hoffman snagged a Best Actor nomination for his role as openly gay author Truman Capote in Capote. Though the film failed to score any other major nominations (it was a frontrunner for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress), Hoffman had long been considered a shoo-in for a nomination. The film adaptation of Rent, the award season’s other gay entry, failed to score a nomination despite critically acclaimed performances by Rosario Dawson as HIVpositive junkie Mimi and Jesse L. Martin as the openly gay Collins, who loses his lover Angel to AIDS. Reviews of the film were mixed, with most critics praising the performances but questioning the direction of Chris Columbus and his decision to set the play in 1989, a full five years before it was written. Openly gay actor Nathan Lane scored a nomination for The Producers, reprising his role as a down on his luck Broadway producer for the film adaptation of the Tony winning musical. The film also scored a Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy nomination. As usual, this year’s nominees offered a few surprises. Peter Jackson’s King Kong scored the director a nomination but, despite being one of the year’s most critically acclaimed films, failed to snag nods for acting or in the Best Picture category. Similarly, a number of critically acclaimed performances were missing from the nominee list. Most notably, Joan Allen’s tour-de-force as a woman scorned on the verge of a nervous breakdown in The Upside of Anger was passed over, likely because it was released too early in the year. Uma Thurman in The Producers, Sandra Bullock and Thandie Newton in Crash and Naomi Watts in King Kong were passed over. Instead, Gwyneth Paltrow proved an unlikely nominee in the Best Actress category for the Miramax flop Proof. Among the actors, a year crowded by critically acclaimed performances couldn’t find room for Munich star Eric Bana, A History of Violence’s Viggo Mortensen or Brokeback Mountain’s Jake Gyllenhaal. Also surprising was some last minute category shuffling. Maria Bello, doing the best work of her career in A History of Violence, jumped from the Best Supporting Actress category to score a Best Actress nod while George Clooney, in what is essentially a leading role, was nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category for Syriana. For a complete list of nominees for the 2006 Golden Globes, visit www.hfpa.com.

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SALT LAKE METRO ■ DECEMBER 22, 2005

Human Rights Campaign Awards Director Ang Lee Washington, D.C. — Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese announced Jan. 19 that Brokeback Mountain director Ang Lee will be accepting the Human Rights Campaign Equality Award. Lee will be honored Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Human Rights Campaign’s Greater New York Gala Dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. “Ang Lee’s vision is changing hearts and minds,” said Solmonese. “Ang Lee’s career has been defined by bold artistic choices and Brokeback Mountain is no exception. Through his moving directorial work, Ang Lee proves the old adage, ‘Love is love is love.’ We are honored to be awarding Mr. Lee with the Human Rights Campaign’s Equality Award.”

NATIONAL AND REGIONAL

Gay Soldier Assaulted at Arizona Army Base originally charged with aggravated assault by civilian police, Fort Huachuca officials have decided not to prosecute the case “for reasons fort officials say they are not at liberty to explain,” according to the press report. Lawson says the solider used an antigay slur during the attack. “Congress should demand answers,” said Greer. “The complete lack of accountability when it comes to anti-gay harassment in our armed forces is outrageous and inexcusable. How many more murders and assaults will be required to wake up Pentagon leaders?” In August 2003, 23 members of Congress asked the Department of Defense to implement its Anti-Harassment Action Plan, which includes steps to curb anti-gay harassment. Those Congressional representatives concluded “that the Services are not in full compliance” with the plan and asked DoD to report on its progress by February 2004. Dr. David Chu, the Pentagon undersecretary charged with implementing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” replied that no further action was required and the Pentagon’s actions to address and deal with harassment were sufficient. Many military personnel report to SLDN that they are unaware the plan even exists. Lawson’s mother told the Star that she has “been crying [herself ] to sleep” and is “afraid for his life.” Private Lawson was told to sleep on a cot in his drill sergeant’s office following the attack, and reported his attacker’s only punishment appeared to be revocation of his weekend pass. A Fort Huachuca spokeswoman said officials took “appropriate action” in dealing with the case.

Ford Reaffirms Support For Fairness

Lesbian Couple Becomes First to Wed in U.K.

Washington, D.C. — Ford Motor Company released a statement Dec. 14 saying it would feature all of its brands in a 2006 ad campaign in gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgenderthemed publications. Indications that Ford made a deal with the right-wing extremist group American Family Association to cease some advertising in community publications were put to rest with this announcement. “Ford’s action is a positive outcome and win for equality and fairness,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Ford has sent a powerful signal that corporate America values its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees and consumers.” Controversy erupted Dec. 1 when the AFA officially announced it was dropping its threat of a boycott, saying Ford “heard our concerns; they are acting on our concerns. We are pleased with where we are.” The next day a Ford spokesperson appeared to confirm an agreement by saying the company would stop advertising its Jaguar and Land Rover brands in gay publications. AFA is an extremist anti-LGBT organization that routinely threatens boycotts against LGBTsupportive companies, television programs it does not like, or even cartoon characters such as SpongeBob. On Dec. 5, many gay organizations issued statements calling upon Ford to disavow any agreement with AFA, to reaffirm its commitment to the gay community and to meet gay leaders and resolve the issue. As a result of that statement, Ford Motor executives met with representatives in Washington, D.C. Dec. 12.

Belfast — A lesbian couple made vows to each other Dec. 19 in Northern Ireland, becoming the first same-gender couple to hold a public ceremony under the United Kingdom’s new civil partnership law. Grainne Close, 32, and her partner Shannon Sickels, 27, passed dozens of protestors on their way to Belfast City Hall, where they held a 20-minute ceremony. The proceeding included an exchange of rings and the Dolly Parton song, “Touch Your Woman,” according to the Associated Press. “This is about making a choice to have our civil rights acknowledged and respected and protected, and we could not be here without the hard work of many queer activists and many individuals in the queer community,” said Sickels, a playwright from New York. The law took effect Dec. 19 in Northern Ireland, one day before Scotland and two days before England and Wales. Couples began registering their unions earlier this month; they can hold ceremonies after a mandatory 15-day waiting period. Sir Elton John, who at press time was set to exchange vows Dec. 21 with partner David Furnish, wrote a commentary in the Sunday edition of The Observer, calling for gay rights around the globe. “Next Wednesday, on the happiest day of my life, when I celebrate a civil partnership with David, I will be thinking, however, about those less fortunate than we are. In many countries, having a same-sex partner is still outlawed,” he wrote. More than 600 same-sex couples are expected to hold civil partnership ceremonies on Wednesday, the AP reported.

House Votes to Flat-Fund Ryan White CARE Act

Boston, Mass. — Massachussets Governor Mitt Romney announced Dec. 15 he wouldn’t be seeking a second term, prompting candidates looking to replace him after next year’s gubernatorial campaign fanned out across the state. Attorney General Tom Reilly and fellow Democrat, Deval Patrick, made appearances in Boston, while Republican Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey headed west for appearances in Boylston and Holyoke. Romney has been a controversial figure in politics since publicly denouncing the legalization of same-sex marriages in Massachusetts last year. When same-sex marriage became legal last May, Romney invoked a 1913 law preventing town clerks from issuing licenses to couples who do not reside in Massachusetts. The law says that the state cannot marry an out-of-state couple if that marriage would be “void” in the couple’s home state. It had been created to prevent interracial marriages. The law is now under appeal. Romney has spent much of this year traveling across the country weighing support for a presidential bid. In a February speech to Republican Party members in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Romney lambasted Massachusetts’s highest court, which paved the way for gay marriage, accusing the justices of striking “a blow against the family.” Several days later, in Utah, he declared “America cannot continue to lead the family of nations around the world if we suffer the collapse of the family here at home.” Reilly, who has a solid record on gay rights issues, wasted no time to take direct aim at Healey, branding her as out-of-touch with most Massachusetts residents, and a coconspirator in the supposed shortfalls of the Romney administration.

Washington, D.C — Congress put the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans at risk in passing the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations conference report that cuts HIV/AIDS prevention programs, flat-funds most of the Ryan White CARE Act, and actually increases funding for failed ‘abstinenceonly’ programs, according to a statement released by the Human Rights Campaign. The bill heads to the Senate for approval. “Short-changing HIV and AIDS programs puts American lives at risk,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “The health of thousands of men, women and children are threatened when our nation’s leaders ignore the needs of Americans being ravaged by HIV/AIDS in neighborhoods across this country.” By a 215-213 vote, the House of Representatives passed the Labor/Health & Human Services/Education Appropriations conference report, which contains what Solmonese calls grossly inadequate funding for federal HIV/AIDS programs. The bill mostly flat funds an already stretched Ryan White CARE Act at $2.1 billion as well as cuts funding for Centers for Disease Control HIV prevention programs. Moreover, the bill provides an increase of $11 million in funding for abstinence-only education programs that fail to protect youth from contracting HIV and even teach misleading and false information. Further abandoning a scientifically-based prevention strategy, a Senate amendment to the Labor-HHS-Appropriations bill was stripped in conference committee that would have directed that all federally funded sex-ed programs teach medically accurate information. Solmonese added, “Congress should stop putting ideology over sound science.”

DECEMBER 22, 2005 ■ SALT LAKE METRO ■ 5

Fort Huachuca, Ariz. — Private Kyle Lawson, a 19-year-old Tucson resident, was physically assaulted and threatened at Fort Huachuca Army Base after fellow soldiers learned he is gay, according to a report in the Dec. 18 Arizona Daily Star. Fearful for his safety, Private Lawson is leaving the Army, while the soldier accused of his assault appears to remain unpunished. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network called on Army officials to hold the responsible party accountable for the assault and called on the Pentagon to implement an Anti-Harassment Action Plan originally adopted in 2000. The plan, SLDN has reported each year since, has never been implemented. “Pentagon leaders have consistently refused to take harassment seriously, and our men and women in uniform continue to pay the price,” said Sharra E. Greer, SLDN’s director of law and policy. “The Pentagon has found, in its own survey, rampant anti-gay harassment in the armed forces. Service members report harassment, violence and threats to SLDN on a regular basis. At least two service members have been murdered because of unchecked anti-gay harassment. Yet military leaders have utterly failed to send a strong, clear message that anti-gay harassment is unacceptable or that those who harass will be held accountable for their actions. The result is yet another anti-gay assault.” According to the Star, Lawson’s nose was broken and he was later threatened with a knife after a friend revealed during a battalion party that Lawson is gay. While the soldier who Lawson says attacked him was

Romney Will Not Seek a Second Term

LOCAL

Buttars Is Drafting a Bill to Ban Gay-Straight Clubs in Schools Anti-gay Utah State Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, is in the process of writing a bill to stop Gay-Straight Alliance clubs in the state’s public schools, reigniting a fight that started in Utah nearly a decade ago. Critics say such a ban would violate students’ constitutional rights. Gay-Straight Alliances are currently in 14 of the state’s high schools, according to Stan Burnett, director of youth programs at the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Utah. The clubs are designed to be a place where stuSen. Chris Buttars dents who feel ‘out of the mainstream’ can go to socialize. East High School officials banned a GayStraight Alliance club organized by Kelly Peterson back in 1996. A lawsuit went all the way to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals where the club was eventually reinstated on the basis of federal equal protection laws. Buttars’ bill is backed by ultra-conservative Eagle Forum, headed by Gayle Ruzicka. Ruzicka is spinning the bill as a simple ‘tweak’ to clarify existing Utah law that forbids discussion of human sexuality in public schools. Buttars told KSL’s Richard Piatt, “If you’re in a chess club, you’re going to be talking about chess. If you’re in a dance club you’re going to be talking about dance. If you’re in a gay club you’re going to be talking about human sexuality, and that’s illegal, in fact it’s criminal.” Courts have ruled, however, that the federal Equal Access Act, co-authored by Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, trumps any local and state laws. In his monthly press conference, Gov. Jon Huntsman said that he believes the issue has been “finalized” by the courts and questions the state’s role when it comes to school

clubs. “I do believe that these are issues that should be taken care of at the ‘localest’ of levels: parents dealing with kids and parents dealing with school boards, if they have a concern. I’m not sure that this is something that should be handled at the state level,” said Hunstman. Equality Utah Chair Jane Marquardt says the issue is more of fairness and what is right for Utah’s youth. “Especially in Utah County, teens who are gay already have a tough road in front of them,” said Marquardt. “To take away an important support structure, to tell them that they don’t have the same rights to gather as other students, is a slap on the face that will have very damaging consequences.” “The fact is that teens who are struggling with their sexual orientation need an outlet; they need someone to talk to,” continued Marquardt. “Unfortunately parents and others in typically unsupportive communities aren’t the ones teens will talk with. If we shut down their First Amendment rights to meet, there’s a very real chance that we’re increasing the chances of suicide and other negative consequences of having no outlet. This isn’t about sex, this is about support for students who already face enormous discrimination at school, and sometimes in their own homes.” In an unusually harsh opinion piece, Salt Lake Tribune called Buttars’ attitude “closed-minded and dirty-minded.” “Buttars seems bent on promulgating ... homophobic nonsense, refusing to believe that club members do not spend all their time at meetings discussing sex and promoting ‘perverted’ lifestyles. He has dubbed ‘liars’ those who try to explain that the clubs promote tolerance and debunk stereotypes,” the Tribune editorial stated. “If we really want to create a more united and understanding community, we shouldn’t be shutting down clubs and closing discussion,” said Marquardt. “Rather, we should be encouraging dialogue, tolerance, and friendship between all Utahns.”

Gay and Lesbian Seniors Sought for Interviews

Danni Outlasts Rafe as ‘Survivor’ Victor

University of Utah College of Social Work Professor Amanda S. Barusch is seeking ten people over the age of 65 willing to discuss their romantic lives for a book titled “Loving: Romance and Longevity in 21st Century America.” The book draws on the experiences and beliefs of adults older than 50 to dispel myths about their emotional and sexual lives. In the past three years Barusch, Associate Dean for Research and Doctoral Studies, and her students have conducted 95 interviews, but only four respondents did not identify as heterosexual. To be accurate, Barusch says, the book needs to include better representation of the gay and lesbian population. Interviews take about an hour and a half, and careful provisions are in place to protect the privacy of people interviewed. Interviewees do not necessarily need to be in couples, but they must be comfortable reflecting on their love experiences and the role romance has played in their lives. Those interested should call Dr. Barusch at 581-8842.

Danni Boatwright outwitted, outplayed and outlasted everyone, including gay Mormon Utah native Rafe Judkins, in the competition to win Survivor: Guatemala and $1 million. Boatwright, a 30-year-old sports radio talk show host from Kansas, became the 11th person to claim top prize on Fox’s Survivor. She won the game in an episode that will be remembered for the frightening storm that struck moments after the castaways (except for Judkins) devoured a chicken that was killed in a Mayan sacrificial ceremony. That ceremony also led to one of the most memorable exchanges in Survivor history: “Did they kill it?” asked Steph LaGrossa. To which Judkins replied, “Steph, they ripped the chicken’s head off.” Judkins went on to win the evening’s first immunity challenge, and Boatwright took the second. Eliminated, in order, were Lydia Morales and Judkins — after he released Boatwright from a pledge to take her to the Final Two.

by Michael Aaron

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SALT LAKE METRO ■ DECEMBER 22, 2005

michael@slmetro.com

Mutual Dependence Benefits Contract Bill Fails the Senate

YEAR

REVIEW

January

Student Protests, Gets Copper Hills Principal to Reverse Prom Policy Copper Hills High School reversed its policy requiring that gay and lesbian students have permission slips signed by their parents to attend school dances. The policy, which began when 17-year-old Jason Atwood went to school administrators with concerns about his safety if he brought his boyfriend to Copper Hills High School student Jason Atwood a dance, generated national criticism after Atwood and friends staged a four-day protest of the policy. Although Atwood missed one function because of the policy — his parent refused to sign the permission slip out of concern it would take away the school’s responsibility to keep him safe — he was pleased that the policy was dropped. “That is very exciting,” Atwood told the Salt Lake Tribune. “Maybe I was wrong when I said Copper Hills wasn’t tolerant. They’re a lot more willing to work with students than I thought they were.”

Hinckley: Gays “Have a Problem”

Meth Up 12-Fold in New HIV Infections A report from the Utah Department of Health revealed that methamphetamine use was the fastest rising drug connected to new HIV infections — up from 2% in 1994 to 24% in 2003. Crystal meth was involved in more HIV infections than cocaine, marijuana or heroin.

Murray High School seniors voted in January for their favorites in a number of yearbook categories, including cutest couple. Before results were formally announced in the cutest couple category, word leaked two different couples had won: Murray High’s “cutest couple” Kortni one, a senior boy and a junior girl; the other, Coats and Taunica Crump two senior girls. No recounts could be done, because ballots were no longer available, school officials said. So students re-voted and Kortni Coats and Taunica Crump won by a close vote, principal Scott Bushnell said. “We’re just nice to everyone, and they respect us for our differences,” Coates responded to a Deseret News reporter when asked why she thought they had won.

February

McCoy Asks the Attorney General to Investigate Amendment 3 Backers In a letter to Mark Shurtleff, Utah Attorney General, Scott McCoy asked the AG’s office to investigate Marriage Educations Initiatives [MEI] and Utahns for a Better Tomorrow [UBT]. McCoy believed that the organizations, which helped to pass the anti-gay marriage amendment, had possibly violated the state’s campaign finance disclosure laws. McCoy also pointed out that the MEI listed a local address it never occupied and seemed to have existed for no purpose other than making donations to UBT. McCoy was also concerned that one of MEI’s corporate trustees, Neil Blair, had been in trouble for violating campaign finance laws before. McCoy pointed out that Utahns for a Better Tomorrow listed Blair as the person to whom checks for them should be sent. McCoy went on to suggest that “MEI was nothing more than a shell-corporate entity organized for the purpose of funneling campaign contributions to UBT in circumvention of the legal requirement to disclose the true identity of the contributors.”

Scott McCoy Elected to Replace State Sen. Julander Utah Democratic delegates elected Scott McCoy, 34, campaign manager of the Don’t Amend Alliance and then board member of Equality Utah, as the party’s nominee to replace outgoing State Sen. Paula Julander who left her seat because of illness. McCoy became the Gov. Jon Huntsman swears in Sen. Scott McCoy second out gay or lesbian legislator on the Hill, joining Rep. Jackie Biskupski, D-Salt Lake City. He is one of only eight Democrats in the Utah State Senate. There are 21 Republican senators. In a speech, McCoy said that he was a “new generation” Democrat and vowed to help the party revitalize and garner new seats and influence. “I saw an opportunity to serve the community and the constituents of District 2,” McCoy said about his decision to seek the office. “I thought it would be possible to bring a new energy to the Capitol.”

DECEMBER 22, 2005 ■ SALT LAKE METRO ■ 7

Appearing December 26 on CNN’s “Larry King Live,” Gordon B. Hinckley, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, told the talk-show host that gays “have a problem.” When asked about the Mormon Church’s opposition to gay marriage, Hinckley responded: “Well, we’re not anti-gay. We are pro-family. Let me put it that way. And we love Larry King and Gordon B. Hinkley these people and try to work with them and help them. We know they have a problem. We want to help them solve that problem.” “A problem they caused, or they were born with?” King asked. “I don’t know. I’m not an expert on these things,” replied Hinckley. When King pressed the Mormon leader on the topic of civil unions, Hinckley made it clear that the church would oppose anything that led to gay marriage. “Many people don’t get married. Goodness sakes alive. You know that,” said the 94-year-old Hinckley. “Many people have to discipline themselves. If they transgress, they become subject to the discipline of the church. But we try in every way that we know how to help them, to assist them, to bless their lives.”

Lesbians Voted “Cutest Couple”

Senate Bill 89, the “Mutual Dependence Benefits Contract” was defeated in the Utah Legislature. The bill would have created a contract between people unable to marry that would allow for them to make medical decisions for one another among other benefits. The law, proposed by Republican Sen. Gregory Bell (Fruit Heights), was passed on to its final Senate floor debate by a vote of 15 to 10; but on Feb. 1 was defeated by a vote of 18 to 10. “We’re going to kill this in the House,” Ruzicka said to the Salt Lake Tribune before the vote. “This is an apology for Amendment 3, and we don’t need to apologize for that.”

Pride Fee Draws Fire from Local Activists

YEAR

REVIEW

Senate Hate Crime Bill Defeated State Sen. Karen Hale’s hate crime bill, SB181—Criminal Code Amendments, failed in the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee by a 3–4 vote. Hale, a Salt Lake Democrat, joined forces with Fruit Heights Republican Greg Bell to sponsor the bill in the Senate. 2005 was the ninth consecutive year that hate crime legislation advocates have attempted to get their bills through the legislature. Statements of opposition from the conSen Karen Hale servative lawmakers who voted against the bill included worries that it would encourage teaching tolerance of homosexuals in schools, diminish rights of those not mentioned in the protected groups, and allow prosecutors to stack charges against offenders. A Deseret News poll had found that 64 percent of Utahns favored hate crime laws with 31 percent opposed to them.

Possible “Super-Strain” of HIV Health officials in New York and around the world were concerned about the spread of what looked like a new drug-resistant strain of HIV that progressed quickly to AIDS. The New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene announced on Feb. 11 that they had diagnosed a patient with the new HIV strain. Officials later retracted the announcement, but claimed that such a strain was “just around the corner.”

March

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SALT LAKE METRO ■ DECEMBER 22, 2005

Activists Make Last Minute Plea to State Legislature for AIDS Funding

elect progressive candidates by appealing to heartland and mainstream voters. His work included broad outreach across the nation, speaking with large and small groups about the important issues facing the American people. “We need to make sure every GLBT American has a safe place to come out and join us in the fight for equality. Our equality under the law is evolving as the defining social and political issue of our time,” said Solmonese.

California Judge Rules Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional San Francisco County Superior Court Judge Richard Kramer ruled that California’s law limiting marriage to a union between a man and a woman is unconstitutional. “It appears that no rational purpose exists for limiting marriage in this state to opposite-sex partners,” Kramer wrote in his ruling. The ruling came as a result of lawsuits brought by the city of San Francisco and a dozen same-sex couples last March, after the California Supreme Court halted the fourweek marriage spree Mayor Gavin Newsom had initiated. The Mayor had directed city officials, in defiance of state law, to issue marriage licenses to gays and lesbians. Queer Prom

April

Activist Stuart Merrill organized a candlelight vigil in reOgden Man Convicted of “Gay sponse to a half-million dollar reduction in monies proUnderworld” Murder vided by the federal governFranklin Eugene Woodrick, ment for Ryan White AIDS 49, was found guilty of murDrug Assistance Program. der for the killing of Vincent The Ryan White program Donato, 62. buys medication, insurance According to Ogden and other services for people police, Woodrick and his who are infected with HIV then-partner Rodney but have not yet developed Boyle, 33, went to Donato’s AIDS—people who are not apartment Nov. 6, 2002, for yet eligible for Medicaid promised methamphetor Medicare. The costs of amine. During that evening, those medications can be Donato pulled a butcher’s around $15,000 a year per knife on Woodrick because individual. he had broken up Donato’s AIDS activists had aprelationship with another pealed to the Utah Legman the week before. Boyle, Candlelight vigil during the final days of the Utah State Legislature to draw islature to make up the attention to HIV issues. described during testimony difference in funding after as easy to enrage, attacked the federal cuts, but all the available monies had already Donato, kicking him and breaking 13 ribs and his jaw. been allocated. Woodrick then bound and gagged Donato and joined Boyle in ransacking the apartment for drugs and money. Human Rights They settled for two VCRs and left in Donato’s car, which Campaign Names they ditched at the house of Donato’s former boyfriend to Joe Solmonese New throw off police. Donato died when the gag pushed back President his dentures, blocking his airway. A friend found his body the following day. Human Rights Campaign named The Ogden Standard-Examiner had reported the case Joe Solmonese, the openly queer several times as “centering on the gay underworld, drugs chief executive officer of EMILY’s and jealousy,” likely because of defense attorney John List, as HRC’s new president. Caine’s opening statement that portrayed the case as As a key political strategist, “reminiscent of Dante’s Inferno. Drugs, homosexual sex Solmonese oversaw one of the Human Rights Campaign and violence all wrapped up in one.” nation’s most successful efforts to President Joe Solmonese

In response to the decision to charge $5 admission to the June 12 festival, several community members expressed concern and even outrage at a Town Hall Meeting held at The Center. “This is a tie-myself-to-the-tree issue,” said Gordon Storrs, who opposed the admission price because Utah Pride Coordinator he thought it would be exclusionary. Sherry Booth AIDS activist Stuart Merrill also spoke out against the charge, saying that many people with HIV might not have $5 and it would be embarrassing for them to admit that at the gate. Pride Coordinator Sherry Booth responded by pointing out that there are many aspects of Pride, such as the acoustic stage and the parade, which will not be inside the fenced-in areas. Center representatives also said they would waive the admission price to volunteers who sign up in advance for a two-hour shift and that they are seeking community sponsors to purchase blocks of tickets that can be donated to people with AIDS and others.

Conn. Governor Signs Civil Union Bill Connecticut’s senators voted overwhelmingly to extend over 588 rights to the state’s gay and lesbian couples, making their state the first to approve such legislation without a court order. Immediately after their 26-8 vote on April 20, the senate sent the legislation to Governor M. Jodi Rell who signed it within the hour. A longstanding supporter of the legislation, Rell said the bill was a good compromise.

Queer Prom Draws Crowd An estimated 360 youths age 13-20 gathered at The Center on April 30 to dance and socialize at the second annual Queer Prom. Organized by Queers in Action, the youth leadership group at The Center, the group came up with the theme “Time Warp” for this year’s prom.

May

Salt Lake Metro Celebrates One Year Happy Birthday to us!

Utah AIDS Foundation Launches Website for Crystal Meth Users The Utah AIDS Foundation started www.utahtweaker. com, a new website aimed at providing information about meth to those “thinking of using, currently using,” and former users alike. The website’s launch came at a time when crystal meth—a stimulant that gives users a longer and more powerful high than cocaine—had received national media attention as one of the causes in an apparent rise of new AIDS cases among gay and bisexual men. Utah’s rate of admissions for meth treatment are three times the national average.

KSL Airs Pink Panic Story On May 11 and 12, KSL Channel 5 aired a two-part story titled “The Secret Side of the Playground,” an exposé on public places where men go to have sex with men. At the Jordan River Parkway, helicopter cameras for the news program caught sight of two men together in the bushes. Footage of children on swings from other playgrounds was interspersed through the report. The story created outrage in the queer community because it implied that queer men are a danger to children.

BYU-Hawaii Supports Queer Rights Through Housing Law After nearly ten years of attempts, Hawaii passed an anti-bias law stating that sexual orientation and gender identity are not valid reasons to deny housing. A second bill was passed to protect transgender people from workplace discrimination. A supporter of the bills was Brigham Young University–Hawaii, a Mormon church run school with its main branch in Provo, Utah. BYU student housing was exempted from the bill. Ken Miller, executive director of Honolulu queer rights advocacy group The Center, felt that the dialog between queer activists and BYU officials opened doors to future partnerships.

Navajo Nation President Vetoes Marriage Ban On April 23, the Navajo Nation joined other political entities around the country and banned same gender marriages on its reservation. On May 1, Navajo President Joe Shirley, Jr. took a step few other politicians have dared and vetoed the measure passed by the Tribal Council. The Tribal Council had voted unaniNavajo President Joe Shirley mously in favor of the legislation, which restricts a recognized union to that between a man and a woman. It also prohibits plural marriages and marriages between close relatives. The council reconvened and overrode the President’s veto in June.

June

Michael Mitchell Leaves for ACLU Job After helping lead the fight against an anti-gay marriage amendment, Michael Mitchell left his post as Executive Director of Equality Utah on June 15 to help advance the national dialogue on Michael Mitchell gay marriage in a new position with the ACLU in New York. Even though the amendment passed, many thought of the campaign as a major step forward for Utah’s gay community showing that more than 300,000 voters would vote against it, including two counties where a majority turned it down. Mitchell had been Equality Utah’s only Executive Director. He filled the position for four years, beginning when the group was called Unity Utah. Along with a very active board of directors, Equality Utah grew during that time, giving tens of thousands of dollars each year to gayfriendly political candidates and becoming the state’s pre-eminent gay advocacy group.

year-round during each Reign to ensure that it can meet the needs of community members who approach them for assistance. The Monarch AIDS Fund, the Rainbow Fund, the PWA Christmas Fund, the Scholarship Fund, the Felicia (Wade DeForrest) Children and Young Adult Fund, the Cancer Fund, the People’s Concern Fund, and the General Fund are supported by Royal Court members and get funding through functions organized by Court members.

Bruce Bastian Hosts Human Rights Campaign Gala The home of WordPerfect co-founder Bruce Bastian drew some 600 guests, united to show support for the Human Rights Campaign and to recognize members of the Utah queer community who have advanced the cause of equality. Laura Milliken-Gray was recognized for her work in the legal field to protect the rights of families where Utah law does not. Also recognized for their advocacy work were Episcopal Diocese of Utah Bishop, the Right Reverend Carolyn Tanner-Irish, and Family Fellowship founders Gary and Millie Watts. Tipper Gore, long-time supporter of the queer community and wife of former Vice President Al Gore, was the keynote speaker.

Royal Court Celebrates 30 Years Memorial Day weekend marked thirty years of organizational service to the community by the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire. The Royal Court is the longestrunning organization in the queer community. The organization has eight charitable funds and works Coronation XXX

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Salt Lake County Votes Down Domestic Partner Benefits

REVIEW

ALICE SIKORSKI

YEAR

After an emotional discussion, the Salt Lake County Council struck down a measure that could have provided benefits to the domestic partners of county employees. The measure would have given funeral leave and health, life, and dental insurance to domestic partners in longterm relationships. Introduced by councilwoman Salt Lake County Council Member Jenny Wilson Jenny Wilson, a Democrat, the proposal required the support of at least one Republican to pass. The vote divided along party lines with the four Democrat council members in favor and the five Republicans opposed. Both sides agreed that the cost of funding the proposal was negligible at between $37,000 and $74,000, so the debate focused mainly on the symbolic meaning of giving benefits to those in gay relationships. Republican Councilman Mark Crockett commented that he did not support the measure because it might send the message that Salt Lake County supports gay marriage, which was defeated in last year’s vote on Amendment 3. Many were disappointed at that stance, as Crockett was viewed as the Republican most likely to vote in favor of the measure.

August

Salt Lake Men’s Choir readies for the Pride Parade

Utah Pride Draws Over 15,000 With a full week of events, Pride 2005 drew tens of thousands to downtown Salt Lake City’s Library Square. Highlights included the Pride Film Festival, Pride Interfaith Service, Dyke March, Grand Marshal Reception and of course, the Pride Day Parade and Pride Day Festival. With the theme “Equal Rights, No More, No Less,” 2005’s event sent a strong political message and provided great opportunities to walk down State Street in a Speedo. Newly-elected State Senator Scott McCoy served as Grand Marshal. Taunica Crump and Kourtni Coats, Murray High School’s “Cutest Couple,” served as Youth Grand Marshals, the first time such a title was selected.

Salt Lake City Creates Human Rights Commission

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SALT LAKE METRO ■ DECEMBER 22, 2005

With a unanimous vote of 7-0, the Salt Lake City Council on June 14 approved an ordinance that creates a Human Rights Commission for the capital city. The commission serves as an advisory body to the Council and Mayor. It also provides resources for educating the citizenry on issues of discrimination and equal treatment of all segments of society. Commission members were chosen by the Mayor and approved by the Council. The commission replaced a defunct one that investigated racial and ethnic prejudice. The new commission addresses discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, national origin, marital status, medical condition, physical limitation, race, religion and sexual orientation.

Equality Utah Picks New Executive Director Equality Utah, the state’s preeminent gay and lesbian advocacy group, selected Mike Thompson, former deputy director of the Don’t Amend Alliance, as their new executive director. Equality Utah Executive Director Since working on the Don’t Mike Thompson Amend campaign, Thompson also worked for the Insurance Scholarship Foundation. He served as the executive director of the Town & County School of Tulsa, OK and was the recipient of the NonProfit Management Excellence Award in 2000 by The Center for Nonprofit Management.

First National Methamphetamine Drug Conference Comes to Salt Lake City

July

Canada, Spain Approve Gay Marriage Spain became the third European country to legalize gay marriage, joining Belgium and The Netherlands. The legislation faced stiff opposition from the Catholic Church and was debated extensively over a year, but eventually passed by a vote of 187 to 147. Polls indicated that 70 percent of Spaniards favored legalizing same-gender marriage. The same week, Canada’s Parliament also approved gay marriage 158 to 133. Prime Minister Paul Martin said, “We are a nation of minorities, and in a nation of minorities, you don’t cherry-pick rights.”

United Church of Christ Leader Supports Gay Marriage Becoming the first mainstream Christian church to do so, the head of the United Church of Christ threw his support behind marriage equality. “I believe the General Synod should affirm the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons to have their covenanted relationships recognized by the state as marriages equal in name, privileges, and responsibilities to married heterosexual couples,” the Rev. John H. Thomas, president and general minister, said. The UCC was a pioneer 20 years ago when it recommended that its local congregations be open and welcoming to all people, including gay and lesbian members. Nationwide, the church has 1.3 million members.

Gay Dad Loses In Idaho Supreme Court Gay father Theron McGriff lost his custody battle in Idaho Supreme Court. The court ruled in favor of McGriff’s exwife, Shawn, granting sole custody of the couple’s two daughters to her. Shawn had petitioned the court to change their custody arrangement after Theron’s partner, Nick Case, moved in with him. The court ruled that Theron could not have visitation with the children as long as Case continued to live in the house. Theron was also ordered to pay hundreds of dollars a month to cover his ex-wife’s legal fees. Theron McGriff

The court stated that its decision was not based on Theron’s sexual orientation, but on his lack of cooperativeness and his hostile relationship with Shawn.

Salt Lake City’s Harm Reduction Project hosted the first annual “Science & Response: 2005, 1st National Conference on Methamphetamine, HIV, and Hepatitis.” Medical professionals from Yale, Johns-Hopkins, the University of Utah and several other universities addressed a wide variety of topics, including meth and the sex trade, meth and women, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and other health concerns. Local and national law enforcement agents from all levels, including Salt Lake City Chief Prosecutor Simarjit Gill, discussed current legislation and enforcement strategies. Social service and mental health workers from several agencies also enlightened attendees concerning the psychological aspects of the epidemic. Other speakers of interest to the queer community included Yves-Michel Fontaine of Gay Men’s Health Crisis and Michael Sevier, Ph.D., director of University of California San Francisco’s Stonewall Project.

OUTreach to Ogden Youth The Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden selected Gary Horenkamp as the first project leader for OUTreach, a collaborative effort between the UUC and Weber State University’s Gay-Straight Alliance. The group provides resources for Ogden area youth who are coming to terms with or questioning their sexual orientation. Loosely-structured social events, opportunities to talk about feelings, and educational material in a welcoming atmosphere are all part of the organization, although it does not provide professional counseling. $20,000 of the first year’s operating fund came in the form of a grant from the Unitarian Universalist Fund for Social Responsibility, and an additional $5,000 from private donors. The church hopes that OUTreach will eventually have its own facility and funding sources.

Annual Sunstone Symposium Highlights Gay, Lesbian Issues Along with its usual panels on Mormon doctrine, scripture and history, the 2005 Sunstone Salt Lake Symposium sponsored a number of panels on gay and lesbian church members. This year’s sessions featured critiques of LDS publications aimed at gays and lesbians, a panel discussion of the pamphlet “For the Strength of Gay Youth,” and a film titled “Go Forward,” which explored one gay Mormon’s quest to live celibately, in accordance with current LDS teaching on homosexuality.

September

8,500 Pairs of Shoes Displayed at Campaign to End AIDS Rally 8,500 shoes lined Library Square Oct. 22 representing the number of people who die of AIDS every day. The shoes were part of a Pair Up 2 Fight AIDS rally that welcomed a caravan of Oregon AIDS activists with the Campaign to End AIDS on their way to a rally in Washington, D.C. Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon called the shoe display “a sobering reminder of AIDS.”

Jere Says Good-Bye Salt Lake Metro editor Jere Keys moved on to a sexy new job with the Sundance Film Festival. Jere still finds time to squeeze in some writing for Metro when he’s not rubbing elbows with stars.

Provo School District Grapples With Gay/Straight Alliance Club Anderson Extends Partner Benefits to Same-Sex Couples Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson extended healthcare benefits to the unmarried partners of city employees, straight and gay, making Salt Lake City the first Utah city to do so. To receive the benefits, couples must be in committed, long-term relationships with joint ownership of certain types of property, such as a mortgage. “It [partner benefits] allows us as a society to move forward with greater dignity and awareness,” Anderson said.

California Supreme Court Makes Landmark Decision for Gay Parents The California Supreme Court became the first in the nation to grant full parenting rights and obligations to gays and lesbians who have children. In one case, the court ruled unanimously that a lesbian mother cannot avoid paying child support for her partner’s biological children who were conceived when the pair lived together. That ruling puts lesbian couples on a par with unmarried couples whose relationships end. In a second case, the justices stated that a Marin County woman who provided eggs to a partner who was then artificially inseminated is legally the children’s second mother. A third case upheld the parental rights of a woman whose partner became pregnant through artificial insemination while the two lived together.

17th Walk for Life Moves to September For the first time since 1992, the Utah AIDS Foundation held its annual 10K Walk for Life in September, a move designed to overcome declining participation. The Walk raised tens of thousands of dollars for Utah AIDS Foundation programs such as the food bank, HIV testing and social support groups. It coincided with the 9th and 9th Street Festival, a free event including artists booths and live performances.

October

University of Utah Holds Pride

Schwarzenegger Vetoes California Same-Sex Marriage Bill California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed California’s same-sex marriage bill, saying that he felt the bill would have reversed a 2000 ballot measure that said marriage should only be between a man and a woman. The bill was the first in the country that legalized gay marriage using the power of the legislature without a court order. Polls indicated that about 50 percent of Californians favored the bill, while 50 percent were against it.

November

Cologne, Germany, Announced as Host for 2010 Gay Games Cologne, Germany beat out Paris and Johannesburg to become the 2010 host for Gay Games VIII. The announcement was made in Chicago, host of the summer 2006 Gay Games. The week-long Gay Games brings tens of thousands of athletes, artists and their family and friends to the host city, which generates substantial economic benefit.

Sarah Bettens Holds Concert for Keri Jones’ Legal Fees Sarah Bettens, former lead singer of K’s Choice played a show at the Paper Moon with a percentage of ticket sales going toward Keri Jones’ legal defense. Jones is fighting for custody of her daughter, Gracie. Gracie’s biological mother is Jones’ former partner, Cheryl Barlow, who conceived her through artificial insemination during their relationship. After Jones and Barlow broke up, Barlow did not want Jones involve with Gracie. Jones sued and has incurred $80,000 in legal fees fighting the case, which is still before the Utah Supreme Court.

Utah’s GLSEN Chapter to Start Up Again The Center announced that it hopes to revive Utah’s long-defunct chapter of the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN), an organization that was instrumental in several cases involving gay and lesbian students during the 1990s. The new GLSEN’s goals are to stabilize Gay Straight Alliances in high schools and get school staff involved with them. The GLSEN also hopes to expand on the 14 Gay Straight Alliances currently operating in Utah schools.

Salt Lake Ranked as Gay Friendly Place to Live Writer Gregory A. Kompes included Salt Lake City in his new book 50 Fabulous Gay Friendly Places to Live, which also includes such famous queer hot spots as San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles. Kompes reported that out gay senator Scott McCoy and Salt Lake City’s successful Utah Pride Festival contributed to his decision to include the city.

Texas Says Yes to Gay Marriage Ban; Maine Says No Texas voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, making their state the 19th to take that step. The ban was supported by about 76 percent of voters. In more uplifting news for the gay community, Maine voters rejected a conservative-backed proposal to repeal the state’s gay-rights law. The measure was placed on the ballot by a church-backed conservative coalition. More than 55 percent of voters opposed repeal of the law.

Hedwig Returns The bitch was back! Plan-B revived its sold-out run of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, featuring the original cast including Aaron Swenson in the title role as the East German diva. Beer in the lobby made the masses happy ... and have to pee in the middle of the show. Opening night brought a trailer trash buffet with style including ... one-inch botched corn dogs.

DECEMBER 22, 2005 ■ SALT LAKE METRO ■ 11

The University of Utah held its fifth annual Pride week with the theme “Breaking Through…” Highlights included the LGBT Resource Center PRIDE Gala Dinner, Queer Comedy 101, the Pseudo Drag queen Dash Invitational and the Queer Spelling Bee. Two educational events addressed issues of queer identity and understanding — “Ending Gender Stereotypes: a New Path to Full Equality” and. “Breaking Through the Queer Entity: What It Is to Be Gay.”

Provo High School senior Kaisha Medford made national headlines when she applied to create a Gay-Straight Alliance Club at her school, which is in conservative Utah Valley. The club was given approval and began meeting Oct. 13. Medford said she started the club after talking to many gay and lesbian students and found that a lot of harassment was occurring at the school.

December

From the Editor Measuring 2005

Executive Editor Michael Aaron

by Michael Aaron michael@slmetro.com

Arts Editor Eric J. Tierney Proofreader Nicholas Rupp Contributing Kim Burgess Writers Vanessa Chang Jason Clark Benjamin Cohen Matthew Gerber Tony Hobday Beau Jarvis Laurie Mecham Paul E. Pratt Ruby Ridge Eric Rofes David Samsel Joel Shoemaker Brendan Shumway Eric J. Tierney Darren Tucker JoSelle Vanderhooft Ben Williams Contributing David Harris Photographers William H. Munk Joel Shoemaker Sales Director Steven Peterson Display Ad Russ Moss 259-0844 Sales Steven Peterson 860-7505

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SALT LAKE METRO ■ DECEMBER 22, 2005

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Taking 68 Cars off the Streets is Not the Answer to Salt Lake’s Cab Problems It is obvious that few, if any, of those sitting on the Salt Lake City Council spend too much time in the back seat of a taxicab. The council’s vote earlier this month to strip 68 cabs from the fleet servicing the city is misguided and short-sighted, if only because it will increase the time that someone who has been drinking must wait for a cab at two o’clock in the morning. As more and more peope get the message to “cab-it” home after a night on the town, response times for cabs can reach a half hour with today’s fleet of 268 licenses. A 25 percent reduction will exacerbate that situation dramatically. But it’s not only the alcohol-saturated riders that will now have longer wait times. It’s the Sundance travelers at the

airport curb; it’s the elderly person trying to get to a doctor appointment — or worse, to the emergency room because an ambulance is $700 vs. a cab ride’s $25. We agree that some changes must be made. Cabs are older, on average, in Salt Lake City than most similarly-sized cities. Cab drivers make less in Salt Lake than they should. Not enough cabs are able to take credit cards as in other cities. Illegal practices by out-of-town cab companies go largely unchallenged. But the answer is not to make a bad situation worse. Reverse the cab reduction measure and set a limit on how old a car must be before it is sent to pasture. The change will take longer, but those saved by keeping a drunk driver off the street will be grateful.

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers or staff.

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—PAGE 15

Every newspaper and magazine in the free world does a year in review this time of year and Salt Lake Metro is no different. It was fascinating to reread the stories of 2005 — they all seem like events of a decade ago. Ah … those were the days. Why, I remember when little Beaver … never mind. It’s also the time of year I, like many, reflect on how I spent the last 525,600 minutes, as a gay-popular movie (in theaters now) puts it. Well, let’s see … I spent 175,200 minutes sleeping and 187,200 minutes working. I would have loved to reverse those numbers. I spent 27,375 minutes eating and 4,680 minutes having sex. I’d REALLY have loved to reverse those numbers. More interesting to me was that I spent 41,550 minutes singing. Since that is my new-found religion, I added up what the good church-going person would spend praying in church and found that I sing about seven times more than they pray. I’m one pious fag! I had some minutes that each seemed like hours that I wouldn’t wish on anyone — six minutes at gunpoint and 540 minutes with one of my two dogs as it was dying. I spent about 240 minutes yesterday morning pulling up carpet in the basement that flooded overnight. I spent about 60 minutes this year dealing with my first car wreck in 26 years of driving. Good thing Jeeps are made of real metal. Then there are the minutes I wish I had spent. I began a relationship this year and I wish I had spent more of my minutes doing things like spontaneous dates and road trips and favors. I wish I had spent more time watching arts performances, having dinner with friends, attending important community events and reading. I wish I’d been able to spend more time in Southern Utah after Pride at Zion just soaking in the grandeur of Zion and Bryce. I wish I’d taken Highway 12 home. It’s not even close to being a direct route, but if you haven’t driven it — do it before you die. And speaking of that, I checked off two more things on my “Do Before I Die” list. I performed onstage in a community theatre production (Salt Lake Men’s Choir’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat — I was the Baker, the only character that dies) and I sang a solo in a concert to (mostly) non-drunk people. Okay, it was a duet with my partner, Christian, but there were moments I sang alone. Should I put half a check? Perhaps the important thing is that I’m still here after all these minutes. 2005 didn’t throw anything at me that made me leap off of Moroni’s horn. I still have my house. Metro is still publishing. I can still walk. I have a warm (and very cute) body to curl up with — one that doesn’t shed. Well, doesn’t shed too much. And I have a growing number of friends that I get to see quite often. All-in-all, it appears I spent 524,754 minutes doing what I wanted to do and only 846 I’d trade in for just about anything. I guess that’s not so bad. But I still hope that 2006 is a better year. Otherwise, Tony — make me a reservation at the nearest asylum. May you spend each of the next 525,600 minutes in a way that makes you happy, healthy and fulfilled.

Letters

M. Snow Salt Lake City

Solmonese is president of the Human Rights Campaign.

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