QSaltLake, May 1—15, 2006

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Utah’s Gay and Lesbian Newspaper May 1—15, 2006

LDS Church Calls for Anti-Gay Amendment Joins other conservative religious leaders

Miller Meets with Gay Students A sea of Stetsons greets him at UofU speech

Queer Prom BYU Interns Protested in Scotland Belgium Legalizes Same-Sex Adoption Ruby at a Baptist Wedding?

Mother’s Day Heartwarmer Q Agenda

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May 1–15, 2006

Giddy with Excitement

by Michael Aaron

michael@qsaltlake.com

I’m like a kid with his nose pressed against the window as I yearn for the sun and heat of summer to rid us of this rain/snow/warm/rain/snow/warm pattern we seem to be in this year. My irises are in full bloom, the clematis is climbing the trellis I finally took an afternoon and built, and the hosta I thought were dead are shooting up from the ground with a vengeance.

One of the reasons I love summer is all of the outdoor events with masses of people. My official “first day of summer� is the weekend of Living Traditions Festival at Washington Square. Two weeks later is Utah Pride. Both of these festivals are a hit-and-miss weather-wise. Mostly they are sunny and hot, but sometimes it feels like January. It never matters much to me, since they are harbingers of summer on its way.

I’m also excited that this newspaper is taking off so well. Of course when I first took this fork in the road back in February, I had hoped everything would blossom and burst forth in a matter of minutes but, like this year’s spring, things took the two steps forward, one step back approach.

I understand that people without a vested interest in this publication would want to sit back and see how the chips would fall — which paper or papers would make it? Which paper would get the lion’s share of readership and, therefore, advertising revenue. And now that we have put out ... what ‌ five issues ‌ since then, I know that people are seeing our vision of what we are trying to accomplish here. And, as you can see in this issue, the advertisers are coming onboard.

The next issue, May 15, will be our Coronation issue and the June 1 issue will be the Grand Poobah of them all – the

Michael Aaron Tony Hobday Nicholas Rupp Tony Hobday Courtney Moser Shane Sim Ad Sales Mark Thrash 419-9715

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Contributors Kim Burgess, Angela D’Amboise, Mell Bailey, Matthew Gerber, Tony Hobday, Brek Joos, Jere Keys, Danny McCoy, Laurie Mecham, Ross von Metzke, William H. Munk, David Nelson, Paul E. Pratt, Ruby Ridge, Kim Russo, Joel Shoemaker, Darren Tucker, JoSelle Vanderhooft, Ben Williams, Magon Wilson QSaltLake is published twice monthly the Wednesday on or before the 1st and 16th by

Copyright Š 2006 Salt Lick Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner, including electronic retrieval systems, without the prior written permission of the publisher. One copy of this publication is free of charge to any individual. Additional copies may be purchased for $1. Anyone taking or destroying multiple copies may be prosecuted for theft at the sole discretion of the publisher. Reward offered for information that leads to the arrest of any individual willfully stealing, destroying or trashing multiple copies. QSaltLake is a trademark of Salt Lick Publishing, LLC. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers or staff.

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annual Pride issue. And we have more exciting projects coming this summer to keep us busy as well. Watch as we announce them.

Speaking of those announcements, check out our unveiling of what we are calling “Pride365� on page 10. I’m extremely excited about this project — I mean who wouldn’t be with a name like Pride365?

Also in this issue, we have a new columnist, Travis Labrum. Give him a read on page 21. My interest in him was piqued by a series of incessant emails I received from him that were more fun to read than stories of Buttars’ irritable bowel syndrome. (Oh – that’s just not right.) Of course, he’s not much more than half my age, which makes him a third Ruby’s age.

So, I think we’re developing some more diversity in this tabloid that trumpets such things.

We haven’t named Travis’ column yet, but if you read this edition, “Bitch in Heat� is one that keeps floating to the top.

Oh! And since this is my own space and I’m talking about things I’m excited about, I will be doing yet another thing this summer that will cross off a “thing I must do before I die� item. I grew up with the ultra-high-pitched crooning of Bronski Beat’s Jimmy Somerville and have always been fascinated by the falsetto-singing barbershop guys. My friends will attest that my favorite thing to do while at a dance club and not-so-sober is to screech “Everybody Dance Now!� at the same pitch as Martha Wash. So, I auditioned for the soprano part of a Kings’ Singers song that the Salt Lake Men’s Choir is performing in our June 25 concert and, lo and behold, I got it. So, if your dogs start howling for no reason, it may just be that I’m practicing my part.

So, summer’s coming, the paper is doing extremely well, it’s almost time for Pride, we have a fun new project to take up the rest of my free time, we have a new young writer, my boyfriend is still cute, and I get to sing a high F. Ain’t life grand?

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World Belgium Legalizes Same-Sex Adoption

by Danny McCoy Belgium’s Senate has narrowly approved a new law allowing gay and lesbian couples to adopt children with the same rights as heterosexual couples.

The Senate voted in favor of the new law 34-33, with two abstentions, according to Gay.com.UK. The vote got a wider approval margin in the lower house of parliament, passing 77-62 last December.

In 2003, Belgium became one of the first countries in the EU to introduce gay marriage. Today, it is one of only three countries to offer same-sex couples full gay marriage.

Spain and The Netherlands also offer full rights to same-sex couples.

Throughout the EU, gay couples are allowed to adopt children in Sweden, Wales, England, Spain and The Netherlands. Adoption limited to the partner’s biological parents is available in Germany and Denmark.

Dutch Resort Seeks Attackers Of Gay American Tourists Philipsburg, St. Maarten — Authorities in St. Maarten are asking for help from their counterparts on the French side of the island in finding at least three suspects wanted in a brutal attack on two gay Americans earlier this month.

Taco Stein, the prosecutor in the capital on the Dutch side of the island where the attack took place, said that police believe the men who beat Richard Jefferson and his friend Ryan Smith are on the French side.

Stein said that his office is seeking the creation of a joint task force and he has been in touch with the prosecutor in Guadeloupe.

One suspect was arrested on the French side last week and was turned over to St. Maarten authorities. Stein said it is now believed the other three suspects also are French nationals but he declined to identify them.

Jefferson, a senior producer for the CBS Nightly News and a producer-researcher for 48 Hours were attacked as they left a popular bar in Phillipsburg after an altercation a group of men earlier in the night inside the club.

Smith was hit by the car to knock him down. Four men jumped out of the car and at least one started beating him with a tire iron. They then began beating Jefferson.

Both victims sustained serious head wounds and were rushed to a local hospital. Once their conditions were stabilized CBS had them airlifted to a hospital in Miami.

Smith remains in hospital with neurological damage. He is suffering aphasia and unable to speak properly.

Jefferson had a metal plate inserted in his skull.

NATIONAL GSA Barred in Chicago Chicago — Lambda Legal has filed a lawsuit in federal court to stop discrimination against students at the Noble Street Charter School in Chicago who tried to create a gay straight alliance (GSA) student group.

“Noble Street Charter School has dragged its feet in hopes that the end of the school year would end the desire for a club, but the students have demonstrated that they

need and have a right to form a GSA,” said James Madigan, Staff Attorney in Lambda Legal’s Midwest Regional Office in Chicago.

“By forcing the GSA to meet informally, and not allowing the GSA to use resources given to other school clubs, the administration has created a second class citizen status for these students, and that is against the law.”

Over the course of the past academic year, students at Noble Street Charter School have tried to establish a GSA student group with the stated goal “to promote awareness, safety, respect, and tolerance of all sexual orientations in a non-judgmental environment.” The principal of the school told the students that they could hold meetings “unofficially,” he forbade them from posting signs, distributing any written flyers or having GSA meetings announced.

The complaint filed in federal court asserts the students’ rights under the First Amendment and the Equal Access Act, which states that secondary schools that receive federal funds and allow non-curricular student groups to meet on campus are prohibited from discriminating against any group based on its viewpoint. The students seek a court order requiring the school to allow the GSA to use the resources available to other student groups. Lambda Legal has also filed for immediate injunctive relief to allow the students to be able to hold an official meeting before the founding students graduate in June.

The case is Noble Street Gay Straight Alliance v. Noble Network of Charter Schools.

James Madigan, Staff Attorney in Lambda Legal’s Midwest Regional Office in Chicago, is handling the case. He is joined by cooperating attorneys at Winston & Strawn LLP.

Robin Williams Keen to Confront Gay Rumors Hollywood — After years of rumors speculating that actors Robin Williams is gay, he told reporters he is keen to confront one of the many gay men who insist they’ve slept with him because he can’t recall it.

Williams, who did drag for Mrs. Doubtfire and went gay in The Birdcage and the forthcoming drama The Night Listener, insists that though he is 100 percent heterosexual, gay men seem dead set on outing him. ”There are many websites that’ll go, ‘Oh, he’s gay — I know he’s gay,’ Williams says.

“Even our chef, who’s gay, was at a gay ski lodge, and some guy came up to him and said, ‘Robin Williams is gay.’ He goes, ‘No, he isn’t.’ ‘Oh, I know he is… I know people who’ve been with him.’

“They should tell me, because I don’t remember.”

Williams says that even during the height of his drug use when bisexuality was “all the rage,” he never even considered having a guy-on-guy encounter. “(I’m a) big fan of the puss,” he told men’s magazine GQ. “Always addicted to puss.

Came from one.” — DM

Court Rules Anti Gay T-Shirt Violates Students’ Rights

by Angela D’Amboise San Francisco — Ruling that an anti-gay t-shirt was “injurious to gay and lesbian students and interfered with their right to learn,” a divided Federal Appeals Court in San Francisco has proclaimed that high-schools can forbid a student from wearing homophobic and anti-gay messages to school.

According to the Los Angeles Times, in a

2-1 decision, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals said a Poway High School student was rightfully banned from wearing a shirt that read: “Be Ashamed, Our School Embraced What God Has Condemned’” on the front and “Homosexuality Is Shameful.”

The ruling also said banning the shirt does not violate the student’s First Amendment rights.

“We conclude that’ Poway High School student Tyler Harper’s wearing of his T-shirt ‘collides with the rights of other students’ in the most fundamental way,” wrote 9th Circuit Judge Stephen Reinhardt, quoting a passage from Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent Community School District, a seminal U.S. Supreme Court decision on the free speech rights of students.

“Public school students who may be injured by verbal assaults on the basis of a core identifying characteristic such as race, religion, or sexual orientation have a right to be free from such attacks while on school campuses. As Tinker clearly states, students have the right to ‘be secure and to be let alone,’” Reinhardt continued in his ruling, as obtained by the Times.

Judge Alex Kozinski disagreed.

“While I find this a difficult and troubling case,’” the Poway Unified School District has “offered no lawful justification for banning Harper’s T-shirt.”

According to Kozinski, the school offered no evidence that any students were harmed by the derogatory message Harper wore on his shirt. He added there was no indication a discussion Harper had with other students about the t-shirt “turned violent or disrupted school activities.”

Harper, a Poway High School sophomore, wore the T-shirt to protest a Day of Silence at the school that was intended, in the words of a school official, to “teach tolerance of others, particularly those of a different sexual orientation.”

A teacher told Harper that the shirt was “inflammatory, violated the school’s dress code” and “created a negative and hostile working environment for others.” When Harper refused to remove the shirt, the teacher gave him a dress code violation card.

Harper later met with a school official, who agreed he could not wear the shirt on campus, but declined to suspend him as Harper requested.

The ruling comes as anti-gay activists nationwide are attempting to convince public schools, state universities and private companies to do away with anti-discrimination policies that protect gays and lesbians.

They argue such policies violate religious beliefs that oppose homosexuality.

Falwell Loses Supreme Court Gay Web site Appeal Washington D.C. — Notoriously anti-gay televangelist Jerry Falwell lost a Supreme Court appeal April 17 of a case that sought to shut down a web site with a similar name but opposing views on gay rights.

In the appeal, Falwell claimed a gay man from New York City improperly draws attention to his site by using a common misspelling of his name as the site’s domain name.

A federal judge first sided with Falwell on the grounds that Christopher Lamparello’s domain name was nearly identical to the trademark bearing Falwell’s name and could confuse Web surfers.

Falwell’s web site is primarily for his Virgina based ministries. According to the Associated Press, the site is more high-tech, with pictures of the minister, and sales material for books and videos.

In contrast, Lamparello’s Web site is mainly in black and white, with no photographs or items for sale. On the site, he claims Falwell is wrong in preaching that gay people are sinners who can change.

A disclaimer that runs along the top of

Lamparello’s site reads: “This Web site is NOT affiliated with Rev. Dr. Jerry Falwell or his ministry.”

This is not the first time Falwell’s attorneys have fought over domain names.

According to AP, three years ago, an Illinois man surrendered the domain names ­jerryfalwell.com and jerryfallwell.com when the reverend threatened a lawsuit for copyright infringement. — DM

Queens Take Over Queen Mary 2

New York — The largest, tallest, and longest ocean liner in the world, the Queen Mary 2, will be host fo an all-gay and lesbian transatlantic crossing. RSVP Productions has announced an agreement with Cunard Line to charter the ship.

Scheduled to depart May 29, 2007 from New York City, the cruise will sail to Southampton, England. Gay and lesbian travelers will enjoy events in both New York City before the cruise and London after their transatlantic voyage as well as entertainment, parties, activities and gay and lesbian speakers onboard.

The QM2 has 1,296 suites and staterooms, can accommodate 2,620 passengers and a crew of 1,253 crew members. It sports extensive athletic facilities, the Canyon Ranch spa, a full-scale planetarium and a 500-seat lecture hall. The ship was first launched in 2003 and cost UK £460 million, or US$800 million, to build.

REGIONAL Students and Religious Leaders Criticize ‘Street Preachers’

by Tony Hobday Stricken by the irony of University of Nevada, Reno officials’ proposed ban of rap music that encourages violence, Erick Dubuque, a graduate student of the UNR counter proposed to ban the evangelists (“street preachers”) who frequent the campus spitting religious indignation about homosexuality and other “sins”.

Dubuque believes the preachers cross the line of civil protest and border on hate speech, which not only violates the university’s anti-discrimination policy but also encourages violence.

Among the more hostile preachers is Rueben Israel, whose extreme preachings have recently made headlines including his protest of the White House for allowing families with gay parents to participate in the annual Easter Egg Roll. Beyond the common rants against homosexuality, Israel protested last month’s LDS Conference by waving undergarments at the participants telling them the Mormon religion is a cult.

Street preachers have also received criticism from their own religious faiths. Many religious leaders agree that taking the ‘honey is thicker than vinegar’ approach is a more appropriate method and that all preachers should follow a code of ethics.

“Gentleness and respect are key ingredients missing in these preachers’ message and demeanor,” said Michael Nalley, a staff director with UNLV’s InterVarsity Rebel Christian Fellowship. “They exhibit bad behavior more akin to what might be seen on a Jerry Springer show than what I see in the character of Christ and his Apostles.”

Joe E. Trull, a co-author of two books on the ethical responsibilities of ministers, says, “When they [street preachers] say ‘God hates gays,’ I say, ‘Show me, prove it to me.’ All I can find is that Jesus loves sinners. Jesus was a friend of sinners. It’s one thing to say I believe this certain lifestyle is not best or doesn’t please God, but if you turn it into hate language, that is wrong.”

The Nevada System of Higher Education found that a ban neither of campus rap music nor of street preachers is constitutional and therefore rejected them both.

LDS Church Joins Call for a Federal Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment

by Michael Aaron Elder Russell M. Nelson, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, joined 49 other conservative religious leaders in calling for a federal Constitutional Amendment to ban gay and lesbian marriage.

The petition was organized by a group calling itself The Religious Coalition for Marriage.

The proposed Elder Russell M. Nelson, Quorum of so-called “Marriage the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Protection AmendJesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ment” says, “Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Neither this Constitution, nor the constitution of any State, shall be construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon any union other than the union of a man and a woman.”

A similar attempt at an amendment in 2004 failed.

The LDS Church released a statement shortly after the Coalition saying, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints agrees with many other religious bodies and leaders that an amendment to the Constitution of the United States is necessary to protect and preserve the institution of marriage between a man and a woman.” It further cautioned, “Because national campaigns on moral, social or political issues often become divisive, the Church urges those who participate in public debate — including its own members — to be respectful of each other. While disagreements on matters of principle may be deeply held, an atmosphere of civility and mutual respect is most conducive to the strength of a democratic society.”

The Coalition offers handouts for religious leaders to distribute in their local churches.

The handouts present a question-and-answer format aimed at raising fear within religious people: “‘How will my same-sex marriage hurt your marriage?’ Same-sex marriage advocates want to force everyone to dramatically and permanently alter our definition of marriage and family. The great, historic,

cross-cultural understanding of marriage as the union of husband and wife will be called bigotry in the public square.” “‘Is polygamy next?’ Jonathan Yarbrough, part of the first couple to get a same-sex marriage in Provincetown, Mass, said, ‘I think it’s possible to love more than one person and have more than one partner …

In our case, it is. We have an open marriage.’

Once you rip a ship off its mooring who knows where it will drift next?”

“What will happen to our church organizations?’ After same-sex marriage is created, will the statement, ‘Children need a mother and a father’ be deemed hate speech? … Legal scholars warn that the tax exempt status and accreditation of church organizations could be at risk.”

“Gays and lesbians have a legal right to live as they choose, they don’t have a right to redefine marriage for all of us. Ask [insert name of Senator] to Support the Marriage Protection Amendment, call [insert local office of Senator]” Valerie Larabee, executive director for the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Utah, told the local media, “The Constitution is a very empowering document. This is the first time it would be used to take away rights, rather than extend them.”

MaryAnne Martindale used the “Hyde Park Gay Forum Utah” on Yahoo! Groups to call upon gays and lesbians to boycott any wedding that takes place in any of the religious organizations represented by the Coalition. “I will not attend their ceremonies, receptions, showers, or any other celebration held in their honor,” she vowed.

“For every invitation I receive from someone getting married by one of those churches, I will make a donation in their name to [the Human Rights Campaign] and send them a congratulations card explaining why. I will no longer throw away my disposable income on registry gifts for people who think I’m less worthy.”

Martindale is receiving a lot of support for her call, and she is hoping that national organizations jump onboard.

She warns people not to shy away from the discussion. “Don’t avoid the conversation out of fear of confrontation. If they don’t understand why we’re refusing to participate, it will be moot,” she said.

The Religious Coalition for Marriage web site is at religiouscoalitionformarriage.org

BYU Interns Targeted in Scotland parliament did not have links with any homophobic organization.

“I would condemn any university that practices discrimination. It should be clear from the parliament that this is unacceptable. We should also be forging links with universities that are less elitist,” she said.

A Scottish parliament spokesman said of the MSP internship scheme with Brigham Young: “Individual members and parties take responsibility for intern arrangements.”

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Members of Scottish Parliament who hire Brigham Young University students as interns are receiving the wrath of fellow MSPs and gay rights activists in the country.

The Scottish Sunday Herald wrote, “Scottish taxpayers are helping fund the placements from Brigham Young in Utah, a Mormon institution which has a zero tolerance policy on ‘homosexual conduct.’”

News of the placements has alarmed gay rights activists, who say the parliament should be cautious about working with bodies that have a poor record on equal opportunities.

Green MSP Patrick Harvie said MSPs “ought to be wary of working with organizations that espoused homophobic values.”

“Our parliament is set up on a strong basis of equal opportunities, and I would expect MSPs to be working with organizations that have a strong commitment to that. If an organization is wrecking someone’s career because of their sexuality, then I would see that as deeply wrong,” he said.

Scottish Socialist Party MSP Carolyn Leckie said that she too hoped that the

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Miller Meets a Sea of Stetsons

by Jere Keys

jere@qsaltlake.com

“One of the great lessons learned by me, and maybe others in that room, is that we have a lot more in common than we previously thought, and there’s a lot better chance of working out differences — and you’ll have to read between the lines here — and not repeating the mistakes of the past.�

Referring to a dialogue between Utah Jazz owner Larry H. Miller and approximately 30 people who agreed and disagreed with his decision to pull Brokeback Mountain and Transamerica from his Jordan Commons theatres, those words are the closest thing to an apology Miller has made for the controversial decision. But some members of the community question whether the emotional discussion went far enough. “I felt that he has been moved by the dialogue that he’s had with people on this issue,� commented Valerie Larabee, executive director of the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Utah. “I’m encouraged to think he’ll continue the dialogue until he is able to articulate clearly his acceptance of the concerns of the GLBT community.� “Larry said to us in [the 30 person closeddoor meeting] that while he didn’t understand the full impact of his decision [to pull Brokeback Mountain], he felt it was the right decision when he made it and he stands behind it on that basis,� reported Charles Milne, program coordinator for the LGBT Resource Center on campus, who was at the meeting. “At the same time, he also said that he most likely won’t make a similar decision

in the future, or at least he’ll take more time and put a lot more thought into any decisions he makes in the future.�

Miller’s comments came during the opening moments of a speech delivered at the University of Utah as part of their Discover U Days program. In recent weeks, queer students, faculty and community members have expressed anger and disappointment in the University’s decision to invite Miller to speak at the function, which was designed to acquaint the community with the university.

Those disappointed community members arrived in large numbers to attend Miller’s speech. In civil protest, those who were offended by Miller’s actions wore cowboy hats while another group of students held banners in the back of the hall with slogans such as “love the censor, hate the censorship.� In fact, protestors accounted for approximately three quarters of the 150 or so people in the audience.

Milne says that the cowboy hats were not a protest. “We chose to call it a celebration of free speech. At the same time, the cowboy hats were meant to symbolize the hurt that people felt.� “I’ve been debating how to open this conversation, I feel like saying, ‘Howdy,’� Miller quipped as he took the stand above a sea of cowboy hat-wearing faces. Miller then went on to express how he has debated whether or not to address the subject of the protest. He went on to emotionally relate his experiences with the closed-door discussion. “Something remarkable happened in this building the other day,� he said as he wiped tears from his eyes. “For two hours, we had a

remarkably open dialogue, and I learned a lot.� Miller also said that things were said and shared in that room that some participants admitted they had not or could not even share with their families. “I am honored by the trust shown in me for that.�

Miller later went on to the focus of his speech, the story of his business background and his philosophies on charitable giving.

After the speech, a short Q&A session was held. One protestor brought up the Brigham Young University administration’s refusal to meet with the Soulforce protesters the previous week and Miller’s thoughts on whether or not the BYU administration should be afraid to meet with gay and lesbian protestors. “There is nothing to fear,� commented Miller, adding that for gay people, “the fear is real, and the fear is justified, and that’s not right.�

Miller also commented that he would have encouraged the Larry H. Miller, speaking at the University of Utah’s Explore U Days, is greeted by dozens of BYU administration to meet with cowboy hat-wearing protesters.

PHOTO: MICHAEL AARON Soulforce, and pointed out that state and reinforce stereotypes about Utah he had access to the administration. Then he being behind the times socially. joked, “After that comment, I might not have When asked if it was time to end the boyaccess to them anymore.� cott on Larry H. Miller businesses, Milne only Responding to another question, Miller replied that “We’re starting a dialogue and suggested that he feels that more moderate I think we need to continue that dialogue, political discussion is needed around these but I think that as a community we need to issues. “If we come across as flaming radicals, decide when we stop boycotting.� we lose our effectiveness,� Miller said. “SomeThe website boycottlhm.com demands a times we have to work within the confines of public apology and employment non-disestablishment. And we can’t become a society crimination clauses within his businesses as of email; we have to face each other.� the conditions that would end the boycott.

Miller had previously told reporters that he Larabee, who helped launched the boycott pulled the movie to protect traditional maron Miller’s businesses with an email call to riage and that the boycott has not negatively action, has a similar idea. When asked if it impacted his business. In fact, Miller claims was time to end the boycott, she emphatithat people have bought cars from him cally replied, “No.� because of his decision to pull Brokeback “He still has not apologized publicly for Mountain. Utah businessmen and newspahis knee-jerk actions in pulling [Brokeback per editorials, however, have pointed out that Mountain],� Larabee explained, “I still feel Miller’s actions reflect badly on the entire like I was kicked in the stomach.�

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LOCAL

Salt Lake Students Take Part in ‘Day of Silence — Night of Noise’ Area campuses got a little quieter April 26 when high school and college students in Salt Lake joined students across the nation in a Day of Silence. The event highlighted the silencing of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students by school-based discrimination, harassment, and abuse.

This year, the silence was broken with a Night of Noise at the end of the day. The Youth Activities Center of the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Utah hosted the night to let the community know that, although gays have been and still are silenced, they are going to be the change they wish to see, by speaking out against injustice and speaking powerfully about their lives and experiences living as queer youth in Utah. Participants vowed to work toward ending the silence for all marginalized youth.

Day of Silence is a project of Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network. Over 300 Utah participants were expected to be silent and wear stickers and T-shirts as well as passing out ‘speaking cards’ that read: “Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence, a national youth movement

protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies in schools. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward fighting these injustices.

Think about the voices you are not hearing today. What are you going to do to end the silence?”

The day, according to one local youth organizer Cameo Garrick, “is especially relevant to Salt Lake because of the growing visibility of LGBTQ youth and the accompanying backlash of harassment against them.” Garrick hopes that the events will contribute to ending some of the fear and hatred students face.

GLSEN’s 2003 National School Climate Survey found that more than four out of five queer students reported verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school and 29 percent reported missing at least one day of school in the past month out of fear for their personal safety. The Day of Silence is one way students and their allies are making anti-gay bullying, harassment and namecalling unacceptable in American schools.

Gay Students Unmask at Queer Prom Over 400 students are expected to attend the third Queer Prom, held by the youth organizing committee of the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Utah, on Saturday, April 29. The prom will be held from 8:00 p.m. to midnight in the four-story atrium of the Salt Lake Hardware Building (105 N. 400 West) in Salt Lake City.

This year’s theme is “Masquerade!

Unmask your heart. Unmask your mind.

Unmask yourself.”

“We started meeting in December of last year and every Saturday since,” said Cameo Garrick, a member of the Queer Prom Planning Committee. Fifteen to twenty young people meet to work out the details such as the prom theme, food, decorations, royalty selection, marketing and the Queer Prom memory book.

“Though same-sex couples have attended high school proms in Utah in the past, and undoubtedly will in the future, most teenagers still do not feel safe taking their same-sex date to their high school prom,” explained Stan Burnett, director of youth programs at The Center. “Queer Prom gives all young people, whether gay, lesbian, straight, transgender, bisexual — it doesn’t matter — the opportunity to attend a fun, safe, supportive event.”

This will be Branden Olsen’s third Queer Prom. “Last year I went to my high school prom with a same-sex date. I did it because I have the right to go and things need to change. But I can’t say that it was exactly fun. I was harassed and I was uncomfortable. Luckily, my date was 6 foot tall and no one got physical. Queer Prom on the other hand was pure, heavenly fun! Straight prom for social change, Queer Prom for pleasure.”

“Queer Prom is very popular among straight students because it’s so damn fun” says Shane Montemayor, a recent graduate from Provo High School. It’s estimated that 10 percent of Queer Prom attendees are straight couples.

“It’s a place where I can go and be who I am, with people who love and support me.

It’s a place I can just experience what it’s like to be a kid, without harassment and fear,” says Kaisha Medford, a Provo High School student who started a Gay-Straight Alliance in her school.

Supported by community donations and planned by the youth themselves, Queer Prom is a growing tradition for Utah’s queer youth. Any teen between the ages of 13 and 20 is invited for all-night dancing, a promenade, crowning of this year’s Queer Prom Royalty and a balloon-drop at midnight.

Tickets cost $5 per person if purchased in advance at The Center of Utah or $8 if purchased at the door.

Polyamory Potluck Social The Polyamory Society of Utah, previously BiPoly Utah, hosts a potluck social this Saturday, April 29. The focus of the group is on supporting responsible and healthy nonmonogamous relationships. If you’re into loving more than one person in an open and honest way, this organization provides a safe and accepting atmosphere. Call 865-6544 or email mary-elizabeth@dressedforthetimes. com for more information.

OUTReach Ogden Moves Ogden’s local GLBT organization, OUTReach Ogden has moved into a larger space to accommodate the community and offer more activities. The new building is located at 705 23rd Street (at Madison). The parking lot is in

Frank Calls for Optimism Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank spoke to a full room at the Utah Fine Arts Museum April 21, thanking the Stonewall Democrats as the only group that he and fellow Democratic leaders can look to for full support.

Frank spoke of when he was growing up wanting to be an elected leader, but was concerned that his being Jewish would hinder his chances. “The gay thing, well I figured I’d just be quiet about that,” he quipped. “We’ve come a long way in opening the doors for more and more people to participate in the process.”

Frank was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1981 and came out in 1987. “It was out there for months. I didn’t want to be the one to say ‘Hey, I’m gay, but it’s no big deal,’ only to have them ask ‘Well, then why did you call a press conference?” Finally, the Boston Globe asked him the question, to which he said, “Yes, I am gay,” making him the second openly gay legislator in Washington. Fellow Massachusetts Rep. Gerry Studds had been forced out of the closet in a House Ethics Committee hearing in 1983.

At the time, Frank’s staffers polled people in Massachusetts about whether they were disappointed that Frank was gay. The majority, Frank said, were not. “The majority of men were disappointed that I was gay and the women couldn’t care less. By the way, that is not good for your ego.”

Another interesting outcome of the poll was that 42 percent of the respondents thought that Frank’s chances for reelection would be hindered, while only 21 percent said it would affect their vote. “Twice as many people thought it would hurt me politically than were themselves upset,” Frank

said. “What they were saying was ‘I can handle it, but the other guy can’t.”

Frank said that means, “Americans are not as homophobic as they thought they are supposed to be.” When gay people come out to those around them, Frank said: “We tell the average American that they are not homophobic, they just thought they were supposed to be.”

Non-gay people, Frank said, “also discuss their sexual nature, but when they do it, it’s called talking.”

Frank encouraged Utah Democrats to “work on” Rep. Jim Matheson and encourage him to be better on gay rights “right up to election day,” but then put aside their differences and “vote for the better person.” “[Matheson] doesn’t represent the district that I represent,” he said, “I vote differently than Jim, but he is a decent man.”

Several of the state’s Democratic elected officials attended the speech, which was a fundraiser for Utah Stonewall Democrats.

Frank said that any time he has been asked over the years about the future of gay rights, it turns out he was always pessimistic. He now sees a day in the near future where we will see gay marriage legalized nationwide.

“Every time we seek to pass legislation to end discrimination against any group of people, we’re told it’s going to cause chaos,” Frank said. In the case of marriage in Massachusetts, however, there is no chaos at all. It turns out “it bored the hell out of everybody.”

Frank encouraged all gay people to come out of their closet, become politically active, and ask their loved ones to get involved. “We don’t win this alone. We win this with the people who love us, who support us.”

the rear and entry is via the door at the top of the handicapped ramp. Ring the doorbell by the door. Doors are open on Wednesdays from 4–8pm for teens 14–17, and Thursdays from 6–8pm for young adults ages 18–25.

But, the majority is ostracized, ridiculed and dishonored. The Utah GLBT Veterans for Equal Rights is an organization dedicated to opening the eyes and minds of the military.

The group meets the first Thursday of the month at the GLBT Community Center of Utah from 6:30-8pm.

Calling Queer Mormons Are you Out, Proud, and LDS? If so, Utah’s gay and lesbian Mormon groups are asking you to participate in this year’s Pride Parade.

Be a part of this exciting and growing event that celebrates diversity, humanity, and equal rights. Email ReconciliationUT@aol. com to march in the parade.

Armed Forces Campaign Many gay and lesbian armed forces personnel, in active duty and veteran, have valiantly served and protected the United States.

Utah Community Coalition The Utah Community Coalition works toward a unified, proactive, and healthy GLBT community in Utah through positive communication between organizations.

Thursday, May 4, from 6:30-8pm, the coalition is holding a meeting at the Center. This will be chance for community members to speak about their organizations, upcoming events, and what assistance may be needed from others.

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LOCAL

Pride365 to Spread Gay Pride Year-Round QSaltLake has joined forces with Mixed Media to form an organization aimed at spreading the message of pride throughout the year. Dubbed Pride365, the project will host a number of events throughout the year, and other organizations are encouraged to team up for marketing support.

“Our primary mission is to promote, unite, and inform the general community of the great events and activities that reflect Utah’s dynamic and thriving GLBT community,” stated Mixed Media’s Chad Keller, who developed the concept of Pride365.

“We have talked for years about the need for a better community resource for Utah’s gay community to list, promote and coordinate its many events,” said Michael Aaron, publisher of QSaltLake. “We are developing a resource for organizations to help get the word out about their events as well as to individuals looking for activities to be involved in.”

The kick-off for Pride365 will be held annually on the weekend nearest June 27 — in honor of the Stonewall Riots in 1969 largely credited for being the beginning of the gay political groundswell. The project’s year will end at Utah Pride, where it is hoped that revenues collected through the year can help Pride become larger and more grand each year.

The kickoff this year will be a day in the park with a softball tournament, picnicking and other activities. It will take place Sunday, June 25 at Harmony Park, 3700 S. Main Street.

Titled “Gay Freedom Day,” the event harkens back to Utah’s first pride celebrations.

“We expect that people will see this mostly as a day in the park, where they can enjoy watching a game, play horseshoes or volleyball, and just be around other gay and lesbian people in a relaxed setting,” said Keller. “We will also be allowing organizations to set up tables to promote themselves free of charge.”

Mark Thrash will be coordinating sporting events for the day, and Kevin Hillman will coordinate a barbecue and organizational booths. Keller will oversee the event.

Another of the first projects of Pride365 will be a community calendar that organiza-

Pols Quiz Dems for Support In the run-up to the Salt Lake County Democratic Convention on April 22, the leadership of two political groups questioned and endorsed party candidates for their nominations for election to public offices.

Stonewall Shooting Sports of Utah and Utah Stonewall Democrats leaders published their endorsements before the convention where delegates voted for nominations.

SSSU asked county-party candidates about their support for protecting the U.S. Second Amendment and equal rights of gay Utahns, and endorsed five candidates. USD asked candidates about their involvement with gay Utahns and legislative intentions, and endorsed nine candidates. No candidate received the endorsement of both groups.

One race where the two groups split their

support was that of Paolo Diquattro versus gay incumbent Sen. Scott McCoy. “I believe in the worth of individuals, the right to bear arms and do not tolerate hostility towards any individual or groups of individuals,” Diquattro said in his response to SSSU which earned him the group’s endorsement. “[So-called “message” legislation can be stopped] [b]y standing up for ourselves, coming together as a community, reaching out to our friends and allies and saying enough is enough,” McCoy said in his response to USD. “Our endorsed candidates support protecting both the U.S. Second Amendment and equal rights of gender- and sexual-minority Utahns,” SSSU owner David Nelson said about why Diquattro beat McCoy for the group’s endorsement. — DN

Center Schedules Golf Classic

Plan-B Theatre Puts Pressure On

Save the date, August 27, 2006, because it may be the only day this summer that you’ll see dozens of fags dressed in golf rags—pastel plaid golf pants, pink Lacoste golf shirts, and Kangol caps. The Center Golf ClassicDrive for Diversity is one time that you can smack around balls in public without being arrested. Visit glbtccu.org for more information and online registration.

It’s crunch time for local performing arts visionaries as they are put to the test in Plan-B Theatre’s 3rd Annual SLAM! production. Playwrights, directors and actors have 23 hours to create, rehearse and perform five 10minute plays. On Saturday, May 20, see the unbelievable talent shine during this unique concept in theatre artistry. Tickets available at 355-ARTS or planbtheatrecompany.org.

tions can list their events on free of charge.

Calendars will be printed in QSaltLake as well as separately and distributed at area businesses. They can also be mailed quarterly for a small fee.

“We plan on annual events like Lagoon Day and Raging Waters day to be a part of the project,” said Aaron. “We’ve also been approached to help promote a series of other events that are in the planning stages. This could be very exciting for our community.”

“Each and every GBLT organization is welcome and encouraged to participate in Pride365,” said Keller. “We are confident we will have more than 365 reasons to find pride in and about the Utah Gay Community.”

A web site for the project is being developed at pride365.org where community leaders can add their events to the calendar.

Utah Stonewall Democrats, the official gay and lesbian Democratic caucus, vote to endorse a candidate.

PHOTO: MICHAEL AARON

Gay Democratic Caucus Largest in County Convention

by Michael Aaron Salt Lake County Democrats met at Highland High School Sat. April 22 to select their slate of candidates for the November mid-term election. All races avoided primaries after multiple balloting and the withdrawal of one candidate.

Utah Stonewall Democrats, the official gay and lesbian caucus of the party, held their caucus meeting an hour prior to the opening gavel of the convention to choose their endorsements for the county races.

The meeting lasted a half hour into the convention time as a slew of candidates lined up at the door to greet the caucus members.

The first vote of the meeting was to amend the group’s bylaws. Among the changes, bisexual and transgender people were added to the group’s charter, a yearly membership fee of $15 was added, and board member elections were staggered for continuity.

The caucus also unanimously ratified chair Michael Picardi’s appointments of Adam Bass and Katie Holland to the group’s board of directors.

By the end of the caucus, the group endorsed ten candidates.

The most contested endorsement debate was between Rep. Ross Romero and Kelly Ann Booth to replace outgoing Democratic Sen. Karen Hale. Booth was represented by Boyer Jarvis, a longtime ardent supporter of gay and lesbian rights, who appealed to the caucus to choose “young blood.” The caucus chose, however, to endorse first-term state representative Romero, who made several impassioned floor speeches against the many anti-gay bills that came before the legislature this year.

The caucus adjourned and members joined the convention at large, hearing speeches from party leaders and hopefuls.

After two hours of balloting, the four-way race to replace the seat vacated by Sen. Hale had whittled the field down to Booth and Romero, but neither party reached a 60 percent plurality required to avoid a primary runoff. Booth decided to withdraw from the race after a brief meeting with Salt Lake County Democratic Party Chair Megan Risbon.

Another race that garnered a great deal of attention was between Trisha Beck and Jennifer Lee Jackson to fill the seat vacated

by Republican Sen. Al Mansell. Jackson served two terms on the Sandy City Council before going through a gender change.

Beck, a moderate Democrat, had asked the caucus not to endorse her. Beck won handily in the first ballot and Jackson vowed to return, saying her candidacy “broke a lot of ground.”

All incumbents made it through the convention and will be on the November ballot, including openly gay legislators Rep. Jackie Biskupski and Sen. Scott McCoy. In Davis County, Republicans forced Rep. Sheryl Allen into a primary election June 27 against school voucher activist Mark Jacobs. Allen was the only Republican legislator to meet with gay and lesbian students to discuss bills targeted at Utah’s Gay Straight Alliances in high schools, though the issue is not thought to be the one concerning convention-goers.

Salt Lake County Republicans will hold their convention April 29, where Log Cabin Republicans President Gordon Storrs will seek to challenge Jennifer Seelig to fill the House seat vacated by Duane Bourdeaux in the Rose Park area.

Salt Lake County Democratic Candidates Bolded names will be on the ballot in November.

Names followed by USD won the endorsement of Utah Stonewall Democrats. Names followed by SSSU won the endorsement of Stonewall Shooting Sports of Utah. (i) = incumbent

Salt Lake County Council 3 Diane Turner USD Utah Senate 2 Paulo Diquattro SSSU Scott McCoy (i) USD 3 Gene Davis (i) 4 Patricia Jones 5 Ed Mayne (i) 7 Kelly Ann Booth Mark Flores Kym Meyer Ross Romero USD 9 Trisha Beck Jennifer Lee Jackson USD 11 Adam Ford Utah House 22 Carl Duckworth(i) USD Greg Shulz 23 Jen Seelig USD Evanne Clark Arne Mehr 24 Ralph Becker(i) USD David Berg 26 David Litvak(i)

28 Roz McGee(i) 29 Janice Fisher(i) USD Larry Wehrl 30 Jackie Biskupski(i) 31 Larry Wiley(i) 32 Michael Lee SSSU 33 Neal Hendrickson(i) 34 Philip Tomassian SSSU 35 Mark Wheatley(i) 36 Phil Reisen 37 Carol Spackman-Moss(i) 38 Mike Kellermeyer Chuck McDowell SSSU 39 Mary Hammond 40 Lynn Hemingway Susan Westergaard USD 42 Jeffrey Enquist SSSU Norman Springer 44 Tim Cosgrove(i) 45 Laura Black 46 Karen Morgan(i) 47 Steven Bockmore 48 Eric Gustafson 49 Jay Seegmiller 51 Lisa Johnson 52 Ian Spencer

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Lay Off, Leno

Jeff Whitty, Avenue Q Dear Mr. Leno, My name is Jeff Whitty. I live in New York City. I’m a playwright and the author of Avenue Q, which is a musical currently running on Broadway. I’ve been watching your show a bit, and I’d like to make an observation: When you think of gay people, it’s funny.

They’re funny folks. They wear leather.

They like Judy Garland. They like disco music. They’re sort of like Stepin Fetchit as channeled by Richard Simmons.

Gay people, to you, are great material.

Mr. Leno, let me share with you my view of gay people: When I think of gay people, I think of the gay news anchor who took a tire iron to the head several times when he was vacationing in St. Martin. I think of my friend who was visiting Hamburger Mary’s, a gay restaurant in Las Vegas, when a bigot threw a smoke bomb filled with toxic chemicals into the restaurant, leaving the staff and gay clientele coughing, puking, and running in terror. I think of visiting my gay friends at their house in the country, sitting outside for dinner, and hearing, within hundreds of feet of where we sat, taunting voices yelling “Faggots!” I think of hugging my boyfriend goodbye for the day on 8th Avenue in Manhattan and being mocked and taunted by passing high school students.

When I think of gay people, I think of suicide. I think of a countless list of people who took their own lives because the world was so toxically hostile to them. Because of the deathly climate of the closet, we will never be able to count them. You think gay people are great material. I think of a silent holocaust that continues to this day.

I think of a silent holocaust that is perpetuated by people like you, who seek to minimize us and make fun of us and who

I suspect really, fundamentally wish we would just go away.

When I think of gay people, I think of a brave group that has made tremendous contributions to society, in arts, letters, science, philosophy, and politics. I think of some of the most hilarious people I know. I think of a group that has served as a cultural guardian for an ungrateful and ignorant America.

I think of a group of people who have undergone a brave act of inventing themselves. Every single out-of-the-closet gay person has had to say, “I am not part of mainstream society.” Mr. Leno, that takes bigger balls than stepping out in front of TV-watching America every night. I daresay I suspect it takes bigger balls to come out of the closet than anything you have ever done in your life.

I know you know gay people, Mr. Leno.

Are they just jokes to you, to be snickered at behind their backs? Despite the angry tenor of my letter, I suspect you’re a better man than that. I don’t bother writing letters to the “God Hates Fags” people, or Donald Wildmon, or the pope. But I think you can do better. I know it’s The Tonight Show, not a White House press conference, but you reach a lot of people.

I caught your show when you had a tired mockery of Brokeback Mountain, involving something about a horse done up in what you consider a “gay” way. Man, that’s dated. I turned the television off and felt pretty fucking depressed. And now I understand your gay-baiting jokes have continued.

Mr. Leno, I have a sense of humor. It’s my livelihood. And being gay has many hilarious aspects to it — none of which, I suspect, you understand. I’m tired of people like you. When I think of gay people, I think of centuries of suffering. I think of really, really good people who’ve been gravely mistreated for a long time now.

You’ve got to cut it out, Jay.

Party in 1607

by Ben Williams

ben@qsaltlake.com

As most school children know, the first successful British colony in America was established at Jamestown, Va. in 1607. However, what most people are unaware of is that man-on-man sex was going on even back then. Yes that’s right! America was queer from its beginning.

On April 26, 1607, three little ships, the Discovery, the Godspeed and the flagship Susan Constant, landed on what is now Virginia Beach, bringing 105 gentlemen with them. The men immediately set up a cross to give thanks to God upon arriving in the New World and then moved slowly up the great Chesapeake Bay where, on May 15, the very first Virginians built a tiny fort and named it Jamestown in honor of King James I. The king, of course, was a pansy in love with Lord Buckingham, so it all kind of fits together.

Jamestown — America’s first Gay resort. I am joking ... or am I? If you are like me, the question of what these men did for sex naturally arises. Especially if one understands that English women did not arrive in the colony until 1619. Yes, for twelve years Virginia was a very “masculine” colony.

Now I know you are thinking — Pocahontas. Well, not everyone could slag a Pocahontas. That’s just for American mythology.

However, a clue to what a single man in Virginia did to satisfy his urges is found in Chapter Two of Captain John Smith’s “The Generall Historie of Virginia, New England & the Summer Isles” (1624). The days after the three ships departed for England were indeed harsh. Smith wrote, “Being thus left to our fortunes, it fortuned that within ten days (June 15, 1607) scarce ten amongst us could either go or well stand, such extreme

weakness and sickness oppressed us. And there at none need marvel, if they consider the cause and reason, which was this: Whilst the ships stayed, our allowance was somewhat bettered by a daily proportion of biscuit, which the sailors would pilfer to sell, give, or exchange with us for money, sassafras, furs or love. But when they departed, there remained neither tavern, beer house, nor place of relief but the common kettle.”

Captain Smith acknowledged that the colonists fared better when the ships were still in Virginia because of the daily proportion of biscuits which the ship’s sailors stole from the galley “to sell, or give, or exchange” for “money, sassafras, furs, or love.” Love?

Yes, love. And lest this meaning of love was unclear to the reader, a printed marginal note in the book identified the passage as “the Sailor’s Abuse.” This reference to exchanging food for love is one of the first documentation of male-to-male sexual contact in the New World by Englishmen.

After the ships departed, inadequate food and housing, and “extreme toil” seriously weakened the remaining Virginia settlers. From its initial population of 105 men, the number dropped to 50 by the end the first year.

Perhaps due to this lack of women in the colony, in 1610 Governor Sir Thomas Gates, enacted the earliest penalty for sodomy in America. The capitalists among the London Company did not think the colonists were working hard enough. They were sure that the colony had become a place “for parents to disburden themselves of lascivious sons, masters of bad servants, and wives of ill husbands”. So a list of capital crimes was drawn up to include such acts as treasonous speech, blasphemy, sacrilege, theft, illegal trade with the Indians, and sodomy. The ninth provision of the Virginian legal code of 1610 states: No man shall commit the horrible, detestable sins of sodomy upon pain of death.” The party was over.

Israel (Izzy) R. Rutherford of Salt Lake City left this earth the week of April 9 at the age of 26.

He had suffered greatly with a seizure disorder the last 10 years, which ultimately took his life.

He grew up in Hooper, attending Fremont High until his senior year, when he moved to Shepherd, Mont., graduating from Shepherd High in 1998. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Jose, Calif.

He enjoyed helping others, was active in

Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Comunity Center of Utah and had a flair for theatrics, helping to produce shows and cabarets throughout Salt Lake City. He also was a member of the Rosie O’Donnell Fan Club.

He is survived by his beloved cat, Satin, his mother Yvonne Ulrich Kassabian, North Branch, Mich., his father and step mother, Rolland and Terrie Rutherford, sisters Crystal (Mike) Leschke, Angela Rutherford and step siblings Trisha (Richard) Walker, Todd (Kasey) Wheeler, Jinny (Jason) Schad, Jeremy (Jessica) Wheeler, and Christy Wheeler.

He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Memorial services were held April 19 at Aaron’s Mortuary in Ogden and at the home of Jon “Nova Starr” Griffin in Salt Lake City.

Many friends gathered to remember Izzy’s life, toast to his memory and laugh to stories told by his loving mother and aunt.

We love you, Izzy!

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Special Victims Unit

by Laurie Mecham laurie@qsaltlake.com

I get so tired of being a victim all of the time. I’m sorry to have to say it, because I know that you worry about me, here in the far-off mists of Portland.

You are correct in assuming that I don’t know anyone here, and moreover, that no one knows me. Another problem is how easily one gets lost driving here, that is, if one had the energy to actually attempt to go to a destination other than work or home. Food costs more and wages aren’t great.

It appears that Portland’s queer community isn’t very cohesive. A colleague suggested that the reason behind that is that it’s so perfectly okay to be gay here that there really is no big ‘enemy” against which sexual minorities might rally together in opposition. She noted that this leaves plenty of energy for infighting, tee hee.

As a newcomer, I have to find new resources for everything—vet, dentist, dogsitter, auto mechanic, therapist, criminal defender, esthetician, pet psychic, feng shui consultant, and life coach. I have been through four different hair stylists in four far-flung locations throughout town. At least they seemed to be far apart. It’s possible that I just took very indirect routes.

I don’t feel important here. I don’t feel valued, because who the hell is going to value me? Nobody knows me. I had three decades in Utah with dozens of connections to people and community. Over the years I came to know musicians, actors, college students, Mormon feminists, academics, queers and fellow Shaklee sales representa-

tives. I acted in some plays, did some comedy, wrote a book, wrote a column, hosted a radio program on KRCL, slept around a little, and served on a lot of committees and some boards. At one time I was a relief society teacher and at a different time I was a deejay in a disco that had strippers twice a night. I had a history, and people were connected with every part of it.

I know that what I need to do to finally “arrive” in Portland is to get myself out there, do some volunteering, excuse myself from the pity party and engage in activities that benefit others. And I will. I even have some things in the works. I just need a break

I have this almost daily reminder that I am not in control. I am not behind the wheel.

That is because I have to ride the BUS. from the ennui and depression and I’m sure everything will be fine. I think that the key to personal happiness lies in the realization that you are the master of your own life. That would be great, but I have this almost daily reminder that I am not in control. I am not behind the wheel. That is because I have to ride the bus.

Where I work there are about 25 parking spaces for a community of nearly 12,000

employees. The waiting list for a parking pass (at the cost of over $80 a month) is four or five years. It’s like trying to get a good apartment in New York. You practically have to be an ambulance chaser and wait for somebody to kick it, except even death won’t move you ahead of anyone else on the list. Some people get a lift from their partner, which sounds like a huge hassle.

Some ride their bikes up the hill in the cold through the rain. Sorry, but that just has too many prepositional phrases for me to even contemplate. Most folks take the bus.

Please understand that I believe in public transportation. I was supportive of TRAX, and delighted when it came online and people actually used it. I even rode it myself a couple of times.

But the bus—the city bus in a real city — is hard and scary and complex! Riding the bus in a town where you don’t know the names of the streets or even the neighborhoods is very difficult for a girl my age. I know that others manage very well. Children ride the bus to elementary school. Even folks who have a hard time with other concepts — like knowing that they’ve just wet their pants, for example — can make their way around town on the bus as easily as I navigate my kitchen.

But the thing is, I have to get up really early and leave the house whether or not I’m ready so I can walk six blocks to the bus stop to get there on time. Hopefully I will have remembered my bus pass, my purse, and to put on dry pants. I haven’t had to work late since I began riding the bus. The day that that happens, I think I’ll just sleep in my office, because unless you take the 66 Express, which only runs until 5:45, I don’t think that it is possible to get to my house. When visitors notice people sleeping in underpasses and doorways, they assume that Portland has a large homeless population. I’m not so sure.

Maybe they just gave up on the ride home.

Laurie Mecham is waiting for personal hovercrafts to become a reality.

Spring Fever

by Ruby Ridge

ruby@qsaltlake.com

Its springtime in Utah, kittens, and don’t you just love it!

I don’t know about you, cherubs, but I get absolutely giddy as my crabapples start blooming and all of the perennials and bulbs start popping up everywhere. Sometimes I get so delirious that I walk through Temple Square and the Hotel Utah grounds just to look at all of the fabulous spring plantings that the Mo’s truly do so well. Their flower beds and landscaping are truly inspiring. Now if only they stopped experimenting with gay folks and reparative therapy I could really enjoy their springtime tableau.

Oh, oh, oh, speaking of churches and their gay members, peaches, I have the most wonderful story to tell! A few weeks ago I went to a Commitment Ceremony for my dear friends David and Jeff at First Baptist Church in Salt Lake City. I know what you’re thinking Petals ... “Ruby did you say Baptist Church?”

Well yes muffins I did, but let me explain.

First Baptist Church in Salt Lake City is an American Baptist Church which is much more progressive than the heinously conservative and arguably evil Southern Baptist Church. Even as American Baptist Churches go this puppy is out on the fringe and is affiliated with a liberal conference out of the Pacific Northwest.

That’s right people we’re talking tree huggers, pot-heads and Lesbo’s oh my!

Mr. Ridge and I have attended church at First Baptist for years and they really are a lovely bunch of welcoming people. You should swing by some Sunday and say hello. I’m the one singing off key in the big floral hat, Elizabeth Taylor sunglasses, and a super big gulp filled with mimosas.

You can’t miss me.

First Baptist Church has sponsored World AIDS Day services, Pride Interfaith Services, and the thing that I am most proud of ... their men’s group (which is

predominantly married straight guys) volunteer every year at the Camp Pinecliff Weekend retreat for people with hiv/aids and cook all of the meals for the camps 70 plus people. How cool is that!?!

You know what really impressed me about the commitment ceremony, cherubs? I loved the fact that David and Jeff were already a big part of the congregation and their commitment ceremony was just a natural extension of that. They sing in the choir, they volunteer, they contribute their time and talents to the church family and are just another part of it. Their ceremony (although groundbreaking in itself!) wasn’t a made for CNN political photoop with matching rainbow cummerbunds, boas, and tiaras on the steps of a court house in San Francisco. It was a simple, natural affair with kids, friends, family of all ages, and co-workers that hopefully one day will be a routine occurrence in the communal life of a church, and the spiritual lives of gay and lesbian couples that choose it.

So as I sat in the pews getting all sniffly and emotional, I kept thinking to myself, maybe this is our spring. After all the time we have spent being buried in the darkness and cold of pubic opinion and stigma, maybe now the time is right for our community to be more visible, while the soil is warm, the rain is nourishing, the sun is shining, and its time to grow and bloom. So that’s my spring time advice, darlings, get out there and enjoy the season and find your place in the garden.

Just be careful and take precautions when you pollinate if you know what I mean.

Ciao!

I’m the one singing off key in the big floral hat, Elizabeth Taylor sunglasses, and a super big gulp filled with Mimosa’s.

You can’t miss me.

Ruby Ridge is one of the more opinionated members of the Utah Cyber Sluts, a camp drag group of performers who raise funds and support local charities. Her opinions are her own and fluctuate wildly due to irritability and watching lesbians in the Paper Moon’s VIP section throwing attitude because they’re sitting on a couch. FYI … unless you’re in private smokefree room with Crystal flowing like water, with a bouncer that played Nose Tackle for the Rams, then it’s not really a VIP section and you’re not really a VIP. Get over yourself.

Unmask your heart.

Unmask your mind.

Unmask yourself.

Saturday, April 29

from 8pm to Midnight

Salt Lake Hardware Building 105 North 400 West, Salt Lake City $5 per person in advance, $8 at the door.

Pick up Queer Prom tickets at the

or call 801-539-8800 ext. 14

For GLBT and allied youth 13-20 years old.

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GLBTCCU Youth Activity Center For more information email: stan@glbtccu.org

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still in London, Vince and Steve, wrote the arrangements for the songs, and recorded the music with the garden musicians. I eventually went to Brooklyn and recorded the vocals, which took about three weeks. It was all pretty plain sailing.

Q: Was it difficult for you to change the style?

Andy: Actually, it was quite inspiring for me because the tracks are so different from how they were originally. I was able to explore different depths of the songs; and with the string instruments, it allowed more room for the vocals. It was quite a smooth experience for us.

Q: Looking back on it now, was there any one thing you learned vocally or artistically while making Union Street?

Andy: I think it kind of goes with life experience. You know, with more things that happen in my personal life, I just draw them into the songs. I sort of dissipate my emotions.

Q: What made you decide to have the tour be a more intimate setting?

Andy: We did so many multiple nights during our last tour, and that makes it quite hard for us to come up with new ideas for shows because there’s only a certain amount of stuff you can do. It’s quite a relief for me really to have all the other musicians there with me because it takes the pressure off and I don’t have to be running around everywhere [on stage].

Q: That coupled with an acoustic style, are you concerned at all about losing some of your fans and/or critic acclaim?

Andy: No, not really. I think the reviews have been nice so far. It’s like they [critics] say, “Wow, this boy can sing.” It’s like they haven’t known it all along. And that’s one reason why I wanted to do it because I think some people have their heads buried in the sand as far as electronic music is concerned; it’s all they can hear. We really wanted to re-showcase the songs and be more expressive. It’s been quite surprising for the audiences of the five shows we’ve played so far. At first, they seem quite shocked and then they warm up to the whole thing especially when we do more of the up tempo rockabilly versions of songs like Love to Hate You and Victim of Love.

!RTS %DITOR 4ONY (OBDAY CHATS WITH !NDY "ELL ABOUT THEIR NEW ACOUSTIC ALBUM AND 3ALT ,AKE #ITY STOP ince Erasure’s debut in 1985, Andy Bell and Vince Clarke have maintained a strong and respectful working relationship. They have produced 17 albums and recorded multiple number one hits.

Now, a privileged world witnesses a milestone in Erasure history: a new and inspiring level of maturity and growth that emulates through the re-worked classic hits and “B Side” songs on their new album, Union Street.

When I spoke with Andy Bell, I cautioned him that this was the first interview I had ever conducted, and not to hold it against me if I stumbled through it. Andy was kind, friendly and responsive. He spoke candidly about the album, the Union Street

Tour(presented by MTV’s Logo Channel), and his friendship with Vince: Q: How long did it take to put Union Street together?

Andy: It was about two years ago when we put Union Street together. Originally we had met with Steve Walsh, the guy who arranged the thing for us. He has his own home studio in Brooklyn, which is the album title. Vince and I had already chosen the songs we wanted to do. While I was

Q: My roommate and I each picked one of our favorite songs to ask you if there’s a story or inspiration behind them. The songs are Hideaway and Rock Me Gently.

Andy: Vince and I decided early on to sit down and write a song about an experience of a young person telling his/her parents that he/she is gay. Since 1967, it’s been legal in the UK for persons over the age of 21 to have consenting gay sex, but when we recorded Hideaway, it [homosexuality] wasn’t really profiled in television or music. Although, we were in really good company with other bands like Bronski Beat and Frankie Goes to Hollywood. There was quite a political movement at that time in the UK. “Rock Me Gently� is more of a song for lovers. It’s about being at home, realizing that you’ve partied enough, taking stock of your life, and sharing more intimated moments with each other, caring for each other.

Q: I heard through the grapevine that another Salt Lake City concert date is set for the fall. I believe that will be three visits in approximately one year; is that common touring in other cities as well?

Andy: I’m not sure if we will be coming back in the fall, but no, it’s not very common.

Q: I read in an article recently that outside of touring and making albums, you and Vince don’t speak much or see each other much.

Do you consider yourselves friends or strictly business partners?

Andy: We speak to each other probably once a month when we aren’t working together. Vince has just bought a new house in Maine and has a new baby boy, so it’s taking him a while to settle down. And I’m here in London. We are good friends; we just respect each other’s privacy.

Q: What would you say is the strongest attribute Vince brings to Erasure’s success?

And what do you think he would say is your strongest attribute?

Andy: I would say Vince brings diplomacy and humility. Vince would say of me my laid-back personality and spontaneity.

Q: Do you feel that Erasure has hit their musical plateau with Union Street, or will there possibly be another unique project in the future?

Andy: No, I think as long as I continue developing as a person and we really stretch ourselves as far as songwriting goes, we will continue. We never really know, when we embark on a new album, where we’re going to go with it. But, I think we really would like to do a more classic pop kind of thing.

Q: So do you think you’ll continue singing for another twenty years?

Andy: (laughs) Yeah. I look forward to be an eighty-year-old man, like another Frank Sinatra.

Erasure has always been full of surprises.

In two decades of plugging in and wigging out, Vince Clarke and Andy Bell have sold millions of albums around the world, staged Broadway-style live spectaculars, influenced countless dance, techno and alternative rock acts, and topped the charts with outlandish cover versions. The latest Book of British Hit Singles ranks the duo among the “Top 100 Most Successful Acts of All Time� and in 2005 The Times of London proclaimed them more important than Kraftwerk in the great history book of rock. Their record-breaking ten-night stand in New York City last year, in support of the critically-acclaimed Nightbird album, find the duo as relevant and beloved as ever by longtime fans and a whole new generation as well.

On their brand new album “Union Street,� Vince and Andy have delivered their biggest surprise yet. In a boldly experimental step for an electronic band, they have unplugged themselves, bringing new soulful new depths and acoustic, maybe even a touch of country-western, textures to 11 songs spanning their entire career. “Union Street� was recorded in the Brooklyn studio of the same name, which is owned by guitarist Steve Walsh, who previously played on Erasure’s 2003 covers collection “Other People’s Songs� and produced “Nightbird.� Walsh assembled musicians for Erasure’s first ever live-band tour. “We found this cool guitarist with a cool studio and decided to use both,� says Vince.

The album is dominated by revamped album tracks and born-again B-sides that the band felt best suited an extreme makeover. All sound refreshingly different to their original blueprints. “It was great going back through those songs, some of which I hadn’t listened to properly since we made them,� Vince recalls. “Suddenly you heard some of the naivety that was in there in the first place.�

The Erasure story began in 1985, when former Depeche Mode and Yaz founder member Vince advertised to find a singer for his new project. Then just 21, ex-butcher Andy was the 41st candidate that Vince auditioned, but their creative chemistry clicked instantly.

Before long the pair were scoring the first of five number one albums and started racking up an incredible 32 consecutive singles in the UK Top 40 and became instant alternative favorites on the burgeoning electronic music scene in America.

Despite their cult status, Erasure has always been proudly, defiantly, shamelessly pop — they even named their chart-topping greatest hits collection Pop! in 1992.

But behind their impressive sales figures (14 million albums sold to date), pop and dance chart successes and kitsch stage costumes, it has sometimes been overlooked just what consistently great songwriters Vince and Andy have been throughout their career.

Indeed, Andy insists one motivating factor behind Union Street was to “show the songs in a different light, and show that they could work on whatever instrument, synthesizers or guitars. Vince agrees: “We just felt there were songs on our albums that had been missed as songs.�

And what fine songs they are. Originally recorded for the Cowboy album in 1997, “Boy,� the first single from the Union Street set, and “Love Affair� are both bittersweet farewells sung from the aftermath of ruined relationships. The former now packs an extra emotional punch from Andy’s vaulting falsetto harmonies and generous dollops of

CAN BE FOUND AT ALL OF YOUR FAVORITE WATERING HOLES AND OVER OTHER LOCATIONS FROM ,OGAN TO 3T 'EORGE

INCLUDING ALL

Walsh’s honeyed slide guitar, while the latter becomes a more graceful chamber music affair swept along by exquisite string arrangements. Erasure have explored the countrywestern aspects of the newly arranged ‘Boy’ even further by commissioning single mixes from veteran alt-country engineer /mixer Brian Scheuble (Train, Wallflowers, Sheryl Crow, Fiona Apple, Liz Phair) as well as ex-Dwight Yoakam producer and maverick countryblues multi-instrumentalist Pete Anderson.

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Some tracks on “Union Street� have been completely transformed by their radical new arrangements. “Spiralling,� which started life on “The Circus� in 1987, is now a crisp marriage of finger-picking guitar and melancholy introspection. And “Blues Away,� taken from the 1994 album “I Say, I Say I Say,� is a rich, warm, sleepy-eyed strum about yearning for that elusive perfect lover. “It’s nearly bedtime, and I’m getting lonely...�

There is more heart-tugging slide guitar woven into “Home� and “The Tenderest Moment,� both first heard in their electronic versions on the 1991 album Chorus. The latter tune twinkles and shimmers like a desert sunset, overlaid with Andy’s sublime harmonies as he follows the angels on a celestial mystery tour across the starry night sky.

The pared-down, organic textures of Union Street also create enough space for Andy to showcase the richer, more soulful depths of his vocal range. “It makes such a difference singing with acoustic instruments,� Andy says. “There’s more space, it seems. When you’re using electronics they soak up part of the voice. Whereas with strings, the voice seems to vibrate off of them.�

Andy’s mournful timbre on the languid, heartbroken “Piano Song� and the strikingly stark, regretful ballad “How Many Times� are pure Nashville Noir. “We’re going to be the first band ever to cross over from pop to country,� Andy jokes. “We want to play the Grand Old Opry.� Not exactly, but Andy will nearly get his wish as the Union Street Tour, a once-in-a-lifetime, production-less, acoustic band performance of selections from “Union Street� and many erasure classic hits kicks off at the Ryman Auditorium — original home of the Grand Ole Opry — in Nashville, TN on May 6. “Rock Me Gently� is reborn as the shiny celestial lullaby that closes Union Street. “There’s more to life than thrills and spills and dollar bills�, Andy swoons as a velvet chorus of gospel voices lulls him softly to sleep.

Union Street proves there has always been much more to Vince and Andy than shiny pop thrills. Unplugged, both musically and emotionally, they have never before sounded so graceful or so heartfelt. This is an album full of pleasant surprises. But coming from Erasure, that is no surprise at all.

Other selected locations: (From North to South)

Logan: Borders Utah State Univ.

Ogden Bookshelf Weber State Univ.

Egyptian Theater Grounds for Coffee Roosters Brass Rail Clearfield Grounds for Coffee Layton Barnes & Noble Salt Lake City All Libraries A Cup of Joe Apple Fitness ASI Tattoo Avenues Bakery Bagelry Bangkok Thai Big City Soup Brewvies Broadway Centre Cafe Sha Sha Cafe Trang Cahoots Cinegrill Cocoa Cafe Desert Edge Pub Eggs in the City Emigration Market First Unitarian Green Street Hyatts Magazines Jitterbug Coffee KCPW Studios

Knuckleheads Lamb’s Grill Liberty Heights Fresh Mazza MCC Mischievous Nostalgia Oasis Cafe Pinon Market/Cafe Pride Counseling Red Butte Cafe Red Rock Brewing Regency Theatres Royal Eatery SL Coffee Break SL Community College Sorenson Multicultural Ctr Squatters Pub Squirrel Bros StoneGround Tavernacle The Bakery The Center The Other Place Tower Theatre Univ. of Utah Urban Bistro Urban Lounge Virgin Megastores Sugar House 21 21 Coffee Blue Plate Diner Cockers/Sparks Dancing Crane Fiddler’s Elbow Free Speech Zone Millcreek Coffee SL Pizza & Pasta Tea Grotto Westminster Wild Oats

South Salt Lake All For Love Alternative Eyewear Bagelry Cafe Med Century Laundry LaPuente MURRAY 24 Hour Fitness Bubba’s BBQ Nick & Willies Pizza West Valley Century Laundry Gringo’s SL Community College Wise Guys Comedy Taylorsville Coffee Club Just Add Coffee 24 Hour Fitness Beans and Brews PROVO Borders MOAB Back of Beyond Books Cedar City Blue Kat Cafe St. George Kaleidescope Cafe Xeteva Gardens

Not on this list?

Want to be?

Call 1-800806-7357 or email tony@ qsaltlake.com

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The 15-minute interview was an uplifting experience for me. When we spoke of his and Vince’s relationship, I literally felt the deep connection between them. There was utter happiness, love, and respect in his voice. At that moment, I felt like I too have known them for over twenty years.

It was a precious moment and one I will never forget.

At the close of the interview, Andy pet my ego by saying, “If this was your first interview, then you will do great.� Sufficed to say, I was on Cloud Nine for hours.

Erasure plays May 15, a sold out show, at Rose Wagner Center. Andy and Vince will be accompanied on stage by Smith Curry (on pedal steel, dobro and banjo), Richard Hammond (on acoustic bass), Ben Wittman (on percussion), Jill Walsh and Val Chalmers (backing vocals) and Steve Walsh (on guitar and mandolin). Q

Erasure Releases Acoustic Album, Kicks Off U.S. Tour

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Barber of Seville. See Sat. May 13

by Tony Hobday

tony@qsaltlake.com

Spring is time for all the boys in the parks to get shirtless, for the patios at bars to open up and to get out there and spruce up the yard ... shirtless. Here are some things to do when you’re not outside enjoying the rays. Or Rays.

3WEDNESDAY Q Los Hombres ­Calientes translates to The Hot Men. Need I say more? Well, I should elaborate that you won’t find these hot men loitering on Exchange Place. Bill Summers and Irvin Mayfield, the heat behind the band, create an “underground” sound by uncovering the deep embedded roots of Latin Jazz through collaboration with the indigenous musicians of South and Central America. In a nutshell, their music is a jazz dance party.

7:30pm, Kingsbury Hall, University of Utah, 1395 E. Presidents Circle. Tickets $16.50–22.50, call 581-7100 or visit kingtix.com.

Q At first, I thought aromatherapy was just a fad, but as I continue to receive more and more “therapeutic” shampoo, soaps, lotions, and body sprays

on birthdays and Christmases, I have come to the conclusion that it’s here to stay. And on that note, the TAO Institute is offering Energetic Aromatherapy, a class that will show you how to assess your energy systems and which essential oils will affect chakras and energy patterns in the body. Pheromones, anyone?

7–9pm, through May 17, The TAO Institute, 150 S 600 East, Suite 2C. Tickets $69, call 521-0055 for more information.

4THURSDAY Q The ACLU of Utah hosts its annual Bill of Rights Celebration tonight.

Reverend Barry Lynn of the Americans United for Separation of Church and State is the keynote speaker; and Senator Scott McCoy is honored as recipient of the Adam M. Duncan Award.

6–9pm, Hilton Hotel, 255 S. West Temple.

Tickets $89, call 521-8962, ext 101.

5FRIDAY Q Finding redemption in a small backwoods town and opening the eyes of the townsfolk embody an all-to-typical story in The Spitfire Grill. A sheepish woman, Percy Talbot, just released from a five-year prison term, settles in a rural Wisconsin town and takes a job

16-year-old Tracy Turnblad has a dream as big as her hair.

Can she get the guy and still have time to change the world?

BEST MUSICAL WINNER! 8 TONY AWARDS ®

2003

Photo by Norman Jean Roy

HairsprayOnTour.com

May 9-14 Kingsbury Hall •

CALL 581-7100 OR WWW.KINGTIX.COM.

ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING IN STORES NOW

at the local diner. Her presence tests the tight-knit town’s moral and ethical boundaries. It’s part Levity, part Fried Green Tomatoes, and part Chicago (but the music is more Deliverance with the sounds of banjos and fiddles).

7:30pm, The Grand Theatre, 1575 S. State Street. Tickets $10-65, call 957-3322 or visit the-grand.org for ticket and discount information.

Q If writing was a lucrative career for me I’d be spending Cinco de Mayo in Cancun sipping margaritas, shooting back la cucarachas, and flirting with the hot Mexican pool boys. Alas, I’m in the poor house. Yet, right here in Utah, parties abound in celebration of Mexico’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. (There’s a little history lesson for you). The damn, stinkin’ French.

6SATURDAY Q My lesbian roommate says single lesbians are virtually extinct in Salt Lake. So I’m taking this moment to pimp her out a little. All the single and wish-they-were-single ladies should attend tonight’s Speed Dating with

Team Swoosh! at MoDiggity’s. Look for a 5-foot 8-inch hottie with Sneetches tattooed on her belly.

Tonight, MoDiggity’s, 3424 S State Street, a private club for members. $5 ­donation at the door; proceeds will go to Team Swoosh for the Gay Games in Chicago. Call 832‑9000 for time and other information.

Q Now that Spring has sprung, it makes sense to include the following workshop offered by Wasatch Community Gardens. The Plant Selection Workshop, led by former WCG Director Don Anderson, focuses on selecting the proper plants for drought tolerant flower and vegetable gardens.

10am–Noon, Main City Library, 4th floor, 410 E 200 South. Call 359-2658 to reserve a spot.

Q If you already have a green thumb, but your landscaping lacks in creativity and uniqueness, perhaps the following class will be useful to you. Basics of Landscape Design, presented by Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, teaches you how to use color, form, and texture while creating a yard fit for a king. May I suggest, however, that you refrain from

taking this class if you have a plant-eating, dirt-digging neurotic pet.

10am–Noon, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District Demonstration Garden, 1300 W 8215 South. Free, call 1-877-SAVEH2O for reservations.

9TUESDAY The crass humor of John Waters has landed him a large cult following. His stories are politically driven through shocking scenes, colorless jokes, and offbeat characters. Hairspray is among one of his more popular. Although Broadway in Utah’s production will likely be tamer, you will still experience the eccentrics of John Waters. Set in the segregated turbulent 60s, the show follows a pudgy young teenager, Tracy Turnbold, as she sings and dances her way to stardom, as well as changes the views of the world.

7:30pm through May 14, Kingsbury Hall, UofU, 1395 E. Presidents Circle. Tickets, $30–72.50, call 581-7100 or kingtix.com.

10WEDNESDAY Q Have you ever met a guy that you thought was perfect for you? That is, until the next morning you leave him asleep in your bed and go off to work and then return home that night to find your television, iPod and laptop have disappeared along with Mr. Right.

Maybe, just maybe your intuition is out of whack. Learn how to tune into your source of intuition and higher self at the Healing Spirit Arts center.

6:30–8:30pm, Healing Spirit Arts, 4500 S. Atwood Street (300 East). Free, but donations accepted. Call 209-7714 for additional information.

11THURSDAY Q I don’t know about you, but almost any Greek tragedy, including Nikos Kostanikos’ Zorba makes me want to pull my hair out. There are just too many characters intermingled in sex, betrayal, obsession, and murder. But throw all that in with a bunch of musical numbers and I would likely drown myself, too. Now, Suburban tragedies like Desperate Housewives are a whole other story. Oh god, I’m such trash.

8pm, Thursdays–Saturdays through May 20, Studio Theatre, Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W Broadway. Tickets $12, call 355‑ARTS or visit arttix.org.

Q Another home and garden class is scheduled today at the Jordan Valley

Water Conservancy District Demonstration Garden. Learn how to install or fix an irrigation system in your yard at the Simple Sprinkler System Design and Care workshop.

6–8pm, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District Demonstration Garden, 1300 W 8215 South. Free, call 1-877-SAVEH2O for reservations.

Q We have all seen teen actors rise to stardom, then fall into a deep cold pit of drug and alcohol abuse; we have even seen a few of them claw their way out and back into the limelight.

But what about teen filmmakers? Are they destined for the same fate? Check out the 5th Annual LocoMotion International Film Festival and decide for yourself. The festival dedicates to young filmmakers (ages 13-18) in the fields of documentary, experimental, narrative, PSA, and animation.

Today and Saturday, Main City Library, 210 E. 400 South. Call 524-8234 or visit locomotionfilmfestival.org for listings and showtimes.

13SATURDAY Q Utah Opera’s production of The Barber of Seville opens tonight. A comic tale of the courtship between a Count and a common peasant woman, the show overflows with deception, mistaken identity, gossip, bribery, and a drunk. Sounds like Saturday night at Trapp Door.

7:30pm, Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South.

Tickets $12-60, call 355-ARTS or visit arttix.org.

14SUNDAY Q This one is for QSaltLake’s black-clad, purple Mohawk-topped temp, Rusty, as well as the other queer hardcore industrial metal music fans. Ministry, with special guests, Revolting Cocks and Pitbull Daycare rock Saltair tonight.

Now be careful with our skinny, bitesize Rusty in the mosh pit; we’d like him back in one piece.

A Layman’s Approach to Mother’s Day

by Tony Hobday Thinking about Mother’s Day can be painstaking on so many different levels and for some many different reasons. Each May, we are forced to revisit such memories as: dressing up in her clothes as a teen and prancing around the room, her catching us fondling our best friend in the backyard, her asking us “did someone talk you into it?” when we “out”-ed ourselves, and how she conveniently strays from conversations about our personal life.

And even though Mother has many shortcomings, she has never really failed us. Mother worries about us both physically and emotionally; she wakes up every morning wishing good things will happen to us that day, and goes to bed every night kissing our young foreheads in her memories.

Mother never stops thinking about us, never stops loving us, and her heart never stops aching for us. These alone are exhausting

for Mother, yet she can never free herself of them; they are what make her Mother.

So every year, when we are forced to think about Mother’s Day, let’s remember what Mother is subjected to think about every single day of her life.

I am not trying to trivialize anyone’s relationship with his/her mother; I do understand that some of us have extremely difficult or non-existent relationships with her, and some of us have healthy, open relationships. I am just sharing what I have come to believe while relating to my own mother over the years. And if my mother can never truly be comfortable with my sexuality, in my heart I will always accept that what she goes through internally day after day is the byproduct of the profound love she has for me.

On Sunday, May 14th, celebrate with your Mother, in some way, her strength and inner beauty.

8pm, Saltair, 12408 W. Salt Air Drive, Magna. Tickets $25, call 355-ARTS or visit smithstix.com.

Upcoming Events

Food for Life Garden Party, May 20, People with AIDS Coalition of Utah Black Eyed Peas, May 20, E Center Coronation, May 28, Sheraton City Centre Hotel

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Q Home and Garden Curb Appeal: Converting Passersby into Buyers

The weather is nice and everyone is headed outside to spruce up their patios, plant flowers and tomatoes, or tend to the new crop of lawn grass. And if you’re looking to purchase a new home, you’ll take notice of front yards, decks, and entranceways, because what you see from the curb creates a powerful first impression. And if you’re hoping to take advantage of the spring real estate season — when properties tend to move faster than any other time of year — you will want to give your “curb appeal” (Realtor lingo for the way a house looks from the street or curb) a swift makeover.

Here are some tips on how to do it quickly and effectively, without blowing your budget: 1. Drive around the most attractive neighborhood you can find and study what others have done. You’ll find good info in the details. If you’re planning to paint your house before putting it on the market, this

is a great way to find out what the most appropriate colors are. How did they paint the shutters, and the door? Can you see the house numbers from the street, and are they in brass or just stenciled on the mailbox at the end of the driveway? Are the trashcans disguised? Take mental notes and inspiration from your little field trip.

2. Study your house from the street when you get home, and look for the eyesores.

Maybe the lawn has some brown or bald spots, or there is too much clutter near the entrance. Perhaps your flowerbeds need a more distinct border of low-lying fencing.

You can buy little sections of white picket that are only a foot tall, and create a sharplooking border within minutes. Dress up the deck with new lawn chairs and some hanging plants, if your old furniture looks too weathered or the deck needs more life.

3. Concentrate on the front door. Realtors

sometimes joke that their clients buy houses in order to get the wreath on the door, meaning that the wreath sells the house. Buy a new door if necessary – it is a focal point of the house, and if buying a $300 door or paying for a $75 paint job on the old door helps you sell a $300,000 house, it’s a smart investment.

4. With the help of a landscaper, tidy your yard. Trim the grass and hedges, put down fresh, rich-looking mulch or pine bark, and plant some inexpensive but colorful flowers. Consider it makeup for your home. $100 worth of new pine straw or hardwood mulch can make a drab yard look like a million bucks.

5. Clear growth away from the foundation.

When building inspectors study a house, they always check the foundation, and if shifted soil or overgrown weeds obscure it, it may hide serious problems. For instance, termites leave telltale tracks, but if the foundation is below grade, you can’t see those clues. At least 18-24 inches from the foundation outward should be clear and clean, so that there is enough room to maneuver around the house with one shoulder against the outside wall.

6. Clean out the gutters. If the gutters are clean, it indicates that you are a conscientious homeowner who probably takes excellent care of your property and maintains it like a professional.

8. If necessary, wash the windows. Yes, it’s

a chore, but when you go to look at houses, you want to be able to see the view, not the windows marred by handprints, cobwebs, and bird droppings.

8. Make sure that the porch lights, any decorative lights along the walkways, and the doorbell are all in perfect working order.

Nothing deflates a good initial impression like a doorbell that’s broken. Leave the lights on to accentuate the beauty you worked so hard to create, and it might indirectly illuminate your path to a faster closing.

Keep in mind that the sky’s the limit when it comes to projects around the house, and if you are just trying to improve curb appeal, there is no need to go overboard. Your friends may tell you that Roger and Jack sold their house because it had a fabulous waterfall feature in the yard. Or Suzanne and Karen may have gotten full price after they planted Japanese maples and put in a new hot tub. Do your own research, plan your own budget, and then do whatever you think will get you a guaranteed return on your investment. Making your house look spiffy might require a weekend or two of extra chores, but it does not have to break the bank.

After all, it’s the time of year when everyone has spring fever and wants to go outside and play, and if you’re marketing your house, you already have enough going on in your life. Get outside and smell the roses now and then, and your real estate process will be much less stressful.

To find a Realtor who specializes in services to the gay and lesbian community, contact ­gayrealestate.com, the world’s largest online network of real estate professionals.

*AMES (ICKS

Travis Queens of Denial

by Travis Labrum

travis@qsaltlake.com

Denial may not be a river in Egypt, but it definitely runs with queens.

Whether we’re talking about Egyptian royalty, or sassy self-proclaimed delicate tree trunks of men in six-inch heels, or gay men in general, the compulsion to lie is strong for many of us.

Our lies vary from denying our use of concealer, to fabricating stories about our sex lives, to more serious issues that have perilous consequences if left unattended. We lie to others, and even ourselves, with such regularity that we often don’t even notice.

Take me for instance.

I’ve denied my 6’1’’ build and general good health in order to attest my fragility, so many times that I now believe I’m no hardier than an eightyyear-old paralyzed hemophiliac with four T-cells. As a consequence, every time an angry baby lesbian scowls at me (doubtlessly jealous that I wear femininity better than she), I avert my eyes, smile meekly, and make note of the exits.

By nature I’m a sassy bitch, and every time I’m scowled at, my initial reaction is to purse my lips, flare my nostrils, and conspicuously look the offender up and down in amazed disgust that she uncannily attracts more men than I. But I never do. Since I tell myself I’m a wilting daisy, I have no choice but to actively avoid any confrontation which has the potential to be more than verbal bitch slapping. And I have to be especially wary of someone ostensibly ominous, including angry ex-girl scouts that are two feet shorter and 60 pounds lighter than I. The fear is that if one of these lesbians decides to go ape on my ass, my only chance of survival will be the unlikely triumph of dialing 911 with my nose while having my face ground into the floor.

I never realize this at the time, but this fear makes about as much sense as Sen. Buttars. These bandana wearing 100-pound lesbians are like yappy miniature pinchers and I’m no yorkie. With this beautiful fluffy hair, and delicate sophisticated stride, I’m a poodle — and with this build, I’m a full size poodle. As such, I could easily remove an ear from each of the feigningly rough, yet adorably small chicks. The problem is that I’ve talked myself into thinking I’m a lhasa apso and the mini pinchers know this as well as they know cynicism and Alanis Morissette.

Admittedly, most gay men don’t lie as much as I do about their ability to defend themselves, but we all definitely lie to ourselves about our build. Why else do we have jeans four inches smaller than our actual waist in our closets?

In fact, gay men casually lie about a lot of things: age, weight, relationship status, and, of course, the size of one of our reproductive organs. I’m sure we’ve all heard a potential bedmate compare his endowment to a polish hotdog, a banana, a pepper grinder, a cucumber, a 32-ounce beer can, a squash, a billy club, or my all-time favorite, a collapsed umbrella. (I couldn’t resist but asking, “When it rains does it pour?”)

By no means am I claiming that gay men

monopolize denial or lying in general, everyone’s guilty of it. But we do seem to lie more frequently and, god knows, more feasibly than our hetero counterparts. It’s no wonder, considering many of us weren’t entirely able to be candid about who we were or are.

The good news is that those pesky years of adolescence, when we denied our attraction to the football team and our love of musicals, and when we adamantly dated women and managed to keep a straight face while confirming that, yes, we found the foreplay absolutely titillating, if not spiritually fulfilling, weren’t complete wastes of time and were beneficial to honing our gift of deft and seamless lying.

The bad news is that having to provide our parents with the polished explanations that we were merely wrestling with Bobby — coincidentally in the nude — that the Playgirl mags were meant to help us understand what women want, or that the KY was for moisturizing (god, even then we sounded gay), didn’t exactly bolster candor and self respect as core beliefs and we kinda need those.

Whether or not we’re in a position to be forthright with those we interact with, at the very least we need to start being honest with ourselves and take pride in who we are.

I’ve learned to love, and should love, being a beautiful, toenail-painted, sash wearing, graceful and, yes, full size poodle. It’s just the combination of always being in heat and never having a boyfriend that I’m still not crazy about.

As a consequence, every time an angry baby lesbian scowls at me, I avert my eyes, smile meekly, and make note of the exits.

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Angel and Anti-Christ

The in-law also admitted she used to get high with Whitney but has since gotten clean.

The rumors that followed were similarly outlandish: Whitney gets so high she has random lesbian escapades. Whitney’s done so much crack her teeth have all fallen out, she wears dentures. Whitney’s disappeared for days on end and no one knows where she goes. To add insult to injury, she allegedly showed up at the rehab facility without her chomper. Girl, when you leave home without your teeth, THAT’S the rock bottom everyone’s been talking about.

This trip to rehab, however, was without the knowledge of Bobby, according to his sister, Tina Brown. She told Britain’s The Mirror: “At first he thought she was just off on another drug binge. It took a few days to find out from Whitney’s family that they had

brutally honest words with action, but as a fan of just about anything the man’s ever done, I think I can safely speak for homos everywhere when I say, “I certainly hope so.”

And finally, before we sign off, some gratuitous skin for the sake of showing it.

This time around, our Hottie of the Week hails from France. Lucas Kerr has graced the cover of Out, hocked Absolut and seen his mug splashed all over Vogue France and Tetu. Now, we can stare at him and that near perfect body stateside, so sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Alrighty folks, time for me to move on to another article. I can’t spend all week talking smack, after all.

TO REVIEW: The hospital gift shop must have run out of fun savers when both TomKat and Brooke Shields delivered at the same time; Nick Lachey is crying buckets over the fact that Jessica may have strayed; Whitney lights up one more time she’s gonna be saying goodbye to more than her teeth and ditto for George Michael, who at least seems able to admit he has a problem.

m a y 1 , 2 0 0 6 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q 2 3

by Ross von Metzke One is an angel and one is the anti-Christ – at least that’s how it’s supposed to go, right?

When I first read that TomKat and Brooke Shields each had their babies on the same day, in the same flipping hospital, I thought it was some gossip columnists idea of a sick joke. I mean, you can’t make shit like this up, and yet there it was in black and white for all the world to see.

So yes, by now, most of you probably known that little Suri Cruise (her name means “princess” in Hebrew, “red rose” in Persian, because God forbid a celebrity parent pop out a kid and name it Sarah or Nancy) was brought into this fine world in a “supposedly” silent birthing room Tuesday afternoon in an LA area hospital.

As hospital orderlies were placing the duct tape over Katie’s mouth while dozens of friendly supporters surrounded the mom to be with signs reminding her to “shut the fuck up” as she began to push, down the hall, a nurse was administering an epidural to Brooke Shields and her supportive husband Chris Henchy — the room a silent oasis save for the sounds of Brooke screaming, “I can’t take this shit again!”

So why is this all so funny?

Well, if you were one of the few hibernating under a rock last year when all hell broke loose between Brooke and Tom, I’ll rehash. Brooke had a difficult first pregnancy and wrote a book about how anti-depressants saved her life following the birth of her kid. Scientologists believe anti-depressants are harmful, so he came out and said the drugs are wrong, Brooke should be ashamed of herself for taking them, and then added that it didn’t really matter much because her career was in the toilet. What that has to do with her losing it after popping out a kid, I don’t know, but moving on.

Brooke swung back, saying Tom should stick to what he knows, and pregnant ladies ain’t it. She also said his comments did a disservice to pregnant women everywhere. Well less than a year later, he’s got his own kid, and while friends have rallied, saying Tom is “the best father they know,” I’m holding out judgment until the first time this one winds up in therapy and the school counselor suggests Prozac. Then what?

Until that time, I’m thinking Tom and Brooke should bury the hatchet and arrange for their two little girls to meet for playdates.

If Brooke has half as much trouble getting over this pregnancy as she did last time, we know she could use the break, and Katie needs someone to watch the kid during her halfhour programming sessions upstairs, which leaves the man of the hour, Tombo, with two impressionable minds to brainwash.

Much luck, folks.

Moving on to another man who’s seen more than his fair share of scathing press in the last year: Nick Lachey, the soon to be the former Mr. Jessica Simpson, who is now telling the media the speculation surrounding his divorce is so intense, even he’s not sure what to believe. The lines between reality and Hollywood have blurred.

The couple split five months ago just

before (or after) Thanksgiving depending on who you ask (see, he gets more money in the settlement if it was after), and according to an interview Lachey granted Rolling Stone, he’s still trying to figure out exactly what went wrong. “I’ll tell you how I knew my marriage was over: I was told,” he tells the magazine.

A few other things he knows: 1. Jessica’s father did not break them up. “It would be easy for me to blame my divorce on [Joe Simpson],” he tells the magazine. “That would be convenient.

But at the end of the day, Jessica is a grown woman, and she made her own decision.”

2. Jessica’s success did not break them up.

“Her success, especially relating to the show, is my success. Her hit ‘With You’ is about me.

How could I be upset about that success?”

3. Jessica’s alleged affair didn’t break them up. “Sometimes I think it would be easier if I had just walked in the house and found her in bed with a guy. That would be clear-cut.

End of story. I wouldn’t have to deal with the uncertainty of adultery.” Still, he says later, even if she did cheat, it wasn’t the reason they’re finished.

Here’s my theory. It’s Ashlee Simspon’s fault. And why souldn’t it be? Everything else she comes into contact with turns to rot.

Blame the little trollop and move on Nick.

The way I see it, she’s about one nail short of a sealed coffin. Finish her off.

Another celebrity on the verge of finishing herself off it appears is Whitney Houston, who heads to rehab for the third time on the urging of her family … and that does not include Bobby Brown.

According to tabloid reports, Houston headed to an Arizona rehab facility without telling her husband. The report comes after a series of stories broke last week suggesting that the singer has managed to sink so deep into addiction, Whitney Houston, the Grammy winning singer who once was, is almost unrecognizable.

The first report broke a couple weeks back when Whitney’s sister in law sold a series of pictures, allegedly of Whitney’s crack den, to the National Enquirer, suggesting Whitney spends her days holed up in her bedroom smoking crack, getting high, talking to imaginary demons and masturbating. Check out the pic!

talked her into rehab. All Bobby told me is that she is in treatment, in a secluded place.”

At first, the gossip about Whitney was funny, but this is getting a bit excessive. These people have a kid, who is now allegedly living with family members indefinitely. This lady needs help – stat. So, anyone who used to marvel at the talent that was Whitney, say a little prayer, a good word, a positive thought. From the look of things, this cat’s just about reached her ninth life.

In other news on drug addicted celebrities, George Michael is allegedly slipping down a dangerous path of drug abuse, a friend has warned. Musician Toby Bourke told the Daily Mirror he has often urged his pop star friend to get help.

“I fear he’s putting his life at risk,” he told the tabloid. “He needs to get professional help before it is too late. Drugs have turned him into a stoned waster and made him depressed. Dope is his poison. Dope destroyed his will to work.”

The singer, who was found by cops earlier this month slumped over his steering wheel in possession of drugs, has been candid with the press in saying he takes full responsibility and did a stupid thing. No word yet on whether the singer plans to follow up those

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Horoscopes For the Month of May

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ARIES (Mar 21–Apr 20) What is it that motivates gay Rams now? I think it must be money, money, money. The secret to happiness is management of your load. Careful planning will bring its rewards but thriftiness will not scratch your itch. There are a few little expensive trinkets that you simply must have.

Sun in Taurus has you checking out assorted bottom lines.

Anyone we know?

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TAURUS (Apr 21–May 21) Sun in your own sign signifies new beginnings, new people and a new perspective on life. This means that you should not rest on your laurels nor should you rely on the usual tricks of the trade to just get by. Just “getting by� will simply not do. Stretch yourself, queer Bull. Get out of your box and go where you have never gone before. No, not Scranton.

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GEMINI (May 22–Jun 21) A light shines in your closet and reveals a load of dust and assorted grimy garbage. Clean it out pink Twin. Your secrets are posted on the front page and anything you try to hide will be revealed to the immediate world. Good. Sun in Taurus provides a reason for living. There is a spring in your step and a warmth in your spirit. Or is it just the fajita you had for lunch?

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CANCER (Jun 22–Jul 23) Don’t be surprised if you draw a crowd when the Sun enters Taurus. Pink Crabs are suddenly thrust into the epi‑ center of the social swirl where they happily take charge. You become the lifeblood of any event and have some great ideas as to how to bring various people together. Friends just can’t get enough of you. Family, however, is another thing.

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LEO (Jul 24–Aug 23) Proud Lions are corporately inclined. Keep a watchful eye on corporate politics — you can discern any distant rum‑ blings and make it work in your favor. If you are not currently in charge, you are given an opportunity to show senior staff what you can do. Strut your stuff upon the stage. Be sure that it is not a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury and signifying nothing.

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VIRGO (Aug 24–Sep 23) If you are not planning a nice relaxing vacation now, you should be. Sun in Taurus highlights anything that gets you away from the usual and enables you to spread your influence globally. It can be by cruising the internet or just cruising on the ocean. Queer Virgins will benefit from some time away from the bee hive. How about some vodka stingers by the sea?

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LIBRA (Sep 24–Oct 23) Scratch an itch and focus on what really turns you on while the Sun basks in Taurus. Gay Libras feel sexy, sultry and even a bit mischievous. Don’t be shy. You manage to find a few co-conspirators to enable you in your assorted sorted pursuits. So allow your friskiness full reign. You simply cannot be tied down. Unless of course that is your “thing.�

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SCORPIO (Oct 24–Nov 22) Sun in Taurus strongly suggests that you make your big move. Proud Scorps may be hanging on the sidelines, watching all the action and waiting for the right time. Well the time is now. You can make some powerful connections %ACH 3UDOKU HAS A UNIQUE SOLUTION THAT CAN BE REACHED to others and form strong relationships. For those comfort‑ LOGICALLY WITHOUT GUESSING %NTER DIGITS FROM TO INTO THE BLANK SPACES %VERY ROW MUST CONTAIN ONE OF EACH DIGIT 3O ably settled in, use this time to strengthen the ties that bind.

Maybe tie the knot? Ouch!

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23–Dec 22) Spring is in the air! So let’s start thinking about summer and swimsuit season. Take a good sidelong look in the mirror and see if you are ready for your close-up. Hmm. Sun in Taurus gives you the impetus to get into better shape and revitalize your overall health and fitness. Gay Archers can also tackle any detailed project and clear their desks of work. Oh goodie.

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CAPRICORN (Dec 23–Jan 20) This is no time to be serious and pouty. Enjoy life, a flirty romance or a wilde artistic diversion. The party finds you and you must be ready to participate. Sun in Taurus unleashes your “fun� side and encourages all pink Caps to take a creative leap or two. Does a cabaret act involving a can opener, mouse ears and a jar of pickles count?

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AQUEERIUS (Jan 21–Feb 19) Serious consideration should be paid to any domestic issue. Aqueerians feel in the middle of a tornado that blows their feelings, possessions and assorted plans into the far winds. This is the week to gain control and place things back in order. And maybe not in the exact same order. Don’t recreate old patterns. Break free, be yourself and dance the dance. No, not disco.

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PISCES (Feb 20–Mar 20) Speak from the heart, let others know how you feel and expect some wonderful responses. That should be your mantra this week, Guppie. You are eloquent for a change and have a lot of “asks.� Ask away! Before you know it your cockles are warmed and your persona is very cool. Life is a bowl of cherries. Gee, do they really like bowling?

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Arts

Salt Lake Men’s Choir performs at benefits and four major concerts a year. saltlakemenschoir.org Bisexual

Bi Men of Utah. Social and support group for bi/gay men of Utah.

groups.yahoo.com/group/Bi-Gay-Men-Utah

1to5 Club for those who identify as bisexual meets the second Thurs. at 7pm at The Center and then socially throughout the month. groups.­ yahoo.com/group/1to5club Employee

CONVERGYS ­Employees meet your GLBT co-workers. groups.yahoo.com/group/cvg-glbt FAMILY GROUPS

Gay and Lesbian Families of Utah for gays or lesbians who are parents or are thinking of becoming parents and live in Utah. ­geocities. com/glfamilyut

PFLAG SALT LAKE - Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends. pflagslc.org/ Family Fellowship is a diverse collection of Mormon families engaged in the cause of strengthening families with homosexual members. groups.yahoo.com/group/FamilyFellowship/ Food/Wine

Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire. Support your community! rcgse.org

Utah Bear Alliance is a social and service organization for Bears and those who have an affinity for them. utahbears.com Utah Cyber Sluts is a camp drag group of performers that raises funds for charities. ­utahcybersluts.com Health

People With AIDS Coalition of Utah provides educational and support services that enhance the quality of life for all people impacted by HIV/AIDS 484-2205

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ARE YOU HIV+? Pride Coun‑ seling has restarted a Therapy/ Support Group for men who are HIV infected and seeking sup‑ port from others in similar situa‑ tions. For information please call Jerry Buie LCSW at 595-0666 Queer TV. Comcast not giv‑ ing you what you need? Sign up for DirecTV through this gay-owned and operated busi‑ ness and a $20 donation will be made to a gay charity.

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Utah Male Naturists Naked lunches, outings and camping trips in a sex-free environment. umen.org Utah Polyamory Society provides a safe, accepting atmosphere EQuality Utah is a statewide for open discussions about polyamopolitical advocacy organization for les- ry issues. Meets at The Center on the bian, gay, bisexual and transgender first Tues. and in Ogden on the 4th people to secure equality and fairSun. at the Ogden Youth Outreach Ctr, ness. equalityutah.org 24th & Porter St. Suite 2B groups.­ yahoo.com/group/UtahPolyamorySociety/ Gay/Straight Animal Spiritual Rights Alliance. Human Rights / Animal Rights ... the only dif- Gay RMs Social group for reference is ignorance. gsara.uarc.com/ turn missionaries of the LDS Church.

Same-gender Marriage Regular parties and group activities. is a Feminist Issue: NOW’s mission is gayRMs.com to promote equality for ALL women.

Affirmation: Gay and utahnow.org Lesbian Mormons. Sunday Gay Forum Utah, a free meetings 534‑8693 ­­­members.aol.com/­wasatchweb speech zone. Soap box orators, speech makers welcome. Tell Glory to God Communicommunity leaders what you ty Church. We are a Biblethink. groups.yahoo.com/group/gay_ based, non-denominational, welcomforum_utah/ ing and affirming Christian church in Professional Ogden. Sunday Services at 9AM and Lesbian Gay Affirma11AM. 394-0204 ­glory2god.org tive Therapists Utah is Holladay United a networking group for therapists Church of Christ. We are that meets monthly at members’ a community that grows outwardly by homes to talk about outreach, drawing ever–widening circles of inservice, related issues, and ther‑ clusion. We are people seeking to do apy with GLBT individuals and God’s work in the world.277-2631 couples. health.groups.yahoo.com/ holladayucc.org

group/­lgbtaffirmativetherapistsofutah/ Resources

Utah Queer Events. Submit group events and see what’s happening in your community. groups.yahoo.com/group/utahqueerevents

Join QSaltLake Yahoo group GAY WINEtastings. qVinum for breaking news and free or reduced is a fabulous group of wine lovers arts and event tickets. that holds tasting in members’ homes. groups.yahoo.com/qsaltlake qVinum.com Fraternal

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SOCIAL GROUPS

gaybikersofUT ¡ The everyones motorcycle group! autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/­

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Single lesbian? Meet other single lesbians for friendship and social events. ­­groups.yahoo.com/group/ lesbian_singles/

Utah Alternative Garden Club is for for anyone interested in gardens, flowers, plants and home projects. We meet the first Wed. of every month at the Sugar House Park garden building, 7:30pm. utahalternativegardenclub.­freehomepage.com

Lavender Tribe A spiritual journey for the GLBT community for spirituality and self awareness. Meets Wed. at The Center. lavendertribe.org LDS Reconciliation is a resource for gay Mormon men, women and their families. ­296-4797 ldsreconciliation.org Sports

Team Salt Lake is a multisport organization promoting LGBT sports in Utah and supporting those teams in their competitive efforts in attending the Gay Games. teamslc.org Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Salt Lake City is a walking and running club for the GLBT community and our gay and lesbian affirming friends. ­frontrunnersslc.org Lambda Hiking Club. Providing friendly, safe, and fun outdoor activities for Utah’s GLBT community 532-8447 gayhike.org

Utah Gay Rodeo Association. PO Box 511255 SLC, UT 84151 ugra.net PRIDE COMMUNITY SOFTBALL LEAGUE plays Sundays at www.­pwacu.org Jordan Park, 1050 S. 1000 W. through Utah Aids Foundation. the summer. ­pridesoftball.org groups.yahoo.com/group/free_utah_glbt_ Helping with the complex issues of military_online/ Queer Utah Aquatic HIV/AIDS. 487-2323 utahaids.org Southern Utah Gay & Lesbi- Club invites swimmers and water Political an Community Group. A place to post polo players of ANY skill level.

American Civil Liberties messages and happenings for South- QuacQuac.org.

Salt Lake Women in Union. Fighting for individual freedoms ern Utah. (435)313-0756 groups.

Action is a recreational club since 1958. 521-9862 acluutah.org yahoo.com/group/suglbtcc/ NEW Girl IN TOWN? Inter- for women in the community Code Pink, a ­women-initiated and other liberal minded women. ested in meeting new friends? Join peace, social justice movement. codepinkalert.com ­ slwomeninaction.com  sWerve. swerveutah.com Free Utah GLBT Military is an online community for Utah’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender military. Here we could talk, discuss and act upon issues affecting all of us.

Stonewall Shooting Sports of Utah. Firearm advo‑ cates and owners in Utah, pro‑ moting self defense for gender and sexual minorities. stonewallshootingsportsutah.org

Student Groups

LGBT Resource Center at the Univ. of Utah provides ed‑ ucation, information and advo‑ cacy services and works to cre‑ ate an open, safe and supportive environment for the entire LGBT campus community. 587.7973 www.sa.utah.edu/lgbt/

University of Utah Lesbian and Gay Student Union, Mondays at 7:30pm in the Union Den. utah.edu/lgsu/

Weber State Gay and Straight Alliance; Tuesdays at 8 p.m., Shepherd Union Building Junction. 388-5078 organizations. weber.edu/gsa/

Gay and at BYU is for anyone who is currently attending BYU. Gay, lesbian, bi, straight, discreet and open are all welcome. groups. yahoo.com/group/gayandatbyu/

Gay BYU for Brigham Young University alumni and students who consider themselves gay, lesbi‑ an, bisexual or who are sympathet‑ ic to gay issues. groups.yahoo.com/ group/gaybyu/

UVSC Gay-Straight Alliance for individuals of an alternate sexuality or those who support an alternate sexuality. A support group for glbt individuals where everyone is welcome. Most activities held at Utah Valley State College or nearby locations. groups.myspace.com/UVSCGSA Transgender

Engendered ­Species A social/support group resources for transgender people. 320-0551.

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GLYA - Gay LDS Young Adults is a group of gay LDS guys and girls age 18-30 that get together, socialize and have fun in a positive atmosphere. glya.com

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