QSaltLake, May 15, 2006

FREE

Utah’s Gay and Lesbian Newspaper May 16–31, 2006

Guide to Coronation XXXI Royal Court to elect new monarchs, hold grand ball

BYU May Expel Pro-gay Protesters Even if not gay, students cannot ‘promote gay lifestyle’

Tooele Commissioners: Sour Grapes?

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month Jerusalem Home to World Pride 2006 Laurie Gets Random Purr Bats at Home in Salt Lake Q Agenda

2 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6

May 16–31, 2006

Reduced to Tears

by Michael Aaron michael@qsaltlake.com

I pulled a Larry Miller the other night. No, I didn’t offend a segment of the community by some dumb-assed knee-jerk decision, I did the other thing Larry Miller is famous for: I cried in public. On stage, to be exact. Lucky for me, Fox 13 News wasn’t there to immortalize the moment.

So what, I wondered, would make me cry in front of a bar full of people when someone hands me a piece of crystal with my name etched on it?

I didn’t cry at Brokeback Mountain. Any of the three times I saw it. I think I went the second and third times just to see if it would finally coax a tear. Nope. Nada. Zip. Frankly, the movie made me angry‌ but that’s another column for another day.

I do, however, find myself with a closed trachea and need for a sleeve over something as silly as tampon commercials or the schmaltzy ones that end with “Family... it’s about... time.� But not in public. I guess that’s reserved for very special moments.

I remember crying at thanksgiving one year because my grandfather was looking a bit gaunt. We had been told several months before that he had bone cancer. This was the first sign I saw that he wasn’t going to be around forever.

I locked myself into a downstairs bathroom and went at it. Several minutes later my grandmother came to find me and knocked. I let her in and explained myself.

She replied with, “Oh how cute, you’ve had too much wine.�

She may have been right. But I was still sad.

And she may have been right if she had been there last weekend. But I was still touched.

Gay activists in this community (and from what I have been told — most communities) tend to get eaten up, spit out and cast aside as a thank you for their service. It is a rare moment that someone takes the time to stop you to say, “gee, you’re doing a great thing. I really appreciate that.� It is even rarer when a

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

ON THE COVER Two of the three winners of the first QSaltLake Coverboy Contest, Stratten Moore and Isaac Hart, cuddle up with contest host Nova Starr of Gossip! First place contest winner Jacob Whipple will be featured solo on a future cover, but you can catch a sneak peak at him on the QScene page, 25.

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.

Salt Lick Publishing, LLC

Magon Wilson

PO Box 511247 Salt Lake City, UT 84151-1247

706-7971

(800) 806-7357

05",)3().'

3 ! ,4 , ) # + 0 5 " , ) 3 ( ) . ' # / -

M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q 3

Editor Arts Editor Proofreader Office Mgr. Distribution

group of people collectively pulls your name out of a hat and calls you worthy.

That is exactly what happened last weekend. The Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire gave me the Lifetime Achievement Award.

My first thought as my name was called was, “I must have misheard that. I’m only here on a fluke. No one told me to show up.�

But then, I replayed what just happened and my name still came out. My second thought was, “but no one in this group knows anything about what I’ve done in the past. I still couldn’t have heard that right.�

Then people started looking at me as I sat there with a puzzled look on my face. They all couldn’t have misheard it, could they?

I stood up and kind of stumbled toward the stage and ‌ it started happening. Waterworks. “How in the hell‌â€?

As I was heading back to my seat after grabbing the award and having my picture taken (luckily the picture on page 25 is in black and white – no red eyes visible), Peter Savas, reigning emperor, stopped me to explain that he had researched the award and asked other people who have been around for a zillion years as well, and my name popped up again and again. So, he asked Bruce Barton about me and out came my life story. God bless you, Bruce.

So, yeah, it is touching to receive an award about something you constantly wonder if anyone else notices. That, mixed with a cocktail or two, reduces those of us passionate stereotypical Cancers to a puddle of saltwater.

And for that, I am truly grateful to the Court for taking the time to say “job well done.� Back at ya.

WORLD Two Additional Arrests in St. Martin Anti-Gay Attack

Jerusalem to Be Home to Worldpride 2006 Jerusalem — WorldPride, a week-long international lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) event, will be held in the Holy City this year. Jerusalem Open

4 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6

Two lesbians celebrate WorldPride 2005 in Rome

House, lead organizer of Jerusalem WorldPride, will collaborate with thousands of activists and organizers from around the globe for a week of discussion, camaraderie and community.

Jerusalem WorldPride will be a massive demonstration of gay and lesbian pride and human rights. Major events include an Multifaith LGBT Clergy Conference, a Pride March and outdoor festival, Human Rights Day, LGBT Health Day, an International LGBT Youth conference, an LGBT Film Festival, and the Keshet Gaava annual conference. Broad cultural programming will occur throughout the week, including theatrical performances, art exhibitions and parties.

“The message sent from Jerusalem WorldPride will echo throughout the world, redefining our community´s identity, faith and vision,” said Hagai El-Ad, Executive Director of Jerusalem Open House, the Holy City´s gay community and advocacy organization. JOH works to serve the Jerusalem community including Palestinians, Israelis, Jews, Muslims and Christians — to advance social change and promote tolerance and pluralism. “In these times of intolerance and conflict, this is a historical opportunity to proclaim the moral values of our community from the home of three of the world´s great religions. We encourage LGBT leaders, community members and our allies from around the world to attend.”

The spotlight shown even more brightly on Jerusalem last week as the cancellation of Tel Aviv´s annual local Pride celebration was announced. “It is very exciting that Tel Aviv Pride is joining us in Jerusalem this August,” said JOH´s Chairperson, Noa Sattath. “We´re thrilled to have the full support of our brothers and sisters in Tel Aviv.”

A broad coalition of organizations from around the world is working together with JOH to plan WorldPride, including major LGBT and human rights organizations such as InterPride, the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign, welcoming Christian congregations including the Metropolitan Community Church, the New Israel Fund, various gay and lesbian synagogues and many others.

Although Jerusalem WorldPride will encompass many themes, religion will be a focal point. The Multifaith LGBT Clergy Conference, titled “Reclaiming Our Faith and Our Heritage,” will allow people of all faiths

to explore ways in which our teachings convey respect for the dignity of all people.

“As a Muslim scholar and spiritual activist striving for the eradication of homophobia within Muslim communities, I find it imperative to seize any opportunity that might aid this cause,” said Imam Muhsin Hendricks, President of The Inner Circle, an organization advocating for South Africans who are gay and Muslim.

“I find in this invitation [to attend WorldPride] an opportunity to share information on Islam and sexual diversity, hoping that the exchange of knowledge and experience will benefit and continue to benefit those who feel a need to reconcile faith with sexuality and those who work in this field.”

“Many of us will be gathering in Jerusalem not only to celebrate gay pride, but also to celebrate our spiritual pride,” said Reverend Dr. Troy D. Perry, founder of the Metropolitan Community Church, the world´s largest gay church group and co-chair of the WorldPride Multifaith Clergy Conference.

“We´re coming as pilgrims to pay homage to the three faiths of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam that hold Jerusalem sacred. I´m inviting everyone I know to come to WorldPride with me in August.”

As of press time, over 1,000 clergy of all faiths have signed a petition in support of Jerusalem WorldPride, speaking out after various conservative religious groups — Christian, Jewish and Muslim — called for a halt to gay and lesbian events in the Holy City. “The religious right does not own the mantle of holiness,” said Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Co-Chair of the WorldPride´s North American organizing committee and spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Simhat Torah, the synagogue for the New York metropolitan area´s 200,000 queer Jews. “Jerusalem, a living, holy city, a pilgrimage site for people of many faiths and many beliefs, increases in holiness when all are welcome within her walls. During WorldPride, we will unite as one community to declare that Jerusalem belongs to all of us.”

JOH has deeply considered the significance of WorldPride´s location: Jerusalem, the city at the heart of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. “The complex political realities within Jerusalem, and the difficulties of building a community beyond physical and political boundaries are considerable,” said Haneen Maikey, Director of JOH´s groundbreaking Palestinian Community Programming project. “However, WorldPride in Jerusalem is a unique opportunity to advance our rights and our visibility as part of our ongoing struggle for dignity and equality. JOH Palestinian activists have proudly contributed in previous Jerusalem Pride celebrations, and we look forward to an even larger role this year.” Maikey added that WorldPride participants will have numerous opportunities to learn about local advances in gay rights and other human rights struggles in the region, to broaden their perspectives on the Jerusalem separation wall, and to engage in interfaith dialogue.

St. Martin — Saint Martin’s Commissioners of Tourism, Theo Heyliger and Romeo Fleming, confirmed the apprehension of two additional suspects in the attack against two American gay men last month. This brings the total of those detained for their alleged participation in the incident to three.

In a joint statement Mr. Heyliger and Mr. Fleming said, “The entire community of St. Maarten/St. Martin expresses its gratitude for the cooperative efforts of the Chief Prosecutor’s office with French officials in apprehending these individuals.”

“We are pleased that those responsible for this heinous crime on St. Maarten have been identified and will be brought to justice. Our concern has been, and always will be, for the safety and security of all who visit our island.

This community is firmly committed to being a welcome environment for persons of all ethnic, religious and social orientations.”

The statement by the tourism commissioners points out that Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is a destination that has long been recognized for its safety, friendliness and absence of crime.

Both Commissioners also confirmed that Chief Prosecutor for the Windward Island, Taco Stein, is continuing his investigation noting that he is still seeking the detainment of two additional suspects and taking possession of the vehicle in which the suspects were traveling.

Located 150 miles southeast of Puerto Rico, St. Maarten/St. Martin boasts a rich history, more than 350 restaurants, 37 beaches, duty-free shopping, varied accommodations, diverse recreational activities, convenient day trips to neighboring islands, casinos and an active nightlife. The 37square-mile island is the smallest landmass to be shared by two separate governments, with Dutch St. Maarten covering 16 square miles to the south and French St. Martin stretching 21 square miles to the north. As a result, residents comprise a melting pot of 140 nationalities and numerous languages and dialects.

For more information on St. Martin, visit www. st-martin.org.

NATIONAL NGLTF Returns Dean Donation

by Angela D’Amboise Washington D.C. — The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is returning a $5,000 donation from the Democratic National Party after party chairman Howard Dean mischaracterized the DNP platform on gay rights in an interview intended to court the evangelical vote.

Though the New York Times reports that Dean corrected himself Thursday amid pressure from advocacy groups to set the record straight, Dean went on record with the Christian Broadcasting Network, saying the 2004 Democratic platform declares “marriage is between a man and a woman.”

But the DNP quickly corrected that the platform does not define marriage that way, and his remarks prompted the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force to return the donation, despite Dean acknowledging the mistake.

“We need for Governor Dean to demonstrate real leadership on our issues,” executive director Matt Foreman said in an interview with the Times, “not to equivocate depending on the audience.”

Dean had a tall order in front of him in sitting down for an interview with religious conservatives: Conservatives are opposition

to the Democratic Party’s positions on abortion rights, gay rights and some other social issues. In the interview, the Times reports that Dean said “one of the misconceptions about the Democratic Party is that we’re godless and that we don’t have any values.”

“The truth is, we have an enormous amount in common with the Christian community, and particularly with the evangelical Christian community. And one of the biggest things that Democrats worry about is the materialism of our country, what’s on television that our kids are seeing, and the lack of spirituality.”

One of the major points of contention in the 2004 election was marriage rights, an issue the Democratic party took a notoriously soft stand on. In the interview with the network, Dean said: “The Democratic Party platform from 2004 says that marriage is between a man and a woman. That’s what it says.”

After gay rights groups went public with its complaints about his remarks, Dean acknowledged: “I misstated the Democratic Party’s platform, which does not say marriage should be limited to a man and a woman.” He then went on to reaffirm the party’s stance on equality rights for all.

Foreman said Dean should be persuading Democrats to fight against ballot initiatives seeking to ban gay marriage, but instead has misrepresented the party’s “important and affirming plank” several times.

“There has been a disturbing lack of clarity from Governor Dean about where we fit into the party and the country,” he said after Dean corrected himself.

Romney Redirects Gay Commission Boston — Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney gave thought to killing a state commission on gay youth after it promoted a gay pride rally hosted by a cross-dresser.

Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom said the press release was “not something that we would have the governor associated with,” noting that the rally was “hosted by a crossdresser and celebrating, among other things, transgenderism.”

Romney, a Republican who is weighing a campaign for president in 2008, has been pressured by some anti-gay-rights activists to disband the commission, which was the first of its kind in the country when Gov. William Weld created it in 1992.

The commission’s press release announced a Wizard of Oz-theme rally, held Saturday, hosted by “drag king Heywood Wakefield” and designed to celebrate “gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer youth and their supporters.”

Kathleen Henry, chairman of the Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth, said the governor’s chief of staff told her that Romney had issued an executive order abolishing the panel, but then changed his mind.

Fehrnstrom said the governor never issued such an order. He said Romney weighed shutting the commission down, but “thought that was too harsh.”

Instead, Romney is directing the commission to focus on counseling and violenceand suicide-prevention strategies, Fehrnstrom said.

The event is the 12th gay youth pride parade sponsored in part by the commission.

In at least one year, 2003, Romney signed a state proclamation supporting the event.

MassResistance president Brian Camenker said his group pressured Romney to end the commission, presenting his staff with photos from last year’s parade featuring “boys dressed up in fishnet stockings, high heels and women’s clothes parading down the middle of Boylston Street, boys with brassieres embracing each other.”

M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q 5

GLSEN Surveys Gay and Lesbian Students Washington, D.C. — The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, or GLSEN, has announced findings from the 2005 National School Climate Survey, the only national survey to document the experiences of students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender in America’s schools. The survey results were released at the National Press Club in conjunction with GLSEN’s 10th national Day of Silence.

“The 2005 National School Climate Survey reveals that anti-LGBT bullying and harassment remain commonplace in America’s schools,” said GLSEN Founder and Executive Director Kevin Jennings. “On the positive side, it also makes clear that inclusive policies, supportive school staff and student clubs, like Gay-Straight Alliances, all relate to reduced harassment and higher achieving students.”

Key Findings of the 2005 National School Climate Survey include:

6 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6

THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM: • 75.4 percent of students heard derogatory remarks such as “faggot” or “dyke” frequently or often at school, and nearly nine out of ten (89.2 percent) reported hearing “that’s so gay” or “you’re so gay” - meaning stupid or worthless - frequently or often.

• Over a third (37.8 percent) of students experienced physical harassment at school on the basis of sexual orientation and more than a quarter (26.1 percent) on the basis of their gender expression. Nearly onefifth (17.6 percent) of students had been physically assaulted because of their sexual

orientation and over a tenth (11.8 percent) because of their gender expression.

ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT, ASPIRATIONS AND ACHIEVEMENT: • LGBT students were five times more likely to report having skipped school in the last month because of safety concerns than the general population of students.

• LGBT students who experience more frequent physical harassment were more likely to report they did not plan to go to college. Overall, LGBT students were twice as likely as the general population of students to report they were not planning to pursue any post-secondary education.

• The average GPA for LGBT students who were frequently physically harassed was half a grade lower than that of LGBT students experiencing less harassment (2.6 versus 3.1).

POSITIVE INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORT: • The presence of supportive staff contributed to a range of positive indicators including greater sense of safety, fewer reports of missing days of school, and a higher incidence of planning to attend college.

• Students in schools with a GSA were less likely to feel unsafe, less likely to miss school, and more likely to feel like they belonged at their school than students in schools with no such clubs.

• Having a comprehensive policy was related to a lower incidence of hearing homophobic remarks and to lower rates of verbal harassment. Students at schools

with inclusive policies also reported higher rates of intervention by school staff when homophobic remarks were made.

Only nine states and the District of Columbia have comprehensive anti-bullying laws that specifically address bullying and harassment based on sexual orientation and only three of these laws mention gender identity. Nine other states have “generic” anti-bullying laws that do not specifically define “bullying” or enumerate categories of protected classes such as sexual orientation or gender identity. The remaining 32 states have no laws at all.

The NSCS found that both states with “generic” anti-bullying laws and states with no law at all had equally high rates of verbal harassment. States with inclusive policies that specifically enumerate categories including sexual orientation and gender identity, however, have significantly lower rates of verbal harassment (31.6 percent vs.

40.8 percent).

“These reports from LGBT students echo recent reports from the larger population of students in the United States,” said Joseph Kosciw, Ph.D., research director for GLSEN. “In a recent national study conducted by GLSEN and Harris Interactive, 62.5 percent of secondary school students reported that other students were called names or harassed at their school on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation, which was very similar to the 64.1 percent of LGBT students in the NSCS who reported experiencing such harassment.”

The National School Climate Survey was released in coordination with GLSEN’s 10th national Day of Silence where nearly a half million students from 4,000 secondary schools and colleges took part in activities to address the serious problems of anti-gay bullying and harassment, while advocating for solutions — like inclusive policies, GSAs and educator trainings —to ensure safe schools for ALL students.

The complete survey may be obtained by visiting www.glsen.org.

NCLR Settles Suite on Behalf of Gay Ice Skaters Berkeley, Calif. — Award-winning amateur figure skaters John Manzon-Santos and Alan Lessik reached a settlement with ice skating rink company East Bay Iceland, which will require its employees to undergo diversity training and prominently display placards in part stating “[Iceland] undertakes continual efforts to open the world of skating to individuals in an environment free from intimidation, harassment, or bias.” ManzonSantos and Lessik are represented by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and Fred Alvarez, Amy Todd, and Tamara Fisher of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.

While training for the pairs competition at Berkeley, California’s Iceland, Manzon-Santos and Lessik alleged they were harassed, discriminated against, and kicked out of their home rink for skating together, hampering their ability to practice their routines and properly train for the Gay Games.

Manzon-Santos and Lessik filed a complaint in Alameda County Superior Court seeking redress for the alleged discrimination they faced under the Unruh Civil Rights Act and the Berkeley Municipal Code, both of which prohibit discrimination in public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation.

“East Bay Iceland is a model partner,” said Karen Doering, senior counsel with NCLR. “They seriously listened to our concerns, recognized discrimination is damaging, and are taking every step to ensure discrimination does not happen at their establishments, including educating all of their employees with diversity trainings.”

In addition to mandatory diversity training for all of its employees and placards placed at East Bay Iceland’s three locations in Berkeley, Dublin, and Belmont, the corporation will make donations to both NCLR and the Federation of Gay Games. East Bay Iceland will issue a public apology and confirm their commitment to equal treatment of all patrons and will host a Gay/Straight Skate Night on a monthly basis.

M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q 7

Southern Utah Democrats Embrace the Gay and Lesbian Community LOCAL

Judge Rules SLC Council ‘Adult Designee’ Benefit Does Not Violate Utah Law

8 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6

In a five-page decision, Third District Judge Stephen Roth ruled May 12 that the Salt Lake City Council’s “adult designee” benefit does not violate Utah law, which prohibits any government-issued benefit that is “substantially equivalent” to any “benefit provided under Utah law to a man and a woman because they are married.”

The judge noted that “as a practical matter single employees may have relationships outside marriage, whether motivated by family feeling, emotional attachment or practical considerations, which draw on their resources to provide the necessities of life, including health care.”

This side-steps the question of equal treatment for gay ad lesbian employees, since nearly any “adult designee” is eligible for the benefits under the council’s plan.

Designees must intend to live together indefinitely and be financially dependent.

Mayor Rocky Anderson had signed an executive order last September extending health benefits to domestic partners of gay and lesbian workers. The council trumped the mayor’s plan by extending the benefits in a more broad fashion. Anderson and

gay rights activists complained that such a plan would lose the impact for the furtherance of gay rights.

Anderson told the media that he is pleased by the ruling.

Jane Marquardt, board chairwoman of Equity Utah and an attorney that specializes in gay and lesbian domestic contracts, lauded the judge’s decision.

“It’s a very important step for Utah to recognize that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees can be treated equally, at least as far as health insurance benefits go,” Marquardt told the Deseret Morning News.

The plan will cost Salt Lake taxpayers approximately $225,000 in the first year, which does not sit well with anti-gay Rep. LaVar Christensen. Christensen sponsored a bill in the last legislative session to restrict governmental agencies from using tax money to extend benefits to unmarried partners. The bill failed. He called for further debate on the issue.

Salt Lake City Attorney Ed Rutan said the city will immediately move forward with Public Employees Health Program to implement the benefits plan.

St. George, Utah — The Southern Utah Democrats have started working under a theme that sounds more like a gay pride slogan than that of a political party in one of the most conservative areas of the country.

“Strength through Diversity” is their mantra, and party officials promise that it’s more than just words.

Local party coordinator Cyril Noble said the gay and lesbian community is under the Democrats’ “big tent.” “We’re so grateful for them,” he said.

That sentiment can be hard to find in even the most staunch Democratic areas.

Gay partners of 17 years Stephen Eiche and Derek Streeter say that the party has grown in the eight years since they moved to St. George.

“There is a lot of diversity moving into St. George,” Streeter told the St. George Spectrum. “Even the Republicans who arriving are often more moderate than those who were home-grown here.”

“Social standards are not so cut and dry,” said Eiche. “Even the Republicans are realizing people have other opinions that are just as valid, even if they don’t agree with them.”

Some of the movement is being fueled by children coming out to their parents. The book “Prayers for Bobby,” the story of a young gay man whose shame led him to commit suicide, has been making the rounds to otherwise conservative parents in the area.

Claudia Bradshaw read the book after her son came out to her. She said that her “ultraconservative” world turned upside down, and she felt the need to speak up.

At the party’s 2006 convention this month, Bradshaw asked Josh Black up to the stage

and tearfully presented the book to him.

“This was a hard book to read, but I want to give it to my dear friend Josh to let him know he is so valued by me and others,” she said.

“It is a small group that always changes the world,” Noble told the convention goers.

“We are that group. We are going to win and we will bring about great change.”

Pro-gay Candidates to Face Off in Primary for House Seat The battle over who would be the Democratic nominee, and therefore most likely the state representative, in House District 25 was fought May 14, but the war is not yet over. Openly gay candidates Chris Ferguson and Christine Johnson went up against Josh Ewing, the architect of the No on 3 campaign, and two others.

In the end, Johnson, who has sat on the boards of Equality Utah and the Utah Stonewall Democrats, was one vote shy of the 60 percent supermajority required to avoid a runoff. She will face Ewing in a primary election next month.

Balloting lasted over two hours with no clear winner.

The seat was vacated by Rep. Ross Romero so that he could run for the state senate.

Johnson is running on a campaign of “community values and compassionate leadership.” “I’m fighting for justice and equity for all our children,” she told delegates.

Ewing told delegates he would “be the person that listens to you,” and vowed to “work so hard you’ll think I’m crazy.”

Openly gay Rep. Jackie Biskupski and Sen. Scott McCoy made it through the Salt Lake County convention last month.

M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q 9

Tooele County Commissioners’ Statements May Be ‘Sour Grapes’

by JoSelle Vanderhooft joselle@qsaltlake.com LOCAL

BYU May Expel Five Pro-gay Protesters Provo, Utah — Five Brigham Young University students who participated in last month’s Soulforce Equality Ride demonstration at may be expelled even if they are not gay.

Four of the five were among 29 people arrested during two days of demonstrations on the campus. The other student was involved in the protest outside the university grounds.

The university’s Honor Code Office has launched an official probe of the student’s conduct. It could clear the students of violating the code or find them guilty and punish them with anything up to expulsion.

While the code does not explicitly bar gay students it does forbid them from having sex or from advocating for a “gay lifestyle”.

The Equality Ride was a 51 day crosscountry trip organized by the nondenominational group Soulforce to draw attention to schools that bar gay enrolment.

The 29 protestors were arrested during two days of demonstrations at BYU that included a a “die-in” to symbolize gay members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have taken their own lives over what the riders said was anti-gay

bias fostered by the church.

Meanwhile, a plea deal is being worked out between a lawyer hired by Soulforce and the Provo prosecutor.

Attorney Scott Williams told Judge Claudia Laycock this week that the deal would see the protestors plead guilty to an infraction and each pay a $200 fine.

Williams said the difficulty would be in getting all 29 to agree.

Judge Laycock ordered both Williams and the prosecutor to create a form for each defendant and that it provide a statement of their rights and a place for each to sign agreeing to the deal.

The Equality Ride began in March in Washington D.C. and wrapped up March 26 with a demonstration at West Point where 21 riders were arrested.

Ten riders were arrested on the grounds of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

Riders also have been arrested at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia which is affiliated with Christian Broadcaster Pat Robertson; and at Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Child Emancipation Law Goes Into Effect Rep. Roz McGee’s child emancipation law went into effect this month, and some gay teens have a lot to rejoice over.

The bill was largely drafted over the so-called “Lost Boys” of Hildale, Utah, a community of polygamists where many of the town’s young males have fled or been forced from their homes. Unable to legally secure housing, schooling Rep. Roz McGee, and other services, many D-Salt Lake turned to prostitution in nearby Las Vegas. Other teens, however, face the same dilemmas for other reasons.

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff heralded the bill and spoke at a rally last year where homeless teens asked the state legislature for help.

Shurtleff appealed to lawmakers to pass a law to help solve the “heart-breaking problem facing all our homeless youth.”

The new law allows teens over 16 to seek emancipation from their parents so that they can get schooling, housing and other services independently. They must sek assistance of a “guardian ad litem” or other adult and must prove that they have the means to live independently and manage their own affairs. Parents must be notified of the request and must have a chance to respond.

For teens that run away or are kicked out of their houses when their parents find out they are gay, this law allows them to move ahead with their lives.

Child advocates expect only a handful of teens to take advantage of the law each year.

1 0 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month The Salt Lake Valley Health Department is reminding the gay community that May is Hepatitis Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three Americans has been infected with hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, or hepatitis C virus. These three viruses are highly contagious, and cause very serious diseases that affect the liver.

The department is calling on men who have sex with men, users of injection and non-injection drugs, people who are HIV positive and people who have Hepatitis C, as well as individuals with other risk factors to be vaccinated for Hep A and B. No vaccination is yet available for Hep C. The best place to be vaccinated is at your doctor’s office because you can get the shots in the context of all of your health needs.

Many health plans will pay for Hep A and B vaccines for adults at high-risk. including men who have sex with men. It helps if you are out to your doctor. To see if your insurance covers hepatitis A and B vaccination,

try calling 1-888-VACCRIX (822-2749).

SLVHD offers the Twinrix vaccine, which is a combination Hep A and B vaccine for $47 per shot. Hepatitis immunization is done in three doses over six months, making the total cost $141.

SLVHD locations that offer immunization are at:

ELLIS R. SHIPP PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER 4535 South 5600 West 963-7335

SALT LAKE CITY PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER 610 south 200 East Salt Lake City, UT 84111 534-4666

SOUTH EAST PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER 9340 South 700 East Sandy, UT 84070 255-7114

SOUTH MAIN PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER 3195 South Main Street Salt Lake City, UT 84115 483-5451

When Tooele County Commissioners Matthew Lawrence and Dennis Rockwell lost to challengers at the county Republican convention, they said party leadership, local corporation EnergySolutions (a Tooele low-level radioactive waste disposal facil-

Nicole Cline

ity) and anti-transgender prejudice were to blame.

“Joyce Hogan told me ‘You’re going to have to make changes at the county or you are going down,’” Lawrence told the Salt Lake Tribune on April 28. “She said [community development director Nicole] Cline had to be taken out of her position, that she couldn’t be the face of economic development in Tooele County, that she was an embarrassment.”

An employee of Tooele County for fifteen years, Cline underwent medical procedures to become a woman roughly ten years ago.

Both men said their refusal to obey Hogan, vice chair of Tooele County’s Republican Party and the local EnergySolutions liaison, cost them their seats. But other parties involved in the situation say their claims are nothing but “sour grapes” over losing the party’s nomination.

Greg Copeland, Tooele County Republican Party chair, said he later asked Lawrence why he didn’t come to party leadership with his grievances before calling the press the first business day after the Friday convention. “[I said to him], ‘If you had a problem with the leadership of the Republican Party in Tooele County you could have addressed it with me and allowed me the opportunity to investigate it further.’ But none of those avenues were sought,” he said.

Copeland said he did investigate the matter on his own. He surveyed 45 of the convention’s delegates to determine if they had felt “any pressure from party leadership” to vote against Lawrence and Rockwell. It was important to determine this, Copeland added, because the executive committee had been “very explicit” about disallowing party leadership to campaign for or against any delegate, even forbidding them to wear campaign badges.

“One of the things that became fairly obvious in their responses was they felt more familiar and comfortable with the candidates who contacted them, and they were clear that the candidates who had contacted them were the challengers,” he said.

The Tooele Transcript Bulletin randomly selected twenty-one of these delegates to interview. Nine said they voted for Lawrence, nine said they voted against him and three declined to respond. Just five

said they voted for Rockwell. When the paper asked the delegates if Rockwell and Lawrence had contacted them during their campaign, more than half said Rockwell had not contacted them in writing, by telephone or in person. Just under half reported Lawrence had not contacted them.

The paper also said that Lawrence missed a “Meet the Candidates” night during the campaign when he left town for ten days to pick up his daughter, who had recently returned from a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Rockwell also said he had considered not running.

Copeland said the survey’s results made Lawrence’s comments appear even more suspect to him.

“It appeared to me to be sour grapes, as if it was some way of lashing out, trying to find some rationalization for why he lost the convention,” he said. “To somehow draw some conclusion from a conversation that occurred several months before that there was a covert effort to try and purposefully manipulate the process to throw one or two of those guys out of office is so far fetched it is beyond the realm of reason.”

Hogan and EnergySolutions said they did not attempt to interfere with party business.

Hogan said she did not threaten either candidate, and that her comments referred to “the role of the county commission” and were not intended to “disparage Ms. Cline.”

“Several months ago I had a conversation with Commissioner Lawrence. He asked me how I felt about Nicole Cline becoming the voice of economic development for Tooele County. I gave it as my opinion that it is the role of the county commission to act as the voice of economic development in the county,” she said.

Copeland said he was particularly upset at Lawrence’s actions because they unfairly dragged Cline—whom he called “an outstanding county planner”—into the spotlight.

“I think that if there’s anything that came out of it it’s this: In Nicole’s new role as economic development director for Tooele County, there is certainly an opportunity to highlight to potential businesses that Tooele county does have quite a bit of diversity and acceptance of diversity,” he said. “Were inclusive and we’re willing to have everyone in society be part of our process.”

For her part, Cline said she will not “pass judgment” or “pick a side” because she respects Lawrence and Hogan.

“I don’t know if what happened was anything more than a case of misunderstanding,” she said.

She added, however, that she was concerned about the impact the situation would have on the public’s perception of Tooele County.

“I’ve had a number of the businesses we’ve worked with call or write in support of what I do and how I do it,” she said. “The community has also been overwhelmingly supportive.” Whatever truly happened, Cline also said that Lawrence’s willingness to stand up for “a queer person” also showed that Tooele is a progressive county.

Above all, she said she just wants to put this fiasco behind her.

“I want this whole mess to die down so I can get back to work,” she said.

M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q 1 1

51 Days, 34 Riders, 19 Schools

The Hero Inside

1 2 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6

by Karel It’s that time of year again: gay pride season. It’s the time of year when beer tents get hoisted up, Dykes on Bikes get revved up, six-foot-tall boys in dresses get dolled up, and lots of people get fucked up, all in the name of cultural equality, a celebration of a stand taken by drag queens and others when a community in New York snapped from the tensions of homophobia.

Many expect me to rant against pride festivals as I have in my book and other writings. Many expect me to remind everyone that 30 minutes at any one of these events give the religious right enough good footage to raise $30 million against us. Many expect me to go off.

But I started staring at the garden here at Park Howard (isn’t your house named?) and started thinking of things, gay things, of which to be proud…most of them people.

I first thought of my friend Daniel, who gets up every day and takes a bus 1.5 hours each way to and from work. He works at a college and started in an entry-level position. Now he’s progressed up the ladder and is well on his way to a great career. He lives alone with a cat that he rescued and spends time caring for his apartment. He walks and bikes a lot, and he frequents the local coffee shops instead of the chains. He was willing to open his home to his brother for six months to give him a helping hand when he himself is just getting on his feet. He’s a writer and photographer, and he hopes to get published. He’s gay, and everyone knows it, but it simply is. He’s out to his family and at work.

It’s just a part of his life. He’s having a party for pride (he lives on the route so feels obliged).

We’ve debated my views on it often and then laughed. I’m very proud he’s gay. I’m proud that he represents another face of being gay to the world. When his art is known, and it will be, I’ll be happy there’s another out, proud photographer and writer. He fills me with gay pride.

When I think of gay pride on a national level, I don’t think of Will & Grace, GLAAD, Queer as Folk, or even Ellen! I think of people who really know about pride, people who simply live out and proud in places where that can still, in 2006, cost them their livelihood at best, their life at worst. I think of a gentleman I met in the hill country of Texas, living an out life with his lover in Marble Falls. I think of states like Massachusetts and California that continue to try to codify equality for gays and lesbians on some level. I think of families all around the

country, gay parents, living, working, schooling—beside every other family. I think of the tea I just had at the Huntington Museum in Pasadena, Calif., with my niece Heather, my exroommate Sean, his mom, and his grandma.

Sean talked about his boyfriend, Aldo, and his promotion at the aquarium; his mom told us about the last political rally she attended; and his grandmother and I dished about American Idol. When I think of pride I think of families, real families of all kinds.

While there are many causes to fight for, many editorials to fire off, sometimes, when you look at the same box a different way, you get different views. This year, when asked what I think about the season of pride, I’m responding that pride has no season. That each of the people I’ve mentioned and every town, every family, every person celebrates pride every day by their very out, proud existence. This year I’m thinking not of the TV or movie failures, not writing about how Logo is measuring up, or even if Brokeback Mountain should have won the Oscar. This year I’m looking for and finding a sense of pride in my community.

And the pride doesn’t stop there. This year I’m going to remember to be proud of most of the people in this world who could give a rat’s ass that you, me, or the fence post is gay. I’m proud of all the employers that do the right thing and offer domestic-partner benefits, all the companies that incorporate same-sex partners into the fabric of staff parties and company dinners.

I’m proud of the schools that stand behind their gay teachers and their gay-straight alliances.

I’m proud of all of the politicians that do the right thing and vote for equality of all Americans on all issues, not just some. Hell, this year, I’m even proud of a church taking another to task through ads that say if God doesn’t judge or segregate, neither should you. While I’m an atheist, I say God bless ’em.

There’s a lot wrong in our community.

There’s a long wrong in our country. There’s a lot wrong with what we call “pride” celebrations. But this year I’m proud to say, so what?

There’s also so much of which to be proud, and if you ever doubt it, just look around you. There are role models out there, people just being who they are, true to themselves unapologetically every day. If events of late have taught us anything, it’s that coexisting peacefully side by side is by far the most heroic of all things—and something of which to be very, very proud.

Charles Karel Bouley’s book of essays, “You Can’t Say That,” is published by Alyson Books

by Mell Bailey I didn’t know what to expect.

It was Monday, rainy, smack dab in the middle of rush hour traffic, and the final destination was the Promised Land of Provo. Weaving in and out of traffic I thought of the old-school days of protesting with Queer Nation. Kiss-ins, Die-ins and a lot of mace. So, I was surprised when I pulled up to see over 200 LGBT allies littering the lawn of Kiwanis Park. Mormon, queer, odd, ex-communicated people coming together peacefully to create meaningful dialogue and bring together the communities of Mormons and the colorful community of LGBT activists.

Soulforce is an idea that was founded by Mel Wright, and is sponsored by donations.

Soulforce’s goal is to bring awareness to schools that discriminate against students that the school doesn’t feel like they fit in their environment. An offshoot of Soulforce is Equality Ride. Equality Ride is an idea of Jacob Reitan. His goal is to travel for two months to schools that bar enrollment of LGBT people. He found sponsors, raised money for the ride, and has 34 volunteer riders, including his mother and father.

Jacob Reitan is a graduate of Northwestern University and is currently attending Harvard Divinity School. He has a Master’s Degree in Theology. His idea of visiting schools that discriminate against alternative lifestyles came from an experience he had while meeting someone attending Wheaton College. Wheaton College is a very evangelical school. Jacob asked this young gay man if it was hard to be “out” at this type of college. The young man told him that he wasn’t out and that he thought of himself as sick and sinful. The young man hated himself for being gay, but he couldn’t do anything about it. Jacob felt that this young man was torturing himself for no reason and he wanted him to stop. Jacob started thinking of all the other discriminatory universities that cause gay students grief and he then designed the idea of Equality Ride of Soulforce. So, for the next two months, they will be visiting 18 other universities and colleges similar to BYU and its discriminating practices.

Their message is as loud as their bus.

They want to speak to not only the students of these universities, but to the faculty also.

Their goal is to bring meaningful conversation and dialogue to bridge the gap between these two entities. While most schools welcomed this dialogue, BYU objected to everything. They could not have a table, nor give out literature, and they were not to speak out. On April 10th, when Jacob and his gang arrived in the Zion Curtain, they simply walked into the BYU Campus and while they were talking to students and feeling out the atmosphere, five of Equality Ride volunteers were arrested and trespassed from BYU. They were not even allowed to have simple conversations with students on the campus.

Says Jacob,” now more than ever, is the need for all LGBT persons to stand up and fight for what is right. Now more than ever, we must fight for our civil rights in our own Congress. Everyone thinks that America stands for Democracy. But, all is not equal and this Democracy is lost in all of its own people.”

Most of Equality Ride’s dialogue is urging people to learn from history. History of repression. History of the African American struggle and the fight for their rights. So, learn from history and end religion based oppression.

Soulforce is the works of Mel Wright. Mel Wright was a very sought after speechwriter for

many on the far right, including Jerry Falwell.

Mel Wright has been gay for his whole life but was very closeted until he had heard too many speeches preaching the hatred of homosexuals. After he came out, and to the horror of his previous constituents, he started Soulforce and held protests at as many religious conventions as he could attend. He has written several crucial and highly acclaimed books on homosexuality and religion. But best of all, he still attends every Jerry Falwell function and stands up and shouts at any and every slam concerning the sick and sinful acts of homosexuality and their oppressors. Soulforce teaches and applies the nonviolent principles of M.K. Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. BYU is one of only five schools in the country that expel students for simply being gay. BYU was ranked in the top 10 of the most discriminating schools in the world, and it is in our own back yard. Now is the time to put your shoulder to the wheel and try to push hatred away through protests and dialogue.

Just writing out that monthly check to HRC is not enough any more.

The thing that I remember the most about my first Queer Nation protest in San Francisco was getting ready for it. My girlfriend at the time said, “all you need for a protest is a good pair of Dyke boots.” I didn’t know at that time that boots were the quintessential ingredient for kicking and running from the police. So, this protest I laced up the Docs and wondered how it would all end up. God, it has been a long over-due, grueling wait for a good protest.

Rounding the corner of Bulldog Avenue in Provo on April 11, I was pretty excited at first to see so many people. The protest had made the news the night before, and there had been quite a turnout for the protest at the park last night. But, as I got a little closer, I realized that most of the 50 people were actually BYU security guards, police, and news reporters. It was quite a different protest than what I remember, it was quite a altered, but an effective protest.

There were no signs, chanting, radical fairies, or mace. It was a reverent and effective silent protest. Instead of signs, the protestors carried peace lilies. Instead of chanting, ranting and raving, the protestors read 24 actual stories of BYU gay students that had tragically ended their lives. Jacob read about the witch-hunts at BYU, and how scared and ashamed the gay BYU students felt. He had really done his research and had actually contacted many of the families of these lost souls. He read actual passages from letters and notes that these students had left for us. It was very powerful, but I wish more people could have heard these messages, because for most of the people the words fell on the deaf ears of the security personnel of BYU. Twenty-four real stories, twenty-four students representing the dead, and twenty-four arrests. Jacob had commented to his parents that the BYU stop was one that he was particularly looking forward to. He even called it the “crown jewel” of the Equality Ride. Thanks to the wonderful and understanding BYU representatives that wouldn’t allow them on campus, and had them arrested, I am sure BYU didn’t disappoint Jacob one bit.

I didn’t need my boots after all.

Detestable Sin

by Ben Williams ben@qsaltlake.com

The ninth provision of the Virginian legal code of 1610 stated that: “No man shall commit the horrible and detestable sins of sodomy upon pain of death.” The first execution of anyone under this law occurred in 1626. Captain Richard Cornish was accused of sexually attacking William Cowse, his indentured servant and steward. Captain Cornish was the master of the ship Ambrose, and once the ship was anchored in the James River, Cowse made a beeline to the authorities in Jamestown to complain that his captain was a bugger.

The twenty-nine year-old indentured servant testified that on the evening of August 17, 1624, Captain Cornish “went into bed.”

While there, the captain asked his servant to join him, and “would have me come to bed to him.” Cowse said he refused, which angered Cornish, who allegedly “went out of the bed and did cut Cowse’s codpiece.”

For those who don’t know 17th century fashion, a man’s codpiece was like a built-in jockstrap and fly. Cowse complained that Cornish then “made him go into bed and there lay upon him and kissed and hugged him.” Cowse accused Cornish of saying “he

would love Cowse if he would now and then come and lay with him.” The amorous ship captain was then said to have forced Cowse “up on his belly and so did put him to pain in the fundament, and did wet him.” Use your imagination.

Cowse, in his official complaint, stated that at other times Cornish “would put his hands in Cowse codpiece and play with him and kiss him.” Cowse said he didn’t appreciate the Captain’s diddling with him and whenever he refused Cornish’s advances, the captain allegedly forbade all the ship’s company to eat with him and made Cowse cook for all the rest. The nerve of the captain!

Walter Matthews, the boatswain’s mate aboard the vessel, testified that he also overheard Captain Cornish calling Cowse into his bed cabin, but he wasn’t sure any buggery had taken place. Matthews said he heard Cowse reply to the captain that “he would not” let the captain bugger him, fearful of committing a grave sin. Cowse feared that if he submitted to the captain’s ardor “it would be an overthrow to him both in soul and body.” Cowse then quoted scripture to Cornish, which must have put a damper of things. Cowse later told the boatswain’s mate that the captain “would have buggered him,” if he had not protested. At this time he did not complain that Cornish had actually performed the act of sodomy.

Captain Cornish was brought to trial, and on Cowse’s and Matthew’s testimony

he was found guilty of sodomy by Virginia’s governor in 1626. Thus Captain Richard Cornish became the first man in the English Colonies to be executed for sodomy. He was sentenced to be hanged, but not without protest by some courageous Virginians.

An indentured servant named Edward Nevell stated that Captain Cornish was put to death through “a scurvy boy’s meanness” and that the captain of the Ambrose was “hanged for a rascally boy wrongfully.” For this opinion, Nevell was placed in the pillory, had both his ears cut off, was sentenced to serve the colony for one year and was forever incapable of becoming a freeman, which meant full citizenship in the colony.

Thomas Hatch also stated he thought Captain Cornish was put to death wrongfully. When he was warned that he might lose his ears like Nevell, Hatch replied, “I care not for my ears, let them hang me if they will.”

For that kind of criticism of authority, Hatch was publicly whipped, set in the pillory and had an ear cut off.

If William Cowse had hoped to end his indentured servitude by ratting on his master, he hoped in vain. The Virginia court simply made him choose another master for whom he had to labor extra to pay for the cost of prosecuting and executing the amorous Captain Cornish. There’s a life lesson in there somewhere. Q

EXPIRES 6/30/2006

M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q 1 3

Random Hey! What Was That?

Thoughts

by Laurie Mecham laurie@qsaltlake.com

Spring! Spring is here, thanks be to God, because just think of all the suicides it will prevent me from committing! Not only are we having daylight outside of office hours, but there is sunshine as well. I’m reminded again and again what a different world I live in now. The temperature in Portland is only around 60°. The natives are shedding their clothing like crazy; they want to soak up every ray. I think people should be cautious, though, because you get kind of a funny effect on your skin if you only tan one side of your goose bumps.

And what do we associate with spring?

SPRING CLEANING! Cleanliness being next to Godliness, I’ve decided that I have some serious work to do, so I’m going to clean up my hard drive a bit. When I get an idea, I sometimes actually write it down, to be used later. (That is the hallmark of a professional!) But it has left me with a number of short thoughts for which I don’t really have a place. In the spirit of recycling, I’m going to pawn them off on you.

1 4 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6

OBITS You shouldn’t judge what a person does in their grief, but there are some obituary faux pas that always bother me. For example, when the obituary notice has a picture of a couple and the caption says “John Doe—Together Again.” I know that it means that his wife died before he did, but

it doesn’t say, “John and Mary Doe—Together Again.” It only says the name of the most recently deceased. Saying “Together Again” makes it sound like John Doe had lost it, as in his marbles, and that’s kind of weird. It also bothers me when they put some kind of bizarre euphemism for death under the person’s name, like Gone Fishing, Gone Golfing, Gone Shopping.

Actually, kids, Grandma Gertie has Gone Underground. Don’t you sometimes wish that someone would write Gone Drinking Again, or Out Whoring Around, or Preceded

by His Sex Drive.

The strangest are the obituary Happy Birthday messages. Happy Birthday Gaylon! We love you and miss you. Pops, Oreida, J’Nell and the kids, JaCe, W’itnee, KelSeah and JaraMeeah. Irony, at least, lives on.

LOST YOUTH Cracker Jacks. Remember how they used to have cool prizes? If you opened them upside down, you’d get to the little red, white and blue packet sooner. It contained a cheap piece of stamped plastic that you could pull apart and put together to make a three dimensional wheelbarrow or a top.

Each individual piece was left with a sharp nub of plastic at the end from rending it apart, and you could bite that sharp bit off with your teeth. I bought some Cracker Jacks just the other day. The anticipation that I once had has gotten watered down over the years as the candy company transitioned from actual tangible prizes to stuff like stickers or crappy temporary tattoos, but it’s still fun to see what’s inside.

I get a kick out of opening the little package, because every once in a while, you still might get something cool. But instead, I found further proof that the world is going to hell in a handcart—it wasn’t a prize at

all. It was a “puzzle.” In fact, it was a math “puzzle.” Can you fucking believe that?

Our society has gone so far downhill in a couple of decades that instead of a prize in their Cracker Jacks, kids get rewarded with HOMEWORK! That is some sick shit.

SEXUAL RELATIONS You know how your grandparents could describe a whole family tree with words?

“Elma was Jethro’s youngest. She’s my second cousin once removed on my father’s side.” We should totally do that! When Miss Manners wrote, “Wouldn’t it be rather sweet to hear one grown man refer to another as ‘the father of my children’?” she wasn’t talking about us—she was actually answering a question about how to identify “my wife’s first husband.” We queers often cobble together our own families. Maybe we could benefit from the wisdom of our elders. What if we broadened our language in order to detail our own family trees? For example, you are Bertha’s great nephew, twice denied. Couples who only stay together out of habit are half-partners. Your ex’s new partner would be your step-lover.

This will be great! Send me your ideas.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS Acute Angina: the dyslexic lesbian’s best feature.

Clamydia: an STD you get from eating someone who eats shellfish.

Subcutaneous: you’ve seen better.

De-men-tia: what reparative therapy never really accomplishes.

Exzema: the rash you get when someone mentions your last boyfriend.

Equalibrium: taking tranquilizers in pairs.

And, my very best one: Nymphchondriac: someone who only thinks they’re horny all the time.

Necrolepsy: When you can’t help falling asleep with dead people.

Laurie Mecham thought she was suffering from menopause, but it turned out to be menopermanent.

Seeing Double Standards

by Ruby Ridge, ruby@qsaltlake.com

Peaches, have you ever had one of those conversations where you bite your tongue to stop yourself from saying something really, really, REALLY unfortunate? Well, Petals, yesterday my tongue was hemorrhaging while I had to sit through a meeting at City Hall concerning this year’s Pride parade.

Between you and me, cherubs, the whole parade process is getting ridiculous and here’s why: Every year we have to submit lengthy applications, get barricade and traffic plans approved and jump through more hoops than a Barnum and Bailey circus animal. And every year there are more restrictions and more city officials (from top administrators to single unsupervised police officers on the street) who have absolute veto power over the parade.

A perfect example: Unlike other parades in the city, which are able to mark their route with banners on lamp posts (Days of ‘47 parade) or shamrocks painted on the street surface (St. Patrick’s Day parade), the Pride parade is not allowed to do either. Why? No one will tell us, but I’m pretty sure you know why. From start to finish, the Pride parade takes less than 75 minutes. For some people in the Salt Lake City administration, that’s about 74 minutes too long.

Remember when the Downtown Alliance wouldn’t let us put up the “Utah Pride” banners because they objected to the content (which didn’t even use the words gay or lesbian on them)? Our solution to appease the city for the last three years has been to spend hundreds of dollars and hundreds of volunteer hours making temporary rainbow balloon columns attached to water jugs. These route markers are placed 15 minutes before the parade steps off and get cleared off the street as soon as the parade passes.

Sounds reasonable and accommodating, right? Well, no. Not to an officer of the Salt Lake City Police Department, who declared them an obstruction last year (after volunteers spent a night in pouring rain putting them together) and made us take them off the street right before the parade started. This is the same motor squad that threatened the athletes from QUAC (a crowd favorite every year) that if they stopped to perform any choreography they would be removed from the parade.

Apparently, there’s something about gay swimmers in Speedos that offends the delicate sensibilities of our local PD, automatically triggers a Homeland Security lockdown and makes the airspace over the Delta Center a no-fly zone. Why? No-

body knows … it’s just that arbitrary and we have to live with it.

The official position of city administrators is that it’s all about safety and we just don’t understand their concerns. To that I say a heartfelt and sincere, “Bullshit!”

The Pride parade has four pages of safety criteria that participants have to sign, and every entry must attend a compulsory safety orientation. Never in the parade’s entire history has there ever been an accident. It’s just the political perception of the Pride parade that makes city and state officials nervous and creates a double standard that others don’t have to deal with. Does UDOT make every Boy Scout in the Days of ‘47 Parade sign a waiver and keep it on file? Well, why in 2006 does every participant in the Pride parade have to? If the LDS Church can, without blinking, use the entire Trax system twice a year for general conference, why can’t the Pride parade get one Sunday morning Trax train to the University stopped for five minutes to safely clear ten thousand parade spectators across 400 South? If the Days of ‘47 Parade only has to “advise” residents along the route of their parade, then why does the Pride parade have to get “permission?” Don’t even get me started about the supposed deal made between SLCPD and First Methodist Church to move the Pride parade this year and make it only 4 blocks long. If the city pulled this type of crap with the Days of ’47 parade, some city employee would be found hanging dead off the Eagle Gate.

Ciao, Muffins!

From start to finish, the Pride parade takes less than 75 minutes.

For some people in the Salt Lake City administration, that’s about 74 minutes too long.

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 listening to homophobic and passive aggressive city employees waffle on about how tolerant they are.

M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q 1 5

*AMES (ICKS

Coronation XXXI

Annual elections for emperor and empress of the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire take place Saturday, May 20 at the Sheraton Hotel. Two candidates for emperor and one candidate for empress are on the ballot, as well as a ‘no’ vote for each.

To help you with your decision, we have asked the candidates seven questions. Take a look, make your decision, and head to the Sheraton, 150 W. 500 South, from noon to midnight to cast your vote. Any Utah resident

with a valid state I.D. will be allowed to vote.

Coronation is one of the largest annual gay events of the year, drawing people from all over the region. This year’s theme is “Masterpiece: An Evening at the Louvre.”

Many other events surround Coronation and are listed on the next page. For those with an evil streak, the Monday Victory Brunch is the place to see everyone wildly hung over with mascara still dripping from their eyes. Bring a camera.

Kyra Faye Prespentte-Childers

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS?

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE ROYAL COURT OF THE GOLDEN SPIKE EMPIRE? Ten years

WHAT POSITIONS OR TITLES HAVE YOU HELD? I have sat on the board for 4 years I was Miss Golden Spike Universe 16 and Miss Gay Utah 17, Crown Princess 25, And Princess Royale 26. I am currently the Pageant Committee Chair person for the 30th reign.

WHAT SINGLE THING WOULD YOU DO TO MAKE THE COURT EVEN BETTER DURING YOUR POTENTIAL REIGN? I would not say I woulk make it better. To use that word would deminish the past reigns. All that I could do is the best for my community and to this organization.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ASSET TO THE ORGANIZATION?

1 6 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6

My Passion for what is right,as well as my passion for the RCGSE.

I would have to say that same passion. I sometimes feel too passionate for sokme things. I ahve learned in the past that you need to pick your battles. And learn that we are all allowed our own opinions.

IF BOY SCOUTS ARE TRUSTWORTHY, LOYAL, BRAVE, ETC., GIVE USE 15 WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU. Loyal, Passionate, Gentle Hearted, Compassionate, Truthful, Dedicated, Shy (to a point), Spirited, Poised, Faithful, Comical, Trustworthy, Strong Willed, Kind, and Stedfast.

IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND WITH JUST ONE SONG TO LISTEN TO, WHAT WOULD IT BE? The song from the Carl’s Jr.. You know the one with the cow. No Seriously it would be “I Am” By Lara Fabian. It basically says that the person you were in your past is the person you will be in your future. Embrace everything there is about you and love yourself. If you don’t nobody else will.

Kim Russo HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE ROYAL COURT OF THE GOLDEN SPIKE EMPIRE? For 12 years. I saw the caring that the Court had towards the community and its members, and it immediately attracted me.

WHAT POSITIONS OR TITLES HAVE YOU HELD? Prince Royale XXIII, Crown Prince XXI, Humanitarian Award and Community Service Award-XVIII Reign, Lifetime Title: Official Court Reporter WHAT SINGLE THING WOULD YOU DO TO MAKE THE COURT EVEN BETTER DURING YOUR POTENTIAL REIGN? I would like to see more community involvement and awareness within the Court system.

I believe that I can accomplish this due to the fact that I have been involved in the community for many years.

In conjunction with community involvement comes awareness of the Royal Court by our community. Here you have an organization in the Court that is the longest running organization in the Salt Lake community. Let’s count 31 years! That is phenomenal to me.

But not everyone knows how much good and pro-active humanitarian outreach they do towards others. Let’s consider that every time a drag show is put on at one of the clubs or elsewhere, all proceeds benefit one of their many funds. These funds directly assist those living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, those needing assistance due to a rough time in their lives, the scholarship fund and the children’s/young adult fund. I want to bring this awareness and level of understanding to the community.

And you know what? While there will always be events at the bars, because we do appreciate our bar owners who have done so much for us. Let’s also bring some Court activities out to the public and have everyone get to know one another. You know that human behaviorists will tell you that the more

people understand one another the more likely they are to get along and appreciate with one another. This ultimately creates some level of peace and harmony amongst our community members. This is really what it is all about!!

Chuck Whyte

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ASSET TO THIS ORGANIZATION? My compassion and respect for humankind.

I have evolved into this. Even though I have a social work background, this necessarily didn’t come with the territory. I have become a person who lives each day with respect and compassion for others and the life that they live.

Because of this I believe that treating others with dignity and respect within the Royal Court organization will enhance and only make stronger the entire structure of its members and the vision of which the Court believes and works towards. And, remembering always that people just want to be listened to and cared about!

WHAT POSITIONS OR TITLES HAVE YOU HELD?

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS? I think that this will come from inability to say “No”, to every request that I am asked to do. I want to help out so much; because I believe in the vision of the Court, that this indicates that I want to handle it all. My weakness of not pacing myself tends to get me very fatigued, and then as we all know, we also tend to not spend quality time with the friends that care about us. `

Coronation XXXI Calendar

IF BOY SCOUTS ARE TRUSTWORTHY, LOYAL, BRAVE, ETC., GIVE USE 15 WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU. Courageous, senstitive, trustworthy, soulful, strong, wise, warm, understanding, alive with attitude, compassionate, empathetic, forgiving, loving, caring, listening IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND WITH JUST ONE SONG TO LISTEN TO, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I really can’t give you just one … but I will narrow it down for you.

In The Arms of the Angels by Sarah McClaughlin and Rocket Man by Elton John.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ASSET TO THIS ORGANIZATION?

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE ROYAL COURT OF THE GOLDEN SPIKE EMPIRE? 26 years Keeper of the Lights for Life, Crown Prince 29, Duke 15 & 30, Elected Board Member 1986, 1987 and 2005-2006. Many other titles as well (It’s not about the title it’s the work you do).

WHAT SINGLE THING WOULD YOU DO TO MAKE THE COURT EVEN BETTER DURING YOUR POTENTIAL REIGN? Involve other community organizations with RCGSE activities. Also, encourage court members to visit other community organizations to learn more about their community.

21SUNDAY

22MONDAY

23TUESDAY

Long standing and past involvement with other community organizations and how it can benefit the RCGSE.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS? Confronting someone when they have done something that has hurt me.

IF BOY SCOUTS ARE TRUSTWORTHY, LOYAL, BRAVE, ETC., GIVE USE 15 WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU. Compassion, Honesty, Integrity, Commitment, Unconditional, Sincerity, Respect, Loyalty, Kindness, Hard Working, Laughter, Dedicated, Supportive, Family and most of all Community Supporter

IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND WITH JUST ONE SONG TO LISTEN TO, WHAT WOULD IT BE? “I Am What I Am”.

20SATURDAY 12p-12a ELECTIONS Sheraton Hotel 150 W. 500 S.

24WEDNESDAY 25THURSDAY 26FRIDAY

7p IN TOWN AWARDS Paper Moon* 3737 S. State

7:30p KICK-OFF PARTY Heads Up 1330 S. State

9p MR. SALT LAKE MAN Club Sound* 579 W. 200 S.

NO CHARGE

NO CHARGE

$5

6p PR BALL Sheraton $5 11p EMPEROR’S PARTY Club Sound* FREE w/PR BALL TIX

28SUNDAY

29MONDAY

10a-2p HOSPITALITY Sheraton NO CHARGE 5:30p CORONATION Sheraton

11a VICTORY BRUNCH Trapp* 106 S. 600 W.

$35 ADVANCE/$40 DOOR

$10

26SATURDAY 10a-2p HOSPITALITY Sheraton NO CHARGE 3p EMPRESS TEA Sheraton NO CHARGE 7p OUT OF TOWN SHOW Trapp Door $10

Host Hotel: Sheraton City Centre 150 W. 500 South. Reservations 1-800-325-3535 or 801-401-2000.

Mention RCGSE for discounted room rate of $69 per night, $95 suites.

For more information visit www.rcgse.org *private clubs for members.

M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q 1 7

BILLY CURRINGTON See Friday, May 19

by Tony Hobday tony@qsaltlake.com

I was about to write an amusing quip, but then I saw something shiny. So here’s my friend Steven’s standard cheer: “Here’s to you, here’s to me…”

Shit, I always forget the last part because I’m drunk by that point.

16TUESDAY Q My excitement runs rampant because Salt Lake City is truly blossoming as an artistic and cultural center. The multitude of seminars and classes on the art of writing is astounding—especially since the opening of the Community Writing Center. Now, the Utah Cultural Alliance offers a discussion panel on the steps to getting published in Utah: Going Local: Connecting Local Publishers & Writers.

11:30-1pm, The Art Barn, 54 S. Finch Lane.

Tickets $5–15 at 718-9020.

Q For 25 years—a quarter of a century—the devastating AIDS pandemic has plagued millions of people, and it doesn’t appear to be dissipating any time soon. The Salt Lake Film Center, KUED and Frontline are sponsoring

a free screening of The Age of AIDS, a 4-hour documentary hypothesizing on the central question of why humanity has failed to stop the spread of HIV. It should be profound, stunning and infuriating.

7pm, City Library Auditorium, 210 E. 400 South. Free admission.

17WEDNESDAY Q With such entertaining shows as Tap Dogs, Grease, and Smokey Joe’s Café, exuberant dance musicals appear to have taken over as the theatrical genre of choice. Now, Pioneer Theatre Company proudly presents yet another, a vibrant production of Five Guys Named Moe. It’s the story of one man’s insomnia-induced hallucination, an illusion that involves a tap dancing quintet whose rhythm and blues songs shake him out of his quandary. Based on the book by Clark Peters and featuring the hits of Louis Jordan, this is sure to be one of those hip-gyrating good times we all love.

Tonight through May 20, Pioneer Theatre, University of Utah, 1400 E. 300 South. For ticket information and show times, call 581-6961or visit pioneertheatre.org.

Salt Lake Men’s Choir is seeking a qualified Artistic Director.

The Artistic Director will work with the Board of Directors to provide overall artistic leadership to the Chorus, including long-range program planning. He or she will also program, prepare and conduct four to five full-length concerts per year, and preside over weekly Thursdsay night rehearsals.

Interested parties are asked to send a resume to Wesley Brady at president@saltlakemenschoir.org.

18THURSDAY Q Utah Phillips is a teen runaway turned hobo turned historian/philosopher/folklorist/radio personality/author. Now let’s label me: teen mama’s boy turned opinionated buffoon/quasiwriter/arts editor. No contest. Drop this rubbish and go be truly entertained by Utah at a fundraiser concert presented

by Utah Jobs with Justice and KRCL. 8pm, Jeanne Wagner Theatre, Rose Wagner Center, 138 W. Broadway. Tickets $15, call 355-ARTS or visit arttix.org.

1 8 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6

Barber of Seville. See Sat. May 13

Q It’s been many years, but if memory serves, the story of Sleeping Beauty goes something like this: a tired old drag queen curses her arch nemesis, the young and beautiful drag apprentice Aurora, with eternal sleep. The handsome, fashionable and well-endowed prince Phillip longs for the divine Aurora, but is maliciously kidnapped by the mean old drag queen and handcuffed spread-eagle to her bed. Luckily, some manicured fairies rescue the smitten prince and take him to his sleeping he/she; he kisses her with Collagenaugmented lips, which undoubtedly wakes her from a much needed “beauty rest” and they live happily ever after.

Sponsored by Mountain West Ballet,

this production should be as entertaining as my synopsis.

Tonight through May 20, Sandy Amphitheatre, 1300 E. 9400 South. Tickets $8-12, call 572-6222 for tickets and show times.

19FRIDAY Q If you’re a Shania Twain fan, like me (I just can’t help it, I want to be her!), or if Playgirl is your bedtime read of choice, then you’ve probably heard of Billy Currington. He’s absolutely delicious, with curly hair you want to run your fingers through and deep blue eyes that will suck you into a black hole of lust. Plus, he really can sing! And he’s doing just that tonight at The Depot and tomorrow in St. George.

9pm, The Depot, 13 N. 400 West. Tickets $25, call 355-ARTS or visit smithstix.com.

7pm, May 20, Cox Auditorium, Dixie State College, 225 S. 700 East, St. George. Tickets $16.25, call 435-652-7500 or dixie.edu.

Q Regardless of your beliefs about the current immigration dispute, cultural diversity (like sexual diversity) makes for a more interesting life and deserves celebration. The Salt Lake Arts Council presents the 21st annual Living Traditions Festival. This year’s festival honors the hard-hit artists of last year’s destructive hurricanes. Volunteers

are still needed for the event, so call 596-5000 to help.

Tonight through May 21, City & County Building, 200 E. 450 South. Free admission.

Visit slcgov.com/arts for more information.

Q Monica Mancini pays homage to her legendary composer-father, Henry Mancini, as she joins the Utah Symphony in a unique depiction of his infamous music, including the Pink Panther theme, Moon River and Rhapsody in Blue.

8pm, tonight and Saturday, Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple. Tickets $20-48, call 355-ARTS or visit arttix.org.

20SATURDAY Q Unlike Frasier and Niles’ $8000 combined bid on a fundraiser luncheon for Seattle’s homeless pets, Utah’s Strut Your Mutt is a much more conservative, yet worthy donation. But much like the competitive nature of the pompous siblings, these dogs compete against each other for the number of flirtatious advances their bare-chested owners receive today. The event should be called Strut Your Gay Slut.

8am, Sugarhouse Park, 1500 E. 2100 South.

Registration fees range from $25-55, register online at utahpets.org.

Q Although it has been widely publicized, tonight’s Black Eyed Peas concert is worth mentioning because they’re such a fabulous band. I may be a bit on the mature side of the age spectrum, but I still love good hip-hop, and BEP is da bomb. Wicked cool!

7pm, E Center, 3200 S Decker Lake Drive, WVC. Tickets $35, call 355-ARTS or visit smithstix.com.

Q Faun Fables (California-based) and Purr Bats (Salt Lake-based) stage a superbly eccentric, borderline chaotic concert. Both bands thrive on highenergy theatrical performances and campy costumes. See the Purr Bats article on this page.

7pm, Kayo Gallery, 315 E. 300 South. Tickets $8, call 355-ARTS or smithstix.com.

21SUNDAY Q Pre-Coronation kicks off tonight with the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire’s Monarch Command Show. They are “command”-ing everybody to attend, and we don’t want to piss off any drag queens, now do we? In all seriousness, Coronation is a grand event with wonderful shows, talented entertainers and a mighty cause. So go out and support the RCGSE this week.

See the Court’s calendar of events on page 17.

Q Do you have road rage tendencies?

Like screaming at the dip-wad driver in front of you for driving at exactly the speed limit… or because the dingbat makes a turn without using the turn signal… or because the ditzy bitch is busy applying eye makeup as the traffic light turns green… or because the doofus has a cell phone stuck to his ear and has lost the muscle control to press the gas pedal? (God forbid anyone in Utah have the coordination to do two things at once without turning into a com-

7-8:30pm, Sprague Library, 2131 S. Highland Drive, Sugarhouse. Call 979-4799 or visit quantumnlp.net.

26FRIDAY Q Outdoor concert series’ are finally unfolding. First this season is the quaint and cozy Murray Park Amphitheater hosting Harry Lee and the Back Alley Blues (presented by Murray Arts in the Park), a zippy local contemporary Americana Folk ensemble.

8pm, Murray Park Amphitheatre, 495 E. 5300 South. Tickets $5-6, call 264-2614.

27SATURDAY Q If you’re planning to travel with the rest of the world over Memorial Day weekend (I’d rather be rimmed by a piranha) and are heading down south, the Moab Arts Festival is a great way to spend your holiday, or an afternoon if just passing through. There will be plenty to do including eating, drinking, listening to bands and Taiko drummers, and, most importantly, buying oodles of fabulous art.

Today and Sunday, Moab (approximately 235 miles south of downtown SLC). Call 435-259-2742 for more information.

Q People for Peace and Justice of Utah and Free Speech Zone present a free screening of Unconstitutional, an hour-long, no-holds-barred documentary on the United States Patriot Act and other administration policies that undermine the basic structure of American life our forefathers worked so diligently to build. Yet another inescapable—and important—political piss fest.

7pm, Free Speech Zone, 2144 S. Highland Drive. Free admission. Email info@utahpeace.org for more information.

30TUESDAY Q The British indie-pop group Charlatans UK, whose career has been a rollercoaster ride since their inception in 1989, still emulate some strong rays of light through their sonic trippy dance music. Unfortunately, not every song gives you that funky groove-your-assoff feeling, but credit is due for their gumption. And maybe after 15 years, they aren’t just a bunch of quacks.

8pm, In The Venue, 219 S. 600 West. Tickets $15, call 355-ARTS or visit smithstix.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS UTAH PRIDE, JUNE 2-4 INXS, JUNE 7, DELTA CENTER GAY FREEDOM DAY, JUNE 25, HARMONY PARK INDIGO GIRLS, JULY 9, RED BUTTE GARDENS. TICKETS GO ON SALE MAY 20TH.

Salt Lake City: A “Purr”-fect Place for Purr Bats

by Tony Hobday tony@qsaltlake.com

In an offbeat gypsy world like Salt Lake City’s underground music scene, life would seem lonely and unstable. Obviously, the lifestyle isn’t as widely received and glamorous as mainstream music, but for one local band it’s one of utter fulfillment wrapped in friendships, dedication, tenacity and a hell of a lot of unadulterated fun.

The wildly eccentric Purr Bats, led by openly gay front man, Kyrbir Is-p-[A vow of silence had to be taken on his last name, but the derivation is a nickname that suits him], have carved a certain niche in the community. Since 2004, they have released three CDs—”Soft Fluff,” “Bionic Fresh Moves” and “Salt Lake City;” they have played countless shows and have seen band members come and go like a good laugh. They have also overcome the strain of full-time careers and hectic schedules (often moonlighting in other local bands).

“It takes up all of my spare time, but I love doing it,” says Kyrbir about the amount of time spent writing lyrics and music, practicing, recording, packaging and promoting their CDs and playing live shows.

The Purr Bats couple a funky electronic sound with Kyrbir’s foggy, sexy Beck-like voice. The inexplicable poetic lyrics are open to interpretation, but the overt sexual content is unmistakable in many of the songs including Thick Dream Residue (Bionic Fresh Moves), and Perpetua’s Greening (Salt Lake City). But their talent and ingenuity doesn’t stop there.

The eclectic wardrobe and theatrics add a certain savior-faire to their quirky personality.

Frolicking on stage in anything from pajamas to prom gowns to bat masks and rain slickers is oddly typical.

“Sometimes we don’t even know what one another are going to wear on stage. One time,

Amber [post drummer] walked out on stage in an outlandish Elvis suit. We were surprised but we went with it,” Kyrbir reminisces. “We do it just for shit and giggles. It’s sort of like the garnish on top.”

Kyrbir is a native Utahn born into an LDS family who he describes as “the black sheep of the church.” After close to 15 years, including six years beguiling London, he still carries a deep passion for Utah’s hard-pressed underground music scene. “I don’t know how I got so fucking lucky. If I didn’t have this to do, I wouldn’t be living here in Salt Lake.”

Kyrbir admits that the local music scene is not widely accepted; and in fact, audiences consist mainly of other local musicians and friends.

“We did a last minute gig at Liquid Joe’s one night when one of the scheduled bands cancelled. We weren’t really in the same musical genre as the other groups so…well, you know that saying ‘clearing a room’…well we did it that night.” “There were a couple of drunk girls still on the floor dancing around, but they kept screaming ‘you suck’ at us. It was funny.”

Through it all, Kyrbir Is-p-, Eli Morrison (guitar), Jesse Winters (keyboards), Derwood (bass), and James Acton (drums) create a pin cushion of passion, style, humor, and talent that is called Purr Bats.

They join California-based Faun Fables May 20 at Kayo Gallery. Their CDs can be purchased at www.rest30.com.

M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q 1 9

25THURSDAY

plete dumbass.) If you answered yes to part or all of the question, then maybe you should join me at the Quantum NLP Seminar Dealing With Anger.

Travis Four Corners

by Travis Labrum travis!qsaltlake.com

2 0 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6

The other day, I jubilantly talked with a male-to-female friend of mine about the upcoming Utah Pride and asked her if she was interested in participating in my boisterous plans (not those kinds of plans). Ultimately, she turned me down and said she isn’t planning on celebrating Pride because she doesn’t feel that transsexuals really have much in common with gays and lesbians. She voiced the sentiment, which I’ve heard before, that transsexuals and sexual minorities have virtually nothing in common, including a community, and that the only reason we even share a community center is because of a lack of resources.

I’ll tell you what I told her: bullshit. This argument is about as plausible as I am at being Sarah Jessica Parker, and every time I hear someone say it, I laugh as heartily as I did in the women’s dressing room trying to pull on a pair of size 0 True Religions. While

it’s definitely popular and looks good from a distance, once you step into it you realize that, like those tiny jeans, it doesn’t quite fit, and, in fact, is extremely deceptive ($200 for a pair of jeans with more holes in them than W’s explanations for why we went to war?).

When I hear someone make this argument, I remind them that heterosexism is all about gender and bring up the obvious fact that gender and sexual minorities belong together because they’re frequently the same gals (or guys). But still, they refuse to see the silliness in their argument and the truth in mine. The only possible explanation I’ve come up with for this phenomenon is that they must be social hermits who have never in their lives engaged with the gay community. Otherwise, they would have noticed there are more diesel engine trucks in the

But still, they refuse to see the silliness in their argument and the truth in mine. parking lot of a lesbian bar than at a Flying J Travel Center, and that the words “honey,” “darling,” and “love” are heard more often in a gay bar than a retirement community.

Regardless of why my argument hasn’t changed minds, the fact is it hasn’t. So, I’m going to take a different, lighter stand (and just in time for what I’m hoping will be a nonfragmented pride). My more basic argument is this: lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and, yes, transsexuals, not only have commonalities, but are so closely related that a person could be all four. It’s been a while since I’ve been prodded, so I’ll be the guinea pig.

GAY: I do actually have XY chromosomes and I definitely like cock. (Damn, that was easier than I am).

TRANSGENDER/TRANSSEXUAL: While I have male chromosomes, genitals, and table manners, I’m a bona fide woman in every other possible way. Admittedly, I still have the genitals I was born with, but my identity’s no more stable than Madonna’s. It’s really not unlikely that I wake up tomorrow tired of the saltshaker between my legs and permanently de-hair it, followed by turning it inside-out like I do my dirty socks. As for breasts, I’m not really interested and have a hard enough time running as is.

LESBIAN: If lesbian means someone who is a member of, and attracted to, the female gender, then no problem. Anyone who knows me can testify that with regard to mannerisms, comportment, communication style, and values, I’m entirely a lady and, as I’m hugely narcissistic, I’m attracted to gals exactly like me. As for you party poopers requiring that I both have a pussy and be attracted to them in order to call myself a lesbian, fine. I’ll have one once I turn that saltshaker inside-out, and since I have no intention of ever being hetero, I’ll just have to force myself to love ‘em (I’ve already begun to tolerate the pit of a peach—hah! So much for sexual rigidity).

BISEXUAL: I’m near the point of tolerating the pit of a peach and I’ve loved the banana since toddlerhood. God, who knew a fruit cornucopia could be this sexy?

So there you have it. I, the bewitching Travis, am the four corners of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Now, where are my visitors?

Q Summer Travel Gay Fabulous Vegas Recently named one of the top U.S. destinations for gay and lesbian travelers by Community Marketing, Inc., a San Francisco-based market research lab, Las Vegas has beautiful women, gorgeous men, theatre, gourmet restaurants, gay owned-and-run chapels, unbeatable nightlife, and 24-hour everything else. The competition wasn’t even close.

Suede, the latest nightlife spot in Las Vegas’ row of gay bars, features casual dining, live entertainment and a full-service bar in a slick lounge atmosphere reminiscent of Tabú at the MGM Grand. And Body English, at the Hard Rock Hotel, which is right across from the main row of gay bars, has DJ AM spinning on Saturday and Sunday nights, bottle service, and a regular “see and be seen” Red Carpet Sunday event.

If you’re looking for more of a nightclub than a lounge, Krave, which bills itself as “the only alternative club on the Strip,” has become a late-night mecca for gay locals and tourists. Two parts nightclub and lounge, Krave also features a 450-seat venue housing the erotic dance production “Fashionistas,” based on John Stagliano’s hit adult film. Or check out Gipsy, the Vegas original, which is a true “come as you are” joint and

Palm Springs

Palm Springs Gay Pride Parade

Blue Moon Resort, Las Vegas

rious rooms and top-of-the-line amenities, including a sauna and pool.

If you’re coming to Vegas to get hitched with the other 120,000 couples that get married here each year, check out Vegas.com’s alternative wedding site for all your options, including the only gay owned-and-operated ceremony chapel. Choose from disco, Egyptian, or Elvis Blue Hawaii wedding themes and all wedding services. desertparadise.com, dparadise9@aol.com; $119-199) gives two free weeknights for any two weeknights booked. Alternatively, stay all weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights) and get Thursday or Monday free.

Tortuga del Sol (715 E. San Lorenzo Rd; 760/416-3111 or 888/541-3777, fax 760/4166460; www.tortugadelsol.com, palmsprings@tortugadelsol.com; $89-209) offers a third weeknight free, Sunday through Thursday, or stay Friday and Saturday to get Sunday for 50 percent off. Triangle Inn (555 San Lorenzo Rd; 760/322-7993 or 800/7327555; www.triangle-inn.com, info@triangleinn.com; $99-179) is offering every other weeknight free. Do come by for June’s “30 Days of Naked Nights,” celebrating the various gay naturist and nudist organizations.

Terazzo (1600 E. Palm Canyon Dr; 760/7785883 or 866/837-7996; www.terrazzops.com, info@terrazzo-ps.com; $109-119) is offering any queen room for $109 and any king room for $119 per night; or you can rent the entire hotel for a weekend for just $99/person, June through September.

“The River,” as San Franciscans call it, offers the great outdoors and lots of recreational activities. Russian River is a more rustic retreat than the more popular gay resorts.

The emphasis here is on the great outdoors, with river beaches and towering redwoods as the primary attraction, but it’s close to the heart of California’s urbane and stylish Wine Country, increasing its appeal for those less at ease with nature.

Just as life on Fire Island is defined by the New Yorkers who use it as a regular weekend escape, life on the River is defined by the San Franciscans who dominate the summer population. Unlike most other summer destinations, where the point is to escape the heat, the River is where San Franciscans escape the fog and cold city weather and bask in the warm Sonoma sun.

It’s never fair to generalize, but compared to other resorts, the crowds at the Russian River seem more laid-back, more relaxed and not as intent on impressing one another. It’s an easy, comfortable retreat with just enough country charm for travelers who’ve spent a few days in San Francisco’s high-energy gay neighborhoods.

For maximum crowds, the best time to visit the area is during the big summer holidays or the numerous, well-attended festival

weekends. The following are the major festivals for 2006: the NorthBay Pride Music Festival (northbaypridefestival.org) is June 4; the Russian River Blues Festival (510/6559471; www.russianriverbluesfest.com, rrfestivals@rcn.com; tickets $35-85) occurs June 17-18 at Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville; and the annual Lazy Bear Weekend (castrobear. com/LazyBearWeekend) takes place Aug. 2-7. The annual Sundance Morning Party (415/6460890; www. guspresents.com) is held in Fifes Resort, Russian River, Calif.

August, but dates have not yet been released. Jazz on the River (rrfestivals.com/jazz/) is Sept.

9 and 10.

Russian River is a very easy 90-minute drive north of San Francisco. The most direct route is to take Highway 101 north to the River Road exit, then go west for approximately 18 miles to the Russian River towns of Rio Nido, Guerneville and Monte Rio. If you choose to fly, the closest airports are Sonoma County, Oakland and San Francisco.

CUSTOM VACATIONS TO~ Atlantis GAY DESTINATIONS & Olivia Cruises ~ Chicago Gay Games ~

~ Disneyland & Disney World ~ Gay Pride Festivals Worldwide ~ ~ R.S.V.P. Vacations ~ SUPERCLUBS ~ Hedo II & III in Jamaica ~

Plan your perfect vacation with Holly! ( C E R T I F I E D , I N D E P E N D E N T T R AV E L S P E C I A L I S T ) ( C E R T I F I E D , I N D E P E N D E N T T R AV E L S P E C I A L I S T )

485-8358

holly@cruiseandtravelmasters.com

SWIMMIN WITH WOMEN invites

SWERVE, WOMEN IN ACTION, NUROC and all other women to come have some fun in the pool. Learn to swim or improve your stroke—QUAC will provide the instructors, coaches and facilities.

These workshops are designed for the beginner. However, swimmers and waterpolo players of all abilities are welcome. Bring swimming suit and goggles. This event is free.

Swimming Workshop 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Sunday, June 11, 2006 Fairmont Aquatic Center 1044 E. Sugarmont Dr. (approx. 2200 South)

Waterpolo Workshop 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Brunch in Fairmont Park 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (everything supplied by QUAC)

M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q 2 1

Poolside misters help keep the desert sun at bay, and balmy nights make for pleasant outdoor dining. Most resorts reduce their rates substantially during the summer, including El Mirasol (525 Warm Sands Dr; 760/327-5913 or 800/327-2985, fax 760/325-1149; www.elmirasol.com; $95139), offering rooms discounted by as much as 22 percent. Five-palm faves Hacienda at Warm Sands (586 Warm Sands Dr; 760/3278111 or 800/359-2007, fax 760/778-7890; www.thehacienda.com; $129-209) will cut rates by roughly a third on average, and East Canyon Spa and Resort’s (288 E. Camino Monte Vista; 760/320-1928 or 877/324-6835, fax 760/320-0599; www.eastcanyonps.com, info@eastcanyonps.com; $109-179) rates will be between 20 to 40 percent below norm. East Canyon will also run Internet specials on rooms and spa services with deep discounts; check the website for details. INNdulge (601 Grenfall Rd; 760/3271408 or 800/833-5675, fax 760/327-7273; www.inndulge.com, inndulge@ix.netcom. com; $115-175) are all offering two-for-one weeknights (SundayThursday). Las Palmas (1404 N. Palm Canyon Dr; 760/327-6883 or 866/552-7272, fax 760/327-6881; www. laspalmas-hotel.com, reservations@laspalmashotel.com; $119-229) is offering a rate of $99 per night any room or any suite, third night free, between June 14 and September 1. Even more generously, Desert Paradise (615 Warm Sands Dr; 760/320-5650 or 800/342-7635; www.

recently rated as Las Vegas Weekly Readers’ choice for Gay/Lesbian Bar. Hungry? Thirsty? Hamburger Mary’s, part of the national chain of gay-friendly hamburger joints, offers daily happy hours and gay theme nights. And the Rainbow Lounge has a comprehensive pub menu and live performances throughout the week, including karaoke on Fridays.

Where do you go after long nights of Sin City fun? Blue Moon Resort, Vegas’ first gay resort, located just off the Strip, offers luxu-

Russian River

In Search of...

2 2 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6

Welcome to the first installment of “In Search of…” brought to you by Chad Keller and Mark Thrash. For those of you who recognize our names, it may come as no surprise that we’ve accepted the role of “Q Critics.” And yes, everything is subject to our analysis.

Agree with us or not, we’re sure to hit the nail on the head, spark the jewel in the crown and maybe even cause a slight commotion.

We’ve both been known to raise a few hairs in the past… would you expect anything less? (insert halo—MT, or horns—CK) To remove any unrealistic expectations, we do want to hear from you and will respond in a spirited manner to encourage truly open dialogue within and about our community.

This sort of healthy dialogue and eventual

public debate is something that has been lacking for some time. Does that mean we think you’ll agree with us? Ummm… NO! In fact, “hells no!” Nonetheless, we’re still willing to voice our opinions or be an advocate for your opinion. Often, we’ve taken a stand or lent or support when others have agreed, yet sat silent in fear of retaliation or merely being viewed as a bitch. (Mark’s words, and Chad grins in full agreement.)

Our community suffers on many levels from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Now, friends, don’t use this an excuse to get another prescription filled. We’re merely saying that our brass rings of today will eventually be found in the yard sales of next summer.

Instead, we should set a basis for com-

parison that extends beyond what merely catches our attention for the moment. In our current delusional state, we get distracted by the catchphrase of the day or the happy hour of the week. So, Chad and Mark are here to assist you in your search…

ROYAL COURT ELECTIONS Sunday, May 1, began the campaign process for the annual Emperor and Empress elections of the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire (RCGSE). For those just joining the chaos, the RCGSE is Utah’s longest-standing community service-based gay organization. Over its lifespan, the Court has raised hundreds of thousands of charitable dollars.

This year there are two candidates for the office of Emperor and one for Empress. Now, for those of you suffering from the ADD we mentioned earlier, there are only three candidates. So you shouldn’t get too lost.

Of all the organizations representing the community, the RCGSE voting is the one outlet that allows the community direct input on two prominent community leaders. Anyone with a valid Utah ID may vote in the elections. There is also a “NO” vote option for each of the offices. So if you’re not satisfied with either candidate, you may vote “NO” and if 51% of the ballots cast are “NO,” then neither candidate wins. So, in a nutshell, three candidates enter the race and no one could win. Think where we’d be if other organizations opened their elections in similar format. Wouldn’t we all appreciate an opportunity to shape our local agenda?

Although many view this as a popularity contest, the elected officials have a great deal of responsibility that should not be taken lightly or judged solely on who has the best makeup or the most financial support. As with any election, knowing the views of each candidate and their stance on important topics should be the basis for comparison.

No candidate is perfect. So, if you choose to vote, it is justified to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each individual, though it is often easier to only look at the negative instead of seeing someone as a whole.

THE EMPRESS RACE… CHAD: One candidate for Empress? What a joke. I want a Joan Collins vs. Linda Evans total bitch fight. Those were the best races of the past. Where it was every man for himself and bars were burnt to the ground. I want an Empress campaign where at least two queens battle with bling. I think a “NO” vote is a petty, backhanded trick of a selected group who think they are a living Dynasty.

MARK: A living dynasty? Are you talking about the television show of the 80s or the mindset of some of the traditional Court members?

Either way, we know where that mentality has gotten the RCGSE in the past. So, let’s not go there. I too am baffled that there isn’t at least one other worthy candidate. As for burning bars, some of the establishments could use a good cleaning, and with the stroke of merely a single match it would be done.

THE EMPEROR RACE… MARK: Oh my, where to begin? You asked for more than one candidate, Chad, and now you’ve got it. Careful what you wish for, my fellow critic. At the end of campaigning on May 20, I wonder how they’ll both look back on the experience. By now, the daggers have already been thrown and the trenches have been dug. It makes one finally appreciate those childhood days of playing dodge ball and hopscotch.

CHAD: I only asked for a bitch fight with the queens. It’s all in fun until someone really gets hurt. Each candidate is worthy of the office. Both should be given the opportunity to gain our vote in spite of the rhetoric of their detractors. There are good and bad leadership qualities in each. It’ll be a close race.

I’ll be sure to express my opinion… at the proper time… by placing my vote.

RACE SUMMARY… CHAD: It’s another snoozer at Gold Spike Stadium. Anyone can hit a homerun in the 31st inning given the proper chance to play the game. I’m bringing my nephew’s T-ball stand.

MARK: A homerun? Have you seen these three girls? You think any of them could actually run the four bases? Don’t choke on the dust.

To all three candidates: best of luck. Q

Dr. Pheel Dear Friends and Family, I’m sure there are a lot of you in the gay and lesbian community who are seeking advice about the obstacles you face in your daily life—everything from what shirt to wear today to finding your soul mate. We at QSaltLake encourage you to let us be your best friend, the one you turn to in a time of need. We are starting this column to reach out to you, to help you through life’s many obstacles. Feel free to email us at drpheel@qsaltlake.com or send a letter to Dr Pheel, QSaltLake, P.O. Box 511247, Salt Lake City, UT 84151.

QSaltLake is looking forward to being your best friend.

Do not be shy with your questions; remember: the only stupid questions are those that are not asked. Here are a few letters we’ve already received: DEAR DR. PHEEL, I recently split up with my boyfriend of 2½ years. It was going nowhere and we just didn’t love each other. So, I’m back in the singles game. My question is: When is it okay to start dating again, and are one-night stands okay?

Signed, Desperate For Love DEAR DESPERATE, First of all, welcome back to the single life. I’m sure there are many out there like you. We want so badly to be with Mr. Right that many times we end up with Mr. Wrong or Mr. Right Now. First, about one-night stands: We have all had them. We have! You just need to make sure that if you have them, you’re being safe and not satisfying an addiction. Many times, one-night stands are a longing to be loved, and being with someone makes us “feel� loved. So, analyze the reasoning behind your motives for a one-night stand. Now, about dating again: I believe that when you break up with someone, you need time to yourself. A time of healing. A time to look at your faults in the relationship and what could have been different.

To me, a relationship is like a Ming Vase; it’s priceless. You must take care of it. Imagine a chip in your Ming Vase. Do you fix it right away, or do you just let it go? If you don’t fix it, as time goes by your Ming Vase will eventually start to crumble, and what was once priceless is now worthless. So, before you go into a relationship, know who you are and what you want out of it, so you’re prepared and willing to fix any chips immediately. And don’t be afraid to be you. After all, that other person fell in love with you.

Always be honest and say what’s on your mind. An honest relationship is the best relationship.

DEAR DR. PHEEL, First of all, I’m a gay male and I work full time in a very professional setting. My problem is, one of my male coworkers who knows I’m gay has hit on me quite a lot. I know that he’s married and has children. He has actually said that he really wants to sleep with me. He is very attractive and if he were gay and single I would not give it a second thought. But, like I said, he’s not. What do I do?

Signed, Unbeknownst to Me

%!39

(!2$

M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q 2 3

DEAR UNBEKNOWNST, Let me address one thing first: If you were a woman and he was hitting on you, it would be called sexual harassment. In this case, it is still sexual harassment; you just happen to be a gay man.

Unfortunately, we are living in a world that still does not fully accept homosexuality. Otherwise, this man would most likely be out of the closet. My advice is to turn him down. Is your work environment open enough to discuss this with a supervisor? If it is, you should talk with him or her—after all, it is sexual harassment. If you don’t think you can talk with a superior, talk about it with your coworker. Maybe you could just be a friend to him and guide him in the right direction to coming out to himself and those around him. Just because you are gay does not mean that you have to sleep with any man who wants you to. Take pride in being gay, in being who you are, and stand up for your rights. Q

%ACH 3UDOKU HAS A UNIQUE SOLUTION THAT CAN BE REACHED LOGICALLY WITHOUT GUESSING %NTER DIGITS FROM TO INTO THE BLANK SPACES %VERY ROW MUST CONTAIN ONE OF EACH DIGIT 3O MUST EVERY COLUMN AS MUST EVERY X SQUARE

1 ½Ê* "4HIS AIN T NO SISSY LOUNGE ACT 4HIS IS A FIST POUNDIN FOOT STOMPIN GOOD TIME /UR h!LL 2EQUESTv PIANO SHOWS WILL LEAVE YOU SORE FROM ALL THAT SMILING AND SINGING #OME SEE OUR NEWLY EXPANDED %AST SHOWROOM #ALL AHEAD FOR RESERVATIONS

2 4 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6

UÊ-Õ ]Ê Ê> `Ê7i`Ê >ÀÊ À>vÌÃ UÊ Ài>ÌÊ- V > Ê `Ê Û> >L i UÊ - }

%.4%2 4!

3UN 4 ).-%.4 3#( % UES +A RAOKE $5,% -ONDA PM YS 7EDn4H 'UITARS 0IAN n AM URS O &RIn3AT $UELING 0IANOS $UET

$UELING 0IANOS PMn AM PMn AM

%AST 3OUTH 3ALT ,AKE #ITY 54

WWW TAVERNACLE COM ! 0RIVATE #LUB FOR -EMBERS

Golden Spike Awards

QSaltLake photographer Kim Russo catches you out on the town.

Mya — Th Courtney Cartier Best Looking Drag Award

Juan Carlos — The Peter Christie Favorite Dancer Award Michelle Vreeken — The Sharon Blue Woman of the Year Award

Angela Dominguez and Nellie Horton at the Trapp Door Johnnie Disco and Vanessa Michaels at the Trapp Door Thomas and Scottie at the Trapp Door Renee and Rebbi Lucas at the Trapp Door

Michelle “From Hell” Vreeken, Ryan, Chevy and Krystyna at the Trapp Door Mogely for the Paper Moon — Favorite bar Party (White Party)

Michael Aaron — Lifetime Achievement Award

Photographer Brek Joos catches the action at Gossip!

Nathan Heuer and Mark Thrash at Gossip!

Sean Parnell, Andy Loctovicci, StephanieBass and Kain Keenan at Gossip!

Nova Starr announces the QSaltLake Cover Boy contest winners Stratten Moore, Isaac Hart, and first place winner Jacob Whipple at Gossip!

Brandon Erekson and Kyle Clem at Gossip!

M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q 2 5

Kyle Webberly at Gossip!

Kate Olsen, Andy Godwin and friend at Gossip!

ADVERTISING QSALTLAKE is your way to reach Utah’s gay and lesbian market. Gay people eat at restaurants and travel more often and spend more each time they do. Call 1-800-806-7357 to place your classified or display ad today.

HELP WANTED OUTSIDE SALES people needed with high energy, self motivation for upstart newspaper. Have a reason to wake up and get to work in the morning: you are helping Utah’s gay and lesbian community! Scaled commission to 35%. Email resume to michael@qsaltlake. com or call 856-5655.

DELIVERY DRIVER for QSaltLake. Two Thursdays a month. Hourly plus mileage.

856-5655.

SALT LAKE MEN’S CHOIR is seeking a qualified Artistic Director. The Artistic Director will work with the Board of Directors to provide overall artistic leadership to the Chorus, including long-range program planning. He or she will also program, prepare and conduct four to five full-length concerts per year, and preside over weekly Thursdsay night rehearsals. Interested parties are asked to send a resume to Wesley Brady at president@ saltlakemenschoir.org.

ROOMMATES WEST VALLEY. Very gay neighborhood near Valley Fair Mall. Pool, separate bath, cable, internet available, W/D, pet friendly. $375 includes util.

Scott 759-2104.

MASSAGE

UTAH POLYAMORY SOCIETY provides a safe, accepting atmosphere for open discussions about polyamory issues. Meets at The Center on the first Tues. and in Ogden on the 4th Sun. at the Ogden Youth Outreach Ctr, 24th & Porter St. Suite 2B groups.

FAMILY FELLOWSHIP is a di- PROFESSIONAL LESBIAN GAY AFFIRMAverse collection of Mormon families TIVE THERAPISTS UTAH is engaged in the cause of strengthening families with homosexual members. a networking group for therapists BISEXUAL groups.yahoo.com/group/FamilyFellowship/ that meets monthly at members’ BI MEN of Utah. Social and support FOOD/WINE homes to talk about outreach, group for bi/gay men of Utah.

GAY WINETASTINGS. qVinum service, related issues, and thergroups.yahoo.com/group/Bi-Gay-Men-Utah is a fabulous group of wine lovers apy with GLBT individuals and 1to5 CLUB for those who identify that holds tasting in members’ homes. couples. health.groups.yahoo.com/ as bisexual meets the second Thurs. qVinum.com group/lgbtaffirmativetherapistsofutah/ at 7pm at The Center and then social- FRATERNAL RESOURCES ly throughout the month.

ROYAL COURT of the Golden GAY LESBIAN Bisexual groups.yahoo.com/group/1to5club Spike Empire. Support your community! Transgender Community Center EMPLOYEE rcgse.org of Utah. Activities, Pride, meetCONVERGYS EMPLOYEES UTAH BEAR ALLIANCE is a ing space for groups. 539-8800 meet your GLBT co-workers. social and service organization for glbtccu.org groups.yahoo.com/group/cvg-glbt Bears and those who have an affinity UTAH QUEER Events. Submit FAMILY GROUPS for them. utahbears.com group events and see what’s happenGAY AND LESBIAN FAMILIES ing in your community.

OF UTAH for gays or lesbians who UTAH CYBER SLUTS is groups.yahoo.com/group/utahqueerevents are parents or are thinking of becom- a camp drag group of performers that raises funds for charities.

JOIN QSALTLAKE Yahoo group ing parents and live in Utah. geocities. utahcybersluts.com for breaking news and free or reduced com/glfamilyut HEALTH arts and event tickets.

PFLAG SALT LAKE - Parents, groups.yahoo.com/qsaltlake PEOPLE WITH AIDS COALIFamilies and Friends of Lesbians and SOCIAL GROUPS TION OF UTAH provides educaGays promotes the health and welltional and support services that en- GAYBIKERSOFUT ¡ The everybeing of GLBT persons, families and hance the quality of life for all people ones motorcycle group! friends. pflagslc.org/ autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/ impacted by HIV/AIDS 484-2205 ARTS

MASSAGE KNEADS. Full body massage tailored to your “kneads� 983-4906 or visit me online www.hourofknead.com

SALT LAKE MEN’S CHOIR performs at benefits and four major concerts a year. saltlakemenschoir.org

MISC. TIRED OF THE BAR LIFE? Pride Counseling is offering a Gay Men’s Therapy / Support Group. Gay men often find that their options to socialize limited to clubs and bars. Most insurance companies billed, sliding fee scale. For information call Jerry Buie LCSW at 595-0666.

ARE YOU HIV+? Pride Counseling has restarted a Therapy/ Support Group for men who are HIV infected and seeking support from others in similar situations. For information please call Jerry Buie LCSW at 595-0666

UTAH AIDS FOUNDATION. Helping with the complex issues of HIV/AIDS.

gayRMs.com

equalityutah.org

utahnow.org

GAY FORUM UTAH, a free speech zone. Soap box orators, speech makers welcome. Tell leaders what you think. groups. yahoo.com/group/gay_forum_utah/

bar guide

#,5" 3/5.$

:#-) #ENTER

7 3/54( s $ 0 8

3/5.$3,# #/-

3

#,5" 429 !.',%3

3

3

holladayucc.org

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 ld-

SINGLE LESBIAN? Meet other single lesbians for friendship and social events. groups.yahoo.com/group/

sreconciliation.org

#ITY (ALL

7

4RAX ,INE

3

3

groups.yahoo.com/group/gayandatbyu/

GAY BYU for Brigham Young University alumni and students who consider themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual or sympathetic to gay issues. groups.yahoo.com/group/gaybyu/

UVSC GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE is 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 frontrunnersslc.org A social/support group resources for SOUTHERN UTAH Gay & Lesbi- LAMBDA HIKING CLUB. Pro- transgender people. 320-0551. geocities.com/westhollywood/castro/6809/ an Community Group. A place to post viding friendly, safe, and fun outdoor messages and happenings for South- activities for Utah’s GLBT community YOUTH GROUPS 532-8447 gayhike.org GLYA - GAY LDS YOUNG ern Utah. (435)313-0756 groups.yahoo.com/group/suglbtcc/ ADULTS is a group of gay LDS UTAH GAY Rodeo AssociaNEW GIRL IN TOWN? Inter- tion. PO Box 511255 SLC, UT 84151 guys and girls age 18-30 that get tougra.net gether, socialize and have fun in a ested in meeting new friends? Join sWerve. swerveutah.com PRIDE COMMUNITY SOFT- positive atmosphere. glya.com UTAH MALE NATURISTS Na- BALL LEAGUE plays Sundays at YOUTH ACTIVITY CENTER ked lunches, outings and camping trips Jordan Park, 1050 S. 1000 W. through at The Center. Drop in and weekly acthe summer. pridesoftball.org tivities. glbtccu.org in a sex-free environment. umen.org

-/.$!93

45%3$!93

7%$.%3$!93

4(523$!93

&2)$!93

3!452$!93

4HEME +ARAOKE

+ARAOKE

3TEINS +ARAOKE

3HOW 4UNE +ARAOKE

+AMIKAZE +ARAOKE

"REAKDOWN (EADS 5P

+RAZY +ARAOKE

'OSSIP

"EER 3OAKED

"EER 3OAKED 7EENIES #YBER 3LUT "INGO TH -ONDAYS

$RAFTS

"%!2 ,%!4(%2 $!.#% &//$ +!2!/+% .)'(43 -/34,9 ,%3")!.3 -/34,9 '!9 -%. .%)'("/2(//$ "!2 02)6!4% #,5" !2%!

-)8%$ '!9 342!)'(4 /2 '!9 /.,9 #%24!). .)'(43

'AY NIGHT

7 3/54( s 0 8

&REE POOL n $ART 4OURNAM T PM +ARAOKE 0OOL 4OURNAMENT &REE 0OOL .ATTYS "LOODY -ARYS .ATTYS +AMIKAZES

4!6%2.!#,%

$RAFTS +ARAOKE PM

$RAFTS 'UITAR 0IANO $UETS

4(% 42!00

""1 PM

+ARAOKE

,ATIN .IGHT .O COVER BEFORE

#LOSED

% 3/54( s + 0 8 \ 4!6%2.!#,% #/" $ & + , .

0 4 8

FRONTRUNNERS/FRONTWALKERS SALT LAKE CITY is a walking and running club for the GLBT community and our gay and lesbian affirming friends.

groups.yahoo.com/group/free_utah_glbt_ military_online/

-9.4 ,/5.'%

0!0%2 -//.

3

teamslc.org

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.

tions.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.

35.$!93

7 3/54( s . $ - 0 7EENIES $RAFTS

""1 PM #,5"429 !.',%3 #/-

3 34!4% 342%%4 s + 0 7

4RAX 3TATION

3OUTH 3ALT ,AKE

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.

www.sa.utah.edu/lgbt/

$RAFTS

$* "OY4OY

"EER 3OAKED 7EENIES

$* "OY 4OY

0OLES #AGES AND HOT CHICKS

3EXY 3ATURDAYS 7OMEN

7OMEN 7OMEN

$UELING 0IANOS PM

$UELING 0IANOS PM

-/$)'')49 3

%!34

3

587.7973

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 organiza-

3 34!4% 342%%4 s + 0 7

-/$)'')493 #/-

3 34!4% 34

7

3 34!4% s . + s #,5"(%!$350 #/-

3

34!4% 34

4RAX 3TATION

7

./24( 4%-0,%

3

4RAX ,INE

2 6 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6

3ALT ,AKE #ITY

7

3

#ROSS ROADS -ALL

-!). 34

*ORDAN 2IVER

'ATEWAY -ALL

3ALT 0ALACE

7

4EMPLE 3QUARE

4RAX ,INE

$ELTA #ENTER

7%%+,9 %6%.43 #,5" (%!$3 50

LGBT RESOURCE CENTER at the Univ. of Utah provides education, information and advocacy services and works to create an open, safe and supportive environment for the entire LGBT campus community.

members.aol.com/wasatchweb

utahalternativegardenclub.freehomepage.com

GAY/STRAIGHT ANIMAL RIGHTS ALLIANCE. Human Rights / Animal Rights ... the only difference is ignorance. gsara.uarc.com/ SAME-GENDER MARRIAGE is a Feminist Issue: NOW’s mission is to promote equality for ALL women.

stonewallshootingsportsutah.org STUDENT GROUPS

GLORY TO GOD COMMUNITY CHURCH. We are a Biblebased, non-denominational, welcoming and affirming Christian church in Ogden. Sunday Services at 9AM and 11AM. 394-0204 glory2god.org HOLLADAY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST. We are a community that grows outwardly by drawing ever–widening circles of inclusion. We are people seeking to do God’s work in the world. 277-2631

UTAH ALTERNATIVE GARDEN CLUB is for for anyone inAMERICAN CIVIL Liberties Union. Fighting for individual freedoms terested in gardens, flowers, plants since 1958. 521-9862 acluutah.org and home projects. We meet the first Wed. of every month at the Sugar CODE PINK, a women-initiated House Park garden building, 7:30pm. peace, social justice movement. codepinkalert.com

STONEWALL SHOOTING Sports of Utah. Firearm advocates and owners in Utah, promoting self defense for gender and sexual minorities.

AFFIRMATION: GAY AND LESBIAN MORMONS. Sunday meetings 534-8693

POLITICAL

EQUALITY UTAH is a statewide political advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to secure equality and fairness.

slwomeninaction.com

SPIRITUAL

GAY RMS Social group for return missionaries of the LDS Church.

Regular parties and group activities.

lesbian_singles/

487-2323 utahaids.org

QuacQuac.org.

SALT LAKE WOMEN IN ACTION is a recreational club for women in the community and other liberal minded women.

yahoo.com/group/UtahPolyamorySociety/

gaybikersofUT

www.pwacu.org

QUEER UTAH AQUATIC CLUB invites swimmers and water polo players of ANY skill level.

3 7%34 s + . 0 \ 4(%42!00 #/-

42!00 $//2

7 3/54( s $ + 0 \ 42!00$//2 #/-

+ARAOKE PM

S .IGHT #OUNTRY .IGHT 3HOTS 0IZZA $RAFTS -ARGARITAS 3EX ON THE "EACH $RAFTS $UELING 0IANOS PM +ARAOKE

#LOSED

+ARAOKE

$UELING 0IANOS PM

$ART 4OURNAMENT PM

$* &ABRICE 3KARAOKE !LL REQUEST NIGHT )NFERNO (OUSE 0ARTY DRAFTS PITCHERS #OSTUME KARAOKE .O COVER BEFORE .O COVER BEFORE .O COVER BEFORE .O COVER BEFORE

M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 6 Q Q S A LT L A K E Q 2 7

UTAHGAYDATE.COM Some say all the good ones are married or gay.

They’re right. Chat room. Match profile.

FREE 19” LCD MONITOR Get a free 17” or 19” flat panel monitor.

As seen on CNN, MSNBC, Wired Magazine.

www.freeLCDsite.com

MASSAGE KNEADS

DIRECTV IS QUEER TV Comcast refuse to give you the gay channels?

Sign up for DirecTV through this gayowned and operated business and a $20 donation will be made to a gay charity.

Full body massage tailored to your “kneads” 983-4906 or visit me online www.hourofknead.com

SUBSCRIBE TO QSALTLAKE Get a full year – 24 issues – of QSaltLake for just $25 or 6 months for $15.

Go to QSaltLake.com/subscribe or call 1-800-806-7357 today!

UTAHSAT.COM

MEET GAY SINGLES

CUSTOM VACATIONS TO GAY DESTINATIONS ~ Atlantis & Olivia Cruises ~ Chicago Gay Games ~ Disneyland & Disney World ~ Gay Pride Festivals Worldwide ~ R.S.V.P. Vacations ~ SUPERCLUBS ~ Hedo II & III in Jamaica ~ Plan your perfect vacation with “Holly!”

(Certified, Independent Travel Specialist) 485-8358 holly@cruiseandtravelmasters.com

BEST THERAPISTS, BEST PRICE, BEST PLACE, BEST HOURS. Pride Massage 486-5500

1800 S. West Temple # A224 2(X)IST PIMA COTTON BE YOUR OWN Y-BACK THONG ONLY $7 TIRED OF LAME QSALTLAKE.COM/THONG LESBIAN PORN? FLUFFER! Your own porno made in the comfort of

UtahGayDate.com

your own homo. Professional production crew will come out make you a star.

We film anything ... within reason.

801-255-2007

GET A FREE LAPTOP or deskop PC. Totally Free!

TotallyFreePC.com

DENNIS MASSAGE Dennis is Utah’s only physique print model & massage therapist.

See why he is so well liked at www.dennismassage.com (801) 598-8344

UTAHM4M.COM IT’S free TO BE A MEMBER! It’s free to...

Receive and reply to e-mail from other members, Signal other members you’re interested, Browse the vast TangoWire worldwide network.

Upload up to 5 Photos (or we’ll scan them for FREE).

Fast and Easy Registration. Be Online in Minutes!

Join Utah M4M Now!

Lesbian production crew filming real lesbian porn with real lesbians!

We need confident actresses.

801-255-2007

TRY NETFLIX FOR FREE Q PERSONALS

Find the love of your life, a roommate, someone to see movies with, or just have some fun at

Netflix — Only $9.99 a month.

Over 60,000 Titles. More queer titles than any other service. No Late Fees.

Try it for Free!

QSALTLAKE.COM/NETFLIX