In This Issue
ISSUE 121 • February 5, 2009
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A World Premiere by Matthew Ivan Bennett February 20 March 8, 2009 in the Studio Theatre @ the Rose Wagner. Ten Japanese internment camps were in operation on American soil during World War II. One of them, Topaz, was located sixteen miles west of Delta, Utah. The majority of the internees were U.S. citizens. Could this happen again? Featuring Anita Booher and Bryan Kido. Coincides with the annual Japanese-American Day of Remembrance (Feb 19).
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Q World BY REX WOCKNER
Six States to Consider Same-Sex Marriage Bills to legalize same-sex marriage are expected to see action this year in Maine, New Jersey, New York and Vermont. In addition, the Iowa Supreme Court will decide a case that could legalize same-sex marriage there. In California, the state Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling in June on whether Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. Prop 8, passed by voters last Nov. 4, amended the state constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage, which had been legal since June 16, 2008, following a Supreme Court ruling. Same-sex marriage currently is legal in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Internationally, it is legal in Belgium, Canada, Nepal, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa and Spain. Three other U.S. states — Hawaii, New Mexico and Washington — are expected to consider passing civilunion laws this year that extend all or nearly all of the rights and obligations of marriage. Such laws already are in place in California, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Oregon and Vermont. The District of Columbia, Maine, Hawaii and Washington presently have laws that extend limited spousal rights to same-sex couples.
Sam Adams Declines to Resign in Portland Openly gay Portland, Ore., Mayor Sam Adams, 45, has decided not to resign following revelations that he had a sexual relationship in 2005 with then18-year-old Beau Breedlove just two weeks after Breedlove reached the age of consent, and that he kissed Breedlove twice when Breedlove was still 17. Adams lied about the relationship when inquiries were made during his 2007 mayoral campaign — and persuaded Breedlove to deny that the relationship had occurred, as well.
Giuliano Quits GLAAD Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation President Neil Giuliano announced Jan. 28 that he will quit his job later this year. He said he wants to pursue personal interests while completing a book about his public and political life. Giuliano has been in the position since September 2005. Before that, he was mayor of Tempe, Ariz., for 10 years and, prior to that, a university administrator and faculty associate at Arizona State University for 25 years.
Obama Posts Gay Agenda on White House Web Site Immediately after Barack Obama’s inauguration, the whitehouse.gov Web site prominently posted the president’s extensive gay agenda online. Gay activists and commentators gushed support for the move and praised the agenda’s comprehensiveness and unequivocal language. The agenda reads:
Expand Hate Crimes Statutes In 2004, crimes against LGBT Americans constituted the third highest category of hate crime reported and made up more than 15 percent of such crimes. President Obama co-sponsored legislation that would expand federal jurisdiction to include violent hate crimes perpetrated because of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical disability. As a state senator, President Obama passed tough legislation that made hate crimes and conspiracy to commit them against the law.
Fight Workplace Discrimination President Obama supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and believes that our anti-discrimination employment laws should be expanded to include sexual orientation and gender identity. While an increasing number of employers have extended benefits to their employees’ domestic partners, discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workplace occurs with no federal legal remedy. The President also sponsored legislation in the Illinois State Senate that would ban employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Support Full Civil Unions and Federal Rights for LGBT Couples President Obama supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples legal rights and privileges equal to those of married couples. Obama also believes we need to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and enact legislation that would ensure that the 1,100+ federal legal rights and benefits currently provided on the basis of marital status are extended to same-sex couples in civil unions and other legally-recognized unions. These rights and benefits include the right to assist a loved one in times of emergency, the right to equal health insurance and other employment benefits, and property rights.
Oppose a Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage President Obama voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2006 which would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman and prevented judicial extension of marriagelike rights to same-sex or other unmarried couples.
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Repeal Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell President Obama agrees with former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff John Shalikashvili and other military experts that we need to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. The key test for military service should be patriotism, a sense of duty, and a willingness to serve. Discrimination should be prohibited. The U.S. government has spent millions of dollars replacing troops kicked out of the military because of their sexual orientation. Additionally, more than 300 language experts have been fired under this policy, including more than 50 who are fluent in Arabic. The President will work with military leaders to repeal the current policy and ensure it helps accomplish our national defense goals.
Expand Adoption Rights President Obama believes that we must ensure adoption rights for all couples and individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation. He thinks that a child will benefit from a healthy and loving home, whether the parents are gay or not.
Promote AIDS Prevention In the first year of his presidency, President Obama will develop and begin to implement a comprehensive national HIV/AIDS strategy that includes all federal agencies. The strategy will be designed to reduce HIV infections, increase access to care and reduce HIV-related health disparities. The President will support common sense approaches including age-appropriate sex education that includes information about contraception, combating infection within our prison population through education and contraception, and distributing contraceptives through our public health system. The President also supports lifting the federal ban on needle exchange, which could dramatically reduce rates of infection among drug users. President Obama has also been willing to confront the stigma — too often tied to homophobia — that continues to surround HIV/AIDS.
Empower Women to Prevent HIV/AIDS In the United States, the percentage of women diagnosed with AIDS has quadrupled over the last 20 years. Today, women account for more than one-quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses. President Obama introduced the Microbicide Development Act, which will accelerate the development of products that empower women in the battle against AIDS. Microbicides are a class of products currently under development that women apply topically to prevent transmission of HIV and other infections. Q
Quips & Quotes ❝ ❝Clearly, the ultimate goal of the ‘Common
Ground Initiative’ is ‘gay marriage.’ They will take their ‘common ground’ incrementally until that singular goal is achieved. Utahns will have to decide if ‘common ground’ is good enough, or if ‘Sacred Ground’ is worth fighting for.”
— The Sutherland Institute, a selfdescribed pro-family group based in Utah, in a statement on its Web site urging Utahns to oppose Equality Utah’s Common Ground Initiative.
❝ ❝From the beginning, we have made it clear — the
Common Ground Initiative is not about marriage. It is about basic rights for gay and transgender Utahns. While we understand this, many legislators continue to respond to the same tired message from our opponents.” — Equality Utah Director Mike Thompson, in an action alert sent to Equality Utah supporters after Sen. Scott McCoy’s Wrongful Death Amendments bill died in committee.
❝ ❝While I wish the State of Utah to treat all citizens with fairness and dignity, I am growing more and more concerned that anything the legislature does to create rights for same-sex couples or GLBT individuals will be used by the courts — as is being done across the country — as the basis for extending the rights of marriage to same-sex couples. Thus I am very leery of voting for these bills …”
—An unnamed Utah state senator in an email to a Common Ground Initiative supporter, as quoted in an Equality Utah action alert.
❝ ❝Gayle Ruzicka is our Anita Bryant, and if her
personal mission is to defeat LGBT protections, then it will be my personal mission to fight against her.” — Gay rights activist Jacob Whipple, in a post on his Facebook urging Utah gay and transgender people to speak out against Eagle Forum president Gayle Ruzicka, who is well-known for her anti-gay statements and activism.
Feb. 21
Q Utah Gays, Allies Rally for Common Ground by JoSelle Vanderhooft
Nearly 300 marchers braved the rain, wind and cold on Jan. 24 to ask the Utah legislature to pass five bills — collectively known as gay rights group Equality Utah’s Common Ground Initiative — that seek to grant gay and transgender Utahns nondiscrimination protections in housing and the workplace, insurance benefits for same-sex partners, and the ability for same-sex partners to sue in the case of wrongful death as well as the creation of a statewide domestic partner registry and the repeal of a constitutional ban on civil unions. The marchers met at the Salt Lake City and County building and walked uphill to the state capitol, bearing umbrellas, waterproof signs and sometimes chanting the familiar slogan: “What do we want? Equality! When do we want it? Now!” Several drivers demonstrated apparent support for the marchers: honking, waving and occasionally stopping to ask what the group was doing. Salt Lake City police were on hand to provide an escort. After the marchers had assembled on the state capitol’s south lawn (in front of tents erected to protect the sound equipment from the rain), local gay rights activist Jacob Whipple thanked them for braving the elements. “Thank you for coming from the bottom of my heart,” said Whipple, who organized a 3000-strong protest against Proposition 8 (the measure that re-banned gay marriage in California) at the LDS Church headquarters last November. “It means so much that you would come out in the rain.” Whipple then turned the microphone over to Rev. Sean Parker Dennison, minister at South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society and one of the only open transgender Unitarian clergy in the country. “My faith is at the heart of my story, and why I’m here looking for common ground,” said Dennison, adding that he transitioned 12 years ago to stay true to a faith that “told me to
strive for wholeness and honesty among all people” and “to live with integrity and joy.” Explaining that transgender people were more likely than the rest of the population to be unable to find housing and health care, Dennison said he was lucky to have both, considering that Utah law currently does not extend workplace and housing nondiscrimination provisions to transgender people. “But at any minute I could lose any of those things,” he said. “No one should have to rely on luck for those things.” The ideals of justice and supporting the “weak and powerless” in society, Dennison added, were the common ground not only of all world religions, but the common ground on which legislators, the LDS Church and gay and transgender people could agree. “I believe there are politicians in this house who know the ideals of democracy ... are vital to this state,” said Dennison, gesturing at the capitol behind him. “I believe the era of hatred, discrimination and prejudice is coming to a close. I hope Utah will surprise the world and lead the way.” Joni Weiss, a transgender woman, told the crowd that she, like Dennison, was also lucky to have a transgender-friendly employer. “But most people in my situation aren’t so lucky,” she said. “There aren’t many because of discrimination and harassment and the potential for violence who would be able to stand up here. I stand up for those who can’t speak for fear of losing their jobs and homes.” Weiss urged the marchers not only to reach out to the legislature, but to remember their allies of all sexual orientations in such “rural” Utah cities as Moab, Roosevelt, Cedar City and Vernal, who would have “covered the hill” had they been able to attend. Other speakers included Thomas Rowbottom, a bisexual man from Sacramento, Calif., and Alex Bright, a gay man from Florida. Rowbottom describing how he lost his job at a hospital chain because of his sexual orientation. Even in states known for being gay-friendly, Rowbottom said, anti-gay discrimination is a problem. Upon moving to Utah earlier this
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month, Rowbottom said he thought few people in the Beehive State cared about gay rights. But after seeing support for demonstrations like that day, Rowbottom said he was convinced that “the fight is not dead in Utah.” Bright discussed Florida’s Proposition 2, a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union between a man and a woman that Florida voters passed last November. He mentioned gay friends in his former home state who had been left with nothing after their partners had died because relatives who disapproved of their relationships had inheritance rights. “We need to stand up and fight and show people we’re out there,” he said. Whipple agreed, urging all present to come out of the closet to friends, family and co-workers — not to get approval, but to let their loved ones know “those people they’ve loved are people who are LGBT” and that “the opinions they’ve formed about us still hold.” “So when they’re voting against us, [they know] they’re hurting someone they love and trust,” he explained. “They’re hurting us, they’re hurting you.” He also discussed the importance of involving straight people in the push to pass the Common Ground Initiative. “In a fight of numbers we’re not big enough,” he said. “We can’t win this fight alone.” Equality Utah Director Mike Thompson was one of the last speakers to address the crowd. In his remarks, Thompson discussed three recent polls, conducted by the Salt Lake Tribune, the University of Utah and Equality Utah that each determined a majority of Utahns support
equal rights for gay people “on some issues” such as housing and employment protections. He urged legislators who would meet together for the first time on Jan. 26 to heed their constituents’ opinion. “It’s not the Utahns that we need, we need the folks in this house to pay attention to the majority of Utahns,” he said. “Utahns are paying attention to who we are and that our lives are relevant.” Thompson also called for an end of legislators’ attempts to center debates about protections for gay people around marriage equality and Amendment 3, the constitutional amendment forbidding gay marriage in Utah. Voters overwhelmingly passed the measure in 2004. “I’m tired of legislators hiding behind Amendment 3 when we’re talking about issues of discrimination,” Thompson said to applause. “The fact a lesbian can be fired from her job has nothing to do with marriage.” Once again, Thompson also called on the LDS Church to make good on a statement it made last November. In the wake of the church’s official support of Proposition 8, LDS leadership stated that the church was not anti-gay and did not oppose employment, housing, probate and medical insurance rights for same-sex couples, as well as domestic partnerships. At press time, it has been 75 days since Equality Utah announced its Common Ground Initiative and the LDS Church has yet to respond. “We’re waiting, LDS Church. We’re waiting until your actions are consistent with your words,” said Thompson. “Where is that same conviction you showed when fighting for Proposition 8?” Q
Equality Utah Launches Print, Billboard and Radio Campaign Utah’s gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual political action committee kicked off an aggressive campaign to further their “Common Ground Initiative” in the wake of two counter initiatives launched by opponents. “Several polls have indicated that the majority of Utahns support the reasonable and basic protections provided for in the legislation of the Common Ground Initiative,” wrote Equality Utah Executive Director Mike Thompson in a statement. “Yet lawmakers rebuffed one of the Common Ground Initiative bills last week, recalling tired arguments that the proposals are somehow an attack on traditional marriage.” Sen. Scott McCoy’s Wrongful Death Amendments bill failed in committee after opponents made “slippery slope” arguments. (See story on page 10.) Conservative “think tank” Sutherland Institute announced their counter to EU’s initiative, dubbing it “Sacred Ground.” “Sutherland continues to defend the sacred ground of traditional marriage, and family as the fundamental unit of society,” wrote Sutherland President, Paul T. Mero. Though the first of EU’s bills has failed, group leaders remain optimistic on their initiative’s success. Thompson said the group launched the media campaign to “help raise awareness of the reasonableness and broad public support of the basic ideals of the Common Ground Initiative.” “We’ve modeled our legislative proposals directly from the statements of the LDS Church,” Thompson said. “We’re talking about basic rights that have broad public support and have nothing to do with marriage. We hope this media campaign will help Utahns see passed the fear-based arguments used against this legislation.” The campaign kicked of Sunday, Feb. 1 with full-page ads in the Deseret Morning News and the Salt Lake Tribune. Radio spots began airing the next morning and billboards were posted along I-15 in Utah and Salt Lake Counties. Ultra-conservative groups were quick to respond. “Following an unsuccessful campaign to dismantle traditional marriage in California, gay rights advocates are now turning their focus to Utah,” said Mero. “Known for strong family values, Utahns are now being exposed to deceptive marketing campaigns based on a non-threatening appeal to “common ground.”
Utah Eagle Forum’s Gayle Ruzicka founded the Constitutional Defense of Marriage Alliance during Utah’s battle over anti-gay-marriage constitutional Amendment 3. Her group has been on Capitol Hill arguing “common sense” against the Common Ground Initiative. Ruzicka claims that the California
Supreme Court ruled in favor of gay marriage because gay and lesbian couples had already gained much of the rights that come from marriage. “Common sense says that Utah’s not going to make the same mistake,” she said during the Wrongful Death Amendments testimony. Equality Utah Public Policy Man-
ager Will Carlson says comparisons between Utah and California are false, since Utah already has a constitutional amendment against gay marriage, where California had not. The print ad appearing in the dailes is below. To hear radio spots and see the billboards, visit equalityutah.org.
Let’s not Let fear and tired arguments
keep us from CLaiming our
Common ground “The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians. Even more, the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches.”
– LDS Church Official Statement newsroom.lds.org 11/5/08
“The church ‘does not oppose civil unions or domestic partnerships,’ that involve benefits like health insurance and property rights.” – Elder L. Whitney Clayton Deseret News
11/6/08
Despite these reasonable statements from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, fear and tired arguments are resurfacing. Some are claiming that providing even the most basic rights, such as hospital visitation, health insurance or employment discrimination protections, will lead to marriage for gay people. That’s just not the case. Utah already has a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Providing some basic protections for gay and transgender people won’t change that. And, preventing those basic rights is not what the voters intended.
83% of utahns agree gay and transgender people should be provided basic legal protections. Statewide Poll, January 2009
Let’s find our common ground.
equalityutah.org
Februa r y 5 , 20 09 | issue 121 | QSa lt L a k e | 9
Q Utah First ‘Common Ground’ Bill Killed in Committee by JoSelle Vanderhooft
The first of Equality Utah’s “Common Ground” bills died in a committee hearing on the second day of the Utah State Legislative Session. Senate Bill 32, “Wrongful Death Amendments,” drafted by Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake, failed 4–2 in the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee, chaired by Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan who made no comment on the bill. The bill sought to extend the right to sue for wrongful death to survivors with financial ties to a deceased person but who are not related by blood, adoption or marriage. It will not likely reappear this session. Equality Utah founded the Common Ground Initiative last November, in the wake of the LDS Church’s support for California’s Proposition 8 and the church’s insistence that it did not oppose protections for gay people that are unrelated to marriage, such as inheritance and probate rights and employment nondiscrimination. Over 60 people attended the standing-room-only hearing before the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee, several sporting green or white “Common Ground” buttons showing their support for the initiative. The committee was chaired by Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, who attempted to block Salt Lake City’s mutual commitments (domestic partner) registry last year and who is well known for his anti-gay remarks. In his introduction to the bill, McCoy, an attorney, explained that current Utah law only allows spouses, parents or children (biological, adopted or stepchildren) to bring suit in cases where an individual dies because of negligence or medical malpractice, and said that these protections were not sufficient. “In our modern society we have households and relationships that don’t fit into the model [for wrongful death litigation] that the state envisioned,” he said. McCoy explained that SB 32 would allow an individual to sue for wrongful death if he or she can prove the existence of “commingled assets and liabilities” with the deceased — that
is, a shared residence, or a designation in a will or trust. His bill also mandates that such individuals may only bring an action if the deceased has no surviving spouse, children or parents; the surviving children and parents decide not to bring a wrongful death action; or surviving parents and children allow the individual to join in their suit. Further, minor children have first dibs on any money in a wrongful death settlement. These stipulations, along with language recognizing Utah’s constitutional gay marriage ban and stating that SB 32 did not intend to confer marriage status onto non-marital relationships, make this version the narrowest McCoy has run in the bill’s three-year history. McCoy also made a point of comparing SB 32 to a bill run by Sen. Greg Bell, R-Fruit Heights, in the 2005 legislative session. Titled Mutual Dependence Benefits Contract, Bell’s unsuccessful bill would have granted two adults in a mutually dependent economic relationship several rights related to health care decisions and property ownership. Citing a legal opinion written at the time which found that the bill did not violate Utah’s constitutional ban on gay marriage, McCoy pointed out that his bill was even more stringent than Bell’s. Utah voters passed the ban — known as Amendment 3 — in 2004. Although McCoy insisted that his bill was based “on an economic, not sexual, relationship,” many who testified against the bill objected on the grounds of gay marriage. They included Laura Bunker, director of self-described pro-family group United Families Utah; Utah Eagle Forum president Gayle Ruzicka; and Frank Myler, a Salt Lake City attorney, who said the road to legalized gay marriage is not a slippery slope, but achieved incrementally through bills such as McCoy’s. In a prepared statement, Stan Rasmussen of the Sutherland Institute agreed, and criticized McCoy’s bill and the Common Ground Initiative of trying to sneak around Utah’s gay marriage ban. “SB 32 will begin the process in Utah — a process that has been implemented in California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut — to extend benefits to unmarried persons, ultimately, to allow our courts to do what our State Legislature is reluctant to do — redefine marriage,” he said, adding that the benefits SB 32 would grant could be handled through “private contract.” Sutherland Institute member and former legislator LaVar Christensen invoked the specter of the California Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage in May of 2008, calling the decision “convoluted gobbledygook” and mentioning that California’s gay-inclusive wrongful
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death statute was a harbinger of gay marriage. “This is not common ground, it’s breaking new ground,” he said of the Common Ground Initiative at large. McCoy said that comparisons to California’s brief legalization were akin to the boy who cried wolf. “Do you know what the difference is between Utah and California?” he asked the committee. “California didn’t have a marriage amendment [in its constitution]! We do.” Supporters of the bill argued that it would not only protect vulnerable people the law has overlooked. Jonathan Jepson, a Salt Lake insurance broker and an openly gay man, told the committee that he would likely lose his house and have to declare bankruptcy if he could not sue in the case of a wrongful death. “It is highly unlikely I could continue with my financial obligations — our obligations,” he said. Openly gay Iraq veteran and retired marine Jeff Key said that the issue wasn’t even about gay marriage. “If my brother, who is invested in my financial well-being, if he met these standards and couldn’t sue for wrongful death, it would be to his detriment,” he said. “Those who are here to debate marriage are late and have missed the hearing,” added Will Carlson, Equality Utah’s Manager of Public Policy, referring to Amendment 3’s passage in 2004. Throughout the hearing, the committee questioned McCoy on the bill’s finer points, including how SB 32 would effect alimony payments, whether or not a shared residence should be one of the criteria, and if McCoy did indeed intent to reinforce
Sen. Scott McCoy speaking after his bill’s defeat at an Equality Utah “OUT for Equality” at Club JAM Amendment 3 with his bill. Before the vote on the bill, Sen. Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake City, expressed disappointment over “how divided we seem to be on this bill, in this room and maybe this state.” “It’s a fair, equitable solution to a problem in our community,” he said, adding that he was surprised that McCoy had amended the bill when the same committee had passed out a less stringent version of it in 2008. The bill failed on a vote of 4-2. Sen. Lyle W. Hillyard, R-Logan, Sen. Mark B. Madsen, R-Tooele and Sen. Michael G. Waddoups, R-Taylorsville as well as Buttars voting against and Romero and McCoy voting in favor. Buttars did not comment on the bill during the hearing. Q
Wimmer: Driver’s License Bill is ‘Dead’ Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, has shelved his bill that would require a transgender person to undergo sex reassignment surgery before being able to change their sex designation on their driver’s license. Transgender advocates are breathing a sigh of relief. “This is really good news,” said Joni Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman Weiss, a transgender board member of the Utah Pride Center. “I don’t think this is the end of it, though.” Weiss knows that the issue itself isn’t dead and that eventually, likely in another legislative session, it will come up again.
“I think we should welcome the opportunity to work with Wimmer on something that works with the transgender community and meets his and his constituents’ concerns.” Under current policy, a letter from a therapist stating that a person has undergone therapy and is ready to live life in their target gender is all that is required to change the sex mark on their driver’s license. Generally, a therapist will only draft such a letter if the person has begun hormone therapy, Weiss said. Equality Utah Manager of Public Policy Will Carlson was also happy that the bill is likely dead for the session. “We would like people to still keep an eye on the bill’s status,” he said. “You never know if things might change or if he might change his mind.” But for now, Weiss says she is “dancing inside.” “I’m really happy to not have to deal with it right now.” Q
LDS Church Amends Prop 8 Spending from $2K to $190K Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ “[B]ut we managed to piece together of Latter-day Saints have filed a new evidence of some of their more visible report on the church’s spending to activities done directly to communicate pass Proposition 8, the California with California voters,” Karger wrote. constitutional amendment banning In his complaint, Karger raised same-sex marriage. The new report questions about operation costs of lists more than $190,000 in support phone centers in Utah and Idaho, the for the measure. Earlier filed reports use of Mormon volunteers to canvass showed only that the the homes of voters, church spent $2,078 to and the availability take church Elder L. of church-produced Whitney Clayton to satellite broadcasts California. and “very profession“They said they really produced” internet ported all their travel,” commercials. Fred Karger, the The complaint was founder of Californians also filed with CaliforAgainst Hate which nia Attorney General filed the initial comEdmund G. Brown, and plaint on Nov. 13., told Utah Attorney General —LDS Church the Los Angeles Times. Mark Shurtleff, though spokesman Don Eaton in “Now, when there is a neither office has made November [complaint filed] they a statement that they disclose 25 Southwest are investigating the tickets just in October. accusations. They were required to If the FPPC deterreport this [in an earlier filing].” mines that the LDS Church violated The expenditure report, filed with the the law, Porter said that they could California Secretary of State’s office, face a fine of up to $5,000 per violanow lists travel expenses for high-rank- tion and the possibility of facing a ing members of the church at $20,575 civil lawsuit that could end in the for use of facilities and equipment and church having to pay “three times the $96,849 for “compensated staff time.” amount of unreported or misreported Last November, shortly after the contributions.” passage of Prop. 8, the California The ‘Yes on 8’ campaign filed its Fair Practices Commission agreed own expenditure reports over the to investigate a complaint against weekend revealing that the main the church filed by gay rights group arm of the campaign spent more than Californians Against Hate. $39.2 million. Total spending among LDS Church spokesman Don Eaton the various proponents topped $41 at that time told ABC affiliate KGO million. TV, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Year-end disclosure statements for Latter-day Saints put zero money in organizations on both sides of the this [the passage of Prop. 8].” issue are due by midnight Monday, The church has been under fire by Feb. 2. gay marriage advocates for its high‘Yes on 8’ strategist Jeff Flint downprofile role in passing Proposition played the financial filing. 8. Church members are estimated to “I don’t think anybody beyond have donated over $20 million after rabid opponents of Proposition 8 will president Thomas S. Monson signed consider it newsworthy to find out a letter read at church services that leaders of the Mormon church throughout California and Utah callspent time on the campaign,” Flint ing for money and volunteerism to the told the Sacramento Bee. ‘Yes on 8’ campaign. Flint noted the Mormon church’s “As I read this report, it seems to reported direct spending amounted raise more questions than it anto “half of 1 percent of all campaign swers,” Karger said. expenditures.” Karger said he believes the church Proposition 8 was the most expenwas involved financially long before the sive ballot fight in the country last first expenditure it listed in September. November and is considered the most “I think there is still a lot of missing expensive campaign over a social isparts of the report because we know sue in history. they’ve been active since June,” he And if court efforts to overturn the said. amendment are unsuccessful, it could In the four-page complaint filed in all be repeated as early as next year November with the FPPC’s enforceas some gay marriage advocates are ment division, Karger accused the working to legalize same-sex marriage Utah-based church of being “highly in a 2010 ballot campaign. secretive about its massive involveMormon church officials have not ment in the campaign” to pass Propoyet made a statement on the revised sition 8. expenditure report. Q
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints put zero money in this”
Februa r y 5 , 20 09 | issue 121 | QSa lt L a k e | 11
“Now, more than ever, we must know who supports us and we must support them.” —Patrick York, organizer of Utah’s Candlelight for Equality Vigil
Now, more than ever, it is time to advertise directly to Utah’s gay and lesbian community. TheQPages, Utah’s gay and lesbian yellow pages, is accepting new advertisers.
801-649-6663 • theqpages.com
Alan Ashton calls his Thanksgiving Point a “family-friendly destination” yet spent $1,000,000 to ensure your family doesn’t have the state recognition his does. Is that friendly?
Make sure it isn’t your money he’s using to promote hate. Support businesses that support you. Avoid businesses that don’t. STOP H8 The Thanksgiving Point logo is a registered trademark of the Thanksgiving Point Institute and is used under free speech protection.
12 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 121 | Februa r y 5 , 20 09
Equality Utah Continues Lobby Training on Capitol Hill mon ground” between local gays and the LDS Church, which has stated that it does not oppose these rights for gay couples. In the hour and a half-long session, Carlson discussed the basics of approaching legislators, including: how to call them off the Senate and House floors to talk, talking points to cover and how to speak their opinions succinctly, since legislators often do not have much time to talk. PFLAG members and supporters also had the chance to role play speaking with a legislator with Carlson. They then observed Carlson demonstrating a discussion with openly lesbian Rep. Christine Johnson, D-Salt Lake City, who is running a bill this session that seeks to extend workplace and housing nondiscrimination protections to gay and transgender people. During the session, Carlson will be at the capitol every day lobbying for the Common Ground Initiative and available to give groups and individuals pointers on lobbying. To set up a time, contact him at will@equalityutah.org.
This Valentine’s Day, Ask for a Marriage License On Feb. 12, Utahns for Marriage Equality is asking committed samesex couples to request a marriage license at Salt Lake County’s County Clerk’s Office. The annual action is one of national organization Marriage Equality USA’s several events held around National Freedom to Marry Day, and has been observed by chapters and member organizations across the country since 2001. This year, MEUSA will be teaming up with Join the Impact, the grassroots movement that has called for several protests, demonstrations and charitable projects showcasing gay and transgender people across the United States and abroad since the passage of Proposition 8 last November.
Utahns for Marriage Equality is an affiliate of MEUSA. Michael Mueller, Utahns for Marriage Equality president, said that couples should meet at the Salt Lake County Clerk’s Marriage License Division (2001 S State St #S2200) at noon on Feb. 12. They will then walk into the building and peacefully and calmly request a marriage license from the clerk on duty. Couples unable to make it at noon may come throughout the day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Utahns for Marriage Equality will also hold a press conference outside. The counter action’s purpose is to raise awareness of the impact being unable to marry has on families headed by same-sex couples.
A Mardi Gras Fun Bus
Mardi Gras jester shot glasses, feathered masks, $25 restaurant certificates, $100 spa certificates and show tickets. There will also be a raffle for a $200 lube basket donated by Wet Lubricants. The bus leaves February 21 from the parking lot of Club Try-Angles at noon. Seats generally sell out, so it is wise to buy tickets in advance through GayWendover.com or the 24hour ticket hotline, 1-800-838-3006. To avoid a $1.52 ticket service fee, riders may bring cash, check or money order to the QSaltLake offices at 1055 E 2100 South, Suite 206, during business hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fabulous Fun Buses go to Wendover about every six weeks through fall and winter, and the February 21st bus has a Mardi Gras theme. The bus will once again be hosted by Ruby Ridge, who calls bingo, warns about cute (to her) truck drivers and is likely to offend almost everyone on the bus. Mardi Gras masks, beads and themed prizes will round out the fundraiser for the QCares Foundation for their efforts to help smaller gay organizations. Bingo prizes for this trip include
For more information email Mueller at
Februa r y 5 , 20 09 | issue 121 | QSa lt L a k e | 13
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Even though Equality Utah’s citizen lobbyist training sessions are over for 2009, the gay rights group’s staff are still available to teach Utahns tips for speaking to their legislators about legislation that impacts gay and transgender people. In fact, they will help you learn what to do on-site. On Jan. 28, Will Carlson, Equality Utah’s manager of public policy, met with members of Northern Utah’s Parents, Friends & Families of Lesbians and Gays as well as a number of gay and transgender people in the Utah Capitol Building’s cafeteria to teach them how to discuss the Common Ground Initiative with their State senators and representatives. The Common Ground Initiative is a set of four bills and one policy change sponsored by Equality Utah that seeks to secure rights for gay and transgender people in areas such as housing and workplace nondiscrimination, wrongful death benefits and health care parity for same-sex partners. The initiative is so named because it seeks to find “com-
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Q Utah EU Seeks Executive Order for ‘Adult Designee’ Program for Gay Partners
This legislative session, Equality Utah will be asking Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. to do for gay and unmarried heterosexuals employed by the state of Utah what Mayor Ralph Becker did for those employed by Salt Lake City last year: give them the chance to insure their domestic partners on employee health insurance plans. The sole Utah Gov. Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. executive order in the gay rights group’s Common Ground Initiative is structured almost exactly like Becker’s controversial 2008 proposal with one clear exception: its impact reaches far beyond the bounds of Utah’s comparatively gay-tolerant capitol and deeply into the state’s economic health. “My argument in the end is [that this executive order] will not cost the state any money and will end up bringing more benefit than cost to the state,” said Jon Jepson, an insurance broker who helped draft the legislation. “It [also] improves worldwide perception of our business community: that it is diverse and progressive in Utah.” If the government permits its employees to insure their same-sex and unmarried heterosexual partners, or another adult who shares financial obligations but is not related by marriage, Jepson also argues that businesses would be encouraged to move to Utah, and “talented, committed employees” would be more likely to come to and remain in the Beehive State. The proposed order, submitted recently to the governor, makes Jepson’s points along with a few others: Namely, that allowing families of all arrangements to provide for themselves strengthens individual neighborhoods, and therefore the entire state. Much like Becker’s executive order, the statewide policy change strictly defines who can and cannot be eligible for benefits. In its current draft, it identifies an adult designee as a nonspouse who has lived with the employee for at least a year, is at least 18 years
old, and who shares at least three documents showing joint financial obligations in such things as life insurance policies, wills, loan obligations, mortgages, vehicle ownership, power of attorney or bank accounts. Although the governor’s office has expressed a strong interest in stemming rising health care costs, it has also said that it wants to increase access to health insurance and health care coverage. And here, Equality Utah insists, is where the executive order could help the governor accomplish his goal, because it could reduce the number of same-sex partners on Medicaid, which could mean lower rates for others on the government program. To demonstrate this point, Equality Utah quoted from research the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and the Institute for Gay and Lesbian Strategic Studies conducted on companies that insure employees’ same-sex partners (little data existed on adult designee programs, the organization said). The research found that most businesses (which employ under 19 people) will see no change in costs while those with over 500 employees will see an increase of “just under $25,000 per year.” “With more lives insured through
the health insurance plan for the State of Utah [ the Public Employees Health Plan], the probability exists for insurance costs of the State and its employees to actually decrease (or at worst, remain unchanged),” the fact sheet read. “This means the actual cost to implement this policy could be nill [sic] to insignificant. Even if there was a small increase to the State for insurance costs, it can easily be transferred to the employee and/or their designee.” Further, Jepson said that PEHP president, Jeff Jensen, had told Equality Utah in a meeting about the proposed policy change that cost for adult designees was actually less than for employees. “This could theoretically have an overall impact of lowering insurance rates for the State of Utah if enough lives were added to the pool,” Equality Utah’s fact sheet concluded. The Common Ground Initiative is a set of four bills and one policy change that seeks to secure more rights for gay and lesbian Utahns this legislative session, such as workplace and housing nondiscrimination protections, probate rights and a domestic partner rights and responsibilities act. To learn more about the Initiative, visit equalityutah.org.
Biskupski Seeks to Amend Amendment 3 In the debates over gay rights that have raged on Capitol Hill since the 2004, the state’s constitutional amendment banning gay marriage has been at the forefront. Because of its stipulation that “no other domestic union, however denominated, may be recognized as marriage or be given the same or substantially equivalent legal effect,” legislators have often used Amendment 3 (passed overwhelmingly by Utah voters in 2004) to insist that gay couples cannot have the legal recognition and most, or any of the rights and recognition granted to their heterosexual counterparts upon marriage. This was the argument Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, used during the 2008 general session in his unsuccessful attempts to pass a bill illegalizing Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker’s domestic partner registry for city employees. The registry survived with only a name change — to “mutual commitments registry” — to keep it from running afoul of Amendment 3’s second part. On the second day of this year’s session, the argument came up again against SB 32, Salt Lake City Democratic Sen. Scott McCoy’s bill, which sought to allow same-sex partners and others not related by blood or marriage to sue in case of a breadwinner’s death from negligence or medical malpractice. In her testimony against McCoy’s bill, Eagle Forum president Gayle Ruzicka, one of the leaders of the ‘Yes on 3’ campaign, quoted Amendment 3’s second part, saying that McCoy’s bill,
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and one by Fruit Heights Republican Sen. Greg Bell in 2005, treated samesex partners as spouses. “There were attorneys, legislators, some of you in this room, that felt it [Bell’s bill] was a violation and shouldn’t pass,” she told the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee, Jan. 27. McCoy’s bill died in committee on a 4-2 vote along Republican/Democrat lines. Because of what they call these past “misinterpret[ations]” of Amendment 3’s second part, Equality Utah has made it clarifying the constitutional gay marriage ban part of its Common Ground Initiative, a set of four bills and one state policy change that seeks to secure more rights for gay and transgender Utahns in such areas as fair workplace and housing protections, insurance benefits and the creation of a domestic partner rights and responsibilities act. “A government registry involving inheritance, housing and insurance is nowhere near the legal equivalent of marriage. But the second part of Amendment 3 has been misinterpreted to prevent any recognition of gay and transgender couples in Utah,” said the local gay rights group on its Web site. Although their bill — now labeled House Joint Resolution 2 — would repeal the prohibition on recognizing any relationship outside of marriage, it will leave the first half of the amendment — that which defines marriage as the union between one man and one —Continued on page 37
Q mmunity Utah Pride Seeks Performers The 2009 Utah Pride Festival is seeking musicians and performers for its annual three-day festival. Applications can be downloaded at utahpridecenter.org and are due March 1.
Valentine Gay-la Lesbian social and civic group sWerve and the Utah Pride Center are teaming up to celebrate Valentine’s Day in style with a Valentine Gay-la, complete with drinks, dinner and dancing at the Sheraton City Centre. The event will also include photographs and a raffle for several fabulous prizes, including a 50” plasma TV. Formal attire is requested. When: Feb. 14, 6:00 p.m.–midnight Where: Sheraton City Centre, 150 W. 500 South Cost: $60 per person. Tickets can be purchased online or through mail at Valentine Gay-la, Utah Pride Center, 355 N 300 W 1st Floor, Salt Lake City UT 84013. Info: swerveutah.com
Tardy Mardy Party Supporters of the 2009 Utah Arts Festival will hold a fundraiser for the event next month at the Salt Lake Hardware Building. The fundraiser is the organization’s 6th annual Mardi Gras will include its 3rd annual Texas Hold’em Tournament. Food and soft drinks will be provided and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. No one under 21 will be admitted to the Texas Hold’em Tournament. When: Feb. 28, 1–11:00 p.m. (Tournament lasts from 1–5:00 p.m. with the final table beginning at 7:00 p.m.) Where: Salt Lake Hardware Building, 105 N. 400 West Cost: $40 donation ($55 at the door) $100 donation for Texas Hold’em Tournament. Info: uaf.org
Tax Workshop In plenty of time for tax season, the Utah Pride Center will present a workshop on taxation issues effecting Utahns, including such recent changes to Utah tax law as the elimination of several deductions from income and the new homeowner tax credit. H & R Block representatives will lead the free seminar. When: Feb. 18, 6:00 p.m. Where: Utah Pride Center
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Take Part in a Research Study HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF TAKING PART IN A RESEARCH STUDY? Dr. Leonard J. Swinyer and Dr. Douglas M. Woseth of the Dermatology Research Center is looking for individuals who have the following conditions: • • • • • •
Moderate Facial Acne Facial Rosacea Atopic Dermatitis (eczema starting during childhood) Athlete’s Foot Actinic Keratoses Toenail Fungus
If you or someone you know has one of these conditions, and woule like to receive more information and to schedule an appointment, please call the Dermatology Research Center at 801-269-0135 or email kim@dermatologyresearch.net
Douglas Edward Nassar 1961–2009
Compensation given to qualified participants.
Douglas Edward Nassar born July 24, 1961 in Michigan. Beloved partner, brother, son, friend, former Chef of Fuggles /Squatters, co-owner and Chef of Café Med passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 29th. He was a significant part of the gay community, always willing to just give of himself and his resources without concern about personal gain or recognition. Doug will be greatly missed by his partner, family, friends and his pets. He loves being with friends and family, great parties, playing and creating music, nature, hiking, canoeing, and cooking! There was a wake at Café Med Monday Feb. 2nd.
Musicians Sought for GLBT Marching Band Community activist Dominique Storni is looking for people interested in forming a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender marching band to perform during the Utah Pride Parade. Storni is looking for musicians who have had some experience in marching band, music teachers
familiar with typical marching band instruments (drums, horns, etc.), and donations of sheet music. For those who cannot play an instrument but who have interest in helping, Storni is also in need of a support crew. Info: dominiquestorni@hotmail.com
Equality Utah Billboards Story on page 9
“ The Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples . . .” LDS Church Statements 8/13/08, 11/5/08
Let’s find our common ground.
EqualityUtah.org
83% of Utahns agree: “Gay people should have some legal protections.” Statewide Poll January 2009
Let’s find our common ground.
EqualityUtah.org
Februa r y 5 , 20 09 | issue 121 | QSa lt L a k e | 15
Call 269-0135 for more information dermatology research center, inc. 3920 South 100 East, Suite 210, Salt Lake City www.dermatologyresearch.net
COMING FEBRUARY 20!
Q Views Letters Make Utah ‘Play Well With Others’ Editor, Utah Sen. Scott D. McCoy, D-Salt Lake, apparently wants it both ways. He filed on Jan. 13 a bill, S.B. 96 Concealed Firearm Permit Residency Requirement, to restrict a permit to “a resident of the state,” “a member of the armed forces whose permanent duty station is located in” the state or the member’s dependent family living here. Since the permit was created in 1993, state-certified firearm instructors have offered classes which teach residents of other states the knowledge required by Utah laws to receive its permit. Utah isn’t the only state to offer its permit in this way. The permit is popular because it is recognized by 34 states which agree that it meets or exceeds their permit standards, too. While it’s flattering that our permit is so popular, that’s their business, not ours. Utah has a long history of allowing nonresidents to receive certain state benefits and licenses if they qualify. A nonresident may apply for and receive an education-student enrollment, a commercial driver license, a fishing, hunting or trapping license, and a
business license, among others. These nonresident benefits and licenses help Utah and many of them are recognized by other states, like our concealed permit. But, when it comes to the nonresident benefits and licenses, McCoy
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wants two standards. One for businesses owners, workers and tourists he doesn’t want to offend, and another for those he has a history of offending, despite the gay firearm group Stonewall Shooting Sports of Utah often being among the offended. It’s a safe bet to suspect that he supported California government workers performing its legal marriages of nonresident same-sex couples who visited there. We need to protect more Utah laws which promote interstate cooperation, not fewer. Unless he shows disproportionate abuse of the current state-permit system by nonresident permit holders, he should follow California’s example and protect our permit laws which include nonresidents.
David Nelson
Stonewall Shooting Sports of Utah Salt Lake City
QSaltLake Welcomes Letters from Our Readers Love a story written in this issue? Hate one? Did a columnist piss you off or tickle your funny bone? Want to say something to the world? Send a letter to the editor — we love feedback! Please keep your letter under 300 words and email it to letters@qsaltlake.com. Your letter, if published, may possibly be edited for length, suitability or libel. No one wants to go to court.
Snaps & Slaps
Ruby Ridge Fun, Frantic February
SNAP: Death of an AntiTransgender Bill Sometimes good things happen in the early days of the general legislative session. Just five days into it, Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, announced that he would put aside a bill that would require transgender people to have sex reassignment surgery before the sex designation on their driver’s licenses could be changed. Although the bill may be resurrected, it’s unlikely. Now if only the Sutherland Institute would let go of its whiney “sacred ground” initiative just as easily. Hey, we can fantasize, right?
SLAP: Utah Legislature And sometimes things don’t go so smoothly. Each legislative session, we at QSaltLake hope for the best while expecting the worst kind of anti-gay dribble from some of our elected representatives. But rarely does the dribbling start so early and so dribbly. Two days into the session, a senate committee voted 4-2 (Republican and Democrat, respectively) to kill a bill aimed at giving same-sex partners and people with financial but not blood or marital ties the right to sue if their loved one dies from negligence or medical malpractice. But don’t be too hard on our fine Senators: they would just love to stop hurting gay people, if it wasn’t for that meddling Amendment 3! Speaking of which, Sen. Scott McCoy, the bill’s author, is just a big meanie for trying to sneak around Utah’s gay marriage ban — probably just so he can help turn us into California, the sneaky bastard. Oh, and just in case you thought this bill might really be helping someone? All those dependent gay partners, siblings, grandparents, neighbors and friends who are currently helpless if a breadwinner dies don’t really exist. Because Tooele Sen. Mark Madsen has never represented one in all his years of practicing law. We’d laugh right along with them, if those very real people’s lives weren’t at stake.
SNAP: Sen. Scott McCoy Because anybody who can answer oily former Rep. LaVar Christensen’s sky is falling, straw man arguments that Utah will become Little California if gays get any rights with, “California didn’t have a marriage amendment! We do.” without having his head explode from all the stupidity floating around the room deserves a medal of honor.
by Ruby Ridge
I
Don’t know about you, CHeRubs,
but for me February is one of those psycho-busy months. Even when I wasn’t a member of the Cyber Sluts, February was always frantic. I think everyone gets sick of winter and gets a little cabin feverish, so they jump on any excuse to get out of the house and party. I can completely relate, muffins, so here are some highlights for the month. First off, Chevy, Rusty, Petunia, and I are doing a road trip to Ogden on Wednesday, Feb. 18 to do a charity fundraiser at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden. This is for the Ogden OUTreach Resource Center. These folks operate a dropin center for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth ages 14-17 on Wednesdays, and for adults 18 and over on Thursdays. They describe it as a safe, comfortable, non-judgmental space (which is strange because my cleavage has been described with those exact same words!). We will be doing a uniquely Northern Utah version of Bingo that’s a little different from our regular Bingo ... let’s just say it involves cows and dairy products and we’ll leave it at that. If you’re in the neighborhood please come and join us and have some fun. Speaking of fun, our regular Third Friday Bingo is on Friday, Feb. 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Social Hall, 777 S. 1300 East in Salt Lake City. February’s theme is Mardi Gras, and our charity of the month is the Camp Pinecliff Weekend. Most of you know my long-time fondness for this annual retreat for people with HIV/AIDS held each September. The camp has been going for 18 years, and is entirely run by volunteers who cook awesome meals, give massages, give haircuts, teach crafts and lead all sorts of activities at a camp site on the Utah/Wyoming border above Coalville. In the spirit of journalistic integrity (ummm ... yeah, whatever) be warned: As a long-time volunteer and co-creator of the camp, I have absolutely no objectivity when it comes to this program. I look forward to it every year. Then on Saturday, Feb. 21 we have our latest Fun Bus to Wendover,
which is also Mardi Gras themed. These affordable high speed junkets through the desert are so much fun. We leave Club Try-Angles at noon and we get you back in town around 9:00 p.m., so you can still go out and party (or if you’re like me, you go home exhausted, overstuffed from the buffet and downing Dramamine like Skittles). These buses hold about 54 people, and even after we stuffed the young, skinny bitches in the cup holders, the last three trips have all sold out. Which I’m pretty sure is God’s way of saying, “girls, book online early!” You can use the oh-so-convenient link on the QSaltLake Web site. These bus trips raise funds for the Q Cares
Foundation, which distributes funds to small community charities. They are also known for their creative — some might say shocking — notfound-in-nature Jell-O shot flavors. And just as a heads up: We are looking at doing our March bus trip to coincide with the k.d. Lang concert at the Peppermill Concert Hall. Wouldn’t that be awesome? You get a Canadian Chanteuse on stage, Canadian club at the bar, and Canadian bacon at the buffet. What’s not to like, eh? I swear to God, if that bus trip was any gayer or Canadian, it would have a Stanley Cup punch bowl full of mimosas and universal health care! Have a fun and safe February, kittens! Q
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Februa r y 5 , 20 09 | issue 121 | QSa lt L a k e | 17
V
I
Lambda Lore Love is All You Need by Ben Williams
Y
ou know, gay people just
get no respect. Here we are, the founders of Athenian democracy and the creators of the Western concept of love, and all we get is grief! Since it’s nearly Valentine’s Day, maybe Hallmark would come out with a card for heterosexuals to thank us for creating love as we know it, but nahhh, I’m dreaming. Oh, not about gays creating the western concept of romantic love, but about ever being thanked by heterosexuals. Hell, most heterosexuals don’t even know that homosexuality existed years before heterosexuality. The word homosexual was coined by Karl Maria Kertbeny and was first published in 1869. Ahh, we love our 69’s, don’t we? Heterosexuals are Johnniescome-lately, having not been invented until 1892 as kind of an afterthought — a yin to gay yang, if you will. As a noun, the word came into medical use in early 1920s, but did not enter into common use until the 1960s. Homosexual, on the other hand, has been in use for decades. But back to love. Ah, love. Love Love Love. Love is All We Need. Come to think of it, The Beatles should be
eternally grateful to gays for inventing “love.” I know some of you reading this probably think I am full of jellybeans, but I’m not just making this stuff up as I go along. You see, some of the greatest philosophers and historians have written books on this subject, but because of heterosexual bias most of this work is buried in dusty archives. Who writes most of the histories of the world? Heterosexuals, of course — and not only heterosexuals, but Western, Christian-indoctrinated heterosexuals. Some of you might have heard of the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche who invented the concept of the Superman. No, not the Man of Steel in a red cape with a yellow S on his chest, but the concept of superior human intellect. Most of his writings have fallen out of favor since the end of the Third Reich. However, Nietzsche believed that our modern concept of “passion” was what transformed Western Civilization from medievalism to modernism. This concept of passion was credited by Nietzsche to “those splendid, inventive men of the ‘gai saber.’” Say what? ‘Gai saber’ is an old French-
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Provencal word which translates as “gay knowledge.” Who held this gay knowledge? The Troubadour love poets of the Middle Ages. All modern notions of idealized romantic love can be traced back (to a certain extent) to these poets, singers and composers who celebrated courtly love. Troubadours “lauded love, especially the sweet pain of unattainable love, as embodied by an idealized Lady.” This idealized “Lady” elevated the status of women in the Middle Ages from the apple-eating, sinful Eve to the feminine divine — more akin to the pagan notion of a goddess, or even a diva. Now, prior to this troubadour gig, romantic love between a man and a woman was considered lustful and sinful by Holy Mother Church. Men and women married to tame their lustful and sinful nature, not because of love. Doing the nasty was only acceptable because it might bring souls into the world. However, the troubadours traveled across Europe declaring that romantic love was “equivalent or perhaps even superior to religion.” That pissed off the pope. Troubadour Gottfried of Strassbourg barely escaped the Catholic Inquisition for comparing the passion of the Germanic lovers, Tristan and Isolde, to the sacrament of Holy Mass. During this time, knights also became romantic figures, not simply the muscle and hit-men for the local feudal boss. You know and I know that Camelot had to be a gay man’s
THE DOG SHOW THE DOG SHOW GROOMING 1508 S 1500 E SALT LAKE CITY UTAH HOURS: TUES-SAT 8AM-5:30PM 801-466-6100
THE DOG SHOW KENNELS
4053 S 7200 W WEST VALLEY CITY UTAH HOURS: MON-FRI 9-11AM, 3-5PM SAT 9-11AM 801-250-2553 1-888-838-2553
GROOMING & KENNELS
1 8 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 121 | Februa r y 5 , 20 09
fantasy with the King Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere love triangle being hot stuff. All those men and one unattainable woman. Think about it. So what’s so gay about these troubadours? Yale historian John Boswell wrote that “the cult of courtly love was most popular in the south of France, an area noted for gay sexuality and some troubadour poetry was explicitly homosexual. Moreover, both troubadour poetry and courtly love were closely associated with southern French heretical movements, especially the Albigensions, who were internationally suspected of favoring homosexuality.” Albigensions, you say? The Albigensions are better known as the Cathars, a Christian offshoot to which the Catholic Church wholeheartedly pitched a tizzy fit. The Catharist Church originated in the Bulgarian region of the Byzantine Empire and came to Western Europe via trade routes. According to these Cathars, the purpose of a person’s life on Earth was to “transcend matter, perpetually renouncing anything connected with the principle of power,” and to attain “union with the principle of love.” They called themselves the Church of Good Men and Good Women — think 13th Century hippies. The “art” of the troubadours began in these Cathar-dominated areas of Southern France, and these boys in the band were encouraged by Cathar nobles to sing and prance and recite poetry. These flower power Cathars were also vegetarian pacifists who encouraged sexual acts as long as they were non-procreative. The sect feared that creating babies trapped angelic ethereal substances in physical matter; thus, they didn’t consider homosexual acts to be sinful, and actually encouraged them. The Cathars were so queer that homosexuality in the Middle Ages was firmly associated with the Cathar cult. ‘Cathar’ became the word for being gay in German, Italian and French. Even the word ‘bugger’ is derived from the homo-land of the sect, Bulgaria. To the Medieval man, the act of homosexuality soon would always be equated with heresy and the word ‘faggot’ would take a turn for the worse. “Come on Baby Light My Fire.” So while the Cathars may no longer exist, having been exterminated by Holy Mother Church, buggers and troubadours still abound, doing their buggery thing. They are still writing music and songs that teach heterosexuals all about love. And more importantly, they are still pissing off Holy Mother Church. Q
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Februa r y 5 , 20 09 | issue 121 | QSa lt L a k e | 19
Fabulous People
P
E
O
P
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A Blooming Good Time with Florist Ray King by JoSelle Vanderhooft
B
usiness is blooming at
Twigs Flower Company. No, really. Just take a look at all the roses, lilies and daisies in the refrigerators, each blossom colorful and full despite the chilly winter wind blowing outside. It’s a slower Saturday for owner Raymond “Ray” King — if slower means he has a few minutes in between finishing the flower arrangements for a wedding and preparations for another project. In between customers looking for the perfect orchid to alleviate the winter gloom, King talks about the ins and outs of the floral business. Although Americans — including Utahns — consistently pick the rose as their favorite flower and King just as consistently has won awards for his roses from City Weekly, QSaltLake and others, King prefers a different flower: Professor Blau iris — a pale blue-purple member of this many-hued species. When asked if he has a least favorite, he says no. “Well, except for the skunk flower,” he says, referring to a large, ugly and unusual plant with a very appropriate name. King’s love for all flowers began when he was a child living on a cattle ranch in southern Colorado. After school he would help his grandmother who owned Forget-Me-Not Flowers, a tiny floral shop she ran out of her house. “It was pretty, and different from the ranch,” he says. Although King had always loved flowers, he only found himself thinking about working with them for a living after graduating from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. King says that he soon discovered he “wasn’t any good” at his job. “I was too empathetic, and you can’t be that way,” he explains. “I’d take their problems home and lose sleep and dwell.” At first, King worked for local shops like Neff Floral. But he quickly discovered that he wanted his own store. In 1989 Flower Exchange opened its doors on 900 W. 900 South, where it would remain for over two decades. Its catchier name came along in 1993, when King also briefly considered calling it Stems Flower Co.
“I thought Twigs was easier to remember,” says King. “[The customers] just held onto it.” At one point, Twigs had locations in Cottonwood Mall and Trolley Square. Wanting to concentrate on quality over quantity, King closed those down by 2000. Today, his shop is located in Sugar House at 1100 E. 1616 South. Along with individual blossoms for those looking to surprise a friend or liven up a room, King also sells a variety of vases, garden decorations, fruit baskets and even self-described “junk food baskets,” along with flower arrangements for any occasion imaginable. And while King has created wreathes, bouquets and centerpieces for everything from funerals to luaus, he says that his favorite events are weddings and commitment ceremonies. For one
20 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 121 | Februa r y 5 , 20 09
upcoming wedding, he mentions that he is flying in a special kind of peony from Israel. The reason? The bride-tobe has fond memories of their smell. “If it adds to the celebration of that day, that’s great,” he says. “Often they [people marrying or having a commitment ceremony] have planned this day for years, and often they have an exact idea of what it looks like.” When he is not creating custom arrangements or corsages, King still spends his time working with flowers and plants. His home, he says, currently has three gardens — one for roses, one for vegetables, and one for what he calls “mixed flowers,” or different kinds of flowers growing side by side. “I’ve got a lot of space,” he laughs. He also attends the Kula Commu-
nity Yoga Center in Salt Lake City, where he is a much-loved student and sometime-decorator. “Owner Ray King is one of our favorite students and always brings great smiles and cheer,” reads the Local Businesses page on the studio’s Web site. “If you’ve noticed any of the arangements [sic] at the desks, they have been the gifts of Ray.” And when the weather is nicer, King also enjoys camping, hiking, biking and hanging out with his friends. But until the days become longer and warmer, he and others can take consolation in the gorgeous blossoms that have brought Twigs awards from all over the state for as long as King has been in business. “In here, it’s always spring,” he says. Q
with the
uTah symphony
They are The u ic. s u ndisp uTed kings of choral m treat. Whether it’s pop, jaz z al or class s a roy ical, their p erformances are alway
february 13 - 14 8 pm abravanel hall •
“After 100 albums, thousands of concerts, and every conceivable award, the King’s Singers still bring a joy of singing to every performance.”
coming up: evening at the pops march 20-21 •
Because performances often sell out and prices are subject to change, we strongly recommend you buy tickets early. Season Sponsor:
visit utahsymphony.org or call 801-355-arts(2787)
Februa r y 5 , 20 09 | issue 121 | QSa lt L a k e | 21
Q Valentines Shopping Guide The gayest Valentine shopping guide on the planet is right here in your hands. And there’s no place better to get special gifts that get your and your lovers hands dirty than CAHOOTS located at 9th & 9th. Check these babies out!
CAHOOTS 878 E. 900 South, 538-0606
To satisfy that nasty chocolate craving that we all get, try Chocoholics Chocolate Tattoo Set for a kinky twist — basically satisfy two birds with one lick ($25). If you’re worried about the calories try the Chocolate Diet Plan, also from Chocoholics ($22.95). Wind it out with the ‘Kiss Me I’m Yours’ plush teddy bear ($5.95) and the 269 Red Hot XXX-Rated Questions book ($9.95) for a very red hot day.
If your partner is difficult to control in the sack try Candy Cuffs ($6.95); if she’s sort of modest and prefers keeping her bra on during sex try the Candy Bra ($10.95) — you’ll get your way.
In the historic Trolley Square mall there is a neon blast of great Valentine gifts at CABIN FEVER. Editor Michael Aaron loves to breed cock, so he recommends the Five Big Cocks magnet set ($12.95). Candy is the staple Valentine gift, so of course they too have a variety of candied gifts including the Candy Pouch ($12.95). Do you have a big heart when it comes to your sweetie? Do you want to show it without the bloody mess, give the next best thing: a three-foot Inflatable Heart ($13.95).
There’s nothing like a good book for Valentine’s Day. We suggest the Penis Pokey; see hear, you pokey your penis through the hole and a sexy fishing story is born ($9.95).
CABIN FEVER 602 Trolley Sq Ste D132, 363-0828
TABULA RASA 602 Trolley Sq Ste D135, 575-5043
Also in Trolley Square is chic TABULA RASA with a wide variety of paper products and home decor. Is your writing ability that of a 2nd grader? Or do you have a difficult time saying ‘I love you’ to your honey, then get yourself How to Write a Love Letter. This book will make you a poet before you know it ($15).
FI D
Every gay boy loves a good mask ... just for different reasons. Here are a few fabulous ones (Starting at $20).
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Plus, who doesn’t want a Faberge egg? The store carries several, but we liked this one the most because, of course, it’s the most expensive ($2500).
So Valentine’s Day is about sex, love and furry animals (apparently live ones for some of you out there) and MISCHIEVOUS PLEASURES has oodles of fun, sexy (but not live) gifts for your lover. The Whistling Gorilla looks a little demonic with its flashing red eyes ... but look at that mouth? ($15.99).
D Here’s a lovely unisex gift, Nippies Patch of Freedom. They come in all shapes and colors ... ooolala! ($14.95)
Here, a very stiff Raven models a lingerie ensemble that Michael Aaron should purchase for her this year. It includes a fringed bra ($31.99), G-string ($11.99) and stockings ($6.99).
Before you attach the Nippies, get ‘em real hard with Nipple Play by Play! Then use them to play the board game Operation ($19.99). MISCHIEVOUS 559 S. 3rd West, 801-530-3100
F
Held’s Toffee House The Salt Lake City mother and daughter team of Held’s Toffee House features dipped chocolate, fresh strawberries by the dozen in a box with bow, $26.49; half dozen, $14.99, or half dozen in a heart-shaped tin box, $16.99. They also have heart shaped toffee-filled tins, fresh Valentine’s caramel apples, white chocolate suckers, and white chocolate popcorn. Visit their store gallery open at 3345 S 300 W, SLC, or go to their Web site at heldstoffeehouse.com.
I
The Chocolate Traveler Produced in Salt Lake City, The Chocolate Traveler features gay and lesbian themed, Pride designed tins, featuring trans fat free and OUD kosher certified, dark chocolate wedges. Individual servings are ready to share right from the con-
So, with only a few days left, stop procrastinating and show your lover(s) how much you care. Q
Februa r y 5 , 20 09 | issue 121 | QSa lt L a k e | 23
It’s All About Love... To Our Valentines...
Q
You’re My Special Valentine
Dearest Annie — From the moment that I laid eyes on you, I knew that you were someone special, someone that would capture my heart and carry me close to your soul. I never imagined that I would fall so deeply in love with you, or fall so quickly. I couldn’t imagine loving anyone else and I couldn’t imagine spending the rest of my life in anyone’s arms but your arms.... I love you!! xo xo —Robin
E
Love You
Dearest Danny — On our 15th anniversary when we said ‘I Do’ and got married in Connecticut, we began a new chapter in our life together. Thank you for being the love of my life. From your husband, Joseph
P
To My Green Bean
I remember the first time that you winked at me and how it sent shivers through my body. I was so excited!! Since then you have brought such joy and enlightenment into my life. I feel so comfortable and at peace standing with you and next to you. I can’t imagine my days without you in them. You are so thoughtful, caring and loving and I hope I give you the same in return. I want you to know that there is no place else I would rather be then right here with you. I love you so much and hope that we grow and flourish as a couple for a long time to come. Happy Valentines day baby. —Your Girl, Summer B.
E
Hunny Bunny I love you very very mooch Happy Valentines Day -Rainey
For Katrina E.
When I gave you my heart It was torn all apart Battered & bruised From a lifetime of abuse You said, “let’s be friends” “I will help your heart to mend” Several years have gone by As I remember, I slip with a sigh Oh, don’t worry, it was not in regret As there are things the heart does not forget However, when I see your face tt warms & brightens that once shattered space.
O
To the Man of My Dreams Robert Lee — U R Cute U R Kind U R Sexy U R Mine U R Smart U R Clean U R Rugged Best I’ve seen Be My Valentine! —Roque
Q
For Nicholas
I never could have guessed that when I saw you walking through that door so long ago that somehow you would change my whole outlook on life; everyday your smile and laugh make my world a better place. Fate has smiled on us since day one, let the world do its worst; as long as I have you by my side we’re unbreakable. I look at what we’ve accomplished in such a sort amount of time and am speechless. I love you more than words can express. I am so excited to see what tomorrow holds. I love you Nicholas. For Eternity, Me.
E
Life and Love
DeAnna, it’s been 6 1/2 yrs and still I love you more and more as each day passes. Thank you for sharing your life with me. Loving you tons!!! Rhonda
I
O
Valentine’s Day
Ann- You are the most beautiful woman I have ever known. I am very lucky to share my life with you. Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you. Always and forever.
A Gina
Valentine
Having you in my life is a beautiful feeling. You make me feel so special with all that you say and all that you do. And today all I want to say is you are the one I love Marian and no matter what, I will forever keep loving you and only you! —Brenda
E
I Love You
Wife (Jan) I may not be a poet, a romantic or even thoughtful sometimes but one thing I do know, every day of my life without thought or question is that I love you from the bottom of my heart. I hope that I never let you down, never fail to notice you and always make you feel special and loved. May this Valentine’s be the best! I love you angel, you are my everything. Brandy
i
Lucky 13
Kirt — Thank you for sharing 13 years with me. I can’t imagine life without you. And I’m glad I will never have to. I love you mttm —Me
d
Bradley George
To the love of my life Bradley George. Thank you for being my valentine all these years, you have my heart in your pocket, and my balls in your purse. My love always, —Your Kelbers.
my one true love,
Love You Baby
Adam,
Darrin, Aaron, Zach, Shad, Andrew, Billy, Tyler, Timmy & Derek...
my night in shinning armor, you rescue me, time after time. and now I ask you, will you be mine? words are not enough, but, short poems will have to do, never forget Snygg, I love you —Pöjke We’ve been through the ringer the last few years, but we’ve always been there for each other. We’ve both made mistakes and bad decisions, but were always there to pick the other up. I love you more than anything. I can’t wait to see what the future brings us, and look forward to being an old man with you. All my heart, all my soul. Happy Valentine’s Day, love. —Brandon
E
Trav,
I want you to know how much Rae & I love and appreciate everything you are and do for us! We love and adore you every second we both get with you! I am the luckiest woman in the world, Rae is the luckiest baby girl, she couldn’t have a more amazing and loving daddy! Happy Valentines baby! WE love you! mmmmmmmwyaaaaa!
f
Happy Valentine’s Day Shawn
The love of my life. Looking forward to Valentine’s Day and many more to come. Love, Tyler
V
Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you today. I’ll love you tomorrow. I’ll love you forever! Te Amos!!! -Reb
E
I Love you David, You are the best a man can ever have. Nick
P
Who needs a LUVAH when I have friends like you! Happy Valentine’s Day. XOXO, Blake
R
To all of my exes,
so many too name, To fall in love with me’s a dangerous game. And to those who I’m wooing But I’ve not dated yet, Just like “Fatal Attraction” I’m gonna boil your pet. —Scott Perry
E
Maddie:
We love you and miss you. You are so very loved. Happy Valentine’s Day! —Momma G., Annie, Bella, Harper & Grace xo
A
You Are Adored!
To the woman who is my best friend: Kellie, my love, my friend, my soul mate, my best friend, my one, YOU are amazing YOU are worth the fight YOU are worth my love YOU are loved and adored by ME!!! I’m not leaving you. You are not doing this alone. I am with you. I am here for you.
n
I love you. —Shelly
CHRISTIAN When I lie beside him, His knee presses Against the underside Of my knee, His hand presses Against my chest, As if holding me together. If I wake, And he isn’t beside me, I’ll curl up Like a frightened child, Lost in the dark, Afraid to move. If I wake, And he isn’t beside me, The thickest blanket Won’t keep me warm. But I wake, And find him Beside me. He holds me together.
E
Cupid Did Good
David, won’t you be my Valentine yet again this year? Almost 8 years of incredible bliss and love have been ours to enjoy together. And as we like to say often, “it keeps getting better”. I’m looking forward to many more years together, and to all that life will bless us with. Happy Valentine’s Day. Love, Jeff
O DRH:
I just wanted to let you know exactly how much I love you! You always brighten my day. No matter how much crap we’ve been through together, I will love you until the end. Always. —EAD
b
Love
DeAnna, we have been together 6 1/2 yrs and still everyday still seems brand new. Everyday I fall in love with you all over again. I love waking up by your side every morning. Sweets, thanks for being in my life and I look forward to many many more years together. Love Rhonda
e n ItA b outoeTourae ni ne outoe outoe
2 4 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 121 | Februa r y 5 , 20 09
Voted Best in Utah Since 1989
All The Radio You Need
We start everyday with a full pint of KRCL. It’s all the radio we need. Jamie Burnham The Beer Nut
TWIGS FLOWER CO.
801-596-2322
1616 So. 1100 E. SLC, UT 84105 Delivery Available
Februa r y 5 , 20 09 | issue 121 | QSa lt L a k e | 25
FACES OF KRCL | www.krcl.org
| www.beernut.com
26 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 121 | Februa r y 5 , 20 09
Februa r y 5 , 20 09 | issue 121 | QSa lt L a k e | 27
nd at over can be fouon from 200 locati sGeorge, t. S to Logan including all:
E XC E PT S U GAR H O U S E
EXCEPT MURRAY
Qmmunity Guide BUSINESS/Professional Aetna ANGLE, HuntR@Aetna.com. . . . . . . . . . . . 256-7137 Armed Forces Support Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . 581-7890 LGBTQ-Affirmative Psychotherapists Guild of Utah, www.lgbtqtherapists.com Pride at Work, Utah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 531-6137 QUEST (Queer Utah Educators & Students Together) . . 809-5595 National Conference for Community and Justice, 359 W Pierpont Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359-5102 National Org. for Women. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 483-5188 Pride at Work, Utah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 531-6137 Salt Lake County Gay Lesbian & Bisexual Employees, jdonchess@slco.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273-6280 UTAH GAY AND LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, uglcc.org Utah Progressive Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466-0955
EDUCATIONAL
Info & Referral Ctr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 978-3333 informationandreferral.org UofU Women’s Resource Center sa.utah.edu/women. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 581-8030 UofU LGBT Resource Ctr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587-7973
HEALTH & HIV
OTHER SELECTED LOCATIONS: (From North to South)
LOGAN: Borders Utah State Univ. OGDEN Bookshelf Weber State Univ. Egyptian Theater Grounds for Coffee Roosters Brass Rail CLEARFIELD Grounds for Coffee LAYTON Barnes & Noble SALT LAKE CITY All Libraries A Cup of Joe Apple Fitness ASI Tattoo Avenues Bakery Bagelry Bangkok Thai Big City Soup Brewvies Broadway Centre Cafe Sha Sha Cafe Trang Cahoots Cinegrill Club Try-Angles Club Sound Club Heads Up Cocoa Cafe Desert Edge Pub Eggs in the City Emigration Market First Unitarian Green Street Hyatts Magazines Jitterbug Coffee KCPW Studios Knuckleheads
Lamb’s Grill Liberty Heights Fresh Mazza MCC Mischievous MoDiggity’s Nostalgia Oasis Cafe Paper Moon Pinon Market/Cafe Pride Counseling Radio City Lounge Red Butte Cafe Red Rock Brewing Regency Theatres Royal Eatery SL Coffee Break SL Community College Sorenson Multicultural Ctr Squatters Pub Squirrel Bros StoneGround Tavernacle The Bakery The Center The Other Place Tower Theatre Trapp Trapp Door Univ. of Utah Urban Bistro Urban Lounge Virgin Megastores SUGAR HOUSE 21 21 Coffee Blue Plate Diner Cockers/Sparks Dancing Crane Fiddler’s Elbow Free Speech Zone Millcreek Coffee SL Pizza & Pasta Tea Grotto Westminster Wild Oats
SOUTH SALT LAKE All For Love Alternative Eyewear Bagelry Cafe Med Century Laundry LaPuente MURRAY 24 Hour Fitness Bubba’s BBQ WEST VALLEY Century Laundry Gringo’s SL Community College Wise Guys Comedy TAYLORSVILLE Coffee Club Just Add Coffee 24 Hour Fitness Beans and Brews PROVO Borders MOAB Back of Beyond Books CEDAR CITY Blue Kat Cafe ST. GEORGE Kaleidescope Cafe Xeteva Gardens
City of Hope, Utah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 531-6334 Gay Men’s Health Summit — Village utahgaymenshealth.com Northern Utah HIV/AIDS Project Walk-Ins Welcome. Every other Monday 5–7pm, 846 24th St, Ogden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393-4153 People with AIDS Coalition of Utah. . . . . . . . . 484-2205 SL Valley Health Dept. HIV/STD Clinic 610 S 200 E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534-4666 University of Utah Department of Family and Preventative Medicine, uuhsc.utah.edu/dfpm. . . . . 581-7234 Utah AIDS Foundation, utahaids.org . . . . . . . 487-2323
POLITICAL
American Civil Liberties Union, acluutah.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 521-9862 Disability Law Ctr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 662-9080 info@disabilitylawcenter.org Equality Utah, equalityutah.org . . . . . . . . . . . 355-3479 Human Rights Campaign. . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 628-4160 Human Rights Campaign, Utah, hrcutah.org Log Cabin Republicans, Utah lcrutah.org, lcr@lcrutah.org Utah Stonewall Democrats utahstonewalldemocrats.org 455 S 300 E, Ste 102. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328-1212
Not on this list?
Want to be? Call 1-800806-7357 or email tony@ qsaltlake.com
28 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 121 | Februa r y 5 , 20 09
RELIGIOUS & SPIRITUAL
Affirmation — affirmation.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . 486-6977 Cache Valley Unitarian Universalists 596 E 900 N, Logan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435-755-2888 First Baptist Church of Salt Lake firstbaptist-slc.org, 777 S 1300 E. . . . . . . . 582-4921 First Unitarian Church, slcuu.org 569 S 1300 E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 582-8687 Glory to God Community Church 375 Harrison Blvd, Ogden . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394-0204 Holladay United Church of Christ 2631 Murray-Holladay Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277-2631 Inner Light Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268-1137 innerlightcenter.net Integrity/Utah — St. James Church. . . . . . . . . . 566-1311 Lifebreath Center/Interfaith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363-9229 Provo Comm. United Church of Christ 175 N University Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375-9115 Reconciliation (Gay Mormons) ldsreconciliation.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296-4797 Restoration Church of Jesus Christ 2900 S State St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359-1151 Sacred Light of Christ Metropolitan Community Church, 823 S 600 E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 595-0052 Salt Lake Center for Spiritual Living spirituallyfree.org 870 E North Union Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307-0481 South Valley Unitarian Univ. Society 6876 S Highland Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 944-9723 Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden 705 23rd St, Ogden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394-3338
SOCIAL
Affirmation — Salt Lake Chapter affirmation.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 486-6977 Best Friends Animal Sanctuary strutyourmutt.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 483-2000 Bisexual Community Forum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 539-8800 Body Electric — Celebrating the Body Erotic thomasconnor1@hotmail.com. . . . . . . . . 699-7044 Camp Pinecliff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518-8733 Coloring Outside the Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 957-4562 Gamofites, gamofites.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444-3602 Gay and Lesbian Parents of Utah glpu@hotmail.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .467-9010 Imperial Rainbow Court of Northern Utah, irconu.org Kindly Gifts by Stitch & Bitch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 487-7008 P-FLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), pflagslc.org Polyamory Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309-7240 1st Tue 7-9:30pm at the Center qVinum gay & lesbian wine group www.qvinum.com Retired & Senior Volunteer Pro.. . . . . . . . . . . . 779-1287 Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire, rcgse.org
Southern Utah GLBT Community Center suglbtcc@yahoo.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . (435) 313-GLBT groups.yahoo.com/groups/suglbtcc Village Summit, utahgaymenshealth.com STRENGTH IN NUMBERS (SIN) SALT LAKE groups.yahoo.com/group/SINSaltLake sWerve, swerveutah.com U of U Women’s Resource Ctr . . . . . . . . . . . . . 581-8030 sa.utah.edu/women U of U LGBT Resource Ctr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587-7973 UTAH BEAR ALLIANCE utahbears.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 949-3989 Utah Families Coalition, utahfamilies.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 539-8800 Ext 23 admin@utahfamilies.org Utah Gay Pride, utahpride.org . . . . . . . . . . . . 539-8800 Utah Male Naturists, www.umen.org Utah Power Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 975-0346 utahpowerexchange.org Membership@UtahPowerExchange.org UTAH PRIDE CENTER utahpridecenter.org, 361 N 300 W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 539-8800 Toll-free. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-874-2743 Utah Queer Events groups.yahoo.com/group/UtahQueerEvents Western Transsexual Support Grp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (435) 882-8136
SPORTS
Lambda Hiking Club, gayhike.org. . . . . . . . . . 532-8447 Mountain West Flag Football League mwffl.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .359-2544 Mountain West Volleyball League slcgaa.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-6183 QUAC – QUEER UTAH AQUATIC CLUB quacquac.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 671-3367 Salt Lake City Gay Athletic Association, slcgaa.org Salt Lake Goodtime Bowling Lge. . . . . . . . . . . 832-9745 SkiOUT, skioututah.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 528-0723 Stonewall Shooting Sports of Utah stonewallshootingsportsutah.org Utah Gay and Lesbian Ski Week communityvisions.org . . . . . . . . . . . . 877-429-6368 Utah Gay Mountain Bike Riders sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/utahgaymtnbike Delta Lambda Sappho Union Weber State Univ.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 627-1639 Gay and at BYU groups.yahoo.com/group/gayandatBYU/ Gay-Straight Alliance Network, gsanetwork.org University of Utah Lesbian & Gay Student Union, utah. edu/lgsu/ Salt Lake Community College Coloring Outside the Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 957-4562 coloring_outside_lines@yahoo.com Southern Utah University Pride suu.edu/orgs/pride/ Utah State University Pride Alliance groups.yahoo.com/group/usupride/ Utah State University Gay and Lesbian Student Resource Center usu.edu/glsrc, . usuglsrc@yahoo. com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435-797-4297 Utah Valley State College Gay Straight Alliance, groups. yahoo.com/group/uvscgsa uvsc.edu/clubs/club.cfm?clubID=251 Weber State Univ. Gay Straight Alliance organizations.weber.edu/dlsu/ groups.yahoo.com/group/WeberDLSU YOUTH Homeless Youth Resource Ctr, ages 15-21. 655 S State St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364-0744 Gay LDS Young Adults, glya.com TINT (Tolerant Intelligent Network of Teens) Drop-in hours: Tues-Fri: 3 – 9 pm, Sat: 5 – 9 pm , 355 N 300 W. . . . . . . . . . . . 539-8800
To get your not-for-profit organization listed OR TO MAKE CORRECTIONS OR CHANGES, please email editor@qsaltlake.com.
Derby Dames Roll into Ogden By Bradi Di Iorio
Bludgeoning and clawing their way into Utah’s Roller Derby scene, the O-Town Derby Dames, a group of local female athletes that welcome diverse lifestyles and interests, prepare for a new season of flat track roller derby. “Roller Derby is amazing,” said 29-year-old first-timer Andrea Carroll, aka Gretchen Gore. “It has brought me some sense of self, great friends and a lot of fun. It brings women together doing something that we are all really passionate about.” The Derby Dames roller derby league is made up of female, amateur athletes or those looking to get involved in a new sport who play against local and out-of-state leagues. Like many leagues, Derby Dames welcomes players with experience and others inexperienced with indoor skating in a team atmosphere. Weekend morning practices allow the women to learn, practice and participate in a team dynamic that requires speed, endurance and strategy. “We are always looking for fresh meat,” said league organizer, Sarah Lawr, aka Pepper Diamond. Lawr and fellow veteran skater, Tristan May, aka Twisted Violet, reorganized and revitalized the Davis Derby Dames this past August, developing and recruiting new members. “Our league is still in its infancy, but the great thing about our league is that we train our girls,” said Lawr. Derby Dames organizer Sarah Lawr “You don’t have to know how to skate, we will get you there.” Each player brings a bit of creativity to the game by adopting an alter ego with a special Derby Dame identity. The identity is used in practices, team functions and at bouts, and players accent their team uniforms in the style of their alter egos. “My name is Goldilox and I have a school girl look and blonde hair,” said Monika Waldrum, a single mother of four. “I have been playing some kind of sport all my life, starting with roller skate racing, to softball and now PHOTOS: DAVID NEWKIRK
roller derby, soccer, mma and muay thai [mixed martial arts fighting and a Thai form of boxing]. I saw a flyer and knew that Roller Derby was for me.” “It can be really hard for a lot of girls to find their name. When you choose a name you have to look online and make sure it’s not already taken,” said Gore. “It’s funny because you get so used to your Derby name, I would probably answer to either no matter where I was.” Teams in the Derby Dames league include Sailor Mary’s, Ladies of Capone, and Sucker Punch Sweethearts. Opening the season, March 7 at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center is an annual event called Spring Massacre 2. The current teams will split into two new teams just for this event, the Bloody Mary’s vs. Graveyard Dolls. Live entertainment, food and merchandise will be available and tickets are only $10 in advance at the O-Town Web site (the first Spring Massacre involved the Davis Derby Dames). The birth of the modern Roller Derby bouts began in America during and after the Great Depression in the 1930s. Back then, people created specific sporting events that everyone could participate in — like dance marathons and walkathons — to make money for producers and to entertain the general public. Roller skating at long distances had already been tried in the late 1800s, with contestants actually dying after the competitions. So in the ’30s, the sport transformed to five-member teams competing against each other on an oval track. Three members from each team form a pack, called blockers, to the
other team’s three members. They try to stop the other team’s scorer, called a jammer. The fifth team member is called a pivot, who acts like a pace car in a NASCAR race and controls the speed of the pack. The goal is for the two opposing jammers, who start behind the pack, to start skating with the referee’s second whistle, skate through the pack, and on the second circling, garner points by passing the other team’s members by ‘womaneuvering’ through the pack. Team members are allowed to get physical, throwing elbows, ‘whipping’ and slamming into each other to create a ‘body’ jam. “Don’t get me wrong though, there is fighting every now and then, but that girl knows she will be kicked out of the bout should she start a fight,” said Lawr. The jammer that takes the lead over the other jammer, can ‘call the jam’ to stop the race, or she can continue around the track again to try to pass more opponents and score more points within the two-minute period. All teammates can play the position of jammer, exchanging a specially marked helmet that signifies the position. Jammers wear stars, pivots wear stripes and blockers wear unmarked helmets. To run the league, fundraising and advertising during bouts help pay for the costs, which include skating venues, electrical services, insurance, costumes, security and costs to travel to other cities. This year, the Derby Dames have created a ‘bootytisement,’ where an advertiser can put a name and Web site on the uniform in the buttocks area.
“We are trying to pay for our portable skate floor which covers 6,000 square feet and consists of one-foot-byone-foot, snap-tight tiles,” said Susan Secora, aka Psychora. “Each tile is $10 to rent. If you rent 10 tiles you will get a two-foot-by-five-foot space for your advertisement.” Volunteers include referees, trainers and supporters. One such volunteer is Killa B., a young male enthusiast of the sport, who has learned to referee bouts. “Words cannot explain how much we appreciate him in our lives. He does everything from keeping time, being a chauffeur, to being a waterboy,” said Lawr. “It takes a lot of work in order for Roller Derby to succeed, but [it’s] well worth it,” said Gore. “That is why we need a lot of support staff and volunteers, and the girls are all required (according to bi-laws) to help with a certain percentage of all the events we have going on.” The thrill of seeing female athletes in revealing attire, wrestling and falling on the track provides entertainment, of course. But with that comes the realization that stamina is required to maintain the constant circling, the strategy to block and slow opponents, and the skill and speed of the jammers to score while dodging, crouching and exploding. These women are focused, getting in great shape and participating in a sport they love — and you will love it, too. For full schedule and more information go to derbydames.net. For advertising or sponsorship, contact Susan at sponsors@ otownderbydames.com or (801) 920-3302.
Februa r y 5 , 20 09 | issue 121 | QSa lt L a k e | 29
The Big Reveal Sister Dottie S. Dixon is... Actor Charles Frost by JoSelle Vanderhooft
In October 2007, the Utah Pride Center’s National Coming Out Day Breakfast had a special guest. Although she couldn’t be there in person, Sister Dottie S. Dixon, the outspoken, outrageous Spanish Fork Mormon mom with a gay son and a heart as big as the Great Salt Lake, addressed those in attendance via video live cast — Donnie, her gay son, filling in as a somewhat inept cameraman (and husband Don tripping over the cables and disconnecting the camera from time to time). As usual, Dottie’s unique perspective and her skill at storytelling had the crowd in tears of laughter, and wondering what many fans of her twice-weekly radio show have wondered since Sister Dottie first went on the air: 30 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 121 | Februa r y 5 , 20 09
Is she for real? For an answer to their question, the attendees at the breakfast needed to look no further than Charles Frost, who sat in the audience listening to Dottie’s sermonizing. In fact, many did — only they looked right through him. “Nobody made the connection,” he laughed. “Not even people at my table!” That’s right. Sister Dottie is none other than Frost, a 54-year-old actor best known, perhaps, for his role as a Mormon father who loses his son to suicide in Carolyn Pearson’s Facing East, as well as a number of other roles at Salt Lake Acting Company. His life, Frost says, parallels that of his creation in many ways. Like her, he has a Mormon background, a BYU education and hails from “Spaneesh Fark.” Although now divorced and out as a gay man, Frost was also married for 20 years and is a parent to four children. “Dottie’s sort of a manifestation of my mother, who is no longer living, and some of her friends,” explained Frost, in an interview. “I channel her frequently [when performing as Sister Dottie].” He’s been channeling her now for the better part of three years, and will do so on stage this May when The Passion of Sister Dottie S. Dixon, the play he wrote with KRCL producer and QSaltLake columnist Troy Williams debuts at the Rose Wagner Theatre. As many of Dottie’s fans well know, the Mormon mom, her colorful friends, family and ward members first appeared on KRCL’s Now Queer This, a now-defunct radio program focusing on gay activism in Utah that ran from 2006 through July 2007. As Frost tells it, his long-time friend Williams asked him to create a character for the show that resembled those Frost had played in a recent production of A Tuna Christmas, a play in which two male actors play over a dozen outrageous people (of both sexes) who reside in the small Texas town named in the title. Frost quickly decided that he wanted to play a character who was in many ways his opposite: Namely, a still-practicing Mormon and a woman. In honor of the Spanish Fork women he had known as a child, Frost named her for his mother and her best friend. But don’t ask him about her middle initial — that’s a secret. “I know what in my heart her middle name is, but I haven’t shared it and I don’t think I’ll share it today,” he said. But Frost did add that the initial ties into Dottie’s genealogy, which is as rich, varied and detailed as any real Mormon’s — up to including an ancestor named Heber Maxwell O’Donovan who was part of the original Mormon wagon train. “I think [women characters] are fun for a lot of actors to do, and I wanted to do a character who was working on what Now Queer This was all about, but from the inside perspective,” he explained. “So I thought, ‘I want her to be an active Mormon, and someone who is outspoken and stands up for the marginalized, the disenfranchised people of the world; GLBT but also homeless, cultural issues. She has an opinion about all of those. She may not always be exactly correct, but her heart is in the right place.” After Williams mastered Dottie’s nasal and grammatically creative “Spaneesh” dialect, the two men penned a three-minute episode (or “Dottiesodes” as they call them), which aired each week. Listeners responded instantly to Dottie’s misadventures on What Not, What Have You & Such as That with Sister Dottie S. Dixon, from Dottie’s discussions of her Mormon heritage, to rants about her enemies at church, and rants over the local and national legislature’s more vindictive anti-gay actions. “She’s really resonated with people,” said Frost. “I’ll have young men on Facebook send me e-mails
Sister Dottie Photos by David Newkirk
Sister Dottie S. Dixon, Williams and Frost hoped not to evoke the recent Mel Gibson film about Jesus Christ, but the hagiography of another Christian figure — St. Joan of Arc who, like Dottie, was closely tied to her faith even while fighting against it. “We centered the play around the theme that ‘well-behaved women seldom make history,’ and Dottie gets less and less well behaved as the play progresses,” said Frost. Dottie will be joined on her journey by her best friend, Dartsey FoxMorland, a silent character who will provide both piano accompaniment and morale support in Dottie’s more self-conscious moments. Like the play itself their relationship, said Frost, varies from the extremes of “Lucy and Ethel” farce to heavy drama. At press time, the play’s 35-page script is complete, and rehearsals will begin March 5 under the direction of former QSaltLake columnist Laurie Mecham. Until then, Frost faces his least favorite thing about acting: memorization. “I wish somebody would invent something so you could read the script and it would be stored in your short-term memory,” he groaned. Ultimately, Frost hopes Sister Dottie’s stage debut will not only entertain and comfort, but get its audience — many of whom may be straight or practicing Mormons — to think about issues that effect the gay community, such as Equality Utah’s Common Ground Initiative and the passage of Proposition 8 in California — two things about which Sister Dottie definitely has an opinion. “We take that to the most minute aspect which is Donny [and how these things effect him], and then we expand it out to a funnel,” said Frost. “Dottie has some opinions abut Prop. 8 and she talks about that; she has some opinions about the Utah legislature and she talks about that; she has some opinions about what it means to have human dignity; she talks about being generous and having gratitude, but standing up for yourself and being strong and courageous even if you’re not in the majority.” Ultimately, Frost hopes that Sister Dottie’s love can teach gay people how to love themselves as unconditionally as she does — a challenge he thinks that gay people all over still face today. “Isn’t the most important love there is in life, is the love you have when you look in the mirror?” he asked. “Without that self love, how can you truly love others and give back to others and leave a legacy in this life if you don’t first put those arms around you?” Q
SALT LAKE ACTING COMPANY’S
STIMULUS PACKAGE All tickets Sundays @ 7pm - $20 January 28 - February 22
Stimulate yourself
Call 363-7522 www.saltlakeactingcompany.org
Pulitzer prize winning author Horton Foote’s
An aging widow longs to return to her childhood home, and embarks on a journey of a lifetime.
Jayne Luke
or messages saying, ‘I wish you were my mother, I wish you could talk to my mother.’ It always warms my heart, and I think, ‘I wish I could too, but she’d probably be real surprised if I walked up!’” “I don’t break their illusion and tell them ‘hey I’m an actor,’” he continued. “But a lot of people have so much hope and want a character to exist like this in the world, somebody who is on the inside who loves and cares and dares to speak out and push against those people who are what I call ‘sheeple,’ who follow everything blindly.” Dottie became so popular that when Williams decided it was time for Now Queer This to end that even KRCL’s producer insisted that she stay. What Not, What Have You & Such as That is now a twice-weekly fixture on KRCL, Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. As the two continued writing and recording Dottiesodes, Frost says they found that they were both wondering if they should give the elusive Sister D. — who never appears in public — her own play. “The play got bigger and bigger in our minds, and we got thinking, ‘Oh we could have a blast and say so much, and she could be a messenger, and she could be a light and she could also bring a lot of laughter to the stage!’” said Frost. “There’s been so many plays where tragedy is the theme around LGBT issues, and it still happens and it’s still important ... but I wanted to make it a comedy, to take a comic approach to very serious issues.” In the 90-minute play, Sister Dottie tackles such comedic topics as teaching the audience how to speak “Spaneesh” and recounting such incidents as the time she got lost at Burning Man (after taking a wrong turn on a trip to Mesquite), and the time she was “incarcerated” in the Utah County Women’s Jail after a protest that goes horribly wrong. “She turns that place around let me tell you,” Frost said, laughing. “But it’s not like the play is 90 minutes of sheer raucous laughter,” he explained. “There are some very poignant moments where Dottie goes through her deep, dark night of coming to grips with some things.” These things include, of course, not only being a member of, and loving, a church that does harm to its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members, but coming to terms with her son being gay — a fact which Dottie, despite her tolerant and loving heart, does not come to terms with immediately. “She struggles like a lot of Mormons do, but she comes around and decides there is no choice when it comes to my child, and if they’re going to make me chose between my church and my child, I’ve chosen,” said Frost. In naming the play The Passion of
January 28 – February 7, 2009 Directed by Anne Stewart Mark
Featuring Jayne Luke with Marcella Borrowman, Erin Fair, Scott Ferrin, Mark Fossen Nancy Jensen, Berrett Maynard, Carl Nelson, Gary Pimental & Betsy West.
Tickets on Sale Now!
Box office 801-957-3322 • www.the-grand.org
The Passion of Sister Dottie S. Dixon will run May 1–17 at the Rose Wagner theatre, 138 W. 300 South. Tickets may be purchased at arttix.org.
Februa r y 5 , 20 09 | issue 121 | QSa lt L a k e | 3 1
Local Prices, Local Talent – Exceptional Theatre!
Q A&E Gay Agenda I Am Woman, I Don’t Like Penis by Tony Hobday
I’ve been told I’m like Love Boat’s Cruise Director Julie McCoy — I’m in charge of keeping my friends entertained 24/7. Now that task has pooled over into my job. Each issue I have to come up with about five things I recommend you “must do” or to “be seen” at, ergo the first installment of “B Scene.” I know I have thousands of faithful readers of the Gay Agenda, and I just hope they’ll stay aboard with me cause Julie McCoy needs a new set of teeth.
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thursDAY — This year, in honor of “V-Day,” Westminster College performs The Vagina Monologues. Playwright Eve Ensler has taken this powerful and intriguing show to international critical acclaim. The Monologues is a compilation of over 200 interviews with women who describe their attitudes toward their own sexuality. The Clothesline Project, an emotional and impactful art exhibit that tributes survivors and victims of domestic and sexual violence, will also be displayed during Westminster’s shows. 7:30pm, through Saturday, Vieve Gore Concert Hall, Westminster campus, 1840 S. 1300 East. Tickets $10 at the door, westminstercollege.edu.
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FRIDAY — One-half of the Indigo Girls, Amy Ray, “cuts the pickle” so to speak and comes to Utah for a solo gig, promoting her new CD Didn’t it Feel Kinder. And, well cheez whiz and mud flaps, she’ll be attending an after-party at Paper Moon, a private club for members, following the concert. 6:30pm, Avalon Theater, 3605 S. State St. Tickets $15, 467-8499 or smithstix.com.
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TUESDAY — She’s taking America by storm with her playful sound and off-kilter lyrics. Since her smash-hit “I Kissed a Girl,” Katy Perry has become a household name. Some may say the aforementioned song and “Ur So Gay” are slaps to the gay community, but I say pshaw ... she’s lightening the mood on sexuality. Anyhoo, there’s my nickelpyschoanalysis for the day ... enjoy! 6:30pm, In the Venue, 219 S. 600 West. Tickets $18/adv–$20/day of show, 467-8499 or smithstix.com.
QQ East meets West and drama meets dance as Ballet West premieres Madame Butterfly. Experience this haunting account of love and betrayal, devotion and sacrifice. As a special addition, they will showcase the Utah premiere of Gong, Ballet West becomes only the third company in the world selected to perform this exciting piece. 7:30pm, through Feb. 21, Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South. Tickets $17–71, 355-ARTS or arttix.org. QQ Callie and Sarah are two young women in New York. They talk about their boyfriends, families and growing up; all the things girlfriends share until their first kiss leads to tragedy. Pygmalion Productions presents Stop Kiss, a new play by Diana Son. Son’s imaginative moving and surprising comedy brings audiences and principal characters to unexpected places. 7:30pm, through Feb. 28, Black Box Theatre, Rose Wagner Center, 138 W. Broadway. Tickets $20, 355-ARTS or arttix.org.
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TUESDAY — Richard Maltby Jr., Tony Awardwinning author and director of the 1978 premiere Broadway production of Ain’t Misbehavin’, re-creates his original direction for the 2008-09 30th Anniversary National Tour. Featuring 2003’s American Idol winner Reuben Studdard (yay ... he’s finally doing something), the musical revue serves as a tribute to the black musicians of the 1920s and ’30s. 7:30pm, through Sunday, Kingsbury Hall, 1395 E. Presidents Cir., UofU. Tickets $25–55 581-7100 or kingtix.com.
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WEDNESDAY — QSaltLake columnist Ruby Ridge along with Chevy, Rusty FRIDAY — Digital coland Petunia are taking a road trip lage, photography and other mixed-media techniques fuse to Ogden to do a charity fundraiser together to create the body of artwork for the Ogden OUTreach Resource in a solo exhibition, Lisa Girls: Close- Center. They’ll be doing a unique version of Bingo called Northern ups, Portraits, and Pin-ups by popuUtah Bingo that “involves cows and lar artist Lisa Carlson. The artist’s imaginary portrait series investigates dairy products.” Udderly fabulous! It’ll be so fun your cheese will the erotic aspects of the ideal female curdle or you may sour cream your face and figure. 6–9pm Opening Reception, exhibit runs pants.
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QQ It only makes sense that the King’s through Mar. 6, Patrick Moore Gallery, 2233 S. English Bookshop would host a SLCC 700 East. Free, 484-6641 or lisacarlsonart.com. Community Writing Center Fundraiser. From now until Feb. 15, 10 percent QQ From medieval to renaissance, of all sales benefit the center. So romantic to contemporary, folk to stock up on the Twilight series or get pop, the King’s Singers’ repertoire is your sweetie-pie a romantic book for all-encompassing. For over 30 years Valentine’s day like Mike Donner’s they’ve been delighting audiences How to be a Gay Porn Star. (English around the world. Plus, Michael may not carry this one, but I’m sure Aaron says they make his nipples there’s a selection of tawdry romance hard. So join Michael and his iron novels available.) To receive the 10 nipples as the Singers showcase their percent voucher visit www.slcc.edu. diverse talents accompanied by the 10am–9pm, through Feb. 15, King’s English Utah Symphony. Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East. Free (except the 8pm, Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple. books, duh!), 484-9100. Tickets $27–58, 355-ARTS or arttix.org. 32 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 121 | Februa r y 5 , 20 09
7pm, Unitarian Universalist Church, 705 23rd Street, Ogden. Bingo cards $5, 801-3943338 or uuco.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS feb. 22 Celine Dion, ES Arena FEB. 26 One Night of Queen, Kingsbury Hall MAR. 20 Lily Tomlin, Peppermill Concert Hall, Wendover MAR. 28 k.d. Lang, Peppermill Concert Hall, Wendover APR. 13 Fall Out Boy, Saltair
B Scene by Tony Hobday
Here are the top picks of events happening that if you miss, you’re a big, fat loser. Nah! That could never happen. Anyhoo, here are three upcoming events you should not miss.
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SATURDAY — Sponsored by Babylon, In This Week and the most fabulous of all, QSaltLake makes this the party of the month. Connexion Cocktail Party is a fund raising gathering to support the Utah AIDS Foundation. Don’t miss fabulous door prizes and other giveaways, as well as cocktails. Connexion.com is a Web site where members can chat, find dates (or whatever), stay current with LGBT news and organize parties or events. 9pm, Babylon at Club Bliss, a private club for members, 404 S. West Temple. Donations $7 at the door, 860-1083 or utahaids.org.
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FRIDAY — Now I’m not saying if you miss any part of QUAC’s Ski N Swim threeday event you’ll be a big, fat loser. That would not be fair since my skill level at skiing is somewhere between being dragged by the tow rope and too scared to get off the lift. Of course you’ll have had registered by Jan. 31 to participate, but just to be seen is good enough. Anyhoo, the event opens with an Opening Social tonight at Trolley Square. 8pm, Trolley Square, 600 S. 700 East. For complete list of fun activities, visit ski-n-swim.org.
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SATURDAY — It’s Valentine’s Day and if you don’t have a date you’re a big, fat loser. I’ve had a permanent L tattooed to my forehead, but at least it’s in the same font as the L monogrammed on Laverne’s clothes ... that’s hot! Anyhoo, sWerve and the Utah Pride Center present the Valentine’s Day Gay-La. Enjoy dancing, a buffet dinner, cocktails, prizes and photos. It doesn’t matter if you’re single, hitched or polyamorous, be there! 6pm-Midnight, Sheraton City Centre, 150 W. 500 South. Tickets $60, swerveutah.com.
Februa r y 5 , 20 09 | issue 121 | QSa lt L a k e | 33
A
Review
RTS
Save the Date
‘Dark Play or Stories for Boys’
Major Events of the Community
by Tony Hobday
P
february 22, 2009 UAF Oscar Night America utahaids.org
laying a game is typically
a fun pasttime, but when the game has only one rule: ‘At least one player must not know he is playing the game,’ the consequences are likely to be damaging and irreversible. Playwright Carlos Murillo’s Dark Play or Stories for Boys plays such a game with said consequences. An edgy, turbulent, harsh ... almost misanthropic story based on true events, Salt Lake Acting Company’s production of Dark Play hangs both dread and satisfaction in the air long after the show ends. Nineteen-year-old Nick (Jesse Pepe) “makes shit up.” The morning after a night of “humping,” Molly (Gabi Caro) notices several scars around Nick’s abdomen; when she asks about them Nick struggles between making more shit up or telling her the truth about their existence. Flashback five years to a 14-year-old Nick, who has already started cyber dating by making fake online personaes (Jay Perry). When he stumbles upon an ad by 16-year-old Adam (Michael Gardner) who is looking to “fall in love” with a girl with dirty blonde hair, green eyes and a petite figure (every American boys’ dream girl!??!), Nick just can’t resist the temptation. Magically appearing online is that exact girl. Her name is Rachel (also Gabi Caro). And through Nick’s manipulation, Adam and Rachel build an online relationship, but when it comes time to meet face to face, Nick scrambles to introduce other fake characters including himself as Rachel’s
March 14, 2009 Salt Lake Men’s Choir Spring Concert, saltlakemenschoir.org april 17, 2009 Day Of Silence, dayofsilence.org June 6–7, 2009 Utah Pride, utahpride.org June 13, 2009 Salt Lake Men’s Choir Summer Concert, saltlakemenschoir.org younger brother. Eventually and ironically Nick becomes somewhat enamored with Adam, which spins the “game” into the real world and ultimately out of control. The cast is fantastic here because the play is unsettling, yet entirely encompassing. Albeit Gabi Caro’s “first professional stint” is rather obvious up among seasoned performers Jay Perry and Brenda Sue Cowley, who plays Nick’s mother (among other roles). Standing out though is Jesse Pepe, who is emotionally sound in his portrayal of Nick — a truly believable, anguished and selfish teenager. The storyline is heavy and tragic, yet director Tobin Atkinson does insert moments of comic relief through the use of the absurdly animated Jay Perry. The storyline is also convoluted in terms of what and who is real or imaginary, and Atkinson, for the most part, keeps the flow steady and track-
able. Atkinson seems also to hint to a number of moral questions through body language. The argument scene between Nick and his mother is powerful, but arguably incestuous. Dark Play is neither right nor wrong, pessimistic nor optimistic, gay nor straight; it is a testament to the boundaryless human sexual condition, especially in an age of technology. Murillo says of it, “People find themselves — whether it’s gay, straight or bisexual — in strange sexual situations in their lives, or complicated tricky sexual situations in their lives. And if it creates a reaction and it does ruffle feathers, and it does make you uncomfortable, why not look at that?” It is well worth a look. ‘Dark Play or Stories for Boys’ contains rampant, vulgar profanity and mature themes. The show runs through Feb. 22, Salt Lake Acting Company, 168 W. 500 North. Tickets $13–34, 363-7522 or saltlakeactingcompany.org.
June 20, 2009 HRC Utah Gala, hrcutah.org June 25–28, 2009 Utah Arts Festival, uaf.org July 24–26, 2009 Utah Bear Ruckus, utahbears.com August 1–2, 2009 Park City Arts Festival kimball-art.org August 7–8, 2009 Redrock Women’s Music Festival, Torrey, redrockwomensfest.com August 19, 2009 EU Allies Dinner, equalityutah.org October 17, 2009 PWACU Living with AIDS Conference, pwacu.org
Email arts@qsaltlake.com for consideration to be included in Save the Date.
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Dustin Lance Black Reacts to MILK’s 8 Oscar Nominations by Dustin Lance Black
I won’t lie, I was up at 4:30 a.m. Pacific Time the morning of the nominations. I couldn’t sleep. I took a shower, I started washing dishes, I did a load of laundry ... I was completely losing my mind waiting for that local ABC telecast. My heart jumped when Josh Brolin got nomDustin Lance Black inated, but the tears started flowing when Gus got his. I couldn’t have asked for a better director for this project, a fiercer protector of this little spec script that meant so much to me. And that script would have been nothing without the dedicated talent of nominee Sean Penn, who truly inhabited Harvey’s soul, and Josh Brolin, James Franco, Emile Hirsch, Diego Luna, Alison Pill, Joseph Cross, and on and
on. This film was a real team effort. By the time the nominations got to Best Picture, I was a wreck. Tears ... lots of tears. I couldn’t breathe. My big hope had been that the Academy would recognize our film enough that Harvey’s story could get a wider release, but I could never have predicted 8 nominations including Best Picture. I’m still pinching myself. When I first heard Harvey’s story at 13, I was a closeted kid living in a conservative Mormon, military home. It was a rough time for me. Hearing Harvey’s story not only gave me the hope he talked so often about, it very likely saved my life. What happened that morning means this film will win a wider audience, and maybe, just maybe Harvey’s message will reach some of those kids out there today who have been told they are “less than,” that they are sick, that God does not love them, and perhaps, from the grave, 30 years later, Harvey might give those kids the hope and love he gave me so long ago. It might sound overblown to some, but I firmly believe these nominations are life-saving. I can’t thank the Academy enough. Q
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Dating Diet A Star Is Reborn by Anthony Paull
I’m a tad worried. I’m not sure if we’re going to be asked back to Sundance next year, and to set the record straight, I’m placing blame on my photographer, Stacey. Granted, I know I’m no earth angel. I’m aware that I partially contributed to the glacier-size drama we caused, mainly because I was the one who prompted Stacey to drink. But it’s not my fault. I didn’t know she hadn’t slept or eaten food in a week. I only discovered that tidbit when she got drunk and puked in her scarf before falling down a flight of imaginary stairs. True, I admit, Stacey is fabulous on an international level, but even I know better than to hallucinate in front of celebrities or have delusions that I’m seeing one. For example, at a premiere party dinner serving vodka-laced energy drinks, Stacey
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downed a few sips and then thought she saw Ethan Hawke, triggering her, for some unknown reason, to pull a Flat Stanley doll out of her handbag to get his picture taken with Ethan and other A-list celebrities. Now let me remind you, she’s supposed to be a professional photographer. The problem is she doesn’t know how to operate the camera, and the “boy” she thought was Ethan Hawke was actually 20 years his junior and just went along with the whole Flat Stanley fiasco because he wanted to get down her pants. Needless to say, most of my photographs are blurrier than Stacey’s recollection of the event. But who cares about the past? Did I tell you Stacey can see the future? Yes, it’s true. Last year, she met some young unknown actor and predicted that he was going to be star, and her vision came to be. Too bad she failed to enlighten me on the rest of his future. You see, this new star, he decided to meet us at Sundance for a gay porn-release party where Stacey was running around in a maddened state because Flat Stanley had been abducted by a
fashion designer who was using the stupid paper doll to perform fellatio on him in the VIP room. So Mr. Star, he was left talking to me. “Dude, seriously, I’ve never been with a guy, but I think I’m 20 percent gay,” he states, opening the conversation. “Good for you, have another drink and you’ll hit 25,” I reply, searching for Stacey, who I find not working mind you, but twirling around a horde of sweaty, dancing gay boys on the third floor of the party lounge, where the porn star of the year is having trouble autographing a picture of his erect penis because he doesn’t know how to spell. Really, I can’t make this shit up. “Tee hee hee, where’s THEE Star?” Stacey laughs, with green strobe lights racing across her face. Overhead, a million silver balloons dancing to an ear-busting techno beat. “I think I lost him,” I tell her. “Oh, I see him!” she shouts, pointing to him before covering her mouth in a gasp. “Oh my God, he’s kissing a guy!” “Yeah, so?” “He’s not gay,” she states. “Yeah, and he’s not a smoker or drinker either, but he’s been double fisting bourbon and sucking down menthols all night.” “Ooh, so what should we do? We’re kind of responsible for him,” she says. Me, I’m thinking I could snap his picture and make some quick cash, but I know I’m not that person. Still, I guess that I could have Stacey do it for me,
but I remember she can’t operate the camera. “Let’s let him be free,” I say. “Ok,” Stacey nods, floating away in a drunken cloud. Over Texas, on the plane ride home, Stacey and I make a firm agreement not to mention any names in regard to what happened. I’m wondering how THEE Star is feeling, and I’m hoping he knows what happened in Utah will stay there. “Did you like it? The kiss?” I asked him before we left. “Nah, it wasn’t that good,” he hastily replied. But even if it wasn’t, I could sense a quiet fulfillment in his face due to knowing he was in a safe enough space to find out. Wouldn’t we all be in a better state if we could act without the camera, the judgment, and the weary eyes of those who know
better than us? It’s confusing to me. We have psychological geniuses like Sigmund Freud and Wilhelm Stekel telling us since the early 20th century that bisexuality is innate and normal, but still, we have a hard time kissing without seeing gender or sexual orientation. The world, more than ever, is ready for change, for love in any form to be applauded. We shouldn’t need alcohol to release our latent inhibitions or slowly kill ourselves off with cigarettes because we’re ashamed of what they are. personally, I don’t think THEE Star is gay or straight or whatever label is current these days. I just think he’s looking for love. And it fills my heart with warmth to see he’s willing to be exposed for being human to find it. Q
Biskupski Seeks to Cryptogram amend amendment 3 Continued from page 14
woman — intact. “It will not change Utah’s current definition of marriage, which is one man and one woman,” said Equality Utah. However, HJR 2 does not propose to strike half of the amendment by legislative action alone. Rather, the resolution “directs the lieutenant governor” to put such an amendment to Amendment 3 before Utah voters as a proposal in the 2010 general election. It would thus be enacted only if a majority of voters approve it. Since it is a house joint resolution, the amendment must be approved of by two-thirds of the members of both legislative houses before it can reach the people. If the resolution passes and voters approve it, the amendment to Amendment 3 would take effect on Jan. 1, 2011. Openly lesbian Rep. Jackie Biskupski, D-Salt Lake City, is the resolution’s sponsor. At press time, a Senate sponsor had yet to be named. Q
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A cryptogram is a puzzle where one letter in the puzzle is substituted with another. For example: ECOLVGNCYXW YCR EQYIIRZNBZN YZU PSZ! Has the solution: CRYPTOGRAMS ARE CHALLENGING AND FUN! In the above example Es are all replaced by Cs. The puzzle is solved by recognizing letter patterns in words and successively substituting letters until the solution is reached. This week’s hint: C = Z
Theme: A quote from GLAAD President Neil Giuliano, on the effect of the film “Milk.”
I SJWU DYH NUHJIQMU JKKIXN UD SJUPM UMX EIKG JWL HXJKICX UMJU SX’OX TXXW EIQMUIWQ J KDWQ UIGX JWL SX’HX NUIKK EIQMUIWQ WDS.
_ ____ ___ ___ ________ ______ __ _____ ___ ____ ___ _______ ____ __’__ ____ ________ _ ____ ____ ___ __’__ _____ ________ ___.
Anagram An anagram is a word or phrase that can be made using the letters from another word or phrase. Rearrange the letters below to answer:
This was the first Common Ground bill to fail during the 2009 Legislative session in Utah.
GROWTH UNLEAD ________ _____ PUZZLe SoLUtIoNS are oN PaGe 50
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3 8 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 121 | Februa r y 5 , 20 09
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Februa r y 5 , 20 09 | issue 121 | QSa lt L a k e | 39
QSex A Good Charity by Joseph Dewey
Q doku Q doku
Each Sudoku puzzle has a unique solution which can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits 1 through 9 into Each Sudoku hasmust a unique which canasbe the blank spaces.puzzle Every row containsolution one of each digit, reached logically without guessing. Enter digits 1 through 9 into must each column and each 3x3 square. Qdoku is actually five the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit, as seperate, but connected, Sudoku puzzles.
must each column and each 3x3 square. Qdoku is actually five separate, but connected, Sudoku puzzles.
Level: Medium
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4 0 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 121 | Februa r y 5 , 20 09
“San Francisco Sex Information. How can I help you?” “Umm, I want to learn about rope bondage, especially about tying knots. Could you please give me a book recommendation?” The woman on the phone thought of two books right away. Over the next few minutes she did some additional research, and by the end of the call had given me five book recommendations, with an analysis of how good each would be for a beginner learning about knots. Klutz Book of Knots and Two Knotty Boys Showing You the Ropes are now on the way to my house from Amazon, and should arrive Wednesday. I wish I would have paid more attention in Boy Scouts. Yes, this is an actual phone conversation I had. San Francisco Sex Information is a charity organization that gives free, nonjudgmental, confidential information about sex. When I first found SFSI, I had two questions about sex. The first was a question I’d feel comfortable talking about with anyone. The second was a question I wouldn’t even discuss with my best friend. I tried out SFSI by asking the first question via e-mail: “I have a friend who’s repeatedly having unsafe sex. I want to talk to my friend and encourage safe sex, but what do I say?” Their reply was thoughtful, saying I was a good friend for being concerned. SFSI included a URL containing good information about safer sex, gave information about respectful conversations with friends, and reminded me to not have important conversations like this drunk. I was really impressed with their good advice and its flair. After that experienced response, I decided to ask my second question. Now, I’m not going to tell you what that question was. I was embarrassed by this question, and I’m sure if I brought it up at a party, lots of people would excitedly gasp, “Don’t do that!” I was overly cautious, wanting to be super anonymous, so I went to an internet cafe. I signed up for an e-mail account with a fake name, and nervously sent SFSI my question. SFSI wasn’t embarrassed at all with my question, and gave me a thoughtful, understanding and respectful response. They took me seriously, and gave me good information I’ve been able to use. Maybe everyone is like me and has two questions about sex. The first is a trial question, to see if people are understanding and will take us seriously. The second is the question we’re really curious about.
I have this picture in my head that maybe SFSI will save lives if enough people just have their number. I imagine two friends talking in a coffee shop, kind of like people do on a commerical: Friend 1: Hey, I’m going camping with my new partner. We’re going to try [insert dangerous sexual activity]. Friend 2: Umm. That sounds dangerous. Friend 1: It’s not. I saw it on a movie. Friend 2: We better call SFSI and make sure it’s okay. Friend 1: [when calling SFSI]: Hey, I’m going camping ... [repeats story]. SFSI: A few things to consider when attempting activities like this are [insert safety information here]. You might also want to consider these other activities: [describes some safer activities]. Friend 1: Wow. I’m glad you told me all that. Thanks, SFSI! Okay, information about sex probably isn’t ever that drastically helpful, despite what TV would have us believe. But I can still dream. A cool thing about the sfsi.org Web page is part that says, “We help everyone with sex information: bisexual, gay, lesbian, transgender, and straight.” I think it’s cool they put straight people last, but still included them. I really believe in what SFSI’s trying to do, which is educate people about things that are sex-related. I think that by having more information about sex, we can make better decisions about sex. And making the best decisions about sex, so that we can have the best sex possible, is one of the noblest things in life. Having information also gives you alternatives. I’ve met a lot of people who could have used sex information, people who didn’t know how you get pregnant, people who felt they didn’t have any alternatives to unsafe sex, and people who didn’t understand sexually transmitted diseases. If we talk about the things that don’t get talked about, we’ll also have a higher quality of life. People have a lot of questions about sex, from common questions like the first one I asked to not so common ones. Here are some of the ones recently answered on SFSI’s site, “I’m bi-curious. Should I experiment with my friends?” “Why can’t I have an orgasm?” “Is my penis small?” “Should I use numbing cream for anal sex?” Please program SFSI’s number into your phone: (415) 989-7374. Just in case you have a “friend” who needs information. Q
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Fabulous People Jon Jepson: Working from the Shadows by JoSelle Vanderhooft
O
Jan. 27, independent insurance broker Jonathan “Jon” Jepson came to the attention of many Utahns, gay and straight, when he testified before the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee in support of Salt Lake Democratic Senator Scott McCoy’s Wrongful Death Amendments bill (SB 32) — a bill that would allow loved ones other than parents, children and spouses to sue if someone with whom they share financial obligations dies because of medical malpractice or negligence. If his fiancé, Queer Utah Aquatics Club president Paul Reynolds, were to die in such a manner, Jepson told senators that he would likely be unable to keep his house or stave off bankruptcy. “It is highly unlikely I could continue with my financial obligations — our obligations,” he said at the time. But like many gay and transgender people who speak out on bills that could help people Utah law largely ignores, Jepson does much more for the community than look anti-gay Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, in the eye. Jepson not only serves on the board of directors for QUAC and the Utah Pride Center, he also advocates for Equality Utah and serves as co-chair for the gay rights group’s annual Allies Dinner, along with Brandie Balkan. “The greatest thing about my profession is it allows me to do these other things I’m passionate about,” says Jepson. “It doesn’t commit me to sit at my desk from 9-5 every day, and it allows me to get away and serve in different community and non profit organizations. I’m really lucky that way.” Before Jepson entered the insurance business, stepped foot inside Utah’s Capitol Building, or even came out as n
gay, he was doing something many Utahns would find familiar: growing up on a farm. In his case, a farm in a little southern Idaho town outside of Preston, the town made famous in Napoleon Dynamite. He moved to Utah to pursue a degree in business finance from the University of Utah and has remained here ever since — with the exception of the two years he spent in England on an LDS mission. Once active in the LDS Church, Jepson said he eventually left the faith in which he was raised, though not because of his sexuality. “I felt the church was not what it purported to be — that being the only true and living Church on the face of the earth,” he says. Like many other Mormons who come out as gay to church leaders, Jepson’s bishop had counseled him to serve a mission, marry in the temple and have children. When the bishop’s promise did not come to pass, Jepson said he hid his sexuality from his wife. “I was very discouraged and hated myself for being gay,” he remembers. The sorrow he experienced from “not being true to myself” took a toll on Jepson’s mental and physical health — at one point, he weighed 305 pounds. When Jepson finally left the church, he knew he was taking a gamble — one which he says he largely lost. His wife divorced him, and he lost several business clients. But at the same time, Jepson says his “self-image and happiness improved immensely” as he finally began coming out. To get to know more “people like him who were gay,” Jepson joined the Queer Utah Aquatic Club, where he soon became treasurer. Here he lost 140 pounds and gained his partner, QUAC president Paul Reynolds. He started volunteering for the Utah Pride
Ogle the Swimmers at QUAC’s Ski & Swim Join QUAC members, swimmers from other cities, and members of Utah Masters, Celebrate Valentines weekend, wet and as they compete in swimming events wild style, with Utah’s non-profit, gay, lesthroughout the day at the glass enclosed bian, transgender, bisexual, and straight Ute Natatorium, which features an eight swim club as they celebrate their premier lane competition pool. Watch the QUAC fundraising event of the year, Ski n’ Swim Water Polo team compete against the West 2009. Hollywood Water Polo team. Registration is closed for getting tickets This year’s Ski n’ Swim profits will go to all events except the swim meet, which toward scholarships for members to attend is free to the public, and you can learn the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics more about the club and support the Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, swimmers and the water polo team at July 2009, or the Gay Games 2010 in Koln, the University of Utah’s aquatic center on Germany. Sunday, February 15th, starting at 10AM. 4 4 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 121 | Februa r y 5 , 20 09 by Brad DiIorio
Center last year, after QUAC annual Ski ‘n’ Swim weekend teamed up and the Center’s now-defunct Winterfest. “I was so impressed with those people, how professional they were and how well they represented the LGBT community,” Jepson recalls. He donated his time and money to the Center, and hosted tables at the Center’s annual National Coming Out Day Breakfast. Soon, Center leadership asked him to serve on the organization’s board of directors, a new commitment that Jepson says he is “excited” to undertake. Another thing that he is excited to do is lobby. These days, Jepson can often be found on Capitol Hill, lobbying for Equality Utah’s Common Ground Initiative, a set of four bills and one policy change aimed at securing equal housing and employment protections, probate rights, and other rights for gay and transgender Utahns. Most pivotally, Jepson has helped Equality Utah draft a proposal urging Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. to issue an Executive Order that would extend healthcare benefits to adult designees of all state employees. Although Jepson is no stranger to lobbying — in the past, he has advocated for bills pertaining to insurance on state and national levels — he says he gets a few surprised looks from state legislators when they see him sporting a Common Ground button in the capitol’s halls. When he is not at the capitol speaking to a surprised senator about the need for the Common Ground Initiative to pass, Jepson says he enjoys swimming, running, reading and spending time with friends and with his fiancé — even if Reynolds seems to enjoy renovating the condo they just built more than he does. “Paul loves working on the kitchen and remodeling, but I don’t really like it,” he laughs. “So the agreement is Paul puts down the tiles and installs the cupboards, and I go into my office and work on fighting for our rights.” Jepson also flies to Colorado each month to visit his four children: Sarah, Mary, Emma and Daniel. The kids moved when Jepson’s ex-wife remarried a few years ago. “I’m very lucky to have such wonderful talented kids who are obedient, but have just the right amount of obstinance,” he says. “I always like it when they question things, it never bothers me when they question my authority. It’s something I didn’t do enough when I was young.” But whether he is planning Equality Utah’s Allies Dinner or questioning the authority of anti-gay legislators over the lives of gay and transgender Utahns, Jepson says he is a little “spotlight shy.” “I’m very happy to serve quietly from the shadows,” he says. “A lot of people don’t know who the heck I am, and I’m fine with that, I’m able to catch people off guard a little more when I do that.”
Februa r y 5 , 20 09 | issue 121 | QSa lt L a k e | 45
Q Puzzle
Fate Club Substitute “ate” for “ight” in phrases to create new phrases
Across 1 Stud fees? 6 Poet Teasdale 10 Nero’s bird 14 Black to Bonheur 15 Singer Dobkin 16 Farm erection 17 Close of Serving in Silence 18 A little behind 19 Reproduced without sex, for short 20 Like Fosse missing a cue? 23 Lennon partner 24 Pirates’ drink 25 Part of SASE (abbr.) 26 Evaluate Burke and Bean? 32 Masters 35 ___ of Eden 36 Sound of the New York Liberty cheerleaders 37 Curve and others 38 Terence of Priscilla 40 Mishima’s continent 41 Bonehead 42 Pair, to Magnus Hirschfeld 43 Bear 44 Nominating a homophobe? 48 Leibman of Angels in America
49 Gene’s makeup 50 Old streaker over the Atlantic 53 Put same-sex wedding vows on a plaque? 58 “Uh-oh!” to Lord Byron 59 Counterfeiters’ nemeses 60 Lurer of phallic fish 61 Not straight 62 Began a hole, with “off” 63 One to ten, e.g. 64 Changes from a couple to a threesome 65 Blowjob filmer Warhol 66 Bone in the back Down 1 West Side Story Jet, e.g. 2 Faith in music 3 Link with 4 Sea eagle 5 Kahlo and others 6 Oscar Wilde tragedy (1893) 7 Ruck of Spin City 8 Circumcision, for one 9 Tools for the Tin Man 10 Get up 11 Lisa Ben’s magazine 12 “Why should ___ you?” 13 Gay, to Brits 21 Fruitcake
22 Made it to second base, so to speak 26 Lawyer’s thing 27 Homophobia and such 28 Norma McCorvey’s memoir ___ Roe 29 Gaydar, for example 30 Parade prohibition for Streisand 31 Swimmer you can eat 32 Retreat for D.H. Lawrence 33 Asian inland sea 34 Sitcom Jack 38 American Beauty director Mendes 39 Randy’s skating partner 40 Went down on 42 House opening? 43 Galindo and Mattis 45 Proposals in bars 46 Really camp 47 Part of Q and A (abbr.) 50 Conductor Georg 51 The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas author 52 Orgasm, e.g. 53 Asked for on bended knee 54 Katharine’s Butch Cassidy role 55 Rainbow, to some 56 Have an opening for 57 Cut the crop 58 Org. for Evan Wolfson’s peers Answers on p. 40
QSaltLake is brought to you by our advertisers. Please support them and thank them loudly. 4 6 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 121 | Februa r y 5 , 20 09
Homoscopes The Sun makes it move in to Aqueerius and not a moment too soon. All this optimism gets a further jolt fromjolly Jupiter and making all of our best moves even better!
e
aries (Mar 21 - Apr 20) Gay rams find themselves placed on the social “a” list rather than lower down on the alphabet. Good thing! For the next weeks you call the shots in any group activity. Gather the troops and be imaginative but don’t be bossy or pushy, tempting as it will be. when you’re hot you’re hot and when you’re not, you’re just working the door. Surprise us.
what masterpieces are lurking in your potential talent. I bet you are verrrry talented!
p
sCorPio (Oct 24 - Nov 22) Proud Scorps are not noted for their nesting instincts but now you can’t help but become Mother earth incarnate. handle any home-based projects now while your judgement is not clouded by outer-worldly stimuli. even tough family issues can be tackled with some surprisingly good results. but they must accept you as you are or no deal.
[
sagiTTarius (Nov 23 - Dec 22) Gay archers realize that they can get exactly what they want and need by just asking for it. well, of course you knew that but now all your requests begin to pay
r
off. think of anything that will thrill you. but be careful of what you wish. Sometimes the fates overdeliver in surprisingly unexpected ways. Do you really want a 14 inch pianist?
]
CaPriCorn (Dec 23 - Jan 20) If money has been a source of stress and concern, thank the cosmos for a ray of gold. Pink Caps are more easily able to plug any monetary leaks. Use the next weeks to do your homework, ask advice and revamp your more expensive, wasteful habits. you will be amazed at how great you can look with a few fiscal nips and tucks. you feel fabulous!
q
aQueerius (Jan 21 - Feb 19) aqueerians can find themselves at a personal crossroad now. It is an ex-
Taurus (Apr 21 - May 21) this is the time to unleash your desire to move with the movers and shake with the shakers. Shake and bake, queer bull! I know that you jealously covet the corner office and the big paycheck. hey, who wouldn’t? but plan your corporate ascent very carefully. all calculating eyes will be upon you. Finesse will take you far. So stow that big gun. Save it for bonus time.
y
CanCer (JUN 22 - JUL 23) Gay Crabs put the triple “X” into their experiences now. whoo hoo! Spin your allure and lure a fly or two into your sultry spider web. your sexuality peaks and so do you, lover. there is nothing or no one you can’t do. your sexual drive takes you on the road. Follow all signs from “yield” to “No Speed Limit”. will you be “Slippery when wet”?
u
leo (Jul 24 - Aug 23) tired of playing the field? this month, proud Lions are tempted to seek their soulmate somewhere in the outfield. Don’t be shy and retiring. Seek and ye shall find. For those Leos who are already in a relationship, use the next few days to solidify, stabilize ... or subdivide. are you getting what you need from partnerships? Consider all options and all feelings.
i
Virgo (Aug 24 - Sep 23) Queer virgins feel especially ambitious this week. you are fired up and raring to clean off your desk by tackling all long pending pithy projects. Maximize your 9 to 5 time by focusing on what is important and what will get you noticed. you can score some points with the powers that be. Painting your cubicle lavender may be one solution but really not the only one....
o
liBra (Sep 24 - Oct 23) Proud Libras gleefully go gaga now. It’s a wacky time when anything goes. have fun, fun, fun and don’t spare the hot sauce. but rather than fritter your energies in wasteful, slothful pastimes, you may want to consider tapping into your inner artist and see
w
PisCes (Feb 20 - Mar 20) Guppies are wondrously prescient and in tune with their inner voice for the next few weeks. tap your sixth sense any way you can. Some suggested avenues include mediation or yoga. what do you divine you divine thing? Perhaps it is time to gaze into a certain crystal ball for your next great move. either that or just gaze at it for fun and relaxation. No names please!
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geMini (May 22 - Jum 21) where does the long and winding road lead you for the next few weeks? to a great gay adventure! Pink twins grab the world in the palm of their hand. Give it a good squeeze. Consider you next move and explore, expand and enjoy far horizons. there are also one or two things that you might want to learn. you can become teacher’s pet if you decide to crack a book.
cellent time to reassess your path, possibly change direction, seek new stimuli or try a new “look”. Plant those seeds of change, toss out the old wardrobe and blossom. It is a new solar year and a new you. Is it possible to improve on perfection? oh let’s try.
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Februa r y 5 , 20 09 | issue 121 | QSa lt L a k e | 47
Q Scene
Michael Aaron went to the Equality Utah Out for Equality session at Club JAM to hear Sen. Scott McCoy and Rep. Christine Johnson speak about this year’s Leg Session
4 8 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 121 | Februa r y 5 , 20 09
Brian Gordon was at his own birthday party at the Tavernacle shooting during karaoke Sunday
Common Grounds March from Salt Lake City-County Building to the Utah State Capitol —PHOTOS BY Brian Gordon
Februa r y 5 , 20 09 | issue 121 | QSa lt L a k e | 49
Q Tales The Perils of Petunia Pap-Smear A Tale of Titanic Proportions by Petunia Pap-Smear
T
he road to luxury driving
is fraught with danger and excitement. A few years ago I purchased “The Car of My Dreams,” a 1975 Buick Electra. Being a high maintenance queen, I feel I deserve an automobile of abundant luxury. And this car came very close to fitting the bill. Its suspension can only be described by one word, “cush.” You know, when the car can ooze fluidly over the most bone-jarring of potholes and I can still keep applying my eye liner without painting over my cornea. This royal carriage also had tufted fabric upholstery. Nothing tends to ruin the magic of an opportune moment more than when your back is sticking to the leather seats when “helium heels” are rising to the occasion. This car was gargantuan. It could comfortably accommodate seven fullsized adults OR two fully outfitted and accessorized drag queens. I once parked beside a 60-passenger school bus and measured; the bus was only five feet longer and one foot wider than my Buick. Through backbreaking analysis with many volunteer test subjects, I also determined that the rear seat was voluminous enough to be able to accommodate all but two of the positions illustrated in the Kama Sutra. Who knew? My friends teased that I should paint the Buick gray with a landing strip on the hood and fasten a model airplane
Puzzle Solutions
landing on top, as if it were an aircraft carrier. It truly could have been a sister ship of the Titanic, Olympic and Britannic. Thus I christened my royal land yacht “Her Majesty’s Ship, Queer-Tanic.” Since I got it the year that Titanic won the Oscar, the name seemed only fitting. Since Queer-Tanic was a 20-year-old previously owned vehicle, I was a bit suspect about her reliability; I determined that I needed to drive her out of Cache Valley and give her a short test ride to make sure that she was roadworthy. A perfect occasion for a road test came up when I was invited to a birthday party at one of the bars in Salt Lake. So with the excitement of a school girl winning a date with Zac Efron, I inserted my Greatest Hits of Abba into the tape player and drove the Queer-Tanic on her maiden voyage to Salt Lake without incident, reveling in her comforts the whole trip. At about 1:00 a.m. I left the party to drive back to Logan. I was a bit hungry, so I bought a couple of hamburgers and decided to park in the old-time cruising area on 3rd South between Main and State Streets and watch the intricate, yet delicate tango between the cruising boys and the potential tricks driving by, while I ate my snack. Being no stranger to this “dance” and locale myself, it made for very good dinner entertainment. Upon finishing my burgers, I was very tempted to join
Cryptogram: I want our straight allies to watch the film and realize that we’ve been fighting a long time and we’re still fighting now.
Anagram: Wrongful Death
6 8 5 3 1 7 4 2 9
9 2 4 5 8 6 1 7 3
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9 3 5 8 7 1 6 2 4 5 7 1 8 3 9 2 7 6 4 1 5
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50 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 121 | Februa r y 5 , 20 09
the boys “working” the street, but I was very tired, so I decided to forgo that particular pleasure on this occasion. I rotated the key to start Queer-Tanic. To my chagrin, there was nothing but total silence. Oh – My – God! I opened the trunk and got out my tool kit (Yes, a prepared queen should always carry more than tweezers, nail file and lipstick). I popped the hood to check the battery cable. I tried to wiggle the battery cable and to my astonishment, the post fell right out of the battery! I repeatedly tried to poke the post back in, but despite my fervent efforts and the muttering of numerous four-letter words, it kept falling back out just like the flaccid _schwanstuker_ of an ex-boyfriend. By now it was 2:30 a.m. and even the “working boys” had gone home. So here I was all alone, far from home, on a dark street with my hood and trunk open, with no one to call for help. Just then I spotted an ominous looking pickup truck containing several guys driving very slowly down the shadowy street. My mind screamed, “DANGER, WILL ROBINSON, DANGER!” But just as I was about to flee, I heard a highpitched voice from the pickup exclaim, “Look there’s a girl in trouble!” To my immense relief, the menacing truck full of guys turned out to be a gaggle of sister queens out for a leisurely ride to observe the hunting practices of the North American Homosexual Male. With true queenly hospitality — and even though I was a stranger to them — they refused to let me remain alone with my car. They insisted instead that I accompany them to Denny’s for respite, polite conversation and an induction into “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Heels.” When morning arrived and the stores opened, I walked to Sears and bought a new battery. You never really know how heavy a car battery is until you have to schlep it several blocks while wearing nails and heels. Thank God for that built-in handle the newer batteries have. This could be a new fashion; I could call it mechanic chic. After being butch with my wrenches, the new battery was installed. With much trepidation, I turned the key and voila, the engine roared to life and I was on the road again for the continuing voyages of Queer-Tanic. As always, this story leaves us with many important questions: 1. How can you remove heel prints from the headliner of a car? 2. How much experience does a “Working Boy” need to become a professional? 3. Is the gross displacement of a 1975 Buick greater than an Air Craft Carrier? 4. Should I convert the Queer-Tanic to nuclear power? 5. Would a battery shaped purse be fashionable? 6. Should I open a new NASCAR line of makeup and accessories? These and other important questions to be answered in future chapters of The Perils of Petunia Pap-Smear.
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