QSaltLake May 12, 2011

Utah’s News & Entertainment Magazine for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community | FREE

salt lake Issue 180 May 12, 2011

GAY-STRAIGHT MARRIAGES and ... Our Annual Home & Garden Issue

HEY LOOK US OVER!

Thursday, May 26 — 7:30 P.M. $15.00 — Concert only Sister Dottie S. Dixon and the Men’s Choir as you’ve never heard (or seen) them before!

FUND RAISING CONCERT

Friday, May 27 — 6:30 P.M. $45.00 (advance ticket purchase suggested) Join us for Eats, Drinks, Raffle and a great show with Dottie and the guys!

Purchase tickets through Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-3006, www.saltlakemenschoir.org or any choir member.

MUST BE 21 OR OVER FOR EITHER SHOW.

June 18-19, 2011

TWO’S A PARTY

Denver is the perfect blend of urban energy and outdoor adventure, all set against the amazing Rocky Mountain backdrop. And June 18-19, the Mile High City celebrates PrideFest, bringing the parade right into the heart of downtown and offering plenty of live entertainment all weekend long. Plan your Pride getaway and find great deals. VISITDENVER.COM/GLBT

BUT SO IS 300,000

may third iday breakfast

Q staff publisher Michael Aaron editor Seth Bracken

MAY 20, 7:30 PM

J O I N

busine aiance Christine Cardamon PRINTING Salt Lake’s home for full-color digital printing and publishing services 801-649-6663 ext 113 | saltlickprinting.com

introduction service for lgbt singles If you want to build a relationship that doesn’t end with ‘lost underwear and a strange sock’ alphey is about dignity, pride and self respect

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We help business owners by supplying goods at a reasonable price to help them grow.

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editor Tony Hobday

We are a mortgage lender that underwrites, closes and funds our own loans and offer typical mortgage products: Rural Housing/USDA , FHA, VA, Conventional, Utah Housing. What makes Axiom different: manufactured homes, non-traditional credit, and down to a 620 fico score. Natalie has 12 years doing mortgage loans, is a graduate of Utah State University and fluent in Spanish and English. She serves from Cache County to Utah County.

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graphic designer Christian Allred contributors Chris Azzopardi, Lynn

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Salt Lake Acting Company,produces seasons of thoughtful, provocative, regional and world premieres; nurtures, supports and develops a community of professional artists; produces and supports emerging playwrights; and makes a significant contribution to our community and to the American theatre.

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John Bennett “We’re in business for small businesses�

arts & entertainment

T H E

The Tenth East Senior Center is the oldest senior recreation center in Utah.

Open Monday through Friday, we serve lunch and offer a multitude of activities for the active older adult, including Tai Chi, yoga, bridge, choir, computers and much more. We also host a monthly afternoon tea for SAGE Utah.

CITY HOMES SALT LAKE 801-718-5555 City Homes Salt Lake would enjoy the opportunity to discuss representing you in the purchase and/or sale of Salt Lake real estate. Contact us today to learn more about how you can partner with a leader in the Salt Lake real estate market.

Kelly Lake LE CROISSANT CATERING 801-466-2537 At Le Croissant Catering, we understand and value all of the reasons that you hire a caterer. Wedding catering, business meetings, social events, employee luncheons, funerals-each occasion means as much to us as it does to you.

We specialize in attention to detail, professional service and comfort food that’s all grown up.

B E N E F I T S

Monthly Business Breakfasts

Each third Friday of the month, a themed breakfast will be held at various restaurants in the Greater Wasatch Front with guest speakers and the ability to introduce your business and hand out company literature to other owners and professionals

O F

Meet and mingle with other entrepreneurs and professionals, as well as QSaltLake readers, at different businesses in the valley

Service Guide Ads

Expose your business to thousands of QSaltLake readers with a listing or display ad in the Service Guide on the first Friday of each month.

QSaltLake.com/QBA for more info and an online application to join.

4 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

Online Exposure through QSaltLake.com QSaltLake readers turn to our web site for help finding services in the community.

They can be referred to your web site in a click of a button.

Member Newsletter Promote your business, introduce new products and announce upcoming events to other Alliance members

sales manager Brad Di Iorio office manager Tony Hobday distribution Brad Di Iorio, Ryan Benson, Michael Hamblin, Gary Horenkamp, Nancy Burkhart, Carlos Samayoa publisher

Leesa Myers INSPIRATION STATION 801-824-0774

tel: 801-649-6663 toll-free: 1-800-806-7357

Specializing in inspiring and empowering women and women in business trough intuitive counseling, mentoring, hypnosis, tarot and angel readings. “You may be only one person in the world, but you may be the world to one person — be Love.�

for general information:

info@qsaltlake.com for editorial queries:

editor@qsaltlake.com QSaltLake is a trademark of

Mark Cummings

Salt Lick Publishing, LLC.

SCI INVESTMENTS 801-898-1822

Copyright Š 2011, Salt Lick Publishing LLC.

Bridge lender — quick money for short term loans 6 to 12 months. 1st mortgage required on real estate or occasionally on other assets. Vehicles or other valuables are held in pocession of lender until paid in full — loans from 3K to 500K.

reprinted or reproduced without written

J O I N I N G :

Monthly After-Work Socials

contributing photographers David Daniels, Laurie Kaufman, Matt Spencer

Salt Lick Publishing, LLC 1055 East 2100 South, ste 206 Salt Lake City, Utah 84106

The Q Business Alliance is open to all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and ally business owners to join us for networking, socializing, community organizing and charitable contributions to Utah’s LGBT community. Corporations, small businesses, sole proprietors and independent agents are welcome to join, regardless of sexual orientation.

T H E

Beltran, Turner Bitton, Dave Brousseau, Brad Di Iorio, Chef Drew Ellswroth, Greg Fox, H. Rachelle Graham, Bob Henline, Gus Herrero, Tony Hobday, Christopher Katis, Annalisa Millo, Keith Orr, Petunia Pap-Smear, Anthony Paull, Steven Petrow, Ruby Ridge, A.E. Storm, JoSelle Vanderhooft, Michael Westley, Ben Williams, Troy Williams, D’Anne Witkowski, Rex Wockner

Swag Bags Place marketing materials or samples in highly-sought “swag� bags or at tables at large community events through the year More We will be announcing more opportunities for members as the Alliance grows

All rights reserved. No material may be permission from the publisher. Copies of

QSaltLake are distributed free of charge in 200 locations across Utah and in Idaho and Nevada. Free copies are limited to one per person. For additional copies, contact us at 801-649-6663. It is a crime to destroy or dispose of current issues or otherwise interfere with the distribution of this newsmagazine. Publication of the name or photograph of any individual or organization in articles or advertising in QSaltLake is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons.

Printed in the U.S.A. QSALTLAKE.COM FACEBOOK.COM/QSALTLAKE MYSPACE.COM/QSALTLAKE | TWITTER @QSALTLAKE

THE RITE OF SPRING WITH MUSIC DIRECTOR THIERRY FISCHER AND GUEST VOCALIST JANICE CHANDLER ETEME

MAY 27–28 | 8 PM ABRAVANEL HALL Experience the rhythms and energy that inspired fistfights and riots at the 1913 premiere of the now-beloved music of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring.

TICKETS START AT $15. CALL 801-355-ARTS (2787) OR VISIT WWW.UTAHSYMPHONY.ORG.

BY REX WOCKNER

Attorney general and judge block two gay deportations U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder suspended the deportation of an Irish man May 5 because he is in a New Jersey samesex civil union with an American.

In essence, Holder said he wanted the Board of Immigration Appeals to reconsider whether Paul Wilson Dorman’s civil union might qualify him for a spousal green card.

The federal Defense of Marriage Act prohibits agencies of the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages, but Holder and President Barack Obama said in February that they consider that portion of DOMA unconstitutional, and the Justice Department stopped defending it in ongoing federal court cases challenging it.

In his May 5 order, Holder said: “I direct that ... this matter be remanded to the Board to make such findings as may be necessary to determine whether and how the constitutionality of DOMA is presented in this case, including, but not limited to: 1) whether respondent’s same-sex partnership or civil union qualifies him to be considered a ‘spouse’ under New Jersey law; 2) whether, absent the requirements of DOMA, respondent’s same-sex partnership or civil union would qualify him to be considered a ‘spouse’ under the Immigration and Nationality Act; 3) what, if any, impact the timing of respondent’s civil union should have on his request for that discretionary relief; and 4) whether, if he had a ‘qualifying relative,’ the respondent would be able to satisfy the exceptional and unusual hardship requirement for cancellation of removal.”

Then, on May 6, an immigration judge in Newark, N.J., suspended the deportation of a Venezuelan man who is married to an American man under Connecticut law.

Judge Alberto Riefkohl cited Holder’s action the day before in issuing his decision.

The couple in the Newark case, Henry Velandia and Josh Vandiver, have made numerous national media appearances and become a poster couple in the political fight to extend spousal immigration rights to foreigners who are in a legally recognized same-sex relationship with an American.

Gay activists and legal observers said the twin deportation suspensions could mean that the Obama administration hopes or intends to stop using DOMA against binational same-sex couples and to start granting green cards to foreigners who marry or enter into a civil union with an American of the same sex.

However, on May 8, a Justice Department spokeswoman told the New York Times that the department will continue to enforce DOMA and that Holder had intervened in Dorman’s case only because some issues had been overlooked by the Board of Immigration Appeals.

According to reports, both Dorman and Velandia entered the U.S. legally, stayed beyond the terms of their visas, tried to get permission to remain based on their samesex unions, and were turned down.

The section of DOMA that is involved — and that the Justice Department no longer defends in court — reads: “In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word ‘marriage’ means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word ‘spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife.”

REX WOCKNER

NATIONAL NEWS

empowered us to extend rights to people previously denied them. Every time we have done that, it has strengthened our nation. Now we should do it again, in New York, with marriage equality. For more than a century, our Statue of Liberty has welcomed all kinds of people from all over the world yearning to be free. In the 21st century, I believe New York’s welcome must include marriage equality.”

Gay activists and Gov. Andrew Cuomo are pushing for a vote on a same-sex marriage bill in New York’s Legislature before the current session ends in June.

According to HRC, polling suggests 58 percent of New Yorkers support letting same-sex couples marry.

Two days before Bill Clinton’s statement, his daughter Chelsea also spoke out in support of same-sex marriage while attending a pro-gay-marriage event.

Open lesbian elected to Denver City Council Denver’s first openly gay or lesbian city councilor was elected May 3. Robin Kniech won an at-large seat in an election that was conducted by mail.

“I ran to work for all Denver families, but I know this is a meaningful day for our LGBT community,” Kniech said, according to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which supported her campaign.

In Indianapolis on May 3, Victory Fundendorsed Zach Adamson won the Democratic primary for an at-large City Council seat and advances to the general election in November. If victorious, he would become that city’s first openly gay or lesbian council member.

Lesbian confirmed to Mass. high court

Bill Clinton urges NY state to legalize same-sex marriage Bill Clinton, who as president signed the anti-gay federal Defense of Marriage Act into law, urged New York state on May 5 to legalize same-sex marriage.

In a statement released by the Human Rights Campaign, Clinton said: “Our nation’s permanent mission is to form a ‘more perfect union’ — deepening the meaning of freedom, broadening the reach of opportunity, strengthening the bonds of community. That mission has inspired and

6 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

Openly gay Barbara Lenk’s appointment to Massachusetts’ Supreme Judicial Court was confirmed May 4 in a 5-3 vote of the Governor’s Council.

In a statement citing Lenk’s “sharp intellect, vast experience and deep sense of humanity,” Gov. Deval Patrick said she will be an “outstanding” justice.

Lenk is married to Debra Krup. Massachusetts was the first state to legalize samesex marriage, in 2004.

Hawaii trans bill signed Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a bill banning employment discrimination based on gender identity or expression May 5. Transgender people already were protected in the areas of housing and public accommodations.

Twelve other states and the District of Columbia protect transgender people from discrimination.

Quips & Quotes How many more gay ❝ people does God have to create before we ask ourselves if he wants them around?”

—Representative Steve Simon from Minnesota testifying in a hearing of an amendment to the state constitution that would ban gay marriages

It’s weird. You see ❝ these great players with these really long putters, because they can’t sink three-footers anymore.

And, I hate it. I am a traditionalist. I have so many fabulous friends who happen to be gay, but I am a traditionalist.”

—Republican presidential candidate and businessman Donald Trump told the New York Times in his defense to his opposition to gay marriage

Our nation’s permanent ❝ mission is to form a ‘more perfect union’ — deepening the meaning of freedom, broadening the reach of opportunity, strengthening the bonds of community. ... Now we should do it again, in New York, with marriage equality. For more than a century, our Statue of Liberty has welcomed all kinds of people from all over the world yearning to be free. In the 21st century, I believe New York’s welcome must include marriage equality.”

—Former U.S. President Bill Clinton speaking on marriage equality in New York

I was the sex symbol ❝ and I needed to dance and I needed to make girls crazy and I couldn’t say that I was gay. It was a lot of struggle, and if you add to that culture, religion, society, what people say, you know, what I was feeling according to what I had in my mind, was evil.”

—Ricky Martin on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on his early career being a closeted pop star and sex icon

M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 7

LOC AL NEWS

Utah AIDS assistance program closing to new applicants

By Seth Bracken

Utah’s largest AIDS and HIV assistance program to help obtain medications and other services is closing its services to new applicants, said Mike Lowe, the AIDS Drug Assistance Program administrator.

The program, which is funded by the Ryan White Part B funds from the federal government, received less funding than expected and in order to compensate for the budget shortfalls, no new applicants are being accepted for now, Lowe said.

Currently, there are about 475 participants in the program that helps provide funds for medications, which can cost HIV-positive and AIDS patients thousands of dollars a month, Lowe said.

“I don’t know and wouldn’t even try to guess when the program will open again for new participants,” Lowe said.

However, an appeal is being made to the Health Resource and Service Administration and if more funds are obtained, the program might be able to start accepting applicants sometime in the near future, Lowe said.

“We should know about those funds by June and we will have another reassessment of the funding next month,” Lowe said. “We

hope to be able to open the program again with the HRSA funds. But we won’t know for a while and until then, we just have to go with the worst-case scenario.”

A waiting list is being developed for people who are not currently on the program and still need some assistance, however, there is no time frame for how long that list will be, he said. Also, to qualify for the waiting list, the full application process must be followed and the wait could be extensive, he said.

Because this is the only government-funded program in Utah, if people that are HIVpositive require assistance, they will have to seek financial aid from the patient assistance programs funded by the private pharmaceutical companies, Lowe said. The state of Utah provides some assistance to the ADAP program to pay for administrative costs, but there are no other government-funded programs that are geared specifically toward helping people with HIV and AIDS in Utah, he said.

“Those patient assistance programs take so much work to complete and are tough as hell to find,” said Toni Johnson, the executive director of the People with AIDS Coali-

Olympic chief steps down after involvement in Prop. 8 Peter Vidmar, who is Mormon, stepped down from his post last week as the chief of mission for the U.S. Olympic team in 2012 after reports of his opposition to gay marriage came to light.

Vidmar, who is a three-time Olympic medalist, was appointed to the post and both the Chicago Tribune and OutSports.com reported his involvement with pushing for California’s Proposition 8 Peter Vidmar to pass. The articles featured statements from Olympic figure skater and reality television star Johnny Weir, and Jessica Mendoza, president of the Women’s Sports Foundation and two-time Olympic medalist.

“I certainly wouldn’t want to be represented by someone who is anti-gay marriage. It isn’t just about marriage, it is being allowed equal rights as Americans.

“The fact this man who is very publicly against something that may be represented on the American team is disgraceful,” Weir told the Chicago Tribune.

According to the Tribune, Vidmar do-

nated $2,000 to the campaign to outlaw marriage equality in Utah and he participated in two rallies.

Vidmar said his opposition to gay marriage comes from his religious views as a Mormon.

“The Church wanted to take a stand on the issue, and they invited their members to take a stand,” he told the Tribune. “I chose to be

Q uni tion. “There are more than 3,000 people in Utah living with HIV or AIDS and that number just keeps rising. We can’t afford to cut the funding now. Not when we need it so much.”

The patient assistance programs can also require a lot of work to continue and some require a re-submission application every three months, Johnson said.

“This is really, really scary,” Johnson said.

It’s important to let local and national elected representatives know how important this program is for the community and urge the state and federal government to increase the funding for the ADAP and other similar programs, Johnson said.

“Getting money from the state is like pulling teeth, but we’ve all got to try,” Johnson said. “Email your legislators and let them know how important it is. Nothing is going to change unless we let them know that there’s a lot of people that are interested and need these programs.”

Because nearly all of the funding for the ADAP program comes from the federal government, seeking money from the state could help keep it running in the future, Johnson said.

“Mike (Lowe) and all the case workers are all fantastic and work so hard to help, I am just so sad to see the struggle that has to happen in order to get funding,” Johnson said. Q

8 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

The fun walk will be used to raise funds and awareness for the No More Homeless Pets group in Utah.

The event is being sponsored by Petco, the Best Friends Society and No More Homeless Pets. The event attracts hundreds of people and their pets of all shapes and sizes.

Booths are available for businesses and other sponsors.

WHEN: May 21, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Veterans Memorial Park, 1985 W. 7800 South, West Jordan INFO: UtahPets.org

Pink Party Join the Utah AIDS Foundation for the fifth annual Pink Party at Hotel Monaco. This is one of the premiere events of the year and features a silent auction, themed drinks and dancing. The party is to thank the LGBT community for all the help and support that the UAF receives.

Hotel packages are available, and everyone is encouraged to come

involved.”

Vidmar stepped aside after his involvement in California’s Prop. 8 became public.

“I have dedicated my life to the Olympic movement and the ideals of excellence, friendship and respect. I wish that my personal religious beliefs would not have become a distraction from the amazing things that are happening in the Olympic movement in the United States,” he said in a statement.

A replacement for Vidmar has not been announced.

Royal Court receives clear audit In a recent audit from the Division of Consumer Protection, the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire received a terrific rating and no violations of the Charitable Solicitations Act were found. The Court is Utah’s oldest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender charity organization.

“It should be noted that the organization’s internal control of cash handling is one of the best the Division has audited in the recent past,” Steven Cooley, an auditor with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection said in a letter.

The Court is an important part of the community and despite difficulties of running a volunteer organization, it can be very rewarding, Makayla Barrandey, the president of the board of directors said in a letter to QSaltLake.

Strut your Mutt

“We work in a community with very passionate individuals. That is why we enjoy Salt Lake so much,” Barrandey said. “In the end, we must also remember that the RCGSE is an organization whose officers and members are all volunteers. Time and money are donated from the Court members and put back into the LGBT community.”

The Court holds regular fundraisers and events to help promote education and awareness and raise funds for different charities and scholarships. It is run by volunteers and has been a staple in Utah for more than 35 years. The group elects ‘royalty’ as its leaders in an annual coronation event. This year the coronation will be held May 27 and 28.

For more information and tickets, go to rcgse.org.

dressed in pink.

WHEN: June 2, 5:30–8 p.m.

WHERE: Hotel Monaco, 15 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City INFO: UtahAIDS.org

Who Likes Short Shorts? Film festival The Who Likes Short Shorts Film Festival is sponsored by the University of Utah and it spotlights films made by local filmmakers. This is the second showing of the festival and in the fall of last year more than 250 tickets were sold. Many of the screenings sold out, and both critics and audience members praised the festival as a success. The films are all tied to Utah through actors, directors or other factors, but the films come from all around the world, some as far away as India and Australia.

WHEN: June 3 WHERE: The Post Theater, 294 S. Fort Douglas Blvd. on the UofU campus INFO: WeLikeShortShorts.com

Domestic-partnership benefits approved for SL school district Employees of the Salt Lake City School District will be able to participate in a domestic-partner health insurance plan starting this September. The announcement came after the district changed the policy to prohibit discrimination against students and employees based on gender identity or sexual orientation.

“We look forward to offering McKell Withers this benefit to our employees,” said McKell Withers, superintendent of schools, in a press release. “We have been able to negotiate with our new medical insurance provider, SelectHealth, to offer this choice without increasing premiums for the district or the employees.”

The school district will be making a switch to SelectHealth for health benefits and no insurance premium hikes will result from the added benefit of including domestic partnerships.

Salt Lake City will be the second school district in the state to offer domestic-partnership benefits to same-sex couples. Similar benefits are offered by Park City School

District, Salt Lake City and County governments. Other notable Utah companies offering same-sex partner benefits include Intermountain Healthcare, one of the state’s largest employers aside from the Mormon Church and the state government.

It is also common for national companies to offer these benefits and according to the Human Rights Campaign, 83 of the Fortune 100 companies have same-sex partnership benefits.

Park City School District made the addition of same-sex partnership benefits in January when a new non-discrimination policy was enacted there. The school district employees almost 700 people. The Salt Lake City School District has nearly 3,000 employees, including 1,300 teachers.

The school district is the ninth largest in the state.

Exact details of how to apply for the benefits will be distributed to the employees in the near future. However, one of the simplest ways to show a domestic partnership is to register with Salt Lake City’s Mutual Commitment Registry. To qualify for this registry, applicants must be Salt Lake City residents, share a primary residence and demonstrate financial dependability. To register, go to the SLCGov.com for more information.

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In addition to the classes and workshops, the members will have the opportunity to lobby legislators, speak with family members, the media and school administrators, Snarr said. There will be practice sessions as well as real-world implementation for the skills learned in the classes.

The group is still forming and the training options are still being considered, Snarr said. However, the classes will be specifically designed to help implement skills learned and focus on creating an environment where youth leaders, Snarr said. There will be video tapes of the practices to review and critique performances, peer reviews and a variety of other learning skills involved with the trainings.

The group is open to anyone that is interested, but is specifically designed for youth leaders interested in LGBT equality ages 15 to 21 years old and their parents. For more information go to LGBTQ Leaders on Facebook or call the Equality Utah offices.

“We’re really excited to see if this program can really take off and grow,” Snarr said. “We are expecting and hoping for about 25 people attending the first workshop, but we’d love to see it grow and have meetings in Ogden, Provo and St. George.”

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New queer youth leadership program launches The younger generation of Utahns is already producing leaders that are equality-minded, and in order to help usher in this change in leadership, Equality Utah is starting a new youth leadership group. The LBGTQ Leaders will meet bi-weekly and host lectures from local politicians, leaders and journalists, said the group’s founder and Equality Derek Snarr Utah representative Derek Snarr.

“We recognize that Utah’s LGBT youth and allies are going to carry this mission into the future and we want to help create an environment where this is possible,” Snarr said.

The group’s first meeting will be May 12 at 6 p.m. in the Salt Lake City Library.

The meetings will include lectures and workshops.

“This isn’t just going to be sitting down and listening to a teacher talk at you for an hour,” Snarr said.

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M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 9

LOC AL NEWS

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10 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

Event to raise awareness for queer homeless youth After discovering that more than 40 percent of homeless youth identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, the founding director of Operation Shine America knew she had to help. Chloe Noble started a national campaign to raise awareness and funds to help homeless youth, and the cornerstone event of the group is the National Shine Night.

On May 14, OSA is asking members of the community to wear purple and paint their hands purple to help raise awareness about the issue of homeless queer youth.

Wearing purple is also a perfect way to begin conversations, Noble said. Helping raise awareness and funds can begin with a simple conversation with others, she said.

“In one of the richest countries in the world, it is unacceptable for homeless youth to have to endure the intense discrimination and dehumanization they experience every day,” Noble said in a press release.

More than 25 cities nationwide will be participating in the events and some of the events are expected to attract more than 300 people. After the day of awareness, an event with drum circles and a speech given

by QSaltLake publisher Michael Aaron will take place at the Utah Pride Center from 6 to 9 p.m. A free dinner will also be offered as well as the opportunity to participate in different art projects to highlight the plight of homeless youth. Other speakers for the evening include Jude McNeil, Sue Ativalu, Preston Hamren and Missy Bird.

It will be the third annual National Shine Night, and each year it gets bigger with more and more cities participating and more attendees at the events, Noble said.

The need for more awareness and funds is very present, even in Utah, Noble said.

With up to 42 percent of homeless youth

sancti of ma iage Woman sues husband for $12 million for withholding sex A Dubai woman is suing her husband for a grand sum of $12 million after he reportedly withheld sex. The couple married in 2008 and according to court documents, he did not have sex with her for the first four months of marriage. She later found out that he suffers from erectile dysfunction and said she was distraught with the lack of intimacy. She is claiming she needs the funds for psychological reparations.

Chloe Noble

identifying as queer, according to the Gay and Lesbian Task Force, this should be an issue that is especially salient to the gay community of Utah, Noble said. According to another report by the National Alliance to end homelessness, more than 40 percent of homeless youth are people of color.

“Homeless youth are an integral part of our community. We are demanding that they be treated with dignity. The courage and authenticity of homeless youth deserve to be honored and celebrated,” Noble said in a press release.

The event and organization that began in Utah is garnering national attention and is receiving endorsements from a variety of gay-rights groups. Some of the sponsors include GLSEN, PFLAG, GetEQUAL, GSA Network, Trevor Project, Coexistence Coalition and the NOH8 Campaign.

For more information and a schedule of events, go to OperationShineAmerica.org.

The husband has been married to 11 other women.

Marie Osmond remarries first husband After marrying Stephen Craig when she was 22 and then divorcing him, marrying another man and then divorcing him, Osmond, who is now 51, is back in the arms of Craig after nearly 30 years. The couple married in the Las Vegas Mormon temple in a small ceremony with just a few close family members. She even wore the same dress she wore when she was 22. Damn, girl way to work that Nutrisystem!

Husband discovers bigamist wife was married four other times A Royal Irish solider is desperate to find his estranged wife after nearly seven years since their marriage. Chris Barrett married former model Emily Horne thinking he would be her only true love and her only husband. However, Barrett was shocked to find that Horne has now been married four times to four men. Barrett has been trying to track down his wife since 2004 to finalize the divorce so he can move on with his life and find someone else who is only interested in having one husband at a time.

Victim of gay-bashing denied reparations

By Seth Bracken

After being brutally beaten in his own home, D.J. Bell had to endure a grueling trial where he was accused of kidnapping. He was later found not guilty on all accounts and the jury called the trial a “travesty.” After applying for victim’s reparations funds, Bell said he was denied the funds and was told he was not eligible because he brought the attack on himself. Despite being acquitted, Dana Thomas, the state worker for the Utah Office of Crime Victims Reparations in charge of Bell’s case, told him that he kidnapped children and would not receive any reparations.

In July of 2008, Bell and his partner, Daniel Fair, were attacked after a group of people said they thought the couple had kidnapped two young children.

Bell was dragged from his home by his hair and was smashed repeatedly against the ground. He suffered severe brain injuries and lost hearing in one ear. Fair suffered a concussion, a fractured eye socket, a fractured hand and a broken nose.

After Bell was found not guilty, seven of the attackers were charged with felony riot. The jury called the case against Bell a “travesty” and a “waste of taxpayer dollars.” Sentencing of four of the attackers is scheduled for May 23.

However, after the trial concluded and Bell and Fair were finally allowed to apply for victim’s reparations to cover medical expenses resulting from the heinous attack, Fair was given the funds while Bell was denied all coverage. Fair was never tried for kidnapping and the early police reports never indicated he was guilty, so the funds were awarded to him, Bell said.

“When I spoke with Dana Thomas, I tried to tell her that a jury of my peers found me not guilty,” Bell said. “She told me she can’t go by what the jury says but only on the first and initial police reports.

It didn’t matter to her that the reports were not detailed, inconclusive and misleading. She’s going around the justice system and refuses to listen to reason.”

In a side note on the letter given to

Bell after he was denied his claim it said: “You were charged with kidnapping children which appears to be the reason for the assault.”

Bell then appealed to her supervisor, Melvin Wilson, who sent an email that said the funds would be denied because Bell brought the attack on himself for stealing children, Bell said.

“It’s really terrible and bigoted what has happened,” Bell said. “I am being victimized again. It’s like telling a young girl who’s raped it was her fault. That’s why we’re starting a petition.”

Bell and some close friends are starting a petition and urging everyone to sign it and call the state offices in and ask for justice,

David James Bell-Fair

he said. To sign the petition, go to Injustice801.com. An appeal is being discussed, but all the public feedback for the governmental officials is helpful, Bell said.

Neither Thomas’ nor Wilson’s offices returned repeated calls from QSaltLake. Q

UofU LGBT Resource Center expanding not as I do The University of Utah’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center is expanding to double the size of the current office, said Bri Blanchard, a staff member at the center. The Center will be temporarily relocated to the area known as The CORC for the summer, but regular summer hours and operations will be maintained while the office is remodeled, Blanchard said.

“We’re really excited to get out of the small office about the size of a broom closet,” Blanchard said. “We’re finally breaking out of the closet, well, metaphorically.”

The new resource center will have an expanded area for more computers, a refrigerator and a graffiti wall where people can use removable paint, she said. The center is scheduled to be finished by the start of the next semester, and a grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony is being planned for the university’s Pride Week in October.

The current office is approximately 400 square feet and the new office will be just under 1,000 square feet, said Cathy Martinez, the director of the resource center.

“This has been a long time coming and we’re extremely excited for the move.

We’ve been in this office since 2006 and we’re just getting too big for it,” Martinez said.

The remodel will take the entire summer to complete but it is well worth the effort, Martinez said.

“The new center will be large enough to complete all the tasks and help provide all the resources that we need for the students,” Blanchard said. “We’re really excited to be able to match the growth of the center’s attendance with a larger office where students can have a safe space.”

Each year, the center has a variety of activities and a speaker’s bureau, a mentor program and an entire week in October called Pride Week with different activities and events. The center also helps support the inclusion of LGBT-friendly policies and teachings into the academia and workings of the school, in addition to being an advocate and awareness resource for the university campus and the community at large.

The center will be open during the summer semester Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the fall and spring semesters the center is open an hour later.

Conservative hypocrisy After a 13-week trial concerning the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 8, Judge Vaughn Walker, confirmed that he is gay and involved in a relationship. One of the groups behind the defense of the amendment that banned gay marriage is pushing for the redaction of his ruling because he is gay and his impartiality would be under question. The New York Times published an editorial calling the group out for its hypocrisy. The editorial put it beautifully when it said, “Following the open-ended logic of Proposition 8’s lawyers, it is hard to think who, if anyone, is qualified to rule on this case. Certainly not wedded heterosexual judges.”

‘Cause that’s what Jesus would do After a history of anti-gay tirades and positions, New York Sen. Ruben Diaz is now going after victims of HIV and AIDS. He has planned a rally to protest gay marriage and support traditional Christian values on the same day as the New York AIDS walk, which helps raise funds for victims of the disease.

M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 11

OURVIEWS

O

snaps & slaps SNAP: Lesbian confirmed to Mass. Court After weathering vicious attacks from the religious right, Barbara Lenk was approved appointment to the Massachusetts Supreme Court. She will be the first openly gay or lesbian person to sit on the bench. She has served 18 years on the bench, and is a Harvard and Yale graduate. Her confirmation hearing lasted more than seven hours and was often contentious.

SNAP: Book of Mormon lands 14 Tony nominations After nearly a decade of planning and writing, South Park creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, along with Avenue Q co-creator, Robert Lopez, the musical following two

om the editor The chemistry of marriage

By Seth Bracken

NE OF MY EARLIEST MEMORIES is of my father coming home from work, setting his green and white lunch box, that my mother so dutifully prepared for him earlier that day, on the counter and giving her a big kiss. At the time my father worked nearby and my mother was staying at home with the five boys, a regular old basketball team.

But no matter the day of the week, the time of the year or what else was going on in our lives, my father would come home from work, wrap his arms around my mom and lay a big one on her. I didn’t think much of it because it was so normal. The love between the two was something that anyone with eyes could plainly see. My father loved my mother and my mother loved him back. There was something there. A chemistry that was immeasurable.

As I started to get older and made my way through the awkward stage of life that is high school, I too, started to date girls. I tried dating all kinds of girls; white girls, Latina girls, big girls and small girls. But there was never a connection. I thought that I just needed time to reach a point where girls were as interesting to me as boys were. I was patient and dutiful.

I still remember my first kiss. I tried to

copy the people I saw in the movies, and Jenny was a willing participant. I was young with blonde, curly hair and blue eyes, and I had a swimmer’s body. While still awkward, I swam four hours a day and barely had an ounce of fat on my six-foot tall body.

As we sat in my car in her driveway listen-

All I could think of was how annoying her boobs were and how much I liked the song ing to, “The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most,” by Dashboard Confessional, we only made it to track two, “Screaming Infidelities,” before we started kissing. My mind was racing. Here I was smooching a girl as she rubbed her abnormally large breasts against my chest and all I could think of was

12 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

how annoying her boobs were and how much I liked the song.

“I hope I don’t think of Jenny’s boobs every time I hear this song in the future,” I thought to myself as she locked her lips with mine and began slipping in tongue.

The experience was traumatic and just as I had predicted that fall evening, every time I hear Chris Carrabba scream out the lyrics, “Your hair is everywhere!” all I can think of is poor Jenny’s boobs and how obtrusive they were.

The realization that I would never have that same connection with a woman that my father did was slow to come by and hard to swallow. It took years of fighting and praying that god would make me fit in with everyone else. I wanted to do just like I was told and fall in love with a woman.

Marrying a woman was never on the table for me. Not really. I knew that I would never be able to give her a kiss when I walked in the door, her boobs would probably be too much in the way. I knew that I would never have that immeasurable chemistry and I knew I could never get excited about kissing a girl. But I certainly knew the pressure to conform and take a sweet young girl to the Mormon temple. But I also knew it wouldn’t be fair for either one of us. If I did that to some young woman, I would be denying her the opportunity to have that chemistry with someone who didn’t mind her abnormally large breasts. And I knew I wanted to make a connection with someone I could be attracted to. So I am a sucker for big arms and a beard, instead of boobs and long hair. The connection is still the same. The chemistry is still immeasurable, even if it’s a little different. Q

Mormon missionaries in Africa finally hit the Broadway stages.

After critical and audience acclaim, the musical garnered 14 Tony nominations, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, Best Direction, Best Choreography and Best Actor in a Musical. The record number of nominations is held by Billy Elliot and The Producers, which are tied at 15. The Producers holds the record for the most Tony awards with 12, including Best Musical.

SLAP: Tenn. continues assault on equality After advancing a bill that would make acknowledging the existence of gay people and families, the so-called ‘Don’t say Gay’ bill, the Tennessee legislature is at it again. Since the Nashville City Council passed a bill to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender city employees, conservatives have been chomping at the bit to remove the protection. A bill moving through the legislature would outlaw anti-bias laws protecting lesbian, gay and transgender people. The ‘Don’t say Gay’ bill would outlaw the mere mention of sexual minorities until the ninth grade.

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mountain meadow mascara It takes a west village

By Ruby Ridge

UFFINS, AS I GET OLDER, I am acutely aware that I am turning into the gay version of Andy Rooney. I’m irritable, cranky and if my bushy eyebrows are left unclipped they quickly evolve into their own sentient beings. But as Andy would probably love to say on prime time network television, “Here’s what really burns my ass!”

It freaking kills me when I hear young gay people today bitch and moan about their horrible oppression and how hard their openly gay lives are. I just want to smack them up the side of their pointy little faux-hawked heads (yes, politically correct gay and lesbian hall monitors, I know I am implying violence, so please forward your self-satisfied emails of outrage and disgust to rubyridge@ qsaltlake.com where I will promptly ignore them). This realization really hit home after I recorded the “Stonewall Uprising” episode from the excellent PBS documentary series American Experience.

As we go into the Gay Pride season with all our parades, rainbows and baton twirling, I wonder just how many people really know exactly what we are celebrating?

Well, for those of you who don’t, and all of those anti-gay haters out there that think Pride is just an excuse to wear boas and ass-less chaps, Gay Pride is the remembrance of the tipping point when gays and lesbians finally said “enough is enough” and fought back against real oppression.

Namely the Stonewall Inn riots of June 28, 1969 in Greenwich Village, New York City.

In the short version of history, the “Stonewall Uprising” has been reduced by constant retelling over time to being called the “Stonewall Riots” which doesn’t really do justice to the zeitgeist of the era (yes, gay and lesbian “Generation Texters,” I know, I used zeitgeist in a sentence, so please forward your indignant twitter of outrage, confusion and disgust to Ruby Ridge, yada, yada, yada…). There were so many important precursory conditions

that enabled the Stonewall Uprising to occur that we never talk about. The constant police brutality and harassment against gays, the mafia’s financial exploitation of gays (nothing pisses off a queen more than an over-priced watered-down cocktail!), and even the campaign to clean up the streets for tourists visiting the World’s Fair way back in 1965. Add to that the stifling heat of Manhattan in June, and things are gonna get rowdy!

What the documentary points out so well was the backlash that occurred when the city administration ordered a crackdown of the city’s cruising areas, notably the trucking areas and docks west of the village, where anonymous sex occurred in the empty trucking containers, and the targeting of the gay bars by the police. Ostracized gays from all over the country had found refuge in Greenwich Village long before Chelsea ever became hip. They promenaded openly along Christopher Street and claimed the area as their own.

Because bars, clubs and restaurants could lose their licenses for having one known homosexual on their premises, most establishments wouldn’t serve gays. So ironically, the Mafia bars like the Stonewall Inn, despite making obscene money by serving gays, while also paying off the local beat cops, became the default gay community centers of their day. Who knew?

And as much as I would like to say drag queens were the pivotal energy behind the riots, the main grounding force according to the documentary were the street kids and hustlers who quite literally “had nothing to lose.” Anyhow pumpkins, this Pride season take a moment to think about those pioneers in the West Village who endured savage beatings and real ostracism so that we can have the freedoms that we enjoy, and often forget today. Ciao, babies! Q

Ostracized gays from all over the country had found refuge in Greenwich Village

You can see Ruby Ridge and the Matrons of Mayhem in all of their polyester glory at Third Friday Bingo every Third Friday of the month at 7 p.m., at First Baptist Church on 777 S. 1300 East.

M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 13

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Qu r gnosis Stonewall Uprising: A conversation with Steve Packard

By Troy Williams

HE STONEWALL INN DURING THE ’60s was an unassuming bar in Greenwich Village. It was owned by the mafia and frequented by the queer rabble of New York City. The regulars were described as the “lowest of the low;” drag queens, street hustlers and the otherwise sexually deviant. It was a different New York City then. The police were determined to clean up the criminal enterprises of the mob and their perverse patrons.

When the police entered the Stonewall for a routine raid in the summer of 1969, something snapped. The drag queens rebelled.

The streets erupted in song and rage for three nights. The police fell back in fear for their lives, and the gay liberation movement was born.

In conjunction with the premiere of the PBS documentary, Stonewall Uprising, I

PHOTOS: DAVID NEWKIRK

standing up to the cops and pounding on them. It was a wake-up call for the rest of us. We all said, “Hey wait a minute — if these drag queens can do this so can we!”

The crowds got bigger the second night.

interviewed Steve Packard. He grew up in Salt Lake City and at the age of 17 moved to New York with a boyfriend. He was there when the riots broke out. We spoke recently on KRCL’s RadioActive.

TW: What did you see when you first came around the corner?

TROY Williams: What was it like being a Salt Lake City kid moving to New York?

STEVE Packard: Visions of grandeur! San Francisco was the big thing then but I was moving to New York which I thought would be better. But Salt Lake, it turned out, was a bit more open than New York at that time.

We had to show our IDs and say “this is my step-brother.” That’s how we got in.

TW: Really? How so?

TW: Did you identify as a gay man in Salt Lake City as a teenager?

SP: Let’s start with housing. Two girls could go get an apartment together no problem. But two guys? Forget it. You couldn’t get an apartment in New York as two men.

SP: Oh no. You had to be very careful. You couldn’t tell anyone. You could lose your job, get thrown out of your apartment or get beat up.

TW: Police raids were common. Describe what that was like?

SP: In Salt Lake we had Radio City Lounge and the Tin Angel. Those were our bars.

We used to sneak in and everyone knew we were underage. The cops would flash the lights and we ran out the door. That was it. But I got to Manhattan and within a matter of weeks the fear was instilled. You couldn’t’ do things that we could do in Salt Lake. New York was clamping down really hard on gay people. It put fear in you and that was something I wasn’t accustomed to.

TW: I understand that Christopher Street was the only place where gays could show affection toward each other.

SP: Carefully. You looked around. We always told people about our girlfriends in Salt Lake. If there was a work function you better have a girlfriend with you. You also had your Playboy magazine subscription and you made sure that you read it so you could go to the drinking fountain at work and say, “Did you read this Playboy?” You had to have your cover.

TW: What’s your first memory when you reminisce?

SP: It would have to be Julius’ Bar which is a block away from Stonewall. It’s the oldest gay bar in New York City. Even today it has the best hamburgers.

TW: Talk about what happened that first night.

SP: People were arrested and kicked out — they had had enough. Stonewall was the drag queen bar. And here were these ladies

SP: The Puerto Rican drag queens were rocking a bus. And these drag queens picked up the filthy garbage cans and dumped trash on the cops. We were watching these people fighting saying, “Enough!”

You saw the whole area full of people. Not just gay people but straight people screaming “Enough!” Everybody was saying, “Why are you picking on these people?”

This was the safest part of the city. Everyone took care of each other. It was a very special area. And it just got bigger and bigger. I loved it. And the cops couldn’t get away. They were trapped.

TW: I understand that folks from the Black Panthers were there, the anti-war folks and the Hippies were there also.

SP: It was two or three thousand people.

It was pretty impressive. I’m so glad I was there. It was liberating.

TW: Did you have any idea of the impact?

SP: No. I was too young and naive but it felt like yes, this is my turn! Did I see it in that moment? No, I couldn’t comprehend. But others did. It was just great.

TW: And it was rather jovial?

SP: It was a spirit of freedom. And after we watched everything we would go over to Julius’, have a drink, discuss what was happening and then we’d all head back over. It was amazing. We didn’t back down. Nobody backed down. This was the New York that I dreamed about. And over the years you started to see change. The police and the patrons of bars and neighbors started to work together. When a gay friend of mine passed away, the police had an honor march for him. We went from one extreme to another. Change came.

But it took people standing up and saying, “enough.”

TW: How do you see Salt Lake City today?

SP: Salt Lake has always been progressive.

Salt Lake still is further ahead than many big cities. The people here are giving and warm. I live in a neighborhood that loves having gay people in it. Recently I was ill and they were there for me. Salt Lake has always been great, but now more than ever. Q Troy Williams is the executive producer of RadioActive on KRCL 90.9 FM.

1 4 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

PHOTOS: DAVID NEWKIRK

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lipstick lesbian A lesson of triumph from the Mormons

By H. Rachelle Graham

T’S RUMORED THAT CHILDREN DON’T actually play; they just practice at being adults. So it’s a form of work for them. Well, with me. I’m with the kids. I practice at being an adult.

Even when I think everything is going adult-like. I get an actual job that pays real money not the fake kind. My own place, out of my parents’ basement at the young age of 30-something. But then something happens and I’m transported back to elementary school.

Only, it wasn’t actually the playground.

To make a long story short and to protect privacy since I’m sure I’m just as culpable as other parties involved, I went home feeling like I was worthless and no one outside my family loved me or would ever love me. It didn’t seem to matter I was no longer a mute child with an acne-filled face. I was back to square one.

As I said a prayer, my eyes opened rather than closed, because the tears slowed down like magic. I noticed a Mormon ad poster I keep on my wall. I tore all of my other ones up and wanted to go one step farther and burn them, but a voice told me this one wasn’t burn-worthy. It consists of a vase of red roses with one yellow flower in the bunch and the top reads “Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful.”

In the interest of strolling down Mormon brick road, I came across a copy of the New Era sticking out of my portfolio. Yes, the church magazine. Only there was a reason I actually had an issue of the teen magazine from a religion that essentially disowned me for the ranks; calling me not good enough.

The true story, Triumph, was my first published writing piece. I could now begin my career of making pennies for doing what I love most in the world. It didn’t matter, I had to write even at the age of 16, (it wasn’t published until I was 18 though). Hell, if shyness makes it impossible to talk, what’s the next best thing?

Here is an excerpt from me at that young age: “I have been blessed with a lot. But one blessing always seemed to escape my grasp — a sense of self-worth. I know it did not help that I constantly compared myself with other girls. Often I would contrast my greatest weakness with another’s greatest strength. I was up against half the population of the world, and I wasn’t winning. ... I just couldn’t stand it any longer when I wandered away from the other students at school and sat down in a secluded hallway.”

Blah. Blah. Blah.

Then the piece ended like this, “I realized that I was not the only person to be rejected by others. Jesus Christ himself was viewed by the world with enmity and spite, yet still he triumphed. I left my secluded hallway with a determination that I could succeed in spite of how I was received by the world.”

The editor removed my name to protect my identity. Oh, it protected my identity — my aunt was gushing about the piece and saying she used it for a church talk and had no idea it came from her own niece.

Anyway, point being that this portfolio reminded me I did have my own beauty to share with the world. It’s enough if I can help make the world a better place. That to me is where my worth lies. Plus, the piece reminded me I may feel bad now, like I did then, but I will feel better. I will overcome.

Recently my life-long dream of selling and writing books passed a milestone. I signed my first publishing contract.

My teen novel, Cursed, is scheduled to be released next year. The story is about a lesbian Mormon who overcomes

homelessness.

Maybe, just maybe, the author can become an adult in the process and stop allowing negative voices dictate her uh, well, my self-worth. Q

15 15 M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 15

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HE RECENT BRUTAL BEATING of a transgender woman in a Baltimore McDonald’s has added more fuel to the fiery discussion of hate crimes legislation. The theory behind hate crimes legislation is that prosecutors, judges and juries should have the ability to enhance charges, and the accompanying sentences for those convicted if the crime is found to be motivated by bigotry.

Most people, especially those in populations that have experienced bigotry and hate-related violence, seem to support the idea that hate crimes should be punished more severely than day-to-day crimes.

Opponents argue that hate-crimes legislation only serves to create a reverse form of discrimination and complicates the legal process by attempting to ascertain the state of mind of the accused.

On principle, I have to agree with the latter group. I am a fervent supporter of equality, meaning that all defendants and convicted criminals should be treated equally. The punishment for an assault, for instance, should be the same whether the victim is white, black, gay, transgender, elderly, or whatever. Also, it shouldn’t matter whether or not the accused/convicted is white, black, gay, transgender, elderly, or whatever. The crime is the same, regardless of the motivation. The charge and the punishment (upon conviction) should be the same.

I also agree that the determination of when to impose a hate-crimes enhancement creates an ambiguity under law.

Just because a straight white man commits a crime against a person of color or an LGBTQ person, does that make it a hate crime? This level of prosecutorial and judicial discretion leaves too much, in my opinion, to the capricious whim of people, and people are inherently flawed.

All of that being said, however, we don’t live in a perfect world. Take, for example, the case of DJ Bell here in Salt Lake City. This man was brutally beaten and then accused of and tried for kidnap-

ping. For over a year this man’s life was turned upside down and inside out, and it’s pretty damn obvious that the problems boil down to his sexual orientation.

Just this past month, QSaltLake reported the beating of a gay man coming out of a club in Salt Lake City. We’ve seen acts of vandalism targeted at a gay-friendly business and a break-in at the Utah Pride Center. Was the break-in a hate crime or was it merely an easy target for someone that wanted to steal a few computers?

In case my all-over-the-place rambling hasn’t made it clear, I am torn on the issue of hate-crimes legislation. In a perfect world, we’d all have equality, and this kind of thing wouldn’t be necessary. But as we all know, this world is far from perfect. The question we must ask ourselves is whether or not this legislative attempt at equality does more good than harm.

The most important aspect of hate-crimes legislation is the discussion that it sparks.

As we discuss these issues, more and more people see that there are crimes committed against people solely on the basis of bigotry. Discussing these instances and the means to discourage them is invaluable in our society.

Additionally, it is obvious that our society’s minorities have, and continue to, in many cases, received the short end of the stick from the justice system. Giving law enforcement the ability to enhance the severity of crimes committed due to bigotry does have its advantages.

At the end of the day, I have to conclude that while hate-crimes legislation isn’t the magic bullet that will bring about legal equality in our society, it does begin a much-needed discussion. It is the first step on a journey toward ensuring that everyone in our society is given the same treatment under law. As our society and legal system evolve, I sincerely hope that this sort of thing becomes a relic of bygone times, but for now, there is a practical need, even if philosophically we wish there wasn’t. Q

The most important aspect of hate-crimes legislation is the discussion that it sparks

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HERE ARE PLENTY of reasons why Chrissy Lee Polis, a 22-year-old transgender woman should have thought twice about going to McDonald’s on April 18. Pick just about any item off the menu, really: High fat, empty calories, boatload of preservatives, the environmental impact of beef production.

But one thing she probably didn’t consider was getting the shit beat out of her by a couple of teenage girls while store employees recorded a video and laughed.

That’s exactly what happened at a Baltimore County McDonald’s in Maryland, and the horrific video has been watched thousands and thousands of times.

In the video Polis is seen being kicked and punched and slapped repeatedly by two girls who are screaming at her, though what they’re saying is not intelligible on the video (I suspect, however, that it’s not nice).

Polis screams back at times and keeps trying to walk away, but it’s no use. The girls are nothing if not tenacious. And savage.

They just keep going back with more violence to dish out.

Like I said, I can’t understand anything the girls are screaming or anything that Polis says. After Polis is dragged cavemanstyle by her hair from the back to the front of the restaurant, an elderly woman stands up and tells one of the attackers to “get off of her” as she tries to break up the attack.

The girls are not very receptive to this for some reason. I mean, you’d think that two people ruthlessly attacking someone in the middle of a McDonald’s would be totally reasonable and respectful of their elders.

But the girls go right on slapping and kicking and punching.

The manager at the store repeatedly says, “Stop,” trying but failing to separate the girls from Polis. No other employee attempts to help, though early in the video Polis is on the floor after being kicked and is holding what looks like a plastic shopping bag. As she scrambles to get away, something falls out of the bag and an employee in a red shirt reaches down and grabs whatever it was that fell out. And that’s the last we see or hear of the McDonald’s crew until

the end of the video where we hear someone warn the girls to get out of there because the police are coming and then say, “She’s havin’ a fuckin’ seizure, yo.”

Because Polis is, indeed, having a “fuckin’ seizure,” and no attempt is made to assist her in any way. Even after someone says, “She needs help right now,” you hear the manager off camera saying, “They’re on their way” while Polis thrashes unaided on the floor and the girls take off.

The girls, by the way, have names. One of them is 18-year-old Teonna Monae Brown. The other is only 14 years old so her name has not been released as of press time. All I know about her is that she apparently has really cool older friends, and that she told police that she and Brown “got into a fight with a woman over using the bathroom.”

In a case of tragic irony, Maryland’s legislature recently stripped the Gender Identity Anti-discrimination Act of “public accommodation protections” for transgender people and then failed to pass the damn thing anyway.

The police may prosecute the beating as a hate crime. Not because Polis is trans, but because Polis is white and her attackers are black. Whether race played a role in the attack is not yet clear. That transphobia played a role in the attack seems pretty clear.

Teonna Monae Brown clearly has some anger management issues (last year she was arrested after starting a fight at the same McDonald’s). But it’s more than that.

This was not just a couple of girls getting into a catfight. This was a sustained, directed, malicious attack on a person who was unarmed and outnumbered.

Brown isn’t the first person to get it in her head that a transperson is less than human and deserving of violence. But you know what? Thanks to the dumbshit with the cell phone, thousands of people have seen what would otherwise be just another under-reported attack on a transperson.

This has happened before. And it will happen again. If anything good comes out of this situation it’ll be that next time fewer people will just stand by and watch. Q

In the video Polis is seen being kicked and punched and slapped repeatedly by two girls

1 8 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

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U

By Ben Williams

TAH USED TO HAVE STRANGE and wonderful characters who, for no other reason than their eccentricity, made Salt Lake City a more colorful place. I remember 35 years ago a young man who used to parade around downtown in a silky red tights devil’s costume complete with cape and pitchfork. He sported a Van Dyke goatee and had shaved his head bald except for two sections he had butch-waxed into spiky horns. Once, while working at a Mexican restaurant on the corner of Main Street and 400 South, I watched him draw a huge pentagram on the sidewalk. Eventually the devil left Salt Lake presumably for Georgia.

Another character that was much beloved in Utah’s counter culture was the hippie Charles Altman, better known as “Charlie Brown,” the unofficial symbol of the Salt Lake’s youth movement and police oppression.

I remember first seeing him up at the

and I was surprised to see hundreds of people crowded below the foot bridge. There must have been 500 or more mellow, tiedye wearing people celebrating the life of Charlie Brown. Some were milling around, listening to a blue grass band play, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” while young and old chased migrating Monarch butterflies which were everywhere. Thousands of them flitted about and you could just walk around with them on your fingers. It was University of Utah in the 1970s when I magical and fairy-like and I knew Charlie managed the Huddle, a hamburger joint in must have loved it. the Union Building. He was always being I realized then that I really knew nothing hassled for going barefoot. Charlie Brown of this man for whom so many people came never wore shoes, even in winter, going ev- to celebrate his life. When I looked into it, erywhere in his bare, calloused feet. People what I learned was an amazing story of the would say that after a winter snow, you life of a man dedicated to personal freedom, knew where Charlie had walked. Going ecology and social justice. barefoot got him arrested once at a hospital Charlie Brown was born Charles Edward and he spent two weeks in jail because he Artman in Iowa, 1939, the son of a Methodcouldn’t afford bail. ist Minister and army chaplain, with a talAnother thing I remember about Charlie ent for music. When he was 21 he drifted Brown was that he always dressed in black, to Salt Lake City because of friends, and wore a black cape and a large homemade he fell in love with the Rocky Mountains. ankh where, I heard, he stashed his dope. However Charlie soon left Utah for BerkeOther than that I don’t remember much ley, California to attend school where, after about the hippie except that he always discovering the university was as oppresseemed to attract a crowd at Reservoir Park sive to personal freedom as society was, where he played the auto-harp and sang. he dropped out. I discovered from reading For years I forgot about Charlie Brown, about this period of history that Charlie until a faerie friend told me of a memorial has the distinction of being considered service being held at Memory Grove for Berkeley’s first hippie. him on May 5, 1991. We walked to the park While at Berkeley, Charlie also became a

20 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

social activist. He participated in the Free Speech Movement and also the May 1965 Filthy Speech Rally. There, he was arrested by campus police for displaying the word ‘fuck’ on a sign. He was arrested again in 1966 at an anti-war protest rally in New York City. As President Lyndon Johnson was stepping out of his limousine Charlie unfurled a huge sign which read “Impeach Lyndon Johnson.” A police officer took offense and after a scuffle Charlie Brown was knocked to the ground and arrested.

Charlie Brown had this psychedelic spiritualism vibe about him. He became involved in Native American philosophies, believing that he was a reincarnated Indian. He adopted an Indian name of John Little Eagle, and started living in a tee-pee.

This spirituality made concerned with polluting mother earth long before it was fashionable. Later he followed a 14-year-old guru who was said to be the living incarnation of Krishna. He also had a very strong Christ Consciousness.

Charlie eventually came back to the Rocky Mountains to make music, get high and raise his consciousness in the Tetons.

Inspired by that majestic panorama, Charlie Brown recorded an album called The Teton Tea Party containing tracks of folk songs. The album is now part of the Smithsonian folksong collection.

Returning to Salt Lake City in the mid 1960s, Charlie set up a tee-pee on Univer-

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e sity of Utah property. He was arrested.

5 He then moved to Reservoir Park where d he smoked pot. He was arrested. Charlie d Brown was arrested 21 times, and while n never found guilty, he spent much time in w jail because he lacked the means for bail. n About that time, 1967, Charlie Brown e started the first large hippie commune h in Salt Lake City on M Street, in a “vine- covered adobe cabin.” It was referred to s as a “secret Twilight Zone corner of the Universe.” It was said that members of the c commune sold flowers for food and amaze ing things happened in that Summer of , Love in Salt Lake City.

- The following year, in May 1968, Charlie n Brown, dressed in his cape and wearing his . ankh, appeared before the Salt Lake City h Council to petition to hold a “Happenings Love-In” at Liberty Park. He invited the d council to come “fly kites, blow bubbles, - and listen to rock bands with the barefoot g youth.” While they declined, they did permit him to hold the festival. e Shortly after the festival at Liberty Park, h Charlie was arrested at a sheriff blockade . near Big Cottonwood Canyon. He was - stopped for not having a Utah driver’s lie cense, not having Utah license plates on his k 1941 paneled truck and for vagrancy since - he had no official residency. He was taken to jail where they forcefully shaved his d beard and cut his hair. Later that year he - filed the first of seven lawsuits against the Salt Lake County Sheriff Department, the Salt Lake Police Department and the University of Utah Security Department for harassment and violating his civil rights.

In 1971 Federal Judge Ritter dismissed all his suits.

Charlie Brown thus ran for a Salt Lake City Commissioner seat in 1971. He ran on a platform of more bicycle lanes, cleaning up air pollution in the city, higher pay for the police and ending vagrancy laws. He didn’t win.

Charlie Brown considered himself a “wandering priest” once styling himself the “Grand Poo of the Temple of the Rainbow Path.” He founded a hippie congregation called the Alameda Street Church which helped feed hundreds of young street people and also started a drug rehabilitation center.

He lived in an old school bus decorated with Christmas lights that he called the Yellow Submarine. He rode a bicycle as his main means of transportation and lived on homemade peanut butter and Clinton whole wheat bread.

In his last six years Charlie Brown moved back to Northern California after contracting hepatitis at one of the drug rehabilitation clinics he worked at in Salt Lake City. In California he joined the Mormon Church and died an Elder buried in White Temple Clothes in 1991.

Charlie Brown was not gay that I know of but he fought for and believed in personal freedom. Freedom from governmental authorities interfering in how free people should be allowed to live their lives. What a remarkable man and one that Salt Lake City will never see the likes of again. Q

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FE ATURE

GAY-STRAIGHT MARRIAGES

By Seth Bracken

Straight woman, gay husband A fter being paired with the cute boy about her height in her Hillcrest High School madrigal choir, Sarah Nicholson followed the Mormon dream. She sent that young boy on a mission for their church and 10 days after he returned, they were engaged. Three months after that, they were married.

Fast-forward 13 years and five children later, the marriage was going along smoothly. Both she and her husband are employed and her kids are healthy. But one evening there was something her husband, Scott, wanted to tell her.

“He was standing there and he told me there was something important he needed to say,” Sarah said. “I started to get nervous. I asked him if he had cancer, if he was sick, if he lost his job.

I just needed to know.”

It was more difficult to tell her than he thought

it would be, Scott said.

“She finally turned around so I could say it to her back. And I said it. I told her, ‘I’m gay.’”

Sarah laughed at first and almost felt relieved, until they tried to sleep.

“I didn’t sleep at all that night. I just sat there wondering what would happen to our family.

What would happen to us?” Sarah said. “I so desperately wanted him to promise that we would make it through it. But he couldn’t, and deep down I knew that.”

Scott said he didn’t realize he was gay until later in his life, and as soon as he came out to himself, he told his wife.

“I thought that I just admired muscles and popularity. I thought being gay was this terrible deviant and bad behavior,” Scott said. “But when I came to the realization, I knew I had to be honest. Our relationship has always been

22 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

based on total honesty.”

After countless conversations about how to handle the situation, the couple told their children, and began to develop a plan for how to go forward.

“We’re separated and he lives in the basement, but our lives are still interconnected. We still eat dinner together as a family and we all get along,” Sarah said.

Scott said he occasionally dates men, when he can find time. He has even brought a date home to help with yard work and carve pumpkins.

Sarah said she is not interested in dating at this point.

“I just hope I don’t end up alone. At this point, that’s all I’m worried about and no matter what happens or is said, I always tell the children and everyone else that he’s a good man.”

As painful as it may be, Sarah’s case is far from unique. A study by the University of Chicago indicated that up to 3.4 million married men in the United States have homosexual sex. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, there are approximately 27 million married men in the United States. The number of married men that had sex with other men did not appear to be increasing despite the relative accessibility to being an open homosexual,

said Joe Kort to the New York Times. Kort is a psychotherapist and has counseled hundreds of gay men married to women.

“They fall in love with their wives, they have children, they’re on a chemical, romantic high, and then after about seven years, the high falls away and their gay identity starts emerging,” Kort told the Times. “They don’t mean any harm.”

After meetings with bishops and even an experience where Scott stood in front of the entire congregation and told the members he is gay, Sarah had to go through the coming-out process almost as much as her husband. She stuck up for him, and gay people in general, in her female-only classes in church. But soon after, lessons were given where gay-rights supporters were called wolves in sheep clothing.

“It’s been tough, and not at all what I expected for my life,” Sarah said. “This isn’t how it was supposed to turn out. He was supposed to be my knight in shining armor. He was supposed to be my prince charming.”

“The hardest thing has been watching the pain (Sarah) has had to go through,” Scott said.

“I wouldn’t ever recommend that gay people get married to women. It just doesn’t work and it causes too much pain.”

Struggle to suppress homosexuality

I

n the months leading up to a wedding, most people discuss issues such as drapes, china choices and how many kids they want to have. But for John (name has been changed), he had something much more important to discuss.

“Before we got married, I told her that I was attracted to men and that at one time I had been in love with a guy,” John said. “We never discussed it openly again.”

The attitude most Mormon men have to face is that being gay is a temporary condition or a choice that must be overcome, John said. After serving a two-year mission in Europe for his church, he realized he wasn’t going to change, but he thought it was something he could ignore or suppress.

“I knew I would have to devote my whole heart mind and soul, and I thought it meant I would have to leave behind a lot of who I was,” John said.

Denying his sexuality meant more than not dating men; it meant dispelling all aspects of his life that could be considered gay. He ignored his appreciation of classical music, and visiting art galleries had to go. He knew he couldn’t be sensitive or show a feminine side.

After being married for more than 15 years John never even entertained the idea of exploring that side of himself. He served faithfully in church callings, or positions of leadership, including serving in the elder’s quorum, the high council and a variety of other positions.

“Living the life I chose was to experience heartache,” John said. “I don’t regret my adult life anymore, especially my children who I love dearly, but there’s a lot of pain associated with it.”

When he came home from serving his religious mission, John said there was no doubt that his counsel was to get married. Finding a faithful woman, getting married and having a family was the only option for him and his church made that abundantly clear, he said.

“That was the culture and it was all part of an ideal that we all tried to live up to. I was totally faithful and fully believed that it was what God wanted me to do,” John said.

Young, gay men in the Mormon Church are pressured constantly to conform and at the time John was married, the counsel from the church was that being gay was a choice and something that simply had to, and could be, overcome.

“And even now that the official counsel is that being gay is not necessarily a choice, the leaders still advise young gay men that if they feel they can deal with it, they should get married to a woman,” John said. “What 21-year-old faithful returned missionary is going to think that they can’t deal with it? Essentially the counsel is the same, just worded in a more politically correct fashion.”

John never questioned if he would remain

married and Mormon until a speech in October 2010 given by the second in command of the Mormon Church, Boyd Packer.

“When I heard the words come out of his mouth calling gays “impure and unnatural,” and saying that a loving god would never make

his children gay, I just knew. Something just snapped and I knew I was done,” John said.

Joe decided he was done living the lie, started reading and drew courage from gay Mormon blogs, which inspired him to start his own blog at InvictusPilgrim.Blogspot.com, and he came out to his wife, again. She didn’t take it well.

“I thought that it (coming out and getting divorced) would mean my entire adult life was a

waste,” Joe said. “But it really wasn’t. I have my children and everything that I’ve learned. But I would not advise it for anyone else.”

“I would tell all other young gay people not to get married. No matter the pressure you feel from your church or families, it just isn’t worth the heartache and pain. And the divorce I’m going through could have been avoided altogether.”

Redefining traditional marriage

T

here’s no one, true definition for love, in or out of marriage. At least that’s what Tina Bergstrom and Daniel Ott, who are engaged, say.

“I’m gay, she’s straight,” Ott, 24, said while laughing and looking at Bergstrom on the couch next to him. “I love her so much. More than I ever thought I could.”

“And I love him too,” Bergstrom said. “It might be a little different than other people’s definition of love, but it works for us, so who cares?”

The couple met online through a mutual friend on Facebook in 2008 and has been nearly inseparable for years. Working through difficult times together, Bergstrom and Ott grew to trust one another unlike they’ve ever trusted anyone else.

“I originally proposed to her because I wanted someone to help take care of me, if things go downhill,” Ott, who is HIV-positive, said. “I trust her to make sure everything I want to happen, if I do end up having troubles.”

But the wedding became more than just a simple way to ensure that medical decisions could be made. Bergstrom and Ott are rarely seen apart, even though Ott is currently dating another man. The three live together and make up a small family unit.

“We make sure to eat dinner together most nights and we like to plan out the meals to make sure it can happen,” Ott said.

“Which usually translates to me cooking them,” Bergstrom laughed.

Both Ott and Bergstrom acknowledge that this is not a traditional relationship and wouldn’t work for everyone.

“You have to be careful about jealousy,” Bergstrom said. “It’s not a problem for me, I know he’s going to date other men. And I were to ever find someone that I wanted to marry, he’s OK with me being with him. But I don’t think that will happen. I hate straight men.”

The couple will be having a civil union ceremony later this month with only a few friends and family members in attendance. Later next year they plan on making it official and legal.

“A lot of people are confused when I tell them about it,” Ott said. “But it works for us. I know we sound like a sitcom, but it doesn’t feel that way. We love each other and I am so glad to

have Tina in my life.”

“We’re not the traditional family that you see on TV,” Bergstrom added. “But we’re happy.

It’s what we both want and I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is all I would really want in a family.” Q

M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 23

HOME&GARDEN

Farmer’s market season hits Utah

By Brad Di Iorio

One of the great things to look forward to during the summer is Utah’s diverse farmers markets — accessible to all residents and visitors and offering a wide variety of outdoor shopping, entertainment and socializing. Local farmers, home-spun artisans and locally owned businesses and restaurants gear up to present themselves and their products to Utah’s penny-wise and health conscious consumer.

Wasatch Front Farmer’s Market

Downtown Salt Lake City Farmer’s Market

New to Utah’s residents in the Murray area is the non-profit Wasatch Front Farmer’s Market, located at Murray’s Wheeler Historic Farm.

Opening day is Sunday, June 12, and will run Sundays through Sept. 25, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Wheeler Historic Farm is a restored 75-acre, single-family plot of land formally homesteaded

by Utah farmers, Sariah and Henry Wheeler.

After Salt Lake County bought the land with the idea to preserve a piece of Utah history, it was placed on the Utah and the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, and serves as a visitor destination.

“This farmer’s market is my brainchild,” Maryann Alston, director of the WFFM said. “As an urban farmer and farmer’s market vendormarketing professional, I am always looking for opportunities to sell my own produce and market others produce.”

Alston said she was walking through Wheeler Farm with her dogs and little boy and thought how great it would be to create a traditional community event to bring more people to the historic farm. With this in mind, the WFFM’s slogan originated—“Roosters wandering. Cows chewing. Farmers selling. Only at this market.”

Vendors are still able to register and plan their summer online and send questions via email to Alston. There is a $20 application fee.

Vendor fees are $15 weekly for a full booth, but there is a 33 percent discount for paying for 10 Sundays, and a 50 percent discount for vendors who choose to pay for 16 Sundays. Half booth rentals are also available.

WFFM’s mission statement is ‘to give our community access to a wide variety of fresh, local, in-season farmer and artisan food products direct from the producer; to provide an informal, social gathering place in an open-air setting; to enhance the Wasatch Front community; to support our local growers, crafters and artisan food makers by providing them with direct marketing opportunities in our markets.’

Non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply to promote their organizations at the WFFM, free of charge, but products sold must be made, grown or produced by their members.

Non-profits are allowed to present four times a year. Musicians and entertainers are encouraged to perform at WFFM and will be chosen by the market manager. The WFFM is located at 6351 S. 900 East, in Murray. For more information, visit wasatchfrontfarmersmarket.org to apply and download information.

The largest weekly, outdoor market in Utah, the Downtown Farmer’s Market SLC, is in its 19th year at Pioneer Park. Originally created to revitalize Pioneer Park, Salt Lake City’s Downtown Alliance produces and manages the Downtown Farmer’s Market SLC with funds from sponsorships, grants and vendor fees. Beginning Saturday, June 11 through Oct. 22, there are 33 days to visit the DFMSLC, Saturday mornings, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., and later in the summer on Tuesdays in the afternoon for the Harvest Market.

“The Saturday market is a full-blown, spectacular, local extravaganza that includes artists, farmers, non-profits, bakeries, prepared food, packaged goodies, and more,” Kim Angeli, who is in her sixth year of directing the DFMSLC, said.

“I have my hands in everything from preparing marketing materials, creating new programs, mentoring new vendors, to hanging banners.”

Angeli says this year the goal of DFMSLC is to build a year-round public market as a lasting project for Salt Lake City. This year, monthly farm tours that will take urbanites to working farms are in the works. The first farm tour will be a cheese and wine tasting in June. Another program being introduced this year is the Pickled Canner’s Club, where members will learn how to preserve seasonal produce through canning.

“The wet spring weather favors cool weather crops. Growers will bring mustard greens, chard, arugula, salad greens, peas, beans, herbs, carrots, cut flowers and more,” Angel said. “A few of our farmers have honed their greenhouse and hoop garden technique to extend the growing season. Don’t be surprised if you find tomatoes in June at the market.”

Tuesday’s Harvest Market is also planned to set up in the same location in Pioneer Park in August. Expect 20-30 booths, and applications are still being accepted at this time. Tuesday nights provide a more laid back atmosphere compared to the crowds that the Saturday morning market can attract.

“We do not supply the booth for vendors, as each vendor is responsible for creating an appropriate space to sell their wares,” Angeli said.

“The market provides the infrastructure needed to attract people to the event and to keep them safe and happy while they are there.”

Angeli and her staff provide free parking for vendors and patrons, first aid, restrooms, security, ATMs, a bike valet, a veggie valet, a food stamp program and special events throughout the summer. This year, because of the earthquake in Japan, the annual ‘Toyota Farm to Table Tour’ has been cancelled. But the DFMSLC will hold

Sugar House Farmer’s Market In its second year, the board of Sugar House Farmer’s Market reports that twice as many vendors have registered to participate this year. The market opens on July 8 and runs Fridays through Oct. 15, from 4–8 p.m. There will be a few changes and new additions to this year’s market.

Amy Barry, vice-chair of SHFM, said the market will expand on the principles originally set up by the board’s vision of “creating a family-friendly neighborhood farmer’s and craft person’s market, to provide fresh produce, delicious food and unique Utah products with a local Sugar House flair.”

“Some of the comments I heard were that visitors were overwhelmed by the choices of the food available and they really wanted to learn about the food,” Barry said. “We give preference to small farmers who try to incorporate organic, sustainable food and to those around Sugar House.”

To address these concerns, SHFM is partnering with local non-profits, Wasatch Community Gardens and Slow Food Utah to educate attendees about what is available at the market.

An educational booth will present types of foods and the fruits and vegetables available. Passports will be passed out to attendees who in turn will approach the educational booth and collect a certain amount of stickers on each passport. When the passport is filled, visitors to the market will take home a free package of fresh food.

Plans are also in the works to have Steve Rosenberg from Liberty Heights Fresh provide produce samplings. This year, SHFM also wants to incorporate chef demonstrations and increase local entertainment.

The SHFM board will choose between 30 and 40 vendors for each week’s market. Electricity will also be supplied this year for vendors and entertainment.

The SHFM will be set up in the 1000 East block of 2100 South, between McClelland Street and Highland Avenue (1100 East) For more information about SHFM, go to sugarhousefarmersmarket.com or email the board at sugarhousefarmersmarket@gmail.com.

2 4 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

their annual Chef Showdown in September, which features three local chefs who purchase products from the market and prepare a meal, Iron Chef style. DFMSLC will also present a food preservation series in October focusing on canning, drying, freezing, fermenting and root cellars.

The Downtown Farmer’s Market SLC and the Tuesday Harvest Markets are located at Historic Pioneer Park, 300 S. 300 West. For more information, go to slcfarmersmarket.org.

The People’s Market In its sixth season, People’s Market will start Sunday, June 12, at Jordan Park in front of the International Peace Gardens on the west side of the city. It runs Sundays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. until Oct 23. As Utah’s quintessential home-grown farmer’s market, this year expect the same laid back, flower-in-your-hair atmosphere with local inventors, entrepreneurs, craftspeople, and farmers bringing a unique array of products to consider for purchase.

“We pride ourselves on being accessible to farmers and craftspeople who are new to the festival and temporary market fairs,” Kyle LaMalfa, past president of People’s Market, said. “We keep our booth fees low and our application process open. Our jury committee considers all applications all season long.”

Stop by the official PM booth on any given Sunday, usually located in the middle of the circle of tables, canopies and tents, where major credit cards and debit cards are taken, and for those with a Horizon Card, voucher tokens for the SNAP benefits program are available. For those that register as a People’s Produce Home Gardner, space is given to sell extra home-grown produce.

The new president of PM is Doug Williams, past market manager and vice president.

Williams has been with the PM for the last five years and knows the ins-and-outs of this summer gathering.

“The mission of the market is to help build a more robust food system, small-scale entrepreneurialism, and community-based pride here on the west side,” Williams said. “I hope to be able

to build on that mission by getting more farmers, gardeners and artisans to sign up for the market.

I would like to see the market grow some within the next two years.”

Expect PM to present their annual health fair day, a pet adoption day, a book day to celebrate literacy and local artists of the written word and spoken work, and a community yard sale day, which traditionally is also practiced on the first day of PM, as the roots of the market started as a big multifamily yard sale. This year a new open-mic for musicians will be available each week. Check out the website for exact dates for special events.

As an all-volunteer led non-profit, there are 15 board members that head up the committees

Farmer’s markets across the state

Hee Haw Farms Farmers Market

Ashley Valley Farmers Market

High Desert Growers Farmers Market

Old Dinosaur Gardens on Main Street, Vernal Saturdays, 8am–noon Opening day: July 3 avfarmersmarket.webs.com

Downtown Clearfield Farmers Market Lawn in front of the Clearfield Aquatic Center 825 S State St. Weds, 4–7:30pm Opening day: July 13 clearfieldcity.org

Downtown Farmers Market at Ancestor Square Main Street and St. George Boulevard, St. George Saturdays, 8am–noon Opening day: May 14 ancestorsquare.com/ business/downtownfarmers.php

Duchesne Farmers Market Wallace Park, 100 W. Main St. Saturdays, 9am–1pm Opening day: July 23

Harvest Market at Rockhill Rockhill Creamery Farm, 563 S State St., Richmond Saturdays, 10am–1pm Opening day: June richmond-utah.com/ harvest

Hee Haw Farms entrance 95 S 2000 West, Pleasant Grove Fridays, 3–8pm Opening day: July 11 heehawfarms.com

Main Street and 100 East, Price Saturdays, 9am–noon Opening Day: July 16

Kanab Farmer’s Market 78 S 100 East, Kanab Saturdays, 9–11am Opening Day: June 5

Lehi Farmers Market & Boutique 988 W State St., Lehi Saturdays, 10am–1pm Opening day: August 6 lehifarmersmarket.com

Moab Farmers Market Swanny City Park, 100 W Park Dr. Saturdays, 8am–noon Opening day: May 14 youthgardenproject.org

Morgan Valley Farmers and Artist Market 30 N. State St. Saturdays, 9am–1pm Opening day: August 13

that help the PM run smoothly. Fees are still the least expensive among farmer’s markets, with a People’s Produce Table Share for $5 a week and a youth-entrepreneur spot for $1 a week.

PM is still accepting applications and offers a 50 percent discount on fees for all weeks at the $15 or $20 week level.

This season’s People’s Market Kickoff Party will be held at the Jordan River Park Back Bowery, Saturday, June 4, 3-5 p.m., at 1060 S. 900 West, and the 2nd Annual Seedling Swap & Sale will be held on Saturday, May 14, in the small southwest bowery. The People’s Market is located at 1oo0 S. 900 West, and free parking is available. For more information go to slcpeoplesmarket.org.

Paradise Market Paradise Town Square Park, 9000 S 100 West Weds, 6–8:30pm Opening day: June 8

Park City Farmers Market at The Canyons Resort Parking Lot (Off Hwy 224) Weds, noon–6pm Opening day: June 1 parkcityfarmersmarket.com

Park Silly Sunday Market Main Street Saturdays, 10am–5pm Opening day: June 12

People’s Market Jordan Park 1000 S 900 West, SLC Sundays, 10am–3pm Opening day: June 12 slcpeoplesmarket.org

SLC Downtown Farmers Market Pioneer Park, 300 S 300 West Saturdays, 8am–1pm Tuesdays, 4–8:30pm Opening day: Saturday, June 11 Opening day: Tuesday, August 2 slcfarmersmarket.org

South Jordan Farmers Market

Murray City Park, 150 E. 5200 South Saturdays, 9am–2pm Opening day: July 29

South Jordan Towne Center, 10610 S Redwood Rd. Saturdays, 8am–2pm Opening day: July 30 southjordanfarmersmarket.com

Ogden Farmers Market

Sugar House Farmers Market

Murray Park Farmers Market

Downtown Ogden Municipal Gardens, 343 S 25th St. Saturdays, 8am–1pm Opening day: July 10

OgdenFarmersMarket.com

Monument Plaza 1100 E 2100 South Fridays, 4–8pm Opening day: July 8 sugarhousefarmersmarket.com

Thanksgiving Point Farmers Market 3003 N Thanksgiving Wy Fridays, 3–7pm Opening day: August 5 thanksgivingpoint.com

The Pleasant Grove Promenade 200 North Main St. Thursdays, 4–8pm Opening day: July 7 pgpromenade.com

Tuacahn Saturday Market 1100 Tuacahn Dr., Ivins Saturdays, 9am–1pm Opening day: April 2 tuacahn.org/saturdaymarket.php

Utah Botanical Center Farmers Market

Park Silly Sunday Market In its fifth season, the Park Silly Sunday Market is still looking for vendors, but availability is limited. The PSSM will take place Sundays on the lower Main Street of Park City from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., June 12 through Sept. 25, except for the Park City Kimball Arts Festival, Aug 4-7. Again this year, the PSSM will also feature local farm vendors on upper Main Street at the Park City Main Post Office parking lot.

“We are creating more and more opportunities in this economy for the locals to show their talents — selling their crafts, playing music, letting the non-profits get exposure, and chefs show their talents,” Kimberly Kuehn, PSSM executive director said.

Intended and originally proposed as a green event by current Director Kuehn and past codirector, Jewels Harrison, at Utah’s Non-profit Association Annual Conference, Park Silly Sunday Market’s main goal is to be a ‘zero waste’ project. The first year the market recycled 70 percent of all waste and was voted best recycler by Recycle Utah. PSSM still sends only two bags of non-recyclable garbage to landfills.

According to Kuehn, special promotional appearances at PSSM this year will include Pink Fire trucks to show support for breast cancer, a presence from the Summit County Fair, and KPCW will be featured as one of the weekend sponsors with special events and a show put together by one of Utah’s non-profit public radio stations.

“We are very proud of our community ele-

ments which include free space to non-profits, featured chefs and artists, sustainable issues and kid’s activities,” Kuehn said. “We are having the kid’s activities near the beer garden.”

Last year was the first year that the PSSM presented the ‘featured chef’ program and according to Kuehn, it has been a huge success.

“The presentation is the perfect opportunity to get more interest in your talents with food,” Kuehn said. “Everybody loves the samples and this program draws a huge crowd.”

As the weather in Park City is usually about five to 10 degrees cooler than Salt Lake City, spending a Sunday afternoon at Park Silly Sunday Market can be a refreshing getaway from the heat and hustle of Salt Lake City during the summer months. The community at large is also known to be more accepting of alternative lifestyles and more liberal ideals. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, cycling, mountain bike trail riding, rock climbing and then visit Park Silly for a bite to eat, great music, or to visit Park City retailers.

Aug. 14 is ‘Paint Park City Pink,’ PSSM’s recognition of Utah’s diverse gay and lesbian community, sponsored by QSaltLake. This year, Nova Starr is expected to perform with a spectacular and unique show on the main stage from noon to 1 p.m. QSaltLake’s own certified culinary chef and restaurant reviewer, Drew Ellsworth, will present a summer entrée with samples and take home recipes at the main stage.

A free bicycle parking garage is available and the Park City bus system is free. For more information, go to parksillysundaymarket.com. Q

Fun & Unique Home Decor

920 S 50 West, Kaysville Thursdays, 5–8pm Opening day: July 4 utahbotanicalcenter.org

Wayne County Utah Farmers Market Robber’s Roost Bookstore, 185 W. Main St., Torrey Saturdays, 4–6:30pm Opening day: May 21 waynecountyba.org

West Jordan Farmers Market 7975 Redwood Rd. Tuesdays, 3–7pm Opening day: August 9 ci.west-jordan.ut.us

Zion Canyon Farmers Market Bit & Spur Restaurant lawn, 1212 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale Saturdays, 9am–noon Opening day: April 23

M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 25

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HOME&GARDEN

Alternative Garden Club is more than just dirt and plants

F Local, natural and organic at Cali’s

B

UYING LOCAL AND ORGANIC PRODUCE doesn’t have to be a large investment of time, at least not with the help of stores like Cali’s Natural Foods. Owner and operator Ian Brandt opened the natural food store in November 2009, and he has used it as a way to help get the same high-quality produce he uses in his two organic restaurants, Sage’s Café and the Vertical Diner, to the general public in Utah.

“Because I order large quantities of product, I can provide the locally grown and seasonal produce at a cheaper price,” Brandt said. “The store only has the highest-quality produce and we focus on providing whatever is in season. We buy local produce for everything that is grown in the area.”

Cali’s Natural Foods is an alternative to big box corporations, and buying locally-grown produce helps keep the local economy stimulated instead of sending dollars overseas, Brandt said.

In addition to local farm businesses, Cali’s also works with exchanges from people who have an excess of crops.

“If someone brings in 10 bushels of extra peaches, I can offer them some items in return, such as beans or other produce,” Brandt said.

Besides providing local and fresh produce and other items, Cali’s is committed to renewable energy and maintaining a small carbon footprint, Brandt said. All the energy is provided

by Blue Sky Energy and is 100 percent renewable. Also, produce is composted and recycling is a must for all items available, he said.

“We’re truly a locally owned and operated store,” Brandt said. “We don’t focus on the image or the marketing as much as other natural food stores. We have more of a warehouse feel to the store, but it helps us provide the products at a lower price so everyone can afford to buy the best and healthiest items.”

Because all the produce is organic and treeripened fruit, it has a better color, better taste, and has more vitamins and minerals, Brandt said.

Buying local helps support local economies, but it’s also the healthiest way of eating, he said.

Cali’s Natural Foods is a distributor to more than 30 local restaurants, other than his own.

Cali’s also has pasta sauces, pates and salsas

that are served in Sage’s Café and the Vertical Diner. Stopping by the store is always an experience because the merchandise is always changing with the seasons and what products are available. For all the produce, grain, flour, seeds and other natural foods, Cali’s is the local option.

Cali’s is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Monday from 12 to 5 p.m. The store is located at 389 W. 1700 South in Salt Lake City. For up-to-date information about what products are in stock and available, find Cali’s Natural Foods on Facebook. Q

IELD TRIPS TO TULIP FESTIVALS and fundraisers for homeless youth are just some of the events that attract 40 to 60 people each month to the Alternative Garden Club in Salt Lake City. The group has been meeting for more than 25 years and membership is starting to grow at a surprisingly fast rate, said Dave Marsh, president of the club.

“We have lawyers, teachers, architects and engineers,” Marsh said. “Anyone who is committed to the ideal of equality for all is invited to attend the meetings.”

The group has monthly lectures and presentations that vary in topic. Some of the recent and upcoming topics include indoor plants, gardening made easy and a presentation from Tree Utah. The lectures are held the first Wednesday of every month at the Sugar House Park Garden Center, located at 1600 E. and 2100 S., in Salt Lake City.

The group also goes on regular field trips to a variety of different locations such as the tulip festival at Thanksgiving Point and the Spring City House and Garden Tour. The trips are open to all members and anyone else that wants to attend.

“The group is a terrific opportunity for like-minded people to get together, socialize and learn more about gardening,” Mash said.

“Whether you’re in love with gardening and have been doing it your whole life or you’re just start-

ing, the club is a perfect resource.”

In addition to helping the members grow in their knowledge and resources to horticulture, the Alternative Garden Club also gives back to the community. After obtaining a grant from the Utah Association of Garden Clubs, the club helped sponsor Glendale Middle School by planting a large tree in their garden and providing funds to bring horticulture books to the public library.

“It’s a program we’re continuing and we hope to put more horticulture books in more public school libraries across the valley,” Marsh said.

The Alternative Garden Club is also involved in raising money for the Homeless Youth Resource Center, and brought in more than $600 as well as large amounts of clothing and supplies in a recent fundraising drive, Marsh said.

“We have great members that are active in the community and make the club what it is now,” Marsh said.

The Alternative Garden Club members aren’t all about just growing plants, every few months a potluck dinner is held for purely socializing and sharing some of the crop, Marsh said.

“We’re more than just gardening. So much more than just gardening,” Marsh said. Q For more information about the club meetings and events, go to AlternativeGardenClub.com.

Community farm partnerships growing in Utah

S

OME FINANCIAL ANALYSTS would argue that buying shares of Apple would be the best move in today’s market.

But local growers would push people, instead, to buy shares of apples. The local Community Supported Agriculture groups in Utah are taking off at a lightning pace and have gone from five farms to more than 30 in the last five years.

CSAs are partnerships between community members and local farms. Participants purchase a share of the farm at the beginning of the season with a small investment. This investment could range between $300 and $500, and in return the members of the CSA receive fresh produce weekly. From broccoli to carrots and potatoes to tomatoes, whatever is in season will be available for pickup at a location in more than 30 neighborhoods around the state. When participants purchase a share of the farm, it simply means that they are investing in the future and will have an equal claim to the crop throughout the season. No actual gardening is required for the participants.

“The CSAs help people get involved with the community farming and give them a sense of responsibility with the harvest,” said Therese Meyer, the chair of the Great Salt Lake Resource Conservation and Development Council. “Aside from the benefits of having 100 percent fresh produce in your home all summer, there’s other values to this service.”

The CSAs have different crops and varieties

26 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

of plants, but a general rule is that the amount of vegetables will last a group of two to four people a week. If single people are interested in participating, half-subscriptions are available with most CSAs. “Buying fresh and local helps the local economies, as well as helping reduce the carbon footprint,” Meyer said. “When you buy produce from a CSA you’re helping reduce your carbon footprint with less refrigeration, packaging and transportation costs.”

With CSAs popping up all around the state, there are distribution outlets near just about every neighborhood. There are distribution points and community delivery services in the Avenues, Moab, Park City and downtown Salt Lake.

Community garden programs offer a connection between the grower and the consumer, said Sharon Leopardi, the owner and operator of Backyard Urban Garden Farms, a CSA that operates out of Salt Lake City.

“CSAs are better for me, as a farmer, too,” Leopardi said. “I have a relationship with the consumers of my produce. I send them emails with photos that show how their crops are doing and I know a lot of them by name. It’s more personal than even a farmer’s market.”

Leopardi is in her second year as an urban farmer and she operates eight farms in urban settings throughout the city and she delivers the product to the doors of her customers. Currently she has about 60 customers signed on for the

season, but she is still accepting applications.

“In addition to all the health benefits of having fresh fruits and vegetables, customers are supporting the local economy,” Leopardi said.

While the crop harvest varies with each farm and season, a typical produce list might include the following items: Spinach, lettuce, cilantro, summer squash, chard, kale, radish and carrots. Later in the summer and fall that list might change to include tomatoes, potatoes and other later-harvest vegetables. However, if the crop doesn’t do well one week due to snail or hail or whatever other factor, then the participants will share whatever is produced, Leopardi said.

“These plants are picked in the morning and on your kitchen table in the afternoon,” Meyer said.

Each farm is run independently and the statewide organization just helps organize and collaborate the efforts between all the growers.

Tours are available of each farm and each grower can give detailed information about how the crops are grown and maintained.

“All the farms try to be as natural as they possibly can be,” Meyer said. “Some of the main focuses are always natural, local, fresh and healthy.”

It’s not too late to get involved with CSAs throughout the state, but signing up sooner, rather than later, is going to save money and offer more fresh produce, Meyer said. Q

For more info, go to CSAUtah.org. For the BUG CSA, go to BackYardUrbanGardens.com.

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Sugar House community garden taking shape

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FTER MORE THAN 10 YEARS of abandonment, the Fairmont Park tennis courts are going to be blossoming and blooming with a community garden this summer. Members of the Sugar House community are tired of the courts on 2200 S. 900 E. in Salt Lake City being an eyesore and are prepping them to be covered with large wooden boxes, known as plots, to be utilized by community members, said Mark Morris, a landscape architect who is volunteering with the project.

“We’re excited to see the garden take off this summer and fall,” Morris said.

The plots can be rented for the growing season for around $35, which may include water prices if a diversion right is obtained as planned.

The Boys and Girls Club will also use a portion of the garden to teach about gardening and healthy eating choices.

“Removing the tennis courts just isn’t feasible right now due to costs and other factors,” Morris said. “But we’re getting ready to put the boxes right on top of the court. Similar projects have worked beautifully in other areas.”

The plots are 12 feet long, four feet wide and 18 inches deep, which should be large enough to accommodate most types of plants and herbs. And if there is space, participants will be allowed to rent more than one plot, Morris said.

y

G

After the entire garden is finished, there will be about 90 beds available. However, in addition to the community members and the Boys and Girls Club, the garden will also feature plots that will be used to raise produce to be donated and given to people who volunteer for the project in a variety of ways.

Access to the garden won’t be restricted, but some basic guidelines will be recommended, such as not staying too late or arriving too early and making noise because there are homes nearby, Morris said.

“The garden will serve the community is so many different ways,” Morris said. “Not only will it make use of some prime real estate, it’s going to be used by the Boys and Girls Club to teach young kids and teenagers, and it will offer an opportunity for community members that wouldn’t be able to grow their own vegetables and herbs a space to do that.”

Donor and sponsor applications are now being accepted for the garden. For more information about the project and to sign up for a plot, go to SugarHouseCommunityGarden.Blog.com or find Sugar House Community Garden on Facebook. Up-to-date information will be posted on the blog and on Facebook as the project develops.

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1508 SOUTH 1500 EAST HOURS: TUES – SAT 8:00AM–5:30 PM M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 27

HOME&GARDEN

Reclaiming a bedroom and kitchen on a budget

By Michael Aaron

C

ONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, owning a newspaper aimed at Utah’s gay and lesbian community does not make one a billionaire. Or millionaire. It barely makes one a thousandaire. It also takes up a bit of one’s time. So, in the seven years of running

this dog and pony show, my house has begun to basically fall down around me. Stir in a hoarder for a roommate, and you’ll understand that I had at least one room in my house that fell into complete disrepair. Another room — the kitchen — fell victim to a remodel 10 years ago that stopped mid-stage as I changed my mind about

The headboard wall was taken from a design at the Batting and vinyl was cut to Blue Mon Resort in Las Vegas and was constructed of 16” squares to wrap the wood materials found all over the Salt Lake Valley — batting and foam. and 2” foam from Joann’s, 1-foot square sheathing from Home Depot and vinyl from NPS.

28 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

where it should actually be in the house. Those who have visited my house have been kind and overlooked the embarrassing rooms. But, it was time to reclaim the bedroom and give a facelift to the kitchen — at least until I can afford to move it into the back of the house, right off the deck, as I hope to one day.

The 2” foam was cut with a simple sharp kitchen knife to the size of the wood squares and placed atop the batting.

The wood sheathing, which was cut to 1-foot squares at no charge, were placed on top of the foam.

Before: Dingy Victorian red walls and stained carpet were all that was left after seven large garbage cans of junk were removed from this room after the death of a hoarder roommate. It took over a year to get to this point and a month to get to the above.

So, as I remembered that QSaltLake was scheduled to do a Home and Garden issue, I chose that as my deadline to get my projects done — quick and on the cheap.

I’ve read thousands of home and garden magazines and watched hundreds of This Old House and Home Again episodes. What gay man hasn’t?

The batting was then pulled tight to give a 1/2” overlap to the wood squares and stapled to the wood using an electric staple gun.

The vinyl was sewn on the four corners, wrapped around the batting, foam and wood squares, and placed into a temporary frame. Liquid nails was used to attach the squares to the walls.

Or lesbian for that matter. I’ve also read many stories of “fast and inexpensive room remodels” which cost thousands of dollars and take a crew of 20 to finish in the few weeks they allot.

I gave myself a budget of $1500 and a month to get it done. I solicited help from my good friend DJ Bell, who owns Bell-Fair Interiors, bribing him with a logo redesign, advertising, some web work, a mention or nine in this story and food. He bit, so I didn’t have to include his labor in my costs.

Truth moment: DJ actually came to me with the idea of doing the bedroom to get a case study for his website. I added the rest to sweeten the pot.

I mentioned that I had a hoarder for a roommate. He died 14 months ago and I had cleared out five garbage cans of trash and “valuables” from the room on the weekends that I could face the room. When I say garbage cans, I mean the huge green cans you take to the street. Once we decided to truly tackle this room, my boyfriend, Giusseppe, kicked it off by filling another four garbage cans, making the project a lot more manageable.

Design Concept I had a vision for the room that involved a padded headboard wall with deep, dark woodwork.

If you’ve ever been to the Blue Moon Resort in Las Vegas, you’ll know that I ripped the idea off soup to nuts. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, owner and interior designer John Hessling should have a head the size of the MGM Grand lion. I’ve taken ideas from dozens of resorts and B&Bs I’ve been to over the years for the house and yard.

DJ’s helpful hint: Using magazine pictures and researching ideas online is the best way to assist your designer in finding and creating the right design aesthetic for your space and your lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to ask about creating a space that looks incredibly too expensive or out of your budget’s reach. A replication of a million-dollar space may end up costing only a few hundred dollars.

Paint That as our guiding light, our first stop was the paint store. DJ, Giusseppe and I went through a myriad of color combinations, using some existing furniture and bedding and the deep walnut

When all 25 of the squares were on the wall, the Liquid Nails was allowed to dry overnight.

woodwork I’d envisioned for the headboard wall as guides. We ended up with “cake batter” for the ceiling, deep gold upper moldings, “bamboo shoot” for the walls (a nice muted green), and an almond color (which I’m sure has some sexier name) for the doors, trim and floor molding.

You know you are boring in bed if your partner is staring upward, thinking, “Cake batter. I think I’ll paint the ceiling cake batter.”

To save costs, I chose to do a lot of the work myself. My home is a 1917 bungalow in the Marmalade District that I bought in 1990 for $29,900. Yes, it was boarded up and I spent a year of my life stripping walls, replacing a kitchen and furnace, hiring out plumbing and other work before moving in; but I got a house for the price of a car and I feel like it is mine.

There’s not a square inch of this house I haven’t touched at one point since I’ve lived here.

One of the best decisions we made in this project was going to Sherwin-Williams for the paint. I was once a huge fan of Behr paint from Home Depot. I don’t know what has happened since I first used it to paint the bungalow and loved it, but after three coats in the bathroom that still didn’t cover and are waiting for a fourth, I have moved on.

One coat of green Sherwin-Williams paint and there wasn’t a trace of the deep Victorian red that once graced the wall. I only put a second coat on for good measure.

I painted the room’s ceiling, moved onto the walls and started on the trim and doors. I hate painting trim and doors. That’s where the project started to lag.

Helpful hint: (aka do as I say, not as I do): Paint follows the law of gravity. Start at the top (ceiling) and move downward. Paint with long, smooth strokes, like a violin. Use two thin coats rather than one gloppy thick coat.

Headboard Then I started on the pièce de résistance — the headboard wall. I had price-shopped beds and found that what I wanted was going to be over $700 – almost half my budget and not the Blue Moon ripoff ... I mean inspiration ... I wanted. Off to shop I went.

Home Depot. I bought a $7 piece of OSB sheathing board and asked the guy to cut it into one-foot squares. On a sign on the wall, Home

After three coats of stain, the wood was still not the deep walnut color hoped for (above), so I cheated and brushed the final coat on and did note remove it. It took several days to dry enough to put 2 coats of Varathane on.

Depot says the first three cuts are free and you are charged for more than that. I have yet to be charged for any cutting I’ve had them do over the past 20 years. This guy was intrigued about what I was doing and asked me to bring in a photo. I’ll bring in this story.

Helpful hint: Let The Home Depot people cut your large sheets down to more easily fit in your car and make the lumber easier to handle. They usually do it for free, even though signs show a cost. Lowe’s also will, but they can only cut 1” and under sheeting, not any 2x or larger lumber. I also found the wait to be too long. I now routinely drive a mile further to Home Depot to avoid frustration.

I found some vinyl at NPS for less than $3.99 a yard — the price which DJ says he won’t pay any more than for fabric — so I felt I had found a great deal. It is exactly the color I’d hoped to find and has a great leather texture. If you don’t know about NPS, it is a freight damage store that has everything from out-of-date food to clothing.

There is also an industrial side that has some of the most interesting finds in the valley. I bought a wine fridge there for $17 and nine-foot outdoor umbrellas for $15 each.

Helpful hint: Check out NPS, 1600 South and 1900 West, for all kinds of strange and whacky deals on just about everything you may want to find. If you can’t find it elsewhere, try them out. I must warn you though — In the ’90s I walked in and there was an anti-gay petition at the door. I went to the customer service desk and complained to someone who turned out to be an owner. He apologized and said it was his brother and he’d take care of it. I left and came back in a half hour to see the table gone and went on with my shopping.

I ran to Joann’s for padding and batting and got everything cut up and ready to assemble the 25, one-foot square upholstered pads for the wall. DJ dutifully sewed the four corners of each of the naga squares and staple-gunned them to the boards. I took each one and attached them to the wall with Liquid Nails. If the house ever tumbles in an earthquake, the headboard will survive and perhaps soften the blow of the wall falling on us as we sleep.

The carpet was not only well beyond saving, it was simply not wanted in the new room. After pulling it up, beautiful pine boards were found; however there were too many areas of deep stains and other damage, so they were determined to be unsaveable within our time

I then preconditioned and stained the fir boards I bought as trim, applying it , letting it set for 15 minutes and wiping it off. And then I stained them again. And again. They never turned the deep walnut color I’d hoped. It was only then that someone told me something about toning the wood before staining. So, I cheated and applied the stain, but never wiped it off. It was exactly the color I’d hoped for, but took many days before it was dry enough to apply the two coats of Varathane to finish it off.

Voilá, I have a headboard wall that was just as I’d dreamed it. Or saw in Vegas.

Picture Shelf The house still has the original lath-and-plaster walls. I chose to save them, even though I spent many months fixing half-inch and larger cracks and holes from picture nails. I wanted to save as much of the original house as possible. The woodwork had largely been spared coats of paint, and the floors luckily had been covered with carpet for years and were in good shape.

Hanging pictures, however, is extremely destructive to plaster walls. Moving pictures around just can’t happen, unless you can use the same nails. My answer to this was a picture shelf. Swap pictures out daily with no repercussions. Two more fir boards and a dentil molding piece later (much later ... have you ever tried to stain dentil molding?) and I have a six-foot picture shelf.

Floor

Onto the floor. At one point I had hoped to save the pine flooring that was hidden under the then-new-fangled linoleum. Unfortunately, after much sanding, paint removal and other lovingcare, I decided the floor was far beyond saving.

To stay within timeline and budget, I decided that laminate flooring was the answer. Lumber Liquidators had the perfect mahogany flooring on sale for a great price. I decided on the upgraded underlayment, because I’ve walked on laminate flooring before and hated the crackle with each footstep. While triple the price, in the Continued on page 30

and budget constraints. DJ Bell suggested laminate flooring from Lumber Liquidators, which he helped install over upgraded underlayment.

We chose a deep mahogany flooring, which contrasts with the walls and headboard nicely. The whole project was completed in a number of hours.

(Though, don’t ask about the adjoining hallway. We’d run out of steam by then.)

M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 29

HOME&GARDEN end I found it was well worth the extra expense.

DJ spent a Saturday afternoon on his knees in my new bedroom and we got the floor all laid, though the hallway remains a future challenge.

The laminate is simple to install, has the feel of hardwood and is a terrific and cheap alternative, DJ said.

Furniture While all this was going on, I spent a lot of time finding new furniture for the room. I’d been living with the same furniture, which I had assembled on my own, for over 25 years.

It was time for new. I wanted something with a Craftsman feel to match the rest of the house, but the chest of drawers alone would have been my entire budget for the remodel.

The solution: IKEA furniture with Craftsman hardware. I was able to find a hardware company online that had the perfect drawer pulls for a buck each. I had found some at Restoration Hardware for $8 apiece, so these were a steal. To get free shipping, I added a dozen cabinet knobs for the kitchen cabinets, also at a dollar apiece.

Expecting chinchy tin hardware, I was surprised to find sturdy, attractive pulls. Score!

Helpful hint: I recommend dlawlesshardware. com for period-style hardware at a great price.

I used inexpensive furniture pieces and added periodstyle hardware to dress them up, saving hundreds of dollars.

Though Giusseppe and I spent hours putting together two nightstands, a chest of drawers, a bench for the end of the bed and a huge mirror, the results were spectacular and well worth it.

And for under $500.

I hate overhead lighting. The room, like most rooms in America, has one light in the middle of the ceiling. I have yet to turn on a light that is in the middle of the ceiling, except in dire emer-

gencies. Light splashed on the walls, however, gets me going. I made the choice to climb into the attic and install new lighting. I hate attics.

Hot, muggy, dusty, dirty, dank, cramped, filthy are some of the most favorable adjectives I can come up with about my attic. I must really hate overhead lighting.

I bought two pendants for over the bed on clearance at Sutherlands, two spot lights at Home Depot and two nightstand lamps at Lowe’s. (I don’t think I included all the gas in my costs for this project.)

Helpful hint: You can find all kinds of construction needs at Restore — a thrift store that benefits Habitat for Humanity. I found drawer kits for $10 each, paint brushes, brackets and tile for a future project for 50 cents a square foot. The best part is, you can feel good that the money you are spending helps build homes for those in need. It’s a great place to donate your items that you no longer need as well. I donated the old ceiling fan and some other hardware. I even found a lateral filing cabinet for the office for $15 that is a tank.

That saved me over $150 in itself. Restore is located at 1300 South, just west of I-15.

W “There is no reason to ever pay retail for lighti ing,” DJ said. r h s While I was neck-deep in reclaiming the beda room, Giusseppe took charge of the kitchen.

The kitchen. Ten years ago I started to update s the kitchen. I bought a new refrigerator and t moved it across the room, putting new cabinets u in its old place. I bought a new dishwasher and s painted the walls a deep blue. But then, before a getting it all finished, I decided the kitchen really needed to be in the back room off the deck. It has R sat that way — a modge-podge of tan, oak, dusty s rose, blue and brushed steel — for 10 years. t

The Kitchen

You actually can paint counter tops. To make them stand up to standard wear-and-tear, however, there are a number of steps you must take. First, sand the counters with a rough sandpaper. I used 80-grit and a palm sander.

Next, prime the counters with a high-end primer.

I used Killz Primer because I’m in love with it. My lesson: use a paint roller to apply the primer, not a brush. A brush will leave marks.

30 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

Cover every surface you can that will not be painted.

Trust me. This stuff goes everywhere. And wear a mask.

It also goes up your nose and in your lungs. Two coats of Varathane and you can put back all your kitsch.

A f t a I s s A H i

Giusseppe took to painting the cabinets and cupboards of the kitchen. We used the same paint for the upper cupboards as the molding and doors of the bedroom. We chose a deep green for the cabinets. (We are getting flack from some people that it is too close to avocado green from the ’70s. I’m sure it’ll be back in style soon. I’m also sure these people couldn’t tell the difference between avocado green and khaki.)

I used the rest of the bamboo shoot paint from the room to cover the blue.

We also got rid of the dusty rose counters.

Replacing them in any other way than painting was not in the budget. So we sanded them, primed them and used Hammerite paint. We then used the rest of the Varathane for two coats to make them kitchen-proof.

Just when we thought we had our projects finished, we looked down. A 20-year-old linoleum kitchen floor that, no matter how hard you clean always looks dirty, stuck out like a filthy, sore thumb. It had to go. We looked at the budget and found another $100. We decided on peel-and-stick laminate flooring that looks a bit like slate. If you squint. We took our last Sunday before this issue went to bed and put it down in about two hours. It added a warmth and depth that just made the room. It is now a space we won’t be embarrassed to have friends in. It will be the gay party space it is meant to be.

So, $1,688 later (plus gas, a bunch of paint brushes I’m sure I forgot to add, and other miscellaneous expenses), we have a resort-style master bedroom and a kitchen to be proud of. And I’m still talking to my designer and boyfriend.

“Michael Aaron is what we in the design industry call a ‘dream client,’” DJ Bell said when I

asked him to comment on this story. “He already had a clear picture of what he wanted and was not afraid of doing much of the labor himself, which is where approximately 40 percent of any budget usually lies. Bell-Fair Interiors specializes in small budgets. We believe that every person’s home should be a reflection of who they are on a budget they can afford.” Q

Final Bill:

Reclaimed bedroom: Paint the ceiling $17 Patch and paint the walls 50 Fix and paint the ceiling molding 35 Re-floor 200 Fix and paint the floor molding 20 Headboard/wall 120 Picture shelf 24 Bed frame 48 Furniture 455 Drawer pulls 10 Lighting 174 Misc.

200 Subtotal $1353 Kitchen: Repaint cabinets New hardware Paint countertops Re-floor Sink Misc.

Subtotal Total

$56 40 59 75 50 50 $335 $1688

Alright, so I was $188 over budget. I think that’s pretty good, considering I usually end up spending twice my budget.

ReStore: A thrift alternative for home projects

After nearly two decades since the first Habitat for Humanity ReStore opened its doors in Texas, the thrift store for building supplies and materials is a must-go for all home remodel projects.

Individuals, businesses and contractors donate surplus building materials, and ReStore then sells these items at much below retail costs.

All of the proceeds are used to help fund the Habitat for Humanity in Utah, which helps lowincome housing and food projects.

The store, which is located at 1276 S. 500 West, has all different house and construction items that are perfect for home remodels or just regular house upkeep, said Erin Johnson, the head cashier. From yard work to home-cleaning supplies, ReStore has a wide selection off always-changing merchandise.

“Think of us as a True Value, except all our stuff is donated, and all the proceeds go to help the Habitat for Humanity, and our products are usually about half off of regular retail,” Johnson said. “You can get a perfectly good toilet for $20 and tile is just 50 cents per square foot.”

The people who work and volunteer at ReStore are knowledgeable, friendly and resourceful, Johnson said. Finding the people just the right items for a project is simple with all the

terrific people involved.

In addition to purchasing items, members of the community can donate used goods for a tax write-off and the donations will go to helping the low-income members of the community, Johnson said.

Donations also come in from large stores, such as Lowe’s, that need to move products from the shelves or have products with broken labels or other defects, she said. But all the products are useable and in decent condition.

The Salt Lake City store has been open for about a 18 months and is already serving as a fantastic resource for everyone that needs it, Johnson said. There are now more than 500 similar stores in three countries and the project is growing steadily.

“The merchandise is always changing, for example, next week we’re getting 300 brand new closet doors,” Johnson. “Everyone should come and check us out, especially before doing a large project or buying anything at other homeimprovement stores.”

ReStore is open Monday–Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more info about the store or how to donate, go to HabitatSaltLake.com/restore.

Business cards for Pride.

100 for just $19 / 250 for $29 500 for $39 / 1000 for $59 through May. Send your digits to info@saltlickprinting.com and we will make a simple text card for you or email your fabulous design at 300dpi, 3.5” x 2” and we will use that.

IN SUGARHOUSE 1055 E 2100 S Ste 206

801-649-6663 ext 113 EMAIL FILES TO INFO@SALTLICKPRINTING.COM

M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 3 1

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT BODY&FITNESS Morgan Page

gay agenda

See May 20

U2 can have innovation, gnome-o

by Tony Hobday

At this year’s Fabby Awards ceremony we had a confirmed guest list of 180. Woohoo! ... Until only 11 showed up ... just kidding! For lack of a less appropriate term, the ceremony was faaabulous. Immediately following the awards we went to a graduation bowling-party — decked out in our hottest duds, we were, for lack of a more appropriate term, oddly faaabulous-chic. Then on Saturday, we went to a Kentucky Derby party in Sandy, where I had picked the winning horse, Animal Kingdom, for a $60 purse and a vase of roses, plus I hooked up with a random party-goer — for lack of more descriptive space, it was Saaandalous.

13

FRIDAY — Since its inception, Ballet West’s INNOVATIONS has become a platform for some of America’s most upand-coming choreographers. This year’s program will spotlight new works by Principal Artist Christopher Ruud and New York choreographer Avichai Scher. Soloist Thomas Mattingly and Demi-Soloist Christopher Anderson will premiere new works.

7:30pm, through May 21, Jeanne Wagner Theatre, Rose Wagner Center, 138 W. Broadway. Tickets $45, 801-355ARTS or arttix.org.

Q Every time I see a gnome skulking under some chrysanthemum or lilac bush I get the shivers and wet myself a little — the damn things are creepy. But if you love them then check out LAWN GNOMES EAT YOUR HEARTS OUT, a community yard-art extravaganza. Hosted by the Salt Lake Art Center and the 337 Project, this exhibit and competition. Local artists will show off their innovation, skill and quirkiness in the creation of “our community’s best lawn sculpture.”

Sorry, but that’s debatable!

On exhibit through June 17, a map of participating lawns will be posted at slartcenter.org. A bus tour and a bike tour are also scheduled for May 21 and June 4, respectively.

UPCOMING EVENTS JUN 19 Ani DiFranco Red Butte Garden JUN 24 Sheryl Crow Red Butte Garden JUL 16 Lisa Lampanelli Wendover JUL 25 Katy Perry ESA AUG 13 Josh Grobin ESA

14

SATURDAY — Utah Opera presents Giuseppe Verdi’s last opera and one of only two of his comedies, FALSTAFF. A large, womanizing knight, Falstaff is a gold-digger, and the women he professes his love for in turn are thirsty for revenge once they learn of his true intentions. With its brilliant orchestration, scintillating libretto and refined melodic invention, Falstaff is sure to be a hit.

7:30pm, through May 22, Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South. Tickets $15–85, 801-355-ARTS or arttix.org.

Q Enjoy the warm weather and exotic animals at the zoo! The Gay Escape, a social group devoted to providing a safe and friendly setting to meet other gay men in Utah, is hosting GAY DAY AT HOGLE ZOO. Wear red, ride the train (conductor), feed the animals (members of the Salt Lake Men’s Choir), eat cotton candy (or churros, a bit more phallic) and visit Nature’s Nightmares (Michael Aaron’s underwear drawer).

1–4pm, Hogle Zoo, 2600 Sunnyside Ave. Tickets $8 at the gate, facebook.com/annualgaydayathoglezoo.

32 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

Q Students of The Performer Studio and members of the local alternative rock band Light Vizion perform a SHERYL CROW TRIBUTE CONCERT, honoring the life, work and philanthropy of the singer and songwriter.

Hey, Fox 13’s Big Budah likes Light Vizion, and he’s the top-dog of fabulousness in Utah, no?

2pm & 7pm, Sorenson Unity Center, 1383 S. 900 West.

Tickets $10.50–16, 801-641-4987.

15

SUNDAY — Returning to Salt Lake

City for a one-night performance, in correlation with Utah Pride, is the hilarious comic SUZANNE WESTENHOEFER. She says that being an openly gay comic is a political move, an activist move; and her act in Salt Lake always holds few great pokes at the Mormons. She’s also been shocked by the large gay community here, saying “I think it’s absolutely great. But then you worry for them. You think ‘how do we get them out?’”

7 & 9:30pm, Paper Moon, 3737 S. State St. Tickets $20/ adv.–$25/day of show, facebook.com/thepapermoon.

17

TUESDAY — In the summer of 1961,

more than 400 Americans risked their lives as Freedom Riders in defense of Americans’ civil rights. Now, the SLCC Writing Center is offering FREEDOM RIDERS: ARE WE THERE YET?.

This two-day workshop will help you write your poetry, essay or testimonial as it relates to your experience with civil rights or the change you would like to see. Also, learn to make your piece more engaging through audio recordings.

6–8pm, tonight and May 24, SLCC Community Writing Center at Main Library, 210 E. 400 South. Free, call 801957-2192 to register.

20

FRIDAY — Grammy-nominated artist MORGAN PAGE is a hot, up-and-coming progressive and electro house DJ. His remixes include some gay faves like Cazwell’s “Watch My Mouth,” Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl,” Jeffree Star’s “Prisoner” and Adam Lambert’s “If I Had You.” 9:30pm, The Depot, 400 S. West Temple. Tickets $10, 801467-8499 or smithstix.com.

21

SATURDAY — Celebrate Salt Lake

City’s urban artistic culture at the URBAN ARTS FESTIVAL, a one-day event benefiting Youth City and Skate 4 Homies foundations. Enjoy live performances by local musicians, dancers, skateboarders, and more. Also, create your own one-of-akind decorated skate deck and enter it into a competition to be hung in Gray Wall Gallery for a chance at winning many great prizes.

10am–9pm, Pierpont Avenue between 300 and 400 West.

Free, urbanartsfest.org.

24

TUESDAY — With 22 Grammys under their belt ... wow, what a package, baby!, and a plethora of hits like “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “I Will Follow” and “With or Without You,” U2 is a force to be reckoned with. Join this powerhouse rock band, on their 360° Tour, for a fabulous concert tonight. The Fray opens.

7pm, Rice-Eccles Stadium, 451 S. 1400 East, UofU. Tickets $30–250, 801-467-8499 or smihtstix.com.

Gifts

Lube

Underwear

Books

Housewares

Adult Toys

OPEN DAILY 10am–9pm 878 East 900 South (801) 538-0606

Utah Pride performer has top dance hit in the country Singer and Utah Pride Festival performer, Kat Deluna’s single “Dancing Tonight” reached the top of the Billboard Dance chart. Deluna will be the Utah Pride Festival Saturday night headlining performer where she is sure to sing her hit single for the Utah crowd.

By landing the top spot on the chart she edged out other songs, such as “Til The World Ends” by Britney Spears and “E.T.” by Katy Perry.

Deluna is no stranger to being a top performer in the world and her 2007 single, “Whine Up,” reached the top of international charts and was especially popular in Europe.

Her single, “Dancing Tonight,” has been on the Billboard charts for eight weeks and was most recently at the second spot on the dance chart. However, the single has been invading

save the date May 14 Gay Day at Hogle Zoo tinyurl.com/gayhogle May 26–27 Hey Look Us Over, Salt Lake Men’s Choir, saltlakemenschoir.org June 2 Hotel Monaco Pink Party utahaids.org June 3–5 Utah Pride Festival utahpridecenter.org

June 11 HRC Gala Dinner hrc.org June 17–19 Damn These Heels! Film Festival damntheseheels.org June 23–26 Utah Arts Festival uaf.org July 30 QSaltLake and Pride Softball Day at the Bees prideleague.com August PWACU River Trip pwacu.org August 4–7 Park City Arts Festival kimballartcenter.org

dance clubs and iPods alike with a fury and is likely to continue the pace.

Deluna’s style is an infusion of R&B and Caribbean beats. She is a U.S. native with Dominican roots. With a loyal gay following she is currently on a tour of the U.S. performing in gay-themed clubs and venues.

To catch Deluna live on Saturday night, pick up Utah Pride Festival tickets for $10 each day, Saturday and Sunday. Ticket information and location for purchases can be found at UtahPrideFestival.org or by going to QSaltLake. com and clicking on the Pride 2011 section.

Other performers for the Pride Festival include Expose, Justin Utley and Big Freedia. The parade’s grand marshal will be actress, comedian and activist Roseanne Barr.

August 7 QSaltLake Day at Lagoon qsaltlake.com August 12–13 Women’s Red Rock Music Festival redrockwomensfest. com August 12–14 Utah Rebellion utahrebellion.com August 14 QSaltLake Day at Park Silly Mkt parksillysundaymarket. com August 20 Equality Utah Allies Dinner equalityutah.org

August 28 Pride Center Golf Classic utahpridecenter.org September 17 sWerve Oktoberfest swerveutah.com September 17 UAF Bike & Walk for Life utahaids.org December 1 World AIDS Day worldaidsday.org To get your major event included on this list, e-mail arts@qsaltlake. com M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 33

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT BODY&FITNESS

Matthew Morrison: As gay as he gets Glee actor talks queer career, Elton duet and sex in public

By Chris Azzopardi

M

ATTHEW MORRISON DOESN’T MIND being the gayest straight man you know. The 32-year-old actor recently admitted being a member of a gay boy band in the 2003 film Marci X the “gayest thing” he’s done in his career.

And that’s saying a lot — he’s currently starring on Glee, playing hot choir-club head Mr. Schuester. His part on the musical-comedy hybrid follows years of Broadway work on shows like Hairspray and The Light in the Piazza, which earned him a Tony nomination. Now, after becoming a big deal and an even bigger crush, Morrison ventures out on his own with a solo debut and summer tour.

We spoke recently with the man behind Mr. Schuester, chatting about some racy photos involving a gay twin and his “chicken,” the Glee girl he’d date, and the importance of the show’s father-son relationship.

and I went to church with her all the time.

Was your girlfriend in the celibacy club, too? Uh, well, we weren’t having sex, so yes. (Laughs) Speaking of sex, let’s talk about the first single, “Summer Rain” from your new album. Yes! Sex on a roof.

Tell me how the song came about. It’s a true story — me and my ex-girlfriend, who was actually a Broadway dancer (laughs), on the roof of my apartment. It was a beautiful summer day, and then it just started raining — and the moment just kind of took us and we just, you know.

This was in New York City, where there could be 1,000 people watching you on top of the roof, but we didn’t care. A lot of people think that song is just about having sex on a roof, but for me it was being young and in New York and in love. If the 16-year-old version of myself would’ve known I would’ve had a moment like that in my life, I would’ve been very happy. (Laughs) I bet. There’s a line that references Lover’s Lane. What’s the last thing you bought from there? Bought from Lover’s Lane? Is that a store?

Oh yeah. Lover’s Lane is a sex shop. (Laughs) Ohh, no! Oh my god.

That’s crazy. I didn’t even know that. I wrote it as, in the ’50s you go to lovers’ lane, kind of like going to a lookout mountain in your car and making out and stuff.

Oops. Guess it has two meanings now. (Laughs) I guess so! I’m glad I know that little tidbit of knowledge.

Because of your musical-theater work and Glee role, do people You know, public sex might be trickier for you now. Yeah, I still do often think you’re gay? I’ve been singing and dancing since the it. Who cares! (Laughs) No, I can’t do anything in public anymore. fifth grade so I’ve gotten that quite a bit in my life.

Honestly, I’m really happy that I ... I feel bad for some of the kids on my show. I mean, they’re not kids, they’re all in their 20s, but I really Being one of few straight guys in theater, how did got to live out my 20s in New York and do whatever I wanted and not you use that to your advantage when it came to the be in the public eye, and now I’m such a homebody that I don’t really ladies? The odds for me were definitely in my favor, being surrounded by beautiful female dancers and be- have any problem with that anymore. I feel lucky that I really got to ing the person that they could actually, you know, be experience my life like that. with. (Laughs) So it was a great time in my life. I really Glee has tackled important issues like gay bullying, drinking, took advantage of it for a while in my younger days teen sex, and so on. Which theme are you most proud of? I absoon Broadway, but aside from all that bullshit, I love lutely love the relationship between Kurt and his father. It’s so beaubeing on the gayest show on TV. It doesn’t bother tiful and it’s something that really needs to be seen. I mean, I don’t me; I wear it as a badge of honor to be accepted know how that works being a gay teen — do you have ‘the birds and and loved in that community. the bees talk’ like other people? I thought that was so well-handled.

There are several steamy pics of you on the Internet, including ones of you in polkadot underwear with a plushy little poof on the private. Yeah, that’s my chicken. (Laughs) It was for a thing called Broadway Bares, a big fundraiser. And if I knew at the time how much flack I would get for those photos I probably would’ve never done it, but it raised a lot of money that night for AIDS. There’s another picture out there of you — or someone that looks like you — getting cozy and smoochy with Anderson Cooper’s alleged boyfriend. That’s not me. It looks very much like me.

It does, indeed. Your doppelganger? Yeah, I know. Thank you for making out with Anderson Cooper’s boyfriend, whoever you are.

(Laughs) But his ears are different, and he doesn’t have the mole on the side of his face like I do.

Straight guys who watch the show now and do have kids who might be gay, I think they’ll be more equipped to handle that.

Did you know any Kurts in school? Oh yeah, for sure. There were a lot of Kurts. I mean, I went to a performing arts high school. I had a college roommate, and I was the first person he came out to. I went to NYU and we lived in this dorm; there were five of us living together and one of them came out to me and just kind of felt comfortable.

And I’ve always been very open and accepting of that because I know how hard that is, and I’m a good listener. To this day, there are a lot of Kurts in my life.

Some critics have been harsh on the second season of Glee. How do you feel about that? I love this season. There are always going to be naysayers out there, but it’s hard to follow what we did the first season. I actually thought we were going to be in trouble, but this season has been really strong.

Do rumors bother you? They used to, but it happens so much now So, is Lea Michele as much a diva as people say? No, no. She’s very committed to her job and she’s a very talented girl, and I think that you have to shut it off. I know my own truth, and that’s what sometimes that gets misconstrued. you have to live with.

Which Glee girl would you have dated in high school? I would’ve been the Quinn guy. I actually pretty much did date Quinn in high school. I dated the homecoming queen and she was very religious, 3 4 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

Have you ever been hot for teacher? For sure. I can’t think of her name, but she was a Spanish teacher. I don’t know if it had something to do with the language, but that’s kind of hot.

BODY&FITNESS For the Elton John mash-up, how did you decide on “Rocket Man” and “Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters”? I wanted to pay homage to him and do some of his songs. It actually took a while to pick which ones, but I knew I wanted to mash two together. I was thinking “Tiny Dancer.” The only one Elton didn’t want to do was “Crocodile Rock.”

These two just kind of mesh. They don’t when you think about it, but it turned out to be this epic sevenminute song. He was just so game for anything and such a pleasure to work with. He’s such a student of music, and every Tuesday he buys every new artist who comes out. He knows what he’s doing, and it was just cool to be in (the studio) with him.

Will you bring your Glee raps to the album? No, no, no. I try to get far away from Glee on this album. Coming from Glee, I thought it was important that I write a lot of my own material. I didn’t want to do just covers,

because that would’ve been very Glee-esque, and to be taken seriously as an artist I had to write my own songs.

today — in Glee and in doing this solo project. It was a good experience in that sense.

Tell me about the tour. I’m going on a world tour with my album, and I’m really looking forward to it. There’s no better way to see the world then to go out and perform and sing.

What’s she like off-camera? She’s actually my best friend on the show. I’m the closest to her out of everyone. We just have an amazing relationship. I love her to death. I love her wife. And she’s the kindest woman you’ll ever meet.

Back in the day, you used to be in a boy band called LMNT. Now that you’re solo, how does it compare? Well, that was just a bad year of my life — and it was in the late ’90s, when you couldn’t throw a stick and not hit someone in a boy band.

It was so manufactured and so cheesy and, as a performer, when you’re on stage and you’re embarrassed to be up there, you know you’re doing the wrong thing. But honestly, that year I was in the boy band, I learned a lot about the recording process, and it really helped me with where I am

Now, Jane Lynch ... Who’s she? (Laughs)

You wouldn’t know based on her Glee character, Sue Sylvester. Exactly!

Have her hair jibes caused you personal pain? (Laughs) No, not at all. Everyone gets hammered on the show; no one gets away unscathed.

I actually made fun of her hair at some point.

Lea’s nose gets made fun of; Cory (Monteith) gets made fun of because he can’t dance. Everyone gets ragged on — it’s just part of being on Glee.

M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 35

FOOD&DRINK

f d & wine At the Fabbys

By Chef Drew Ellsworth

L

AST FRIDAY NIGHT, QSaltlake presented its annual Fabby Awards at MOUNTAIN LAND DESIGN in Salt Lake City. For the second year in a row, restaurants and other food companies, both old and new, were invited to show off their offerings in one of the beautifully appointed kitchens at the center. I truly want to thank Brad Di Iorio for bringing all of this together and the many Utah wine brokers who donated wine for the event.

Attendees at the Fabby Awards were asked to vote for their favorite food-and-wine pairings, and well, I was able to judge myself too. Here’s the low-down on how things went: As you came in the door at Mountain Land, SAGE’S CAFÉ was first up and chef Ian Brandt, like last year, had come up with the most creative and inspired canapés.

First he simmered bite-size pieces of Portobello mushrooms in a reduction of Utah Petit Sirah wine and juniper berries.

The tasty mushroom morsel was then wrapped in a small rice crepe, topped with garden fresh, baby arugula and tulip ribbons and garnished with still another reduction of blackberries. Beautiful and tasty and totally new! The wine paired with this entree was an ’07 cabernet from PARALLEL WINES, whose owners live in Utah.

FRIDA BISTRO was up next with delicious and succulent carnitas, which are made in a large copper kettle. The pork was served with two spicy sauces, one with an avocado base and one with a chili base and freshly made corn

tortillas. Frida also brought mounds of their tiny gorditas, which are made with two chiliflavored biscuits stuffed with requesón cheese.

These were delightful and they came with toasted, sweetened pumpkin seeds served on the side. Tracey, from Vine Lore wines was on hand with TANGENT ALBARINO, a crisp and citrus California white wine which I loved. (I think the carnitas were powerful enough to go with a red wine but evidently there was some kind of mix up, but hey, the white worked for me!)

Next to Frida, we had cookie maker, RUBYSNAP, formally known as My Dough Girl, who had brought trays of beautifully made lemon chiffon cookies, about the size of a silver dollar. They were puffy and soft and melted in your mouth — topped with a lemon mascarpone. Simple and elegant, these heavenly cakes were paired with a CARPINATURA LIMONCELLO, represented by Vine Lore. (I loved the tart and bitter limoncello, juxtaposed next to the fluffy, sweet cookie — awesome!)

Across from Frida, CHRISTOPHER’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE at the downtown location had set up a steak-a-tini bar. Cleverly served in a martini glass, two servers from Christopher’s scooped up mashed potatoes, slices of medium-rare beef tenderloin, a spear of roasted asparagus all topped with a savory demi-glaze laced with caramelized onions and sprinkled with bleu cheese.

The flavors, quality of the meat, and the presen-

Thanks! to our participating restaurants

3 6 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

Try our wild coconut, curried wild rice

tation were pretty impressive. Jeff Carter, of SouthernOdom Spirits West was on-hand to serve up NAVARRO CORREAS MALBEC from Argentina. In my view this was the best food-andwine combo of the night.

Entering the larger, more open area at Mountain Land, MINI’S CUPCAKES had set up with amazing lollipop creations. These were cookies soaked in a ROSE VINHO VERDE, then formed into balls the size of a tootsie pop and then dipped in a pink-tinted white chocolate. They were then sprinkled with

pink sugar crystals. The rose, slightly sparkling Vinho Verde comes from Portugal, Quinta de Gomariz Espadeiro, represented by Peter Grisley Wines. These little desserts on a stick were amazing to me; at first crunchy, then melting, then creamy and rosy all at the same time. The wine is not a dessert wine but did have enough sweetness to pair with the white chocolate. Not all of the pops were uniform, some larger and some smaller and irregular, but the flavor and texture was to die for.

Tucked in a French-inspired kitchen, in the back right of the show room, Omar from OMAR’S RAWTOPIA ORGANIC LIVE FOOD was dishing up his non-dairy ice cream.

Made from coconut milk, ground cashews and other all natural ingredients, this frozen dessert was another look into an amazing food scene in Salt Lake City. Omar’s eyes dance as he explains his theories on how foods made from living, organic plants can bring harmony and peace to the mind, body and to the world. The ice cream, with only a hint of sweetness from honey was elegant, smooth and delicious. (I regret that we didn’t find a vegan dessert wine to pair with Omar’s presentation.)

Finally, in the back Italian-Modern kitchen — all done in tones of ivory and white, CAFFÉ MOLISE was serving tiny, potato pancakes topped with aioli and house-smoked salmon. Francis Fecteau of Libation represented ADAMI PROSECCO BOSCO DI GICA to pair with these appetizers. The pancakes were nicely

flavored with shallot and chive, and the pungent aioli and salmon made them beautiful to look at.

The Adami Prosecco is one of my favorites with a slight sweetness in the finish and beautiful fruity bubbles — it was a treat to have such a quality sparkling wine at our event. The pairing with the food was also quite good.

All the guests attending the Fabby Awards were given red and white peanut M&M’s (which Michael Aaron called “magic voting beans”) to deposit in a jar at each station. The reds were

worth five points and the whites were worth one point. I have to say that in counting the candies I kind of thought the voting to be a bit uneven. For example, at the first stations there were almost no candies in the jars and at the end, there were many in the jars. So, that being said, this is how I’m going to state the results. By far, the jar with the most red candies was Mini’s Cupcakes, the rose-wine soaked lollipop cupcakes. So, if we go by the candies — Mini’s was the favorite by the voting guests.

The next two runners-up were the cookie station, RubySnap with the excellent Lemon Chiffon cookies and Limoncello and then, Caffé Molise with the potato latkes and the Prosecco.

For me, I’m going to give my judge’s choice award to Christopher’s for the best food-andwine pairing and for the highest quality of ingredients and presentation. And, to Chef Ian from Sage’s Café, I have to give the award for being the most creative, unique and on the cutting edge.

My friend, artist Trevor Southey, who attended, commented on how great the food scene is in Utah and I agree. Just at our little event there was an explosion of variety, diversity and excellence. Thanks to everyone who participated. Q

WINNERS RECAP: Audience Choice 1 Mini’s Cupcakes Voter’s Choice 2 RubySnap Cookies 3 Caffe Molise

Judge’s Choice 1 Christopher’s Prime Steakhouse 2 Sages Café HONORABLE MENTION: Frida Bistro and Rawtopia

PHOTOS: LAURIE KAUFMAN

dining guide Frida Bistro Sophisticated Mexican cuisine, wine and spirits 545 W. 700 South 801-983-6692 Loco Lizard Cantina Serious mexican food since 1999 at Kimball Junction.

1612 Ute Blvd., Park City 435-645-7000 Off Trax Café Coffee, wi-fi and pool 259 W 900 South 801-364-4307

Omar’s Rawtopia Restaurant Organic live food 2148 S. Highland Dr. 801-486-0332 Sage’s Cafe The freshest and healthiest cuisine possible 473 E 300 South 801-322-3790 Tin Angel Cafe Local food, music, art.

Serving lunch, dinner and Saturday brunch 365 W 400 South 801-328-4155

Trolley Wing Company We’re Back! Open daily noon to 11pm 550 S 700 East 801-538-0745

Rocky Mountain Grill & Family

Spring has Sprung!

801.433.1170 www.elizabethsteashop.com

Vertical Diner Vegetarian restaurant open seven days a week 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

2280 S West Temple 801-484-8378

Spinach Feta Omelette Breakfast w/ Hashbrowns & Toast $8.25 Special with coupon 2305 South Highland Drive – 801-484-2771

To get listed in this section, please call 801-649-6663 and ask for Brad or e-mail brad@ qsaltlake.com

Christopher’s TGIF Friday Specials

Try our wild coconut, curried wild rice

Half off appetizers & $6 Selected martinis. Piano bar, All night

2148 Highland Drive

801-486-0332

www.omarsrawtopia.com A DIVISION OF DREW ELLSWORTH CULINARY CONCEPTS

Ecole DijonCooking School COOKING CL ASSES Sunday, May 15

WINE European-style Dry Roses with French Food. Seafood Nantua, Pork Loin cutlets with Lemon/Butter and Capers and Drew's Pineapple Cake $40 plus $15 wine fee to Sheral Wednesday May 18 WINE Held at Eatery 1025 in Bountiful, Northwest Cuisine and Northwest Wine presented by Bottleneck Wines--Menu includes Asian Summer Rolls, Frizzy salad with Roasted Beets, Braised Elk and Bumbleberry Rhubarb Pie

• M is for California Muscat Truffle Center • Red Achiote Chile with White Honey-Truffle Center • Curry-Topped Port Wine Truffle Center • Spiral-Topped Pumpkin/ Grand Marnier Truffle Center

Small Gift Box with 4 Truffles one of each flavor $6.95 Large Gift Box with 12 Truffles three of each flavor $21.95

134 W Pierpont Ave, SLC – 801.519.8515 – christophersutah.com M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 3 7

Monday, May 23 Picnic on the Great Salt Lake, Chef Drew will pack a beautiful French Piquenique, recipes will be given out, while our Captain, Jim Anderson, takes us on Sunset Sail over the Great Salt Lake.

This final class of the season is the same price $35 in conjunction with Sailing Solution, please go to SailingSolution.net

Monday night classes $35 or 3 for $95 Sunday night wine classes $40 plus $15 the night of the class or $110 for three.

Wine classes have a $15 wine fee.

Chef Drew will even hold classes at your home for as little as $40 per person.

See the Web site for details.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CLASSES CATERING AND CULINARY PARTIES: www.EcoleDijonCookingSchool.com chefdrewe@aol.com 801-278-1039

3 8 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

español exprés Forced out

By Gus Herrero

C

OMING OUT OF THE CLOSET has always been in the mind of every gay or lesbian person. Whether you had to do it now because your parents suspected you were gay — since when you were 4 and the only kid on the block with a little pony character — or because they caught you watching Glee every Tuesday night.

Whatever the reason, coming out always brings the same feelings: Fearing your parents will hate you forever, your friend’s rejection toward gays or your church telling you, “You are most likely to burn in hell.” (Personal experience) But what happens when you want to come out and you are gathering all the might, courage and “cojones” to do it and suddenly someone else opens his/her filthy and hazardous mouth and ruins what you want to say, but can’t or don’t?

“He is gay,” someone said. Of course I am, haven’t you heard me talk? But I wanted to be the one to say it. I didn’t need you to tell my friends. A week ago a friend of mine had the experience of having someone tell his friends he was gay. He was totally upset and wanted to find this person and “romperle el hocico” (basically kick some butt).

What would you do? Is it OK to out someone?

Empujado del closet

S

ALIR DE CLOSET SIEMPRE HA estado en la mente de cada gay y lesbiana. Tal vez sea por que lo tuviste que hacer por que tus padres sospechaban que eras gay ya que cuando tenias 4 años eras el único niño en el barrio con un muñeco de “Mi pequeño pony” o por el solo hecho de que te pescaron viendo Glee cada martes por la noche.

Cualquiera que fuere la razón, el salir del closet, siempre ha traído los mismos sentimientos: el temor de que tus padres te odiarán hasta morir, el rechazo de tus amigos por ser gay o tu iglesia diciéndote que “te quemaras en el infierno.”

Pero que pasa cuando deseas salir del closet y has estado juntando toda la fuerza de voluntad, fuerza y cojones para hacerlo, y de pronto alguien mas abre su enfermiza boca y te arruina la fiestecita?

“El es gay” alguien dijo, claro que si, ¿acaso no me has oído hablar? Pero yo quería ser el que lo dijera. No necesitaba que alguien mas se lo dijera a mis amigos. Unas semanas atrás, un amigo mío tuvo una experiencia similar. El estaba muy molesto y quería encontrar a esta persona para romperle el hocico. ¿Que harías tu? ¿Esta bien si sacamos del closet a alguien? ¿Que tal si esta persona es tan

What about outing someone who is so gay that his gayness can be seen from outer space? Do you want to do it still? What about a “friend” telling your parents that his son likes to “play” with other dudes? And not necessarily basketball or baseball. I’d pee in my pants. I’d rather it be me telling the whole world I am gay, not someone else.

What do you think gives someone else the right to out a person? Is outing someone all right? Is outing someone as bad as disclosing the HIV status of a friend?

I honestly think that coming out of the closet should be a decision that one has to make on their own and telling your friends and family should also be your decision. When is the best time to do it? At your own time, when you feel comfortable. I’m going to say this phrase that has been used many times and, to be honest with you, I don’t fully understand it: Do it when you feel “comfortable in your own skin.”

Coming out of the closet is easy for some, but hard for others. In my new school, everyone knows I’m gay. I didn’t use the school newspaper to tell everyone that I like kissing boys (among other things). But being open to your friends is a good idea. In that way you don’t have to hide or pretend you like “balloons” when you actually like to “blow some other kind of balloons.” (wink, wink) If you are thinking about coming out, do it in your own time. Don’t rush, this isn’t a competition.

If you came out already, let others come out on their own time. Bite that tongue or stick it somewhere else ... your own business of course. Let’s let the cocoon become a butterfly in its own time. Q

pero tan gay que se le nota desde el espacio? ¿Lo quieres hacer todavía? Que harías tu si uno de tus “amigos” le dice a tus padres que a su hijo le gusta “jugar” con otros tipos? Y no necesariamente basketball. Me orinaría de los nervios. Quiero ser yo quien diga a todo el mundo que soy gay, no alguien mas. ¿Que crees que podría dar el derecho a alguien mas de sacarte del closet? ¿Que tal diciéndole a todo el mundo que uno de tus amigos es “positivo”?

Honestamente, pienso que el salir del closet es una decisión personal, uno debe de tomarla en su propio tiempo. ¿Cual es el mejor momento para hacerlo? Bueno en tu propio momento, cuando te sientas mejor.

El salir del closet puede resultar fácil para algunos pero mas complicado para otros. En mi Nuevo Universidad, todos saben que soy gay. No use el periódico de la escuela para anunciarlo, no puse en primera plana que me gustar besar chicos (entre otras cosas). Pero el ser abierto con respecto a ese tema es un punto a tu favor.

De esta forma, no tendrás que pretender ser alguien que no eres.

Si estas pensando en salir del closet, hazlo en tu propio tiempo, no te apresures, esto no es una competencia para ver quien sale mas rápido. Si saliste del closet ya, deja a los demás hacerlo también, no seas tu el que abra la boca.

Muerde esa lengua o métela en otro lugar… en tus propios asuntos claro esta. Deja que la oruga se convierta en mariposa a su propio tiempo.

Q

Q scene Kudos to Salt Lake’s great parties

bar map J

Salt Lake City

600 N.

CLOSED

By Michael Westley

200 S

Salt Palace

300 W

Gateway Mall

Trax Line

Arena

100 S. 200 S.

Intermodal Hub

V 300 S.

MAIN ST

500 S

300 W

600 S

City Hall

200 EAST

400 S STATE ST

600 W

900 S

900 E

1300 S

Sugar House 1100 E

Trax Line

T Trax Station

host of great disc jockeys, good company and brunch service made for a lovely afternoon.

COUTURE IN MOTION - FARASHA FASHION SHOW AND BALLET WEST FUNDRAISER: Fantastic execution and stunning design inside the Million Air airplane hangar at Salt Lake City International airport. Farasha displayed some great bold concepts for men including floral sport coats and featured stunning women’s design with an often Asian feel. How often do you get to enjoy highend threads in between two jet airplanes?

METRO: Kudos to promoters Rob Brewer and Tim Weaver for hosting a fabulous party for Tim’s 34th birthday. DJ Chris B’s “flashback” set featured current hits and classic ‘90s tracks — a great mix!

Coming up ... I’ll be enjoying jaunts to the TAVERNACLE and PIPER DOWN to take a little look-see at gay nights hosted in their establishments as well as giving some much-needed attention to neighborhood haunt CLUB TRY-ANGLES. Additionally, though not related, I need a little help from readers for another of my nightlife ventures. Tell me what you DON’T like about Salt Lake City’s club and party scene. Anything goes.

I will investigate and report. That’s right kids, don’t be shy! Hate the way the bathrooms smell at Metro? Wonder why there’s nothing really going on Tuesday nights? Let me hear it!

Cheers! Q

900 W

I

’D LIKE TO DEVOTE A little ink this week to giving out a kudos or two. We spend a lot of time looking forward to events and promotions but don’t often give adequate thanks and acknowledgment to the folks and clubs that have shown us a good time. There are a couple of parties that deserve a mention as well as a handful of regular faces that have managed to make it on film at every event.

CLUB JAM: Kudos to owners Brian and Todd for consistent programming and party-throwing.

Wednesday night Karaoke is a refreshing mid-week gathering with some regular faces and good energy. Weekend nights with dance parties featuring DJ Harry Cross and Mike Babbitt are high energy.

The gourmet hot dog cart — genius!

CLUB SOUND/PURE: Kudos for hosting a weekly space for the under 21 crowds to party and most importantly, find community. Friday nights are consistently thumping to the tunes of DJ Tidy and the kids , i.e. the crowd, are well, judging by all the bumping and grinding, VERY happy to be there.

THE GAY HOT SPOT: Kudos for an excellent launch party at the home of Fernando Noriega on April 15 which was well-attended, well-attired, and certainly not shy on libations. The follow-up “White Trash” party at JAM the following week was also a hot mess.

DJ JESSE WALKER AND THE GARAGE: Kudos for the one-off Easter Sunday Bunny Hop that made being outside on a finally warm day a real joy. The

Temple Square

K 2100 S

michael.westley@qsaltlake.com

Q bar guide WEEKLY BAR EVENTS T CLUB TRY-ANGLES ●

251 W 900 S • D M N 801-364-3203 • clubtry-angles.com

SUNDAYS

MONDAYS

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

THURSDAYS

FRIDAYS

SATURDAYS

KARAOKE $1 DRAFTS

BEER-SOAKED WEENIES BACKROOM BLUES

$1 DRAFTS

POOL TOURNAMENT

KARAOKE

$1 DRAFTS DJ BOYTOY

DANCE! DANCE! DANCE!

JAM U GAY COLLEGE NIGHT $1 DRAFTS

SUPERSTAR KARAOKE WITH BRIAN G

THURSDAY THUMP W/ DJ PANAMA 42 BELOW SPECIALS

HIP POP WITH DJ MIKE BABBITT

BOOM BOOM ROOM WITH DJ MIKE BABBITT

POWERBALL KARAOKE W/ TROY 9PM

DUELING PIANOS 9PM $3 BIG BUD LIGHT

DUELING PIANOS 9PM $3 BIG BUD LIGHT

DUELING PIANOS 9PM

DUELING PIANOS 9PM

Video Bar with DJ Dennis 9pm–Close

Video Bar with DJ Dennis 9pm–Close

●J JAM

BEER BUST BBQ AT 4PM BLOODY MARYS

K KARAMBA ●

LATIN GAY NIGHT DJ FRANK GO-GO DANCERS

751 N 300 W • D F M N 801-891-1162 • jamslc.com 1051 E 2100 S • D M X 801-696-0639 • klubkaramba.com

V TAVERNACLE ●

201 E 300 South • K X 801-519-8800 • tavernacle.com

R THE TRAPP ●

102 S 600 West • B N D K M 801-531-8727 • tinyurl.com/trappslc

$1 DRAFTS KARAOKE W/KEVAN 9PM

PIANO KARAOKE WITH ERIC 8–11PM

Buffet at 4PM

B = BEAR/LEATHER | D = DANCE FLOOR | F = FOOD | K = KARAOKE NIGHTS | L = MOSTLY LESBIAN | M = MOSTLY GAY MEN | N = NEGHBORHOOD BAR | T = 18+ AREA | X = MIXED GAY/STRAIGHT OR GAY CERTAIN NIGHTS

M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 39

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT BODY&FITNESS

Dancing Sovereign Across 1 6 11 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25

27 30 32 33 35 38 42 45 46 47 48

He comes once a year Like bounteous breasts Bear upon Middle name in California Romeo Romain de Tirtoff, familiarly Costar with 53-Across TV Guide info Michelangelo’s David and Moses Uey from WSW It gets spilled at wild parties Mysore Mr. With 42-Across, Broadway adaptation of an Aussie indie film Lunch-counter order Columnist Bombeck Cap for James M. Barrie Star Trek humanoid Nickname of Ron Reagan’s father Nancy Botwin’s older son See 25-Across Shorthand user Rose, e.g., to Pasolini Fey of 30 Rock Old preposition

50 Vegetable fuel 52 Wet area around bushes 53 Actor who plays the title role in 25-Across 58 Unwelcome ink color 60 Spamalot writer Eric 61 Give ___ go 62 Having a cool head 66 Oscar-winning Patricia 67 Costar with 53-Across 69 Lady’s man 70 In a dominant position 71 Each’s partner 72 Whack, off, or delight 73 Makes a hole bigger 74 “Bye”

Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 19

Tools for those who cut Settled down Vincent Lopez theme song Fouls, to the Pinball Wizard Make certain Blows away Da. before Mardi Gras Working model Téa of Fun with Dick and Jane Wilde man Cock-eyed optimist’s opposite Family Matters nerd Sword, poetically Drag queen ___ Lettuce Queer one, to straights

25 Evita portrayer on stage 26 Lambda Legal Defense suit, e.g.

27 Backyard parties, for short 28 Ill-mannered oaf 29 It can bear fruit 31 Diving area?

34 Dancer in many a musical 36 They may get a licking 37 Gay cable network 39 Son of Eric the Red 40 Composer Thomas 41 Hindu suffix meaning “country” 43 Mother of Brothers & Sisters 44 Serious lack 49 Susie Bright, to erotica 51 Native American erections 53 A League of Their Own teams 54 Best possible 55 Bewitched aunt 56 Show penitence 57 Big ray 59 Dig deep 62 Biters of Caesar’s girlfriend 63 Presbyterian activist Michael 64 Boy Meets World boy 65 Lord of the Rings singer 68 Start of a holy day at Congregation Beth Simchat Torah?

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:

Name the 2010 play that won a Fabby Award.

CAREENING SALAMI ______

__

_______

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ARE ON PAGE 53

4 0 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

CLUB ID LID MILITARY A S V R E H B IT M W E S M R E O MB EE T IVILEGES -OFVRER FOR OUR SERVICEME R P S IT S A H IP NO C MEMBERSH TELL ’T N O AY 28 D , K S A DON’T SATURDAY, M

IDHET PR NIG

R A E W Pride h R a t E U r D fo y t N r a U Kick-off p how all your pride s Come

JUNE 2–5

S E I T R A P PRIDE EEKEND ALL W

ke trax ta & e r e h k r a p to We welcome you tivities to the Pride fes season of w e n e h t h c t a w Come

GLEpEm

Tuesdays at 7

bar, After the c ues the party aotntin next door offtraxslc.com • s 0 0 9 w 259

AFTS SDAYS $1 DR E U T ▼ S IE N E TOY, $1 DRAFTS DAYS WE Y N O O B J M D ▼ S S Y Q A B B ID E • $1 DRAFTS, KARAOKE ▼ FR K S O Y A A R A D K S R S U Y H A T SUND OL TOURNEY ▼ OPEN DAILY AT 2PM O P S Y A D S E N ALL NIGHT E C N ▼ WED A -D E C N 251 W 900 S ▼ 801-364-3203 A BAR S DANCE-D E Y A TH T D U R O U H T G A U S ▼ 1/2 BLOCK FROM 9th S TRAX STATION NS THRO ON SHY? TEXT HIM

OUR SCREE

WWW.CLUBTRY-ANGLES.COM

M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 4 1

Q doku

Each Sudoku a unique which one can be logically blank puzzle spaces.has Every row solution must contain of reached each digit, as must withouteach guessing.

Enter digits 9 intoQdoku the blank spaces. Every column and each1 through 3x3 square. is actually five row must contain one of each digit, as must each column and each 3x3 square. but separate, connected, puzzles.

Qdoku separate, is actually five butSudoku connected, Sudoku puzzles.

Q doku

Level: Hard

Level: Medium

3 6 7 4 5 3 8 1 7 5 6 2 7 4 1 4 2 8 1 6 1 6 9 2 5 3 1 6 5 5 5

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3 7 5 4 3 8 5 4 6 2 9 4 5 8 7 5 1 9 6 2 3 5 4

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Cryptogram Anagram LOCK IN YOUR PRICE FOR ONE YEAR!

NO Eq St to B uip ar m t- uy! en Up t Co st s!

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NOW GET ACCESS TO OVER

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LIMITED TIME ONLY

29

99^ mo.

By Ed Sikov

S

INCE WE CLOSED THE BEACH house in late October, 310,692 Americans died of heart disease or coronaries; 9,992 people were murdered; 17,962 people killed themselves — 9,679 used guns, 4,272 chose hanging or other forms of suffocation, 3,810 poisoned themselves (Drano, Clorox, Taco Bell). And 851 left the planet by way of a miscellany of theatrical means, ranging from the operatic (stabbing, drowning) to such spectacle-oriented last scenes as hurling themselves off skyscrapers and, my personal favorite — it really makes a bold statement — setting themselves on fire. In short, it was time to open up the house in Fire Island Pines.

Why so morbid? Like much of the country, Dan and I barely survived a truly rough winter in New York City. The temperature was beyond bitter (at least for us) that the city’s indigenous Common Grumpy (grumpus vulgarus) morphed into the mutant Ticking Time Bomb (explosivus imminentus). We all waited for the Post headline: “Massapequa Music Teacher Kills 7 at ‘Addams Family’ Matinee.”

It stopped being funny in February, when two friends died. They were, like me, in their 50s. The first to make his off-cue exit was my high school pal from back home in western Pennsylvania.

We’d both wanted to become writers; one did, the other stayed in Natrona Heights. The second was my first serious boyfriend, the endlessly recovering substance user. They each ended up alone on the floors of their apartments. I had to get to the beach fast or I’d go insane.

I made my suitcase-laden way alone in a freezing rain to the Pines. Dan refused to join me, using terms like “crazy” and “self-destruc-

tive mourning” to describe my desperate journey of solitude, grief and (I hoped) renewal on such a crummy weekend. The weather was no big deal. I built a fire, made a vast amount of absurdly spicy chili and developed a new cocktail in beautiful seclusion.

Housemate Frankie, the speed-talking restaurant manager, told me that herbal simple syrups were all the rage among Manhattan bartenders.

So I adapted the traditional time-wasting (notso-) simple syrup to my own move-fast, drink-faster pace: the Really Simple Syrup with Lavender. Here’s the result — a cousin of the Aviation.

It’s tasteful and refined, something the Gillian Girl would order at an exclusive club in Beverly Hills. In memory of my Valley of the Dolls–loving Michael, it’s called the Anne Welles.

Massapequa Music Teacher Kills 7 at ‘Addams Family’ Matinee

The Anne Welles ½ cup of Absolut (with two dead friends you get the Big Gulp) 1 teaspoon lemon juice 2 teaspoon Creme de Violette 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon Really Simple Lavender Syrup — in other words, to taste.* Chill a martini glass. Put all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and chill in the freezer for five or 10 minutes. Add a few ice cubes to the shaker and shake hard. As with the Aviation, strain into the frosty glass and hope that a few shards of ice rise to the top. Admire the color; serve. *Lavender Syrup: Brew two-thirds cup of strong lavender tea. (OK, you may not find lavender blossoms at Piggly Wiggly. You may have to go to a New Age store. Try not to throw up.)

Strain out the blossoms, and pour the tea into a jar; add two-thirds cup sugar. Put the lid on and shake until the sugar dissolves. Store in the refrigerator. Q

FOR 12 MONTHS

Ask how.

After rebate

Prices higher and terms & conditions vary in select markets, also dependent on the package selected. All offers require 2 year agreement.° Package pricing may vary in certain markets. Offer ends 7/20/11. Credit card required (except in MA & PA). New approved customers only (lease required). $19.95 Handling & Delivery fee may apply. Applicable use tax adjustment may apply on the retail value of the installation.

Switch in minutes! 1-888-852-0026 °2-YR. LEASE AGREEMENT: EARLY CANCELLATION WILL RESULT IN A FEE OF $20/MONTH FOR EACH REMAINING MONTH. Must maintain 24 consecutive months of your DIRECTV programming package. DVR Service $7/mo. required for DVR and HD DVR lease. HD Access fee $10/mo. required for HD Receiver and HD DVR. No lease fee for only 1 receiver. Lease fee for first 2 receivers $6/mo.; additional receiver leases $6/mo. ea. NON-ACTIVATION CHARGE OF $150 PER RECEIVER MAY APPLY. ALL EQUIPMENT IS LEASED AND MUST BE RETURNED TO DIRECTV UPON CANCELLATION, OR UNRETURNED EQUIPMENT FEES APPLY. VISIT directv.com OR CALL 1-800-DIRECTV FOR DETAILS. Advanced receiver instant rebate requires activation of the CHOICE XTRA Package or above; MÁS ULTRA or above (for DVR Receiver, OPTIMO MÁS Package or above); Jadeworld; or any qualifying international service bundle, which shall include the PREFERRED CHOICE programming package (valued at $38.99/mo.). Second advanced receiver offer requires activation of an HD DVR as the first free receiver upgrade and subscription to Whole-Home DVR Service ($3/mo.). Additional advanced receiver upgrades available for a charge. INSTALLATION: Standard professional installation only. Custom installation extra. ^BILL CREDIT/PROGRAMMING OFFER: IF BY THE END OF PROMOTIONAL PRICE PERIOD(S) CUSTOMER DOES NOT CONTACT DIRECTV TO CHANGE SERVICE THEN ALL SERVICES WILL AUTOMATICALLY CONTINUE AT THE THEN-PREVAILING RATES. LIMIT ONE PROGRAMMING OFFER PER ACCOUNT. Account must be in “good standing” as determined by DIRECTV in its sole discretion to remain eligible for all offers. In certain markets, programming/pricing may vary. *Eligibility for local channels based on service address. Not all networks available in all markets. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions subject to change at any time. Pricing residential. Taxes not included. Receipt of DIRECTV programming subject to DIRECTV Customer Agreement; copy provided at directv.com/legal and in first bill. ©2011 DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo, CHOICE and CHOICE XTRA are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

42 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 180 | M ay 12, 2011

cocktail cha er To everything there is a cocktail

2

NO

$

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT BODY&FITNESS

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.

Cryptogram

This week’s hint: E = Y, Theme: Quote by Cathy Renna of Renna Communications about same-sex couples featured in the new J. Crew catalog.

AV’G ZTPRV VN GPP R XAWPTGAVD NH AURZPG REX VN GPP ZRD HRUACAPG TPLTPGPEVPX AE UNTP TPZKCRT UPXAR. __’_ _____ __ ___ _ _________ __ ______ ___ __ ___ ___ ________ ___________ __ ____ _______ _____.

T

she culture A collaboration of fashion

By Annalisa Millo

HE NIGHT OF THE FARASHA and Ballet West fashion show was unlike anything I’ve seen put together in Utah. Located in an aircraft hangar, the event was something accomplished by a collaboration of several local businesses. As for the people involved — only the best in their industries. The joining forces included Farasha Boutique, Ballet West, Landis Salons, Million Air, Audi, Porsche Design and many more. It was an occasion so outstanding and flawless that only the cooperation of so many creative minds could achieve it.

The theme of the evening was the concept of Farasha’s owner – Vanessa Di Palma Wright. She introduced her “Jet Set Collection,” using the lovely dancers of Ballet West as the runway models, a clever accent to contrast the norm of the ordinary fashion show.

Consisting entirely of a volunteer staff, the planning and preparation for an event of this magnitude usually take anywhere from six months to a year.

Di Palma Wright gathered the collection from designers around the world, and Heidi Gress and Eddie Collins put together and organized the event without a hitch. The tickets sold out to 300 guests who participated in the silent auction, proceeds of which benefited Ballet West.

Di Palma Wright travels internationally, selects the designers and collects the clothes for Farasha, which is based out of Park City and, interestingly enough, does not have a storefront.

Rather, they assemble and erect “pop-up boutiques” throughout the country.

I had a moment to speak with Di Palma Wright to describe her business: “Basically what Farasha does, is we are an incubator for emerging designers from around the world. Obviously that includes domestic and local Utah designers.

We thrive on the fact that we don’t have a storefront — we do temporary pop-up boutiques all over the U.S. So we’ve done New York, we’ve done Park City for the Sundance Film Festival, Sun Valley, Idaho during the holidays, California, Seattle and Portland, so we just move around.

We’re based out of Park City, Utah, and we have a website, FarashaStyle.com, so the idea is that we get people excited about the emerging designers that we represent at the pop-ups, and then we hope to create a following online, so that when we’re moving around we’ll grow our clientele that way ... Farasha is all about collaborations, and I think this [event] is the epitome of PHOTOS BY ANNALISA MILLO

collaboration, it all comes together because of all the people behind this.”

Behind the scenes of the show was an event in itself. With models and stylists scurrying about, the energy behind the stage was booming with excitement and anticipation.

Behind the pristine, white curtain, Nikki Breedlove was the lead on the creative team on behalf of Landis Salons. A cheerful bundle of energy, we discussed her role in the event.

It was their third year doing this show with Ballet West; however, it was the first year that they had used the ballet dancers in the place of professional models.

Of which she noted, “This year we are actually working with ballerinas, who are not only stunning, but they walk a runway better than any model I have ever seen!”

She described the preparation involved in this type of project. There was one night where they all came together creatively as equals to work out the final details of the presentation of the hair and makeup, to ensure that the models looked great up close, from afar on stage and after having tried on several outfits.

“It came down to a sleek, smooth look, and I was happy about that. We played around with big beehives, and volume, volume, volume to look like ratty, ratty, ratty. So we had sort of a sweat-back look.”

When asked about the future for Landis and fundraising events she responded, “We are going to be part of the HRC this year. My wife, Sarah Viola is the third chair in the event, so we got Landis to do a whole table that they will be sponsoring… Usually if it’s the right cause, Richard Surber (owner and operator of Landis) is willing to work with them.”

All in all, being in a building full of beautiful people and creative geniuses was a thrill like none other.

The fashion was outstanding; the hair and makeup was inspiring; the music, lighting and stage design was perfect. It was yet another reason and reminder to support local businesses, as well as cultural and creative industries as a whole.

The cause for the fundraiser was honorable, the event was one to remember, and the months of preparation for it was, without question, worth the impressive outcome.

Special thanks to backstage manager, Heidi Gress. Congratulations and best of luck to Farasha, Ballet West, and Landis. Q

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M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 43

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ARIES (March 20–April 19) You can’t get anywhere by standing firm where you are, but there’s something to be said for stopping and taking stock of your experience, your values and your direction. Take a break to discuss all that with your partner or a trusted friend.

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TAURUS (April 20–May 20) You shouldn’t have to defend your ideas, but you may need to clarify them. Mundane tasks and working out can put you in a meditative state where those thoughts come together and find easier expression.

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VIRGO (August 23–September 22) Treat any arguments, or new philosophical or religious ideas, as a game or a creative challenge. Having fun with new ideas will expand your sense of self and stimulate a clearer view of your goals.

LIBRA (September 23–October 22) The only way you could be sexier is if you could shake that foreboding sense that your erotic charisma will cost you somehow. Use that power for good and you’ll instantly pay off that imagined debt.

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SCORPIO (October 23–Nov. 21) Your intensity, drive and persuasion can come off as strong leadership qualities or control issues. Keep your ego out of the way and focus on the tasks at hand.

Insisting that others help pushes them away.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22–Dec. 20) You have to value your work if you expect others to. Your friends can help boost your confidence. Taking a long view can also help. Getting discouraged and screwing off is a spiral to defeat.

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GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Acting shy and quiet, or hiding out in a retreat, will enhance your sexual charisma. It sounds counterproductive, but you could sublimate that energy into something creatively brilliant–or invite someone to join you in sweet seclusion.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Bring friends and your partner together for some fun. Even a game of cards or a movie could start discussions that will open up great creative insights for you.

Secrets may slip out too easily, but even that can lead to helpful perspectives.

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LEO (July 23–August 22) Your success depends on the quality of your work and your commitment to it, both of which are clear to see and perhaps subject to debate. Blowing your own horn requires harmony. Don’t push or hold back, but work your charm!

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 21–January 19) You are born with a strong sense of propriety much needed now as you enjoy a wild and nasty streak that could channel creative brilliance. Sublimate at work, but let it loose in the right time and place.

AQUARIUS (January 20–Feb. 18) There’s no place like home, but you may wonder where the hell “home” really is. Meditate on what you want to accomplish in your life and then reach down to find the roots to nurture that.

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M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 45

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sludge funneling down into my buttcrack.

And because I abhor chest hair, especially when it peeks out over the collar of my shirt, I’ve been shaving my chest since I was 16, and now because of that my chest skin looks like a plucked chicken. I’ve also had a recurring duel with acne, since puberty through to this day, that requires a medicine cabinet-full of weaponary including overly priced hypoallergenic, fragrance-free creams and cleansers. Not to mention the foods that I’m forced to pass by in a grocery store without a second glance: olives, pickles, potato chips, bacon, nuts, soda and dairy products (including soy-based). I’m forced to buy fragrance-free laundry detergent and water-softening agents, and forced to cover my face with a veil when I go out on sunny days ... OK, that’s an exaggeration. Yet, needless to say, grocery shopping is a constant reminder of my many, many physical faults.

That is, until recently.

The other day, while waist-deep, in a grocery-store shelf unburying the last bottle of soap-free, dye-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic Aveeno body wash, a masculine voice hinted with playfulness asked, “Are you OK down there?”

The sheer beauty in the connotation made my body jerk upright, the top of my head slamming against the shelf above and disrupting rows and rows of skincare products.

Rubbing the top of my head, and flushed with embarrassment, I emerged with bottle inhand. “Uumm, yes, I’m all right. Just on a little fishing expedition.” I waved the bottle in my hand like it was a trophy.

The man behind the playful, masculine voice was stunning. A couple inches taller than I, hazel-burnt eyes, robust lips and the smoothest facial skin I had ever encountered. My mind immediately flashed to me licking his face ... it was startling.

“Are you sure you’re OK,” he asked again, “you look like you’ve just been slapped?”

“Uh, I’m sorry ... this situation is making me feel a little ridiculous.”

“It shouldn’t.” He consoled with such expertise that I want to nestle my head in the crook of his neck.

That’s when I noticed a nest of blond chest hair poking out from under is collar. And that’s when I realized, to my dismay, that I found it sexy on him.

“I like a guy who’d go to any length to get what he wants,” he said with a brilliant smile.

I suddenly found myself wanting to lick the whitest set of teeth on earth.

The rush of emotions stammered me. Shit Tommy, you’re not a labrador, I scolded myself.

“Uh, thanks. I better be going.” I dropped the body wash in the cart and pushed off.

“Hold on a second,” he demanded in an easily succumbing tone.

I abruptly stopped, turned to him and lied, “Look, I don’t think this is such a good idea.”

“Well, if you’re referring to you buying my groceries, I would have to agree.” He smiled at

my confused expression. “You’re taking off with my cart.”

With what little dignity I had left to muster up, I turned his cart around, gave him a weak smile and apologized.

“I couldn’t help but notice that we buy a lot of similar things,” he said, trying to keep up the conversation.

“Well, that’s probably why I thought your basket was mine,” I replied.

“Sure, probably.”

The disagreement in his voice made me crack a smile.

“Wow, you have an incredible smile.”

Oh gag! “Thanks.”

“Sure, but it didn’t really deserve gratitude, I was plainly stating a fact.”

I felt my knees give out a little, then an unusually pleasant moment passed between us.

“My name’s Charlie,” he finally introduced, offering a hand.

“Tommy,” I returned, the touch of his hand as soft as his face.

After some charismatic goading, I finally accepted a date for later that evening. He picked me up at my loft in a silver Acura, an older model, but obviously well-maintained. He suggested going for ice cream.

“I really shouldn’t have anything with dairy,” I said.

“Oh, you’re allergic,” he stated matter-offactly.

“Well, it tends to make me break out,” I replied, shocked at how comfortable I felt admitting it.

“Really, that’s so weird.”

“How so?”

“I have a long list of things that make me break out,” he said. “Things I try really hard to stay away from, including dairy.”

“Then why suggest ice cream?”

“I think it’s a great first-date thing to do and it’s worth taking the hit for you.”

Is this guy for real ... I sure as hell hope so.

“But your skin is so clear and smooth and young looking.”

He gave me a quizzical look and said, “You sounded astonished just now when you said young looking,” he said. “How old do you think I am?”

I felt the comfort level start to drop.

“Oh, I don’t know ... I guess I’m just assuming you’re around my age.”

“Well, how old are you?”

“I’m forty-one,” I replied.

“I’m twenty-eight.”

“Oh jesus ...”

“What? I’m attracted to older men.”

“But I’m thirteen years older, that’s a pretty big range.”

“Age doesn’t matter to me, it’s only skin deep. I see much more than age in you, things that I have a feeling I will really like.”

Oh boy, this guy is as smooth as his skin.

I have a feeling I’m going to get myself into trouble. Q

Q

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M ay 12, 2011 | issue 180 | QSa lt L a k e | 47