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salt lake March 1, 2012 Issue 201
Spring Arts Preview
Utah Gay & Lesbian UofU Forms Gay Sister Dottie’s Oscar Night Business Expo Alumni Assn. Standing Ovulation Photos
UTAH GAY & LESBIAN Formerly the Q Business Alliance
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michael Aaron
PRESIDENT OWNER, QSALTLAKE
Michael Sanders
VICE PRESIDENT OWNER, NOW & AGAIN
THIS WEEKEND!
Leesa Myers
SECRETARY OWNER, INSPIRATION STATION
Get your free ticket at UtahGayChamber.org
Sasha Polak
TREASURER OWNER, PUMPS AND PANTS
FRIDAY, MARCH 2 FIRST FRIDAY SOCIAL 5:30–8pm
Eric Morley
CHAIR, QSERVE COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE MANAGER, AMERICAN EXPRESS
Christine Cardamon
SPECIALIST INSPHERE INSURANCE SOLUTIONS
Brad Case
OWNER COMETZ SERVICES
Derrek Davis
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT ZIONS BANK
Kelly Lake
OWNER LE CROISSANT
Susan Passino
OWNER 31 FUN BAGS
1055 E 2100 S Ste 206 Salt Lake City UT 84106 UtahGayChamber.org
Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6:30pm
March 2–3 Zions Bank Tower Founders Rm
18th Floor One South Main Street
SATURDAY, MARCH 3
Morning Social catered by Brown Brothers, 10am Keynote Speech by Babs De Lay, 11am
EXPO Noon–4pm
Social Media Breakout, 11:30 Nonprofits & Business, 12:30 Understanding the Gay Market, 1:30 Social Media Breakout, 2:30
Catering
EVENT CATERING BY
BROWN
BROTHERS
The Utah Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce presents this expo and open house for you to showcase your products and services to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and ally business owners. Open to the public, this expo will help participants stay on the competitive edge with networking, idea sharing, product introduction and service solutions attracting executives at every level. SPONSORED BY
MORE POTENT THAN LOVE POTION NO. 9 THE ELIXIR OF LOVE March 10 –18, 2012 | capitol theatre A “magic” love potion leads to some hilarious action in Donizetti’s delightful comic confection.
FOR TICKETS, CALL 801-355-ARTS (2787) OR VISIT UTAHOPERA.ORG
4 NATIONAL NEWS
March 1, 2012
Federal judge rules DOMA unconstitutional A U.S. district judge in California ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional and said the government should ignore the law. In the Feb. 22 ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Jeffery White also ordered that health benefits be provided to the wife of a lesbian federal court employee. White’s ruling was the first since the Obama administration announced last year it would stop defending the law it considers discriminatory and unconstitutional. The decision followed a 2010 ruling by a Massachusetts judge who also deemed DOMA unconstitutional. That ruling is now on appeal in the U.S. 1st Circuit Court of Appeals. The recent ruling is expected to add momentum to an already moving case that is seeking to strike down the statute as discriminatory on the basis of sexual orientation. The decision was also a large setback for the conservative and so-called Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group, a U.S. House of Representatives panel that is defending DOMA since the Obama administration dropped its defense. White ordered the federal Office of Personnel Management to enroll the wife of Karen Golinski, a court employee, in the health-benefits program. DOMA prohibits the extension of federal benefits to samesex couples and Golinski’s wife, Amy Cunninghis, has been denied coverage since the couple married in 2008. “The court finds that DOMA, as applied to Ms. Golinski, violates her right to equal
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protection of the law ... without substantial justification or rational basis,” wrote White, who was appointed 10 years ago by former president George W. Bush. During the December hearings, lawyers defending the anti-gay law argued that it was enacted to protect traditional marriage and said there is some fluidity in the sexual orientation spectrum so being gay was not, “a defining and immutable characteristic.” However, White disagreed with that assertion and said “tradition alone” does not justify legislation that specifically targets and harms a minority group. “The imposition of subjective moral beliefs of a majority upon a minority cannot
provide a justification for the legislation. The obligation of the court is ‘to define the liberty of all, not to mandate our own moral code,’” White wrote in his ruling. Lambda Legal, a gay rights group, applauded the ruling and staff attorney Tara Borelli said it was the end of DOMA. “The Court recognized the clear fact that a law that denies one class of individuals the rights and benefits available to all others because of their sexual orientation violates the constitutional guarantee of equality embodied in the Fifth Amendment,” Borelli said. “The Court agreed with us that sexual orientation discrimination by the government should receive heightened scrutiny under the constitution. It then concluded that DOMA could not meet that standard, and that there was not even a rational justification to deny Karen Golinski the same spousal health-care benefits that her heterosexual co-workers receive.”
Prop. 8 backers ask for full review by appeals court Supporters of California’s ban on gay marriage asked a federal appeals court to reconsider a Feb. 7 ruling against Proposition 8. The backers of the ban argued that California voters did not show disapproval of gay people, but wanted to keep marriage between one man and one woman. ProtectMarriage argued, “That the traditional definition of marriage confers a symbolic benefit on committed oppositesex couples does not ‘dishonor’ gays and lesbians as a class or express official disapproval of them and their relationships.” Contact emails: general: info@qsaltlake.com editorial: editor@qsaltlake.com sales: sales@qsaltlake.com QSaltLake is a trademark of Salt Lick Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2011, Salt Lick Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted or reproduced without written permission from the publisher. 10,000 copies of QSaltLake are distributed free of charge at over 300 locations across Utah. 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. on recycled paper. Please recycle this copy when you are through with it. Check us out online at: QSALTLAKE.COM | facebook.com/qsaltlake TWITTER @QSALTLAKE GAYSALTLAKE.com | PINQPAGES.COM
The group sponsored the 2008 ballot measure that reinstated a marriage ban. “It is simply not true that when the government provides special recognition to one class of individuals, it demeans others.” ProtectMarriage asked the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to grant a full reconsideration by a panel that would include Chief Judge Alex Kozinski and 10 other judges chosen randomly. This review, which is granted in a small amount of cases, requires the support of a majority of the court’s 24 judges. Most of the judges were appointed by Democratic presidents. ProtectMarriage contended that the panel’s 2–1 ruling upholding the strike down of Prop. 8 misinterpreted a U.S. Supreme Court precedent and wrongly said it stigmatized gays and lesbians. “It is simply not stigmatic for the law to treat different things differently ... or to call different things by different names,” the group argued. It is still unclear as to whether or not the full court will accept the appeal and the decision delays the perceived inevitable eventuality of the case being reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court. ProtectMarriage has nothing to lose and even if the court agrees to hear the case, the ruling could still be appealed to the Supreme Court. While all the bureaucratic debate and votes occur, the stay on gay marriage will remain, which means gays and lesbians still will not be allowed to be married in California. The full court is expected to announce whether or not it will hear the decision in the coming weeks. The panel ruling followed a 1996 U.S. Supreme Court ruling which said rights cannot be taken away from a minority group without a legitimate reason.
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Quips & Quotes ❝❝The gay legal establishment
is desperately trying to keep the Supreme Court from reviewing their work. Why? Because they don’t really think they can win. There is no federal Constitutional right to gay marriage. Gay people in the United States are hardly a powerless minority in need of the extraordinary special protections the Court developed, under the authority of the 14th Amendment, to prevent racial discrimination.” —NOM president Brian Brown
❝❝Many parents are abandoning the Girl Scouts because they promote homosexual lifestyles. In fact, the Girl Scouts education seminar girls are directed to study the example of role models. Of the fifty role models listed, only three have a brieflymentioned religious background – all the rest are feminists, lesbians or Communists.”
—Ind. Rep. Bob Morris
❝❝I use it as my opportunity
to give them a lesson about marriage inequality in this state because I feel like I have to tell them why I’m turning them away. So I usually will offer them something along the lines of ‘I’m sorry. I don’t perform marriage ceremonies because we are in a state that does not have marriage equality, and until it does, I am not going to partially apply the law to one group of people that doesn’t apply to another group of people.’ And it’s kind of oxymoronic for me to perform ceremonies that can’t be performed for me, so I’m not going to do it.” —Dallas County Judge Tonya Parker
❝❝I saw with so many of the gay couples, they were so devoted to another. I saw so much love. When this hearing was over, I was a changed person in regard to this issue. I felt that I understood what same sex couples were looking for.”
—Md. Republican Wade Kach who voted to pass a marriage-equality bill
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NEWS
Marriage-equality votes likely in 3 states By Seth Bracken
The Maryland Legislature passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage on Feb. 23, and Gov. Martin O’Malley will sign it on March 1. This will make Maryland the eighth state in the union to legalize gay marriage, although a referendum battle is likely. “I know today we are going to make history because we are going to take another important step toward embracing every family in the state of Maryland,” Sen. Richard Madaleno, who is gay, said. Now that the bill has cleared the Legislature, opponents are free to gather the 55,736 signatures, 3 percent of the votes cast at the last gubernatorial election, needed for a referendum. Conservative and church groups said they will lead the fight against the marriage-equality bill and gather the signatures before the May 1 deadline. The victory for gay marriage in Maryland comes shortly after Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire signed a similar bill. However, opponents are gathering signatures to put it on the ballot there too. The debate over the bill became very personal for the sponsor, Rep. Jamie Pedersen, a gay father of four, who said the state’s domestic partnerships fall short. “I would like our four children to understand that their daddy and their papa have made that lifelong commitment to each other,” he said. “Thousands of same-sex couples in our state deserve the respect and protection from our government that only marriage can convey.” In the past, gay marriage laws that are taken to public vote have been voted down. In 2009, Maine voters rejected a marriageequality law by a slim margin and constitutional amendments defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman passed in Arizona and California in 2008. However, Maine is reconsidering the
question and gay marriage will once again be voted on this November. Gay-rights groups gathered more than 100,000 signatures to put the question on the ballot again this year. “Same-sex couples want to marry for the same reasons other couples want to marry: because they love each other and want to spend their lives together,” Betsy Smith, Equality Maine’s executive director, said in a statement. “There’s no question that momentum is growing for same-sex marriage in Maine.” In 2009, voters rejected a gay marriage bill with a 53-47 percent vote. Recent polls show marriage equality gaining popularity, but the issue is still divisive and likely to be a close race. With Maryland, Maine and Washington facing likely ballot battles concerning gay marriage, proponents are celebrating the steps forward and pointing to a growing number of polls indicating a majority support for marriage equality nationwide. A CBS News/New York Times nationwide poll conducted in February showed 40 percent of respondents supported gay marriages, 23 percent supported civil unions and 31 percent rejected both measures. Along with the three state ballots, the National Organization for Marriage has promised to help fund the fight to keep California’s ban on gay marriage. After Proposition 8 was struck down both in the federal court and a federal appeals court, NOM is pledging to raise funds for the individual state races and the court battles. “Legislators who vote to redefine marriage will be held accountable to their constituents,” NOM president, Brian Brown said in a press release. “Those Republicans in the Assembly who abandoned principle and traded their votes will be held to account. Upwards of 80 percent of Republican voters oppose same-sex marriage.
Democrats, too, will have to answer to their constituents, including the upwards of 70 percent of African Americans who oppose redefining marriage.” However, NOM has also promised to fight to have New York state lawmakers removed from office after it became the sixth, and most populous, state to legalize same-sex marriage. With conservative groups, such as NOM, spreading their resources across
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several states, many gay-rights groups are predicting a large victory in all three ballot initiatives. “There remains a lot of work between now and November to make marriage equality a reality in Maryland,” said Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese. “Along with coalition partners, we look forward to educating and engaging voters about what this bill does: It strengthens all Maryland families and protects religious liberty.”
NJ Gov. Christie vetoes marriage-equality bill New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a bill legalizing marriage equality in the Garden State just one day after it cleared the Legislature. The Republican governor returned the bill to the lawmakers, adding he wants voters to decide on the issue. Legislators have until January 2014 to come up with enough votes to override his veto. A twothirds vote in both chambers is required to override the N.J. Gov. Chris Christie veto and can be attempted as many times as necessary. The House would need 13 more votes and the Senate just three. A representative from Garden State Equality called Christie’s move political pandering and said he believes that the governor is more concerned about reelection and the most conservative members of his party than he is about equality. “The governor keeps calling for a referendum, which everyone knows will never happen in New Jersey. To borrow the gov-
ernor’s words, it’s time for him to stop engaging in political theater,” said Steven Goldstein in a statement. “Our lives are not La Cage Aux Folles: LGBT people fall in love, raise families, often children whom the rest of society shuns, and pay taxes in what is still one of the most heavily taxed states in the country. Our governor knows our contributions to society. He won’t veto the bill because he’s anti-gay. He’ll veto the bill because the 2016 South Carolina Republican Presidential primary electorate is anti-gay.” Democrats who have pushed for the bill to pass said they are disappointed but not surprised by the governor’s action. Christie argued that lawmakers are attempting to do what the people of New Jersey need to do in legalizing gay unions. “I am adhering to what I’ve said since this bill was first introduced — an issue of this magnitude and importance, which requires a constitutional amendment, should be left to the people of New Jersey to decide,” Christie said in a statement. “I continue to encourage the Legislature to trust the people of New Jersey and seek their input by allowing our citizens to vote on a question that represents a profoundly significant societal change. This is the only path to amend our State Constitution and the best way to resolve the issue of samesex marriage in our state.”
Landis Salon is proud to recognize Alaina Edginton for 5 years of exceptional service. Alaina specializes in hair cutting, hair extensions and has many other talents. She has an infectious laugh and a beautiful 5 year old son. Thank You Alaina.
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AlAinA Edginton 12/22/11 11:10:56 AM
6 LOCAL NEWS
March 1, 2012
Utah lawmakers seek control over traditional marriage, divorce By Seth Bracken
While most talk concerning the so-called sanctity of marriage invloves preventing gays from saying “I do,” this year, the Utah Legislature is attempting to exercise control over opposite-gender unions. One bill, HB132, sponsored by Rep. Dixon Pitcher, R-Ogden, will provide incentives for engaged couples to invest in “premarital education.” If couples take the course, the marriage license fee is reduced from $50 to $20. The six-hour class can be provided in a religious setting, meaning members of the Mormon faith may use counseling sessions with bishops and other untrained clergy toward the discount. The bill also creates a three-day waiting period to prevent socalled hasty weddings. Another bill, HB290, sponsored by Rep. Jim Nielson, R-Bountiful, revises Utah’s divorce-orientation law that requires separating parents to take a class on the effects of divorce and which offers resources for repairing relationships. Under the proposed law, the course must be completed before filing for divorce. The mandate is waived for those who have experienced an abusive relationship. The bill tries to move the education about divorce to the begin-
ning of the process, in an attempt to stop divorces from happening. The course will cost the taxpayers approximately $140,000 per year, according to the budget analysis submitted with the bill. HB290 moved out of the House Health and Human Services committee with a 6–3 vote. “Some will say that the government has no roll in taking action,” Nielson said. “I propose that society does have a stake in the family ... I state without equivocation that we have an interest as a society in inciting and encouraging people to think carefully and be well-informed in a way that’s effective before making a decision that impacts themselves and their children.” Governments must recognize the family unit in the same way that they must recognize civil rights, he added. Calling marriage an institution ordained by God, Nielson said governments must encourage married couples to stay together. Critics of the bill voiced concerns about victims of domestic abuse and their reluctance to take a course. “When an individual is in an abusive re-
lationship and has decided to end a marriage, that is a significant choice and step,” said Ned Searle of the Utah Domestic Violence Council. Incidents of violence and even murder are much more likely to occur when a partner is attempting to leave the relationship, he said. Also, because the decision to leave is already difficult enough in many cases, adding another hurdle, such as applying for a waiver from the class, can be potentially dangerous. Eric Johnson, a divorce and family lawyer, pointed out the difficult bureaucracy involved in the course, where the filer must take the course first and the other partner must take it later. “It is patronizing to tell mature adults that they need to be educated about how difficult divorce is and how it impacts families,” Johnson said. The premarital counseling measure cleared the House Workforce Services and Community and Economic Development Committee with a 4-2 vote. The bill is designed to encourage fidelity within marriage and promote the idea that traditional families are essential to the government, Pitcher said. “When you buy something you get an owner’s manual. But when you get married you don’t get a warranty with that marriage,” Pitcher said. “This is a catch area to keep a marriage together.” Q
Party caucuses help Utahns get involved By Seth Bracken
With national races making headlines, the local political arena is often brushed under the rug. But races for city council seats, mayors and state representatives are some of the most important ways to be involved, said Salt Lake County Democrat chairwoman Mary Bishop. The local races often affect the most basic day-to-day operations of Utahns and voicing an opinion in the caucuses is one of the most effective ways of letting elected representatives know which issues are most important, she said. A caucus is a gathering of members of each political party. Held annually, party issues are discussed and candidates for election are chosen. The neighborhood caucuses are divided by legislative districts and for information about how to find which district and caucus to attend, visit the county party’s website. At the neighborhood caucuses, which will be held on March 13 for Democrats and March 15 for Republicans, party members are welcome to attend and voice opinions. Delegates will be selected at the meetings who then will attend the state party convention in the spring to select representation by both parties in state and national races. There is an inherit danger within the
system because those that are most politically active and the most extreme ideologues can take over the party, Bishop said. “We’ve seen it with the ousting of former Gov. Olene Walker and Sen. Bob Bennett on the Republican side. The extreme Republicans who don’t represent the state’s views attend the meetings and really take over,” she said. The best way for the caucus system to function well and represent the majority of Utahns is through large participation, she said. “It’s really a great way to get involved and see politics at its very grassroots level,” Bishop said. “You’ll meet candidates for races and have the chance to voice your concerns. You can let them know what is most important to you and tell them what issues you want them to work on if elected.” Despite a highly contentious redistricting effort that was spearheaded by Republicans in the Legislature, the Democrats are very optimistic and see various races where they can win, and win big. One of the biggest races to watch is the Salt Lake County mayoral race, Bishop said. Current Mayor Peter Corroon, a Democrat, is not seeking reelection and two Democrats, Sens. Ben McAdams and Ross
Romero, are seeking their party’s nomination to face-off against the Republican candidate. Currently West Valley City Mayor Mike Winder, County Councilman Richard Snelgrove, former County Councilman Mark Crockett and County Recorder Gary Ott have all announced their candidacy for Salt Lake County mayor. “Both our Democratic candidates, whoever ends up being nominated, offer so much more than any candidate the Republicans can nominate,” Bishop said. “We’re going to keep that seat and we’ll be gaining ground in the Utah Legislature, especially the House.” The Democratic Party is energized and looking forward to wins in areas such as the 2nd District House race with Jim Matheson, Bishop said. “This is Matheson’s first time in this district and we think we can really make an impact in the area. We’re going to make some serious ground this November,” Bishop said. “But it starts in March and everyone really needs to participate. Get out to your caucus, Democrat or Republican, and let them know what issues are important to you.” Q For more information, go to slcountydems. com and slcogop.com.
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Qmmunity Art & Soup The Celebration of Art & Soup is Salt Lake City’s world-class fundraising event for Community Nursing Services Home Health and Hospice. This unique two-day event shares some creative artwork by Utah’s finest artists, along with soup samplings and desserts from several restaurants. The admission, art exhibit, auction and sale support CNS’s charitable care program. WHEN: March 14–15, 11 am–2 pm, 5–9 pm WHERE: Sheraton Hotel, 150 W. 500 South COST: $15
The U sexua along launc tion. the n atten for st socia Marti Ag Pride Softball League the ce registration name Pride Softball League will hold four days allied of registration for the upcoming season and p that runs, tentatively, from April to August. the as Teams are allowed up to 20 players, and Gab must consist of both sexes. Team registra- initia tion fees are $250 and $25 per player. forma WHEN: March 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 6 p.m. daunt WHERE: Club Try-Angles, 251 W. 900 South a form INFO: prideleague.com on th those Weber Co. Democrats “W Sawbuck Dinner involv that w Join the Weber County Democrats at the annual Sawbuck Dinner and silent auction. who h Lupto People from around the state are invited classe to attend along with Democratic gubernagree, torial candidate Peter Cooke and Lauren The Littlefield, the executive director of the Salt Lake County Democrats. WHEN: March 23, 6 p.m. WHERE: The Timbermine Restaurant, 1701 Park Blvd., Ogden COST: $50 INFO: weberdemocrats.org
Festival of Colors
Utah South Holi is the Festival of Colors, a traditional and Indian holiday celebrated in an innovative fashion. During Holi 2011, more than 50,000 aroun rican revelers flooded the temple and grounds input for two days of brightly colored powder, mantra, music and a bit of “holi” mayhem. needs site to Admission price will be collected to help servic rebuild orphanages in Northern India. throu WHEN: March 24–25, 9 a.m. Uta WHERE: Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, 8628 statew S. State Rd., Spanish Fork Pride ADMISSION: $2 progr INFO: utahkrishnas.com “Lo Nordstrom Sneak Peak can o Get a sneak peek at the hottest new linge- and t rie styles for spring at the first, pre-openas of ing event for Nordstrom City Creek Center. help a Enjoy music, refreshments and more. needs WHEN: Friday, March 9, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. in Sou WHERE: Lingerie Dept., Nordstrom City into t Creek Center, 55 S. West Temple gram RSVP: 866-231-4657, nordstrom.com/cityThe creekcenter. Space is limited the P
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NEWS
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University of Utah starts Qgiggles queer alumni association The University of Utah Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center, along with the University Alumni House, is launching the first LGBT Alumni Association. Specific to queer and allied alumni, the network of graduates and those who attended the university will be a resource for students, as well as an opportunity for socials and activities, said C. Kai MedinaMartinez, director of the center. A grant from the Alumni House allowed the center to hire an intern who gathering names and information from queer and allied alumni and assessing of what goals and purposes the community would like the association to serve. Gabrielle Lupton will be heading the initiative and is gathering the contact information of university alum. To begin the daunting task of forming the association, a form with contact information is posted on the LGBT Resource Center website for those who are interested. “We want to encourage everyone to be involved and help us form an association that works with the students and anyone who has been a student at the university,” Lupton said. “Whether you only took a few classes or graduated with a four-year degree, we want everyone involved.” The association will serve as a network-
ing opportunity for students who are looking for employment after college as well as offer social gatherings and events. “We want it to become a self-sustaining group and allow the alumni to really shape its direction,” said Medina-Martinez. The contact form is simple and requires only basic information that will help the group contact and identify interested parties. “I think that a lot of people are interested in how much the center has changed over the years,” Medina-Martinez said. “We have so much to offer students and just coming to visit and see how far we’ve come is utterly impressive.” The U of U joins the ranks of other major universities with similar programs such as Yale and Princeton, Lutpon said. And while those organizations serve as models for the local group, there will be changes and region-specific goals and purposes in Utah, she said. The LGBT Resource Center has provides a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to educate and to develop programs focusing on sexual orientation and gender identity. The center has a wide variety of education, advocacy and information services. For more information or to participate in the group, go to lgbt.utah.edu.
Utah Pride launches website for Southwestern Utah Utah Pride launched a new Utah Pride Southwest website to support the queer and allied community living in, and around, Cedar City, St. George and Hurricane. Still in infancy, the site is seeking input from community members using a needs assessment survey posted on the site to let Utah Pride know what kinds of services to offer. The survey will be online through March 31. UtahPrideSouthwest.org is part of a statewide initiative launched by the Utah Pride Center to include all of Utah in its programming and services. “Long term it is hoped that Utah Pride can offer programming for youth, elders and the transgender community, as well as offering a wide range of referrals to help address specific community member needs. Results of the community survey in Southwestern Utah will provide insight into the needs and desires for future programming,” the website’s purpose states. The site offers contact information for the Parents, Families and Friends of Gays
and Lesbians chapter of St. George, as well as other organizations such as Planned Parenthood and the Tri-State HIV/AIDS Taskforce. It serves as a resource for queers and allies alike in Southern Utah to know where to find help and how to get involved. Utah Pride will also be creating a Southwestern Utah Community Advisory Committee, to steer the development of programs and services in the area. Those interested in becoming involved should email valerie@utahpridecenter.org. “Utah Pride is a catalyst for building and celebrating the strength, equality, dignity and self-determination of the LGBTQ community throughout Utah. We are committed to excellence in execution and the continuing improvement of all programs, services, education and advocacy. We value and support individuals, families and allies and building partnerships across communities,” the website states. The website can be found at UtahPrideSouthwest.org
not as I do Conservative hit-and-run Conservative Texas radio host Michael Barry is offering to pay damages after admittedly being involved in a hit-and-run accident outside of a gay bar. He is known for his conservative viewpoints and is a former city council member. Barry said he went to the bar, not because he is gay but because TC’s has “cold beer.” Yeah, right.
Gay sheriff boosts funds Just one week after Pinal County, Ariz., Sheriff Paul Babeu’s candidacy for Congress was nearly derailed by being outed as a gay man
who allegedly threatened his ex-boyfriend with deportation, his race is back on track. Raising money at a faster rate than ever and making national headlines, the anti-immigrant candidate, who was dating an immigrant, is pushing forward with his run for the House. An openly gay Republican already faces electoral difficulties, but one caught in a scandal invovling an ex-boyfriend and immigration makes for situations even soap operas couldn’t make up.
Uganda’s laws a distraction Uganda took a step backward, once again, as a member of parliament reintroduced his
anti-gay bill. The legislation would require a life sentence for consensual homosexual activities and a death sentence for “aggravated homosexuality.” While it’s already difficult being gay in Uganda, this inhumane bill shows its ugly head every time there is unrest or other difficulties within the government, and people are starting to notice. Now seen by many political insiders as a mere distraction from a dismal and inoperable government, the bill is a rallying point for homophobes. Rather than facing the real issues in the country, the leaders choose to distract with controversy at the risk of human lives.
8 NEWS
March 1, 2012
I’mperfection Studios project helps shed negative labels By Seth Bracken
From fat to faggot and stupid to freak, labels are continually bringing people down and are easier to focus on than positive aspects. But finding the positive and focusing on empowering labels can be extremely difficult, said Clinton Sharp, which is why he and his friends, Ariana Grow and Echo DuRoss, started a photo project called I’mperfection Studios. “I have always struggled with the labels people have given me in my life and I wanted to get rid of them somehow,” Sharp said. “I decided to write these labels all over my body and pick one true aspect of who I really am and focus on it.” Along with the negative, demeaning la-
bels scrawled over his body, Clinton wrote one empowering phrase on a piece of tape and placed it over his mouth. With “You’re Perfect” taped across his lips, shedding the negative and focusing on the positive became much easier, Sharp said. After posting the photo on Facbeook, others became interested and wanted to participate, and so the photo project began to take shape. “I’ve done photo shoots before and I like to experiment, but this is the first time we’ve taken on a project like this,” Grow said. “We loved the way it turned out so much and thought we could help others who are so beautiful but have a hard time remembering that.” Every Monday afternoon, from noon to 7 p.m., the trio of photographers and artists open their studio to people who want to have a photo taken. There is no cost, but donations are accepted, and participants are asked to come with five to 10 words used
as negative labels and one empowering phrase. The negative words are painted on the participants bodies with washable acrylic paint and the power phrase is taped lightly over the mouth. The photo will be edited to darken the background, while using a spotlight to highlight the power word. The caption, “These words are too often silenced,” and the power phrase will be placed beneath the photo. The low-stress, healthy and empowering environment is open to everyone, queer or straight and the project is not specifically about queer stigmas, but labels in general, Sharpe said. Minors are also invited to attend, but require a parent or guardian to accompany them. In just four weeks, more than 60 people have participated in the project, and word is spreading. “It was just so helpful for me. I can’t even tell you how good it felt to start focusing on the power phrase,” Sharp said. “Somehow, seeing those words writ-
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ten on your body, you can start to see how they’re just words and how you shouldn’t let that define you.” “I think when people first see the photo it can be a little shocking, but when they find the phrase on the mouth, it sort of comes together,” Grow said. “We want to bring out the best in everyone. After you have one of these taken and you put it as your Facebook profile picture, you’ll start conversations, people will want to know why you took the photo. It may be a small start, but change can happen.” The photo project will continue indefinitely and those who are interested in having their photos taken should visit imperfectionstudios.web.com to contact the administrators and schedule a time. “People focus so much on imperfection. But what they forget to realize is that in that same word hides the words ‘I’m perfection,’” Sharp said. Q
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Queer workshops to focus on enriching spirituality
e how uldn’t
photo n they ort of Many queer people are faced with spiritual ant to emptiness and abandonment after coming r you out and feeling rejected by their faiths, said t it asMartha Hales, an interfaith minister. As startpart of a broader goal of helping queers in knowall aspects of life, she is working with the smallUtah Pride Center to sponsor a series of
monism and other religions, she said. Hales comes from a Mormon background and left the church in the ‘80s. Learning to trust God and understand her own relationship with deity was a difficult process and helping others work through the issues is an important goal for her. “The main requirement is a desire for a richer spiritual life and a willingness to explore how our past experiences and beliefs may be getting in the way of that,” Hales said. “It’s an experiential group. There will be very little lecturing about theories. Instead, we’ll be engaging in activities that help us discover more about ourselves and exploring how to create the spiritual life we desire. There will be a lot of talking and sharing and supporting each other as group members, with the facilitators helping to create a safe space in which to do this and pacing the discussion so that we get to cover all of the important stuff.” After a career-developing corporate training, Hales studied to become an interfaith spiritual director and finds great joy in supporting others on their spiritual path. “This group is for people from all religious backgrounds and all current religious interests — East, West, nature-based, agnostic, whatever. The main requirement is a desire for a richer spiritual life and a willingness to explore how our past experiences and beliefs may be getting in the way of that,” Hales said. Q
free workshops called “Engage your Spirindefi-tual SAGE.” ed in On March 18, April 15, May 20 and June it im-24, from 2-5 p.m., at the Utah Pride Center, ct the361 N. 300 West, the workshops are open to people of all ages, orientations and gender ction.identities. hat in “We’ve encountered that many queer m per-people, whether originally from the Mormon faith or not, feel rejected by their faith and equate that with being rejected by God and spirituality,” Hales said. “But spirituality and religion are not the same thing. We want to help people understand that and understand how to reclaim their spirituality.” The workshops, which are open to all faiths, will follow a general format of topics for discussion, but will not be formal occasions, and in place of sermons will be group activities. “We want to help people on their own spiritual journey. We won’t be advocating any one spiritual belief or practice,” Hales said. “LGBTQ people often have a lot of pain and scars from their previous religious experiences. But spirituality is such an important aspect of life and we can all come together and work on building a Space for the workshops is limited. For more community of growth.” Participants in the workshop will find information, call Martha Hales 801-532-3567 others with shared experiences in Mor- or email Martha@divinelywhole.com.
NEWS
sanctity of marriage Salt Lake City cheats Salt Lake City was ranked in the top five “Most Cheating Cities” by Ashley Madison— a website bearing the tagline “Life is Short. Have an Affair.” Based on its subscriber base, the website determined that Washington, D.C., San Antonio, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Oklahoma City were the most cheating cities. With the exception of Washington, D.C., the top cheating cities are in some of the most conservative states in the nation.
‘Evil man’ denied parole
No more girls, or else!
Oklahoma’s parole board denied a request from a death row inmate convicted of beating his wife and running over her with a pickup truck 16 years ago. Timothy Stemple, 46, is scheduled to be executed next month for the murder of his wife, Trisha. Prosecutors said he beat his wife with a baseball bat before running her over with the help of a 16-year-old accomplice. “He is one of the most evil men that I have come in contact with in my many years of service,” Officer Mike Huff, a 37-year police veteran, wrote to the panel. He also called Stemple a “monster.”
An Indian man who was angry
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with his wife for giving birth to their fifth daughter strangled her to death in their home in Govindpur village in Bihar’s Munger. Police said the man was angry because the wife continued to bear daughters instead of sons and had repeatedly warned her that she needed to have a boy. On the day she gave birth to their daughter, he became enraged and killed his wife, police said. Neighbors called authorities but the man has been in hiding since the attack.
Pride Softball League to open 18th season Now in its 18th season, the Utah Pride Softball League has solidified a reputation of one of the best queer social and sports groups in the state. An expected 18 or more teams will begin season play, April 15, at Sunnyside Park, 1600 E. 840 South. The PSL will hold four days of registration for the upcoming season that runs, tentatively, between April and August. Teams are allowed up to 20 players, and must consist of both sexes. Team registration fees are $250 and $25 per player. Registration will be held March 7, 14, 21 and 28, 6 p.m., Club Try-Angles, 251 W. 900 South. Individuals are also encouraged to join existing teams or form a new team, and those interested should email Jarrod Ames, the league commissioner, at psl@prideleague.com. “The Pride League is open to everyone and we have a great mix of gay, straight and in-between,” Ames said. “We want everyone to come and participate. Even if you’ve never played a game of softball before in your life, we still encourage you to join the
league. You’ll make friends and have a lot of fun, I promise.” The earlier that individuals send email requests to join a team, the more likely they are to be placed, he said. The league has grown in recent years and went from around eight teams to 18 since 2005. Teams are responsible for their own equipment, practices and uniforms. Through word of mouth and other press, PSL has grown large enough to have three or four divisions each year to keep teams with similar skill levels in competition. “We want to give every team something to play for so we have different divisions and championships with each division,” Ames said. The games are held each Sunday through the summer and because there are three fields of play, competing at the same time, there is a congenial atmosphere. People bring picnics and coolers and hang out to meet new friends and enjoy the summer afternoons, Ames said. For more information, go to prideleague.com.
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snaps & slaps SLAP: No more sex education A bill that would make sex education optional in Utah schools and mandate abstinence-only curriculum if they choose to offer courses cleared the House. In a 45-28 vote, the Republicandominated Legislature moved the bill on to the Senate. Rep. Bill Wright, R-Holden, sponsored the bill and said that any education on contraception, even the shortcomings of condoms, would be devastating and essentially promote a state endorsement of complete promiscuity. The bill is supported by ultra-conservative groups in the state and have enough support to clear the second body in the Legislature.
SNAP: Ireland supports same-sex marriage Gay-rights advocates are heralding a poll that shows 73 percent of Ireland citizens favor the legalization of same-sex marriage. The poll used a basic approach
from the editor God made some Mormons just too fabulous
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By Seth Bracken
hen I first met Ricky, the members of the Mormon congregation tried to stop us from interacting. One of the members of the Buenos Aires, Argentina branch tried to tell me that the ward members could handle him and that the missionaries weren’t necessary. Ricky was a dancer and a singer, and he was obviously much too fabulous for the extremely poor neighborhood where we lived. He had the nicest house: a gated yard, a three-story, stucco building with a clean and functioning restroom, which was unusual for that area. Everyone loved Ricky. He was the choreographer of all the church productions. The kids loved his work for their Christmas program, which included decorations, a parade and a reenactment of the birth of Jesus, complete with animals and a two-week old infant as the little savior. Each year he hosted a talent show with a 100-peso prize, which he donated. It attracted people from around the city and hundreds packed the small church while dancers, singers and magicians competed for the top prize.
It was a known fact that Ricky was gay. His boyfriend, while not Mormon, participated in all the activities and was a frequent performer. The members of the branch knew that the American missionaries wouldn’t approve of his being involved in church leadership positions and so they tried to keep Ricky as far away from us as possible. But being closeted, self-righteous and curious, I approached Ricky and asked him about the allegations of his sexuality. “Sweetie, I am too fabulous to be straight!” Ricky said as he laughed. Clearly, this wasn’t the first time someone asked him about it. “And besides, God made us all. I just happen to more awesome than the rest of you.” Feeling I had to do something to stop this openly homosexual from serving in any position of leadership, I took my concerns to the local leadership. “We can’t let him continue to serve like this. What he’s doing is wrong,” I said, allowing my own insecurities to get the best of me. “We need to release him from all his callings immediately.” “Elder, surely you’ve seen how much
everyone enjoys his productions. He believes in God and is as faithful as you or I. He cannot help how he was born and he’s making the best of it,” the branch president responded. “This is not your place to decide. You do not get to make decisions for us.” I was appalled that the branch of Mormons would accept, without any conditions, this openly gay man. I couldn’t believe that he was somehow as righteous as I was, because although no one else knew I was gay, I was staying celibate and fighting to turn straight. Since coming out and dropping the religion, I’ve often wondered if and when the Mormon Church would begin to accept gays and lesbians. I’ve heard from many different people that the day is coming when gay couples will be as open as straight couples and opposition to same-sex marriage will be a blot on the record of the Church. The opposition to equality stems not from the average Mormon who does not understand why Ricky and his boyfriend shouldn’t be involved in Christmas productions, but from the old hierarchy in the large and spacious building in Salt Lake City. Luckily, Ricky and his boyfriend were allowed to lead the productions and be an integral part of the Church branch. They didn’t let my own insecurities stop Ricky from producing the best manger scenes in Argentina. With three states likely voting on marriage equality this November: Maryland, Washington and Maine, I can only hope the stranglehold the religious leaders have on everyday people is slightly less obtrusive and absolute as before. Here’s to three more states with full equality. Q
that asked responders if they agreed or disagreed with the following statement: “Same sex marriage should be allowed in the Constitution.” Kieran Rose, Chair of Ireland’s Gay and Lesbian Equality Network said in a press release: “The poll confirms the openness of Irish people and their support for further critically important progress to achieving equality for lesbian and gay people.”
SLAP: 10-year prison sentence for gays Liberia’s former first lady-turned-senator, Jewel Taylor, submitted a bill that would make homosexuality a first-degree felony, punishable by 10 years in prison. “We are only strengthening the existing law,” she told The Associated Press. “Some media are reporting that I said anyone found guilty of involvement in same sex should face the death penalty; I did not say so, I am calling for a law that will make it a first-degree felony.” Gay relationships are already outlawed and carry a one-year prison sentence if convicted. The bill comes on the heels of 10 arrests of women suspected of being lesbians in near-by Cameroon where they face a five-year sentence and a fine.
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the straight line Beating a dead horse By Bob Henline
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eople often say that nothing is accomplished by beating a dead horse. Hopefully I’m going to prove them wrong with this one. By the time this column hits the streets, the neighborhood caucuses (or mass meetings) will be a couple weeks away, depending upon your political views. The Democratic Party meetings are on March 13, while the Republicans and Constitution Party meetings are on March 15. At these meetings the members of the individual voting precincts will elect their delegates to the county and state conventions, where the eventual party nominees for elected office will be decided. Love it or hate it, Utah’s caucus system is currently the law — and if you want to make change happen in this state, this is your single best chance to do it. I’ve heard all kinds of talk over the years about how “my vote doesn’t matter” and “the system is broken” and other forms of blah, blah, blah. You know what? That’s all a bunch of self-defeating whining. Look back at the municipal elections of 2011, in which there were several races decided by 5, 10, or 30 votes — in areas with less than 25 percent voter turnout! If you really want your vote to matter, you need to attend your precinct caucus on March 13 or 15. This is the most basic and pure form of representative democracy available to us. Depending on where you live, your precinct meetings will have anywhere from two to 200 people. This is where your vote can really make a difference. Those delegates that you elect (or, if you choose to do so, become one) will be voting at a convention to determine the party nominees. In 2010, the Republican convention delegates unseated a three-term incumbent U.S. Senator — for better or worse is a matter of much
debate, but don’t tell me that those votes didn’t matter. We’ve all seen what Utah’s elected officials are doing to the LGBTQ community. They’ve taken bullying to an entirely new level. This year alone they’ve again tabled a statewide nondiscrimination bill, essentially telling landlords and business owners that it’s OK to fire or evict gays, lesbians and transgender citizens. The House just passed HB363, which prevents sex-education teachers from advocating homosexuality in schools. Are you happy with state “leadership” that doesn’t respond to the will of the people? If you are, then stay home and ignore the caucuses and things will continue down the current path. If not, then now is the time to make a difference. Go to your caucus meeting and get involved. If you don’t want to be a delegate, help elect one that will stand for your political beliefs. If you have questions about the caucus system or the delegate selection process, I encourage you to contact your party office. If you don’t belong to a party, get in touch with one of the many campaigns currently underway. There are also several organizations, such as the Utah Stonewall Democrats and Equality Utah that conduct delegate training sessions in the weeks leading up to the neighborhood caucuses. All you need to do is reach out and make a difference. I’ve said it before, and I’m not the only one saying it. If you want to see change, you need to help make it happen. If you don’t vote because you think your vote doesn’t matter, well, you make that true. With voter turnout at record low levels, every vote matters. You never know which vote is going to be the one that turns the tide of change, so take a few minutes and exercise your right to have a say in how our government operates. Q
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lambda lore
A cautionary tale
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By Ben Williams
hen I first came out, I thought all gay people were good. For the most part I still believe that. Yes, there are individuals in everyone’s life who are a trial and a burden to bear, but overall, I feel we’re a marvelous people. However, there are those who see us as a vulnerable people. This was especially true years ago when people were reluctant to report crimes committed against them because of the fear of being exposed as homosexual. It’s also true today for those of us who cannot conceive of dishonor in people we love. I first experienced in 1986 the notion of gay predators when a dear friend of mine, Lonnie Wright, who has since passed on, told me how he was beaten by a kid he brought home claiming to be an heir to the Cunard shipping line. This confident person was passing himself off as Terry Cunard when his real name was Steven Fox. His modus operandi was to introduce himself at parties and elsewhere as a bon vivant. Charming and good looking, he would convince his victim that he was between funds and would pay back money borrowed as soon as daddy deposited the check from his trust fund. However, Fox had a temper and would often beat less masculine gay men and rob them. That is what he did with Lonnie. In March 1986, however, Fox was arrested, convicted and sent to prison, and that was the last I heard of him. About five years later, a slick, thin, grayhaired, arrogant man named Randy Richardson rolled into town from California. I
don’t know what brought him to Salt Lake City. I did not like him very much. However, others described him as charismatic, passionate and well-spoken. As soon as Richardson set up shop in the summer of 1991 he started a little gay rag he called the OutFront Review. It was free. I was not impressed. It was as slick as he was. My main objection to it was that it had little, if any, gay content in it; just a lot of advertisements. At the time I was co-hosting Concerning Gays and Lesbians with Becky Moss on KRCL and I liked to think that I had my finger on the pulse of gay Salt Lake, and with Richardson I smelled a rat. Richardson quickly ingratiated himself into the gay community. He attacked the Salt Lake County Health Department in July for refusing to give him free condoms to distribute in his magazine. Later that month, he made local radio station owners issue a public apology by publicly threatening to report them to the Federal Communications Commission for disparaging remarks about gays. In September 1992, feeling confident in his new role as spokesman for the gay community, he became the lone gay person supporting the hiring of Ruben Ortega as Salt Lake City Chief of Police. He outraged other gay activists who were fuming that Ortega condoned anti-homosexual policies while heading the Phoenix Police Department. But this pro-Ortega position earned Richardson extensive media coverage. In November 1992, gay leaders held a news conference to demand that Mayor Deedee Corradini either dismiss Ortega or
“guarantee in writing that he will protect the civil rights of homosexuals.” However, at this meeting Richardson criticized representatives of gay organizations including the Utah AIDS Foundation and the Gay and Lesbian Democrats, and again defended Ortega, demanding that “the critics produce evidence to support their contention that the new chief is insensitive to homosexuals.” Richardson immediately became the go-to guy when the Corradini administration wanted to deal with the gay community. By January 1993, Richardson had ingratiated himself with the conservative elements of the gay community and with Salt Lake City Hall. It was then that he purposed a “first ever” AIDS fundraiser called the “Ultraflight For Life” campaign. Richardson told potential investors that the ambitious 80-city, barn-storming trip by light airplane would raise $10 million for AIDS research and that he would get 10 percent for “administration.” Richardson also circulated a letter claiming he was “working closely” with the mayor and that he had the “support and endorsement of the city.” Corradini, who was once featured on the cover of Richardson’s magazine, and Ortega lent their names to the AIDS fundraising event. Boasting their support, Richardson managed to land financial sponsorship from several gay business owners and individual gay men. Officials at City Hall and the SLPD grew wary in February when Richardson’s phone was disconnected and he abruptly canceled a news conference at Salt Lake’s Shiloh Inn. Two days before the campaign launch, Richardson skipped town, stunning friends and financial backers. He left behind a trail of debt and disappointment. He took money for advertising he never ran. His debt in Salt Lake City alone exceeded $10,000, with one investor out $4,500. Richardson’s scam of the gay community was a severe blow. “I liked this guy better than I’ve liked anyone in 20 years,” said an investor who
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accepted a fake diamond ring as loan collateral. “I trusted Randy. And that hurts.” Other frustrated investors were reluctant to go to the police fearing that going public would force them to reveal their sexual orientation. Dale Sorenson, director of the Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats and one of Richardson’s former friends remarked, “This is why the gay community can make a perfect target. I doubt that a heterosexual could have gotten away with what Randy did.” While I was feeling smug about not being taken in by Randy Richardson, 20 years later I was flattened by placing my trust and affection in another community scammer. Warren Kyle Foote, who goes by Kyle, conned several members of the gay community out of thousands of dollars, including myself. Like Richardson, Foote is charismatic, handsome and purported to be a gay activist. One of his scams however was against the entire gay community by claiming to be a champion of LGBT mental-health issues. In July of 2011, Foote contracted a ghost writer through an employment service called Odesk. He posted a job position for “Ghost Writer — Articles on the stigma of Mental Illness in the LGBT community.” The ghost writer and he even discussed whether to write in first person and other literary devices. He paid this person several hundred dollars from a stolen credit card. What Foote purported to do with this hoax, one can only guess. Positioning himself in the gay community by pretending to be an activist was just one of his schemes. Financing Orgy.com through stolen money and convincing gay business owners that he was an entrepreneur was another. Unlike Richardson however, Foote is in prison for previous acts of fraud and scams. I guess the conclusion to my cautionary tales is that you are never too young or old to become a victim of conniving handsome men. Q
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collat” uctant public al ori-
ISSUE 201
living in QUtah Help marriage equality by supporting HRC
y and Richhis is By John Hales erfect remember when Massachusetts becould came the first state in the union to allow d.” same-sex marriage. My initial reaction ot be- was twofold: “Wow! That’s great,” quickly years followed by, “Big deal. What does it really trust mean for me in Utah? Nothing.” scam- I don’t feel the same way anymore. With Kyle, so much happening so fast in other places mmu- with regard to marriage equality, I am no uding longer hopeless about its prospects here. smat- The increasing frequency and magnitude ay ac- of marriage equality in other states have gainst implications for those of us even in “QUto be tah,” which, if things continue, we will sues. eventually realize. We are beginning to see ghost a glimmer of possibility. rvice In just a few short weeks, things have on for transpired which make me feel we might ma of be reaching a turning point — a critical .” The mass of progress — that could initiate a hether snowball effect leading to fair treatment, erary marriage equality, etc., everywhere. hun- The legislatures of three states — WashWhat ington, Maryland and New Jersey — all x, one n the activncing d conwas an hardvious
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passed marriage equality legislation. In Washington, the governor signed it into law. In Maryland, where even former Vice President Dick Cheney came out strongly in favor of it, the governor has promised to sign it (and might have done so by the time this is published). Though New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vetoed the bill, marriage equality gained 10 supporters in that state’s Senate in just one year — 24, compared to 14 last year. At that rate, a veto override could happen in the nearly two years allowed for such an action by New Jersey law. Also, the fact that New Jersey lawmakers approved the law could provide added justification for judges to rule in favor of marriage equality in a current federal lawsuit over the constitutionality of New Jersey’s civil-unions law. Only about three weeks ago, California’s Proposition 8 was declared unconstitutional by a federal appeals court in a ruling which reiterated the idea that opponents of samesex marriage lack valid arguments from a
legal perspective. (Their arguments, ultimately, stem from purely moral or religious objections — not exactly firm ground in courts of law and evidence). The ruling continues to propel the issue toward the U.S. Supreme Court, whose recent rulings on other matters give me a bit of optimism about how the case will fare when it gets there. And just last week, a federal court in San Francisco ruled the federal Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional in a case against the federal government by a federal employee whose spouse was denied health and other benefits. The ruling echoes findings in two other cases in federal court in Massachusetts. Those cases now go to federal appeals court where, if you remember, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has said the government will no longer defend DOMA. Whew. Take a breath. There’s a lot happening that’s encouraging. Of course, there are, and will be, the usual roadblocks. Washington Governor Chris Gregoire’s signature on his state’s marriage-equality law was hardly dry before opponents began the effort to erase it through referendum. The same will likely happen in Maryland. And in Minnesota, a ballot measure in November will ask the state’s voters to make marriage equality unconstitutional. Ignorance and bigotry continue to fuel such efforts.
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Of particular disappointment to me is that such things are supported, encouraged and, to some degree, financed by my Utah neighbors through the efforts of the LDS Church and its suspected front group, the National Organization for Marriage. Because Utah is so important to antiequality efforts, it should be central to pro-equality efforts, not just locally, but nationwide. So allow me here to put a plug in for the Human Rights Campaign, an organization that Utah’s LGBTs can join and donate to in order to influence, like our neighbors do, the level of equality in other states, which has an impact on our own. I for one would love to see our LGBT community in Utah offset — even neutralize — the anti-equality efforts that originate from and emanate out of our own state. The HRC is a vehicle to do that. For convenience, here’s the website: hrc. org, and click on “support hrc.” By helping LGBT communities elsewhere achieve the goal of marriage equality, we’ll spread it to ourselves in the long run. Given the socio-political dynamics of our state, that might be the only way it will ever happen here. But if we rally to help those in other states, it will happen here quicker. Let’s help to continue picking up the pace. Q
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thinking out loud The 9th Circuit’s love letter to Justice Kennedy
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By Abby Dees
ver the last two years I’ve envisioned some version of this conversation maybe two dozen times: Random Person: “Isn’t it great about the Prop 8 opinion?” Me: “Fabulous!” RP: “So can people get married again in California?” Me: “Um, no.” RP: “Wait ... huh?” This month’s 9th Circuit Court ruling on Prop 8 was no different — great news, but no one’s getting married anytime soon. I don’t blame people for being completely bewildered by our apparent paper-only victories in the courts. As a law-wonk-inresidence, I will accept the task of reducing the 76-page majority opinion in Perry v. Schwarzenegger down to an ADD-friendly 700 words. If you’re a lawyer, turn away, for I will be merrily hopscotching over countless legal fine points with barely a glance back. The main idea in Perry is that you can’t discriminate against a group of people just because you don’t like them. The 9th Circuit Court side-stepped any decision about whether we have a fundamental right to marry, and instead up-ended Prop 8 on the basis that if the law is going to target any group of people, there has to be some conceivably plausible rationale for it. Not a good one, mind you, or even an intelligent one, but one that can pass the straight-face test. According to the court, Prop 8 is a big, mean giggle-fest, with no purpose other than to tell LGBT people they suck. This is never an acceptable reason for a law. We don’t even do it to felons or street mimes. There are certain distinctions that must meet a much higher bar, such as when the law discriminates because of race, gender or religion. Then the government must prove there’s an especially compelling reason to discriminate. When Prop 8 was passed, sexual-orientation discrimination too was one of the classifications accorded such “strict scrutiny” in California. Many had hoped that the 9th Circuit would extend this status into federal law, but it didn’t. In fact, the court was relieved that it
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didn’t have to go so far as to drag all of society into the 21st century with regard ’ve alwa to our rights; understandably this angers son. people. Courts will usually take the path town least disruptive to the status quo if they Cart can, which is what happened in Perry. Thethe do the ne Court struck down Prop 8 in the narrowest memb way possible. In other words, it agreed that made Prop 8 can’t be defended with a straight decid face. I’d be To support its holding, the court tookFord, particular note of the following: (1) Be-foray cause marriage is legallyyears indistinguishable frompoliti domestic partnership inon al California, Prop 8 servesand e only to deny LGBT peopleonce the cherished symbolic Wh right to call themselvesFranc married; (2) The Prop 8tive in proponents used blatantbian, false advertising to con-gend vince people that we’re out— ser to get the children; and (3)the m just because you’ve alwaysand b discriminated against aCalifo group doesn’t mean youthe Ye The can now. have And there’s perhaps a lost m bigger reason the court comp didn’t venture further than the narrow litical facts of Prop 8 in California, and his name So w is Supreme Court Justice Anthony Ken-then? nedy. Kennedy will likely be the swing vote Fir when Perry gets to the Supreme Courta Rep (my money is that it will get there). Ken-my fa nedy wrote the opinion in the 1996 case ofthe sa Romer v. Evans, in which a Colorado lawfamil was struck down for — wait for it — sin- And gling out LGBT people for disfavored le-comin gal status just because. Perry is filled withthe ra comparisons to Romer and many, manyon va juicy Kennedy quotes from that landmark Now case. Though Kennedy is no LGBT-rightsmer o crusader, he does hate sloppy, hystericalwe ne laws that serve no decent purpose. The 9thning Circuit Court appears to have handed thisI’m a new case to Kennedy on a silver platter. Weily va don’t yet know if the Supreme Court willbase o choose to hear Perry, but if it does, all eyes So fluenc will be on Justice Kennedy. We So while we’re farther along than ever, who d we still have to wait. As a courtesy to those the be yammering wingnuts trying to save marpily m riage from people like me, the courts willthat g probably keep the brakes on marriage untilMarri all the inevitable appeals are heard. There’stangi at least another year to go, and then we’lling a have something to talk about. Q ship,
You can’t discriminate against a group of people just because you don’t like them
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who’s your daddy? I’ve become a family-values voter
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MARCH 1, 2012
By Christopher Katis
’ve always been a pretty political person. In 1976, my mom drove me downtown, where I picked up a stack of ‘Jimmy Carter for President’ brochures to drop on the doorsteps in my neighborhood. Some of the neighbors were quite scandalized! I remember that on election night my parents made me go to bed prior to the race being decided, so when I woke the next morning, I’d be able to read the results, ‘Carter Beats Ford,’ in the Tribune. That was my first foray into politics. Over the years I became increasingly politically active — working on all sorts of campaigns, and even running for office once (I lost by 303 votes). When we lived in San Francisco, I was pretty active in the Harvey Milk Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Democratic Club — serving as the co-chair of the membership committee and being recognized by the California Senate as the club’s Volunteer of the Year in 1999. Then the boys came along, and I didn’t have time to be an activist. But I’ve never lost my interest in politics. What I do find compelling is that unlike my previous political bent, I am now a family-values voter. So why isn’t Rick Santorum courting me then? First, I suppose, is the fact that I’m not a Republican. The second reason is that my family values and his aren’t exactly the same. But that doesn’t mean I’m not a family-values voter. And that’s why I plan to attend the upcoming caucuses: to show the world that the radical right doesn’t have a monopoly on values. Now, before you think I’m going to yammer on about the evils of abortion or how we need a Constitutional amendment banning flag burning, please remember that I’m a family-values voter based of my family values. That means every vote I make I base on one criterion: is it good for my boys? So how does my concern for my kids influence how I vote? Well, for starters, I support politicians who defend marriage: mine that is. It’s in the best interest of all children to have happily married parents to raise them — and that goes for the kids of gay parents too. Married people enjoy literally hundreds of tangible benefits not offered to those lacking a state sanctioning of their relationship, and there are hundreds of intangible
benefits as well, from living longer to decreased chances of Alzheimer’s. Marriage equality is a hot-button topic for value voters on the right, and it must become as important to value voters on the left as well. Any candidate asking for my vote also needs to stand up for Mother Nature. It’s imperative my kids have clean air to breath and water to drink. Yes, we’ve all heard religious leaders argue that God gave humans the Earth to do with as we wish. Apparently, that extends to strip mining, overfishing and dumping chemicals into drinking water. But my religious leader, Patriarch Bartholomew I, leader of some 300-million Orthodox Christians, argues that to sin against nature is to sin against God. His tireless efforts to improve the environment, have earned him the nickname Green Patriarch. And I want my children to have the best educational opportunities. One in which not only do they have competent, dedicated instructors and the most up-to-date materials, but an environment in which they are celebrated for the people they are. It infuriates me that elected officials dare to suggest we should scrimp on our children’s futures. If through reading this column over the past three years you hadn’t figured out where I stand on the political spectrum, I guess you do now. A liberal? Yes. And unashamed to be one. But I’m just as much a family-values voter as are those arch conservatives voting for Rick Santorum. I’m just as much a Christian as they are, just as much a husband and just as much a father. I know that Rick Santorum — and for that matter, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin — would never consider me a family-values voter. I know that the national and local “leaders” of the value movement wouldn’t ever include me as one of them. They likely see me only as a gay man, as someone who shouldn’t be a father, as a tree-hugging abomination. They likely see me as a lot of things, but certainly not a kindred spirit. And dogmatically, we’re not. Dogmatically, we’re polar opposites. But when I attend those caucuses, when I cast my vote in the primary and general elections, I’m doing it for my kids. And I can’t think of anything more pro-family than that. Q
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By D’Anne Witkowski
t makes me sad that there are LGBT people in America who will vote for Mitt Romney should he get the bar of wet soap that is the Republican nomination. I mean, I understand it. There are some folks who feel Romney meets their needs. These people are mostly rich. Or dumb. Or both. Mind you, President Obama hasn’t been exactly sound on LGBT issues. I don’t blame anyone for feeling disappointed, especially about his weak stance on marriage equality. That doesn’t mean voting Republican is the answer, especially since Romney’s stance on marriage equality is not weak. In that he is very vocal about his opposition to it. You may remember that Romney was the governor of Massachusetts when it became the first state in the country to allow gays and lesbians to legally marry. And man does Romney want to get that rainbow stain out of his shirt, which is why he went out of his way to be clear that he has no love for gay-marrying homos, or the people who support them, when addressing the fervently anti-gay crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Feb. 10. “[D]uring my term in office our conservative values also came under attack. Less than a year after I took office the state’s Supreme Court inexplicably found a right to same-sex marriage in the Constitution written by John Adams,” he said, pausing for comedic effect. “I presumed he’d be surprised.” The crowd laughed heartily at Romney’s stand-up routine. He was killing! (Although, to be clear, CPAC attendees prefer their killing done not with laughter but with guns because of the Second Amendment and Obama’s desire to steal their firearms rendering them powerless to fight against his plans to turn America into a Socialist nightmare where all kids get insurance and rich
people pay taxes.) On a roll, Romney continued: “I fought to have a stay on that decision, then pushed for a marriage amendment to our constitution. We lost by only one vote in the Legislature.” One vote! My goodness. I am not a politician or a campaign manager or a CPACer, but I wonder if it’s a good idea for Romney to be emphasizing the fact that this anti-gay amendment he pushed for was foiled by a slim margin. I mean, doesn’t that make him seem ... well, ineffective, to say the least? But Romney also reminded folks that he managed to use a rare 1913 anti-interracial marriage law to keep homos from flocking to, and further sullying, Massachusetts. “And I successfully prohibited out-of-state couples from coming to our state to get married and then going home. On my watch we fought hard and prevented Massachusetts from becoming the Las Vegas of gay marriage.” This received a lot of applause from the CPAC crowd. Though I have to point out what a disappointment it was for the drive-thru, Elvisthemed wedding chapels that began springing up everywhere to cash in on all those Boston marriages becoming official. So much wasted capital. And to think Romney says he supports business. “When I am president, I will defend the Defense of Marriage Act,” he continued while the crowd cheered, “and I will fight for an amendment to our Constitution that defines marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman.” Mind you, Romney is promising to do on a national level what he failed to do on a state level. But this makes perfect sense. I mean, if you can’t walk a block then it’s time to run a marathon. Anything to increase the distance between himself and the queers. Q
‘When I am president, I will defend the Defense of Marriage Act’
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18 FEATURE
Plan-B revives the angry inch
MARCH 1, 2012
ISSUE 201
QSALTLAKE
Spring Arts Preview
Aaron Swenson reprises his role as Hedwig for the 10-year anniversary of Plan-B Theatre Company’s premiere staging of Hedwig and the Angry Inch By Tony Hobday
A
t the spry age of 25, Aaron Swenson first took on the lead role in Plan-B Theatre Company 2003’s production of the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and while he was thrilled and, by his own admittance, terrified to play such an outrageous, multifaceted character, his main focus was on nailing down the music for that production. Today, however, the actor has grown as an artist and an individual — albeit he still looks 25. Using personal life experiences from the last decade is how he says he’ll channel Hedwig in this, Plan-B’s third revival being staged at Park City’s Egyptian Theater, June 8-17. “I know more about myself that has helped me to now understand more about the story,” says Swenson. “You know, going back and re-reading the script there are things I didn’t quite get the last time around. The whole piece is so much about growing up. Before, playing the character was fun but really terrifying, and as much as I loved her I was also very worried about how much of myself I was seeing in her.” Swenson goes on to explain that stripping away the layers of your past, all the things you put on yourself, and finding who you truly are underneath is the real story of Hedwig. “That’s kind of how the story goes. It starts out super tame and ends up stripped down almost completely naked, emotionally and physically. This time around I don’t think I will be afraid to strip that stuff back — the last time I was still hiding behind some stuff and this time I will not hide, you know, just leave it all on the stage.” The musical is based loosely on writer John Cameron Mitchell’s childhood German babysitter/prostitute. When an East German rock musician named Hansel meets Luther, an American soldier, they fall in love and devise a plan to flee communist Germany. Hansel agrees to a sex-change operation and taking his mother’s name, Hedwig, in order to marry Luther. Unfortunately, the operation is about an inch less than a full success; and though Luther weds Hedwig and they move to small-town America, he eventually leaves her for another man. Once she has recovered from the separation, Hedwig meets and falls for a timid teen named Tommy. They form a glam rock band and write music. But Hedwig is once again abandoned when Tommy steals her songs and becomes a successful rock star. Embittered and a little nuts, Hedwig follows Tommy on his tour, providing her own unique and, oftentimes, unruly concerts at much smaller venues while he performs nearby at larger arenas. “Hedwig is a tornado, sucking everything to her center, just tearing everything apart as she goes,” says Swenson. “But she’s also incredibly charismatic so she’s able to get away with a lot of stuff because of her talent and charisma and her sort of sociopathic world view, in a way.” Underneath it all, and more than just the nub, there’s a mistreated and misguided character who’s desperately finding her way in life.
“I get to insert my attitude into the character (of Hedwig) in terms of forgiveness because there are so many terrible choices that she makes, selfish choices and short-sighted choices — or genuinely making these big sacrifices that may not have been the smartest to do at the time,” Swenson says. This story is about a universal need for self-forgiveness, Swenson continues to say. “The person that you are is going to emerge from the choices that you’ve made, and you have to forgive yourself for those choices; to step back and embrace and bless the situation.” Director Jerry Rapier says that although Hedwig is one of PlanB’s most successful productions in its history, he feels like the third time is the charm. “Doing a show this many times, we know what works and we also know what areas we can try something totally new; for example, in this production Aaron is also designing the costumes,” says Rapier. “There are also a couple of new band members.” “However, and I cannot overstate enough the importance of Dave Evanoff’s (the musical director) participation in this show,” Rapier adds. “We should say first off that yes, for those that have
seen the show before, Dave will be without his shirt again. But honestly, you can only do a successful rock musical with Dave Evanoff in this community.” “People who have only seen the movie version, the big and important difference is that on stage you see everything through Hedwig’s eyes; all the characters in the movie we actually see through her because it’s really just her and the band on stage,” says Rapier. Giving Swenson much-deserved kudos, Rapier finishes by saying, “There’s always one role that was made for a specific actor and this is one of those roles. There’s something to be said about a real skill to keep a show moving and on track and be true to the show while being able to ad lib within that framework, as Swenson does so well. This show is dependent on that, it’s scripted to have the freedom to banter with the audience. And make it sight specific.” Q
Hedwig and the Angry Inch runs June 8-17 at the Egyptian Theatre, 328 Main St., Park City. Tickets $20–30, 435-649-9371, planbtheatre.org or parkcityshows.com. Use promo code planb to receive a $3 discount off $20 tickets.
QSALTLAKE.COM
ISSUE 201
MARCH 1, 2012
NEWS
19
Betty Hates Everything bring classic rock to SL By Seth Bracken
D
ownloading and listening to one of Utah’s fastest up-and-coming bands, Betty Hates Everything, the reminiscent sound of Eddie Vedder bounces through the air. The Pearl Jam sound (and we’re talking Ten sound, not Backspacer sound) has all the emotion and grit of the infamous rockers with spot-on vocals and catchy guitar riffs that will keep listeners wanting more. Frontman Kevin Hill, a Utah native and selfdescribed musicphile, has been making music since he was barely old enough to walk. “My dad put me on a drum kit when I was only four,” Hill said. “I’ve been involved in all kinds of music since then; musicals, choirs, bands, you name it.” Hill, co-owner of Blak Lite Entertainment, a karaoke and entertainment company, has been in several bands before, and had nearly grown tired of trying to make one work. It took a few tries for BHE guitarist, T, to convince him to join the group. Originally called Parsec, bassists Adam Bombard Bass and drummer Jason Andersen,
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who have been with the group for the past year, round out the foursome, who have been jamming together for nearly three years. While working on their first studio album, BHE is hitting up all the local clubs and putting together material for a national tour. The group has an impressive and growing resume and local rock veterans, The Vision, have even been BHE openers. “We’ve put things in fast-forward this year,” Hill said. “We’ve got the momentum behind us and we’re going to grow so much.” With all the songs written, BHE will be entering the studio in March and distributing their first album in April. For the hard-rock sound that never strays from melodic and honest, Hill cites the influences of Blue October and Alterbridge and the effects are immediately present from start to finish. Hill, who writes lyrics and co-writes music with other members of the band, draws on life experiences for his music and has even dedicated a song to fighting homophobia called “Virus.” “People ask me all the time what it’s like to be the lead singer of a rock band and be gay,”
Betty Hates Everything lead singer Kevin Hill Hill said. “Honestly, it’s been great. No one has given me any trouble or problems. Even when I came out to other local bands, no one changed the way I was treated. Everyone has been so awesome with me.” Q
The group can be seen at clubs around the valley and will soon have an album available for download. To check out the upcoming shows, go to tinyurl.com/bettyhates.
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Department of Theatre
PRESENTS
THE WORLD PREMIERE OF BRIGHDE MULLINS’S
Support the arts community in Utah while enjoying the splendor of great theater, dance, concerts, visual arts and more
theater & dance Ballet West BALLETWEST.ORG Emeralds April 13–21 The Little Mermaid April 14 & 16 Innovations May 18–26
Broadway Across AmericaUtah saltlakecity.broadway.com Beauty and the Beast March 20–25 Million Dollar Quartet May 29–June 3 Wicked July 18–Aug 26 Centerpoint Legacy Theatre CENTERPOINTTHEATRE.ORG The Drowsy Chaperone March 3–31 South Pacific April 23–May 19 All Shook Up July 9–Aug 4 Desert Star Theatres desertstar.biz CSI: Provo Now through March 24 The Princess Bridesmaid March 29–June 9 The Addams Family Home Evening June 14–Aug 25
Grand Theatre the-grand.org The Crucible March 8–24 Xanadu May 10–26
Hale Centre Theatre
An n e C
BABCOCK THEATRE, March 9–18
A special event to raise funds for student scholarships. www.KingsburyHall.org | 801-581-7100 | www.theatre.utah.edu
QSALTLAKE
spring arts calendar
Empress Theatre empresstheatre.com Annie Get Your Gun March 9–April 7
G r R R IrN e STA e Deck o m i l l u
ISSUE 201
halecentretheatre.org Zorro the Musical Now through April 11 Father of the Bride April 17–May 26 The Sound of Music June 6–Aug 4 9 to 5 the Musical Aug 15–Sep 29 Meat & Potato Theatre meatandpotato.org ALIENS: The Puppet Musical May 24–June 20 Odyssey Dance Theatre odysseydance.com Shut Up & Dance April 12–14, St. George
Off Broadway Theatre theobt.org Gleek School Musical Now through March 10 The Adventures of Sheer-Luck Homes and Snotson March 30–April 28 Greece is the Word May 18–June 16 Pinnacle Acting Company pinnacleactingcompany.org Betrayal May 5–12 Pioneer Theatre Company pioneertheatre.org Laughing Stock March 23–April 7 Man of La Mancha May 4–19 Plan-B Theatre Company planbtheatre.org The Third Crossing March 8–18 The Scarlet Letter April 12–22 SLAM May 12 Hedwig and the Angry Inch June 8–17 8: The Play (a reading) Aug 4–5 Pygmalion Theatre Company pygmalionproductions.org Seven Now through March 11 In the Next Room (or the vibrator play) May 3–20 Repertory Dance Theatre rdtutah.org Passage March 22–24 Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company ririewoodbury.com Iridescence April 26–28 Salt Lake Acting Company saltlakeactingcompany.org Dottie - The Sister Lives On! Now through March 11 Course 86B in the Catalogue April 11–May 6 Saturday’s Voyeur 2012 June 27–Sep. 2 SB Dance sbdance.com Yoga Confidential June 8–17 Sugar Space thesugarspace.com SUITE: Women Defining Space March 1–3
Frankie & Johnny in the Clair De Lune March 29–April 14 Home at the Zoo June 8–16
UofU Babcock Theatre theatre.utah.edu Rare Bird March 9–18 All My Sons April 13–22
UofU Studio 115 theatre.utah.edu The Wild Party March 29–April 1 Stop Kiss April 19–22
UofU Modern Dance dance.utah.edu Spring Concert March 9–10 Modern Dance Senior Concerts I & II April 5–14 Student Concert April 19–21
Wasatch Theatre Company wasatchtheatre.org Little Shop of Horrors April 11–21 Chapter Two May 3–19
gallery & museum exhibits Art Access accessart.org Ric Blackerby and Mary Boerens Sinner March 16–April 13 Margaret Tarampi and Shirley Tegan April 20–May 8 300 Plates May 14–June 8 Paul Vincent Bernard, E. Clark Marshall and Marina Alexandrescu June 15–July 13 Suzanne Kanastiz and Vojko Rizvanovic July 20–Aug 10
Gallery MAR gallerymar.com Matt Flint: Up Close and Far Away Now through March 10 Michael Kessler & Shawna Moore: Tracing Tangents March 17–April 7 Maura Allen & Ronald Ray Rogers: Homeward Bound March 30–April 21
K I N G S B U R Y H A L L P R E S E N T S “Entertaining , exhi and full of jaw-d larating, ropp stunts— Four Sta ing rs.” —Melbo urne Art sh u b
s u c Cir Oz Sorenson Legacy George Q. Morris Foundation Foundation
March 20 & 21 | 7:30 pm Tickets: 801-581-7100 | www.kingtix.com Tickets starting at $19.50 | U of U Discounts Available TM
MARCH 1, 2012
22 FEATURE
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spring arts calendar Kimball Art Center kimballartcenter.org Salt Lake 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Now through April 7 The Art of Science Now through April 7 Visualizing Finance Now through April 7 Wasatch Back Student Art Show: Everyday Art April 14–May 27
Local Colors of Utah localcolorsart.com Jane Autry, Sandi Olson and Mae Wellington: Sunshine Now through April 13
Phillips Gallery
phillips-gallery.com
Reminiscing (artists collective) Now through March 9 Joe Carter March 16–April 13 Earl Jones, Denis Phillips, Tony Smith and Deral Barton April 20–May 11
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art utahmoca.org
Joshua Luther: Meaning Now through April 21 Sundance Film Festival: New Frontier Now through May 19 Karl Haendel and Petter Ringbom: Questions for my Father Now through May 19 Onomatopoeia March 2–May 4 Fax March 2–June 16 Songstress June 1–Sep 22 Play Me, I’m Yours June 10–25 Annual Gala - Not Just Another Pretty Face June 11–Aug 13
Utah Museum Of Fine Arts umfa.utah.edu
At Work: Prints from the Great Depression Now through May 6 George Rouault: Circus of the Shooting Star Now through May 13 The Faculty Show Now through May 6 Salt 5: Daniel Everett March 30–July 29 Speed: The Art of the Performance Automobile June 2–Sep 16
symphony, opera & special engagements Eccles Center
ecclescenter.org
Saints & Sinners Gala March 17
Jeff Corwin March 24 Aspen Santa Fe Ballet April 7
Egyptian Theatre Presents egyptiantheatrecompany.org
Ring of Fire March 16–25 Chicago July 6–29
Kingsbury Hall kingsburyhall.org
Rock of Ages March 2–3 Twyla Tharp’s Sweet Fields March 9–10 Circus Oz March 20–21 Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros March 23 Golden Dragon Acrobats April 13–14 UofU Lyric Opera Ensemble Susannah April 20–21
Salt Lake Men’s Choir saltlakemenschoir.org
Summer Concert June 9
Spy Hop Productions spyhop.org
Annual Benefit May 10
Utah Symphony utahsymphony.org
Carnival of the Animals March 10–11 Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 March 23–24 Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 April 6–7 Beethoven’s “Eroica” April 13–14 Magical Music of John Williams April 17 Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles April 20–21 Mozart’s Requiem April 27–28 Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 May 18–19 Beethoven Cycle Concludes May 25–26 The Music of Michael Jackson July 14
Utah Opera
utahopera.org
The Elixir of Love March 10–18 Of Mice and Men May 5–13
QSALTLAKE
ISSUE 201
(CONT.)
concerts DJ Skeet Skeet smithstix.com
March 8, Metro Bar
Los Lonely Boys ecclescenter.org
March 10, Park City
Miranda Lambert smithstix.com
March 16, ESA
Kelly Clarkson
ticketmaster.com
March 20, Maverik Ctr
Amy Ray
thestateroomslc.com
March 31, State Room Perfume Genius 24tix.com
April 14, Kilby Court Ingrid Michaelson smithstix.com
April 19, In The Venue
Blame Sally
thestateroomslc.com
April 28, State Room
Snow Patrol
smithstix.com
April 28, The Depot
The Black Keys
ticketmaster.com
May 2, Maverik Ctr
The Civil Wars smithstix.com
May 24, The Depot
LMFAO
ticketmaster.com
May 30, Maverik Ctr
Daughtry arttix.org
June 5, Abravanel Hall
kd lang
wendoverfun.com
June 22, Peppermill Concert
Foster the People smithstix.com
July 5, Saltair
festivals Holi, Festival of Colors utahkrishnas.org
March 24–25, Spanish Fork
Park Silly Sunday Market parksillysundaymarket.com
June 10–Sep. 23, Park City
Utah Arts Festival UAF.org
June 21–24
Utah Shakespeare Festival bard.org
June 21–Oct. 20, Cedar City
Utah Festival Opera Ufoc.org
July 11–Aug. 11, Logan
Damn These Heels! Film Festival damntheseheels.org
July 13–15
Park City Arts Festival kimballartcenter.org
Aug. 3–5
Women’s Red Rock Music Festival redrockwomensfest.com
Aug. 10–11, Torrey
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MARCH 1, 2012
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FaLL in LoVE With thEatRE! “Hysterically funny...And along the way to its sweet finale you can fall in love with theatre all over again.” —Sarasota Herald-Tribune (FL)
MARCH 23 – APRIL 7, 2012
Laughing stock WRITTEN BY
“I cried, I choked, I fell into a coughing fit, I cried some more...can’t help but love this play.” —Nashua Telegraph (NH)
CHARLES MOREY PTC Artistic Director Charles Morey’s hilarious and affectionate look at the world of theatre has had close to a hundred productions around the country since its PTC premiere over a decade ago. When The Playhouse, a rustic New England summer theatre, schedules a repertory season of Dracula, Hamlet and Charley’s Aunt, comic mayhem ensues.
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MARCH 1, 2012
24 UTAH GAY AND LESBIAN BUSINESS EXPO
ISSUE 201
QSALTLAKE
Utah Gay and Lesbian Business Expo attracting diverse companies, individuals
By Seth Bracken
T
he Utah Gay and Lesbian Business Expo will feature guest speakers, break-out sessions, business to nonprofit relations, networking and much more. The expo, which is hosted by the Utah Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (formerly known as the Q Business Alliance), kicks off with a social and ribboncutting ceremony on March 2, 5:30 p.m., on the 18th floor of the Zions Bank Building, 1 S. Main St., Salt Lake City. The opening social will be a chance for networking among business professionals and individuals. Members of other business associations, such as the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, and state lawmakers and other officials will also attend. On Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m., the expo continues with a keynote speech from Babs De Lay, a veteran business professional in the Utah queer community. This is also where business will present to individuals and other professionals. The event is free but attendees must register at utahgaychamber.org. The following is a list of businesses and individuals who will have a table at the event:
The Utah Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce UtahGayChamber.org The Utah Gay Chamber is open to corporations of all sizes, sole proprietors and independent agents regardless of sexual orientation, this is a great place to meet other professionals, make business contacts, promote business and work for the enhancement of Utah’s gay and lesbian community. With two monthly socials, a charity branch, networking and discounts for members, the Chamber is quickly emerging as one of the premier queer organizations in the state.
Insphere Insurance Solutions insphereis.com/ccardamon, 801-661-9662 Insphere Insurance Solutions representative Christine Cardamon helps individuals and small businesses with health insurance, life insurance, Medicare, supplemental and other coverage. She is focused on personal service focusing on serving the life, health and retirement needs of small businesses, families and individuals.
The PINQ Pages pinqpages.com, 801-649-6663 More than 25,000 copies of this queer alternative to the yellow-pages are distributed yearly and the listings are also stored online. The only directory in Utah that doesn’t just get tossed in the trash, The PINQ Pages is the most comprehensive source for queer and allied businesses in the state.
BuzzBooster SEO buzzbooster.com, 801-842-9765 Shahar and Nashlah Boyayan are the founders of Buzz Booster, a mother-daughter operated small business marketing training company and social media agency that specializes in innovative marketing strategies for small business owners. Their mission is to help business owners and entrepreneurs achieve long lasting prosperity. They know what it takes to build a business from scratch and have helped hundreds of businesses grow.
LOTUS ilovelotus.com, 801-333-3777 LOTUS is the premiere Utah destination for gemstones, crystals, books, custom handmade jewelry and many other goods and services for
anyone interested in high-quality items. LOTUS is a great place for those that are familiar and experienced with gemstones and other items but it’s also perfect for those who are new and looking to learn more. There are also classes and workshops on subjects such as meditation and the law of attraction.
The Joint Chiropractic thejoint.com, 801-467-8683 The Joint offers an alternative approach to healthcare, based on the age old practice of restoring balance by promoting the body’s ability to heal itself. Predicated on the vision that quality of life can be improved through chiropractic care, The Joint brings affordable and convenient chiropractic maintenance services to locally owned and operated clinics nationwide. With the help of dedicated and experienced chiropractors, each clinic offers excellent chiropractic care.
Brown Brothers Catering brownbrotherscatering.com, 801-607-1891 Brown Brothers Catering offers five-star catering services at realistic prices. The food quality and presentation are among the top in the industry. The menus are filled with exquisite entrees for all tastes. The catering business has been in the family for more than 40 years and Brown Brothers have extensive experience in catering all occasions from large corporate events and wedding receptions to small intimate engagements.
Jim Harris, Attorney jlharris65@q.com Jim Harris is a family law attorney with more than 10 years experience in estate planning, small business consultations and assisting same-sex couples with legal advice. He also has experience with child custody, parent visitation, adoptions and guardianship issues.
Digital Financial Group digitalfg.com For online and offline business, Digital Financial Group offers business management tools and payment processing options that can combine to streamline operations, offer customers more choices and increase profitability.
Leesa Myers: Positive Change Consultant Leesa@leesamyers.com, 801-824-0774 Do you want to feel better? Have you lost hope in your life? Do you believe you will only be happy when you: lose weight, find the right partner, have your own business, have enough money? You are probably saying “yes.” Leesa Myers, a positive change consultant has helped people throughout the world feel better and regain hope. Leesa can help you feel better, remember your dreams and begin to achieve them.
Main Street Studio main-st-studio.com, 801-484-4247 Main Street Studio is a full service salon with a remarkably different atmosphere that takes pride in its clean, comfortable, unassuming ambiance. Devoted to providing complete customer satisfaction, it is truly a reprise from busy life.
Pumps and Pants Photography pumpsandpants.com, 801-520-7297 Pumps and Pants offers a photo studio and traveling services for all the diverse photography needs. From family portraits to wedding and commitment ceremonies, owner Sasha Polak is an experienced and creative photographer who caters to a queer clientele. Gays and lesbians can
ls
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rest assured walking into the studio knowing they’re in the capable and friendly hands of a true “family” member.
Plus Size Consignment plussizeconsignmentofslc.com, 801-268-3700 Now women in Salt Lake City can recycle their wardrobes by buying, selling and trading plus size clothing. Until now, the large size customer has been the “forgotten woman” in the world of consignment but the average American woman is size 14. As owner of the Greater Salt Lake Woman, Pam Scarpelli introduced fashion to the “curvy woman.” Now as the baby boomers change their life style, she brings recession proof, new and nearly new, ego-friendly recyclable alternatives to the retail clothing market. Consignment jewelry and accessories and new active wear are also featured.
The Window Box thewindowbox.com, 801-546-3649 As Northern Utah’s premier florist, the Window Box has just the right flowers and gifts to make any day special. With complete floral services for every occasion, featuring the designs of Tracy Barlow, Davis County’s only AIFD accredited designer, they look forward to an opportunity to be of service.
Zions Bank zionsbank.com, 1-800-974-8800 Zions Bank is a community bank with the unique ability to offer a full array of financial services to clients throughout the market area. The main goal is to create value — real value for clients; value for the communities they serve; and value for their employees. Zions Bank changed their discrimination policy to protect gay and transgender employees two years ago.
Now & Again nowandagainslc.com, 801-364-0664 Downtown Salt Lake City’s hippest consignment shop featuring a wonderful eclectic mix of vintage and modern home furnishings, lighting, artwork and accessories. Secondhandchic to mid century modern and more. Always excepting fabulous consignment.
Reliv International
goals, Omee Milavong with Security National Mortgage Company will strive to meet those specific needs with a wide array of mortgage products and investment tools. Best of all, she provides best-in-class customer service and individual attention. She offers great rates and a full spectrum of mortgage products that are sure to satisfy each customer. By effectively communicating all options and the progress of each loan, there will have less stress and a great experience while we serve you.
Dogs R Us dogsrusslc.com, 801-485-7387 The city’s best-kept secret for daycare, boarding and award-winning grooming and training plus a full retail store at 1458 S. Main Street, Salt Lake City. Winners of the QSaltLake Fabby Award for best grooming and four-time winners of Best of Salt Lake in dog training.
BEAU (Broadview Entertainment Arts University) beau.broadviewuniversity.edu, 801-300-4300 BEAU offers a unique blend of artistic, technical and business training in the creative arts, empowering students to pursue their passions in a broad range of fields within the entertainment arts industry—including television and film. BEAU is accredited by Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to offer Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science and Associate degrees.
Winder Farms winderfarms.com, 801-969-3401 Winder Farms has been providing fresh dairy to the doorsteps of tens of thousands of Utah homes since 1880. However, they’re no longer just a milkman. In addition to milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, fresh squeezed juices, and cookie dough; we now deliver fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, freshly made pasta, all-natural bacon and sausage and more! In fact, they now deliver over 300 products that come fresh from the farm, like a farmers market on wheels.
Johnston Construction joshualukejohnston801@yahoo.com, 801-577-8394
Reliv’s cutting-edge formulas deliver optimal nutrient levels in forms that are readily absorbed by the body. Reliv nutrition works. This proven, home-based business opportunity will be hosted by Gaylynn Mauss. More than 60,000 independent Reliv entrepreneurs in 15 countries own and operate Reliv businesses. Reliv is mission-driven to make a real difference in the world by offering individuals the chance to make a difference themselves.
Johnston Construction is a licensed and insured general contractor specializing in new construction, remodels, basements, kitchens, baths, decks and cedar pergolas. They provide reliable and quality craftsmanship every time. The company has grown in a down economy through hard work and great communication. They do large custom projects and small remodels. Clients enjoy the detailed hands on approach and the great contractor and client communication.
Accounting & More, Inc.
KRCL 90.9FM
reliv.com, 801-556-5134
tonijohnson.net, 801-410-4792 For those that need a tax preparer they can feel comfortable with, Toni Johnson is the perfect match. With business and personal solutions, she can help with everything from bookkeeping to personal tax returns. Whether starting a business or looking for a helping hand this season, contact Toni!
Security National Mortgage Co. oomee@snmc.com, 801-300-5551 Because each client has unique needs and
krcl.org KRCL is a volunteer-driven, non-profit, listenersupported community radio station.The station provides media exposure for music, ideas and viewpoints that are under-represented in mainstream commercial media. KRCL airs 56 different music programs and 27 public affairs programs each week and provides a diverse selection of music programming.
More information on the Utah Gay and Lesbian Business Expo is at UtahGayChamber.org
UTAH GAY AND LESBIAN BUSINESS EXPO
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Su ga S r H po ou nso se r o Ar f tW al k
no appointments convenient hours chiropractic physicians
1126 E. 2100 S Sugar House in Whole Foods Center
(801) 467.8683
6910 S. Highland Dr Cottonwood Heights in Whole Foods Center
(801) 943-3163
MARCH 1, 2012
26 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
See Mar. 5
gay agenda I loved the ’80s By Tony Hobday
A couple of weeks ago my friends dragged me by what little (contrary to popular rumor) hair I have on my rear end to Shoe Carnival where I ran into Dennis McCracken — you know, the Salt Lake Men’s Choir guru. Anyhoo, he was dressed in a clown costume, and though he ex- dude ... been there, done that! The Westminster plained that he had just come from entertaining at a Film Program hosts this free screening. 7pm, Tower Theater, 876 E 900 South. Free, 801-321Boy Scouts of America jamboree, I was suspicious that 0310. he may actually moonlight at the Carnival. In any case, wednesday — Check out the he was so excited that as he hugged me his tiny trick U.S. premiere screening of Love Never Dies (it’s not a James Bond flick), flower spit on me ... and then he bought me dinner!
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thursday — Sugar Space proudly presents Suite:
Women Defining Dance, an annual series supporting local female choreographers. Featured this year are fivefour/ Cortney McGuire and Leah Nelson, Erica Womack and Laura Blakely. Enjoy an evening of thoughtful, unpredictable and diverse choreography, ranging from the disjointed and hopeful world of daydreams to our struggle to communicate despite best efforts and the surge in technology and social media.
8pm, through Saturday, The Sugar Space, 616 E. Wilmington. Tickets $12–15, 888-300-7898 or thesugarspace.com.
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friDAY — Five-time Tony-award nominee Rock of Ages
is an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting 1980’s hits from such artists as Pat Benatar, Journey, REO Speedwagon and Asia — I loved Asia until I realized Jainism is not the “nectar of the wanker.” But I digress. A small town girl meets a big city rocker on the Sunset Strip and then in L.A.’s most famous rock club they fall madly in love to the decade’s greatest songs. Ahhhh ... I miss big hair and Jainism!
8pm, through Saturday, Kingsbury Hall, 1395 E. Presidents Circle, UofU. Tickets $35–62.50, 801-581-7100 or kingtix.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS Mar. 20 Kelly Clarkson Maverik Ctr
Mar. 31 Amy Ray The State Room
Apr. 19 Ingrid Michaelson In The Venue
Jun. 22 kd lang Peppermill Concert Hall, Wendover
Jul. 5 Foster The People Saltair
Aug. 4-5 “8” The Play (a reading) Rose Wagner Center
QQ Weber State University Department of Performing Arts presents Moliere’s classic French comedy Tartuffe. The play was first staged in 1664 and although the public and King Louis himself loved the play, it upset the hierarchy of the Catholic Church and members of upper-class society — that’s reason enough to see this show. Jennifer Kokai, director of the production, says, “Along with the hilarious comedy story, our Medicine Show has singing, dancing, magic, juggling and many surprises.” 7:30pm, through March 10, Allred Theater, Val A. Browning Center, 3848 Harrison Blvd., Ogden. Tickets $8–11, 800-WSU-TIKS or weberstatetickets.com.
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monday — Five-time Tony-award winner The Drowsy
Chaperone is a hilarious musical comedy stocked with the finest libations: Hot gangsters, hot showgirls, hot oil, hot oil tycoons and a hot British butler — I loved the hot Mr. Belvedere until the end of the face-melting ’80s. Oh yeah, what about Benson ... ooolala! Apparently I have a thing for manservants ... where’s Dennis McCracken??? 7:30pm, through Mar. 31, Centerpoint Legacy Theatre, 525 N. 400 West, Centerville. Tickets $20, 801-298-1302 or centerpointtheatre.tix.com.
QQ I loved the ’80s: I graduated high ... middle school; I lost my virginity; and parachute pants were in style. Anyhoo, the 1988 film Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is a Spanish black comedy from gay filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar. It’s the story of a jilted actress, a mentally unstable ex-girlfriend, a possible female terrorist and a suspicious lady lawyer, and how their paths cross, all leading to the same
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the sequel to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s timeless love story, Phantom of the Opera. This one-night, special-engagement screening includes an introduction from Webber, discussing the creative process and stumbling blocks of developing the story, as well as behind-the-scenes content. Times and theaters vary. Tickets available at fandango.com.
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thursday — In Colonial America,
the third crossing of black and white bloodlines was believed to yield white children. The relationship between Thomas Jefferson and his slave Sally Hemings — whose children were the third crossing but remained slaves — is the springboard for examining interracial relationships in America. This Plan-B Theatre production, by Debora Threedy, is “racial profiling redefined.”
8pm, through March 18, Studio Theatre, Rose Wagner Center, 138 W. Broadway. Tickets $20, 801355-ARTS or arttix.org.
QQ A country kid from Iowa, Trevor McFedries aka DJ Skeet Skeet had a successful run playing high school football, shredding in hardcore bands and being awkward around girls ... my life incarnate, except I was playing high school footsies, shredding lettuce and being awkward around my Spanish teacher Señor Thomas. Anyhoo, Skeet has been spinnin’ remixes for gay faves like Katy Perry, Fergie and Boys Like Girls, so this should make for a fabulous evening. 9pm, Metro Bar, 540 W. 200 South. Tickets $10, 801-467-8499 or smithstix.com.
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friday — The UofU Performing
Dance Company’s Spring Concert highlights Twyla Tharp’s piece “Sweet Fields.” The performance also will feature innovative premieres by faculty members including a piece set to Bolero, and will be performed with live accompaniment by the University Philharmonia and other musicians from the School of Music.
7:30pm, through Saturday, Kingsbury Hall, 1395 E. Presidents Circle, UofU. Tickets $10–20, 801-5817100 or kingtix.com.
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saturday — The Utah Opera presents The Elixir of Love, by Gaetano Donizetti. Set in 18th century Italy, this comic opera involves a poor peasant and a wealthy landowner named Adina. When the peasant, Nemorino, learns of Adina’s impending nuptials he seeks the help of a quack salesman who provides him with a “love potion” to win the heart of the bride-to-be.
7:30pm, through March 18, Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South. Tickets $16–85, 801-355-ARTS, arttix.org.
QQ Art Access Gallery is trying something new: A Studio Spring Cleaning Sale. The benefit for you: Original fine art at reduced prices. The benefit for the artists: Cleaned out studios. The benefit for Art Access: A portion of proceeds will fund Art Access programs. Participating artists include Anne Becker, Linnie Brown, Marian Dunn, Heidi Evans, Shilo Jackson, Kristina Lenzi, Chris Miles, Dottie Miles, Karl Pace, Jody Plant, Steven K. Sheffield and more. 10am–1pm, Art Access Gallery, 230 S. 500 West. For more information go to accessart.org.
QQ As part of the At Work Film Series, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts is screening the fabulous 1980 comedy 9 to 5. Starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton, the film centers around three disgruntled colleagues who fantasize about taking revenge on their boss. The film is presented in conjunction with the At Work: Prints from the Great Depression exhibition — I don’t see the correlation between the two, unless we’re talking about Dolly’s cleavage. 2pm, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, 410 Campus Center Dr., UofU. Free, 801-581-7332 or umfa.utah.edu.
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wednesday — The Celebration of Art & Soup is Salt Lake City’s world-class fundraising event for Community Nursing Services Home Health and Hospice. This unique two-day event shares creative artwork by some of Utah’s finest artists, along with soup samplings and desserts from local restaurants. The admission, art exhibit, auction and sale support CNS’s charitable care program. BTW, this is one of Michael Aaron’s fave events — he’s probably just fishing for free hospice care since the need is right around the corner.
11am–2pm and 5–9pm, through Thursday, Sheraton Hotel, 150 W. 500 South. Tickets $15 at the door, cns-cares.org.
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ISSUE 201
MARCH 1, 2012
oup ass
ome y f mts. ale BTW, s— e care .
herae door,
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www.pygmalionproductions.org
‘Dottie–The Sister Lives On!’ receives a standing ovulation Who’da thunk scr apbooking could be so tit ’l ay ton ’ ? By Tony Hobday
U
tah’s most progressive Mormon housewife is, once again, packing ‘em in hard and tight. A rolling tide of adoring fans, and a few guppies, flooded the Chapel Theatre for a preview performance of the world premiere of Dottie — The Sister Lives On! at the Salt Lake Acting Company — a performance that finh ished off with r of a “standing ti. Set ovulation.” omic Hailing sant from the When picturs imesque quack po“Spaneesh Fark,” W. Utah, Sister x.org. Dottie S. Dixon perig odically travels The throughout the ed state spreadd out ing her own tion spin on the ms. Mormon r, Shilo gospel: to honestly uphold love and respect for everyone. ie In this new inspirational play, Sister Dottie hefweathers waves of emotion prior to, during est. For and in succession of taking an Atlantis gay cruise with her tall, quiet BFF Sister Dartsey, her gay son Donnie Jr. and his “hispanish” new e boyfriend. In Sister Dottie fashion, here is brief he overview of their trip: Trusie: Sisters Dottie and ane Dartsey encounter pygmy warriors of the Mayan film jungle. Falsie: Dartsey is truly a Sister. Trusie: ues heir Dottie decides tight-fitting Speedos on gay men n with look like balloon animals. After returning home from the cruise, and samidst an invitation from PFLAG to address the ion Utah Legislation on an anti-bullying bill, Sister bout
Center u.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
save the date
Dottie juggles nine tormenting hospital floors between her ailing husband and her drug-addicted son (who are, in Dottie’s words, the gas in her SUV), which results in both life-changing and life-affirming events. Several months later, in celebration of the new addition to the Dixon family, Sister Dottie symbolically demonstrates her own brand of creationism, using shrewd baking skills. Charles Lynn Frost, the creator and embodiment of Sister Dottie, has brought delightfully to life a boisterous, doughty advocate for social change — a robust visionary in a Lane Bryant floral top and denim capris, with a wisp of strawlike hair, cut and colored through a colander. In Dottie — The Sister Lives On!, Frost and co-writer Christopher R. Wixom have scribed a well-weaved and fast-paced sequence of events, never prolonging any particular scene. They have mapped Sister Dottie a teacher: She uses visual aids to teach about glitter-and-glue gun-sex education; she illustrates her farm-friendly approach to linguistics; and she attributes excellence in humanitarianism to one being. The play is directed by Robin Wilks-Dunn who respectively gives plenty of artistic freedom, allowing for Sister Dottie to freely interact with the audience. The show is both funny and moving; in fact, Sister Dottie brought at least one audience member to tears, literally streaming down her cheeks. The woman could have been a plant — she could be to Sister Dottie what Gayle King is to Oprah Winfrey — but it’s doubtful; Sister Dottie is like a mother to all Utahns, with just a look we spill our sins to her. The power ... the heart ... to change minds, or at the least, to inspire the flow of guilt-ridden tears is inherent in Sister Dottie S. Dixon, to which I say, “Ya go, Gurl!” And I wholeheartedly thank Sister Dottie for inspiring me to take up scrapbooking. Q
pygmalion productions presents
in the next room
or, the vibrator play
by sarah ruhl
may 03–20 rose wagner performing arts center
355-ARTS OR ARTTIX.ORG
Dottie — The Sister Lives On!, in an extended run, closes March 11. Tickets to limited perfor-
PYG
Smart. Sexy. Sophisticated.
October 5–7
April 7
May 19
June 21–24
August 5
UVU Spectrum Masquerade Prom
Gay Day at Hogle Zoo
Utah Arts Festival
SAGE Garden Party
tinyurl.com/gayzooutah
uaf.org
utahpridecenter.org
gaydaysanaheim.com
tinyurl.com/spectrumball
May 24–28
July 20–23
August 10–11
November 11
April 20
RCGSE Coronation XXXVII
Pionude Day Campout
Women’s Redrock Music Fest
Day of Silence
rcgse.org
umen.org
redrockwomensfest.com
March 7, 14 & 21
dayofsilence.org
June 1–3
July 13–15
August 26
Pride Softball Signups
May 1–9
Utah Pride Festival
prideleague.com
Journey to Magical Peru
utahpridefestival.org
Damn These Heels Film Festival
Pride Center Golf Classic
QueerSpirit.org
June 9
damntheseheels.org
utahpridecenter.org
April 21
August 3–5
September 22
utahpridecenter.org
Queer Prom
Salt Lake Men’s Choir Summer Concert
Park City Arts Festival
Pink Dot Utah
December 7–9
utahpridecenter.org
saltlakemenschoir.org
kimballartcenter.org
pinkdotut.org
May 2
June 9
August 5
September 26
Bill of Rights Celebration
HRC Gala Dinner
QSaltLake Lagoon Day
EU Allies Dinner
acluutah.org
hrc.org
qsaltlake.com
equalityutah.org
March 3
WSU Black & White Ball
March 8–9
LGBTQ Youth Summit utahpridecenter.org March 24–25
Holi, Festival of Colors utahkrishnas.org
Gay Days Anaheim
Natl Coming Out Day utahpridecenter.org November 12
TransAction Gender Conference utahpridecenter.org December 1
World AIDS Day
Salt Lake Men’s Choir Christmas Concert saltlakemenschoir.org Email arts@qsaltlake.com
MARCH 1, 2012
28 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ISSUE 201
QSALTLAKE
Poll: Gays iffy about City Creek By Seth Bracken
ARIES (March 20–April 19) Is cooperation more trouble than it’s worth? Your colleagues may feel the same way about you. Focus on VIRGO (August 23–September 22) improving your technical and interpersonal Your naughty mouth can get you skills. Things will improve soon. Build a into trouble, delicious or otherwise. track record you can be proud of. Tell the one you love what you’d really like to do when you’re alone together. It could TAURUS (April 20–May 20) do wonders for your relationship. Venus coming home to Taurus opens you up to new dreams, ideas LIBRA (September 23–October 22) and romances. Stay within your budget, but A flirtation with a co-worker or an let all other limits and constraints fly to the exercise buddy could turn into wind. Sharing your ideals and dreams will something serious, unless you take it too boost your allure. seriously. Let it be fun and light. You both GEMINI (May 21- June 20) need some fresh air and fun, and if that’s Wild impulsive ideas can lead to all it is, that’s OK, too. true love or add some juice to an SCORPIO (October 23–November existing relationship. Confess your wildest 21) hopes and some will be fulfilled. Think As you get over being cranky and ahead, though! Life gets crazy next week. critical of your friends, how many do you Pay attention to details. have left? Getting rid of annoying twits may CANCER (June 21- July 22) improve your life, but you probably still Be helpful, kind and supportive, have some fences to mend. Make time for but bending over backwards for the folks who really matter. others will just get you a sore back. Openmindedness is good, but study basic premSAGITTARIUS (November 22–Deises before adopting entire philosophies. cember 20) You will be heard, so think before speaking! Family ties or work in your commu-
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CAPRICORN (December 21–January 19) Why do siblings or neighbors drive you crazy? It’s not about you. Work to understand and be sympathetic to their problems. On a power surge right now, you can afford to be generous.
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AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18) Try not to take yourself, your ideas or your sex life too seriously. Dissatisfaction drives the search for improvement; an open mind, some humility and a sense of humor will help you succeed. The comforts of home help you keep balanced.
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PISCES (February 19–March 19) “Brilliant” financial ideas will soon prove to need correcting. You probably have a good start to a plan, though it needs time and work. Don’t act prematurely! Listen to your partner’s suggestions politely, but your friends really have the better insights.
Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations at 415-864-8302, starjack.com, or QScopes@qsaltlake.com
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nity can strengthen a foundation for your career. Thing seem to be backsliding now. Recalculate your direction. That will take a few weeks yet. Don’t fret over immediate results. Keep your eye on the long run.
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By Jack Fertig
LEO (July 23–August 22) You’re too sexy for your shoes, too sexy for your lover, too sexy for your job. Tone down the charm and charisma at least a little bit. Others can easily make it out to be more than you intended, arousing jealousy and harassment suits.
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Q scopes
Brewer said. “We can’t wait to open the doors for everyone and we are very excited to have gay and lesbian shoppers visit. I’m sure they’ll love the new stores we have to offer Utah and I can assure that they will feel welcomed and comfortable.” Gay and lesbian couples will not have to worry about breaking any rules or regulations of the mall if they hold hands while perusing the shops or even if they share a kiss, Brewer said. “There is no difference between how gay and straight couples will be treated and City Creek will follow the same stipulations that other Taubman properties use. There are no different rules and the LDS Church will not be influencing any of the rules or regulations,” Brewer said. “It’s not just gay and lesbian shoppers who were concerned about visiting City Creek but we want to make sure everyone is aware that they are welcome.” Despite having a middle-management company between the shoppers and dollars going directly to the LDS Church, many Utah gays and lesbians are still voicing concern. The Mormon faith does not allow gays and lesbians to date or marry. While the checkered and difficult past includes a changing of doctrine, the current stance is that gays and lesbians should remain celibate and attempt to change their sexuality to fit cultural norms whenever possible. The Mormon Church also became embroiled in scandal when leaders encouraged members to donate time and money to a campaign to ban gay marriage in California. “I vote with my money. I do not shop at a facility that contributes or donates to advocating government force that is used against another group of individuals,” said one poll participant. “I don’t have a problem shopping at places owned by Mormons, however, I will not shop at a place owned by the Church itself because I don’t want my money going to the Church so they can pull the same shit they did during prop. 8,” said another. With other high-end and local retail shops around the city, it appears likely that many Utah queers will spend their dollars elsewhere. However, many of the companies that will be opening in City Creek Center offer comprehensive nondiscrimination policies and domestic-partnership benefits. The Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, which grades companies on treatment of queers, has given perfect scores to some of the businesses opening in City Creek. Nordstrom received a 100 percent score, even offering transgenderinclusive health care policies. Macys and Tiffany & Co. both received 90 percent scores. Jewelry retailer PANDORA was not graded by the HRC, but it requires employee sensitivity training and operates under a self-imposed nondiscrimination policy. “As part of this commitment we have made a pledge to ad- Anagra vancing responsible business practices within human rights, sound working conditions, environmental issues and business ethics. Thus, we have issued a set of mandatory polices that all PANDORA employees are required to follow and we constantly encourage all business partners to take up similar procedures,” said a company representative in a statement. Poll responders cited various reasons to avoid the new center and while ownership was a large concern, there are others who are concerned about shopping locally and sustainably. Despite individual companies within the mall and the operators of the retail stores, many Utah queers have promised to shop elsewhere. And while overly broad definitions of where queers will shop are speculative, it seems that Utah queers view the situation at City Creek Center as unique. Q 2 4 6 9 1 5 8 3 7
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ith more than 20 new-to-market stores opening and anchoring giants such as Nordstrom and Tiffany & Co., there’s plenty to excite the gay shopper at the soon to open City Creek Center in Salt Lake City. The 20-acre complex — complete with highend retail, restaurants, and office and residential space, is a rarity of investment during a down economy. Normally, the gay dollars would be flowing through this retail magnet in Utah’s capital city, which opens March 22, but considering the financial backer and investment, will the queers turn out in droves to spend their hard-earned money? The $2 billion project is an undertaking by Property Reserve, Inc., the commercial real estate division of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Investing in the area next to their world headquarters and Salt Lake City Temple, the LDS Church made the enormous construction project a magnet for economic boom and development, said Dee Brewer, marketing and sponsorship director of Taubman, the company managing the retail aspects of the mall. However, an unscientific online QSaltLake poll indicated that a vast majority of readers do not feel comfortable shopping in the new mall because it’s owned by the LDS Church. Of the more than 100 responses to the survey, more than 70 percent said they will not shop at City Creek Center. Approximately 9 percent of respondents said they are excited for the opening of the mall; another 9 percent indicated they will shop there but only because the stores are not in other non-Mormon-owned malls and 11 percent said they are undecided. The retail outlets of the mall will be operated by Taubman Centers, which runs more than 20 malls around the country. Taubman has no affiliation with the Mormon Church and encourages queer shoppers to visit their properties, Brewer said. “First and foremost, City Creek Center is for everyone,”
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ISSUE 201
MARCH 1, 2012
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
k Queer-inclusive soap
one ers
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By Seth Bracken
S
ome kids grew up watching Super Friends, Batman and other animated d adventures. But for filmmaker and actor kiss, Pietro D’Alessio, in place of the adventures of Superman, he religiously followed the t story lines of Dr. Steve Hardy and Nurse Jessie me Brewer on General Hospital. re “I was obsessed with soap operas. Absolutely ncing obsessed. I would skip school to stay home st gay and watch what happened,” D’Alessio said. “I ng City followed all the soap operas and from a young they age, although I was mainly interested in General Hospital. I was also so intrigued by Dallas, I ween never missed an episode.” ch, His love of beautiful people in dramatic he situations led him to write his own soap opera, or loosely based on his own life and those around him. The project that started in junior high d school was always on the back of his mind until The he had a chance to fully flesh out the characters. Creating genealogies and full characters, he reen ey to a searched backgrounds and histories for months, D’Alessio, the co-creator of the show, finally brought the project to fruition in 2009. “The characters were just screaming for that poll attention and I knew I had to do this. I knew it had to be now,” he said. “I finally had the time to create the series and that’s how Proper y the Manors was born.” he A complete web series will be filmed in Utah rop. and broadcast online at propermanors.tv. The plot follows Joey Sorrento (Hunter Gomez) and e city, Jef Knights (Beau Stine), whose characters are dol- loosely based on D’Alessio and producer and co-creator Jef Phillips, and their lives growing up g in in Plant City, Fla. The boys get into all sorts of n trouble as they uncover the secrets of the town. n Using all-Utah based talent, filming begins des in March and the first episode will be aired ores May 31, then every Thursday following. The trom plot lines include many queer characters and actors. Tackling subjects such as HIV, male-onboth male rape, the bareback movement in gay porn as and transgender issues, Proper Manors will be vity ina-
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fraught with drama, sexy people and excitement. While some of the characters may come out as gay, sexuality is very fluid and any character could be sleeping with either sex. “We want to reflect real-world America. And it was a conscience decision to film this in Utah and show how things are changing here. To show that we’re just like everyone else,” D’Alessio said. “And while there will be plenty of beautiful people, there will be a lot of regular people who reflect real life.” While it’s not picked up by any major television network yet, the web series is the way of the future, D’Alessio said. The production levels are professional quality and with the advent of Netflix, Hulu and other online streaming sources, people are turning more and more to the Internet for entertainment, he said. “You can expect the same quality of acting and production on the web series that you can on television. Even better in some cases,” he said. Despite its saucy content, the Utah Film Commission and other members of the film community have fully backed the project and are providing talent and locations. And while many of the actors are of the Mormon faith, most are well aware of the possibility of their characters becoming embroiled in a torrid affair with a member of the same sex. “I would consider myself an equality activist and so would many of the actors,” D’Alessio said. “We are all supporting the same cause and want to work together. Any gay, bisexual or transgender person is going to find themselves reflected in Proper Manors.” Viewing the series is free, and production will continue indefinitely, providing viewers with new episodes each week. “We are also looking to showcase local talent and local restaurants, bars and hangouts,” he said. “We would love for this to become a community project and would encourage everyone to get involved.” Q
For more information, go to propermanors.tv.
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what should we do this weekend?
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i dunno. where should we look?
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oh, oh, oh! there’s that new gaysaltlake.com!
Cryptogram: My friends, welcome to the other side of the rainbow.
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gaysaltlake.com bar events, arts, restaurants, salt lake scene, fun pics BROUGHT TO YOU BY Q
MARCH 1, 2012
30 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Eight Across 1 Cathedral of Hope area 5 Nintendo rival 9 Tuesday to 50 million Frenchmen 14 Boys Don’t Cry character 15 Parka feature 16 You blow them among the reeds 17 Processes wine or cheese 18 Person in opposition 19 Lord Byron, for one 20 He plays a lawyer in 8 23 Norma ___ (Field film) 24 Next to bat, to Billy Bean 25 Come together 27 Disney Uncle 30 Handle on a streetcar, for Williams? 33 JFK’s successor 36 See-through material brand 38 Was excessive with the mouth 39 Six Feet Under creator Ball 41 Conductor Boulanger 43 Trust, with “on” 44 Less nuts 46 Evans of Dynasty 48 Breakfast on Pluto actor Stephen 49 Symbol of discipline 51 Queer, to straights
53 Mine bonanzas 55 Bride’s family, to the other bride 59 In-case connector 61 Former Star Trek star in 8 64 Paul of Hollywood Squares 66 Time for cowboys to shoot off 67 At deuce 68 Designer’s job 69 Guy under Hoover 70 Flying fisher 71 Threesome member for Dumas 72 S&M root 73 Calendar boxes Down 1 You must remember this 2 One who kneels before Apollo 3 He was a real dummy 4 South Pacific island 5 Hairspray director Adam 6 Many, many moons 7 Rock music style 8 St. Lo “so long” 9 Beach partner 10 Red Cross system 11 He plays a supporter of marriage equality in 8 12 Crème-crème filling 13 Chin stroker’s words 21 Tops a cupcake 22 Split one in the locker room
ISSUE 201
QSALTLAKE
26 Peter or Paul but not Mary 28 Continent-separating range 29 When repeated, a Funny Girl song 31 Part of a play 32 Irish pop singer 33 Avoid premature ejaculation 34 Not so exciting 35 She plays an opponent of marriage equality in 8 37 U.S. Supreme Court count 40 DVD recording software 42 That’s Rich! 45 South Pacific composer 47 Isn’t informal 50 “Look at Me, I’m Sandra ___” 52 Tickled pink 54 What Melissa Etheridge puts out 56 The Seven Samurai director Kurosawa 57 Put a condiment on it 58 Slaws and salads 59 Vinick portrayer on The West Wing 60 Nikita’s no 62 Caesar’s city 63 Stick it in the slow ones 65 Whoop-de-___ PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ARE ON PAGE 32
cryptogram A cryptogram is a puzzle where one letter in the puzzle is substituted with another. For example: ECOLVGNCYXW YCR EQYIIRZNBZN YZU PSZ! Has the solution: CRYPTOGRAMS ARE CHALLENGING AND FUN! In the above example Es are all replaced by Cs. The puzzle is solved by recognizing letter patterns in words and successively substituting letters until the solution is reached. This week’s hint: G = H
Theme: A quote by openly gay Washington state Sen. Ed Murray, at the signing reception for the state’s new marriage law.
An
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ISSUE 201
MARCH 1, 2012
NIGHTLIFE
31
she culture Jenny Owen Youngs shares her musical style By Annalisa Millo
J
enny Owen Youngs made a return to Salt Lake City, playing at Urban Lounge, Feb. 16, to promote her new album, An Unwavering Band of Light. Youngs has toured and collaborated with Regina Spektor, and has also toured with Aimee Mann, Sean Hayes and others. She shares her drummer and producer on her new album, Elliott Jacobsen and Dan Romer, respectively, with the likes of Ingrid Michaelson and Greg Laswell. A cheerful but grounded musician, Youngs exudes optimism and delight through her music, stage presence and on- and off-stage personality. I had the pleasure of interviewing Miss Youngs after she did me the favor of drawing a gravitydefying unicorn on my shirt that I purchased at her merchant booth that reads “I got knocked up by Jenny Owen Youngs.” A more awesome band shirt in existence remains to be seen. What are your impressions of Salt Lake City? The crowd was a lot more mobile than I was expecting, they were very enthusiastic, dancy and verbal. It was really nice, I didn’t really know what to expect; I’ve played Salt Lake a couple times and they’d both been pretty mellow shows. One of them was in a church and the other was in a venue that didn’t serve alcohol. How’s the tour going? We’re out until the end of March, but everything is going really well. I feel like we’re playing well and having a blast, and usually finding good food to eat, and people are coming to our shows and seem to be having a good time, and it’s really exciting to be playing all this material from the new album. That’s the most exciting thing for me, getting out and putting that in people’s ears. Your new album, An Unwavering Band of Light, was released in early February, what does the title mean? It’s a reference to what I think is the most beautiful moment in a book called Breakfast Of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut. I keep trying to explain it really eloquently, but I do a really bad job. So I feel like I should just encourage you and everyone else to read the book. (I looked into this after the interview, as I have not read said book, yet. That specific passage appears to be very heavy and very profound, and by no means do I blame Youngs for finding difficulty in illustrating it.)
Do you have any favorite tracks on the album? The song I’m most excited about is called “Sleep Machine.” It gets to be the loudest of anything else on the record, but it also has these pockets of weird, quiet, spooky stuff and then the chorus directly contrasts the rest of the song. The first song that I released that people could hear before the album came out and that we also made a video for is called “Your Apartment.” So this is your third album, what does this album mean to you as to sequence of your albums? How do you see it compared to the previous ones in terms of your place in your life and the context surrounding it? I think that it’s really unique from the others in a lot of different ways. What I can say is that the writing process was very different and arranging the songs was very different as well. I feel like over the course of the three records that I’ve made, I’ve tried to put more and more of an emphasis on the arrangements from the early stages of writing and I really wanted to work to make this album sound more like a group of people who have a vibe and chemistry, playing the music together instead of ... maybe not instead of, I’m proud of my previous records. But that was the thing that I tried to focus on. On the previous records we started with vocals and guitar and then worked backwards. The drummer who is out (on tour) with me right now and who is on the record, Elliott Jacobson, and the producer of the record, Dan Romer, and I all got together and we went through the body of songs that were contenders. There were 17 of them, and there’s 11 on the album. So we just went through all of them and worked out different (feels) for them, and then everything kind of started to make sense, and then went forward with the recording process from there. So, I feel like there was a lot more emphasis on the dynamics of people playing off of each other. I feel when you’re making a record you try to do everything you can to service every song to the best of your abilities, so I feel like a lot of the time it’s just me and Dan working in sort of a bubble. We have our own individual tendencies, and we also have tendencies that really come out when we’re working together that are unique to our dynamic. A lot of the time we can lose per-
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 local rock band fronted by Kevin Hill
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spective, so to have Elliott there from basically the beginning, contributing a really formidable skill set and bank of ideas to the whole process ... it really set the tone, I guess is what I’m trying to say. Wow, that really spiraled out of control! [laughs]
Dan got me into Harry Belafonte. So that’s the kind of stuff that we were thinking about; really, really, very much Tom Waits and Harry Belafonte. Just that kind of stuff that we were really focused on while we were working out these weird percussion things and steel drums.
No, that’s great, I love that. Your new album has a fuller, more rounded sound than your previous albums, and it seems like you made use of a wider range of instruments. Would that be correct to say, or am I totally off? Totally! I mean, I think that it may be that the immediately preceding record, Transmitter Failure, may have had a slightly wider range of stuff, but I feel like we really hit the nail on the head as far as the use of those things. Because sometimes you track a bunch of shit, and then you’re like, ‘Oh yeah, everything sounds great, we needed so many instruments!’ But one of the other things I tried to focus on, because Dan is really into layering and wall-ofsound stuff, was trying to urge him to use what was necessary and vital, but not add superfluous layers. And at the same time we were also trying to focus on using weirder percussion, trying to get the sound a little dirtier. We recorded everything in Dan’s home studio and for Transmitter Failure we went to a proper studio to get the strings and drums in, but (on An Unwavering Band of Light) we wanted it to sound a little grittier, so we did everything at Dan’s and I feel like you can hear the room on a lot of the tracks, which was something that I really wanted: for people to feel like they could actually be inside of the song. I feel like when you can’t recognize a human aspect, that’s something that keeps you as a listener out of the song, which is the opposite of what I want. I want people to feel connected to it. (She then shrieks out of shortness of breath for the elaborate, but appreciated, explanation. After sharing a brief laugh, we continued.)
I heard somewhere that you never used any gender specific pronouns on your first album, Batten the Hatches. Is that the case with your new album or the preceding one? I don’t really like gender specific pronouns in songs, period. There’s nothing that irritates me more than when someone covers a classic song and changes it. It just rubs me the wrong way. It’s not anything that I set out consciously to do, it’s just not my vibe.
Do you have any particular influences musically? I would say this record specifically is heavily influenced by the mid ‘80s period of Tom Waits’ catalog, and prior to making this record I got into The White Stripes and The Strokes, and
So it’s more of a musical thing rather than some sort of subtle political statement? [laughs] No, definitely not. I’m sure you’re aware of this, but you have a fairly large queer following, specifically queer women. Why do you think that is? Well, I’m hoping that it’s because they have excellent taste, but I’ve also been told that it’s because I used to wear a tie a lot. It was just my school uniform. (Note that she said “they.” Despite many queer girls’ speculation of her so-called relationship with Regina Spektor, she doesn’t claim to be one of “us.” Our hopes and dreams are crushed. Sorry, girls.) What do you see happening in the future? Are you going to continue to make music for a while? God, I really hope so! Are you going to be back in Salt Lake anytime soon? I’m not sure what’s going to be happening after this tour, but I imagine there will be a lot of touring for the remainder of the year, so I’m sure that I will find my way back in the near future. I feel like this interview summation wouldn’t be complete without making a “Voice On Tape” joke, but I’ll spare you and leave that to your imagination. A more friendly and well-mannered musician than Jenny Owen Youngs is a rarity, and we look forward to her return to Utah, hopefully later this year. Q
MARCH 1, 2012
32 NIGHTLIFE
ISSUE 201
QSALTLAKE
Salt Lake’s new ‘fruit loop?’ By Seth Bracken
A
new ‘gayborhood’ or ‘fruit-loop’ is emerging in Salt Lake City. Withthe opening of The MIXX, a queer-inclusive center, coupled with the staples - of Trapp, Metro Bar and PÜRE at Club Sound on Friday nights, the area of 600 West and 200 South has become the one-stop shop for gay nightlife. The MIXX, which opened on Feb. 24, is not technically a bar. But you might not notice that. There’s dancing, cheap drinks, a fun vibe and an eclectic mix of sexy at the new reception center that replaced Studio 27. Located next to Trapp, 102 S. 600 W., the new venue will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., with other events and special engagements throughout the week. While it’s not billing itself as a bar for gay men specifically, they are certainly represented and welcome – as is just about every other demographic. From lesbians to drag queens and twinks to muscle bears, there’s just a little of everything. “We wanted it to have something for everyone. That’s why it’s called, The MIXX,” said owner RB Edgar. “We have redesigned the sound system and layout and we’ve got something for everyone; pool tables in the back, a lounge area and great, cheap drinks.” With $6 shots of Patron and $5 Jager Bombs, the competitive pricing is just one of the draws for this new space. The large club, which is open to people at least 21 years old, still has a stage, disc jockey booth, large chandeliers and a goth-chic vibe. Although there is an occasional cover of $5, the cheap drinks and terrific space make up for it. “The space is designed to have a high-energy dance floor with the music focused on that area and quieter areas with tables and a patio for hanging out and getting to know your date,” Edgar said. “We will have an eclectic crowd that focuses not so much
on sexuality, but having a great time. Gay, straight, bi, whatever. Everyone is going to be here.” The Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire, Utah’s oldest queer charity, is already booking events and the buzz about the place is growing. With almost no difference for patrons than other clubs, the licensing agreement is just more red tape and bureaucracy for Edgar, who licensed his location as a reception center because there were no available club licenses. Despite some small changes, such as drinks must be served from mobile bar units, there’s no reason to not enjoy the club. The other edition to Salt Lake City nightlife is a semi-Latin night on Saturdays at The MIXX, which is also designed for men and women alike. In place of traditional Latin music, hip-hop and chart-toppers will be played with an occasional Latin twist, said Manuel Arano, the club promoter. After being involved with Latin
Utah Male Naturists can’t wait for summer
nights at Trapp, Club Edge and Club Karamaba, Arano is a veteran club producer and knows how to attract crowds. “Since we started promoting, people are very excited about it,” he said. “There was a need for something different – something new, and this is it.” The club will not have a cover for the first month of operation but will occasionally sponsor different Latin nonprofits, such as resources for homeless Utahns, and will ask for donations. People can park their cars and, on Friday nights, visit Trapp, The MIXX and PÜRE. On Saturdays Metro Bar is added to the mix. With the recent and sudden changes, Salt Lake City’s burgeoning “gayborhood” could help all the area bars attract more patrons and become the heart of the city’s nightlife. Q
To stay on top of all gay nightlife news in Salt Lake, visit gaysaltlake.com.
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QSALTLAKE.COM
ISSUE 201
MARCH 1, 2012
cocktail chatter I walked (barely) with a zombie
M
By Ed Sikov
y birthday was approaching, and Ramona insisted on taking me out to celebrate. “Let’s get shitfaced,” she advised. She’d just broken up with a 24-year-old gymnast. For some reason she wanted to revisit Le Quai à Nice, the French bistro we’d gone to several months ago. When I arrived I found Ramona on the sidewalk staring at the storefront. “What’s up, Mo?” I asked. “It’s gone!” she cried. “Look!” She pointed at a Caribbean restaurant called Turks and CakeO’s. Le Quai à Nice was now a calypso joint. “Oh well,” she shrugged. “Conch fritters, anyone?” We were seated immediately, Turks and Cake-O’s having not quite caught on yet. “Two Zombies,” Ramona yelled at the dark, handsome waiter before she’d even eteran taken off her coat. “Mo, I really don’t think ut it,” that’s a good idea,” I said. hing “Fuck you,” she advised. “It’s your birthday, and I just ion got dumped by the best lay h as I’ve ever had.” (This was an achievement; Ramona isn’t p, known for sexual restraint.) mix. “What’s in a Zombie anyoning way?” she asked. ons “A laundry list of heavy duty alcohol mixed with some fruit juices so you won’t know how t gay-strong it is. Let’s have one each and switch to seltzer.” “No!” she shouted. The bartender turned and looked at us warily, as did the three other diners in the room. “Fasten your seatbelts,” she quoted, “it’s going to be a bumpy night.” A shiver ran down my spine. Mo polished off her Zombie before we’d ordered any food, which gave her the opportunity to describe every inch of Geoff the gymnast’s body before getting anything to sop up her boozy misery. I’ve never heard even the gayest guy describe a man’s body in such hot detail. I felt like I’d spent a weekend in the sack with Geoff — with a magnifying glass and Klieg
light. The highlights: “The best-tasting treasure trail ever.” “Pecs like granite.” “I swear he has a 12-pack. I counted!” “His dick was only seven inches, but he made up for it in other ways, if you know what I mean.” (I didn’t, but didn’t care to ask for clarification.) “The sweetest little hairs around his nipples.” “Anotherrround,” Ramona slurred when the waiter arrived with the conch fritters. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” I said though my own buzzy haze. Ramona leaned toward me as though she was about to reveal a secret. “Theysayitsyrbrthday, yagonnahaveagoodtime,” she said conspiratorially. The rest of the evening was like limbo — the place, not the dance. I remember helping Ramona with her coat at the front door and the waiter hurrying toward us with the check that we hadn’t paid; pulling Ramona off the sidewalk, where in an inadvertent homage to Loony Tunes she’d slipped on a banana peel; folding her into a cab and giving the cabbie $20 to get her safely into her building; somehow landing in my bed; and Dan waking me up as he pulled my shoes off with a scowl. They don’t call them Zombies for nothing.
‘Fasten your seatbelts,’ she quoted, ‘it’s going to be a bumpy night.”
The Zombie 1 oz. white rum 1 oz. golden rum 1 oz. dark rum ½ oz. fruit brandy ¾ oz. pineapple juice ¾ oz. papaya juice Lime juice to taste 151-proof rum to float on top Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake, then strain into a Collins glass (a tall, usually straight-sided tumbler) filled with cracked ice. Float the 151 rum on top by inverting a spoon over the glass and slowly pouring a thin stream of 151 over the back of the spoon. Q
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INHALE TROUBLE
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MARCH 1, 2012
34 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
the annual Q saltlake fabby award ballot
Vote for Utah’s most fabulous People, Places and Things! Fill out at least 10 categories of the most fabulous local restaurants, bars, services and others to qualify your ballot.
Most Fabulous Restaurants
Most Fabulous Bars Best Gay Bar
ISSUE 201
QSALTLAKE
Most Fabulous Shopping Fabulous People Best Local Shop for Budget Fashion
Best Leader of a Queer Organization
������������������������������������������������ Best Local Shop for High-End Fashion ������������������������������������������������ Best Local Shop for Shoes ������������������������������������������������ Best Local Shop for Drag Attire ������������������������������������������������ Best Local Book Store
������������������������������������������������ Best Local Politician ������������������������������������������������ Best Local Actor or Actress ������������������������������������������������ Best Bartender ������������������������������������������������ Best Local DJ
Lightest on Your Wallet
������������������������������������������������ Best Straight Bar
������������������������������������������������ Best Consignment Store for Furniture/Home Décor
������������������������������������������������ Best After-Hours Cravings
������������������������������������������������ Best Karaoke
������������������������������������������������ Best Underwear Selection
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������������������������������������������������ Best Local Restaurant for Breakfast
������������������������������������������������ Best Place to Catch the Game
������������������������������������������������ Best Antique Store
Fabulous Groups
������������������������������������������������ Best Dance Club
������������������������������������������������ Best Flower Shop
������������������������������������������������ Best Afternoon Crowd
������������������������������������������������ Best Local Jewelry Store
������������������������������������������������ Best Micro-Brewery
������������������������������������������������ Best Gift Store
������������������������������������������������ Best Friday Night
������������������������������������������������ Best Adult Toy Store
������������������������������������������������ Best Religious Organization
������������������������������������������������ Best Saturday Night
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������������������������������������������������ Best Sports Organization
������������������������������������������������ Best PETA-Approved ������������������������������������������������ Best Contemporary Restaurant ������������������������������������������������ Best in Park City ������������������������������������������������ Best in Ogden ������������������������������������������������ Best Asian Cuisine ������������������������������������������������ Best Thai Cuisine
������������������������������������������������ Best Sunday Night ������������������������������������������������ Cheapest Drinks
������������������������������������������������ Best South of the Border Cuisine
������������������������������������������������ Best Martini
������������������������������������������������ Best Mediterranean Cuisine
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
35
MARCH 1, 2012
36 NIGHTLIFE
honor roll
ISSUE 201
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Omar’s Rawtopia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801-486-0332
These businesses brought you this issue Planned Parenthood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ppau.org of QSaltLake. Make sure to thank them Pride Counseling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801-595-0666 with your patronage. A New Day Spa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801-272-3900 Accounting & More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801-410-4792
TO KEEP UP WITH CURRENT EVENTS AT THE CLUB SCAN THIS CODE USING YOUR SMARTPHONE.
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Jeff Williams Taxi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801-971-6287
Leesa Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801-824-0774
Dr. Douglas Woseth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801-266-8841
MARCH 1, 2012
38 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
the perils of petunia pap smear The tale of a luxury liner
T
By Petunia Pap Smear
PINK PIG
he road to High Creek is fraught with danger and excitement. Last month I sat stunned into a very rare silence, riveted by the television, watching news reports of the luxury ocean liner Costa Concordia running aground in Italy and tipping over on her side. My mind was flooded with emotional and terrifying images of other luxury liner disasters; Jack and Rose clinging to that deck chair in the freezing water beside the sinking RMS Titanic; Shelly Winters holding her breath and swimming underwater to save her shipmates only to suffer a fatal heart attack on the capsized USS Poseidon; Captain Stubing and cruise director Julie narrowly quelling a mutiny when Gopher misplaced the little drink umbrellas on The Love Boat. And the most horrifying of them all, the beginning of the demise of my own beloved personal luxury cruise liner, “Queertanic,” my 1975 Buick Electra land-yacht. A few years ago Mr. Pap Smear and I were hosting a weekend camp-out in High Creek, Utah for the Cache Valley queens. Since Mormon culture has been ingrained into my very DNA, I am constantly forced to travel with at least a twoyear supply of makeup, heels and ball gowns.
Thus, it was necessary to organize a convoy, to carry it all, plus food and accessories to last three days. I was driving “The Flaming Queen,” our 25-foot vintage Ute-Liner motor home, which caught on fire the day we purchased it. Mr. Pap Smear was obediently following behind, driving Queertanic and pulling “The Short-Short Trailer” loaded to the hilt with wigs, feather boas and bedazzled hunting vests. I firmly believe that when not blinded by headlights, even deer enjoy viewing a sequin gown now and then. We arrived at a particularly steep and narrow part of the canyon, a point of no return as it was, where there was absolutely no room to turn around. I pulled over, concerned that Mr. Pap Smear might not be up for the task of negotiating Queertanic up this treacherous stretch of road because in recent months, Queertanic had started to show some weaknesses in her advanced age. She would often lose power when pulling a heavy load or climbing a hill and here we were expecting her to do both. My confidence level was not very high as his response to any mechanical problem or noise in a car is to turn up the radio so he can’t hear it anymore and then drive faster.
I asked him to trade me vehicles. I deemed that the motor home was going to be the more reliable of the two. Either the size of The Flaming Queen seemed too daunting for him or he feared that it would burst into flames again, because he refused. So I coached him how to get a good run of speed before the steep parts, and what to do if he lost power. I led the way as we started up the next five miles of the canyon. I arrived at the designated campground and waited and waited. No sign of an approaching Queertanic. Finally, I drove The Flaming Queen back down the treacherous narrow road and near the bottom, I went around a sharp corner and there to my utmost horror, was Queertanic, jackknifed against the Short-Short Trailer, blocking all passage up and down the canyon and putting a sickening crease in her rear quarter panel. Mr. Pap Smear was sitting on the hood, trying his best to look like an innocent damsel in distress, cruising Exchange Place. Little did he realize at that moment, how very close I had come to becoming “The Widow Pap Smear.” I nearly burst a boob, trying not to scream “I told you so!” It became obvious that The Flaming Queen would need to tow Queertanic, but the two behemoths were facing each other and there was no place to turn the motor home around. Since the rear end of The Flaming Queen was pointed uphill, (usually a happy position for me) all I could see out the back window was blue sky. I had Mr. Pap Smear sit on the couch by the rear window and guide me as I ever so slowly backed the motor home up the steep, narrow and winding road for about three miles until I
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QSALTLAKE
could turn around, and then as I backed down the same three miles. I used some feather boas as a cushion, as I laid down under the bumper and hooked a chain to the bow of Queertanic. The resulting scene could best be described as a demented daisy chain from Mad Max. Picture if you can, an ancient 40-year-old motor home, complete with crystal chandelier and a pink flamingo hood ornament, driven by a very distressed queen with an obviously frazzled beehive wig and soiled boa, pulling a 30-yearold Buick sporting a very fresh dent, towing a 45-year-old camping trailer with chintz curtains up a godforsaken stretch of Utah wilderness. Fortunately for Mr. Pap Smear, other campers pulled in immediately after we arrived at the camping area, thus saving his life. After a lovely weekend, we asked a friend with a truck to pull the Short-Short Trailer, and Queertanic was able to drive downhill under her own power. Like always these events leave us with several eternal questions: 1. Does keeping a two-year supply of makeup qualify me for a temple recommend? 2. Does this mean that The Flaming Queen was the “top” in the vehicular relationship? 3. Would S&M chains be strong enough to pull a car? 4. If Mr. Pap Smear had been “snuffed out” would it have been considered justifiable homicide? 5. Could I have pleaded temporary insanity? These and other important questions to be answered in future chapters of: The Perils of Petunia Pap Smear. Q
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